America was a fledgling country in 1814 when Francis Scott Key penned the words of the Star Spangled Banner as the bombs burst in the air over Ft. McKinley. Few people ever get around to singing all the verses, but you'll find it right there in the fourth verse of the National Anthem as Francis Scott Key wrote, "And this be our motto: In God is our trust." At that time, the phrase was not an official motto at all. In fact, it was not until 1955 that the phrase was stamped on our coins and currency, and then the following year at the request of President Dwight Eisenhower, congress acted to make the phrase, "In God We Trust," the official motto of the United States of America. Rummage through your pockets and notice the motto you'll find on most pieces of money, "In God We Trust."

Historically, it is true. George Washington prayed, "Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection..." Thomas Jefferson could say, "The God Who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time..." Abraham Lincoln said, "Trusting in Him Who can go with me, and remains with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will be well." But the big question is, "Are we still trusting ourselves?

Before his death in 1963, A.W. Tozer wrote, "It is impossible to keep our moral practices sound and our inward attitudes right while our idea of God is erroneous or inadequate. If we would bring back spiritual power to our lives, we must begin to think of God more nearly as He is."

What is God's purpose for America? The person who denies that God has not blessed America is out of touch with both history and reality. No other nation on the face of the earth has been so blessed. Look at the Soviet Union, a nation which left God out and disintegrated in but 75 years (Don't forget that it took 300 years for ancient Rome to collapse).

America, with 6% of the world's population, enjoys 29% of the world's goods and services. Whereas half the world goes to bed hungry every night, the two primary concerns of most Americans are, "How can I lose weight?" and "Where can I park my new RV or camper?"

I am fully aware of the fact that nearly half of all foreign missionaries are supported by American churches, and that missionary broadcasting stations, such as Trans World Radio, the Far East Broadcasting Company, and Radio HCJB are supported largely by American Christians.

Are we to think, for a moment, that we have a corner on God and that we can presume His blessing will continue indefinitely? Only a fool would allege that. I am disturbed by a 50% divorce rate in our country and a growing army of kids raised by single-parent families. I am distressed at the epidemic of drug use that destroys the potential of so many young lives and the plague of AIDS that fells so many men and women when they should have many years yet to live.

There is one thing for sure: When we cease to trust Him and begin to trust only in ourselves, we're vulnerable to the moral and spiritual decay that destroyed Babylon, Rome, Greece and the U.S.S.R.

A few years before America celebrated her 100th anniversary, a prominent statesman by the name of Daniel Webster spoke solemn words of concern for the future of our country. If his words were appropriate then, all the more so do they bear repeating today. Said Mr. Webster, "If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering: but if we neglect its instruction and authority, no man can tell how suddenly a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity."

His sober words remind us that with blessing comes responsibility. God's purpose for America is for us to continue to trust Him, individually and corporately, so that the phrase, "in God we trust" shall not be meaningless empty rhetoric, but a heartfelt reality. That is what God expects of America, of my life. and of yours.

The preceding article was written by Harold J. Sala and published in the July, 1992 edition of the Bible Broadcasting Network's THE VOICE).

Thanks for your time! Have a blessed day! And do come and visit with us real soon!

Pastor Bud Owen

Temple Baptist Church

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