Risks are a part of life. We take risks with people in relationships. We take risks in getting a job. We take a risk in getting in a car, on a plane, or crossing the road. We even take risks in what we eat.

But have you ever thought about taking risks with God? It’s different in taking risks with God in that it requires faith. For example, when I signed up for my first mission trip in 2017, I was unsure and nervous about the decision. I knew this was stepping out of the box for me, and wasn’t sure if I was ready for it. The risks were internal, emotional and spiritual.

But, for those of you who have followed my blog or read my book, Mission Possible, you know I did it! How? Faith. I trusted God in whatever was ahead of me. I trusted that He would be there every step of the way. My faith took me on a journey that although was rocky at first, landed me in the mission fields of Peru. You see, Satan likes it when he sees an opportunity, especially when we take risks. He wants us to fail and he will try anything to make us fail.

But, my God always wins! That’s my faith - 100% in God.

Try God. He’s worth the risks. Everything in this life is a risk. God uses people who are willing to take risks.

Are you in?

2 Timothy 1:7 - “For the spirit God gave us does not make u s timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

Some families have their traditional holidays. Some, with some secret family recipes. This is a good thing. But, just try and get that secret recipe or secret ingredient that grandma puts in the pumpkin pie and you’ll realize soon that some things should be left alone.

There’s no secrets in God’s kingdom. There’s no mystery in how you can get to Heaven. God’s plan of salvation is laid out all throughout the Bible.

Romans 8:28 - “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a]for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Some people will look at the verse above and say, “just how do you know that God works out the good in all things.” Well, I can show you proof from the Bible, or I can tell you the times that He’s done this for me. And notice the end of the sentence. This is speaking to those who have been called for His purpose, not ours.

This means that God can take something that was meant for evil and turn it into something good.

He’s done it for me, many times and will do it for you. If and only if you give your life to Him.

What’s your family secret?

There’s no secret in God’s good plans for you. Trust Him today.

Have you ever crammed the night before an exam? Staying up all night, reviewing over and over again, you’re hoping, the most important items that will be on the test. And if you’re successful, you ace the test! Sometimes, it’s worth it, to cram for the test. But, what would happen if you actually studied all along the way, like from day one of the class?

Some people think they’re invincible. Some think they can wait until they’re all out of options, before turning to God. They will say, “I’ll let God in at the end of my life, when I’ve done all I want and need to do.” But, what if, tomorrow is the day you’ll be leaving this earth? You can’t cram in salvation then, can you? You can’t just say I’ve done some good things in my life, now, save me, God!

I’m not saying that you can’t be saved on your death bed, if you’re lucky enough to know you’re dying.

But, why waste your life? Don’t you want to live in peace, knowing that if you died tonight, you’d wake up in heaven? That’s such a wonderful feeling.

It’s not that I don’t have stress in my life. It’s what happens when I do have stress in my life that counts. I hand it over to God. Once my burdens are in His hands, I can be at peace. I can handle any test or trial that comes my way.

Don’t wait a day longer to give your life to God!

Proverbs 12:24 - “The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.”

Are you looking to others for affirmation? Are you striving to be noticed by others in your achievements?

I have found that looking to others for acceptance or approval fails to compare with the joy of God’s total acceptance and love.

I have found myself obsessing over attempting to correcting my flaws. God accepts us as we are, broken vessels in need of repentance and healing.

How do we break the barrier of wanting acceptance from others? One way is to be thankful for the blessings and prosperity just from being obedient to God.

This may be a foreign thought, but try to find and celebrate who you are in Christ. Are you living for Him? Are you obeying His commands? Are you serving others? This concept is about forgetting your own fleshly desires and selfish ambitions and intentionally going after glory so that our lives glorify God.

Psalm 112:5 - “God will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.”

God wants to fill the void in your life. He wants you to prosper. He doesn’t want you to do things to be noticed. Rather, He wants you to notice others that are in need. I believe then, that the blessings and desires of your heart will be fulfilled.

Do you feel at times that your to-do list is three miles long? The cure for too much to do is solitude and silence. You see your inner self when you’re alone. Try it! Just quit doing and sit still; breathe. Be patient with God - if you’re not getting your way or have been waiting on a breakthrough that hasn’t yet come, it’s ok. It will happen in God’s timing.

In the wait, God is working on our behalf. In the wait, God is developing patience in us. In the wait, we can learn to be still and let God be God.

Have you ever noticed that if you let muddy water set and don’t disturb it, it will get clear?

So it is with God. Sit. Close your eyes, listen to the stillness. Better yet, open your Bible and read a verse. Close your eyes and meditate on it. It’s amazing what we can hear if we just stop talking.

Be still and listen. God’s trying to tell you something you need to hear.

It may seem muddy to you now, but the longer you’re still, the more clearer it will be.

If you think about it, God has a list of requirements to become His child.

1) Surrender your whole life to Him

2) Study His Word

3) Be faithful at all times, even in the storms

4) Worship and acknowledge Him daily

5) Tell others about Him

Get rid of the muddy waters in your life.

Isaiah 30:15 - “For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning[a] and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”

In America and around the world, credit cards are a way of life. Some people use them exclusively, some never use them.

The people that use credit cards on a regular basis, never leave home without them.

Think of the above scenario as God being the credit card. Don’t leave home without God. Ever.

Make it a habit of waking up in the morning, thinking about God. He created you. He knows your every thought. He knows your struggles and He knows your joys in life.

God is always near, especially to the broken-hearted. That’s His business. He enjoys blessing people. His love can soothe your broken spirit. Why would you ever leave home without God?

If you look closely with intention, you’ll see God in everything. In the morning day light; in a cloudy sky; a child’s laughter, even in an elderly person’s smile. The list goes on.

I have to admit. I’ve left God behind, out of my daily life. And, looking back, I see now that it was the most difficult, trying times of my life.

Stay connected to God. He’s your source of strength; He’s your greatest asset. Don’t leave home without Him.

Proverbs 3:5 - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”

Do you want to witness the faithfulness of God? You will see it in any trial you go through. He promises that.

It’s the journey to the finish line that allows us to work out our faith and experience God’s loving and faithful presence.

In the face of uncertainty, God enables us to stand firm. Don’t let worry overshadow your faith.

It’s hard, I admit it - to praise God through the storms of life, but I do it anyway.

It’s hard to explain, but there’s an absolute peaceful stillness that surrounds me, if I just give my burdens to God. He hasn’t left me yet, and daily, He puts a determination in me to serve.

All of my trials have become my testimonies of God’s hand on my life.

2 Timothy 1:7 - “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

It’s crazy how so many people want to hold onto their life, thinking that whatever power, smarts or wealth they have is going to make a difference in their future.

Let go, my friends. You can’t do this life on your own. You’re not God, nor ever will be.

Trust Him - just try it! If He knows you as His own, He will fight your battles. After alll, He already has the victory.

We all know that there’s no such thing as Zombies, dead people walking around as if they were alive.

I’ve never cared for this type of entertainment but it has taken on a whole other form of television called, “The Walking Dead.”

As a Christian, we are to let go of our past; die to self. This means, the things we used to do, we no longer want to do. After this, we put on our new self. A big step in this direction is acknowledging God and believing that He can change our behavior, our addictions, our strongholds. You’ll see some Christians walking around, or even going to church, hanging their heads as if this is the most depressing day.

Stop walking around like Zombies, my fellow brothers and sisters. Quit existing as if this is all there is.

Christians should have a smile ready to give to a stranger. They should be the ones that encourage others and tell others how great their God is.

Millions of people are walking around, who are dead, but they just don’t know it yet.

These aren’t Zombies walking around. These people are successful, hard workers, friends and good parents. It can be described like this: anyone who is not a Christian, who hasn’t given their life to Christ is spiritually dead in God’s sight. They are still in their sins because of their unbelief.

Adam’s sin separated us from God, but Christ’s sacrifice gives eternal life to all walking dead people. These people have to admit they are sinners and put their trust in God.

Wake up and live for God!