As I approached the table, I could see that Stan was bent over looking at something on the table. It looked like a one dollar bill. “What are you doing?” I asked.
“Checking to see if it still says the same thing,” Stan replied.
“What same thing?”
“In God we Trust,” he replied.
“Does it?” I ask.
“It does,” Stan said, “and I think it has been on the United States’ currency since the mid-1950’s, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true.”
“What do you mean? You suggesting it’s not true?”
“Well,” Stan replied, “if you look around to see what’s going on in our country, does it look like it’s true?”
“I suppose it depends on who’s doing the looking and where they are looking,” I replied.
“Good supposition,” Stan said. “And, for me, it’s a good and vital reminder every time I look in the mirror.”
“Reminder of what?”
“Who or what do I trust?” Stan replied. “Essential questions for me. Do I really trust God or am I trusting someone or something else? When I’m in need, where do I turn?”
“Lots of questions to be reminded about,” I commented.
“You’re right,” Stan replied. “And I have something that is a good reminder for me in that regard.”
“What?”
“I use a one dollar bill as a bookmark in my Bible. Every time I open my Bible to that bookmark, I see the words, ‘In God We Trust’, and I ask myself if it’s really true for me. Am I really trusting Him as He wants or are those just some words on a piece of paper?”
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Bible verses to consider:
Thus says the Lord, “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the Lord. Jeremiah 17:5.
Do not trust in princes, in mortal man, in whom there is no salvation. Psalm 146:3.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, that I can trust in you for everything that is in accordance with your will. I trust in you for eternal salvation. I trust in you for the eternal life of knowing you and Jesus while you keep me on this side of eternity. I confess that too often I allow myself to wander away from trusting you, and put my trust in the things of the world. Please help me in following the steps of your lead into an ever-deepening relationship where my trust is only in you and in your provision for everything. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Where do you place your trust? Have you trusted God for your eternal salvation for when your time here is completed? If no, why? Do you not know that the free and gracious gift of salvation and redemption only needs to be accepted by faith? If you do have the assurance of salvation, how are you doing with trusting in God on this side of eternity? If you sense a greater degree of trust is needed, how is that going to happen? When you look at the expression, “In God We Trust,” what comes to mind? Is what comes to mind good or not so good? Why?
Waiting for the Train 
Good Evening Tim, I wanted to write to thank you for your kindness and generosity towards the prison ministry. It was truly a pleasure to have a chance to discuss the book(s) with you and, of course, to meet you. I appreciate your willingness to share some time with me at the end of the day. God has really given you a heart to reach out to folks with your great writing skills. I look forward to seeing your book this coming week. Thanks so much for sending me a copy. Hope to see you again soon……
May God Bless You Richly! Chaplain Dan Reichel George Bailey Detention Facility
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