 Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. [12] Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. [13] You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
On July 11th 1955, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed into law H.R. 619, a bill that required that the inscription “In God We Trust” appear on all paper and coin currency. Since the time of the Civil War the motto commonly appeared on most of the United States bills and coins. It begs the question, is "In God We Trust" nothing more than a motto or is it actually a statement of faith in the Almighty? As a people, and as a nation, do we trust in God? On a personal level, the whole idea of trusting in God starts with a person's view of God. Do you believe in God's goodness of character or do you believe that He is somehow flawed? Do you believe that God is inclined to love you or does He wish you harm? It would be nearly impossible to trust in a god who lacks in character. Both the Old and New Testaments reveal the heart of God. His heart is revealed as a loving Father who wants to bless, restore and heal. His character is revealed as having no flaws or deceptive motivations. In His goodness He has great plans in mind for His people. Plans of life beyond this life. Plans beyond our imagination. When I contemplate God's enduring love, amazing grace, and tender mercies, I can say without reservation, "I have put my trust in God." Questions to Consider:
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 Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5-8 NASB95
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. [6] “For he will be like a bush in the desert And will not see when prosperity comes, But will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, A land of salt without inhabitant. [7] “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD. [8] “For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit. Devotional Thought: In the world of visual arts, particularly with photography, contrast makes all the difference in how a picture looks and is perceived. Turn the contrast down and the picture fades and loses color. Turn the contrast up and the colors of the picture get separation and pop out. It could be argued that the most visual difference between amateur and professional photographers is the understanding of how to use contrast. Throughout scripture, we have a vivid picture of contrast, which is the measurable difference between the life of a Believer and the sojourner who has no faith. The Believer and non-believer are both living life, breathing the same air, facing the same daily challenges, living with virtually the same opportunities. With all that the Believer and Non-believer have in common (which is much), the contrast between their lives is marked with profound and measurable differences. The greatest contrast between a Believer and a non-believer starts with faith. The person who trusts in the Lord is literally “blessed” by God. The person who is living without the benefit of God’s blessings is facing the challenges of life in their own personal strength. We will all face trials during our journey in this life; but the person who trusts in God can face it with peace knowing that they are like a tree planted by the waters. Questions to Consider:
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