In the United States, our currency says, “In God we Trust,” but do we actually trust God? This is a funny phrase for a nation where any religion can be observed, and temples from any religion including satanic is allowed to be constructed within the nation. One of the commandments is not to worship any other entity but God (Exodus 20:3). Think of what happened under righteous rulers in the Old Testament, any altars or statues that were not of God, were torn down (example: King Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 14). Our nation’s pledge of allegiance says, “One nation under God,” but debate has sparked over the years as to whether or not this was “Constitutional” (aligns with or goes against the Constitution) and if it should be removed from the pledge.
Furthermore, our public-school systems do not teach Christianity, rather they teach about religion in general in history classes at the high school level. Prayer is not required, nor is it acknowledged or encouraged within our schools. Now I admit that it is has been awhile since I have been in the public-school systems and this could have changed, but I highly doubt it.
With these simple facts, does this sound like a nation that trusts God? I tell you, no!
What the Holy Bible Says about Trusting God
The Holy Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). It also says, “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness and put your trust in the Lord.” (Psalm 4:5). Let us talk about Psalm 4:5; Sacrifices does not refer to the building of an altar to God and sacrificing a living being. Absolutely not. For the forgiveness of sin, Jesus Christ took the place of the sacrifice when He was crucified, and the cross took the place of the altar.
“Sacrifices in righteousness” in Psalm 4:5 refers to what it takes to be righteous before God. We need to deny our flesh, and continue our lives in prayer, worship, and at times fast. Deny our flesh means abstaining or repenting from sin (anything that is evil, which goes against God). Sin includes some but not all of the items as shown in the table below:
In addition to Psalm 4:5, Psalm 9:10 says, “And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” If you earnestly seek God and trust in God, He will bless you for God knows what you need and when you need it (Matthew 6:32). Jesus told us to not to worry (Matthew 6:25-34) and to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.” (Matthew 6:33). Beloved, evaluate your faith. Is your trust in God? If you are worrying about what you will eat, or where you will sleep or what tomorrow will bring, your trust in God is gone.
Why Care About the Holy Bible
Why is scripture important? The Holy Bible tells us that God’s Word (the scriptures) was written “for our learning that we through the patience and comfort of Scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 5:4). Hope and trust in the Lord go hand in hand together. Look at what it says in Jeremiah 17:7, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.” Blessings from God comes in many forms including salvation brought to us by His Son, Jesus Christ.
I had mentioned that God knows what you need and when you need it. For example, by faith, Abraham was led to a ram to sacrifice to give to God before Jesus was the sacrifice. This was a blessing! When my husband and I were looking for a house during a competitive market, I prayed in March for a home. God promised me He would get us a house. Our lease was up in June, and my coworkers said that I was running against the clock, and we would not find and move into a home. But friends, I told them otherwise because I trusted in God. By July that same year, we bought our home with only $10,000 saved and moved in on the sixth. In addition, our house is in a good town, and a good neighborhood. This was a blessing! Hallelujah! Praise God!
With these biblical citations, I can picture an argument, so let me settle it before it arises, “The bible was written a few centuries ago by man, so I do not see the point in caring about what scripture says.”
Look, there are different versions of the Holy Bible out there and translations are not always exact, because languages may not have the same word or phrases among one another (talk to anyone who is bilingual). Yet, the Holy Bible is about God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ our savior, and it is also about human nature, and neither God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus nor human nature has changed over that time period.
With this in mind, let us look at God’s Word where it says, “Do you know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). Having the Holy Spirit dwell within you means that the “word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (Deuteronomy 30:14) that you may do the things that He will lead you to do.
Being Led by God
We each have spiritual gifts, and depending upon our gifts, God will call us to minister, heal, prophecy or teach the Gospel. We may perform miracles, speak in tongues, or interpret tongues. Some may have faith stronger than others. Regardless of what spiritual gift or gifts you have, God will put it to use and He will call you when the timing is right. When He calls you, it is your choice to decide if you trust in God enough to follow Him. God gives you a choice to accept Jesus as your savior, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water or life freely to him who thirsts.” (Revelation 21:6). Water or life referring to Jesus Christ as your savior.
Accepting Jesus Christ
Are you ready to accept Jesus Christ? If so, say this prayer:
God, I confess that Jesus came in the flesh and blood, paid the price for my sins, died on the cross, rose on the third day, ascended to the heavens, and sent the Holy Spirit to help me understand Your ways. For that, I accept Jesus Christ as my savior and Lord, and I welcome the Holy Spirit in my life. In Jesus’s name I pray, amen!
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