That much... that deep....

If we can we count the grains of sand in the oceans, or number the ones on the seashore...  If we Can measure the depths of the ocean or stretch a line to the furthest star... If we can see all the far reaches of the galaxy and number all of its planets and stars... only then would we have a tiny glimpse of the magnitude of the blessings of our God toward, and for, us.

The grace and love of God is more numerous than the sands of the sea, deeper than the depths, higher than the heavens, and more plentiful than the stars of the galaxies. His love for you and me is infinite, eternal and indescribable!

Have a happy Monday and a great week! Love you

Betrayed? Broken? Alone? There's a God big enough for that!

Sometimes we become afraid, discouraged, depressed and even question the worth of life and living. Sometimes we "feel abused, betrayed, misunderstood and mistreated."  We even feel alone; "isolated and alone in our place of work, our own family and even in our own neighbourhood."

But, we are not alone. We are not isolated. We do not have to despair of life and give up on hope.  Why not?

Because He is alive!  Christ is alive, and that means that even the deepest depths and darkness are no match for the power of God.

Because, we have the promise and presence of God (who will never leave us or forsake us, and He is with us always).

Matthew 28:20  "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Hebrews 13:5 "because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"

Because, "when we come together (for example on a Sundays as a church)," or bow to pray (at night or even right now), we are connected to a rich, vibrant and faithful family (both physically living and spiritual saints in heaven) and this too "reminds us that we are not alone," that this earth is not our home, and this pain and brokenness will be wiped away in the end.

May "the living God, who hears" our cries and "catches our tears, act on our behalf" to bring rest, renewal, life abundantly and deep healing for our souls. Till He wipes away all our tears, and ends all sickness and death (Rev 21:4), hope in Him and cling ever tighter at all times - especially now!

In love and triumph, Cassius

 --
Quotes taken from Nicky and Pippa Gumbel , Bible in One Year 2016 

Even though... even now... you are God

[Job said,] "the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

- Job 1:21 (NRSV)

Over seven years ago, I still remember it like it was yesterday, I drove down the highway reciting this verse to myself over and over.  I didn't know why this verse would have popped into my mind instead of the others that I have memorized.  I wondered, why not verses about the blessing of the Lord, the goodness of God, or verses about God's blessings or favor, His mercy, or His protection from bad and loss. 

The entire ride blew by me until at last I arrived to my wife's side and realized why this verse and why this moment.  Children are a gift from God, and for us, my wife and I, this time we would not hear the sound of a newborn's first cry, hold a small baby, or even coo at him or her.  Instead, we watched as the nurse panicked and the doctor's face grew grim and then hope gave way to hurt.  

At that moment, when despair and anger threatened to derail life, joy, peace, hope and all the measures of strength, I prayed, "The LORD gives, the LORD takes away, blessed be the name of the LORD."

We may never understand why God choose to take this child from us, but four years later I can praise Him because He is still worthy of all our praise. 

Stop living life scared.  Start being awesome!