Trusting the Lord with all of your Heart

     I have a job interview process coming up that would mean a lot to me if I was fortunate enough to receive it. It is not only a huge opportunity for me to be a role model on campus, but it allows me to show others that I strive to live for the Lord. There are a lot of factors going into this process but I am really trying to give it all to God. Trust is something that I think is difficult for numerous people. We all have had things happen to us that make us think "Why is God doing this to me?". We have also faced people that make us loose their trust that also affects our trust with others in our lives. It is easy to talk about trust, but it is much more difficult to totally give it all to God.
      The book of Daniel is filled with one of my favorite stories. It's the story on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These three men were tested for their faith and trust in God. King Nebuchadnezzar solely depended on a false god and had his people follow him. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused because they knew who the one true god was. The king found out that these men refused to worship his god so he commanded that they be sent to a fiery furnace. Daniel 3:22-23 states, "The king's command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace." After noticing that the men weren't harmed, Nebuchadnezzar realized who was the all mighty God. Daniel 3:29 shows the truth when he says, "...For no other god can save in this way."
     Would you trust God with your life? It is easier said then done for sure but it is worth it. Our God is all knowing and all we have to do is give ourselves to him. He can handle our problems, worries, and fears much better than we even think we could. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn't just talk about trusting, they showed obedience which risked their lives. Trusting him may simply mean not following the "cool" crowd at school. Your furnace may simply be walking into your school or even work place. We must be willing to talk the talk AND walk the walk for our God. Trust is a big deal but can be proved through obedience to Him. 
     I have decided a while back to give it all to God. I know that what is meant to happen in God's plan will happen. It may mean that I will not receive this job I am hoping for, but he knows what is best. I challenge you to give it all to God. Through that, God will show you things that you never knew were available. He can save you. The CHOICE is yours.

Our Very Own Personal Power for Good or Evil

      Have you ever been around a group of girls or even guys that seems as though all they do is talk about others? It's like all they do with their day is find out all of the new scoop on everyone. Have you ever been the hot topic of discussion in one of those groups? I have felt myself being wrapped into groups like that before and it is so easy to get sucked in. I have also been in the seat where I'm the topic of conversation. What goes around comes around. It is not fun being on that side, but when I think about it...being on the other side should'nt be either. I always tend to look back at those moments and get so disgusted with myself. I will be the first to say that I am nowhere near perfection, so what gives me the right to capitalize on others mistakes or negative things in their lives?

     Here lately I have been praying that God will guard my mouth and the words that come out of it. Our tounges can be compared to a tiny computer chip that acesses the Internet, or the steering wheel of the car that maneuvers two tons of steel. These parts are small but control a lot at the same time. Our tongues are a very small portion of our body but yet oh-so-very powerful. James 3:9-10 states, "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." Just think about it...we have a lot of power in what we say to make an impact. Just know that this impact could be devastating to the Lord OR a praise to the Lord.

      I think we all want to strive to make what we say impacting in a positive way. This may come as more of a challenge to us, but it should be a challenge we are willing to take on! Do you want to shake someone's confidence, reputation, or even possibly their joy with your words, OR would you rather use them to build others up, point them to Jesus and praise God??? You have the CHOICE.