James 1:13 - “When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.”

Satan uses many things to tempt us, like money, fame, position and many other evil thoughts. We often are deceived and controlled by these things, falling into temptation.

We have to read and study God’s word about temptation in order to restore our relationship with Him. God will never tempt us.

God does tests us and when He does, He’s doing a valuable thing. When God tests His children, His purpose is to prove that our faith is real, and that no trial will overcome our faith.

Accept the tests that God may put before you, but be prepared by reading God’s word to withstand the temptations thrown at you by Satan.

Keep the faith in the tests of life, and stay strong in your faith when temptations storm into your life.

If you’re like me, you want to know what lies ahead. You want to see the future.

But God asks us to stay in peace; to trust that whatever He has planned for us, that it will be good.

In the meantime, we are to love others, pray continually and serve others with our gifts.

Quit trying to determine your destination. That’s God’s job.

1 Peter 4:7 - “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”

Ask God for wisdom in knowing His will for you.

It’s ok to make a plan for what you want to do in reaching the next chapter of your life, just make sure you’re relaying those desires to God.

I’m at a transition in my life that seems to be changing constantly. God knows my heart. I want to obey Him and serve others.

His Will for me will determine my destination. How about you? Are you planning your own destination, your own eternity? Let God be God.

Have you ever been around young kids, or the elderly and engage in a conversation with them? You’ll find out soon that they speak their mind. Whatever they’re thinking, it automatically comes out of their mouth.

1 Corinthians 13:4 - “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”

As a Christian, we should be loving one another, no matter the color of their skin or the status of their bank account. Love is an action.

This also means that we are to love those who don’t love us.

Even if someone offends us unintentionally, forgive them. Show them the love and compassion that Jesus shows us every day.

Become unoffendable. Love intentionally.

My salvation; my righteousness.

Isaiah 51:8 - “For the moth will eat them up like a garment; the worm will devour them like wool. But my righteousness will last forever, my salvation through all generations.”

You can lose your job; you can lose your home. They can take away your promotion or bonus, but no one can take your salvation from you.

I was saved when I was 16 years old. I can remember thinking, ‘as a baby Christian, what if I lose this; what happens if I lose this? What happens if I commit a sin after salvation?

I now know that even though I commit sins, Jesus has already paid for them. When He died on the cross, my sin debt was paid in full.

So, if you are a Christian you can no longer fear losing your salvation. Thank Jesus as you lay down tonight for your salvation and eternal home in heaven.

No one, absolutely no one can take away yours or my salvation.

Once you surrender your life to Christ, He calls you to fulfill His purposes.

Ephesians 2:10 - “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

I used to think that God only uses pastors or seminary scholars to go tell others about Jesus. Oh, was I wrong. As Christians, we were put here on earth to make a difference and to contribute to society.

Have you ever wondered why God didn’t immediately take us up to heaven, once we’re saved? Well, it’s because His purposes haven’t been fulfilled yet, and we’re the people who are to step out and obey.

Once we’re saved, God intends to use us for His goals.

Ministering to others doesn’t mean that we have to travel around the world to do this. It could mean that God wants you to go visit your neighbor, befriend a co-worker or visit someone in jail. Tell them your story; tell them the wonderful things that God has done in your life.

Fulfill God’s purposes for your life. Be a part of the great commission.

Wow! After arriving home from Peru last weekend, I am so overwhelmed at the humility I experienced from the Peruvians.

Humility is defined as ‘a modest or low view of one's own importance.’

This was my 3rd mission trip, all to Peru and I continue to come home with peace and admiration of the humility I experienced while there.

This trip involved tremendous physical activity, none like I’ve ever experienced. The terrain was a variety of climbs and descents, littered with mucks of mud that the mules had created. At first I was thinking that even though it looks challenging, I was hopeful that it would get better. But, it didn’t. It got worse and it was every few feet, a challenge.

As I started across our first river crossing (walking on a log on the river bed), I was nervous and shaking. Then, all of a sudden, out of nowhere came this little Peruvian girl, Gabby, who took me by the hand and helped me across the log. Wow!

This scenario happened all throughout the trail. Andy, my hero, helped me numerous times crossing the daunting mud traps.

If you want to experience humility at its greatest, visit Peru.

I love the people of Peru, specifically the people of Olivos, Peru. Thanks to all of you who showed Jesus to us.

1 Peter 3:8 - “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

I love being around kids, especially my grandkids. I strive to always encourage them, in whatever they do. It brings me so much joy to watch their eyes light up with my words of encouragement. It really helps them to grow in confidence.

We should be practicing this same encouragement with others, especially those that are struggling.

Like they say, “you may be the only Jesus they see.”

This also goes for the elderly. They need as much encouragement as a little child.

Encouragement is necessary to our walk of faith.

When you encourage others it gives them the strength to put on their spiritual armor and remain steadfast.

Remind someone along your journey that God loves them.

God has purpose for our suffering.  It's hard for me to understand at times (especially today), but when looking back on my life, I get it.  God has used me for all kinds of missions, right in my own suffering.

I can't even imagine the suffering that most of the people of Peru suffer from.  But, when it's you that's going through the trial, it seems so hard, so personal, so undeserving.  It seems like the trial you're going through is long, never ending and lonely.  

But, I have hope.  I have hope that God will prevail.  He will make something good out of this, not on my timeline, but His.  I can't see His purpose today, but I know that nothing is impossible with God.

When I find myself in the middle of a trial, I remind myself to stay faithful and trust that this is only temporary. 

Christians have been martyred since the days of Noah.  There are three prophets in the Bible that were falsely accused, specifically Joseph. As a servant, he was accused of raping the wife of his master, Potiphar.  Moses, even though faithful, the Israelites accused him of bringing them out into the wilderness to die.  And then there’s David, who had proved himself to have courage and integrity, but was falsely accused by King Saul of trying to dethrone him.

God worked out all those situations for good.  So, I know that if God did it for them, He will do it for me.  God knows my heart and He knows the truth of my circumstances. That’s why I’m letting Him fight this battle for me.  

It is an isolating feeling to be wrongfully accused of something you know you didn’t do, but God understands this.  

God's desire for me is to have a joyful, meaningful life, and I expect and trust that He will give that to me.

Psalm 30:5 – “For His anger is but for a moment, and His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”