Twenty-Six Cents
For this little visit we need a visual aid. Could I borrow twenty six cents please? Make sure it is a quarter and a penny. Once you have your visual aids take a look at the portraits on the front. Now you may be wondering why I have called your attention to Presidents Washington and Lincoln. It is true that we celebrate their birthdays this month. Washington has his 268th on the 22nd and Lincoln has his 191st on February 12. We will celebrate both on President's Day the 21th. But it is more than just their historical significance that brings them to mind, it is because both were men of deep faith. The following quotes should prove this point.
"No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency...We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of heaven cannot be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which heaven itself has ordained." George Washington.
"It is the duty of nations, as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord." Abraham Lincoln.
Some would accuse Lincoln and Washington as well as most of the people of their time of being too religious. Perhaps in our day there are fewer people of faith. Are you a person of faith? Now, to be a real person of faith you must place your faith in the right person. Take a look at the words over Lincoln's head as well as under Washington's chin. It is only trust in the one true God that counts. For through faith in Him we can receive eternal life. The Apostle Paul said it this way. "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26).
Now look at the single word over Washington's head (under his chin if you have one of the new "state" quarters) and just behind Lincoln's right shoulder. The designers of our money no doubt had in mind our political freedom but what of your personal freedom from the most pressing bonds ever to fetter mankind, the bondage of sin. Friend, give careful consideration to your liberty through trust in God. If you need help with that step of faith feel free to contact us.
But what of us who know liberty in the truest sense of the word? Not only is trust in God to save us it is how we are to live. To quote once again from Paul; "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage" (Galatians 5:1). We are not to fall into empty ritual but live with a trust in God everyday of our life. Flip that quarter over and take a look at the eagle on the back. Isaiah said this about trusting in the Lord: "But they that wait upon (trust in) the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31). Soar with the eagles through faith in God. Lastly, flip the penny over. Look carefully at the words just below the picture of the Lincoln
Well our little visit is over, but as you drop your change back into your pocket remember the lessons of your twenty six cents.
Jesse Waggoner
Pastor of Adult Ministries
©2000 Bible Center Church
