People remember winners!

“People remember winners!”—Zion Williamson

If we want to be great, if we want people to remember us when they talk about great leaders, people of integrity, persons who changed their communities, people who did it well and did it right, then "this is the time to step up!”  

This is the time to stop living on our own and according to our selfish desires. This is the day, the time, and the moment in history that we must make the decision to start living for God, to live every day by the power of the Holy Spirit, and to trust in, rely on, lean on and walk with Christ. 

This is the time to give up our individualistic plans and half baked ideas of what life and success look like and take up the plans and purposes God has for us— that of knowing Him and doing His will!  

Surrendering to God, as Lord and Savior, leads us to a long, prosperous and God honoring life. Standing on God’s grace lead us to “prosper”, gives us a “future filled with hope,” and helps us stay on straight paths. Standing on the firm foundation of Christ Jesus, who is “the way, the truth, and the life,” gives us “real and eternal life, more and better life than [we] ever dreamed,” and lead us to the “good, pleasing, and perfect will of God”!  

If ”people remember winners,” then let us run to win , pressing toward the goal of eternal life in Christ, and remember that “we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us so much that He died for us (‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭37‬ ‭AMP‬‬).” 

Run to win in all the ways that matter in eternity— 

Live with truth permeating our souls

May we live with God's truth permeating our souls so that in all our dealings—personal and professional— "we live as faithful ambassadors for Jesus." May we be diligent and careful to let the Good News govern our hearts and faith in Christ to rule over our minds, so that in all things we "honor God and love our neighbors well!" Have a wonderful Wednesday! Love you—Cassius

What do you do when no matter how much you pray and pray, life still feels like it is falling apart

What do you do when no matter how much you pray and pray, life still feels like it is falling apart, 

What do you do when no matter how much you pray and pray, life still feels like it is falling apart, going off the rails, stuck in the wrong loop and crashing in all around? What do you do when it looks like things will not get better any time soon, if ever? 

May I suggest three things: keep praying. Keep praying. Keep praying. Keep asking God for healing, wholeness, strength, hope, joy, signs of His love, faith to trust His timing, and for the ability to live in the in between in the most healthy, God-honoring way possible in this moment. 

When life has become overstuffed and overwhelming, may God move towards us, giving us His gentle arms for comfort, and His peace to hold us up! Today, may we be blessed with the strength to carry the things that weigh on us to God, and blessed with the wisdom to leave them and ourselves there at His feet!  

If life is a journey across the seas—

No one preparing to set sail on the open waters does so with only a single piece of wood, nor are they content to sail with only a few pieces of worn, rotten and flaky wood, tattered sheets and plastic pieces strung together with bubblegum, bailing wire, and wishes.  No one going out into open waters does so expecting or anticipating only safe, calm and dreamy waters, and planning for a completely calm and unobstructed trip. Short or long, they do not set out without proper supplies and adequate rations. And no one desiring a specific harbor or region lifts anchor and let's the winds take them wherever and however the winds may blow and to whatever sand dune that chance provides. 

Instead they set sail with the intention to board the best they can find— a well built vessel built and woven and riveted to withstand the raging waters and fierce winds. Even before they lift the anchors they plot their desired course, study the seasons and winds and sea, and factor in the possibilities of perils and dangers. They obtain the support and counsel of experts who have made the voyage, and know the sea and nautical field. They pack the right resources and supplies for the journey, join themselves with the right crew, and most importantly they pray to God before, during and after embarking; joining their prayers with the continued prayers from those also at sea and those on land.

If the wise set sail with wisdom and resources, a course and a plan... then how can we do anything less as we sail through the waters of life, braving its tempest and riding over the waves?  So, let us set sail this week with the wisdom of The Word, wearing the full armor of God, and dressed for every opportunity or obstacle. Let us, travel at all times in the best and safest vessel — the refuge of God's hands and in the shelter of His wings. Let us do more than wander or drift, but chart our course in accordance to godly wisdom and understanding, in accord with the sound judgment and knowledge that comes from "leaning not on our own understanding." Though the wind blows and the waves cast us about, let us steer straight ahead staying in the narrow way and on the path lit by His truth, and aglow in His righteousness. Let us avoid foolishness and foolish companions, traveling only with the wise, and making certain that grace, mercy, truth, love and righteousness through Christ are our suite, deck and shipmates. Most of all, let prayer be our constant posture, Christ be our faithful captain, the Spirit our true compass, and let God Himself direct it all so that we arrive just where He intended and help us bring with us all that also need to come to His Kingdom's safe harbor.

Grace and peace to you—Cassius 

A good bet.

Even in 2022 I’m not one to bet, even if it was to take the over on the Bucs, the Chiefs to cover, or the Bengals to win. But I would be willing to bet that the sovereign God will be marvelous and wonderful, and that in ways big, small and in between He will be present, perfect in wisdom, and timely!

I’d be willing to double down on God being absolutely righteous and just, unequivocally sovereign and knowledgeable, and without fault in answered prayers and help, and phenomenal in loving kindness. 

Today is going to be great, so be strong, be courageous and show up! With God, let's make it a wonderful week. 

Grace and peace to you—Cassius