“In God We Trust”


BIBLE READING: Psalm 55-60

                There are many controversial things about the paper and coinage our country uses for money.  Whose face will be on the bill or coin? Are there any hidden masonic messages include? And of course, the most controversial of all is why do we have “In God we Trust’ printed and minted on all our money? The phrase was first introduced on coins in 1864 due to the increased religious sentiment existing during the Civil War.  It later made its way onto our paper money during World War II, as a means of reiterating that we were a country that was founded upon religious principles which was the exact opposite of our neighboring communist enemies.  In 1956 the nation’s motto was changed from “E Plurbius Unum” (meaning “out of many, one) to “In God we Trust”.   The phrase in not unique to the United States, in fact its origin in found within the book of Psalms. When David was taken captive by the Philistine at Gath, he wrote Psalms 56, which by many estimations is titled “In God I Trust”.  Throughout the Psalm David, mentions the phase “In God I trust” in some capacity around three times.  Each time it is followed by the expression, “what can man do to me?”  David wanted us to see, that it doesn’t matter how far his back is pushed up against a wall. It also doesn’t matter that all the odds are stacked against him.  It doesn’t even matter if his physical life is in jeopardy, his trust will always be on the unchangeable nature of God. Isn’t it ironic that one thing that Americans truly trust above anything else, is the one that that includes the phase “In God We Trust”? So the next time your reach into your pocket to pull out a dollar bill for the vending machine or today for your morning coffee, let it remind you that God is the only thing we can trust in. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Colors of Christmas: Green

  Discussion:                                    Evergreen plants, like holly and mistletoe have been used for thousands of years to decorate and brighten up buildings during the long dark winter. They also reminded people that spring would come and winter wouldn't last forever! The Romans would exchange evergreen branches during January as a sign of good luck. The ancient Egyptians used to bring palm branches into their houses during the mid-winter festivals. In many parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, “paradise plays” were performed, often on Christmas Eve. They told Bible stories to people who couldn't read. “The Paradise Tree” in the Garden of Eden in the play was normally a pine tree with red apples tied to it. Today, think about the newness of life we have because we are in Christ. The old man could represent the dark winter and the barren trees. Then think of the bright Christmas trees that are so easily seen! … Help brighten someone’s life this week! Inform
Read more

“Blow-out in Boston”

BIBLE READING: Luke 14 DISCUSSION                                                                                       Boston Globe's account in June 1990 of a most unusual wedding banquet… Accompanied by her fiancé, a woman went to the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Boston and ordered the meal. The two of them poured over the menu, made selections of china and silver, and pointed to pictures of the flower arrangements they liked. They both had expensive taste, and the bill came to $13,000. After leaving a check for half that amount as down payment, the couple went home to flip through books of wedding announcements. The day the announcements were supposed to hit the mailbox, the groom got cold feet. "I'm just not sure," he said. "It's a big commitment. Let's think about this a little longer." When his angry fiancé returned to the Hyatt to cancel the banquet, the manager could not have been more understanding. However, concerning the refund, she h
Read more

“Is there Joy in your Heart?”

  DISCUSSION:                              There are so many things going on in this world today that it is easy to let worry have more room in our heart than happiness. In the medical world, we are constantly being reminded of the preventive medicine we need. Unlike 60 years ago when health only entered our minds when we got sick, today we are told continually of so much that can happen to our health if we don’t have this test run, take this pill, or get this shot to prevent some type of virus infecting us. If you allow it, you can give this too much attention. Of course, it is important to have good health. As we get older it really seems to get a lot more of our attention. Don’t let worry about your health take your eyes off the cross. The words of God given wisdom from Solomon in Proverbs 4, we see that a physically healthy heart is important, but to keep focused on good things to keep our spiritual heart clean and healthy. There is no medical test in place to make sure we are
Read more