President Trump and Heaven

A few days ago, during an interview the President was asked what motivated him in the quest to settle the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. His answer - “I want to end it. I want to try and get to heaven if possible. I’m hearing I’m not doing well. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole. But if I can get to heaven, this will be one of the reasons.”  He believes what millions do – that Heaven is a reward for doing good.

GOD’S PLAN

Nice idea, but God has a better plan! Eternal life is a gift, not a reward.

I’m so thankful for that fact because without it, I would be hopeless and so would the President (and you). The Bible reminds that we all share in a sinful nature and are incapable of doing enough good things to remedy our guilt. “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own.”  (Isaiah 5) The stark truth is that what we earn is spiritual separation from life. As unpleasant as we might find it, we are the walking dead, unless …

We know His Grace! I love this revelation. “God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead.” (Ephesians 2)

THE STUMBLING BLOCK OF PRIDE

It’s hard to give up on our idea that we can somehow cut a deal with God, that we can do enough good, that we can live a little better than the other guy to gain a place in His House forever. That way of merit appeals to our pride, allowing us to ignore our flaws while lauding our successes.

That pride is at the root of our sinfulness, our desire to go our own way, do our own thing and it is difficult to admit – “I’m a sinner. I fail in ways, big and small, everyday to live up to God’s holiness.” But that confession is the starting point for discovery of God’s truth about living in Heaven.

CONFESSION, REALLY?

Honest confession of our inability to be perfect opens the door to the grace of Christ Jesus. When we abandon ourselves to God’s love, which is wide and deep, the Spirit tells us that we are the children of God, made whole.

THE PROMISE

This is the Word – ^“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”  (Ephesians 2)

So, President Trump, while I agree that seeking to make peace is a good and noble goal for any person, it isn’t enough to set you right with God. He cares not a bit about your office, your wealth, or your earthly accomplishments. What He desires is a humble heart that receives Christ as Savior. The amazing result of that conversion is not just a home in Heaven but a heart that learns to love, to accept, to serve humbly.

And, for the rest of us, that is the truth, too. I hope for Heaven, not because I’m good enough, but because Christ’s grace is extended to me. How about you?

THE INVITATION

The word from the Word is an invitation to us. Believe it and live.
“The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart.” And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”  (Romans 8)

Confess.
Believe.
Receive.
Live!  Amen.

Videos of this blog

https://www.youtube.com/@JerScott55

Broken Promises

Who hasn’t been told a project would be done by a certain date, only to find yourself waiting a week later? Or as a parent, perhaps you promised your child a summer trip that never happened by Labor Day. Maybe you even felt the heartbreak when someone you loved decided that “’til death do us part” no longer applied.

Broken promises come in all shapes and sizes. They almost always bring disappointment, and often deep frustration.

Why Are Promises So Hard to Keep?

1. We overpromise.
Sometimes we simply commit to more than we can realistically do. Only later do we realize the cost is too high. Jesus warned:
“Don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first getting estimates and then checking to see if there is enough money to pay the bills?” (Luke 14:28, NLT)

2. We get distracted by urgency.
Marriages don’t usually fall apart because one spouse deliberately chooses neglect. More often, the vow to “love and cherish” is slowly buried under deadlines, distractions, and packed schedules.
The Bible calls us to decide what matters most: “Choose today whom you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15) That principle applies to more than faith—it’s about priorities. Learning to say “no” to some demands frees us to say “yes” to what’s truly important.

3. We procrastinate.
“Tomorrow” feels safer than today, but putting things off slowly erodes life. Homes become cluttered because today’s mess rolls into tomorrow. Cars break down from years of ignored maintenance. Most things don’t collapse overnight—they crumble one neglected task at a time.

Years ago, a trainer taught me a principle: “Handle paper once.” The point was simple—finish what you start. If it only takes a few minutes, do it now. Imagine how many promises would be kept if we applied that same principle to life.

4. We are sinners.
Even our best intentions collide with our brokenness. Paul admitted, “I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” (Romans 7:18, NIV) Left on our own, weeds flourish while gardens wither. But with God as our Gardener, tending and cultivating our hearts, we gain strength beyond ourselves:
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13, NIV)

Living with Kept Promises

So what can we do?

• Guard your words—promise only what you intend to act on.
• Set wise priorities and stick to them.
• Keep your word, even when it costs something.
• Live daily in the Spirit’s presence, asking Him to strengthen and guide you.

God’s promises never fail. When we walk closely with Him, we find stability and fruitfulness:
“(Those) who delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night, are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” (Psalm 1)

That’s the kind of life I want. How about you?

 __________________

Videos of this blog

https://www.youtube.com/@JerScott55

Living the Dream?

Don’t you love those times when your heart overflows and your voice is lifted in praise; when you say something like this - "God, You have blessed me beyond measure. You’ve poured out good things in great abundance and given me a wonderful place to serve You. Thank You!"

That kind of praise is particularly sweet when there is a dream realized, a hope fulfilled.I am not talking about the escapist kind of dream that avoids life’s realities. However, when we see a God-given vision develop – joy flourishes!

Faithful Dreams and Real Opposition

There are many obstacles that rise up to crush our dreams.
We may focus too much on our perception of limited resources instead of God’s promises.

We may be weary – in body or soul, worn down by discouragement or resistance from those who “just don’t get it.”

There are nay-sayers that say "it can’t be done."

And then there is the reality of opposition from the spirit realm that seeks to block anything good and God-honoring.

Do You Dream?

Do you know that God has plans, born in His heart, that He wants to unfold in your life?In Ephesians 1, Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, writes:

"God thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ… It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, He had His eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living..." (The Message)

Hebrews tells us that God’s plan, through Christ, is to “bring many sons to glory.” That includes a mature faith, deep devotion, a life shaped by spiritual gifts, and fruit that lasts. It’s a unique plan tailored to who you are—your personality, your experiences, your challenges—woven together with the power and resources of Heaven to build a life that brings honor and praise to our loving Father.

And one day, that plan will culminate in your eternal welcome into the Father’s house, where you will enjoy His presence and love forever.

Breathe In the Vision

In your times of prayer and reflection, ask God to inspire you—that word literally means to breathe into. Ask Him to plant a fresh vision in your heart.

People of the Spirit need two sets of eyes: the ones they’re born with that see the world as it is, and the eyes God gives us to see the world as He wants it to be. That is vision.

The prophet Joel captured this beautifully when he wrote:

“And afterward,
    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
    your old men will dream dreams,
    your young men will see visions.

Even on my servants, both men and women,
    I will pour out my Spirit in those days. (Joel 2:28–29)

Inspired by the Vision

Years ago, when my children were teenagers and sometimes resisted the direction I offered, I tried to instill in them a vision for the kind of people they could become. They didn’t always understand it at the time.

I believed that by helping them see past the moment, I could give them something to reach for—something that would motivate them to rise above the temptation to drift or indulge in aimlessness. That was part of my godly duty as their father: to help them see.

Our Heavenly Father calls us to lift our eyes seeing beyond the moment, past the challenges, finding purpose and meaning. Then we will more readily say, "Yes, Lord," even when the path includes hard lessons and disciplined growth.

Glory Defined

Make no mistake: living into that vision is not automatic. It’s not inevitable. You might say, “But it’s God’s plan!”—and that’s true. But He gives us the freedom to either embrace or resist it.

So today, ask God to help you understand His purposes. Let Him paint a picture of the glory He’s designed for you. It probably won’t look like the world’s version of glory—wealth, fame, or influence. It will look like Jesus: the glory of a well-formed character, the fruit of the Spirit maturing in your life, love and joy and peace in abundance.

Then—yes—God will rejoice over you.
You’ll be living the dream—His dream for you

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3)

___________

Videos of this blog

https://www.youtube.com/@JerScott55

 

 

When There Are No Good Options

Some days, I wake up, look at the choices in front of me, and think:
“There are no good options here.”

Have you ever felt that way? Faced with decisions that range from unpleasant, to bad, to worse?

Thankfully, those kinds of situations are rare—but they do come. For me, and probably for you too.

When I feel boxed in like that, I remember an old saying:

“When you’re at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”

It sounds simple, even cliché—but there’s truth in it. God often calls us to patience while He works out the details of our lives.

When I Wanted to Give Up

I remember a time when I accepted a ministry position that felt like walking into a storm.
There was no money. Bills were piling up. The people were discouraged. And confidence in my leadership was practically nonexistent.

For a while, I flailed like an animal caught in a trap. Every morning, I dreaded the day ahead. The temptation to walk away was constant.

But in my heart, I knew God had called me there. So I stayed. And waited. And waited.

Eventually, He began to work—in me and around me.
He opened new doors.
He provided resources.
And He taught me another deep lesson in faith.

“Help Us… If You Can.”

There’s a powerful story in the Gospel of Mark about a father in crisis.

His son was suffering from violent seizures. He brings the boy to Jesus’ disciples—but they can’t help him.

When Jesus arrives, He’s clearly frustrated with the disciples’ lack of faith. Then He says:

“Bring the boy to me.” (Mark 9:19, NLT)

The father pleads:

“The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”
(Mark 9:22, NLT)

Jesus replies:

“‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
(Mark 9:23, NLT)

Why the Delay?

Have you ever wondered why Jesus didn’t just heal the boy immediately?

Why draw it out? The text doesn’t give us a direct answer.

But I think many of us can relate to the father in that moment. I imagine him thinking:
“Please—just fix this now!”

Instead, Jesus gives him a choice. Will he walk away, offended and disappointed? Or will he hold on and trust?

The father’s reply is one of the most honest and beautiful prayers in all of Scripture:

“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
(Mark 9:24, NLT)

Faith Is Not the Absence of Doubt

I’ve prayed that same prayer—many times.

“Lord, help me hang on—through the storms, through the fear, through the doubts.”

Faith isn’t the absence of doubt.
It’s the choice to trust God in spite of doubt.

Even Abraham, the so-called “father of the faithful,” had moments of wavering. He made impulsive decisions when faith faltered.

But over the course of his life, we see a man who remained committed to God’s purposes.

Abraham Held On Too

Here’s how the writer of Hebrews describes Abraham’s journey:

“It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going…”
(Hebrews 11:8, NLT)

He left everything familiar—without a clear destination.
He waited years for a promised son.
And even then, he lived in tents—temporary housing—while still trusting God.

Do you think he ever doubted?
The Bible says he did.

So how can we still call him “faithful”?

Because in the middle of his doubt, he tied a knot in the rope and held on.

Hang On

If you're struggling today, hang on.

Here’s a word from the Word.
Let it strengthen your heart as you pray:

“Lord, I believe. Help me with my doubts.”

“So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.”
(Hebrews 10:35–36, NLT)

“For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And My righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”
(Hebrews 10:37–38, NLT)

Final Thought

Whatever you’re facing today—no matter how dark or uncertain—it’s not the end of your story.
Tie a knot. Hang on. And trust the One who holds the rope.

 

Video of this blog  
https://www.youtube.com/@Jerscott55 

When Life Hurts: Choosing Submission Over Self

Ever wonder what God is doing in your life? Ever complain bitterly about a situation that causes you discomfort? Me too!

Before I go further, I must acknowledge the blessings in my life: a relatively healthy body for a 70-year-old man, a comfortable home, resources that more than meet my needs, children who are wonderful people living good and worthy lives, and friends who enrich my days in countless ways. The list could go on.

But those blessings aren’t the whole story. I have known great sorrow, terrible disappointment, and real failure. Within just a few years, I lost both my parents and my wife to cancer, watching their bodies slowly destroyed. Some friendships have faltered, lost to reasons only God knows. I wrestle with questions about my part in those failures. I have seen people who were under my pastoral care for years slip away from faith and have wept over their choices, again feeling the weight of questions about my effectiveness as a minister of the Gospel.

Joy and Sorrow

To know both joy and sorrow is to be human. Over the years, I’ve walked alongside amazing Christians who were greatly blessed and yet broken by divorce, rejection, or sickness. Some emerged from those seasons with a deeper faith and sweeter spirit. Others became angry and cynical—still clinging to faith, but barely.

So, what makes the difference? I’m sure many factors are at play, but one key element is something most of us avoid as long as possible—submission.

Choice

We must choose between God—the Lord of Heaven—or self. Will I, like Job of old, “put my hand over my mouth” and worship a God whose ways are beyond my understanding? Or will I kick and scream, insisting He do what I desire?

Such submission grows in the fertile soil of eternity’s hope. Inspired by the Spirit, Paul teaches: “Our present troubles are quite small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, NLT)

Suffering is Common
We suffer because this world bears the mark of sin’s curse—wars rage, disease strikes, relationships break, and injustice prevails. People lie and cheat. Terrorists destroy. Companies value profit over people.

Even Christians of great faith often face deep pain and sorrow. What can we do? We can trust God while we weep and wait on Him, or we can rage against the world and decide He is unjust and unfair.

You don’t have to be a “super-saint” to choose faith. We have an Advocate on whom we can lean: “The Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don’t even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” (Romans 8:26, NLT)

Some of the best prayers in the world are sobs, groans, and tears of submission to God’s will.

The Word assures us—no situation in our life is wasted or meaningless! Paul, writing from prison, says:  “I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you.” (Colossians 1) That’s not foolishness. That’s faith that looks beyond what human eyes can see.

So, are you struggling today? Are you suffering in a way you can’t understand?

Yes, weep—grief is not a sign of weak faith.
Yes, pray—God invites us to ask for relief.

Let no one dismiss your pain as pointless.
Let no one tell you that you alone are the cause of your suffering.

Give the Devil no place when he accuses your Heavenly Father of failing you.

Instead, find a quiet place and make this prayer your own: “I do believe, but help me not to doubt!” (Mark 9:24, NLT)

Amen.

___________

Videos of this blog

https://www.youtube.com/@JerScott55