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Trinity Breakthrough 2015

Generational Division

By Pastor Walter C. Scott, Let Go and Soar Ministries

January, 2015

James 1:5-8

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

James 1:12-18

12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. 13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

James 1:19-27

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. 26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Generational division is defined and understood, as I see it, as a disconnect between one generation and the next. The current generation doesn't accept many of the lessons learned by the previous generations. This is in relation to all facets of life. Generational division exists today as it has existed for many generations. This disrespect or disregard for much of what came before is prevalent even when families remain in physical contact. As with all things there are exceptions and these are valuable, fruitful and an example to us all. However, young adults don't usually show respect for previous generations experiences and achievements and have no desire to learn lessons from them. It so often seems that when we grow older our value and worth diminishes in others eyes. There seems to be to much focus on what we do, produce or posses. Far to much emphasis on self-awareness or self-appraisal instead of God's definition of who and what we are.

Romans 12: 3-5

3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Galations 3:26-29

26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Colossians 3:11

11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

The today or now generation feels they must learn, perform or experience all things for them-

selves, all over again, and on there own. This continues until they reach an age of awakening when they realize they should have listened and learned. However, by this time many years have gone by and they are beginning to experience the new generations discounting and rejection. The real problem with this thinking and doing is that some of the very critical life lessons aren't learned and they repeat the same mistakes of the past generations. We see a display of perpetual ignorance and arrogant excuses. All we need to do is observe any current government or civilian institution of today and watch it repeat historical mistakes over and over. When this happens we fail to develop a higher level of understanding and human respect as a society. Or to put it in a more simple way; we fail to evolve and progress into the next level of God's plan and purpose for us as a people. This is us trying to achieve or move forward without including God and his if-

finite wisdom.

Proverbs 3: 5-6

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming

It seems to me that science and technology are the only two things that are continually advancing, changing and improving from generation to generation. They require new understanding (from God), yet still required the building blocks of old science and technology (given originally by God) to advance to new discoveries. Almost, if not all other human (natural) spiritual (supernatural) interactions are essentially the same today as they were yesterday. If we chose to utilize them at all. Although some of the tools we use to access and process them may have changed.

Ecclesiastes 3:14-15

14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.

15 Whatever is has already been,
    and what will be has been before;
    and God will call the past to account.

(Ref. only-Luke 15:11-32 The parable of the lost son.)

So what reasonable explanation is there to explain this obstinate generational behavior? Do we think this is part of God's purpose and plan for each of us and as a society? Personally I don't believe this is part of God's plan for us. What I do believe is that generational division is satan's plan. Satan likes us to remain ignorant and divided. It serves his purpose by perpetuating the cycle of generational division.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

The following is one explanation of why it serves satan's purpose by us perpetuating this cycle of generational division. During the early generations of mankind the majority of knowledge and skill was passed down from generation to generation through the immediate family or social network. They did this with hands on, one on one, learning through example. Travel and extended communication was very limited, when compared with today's standards. Communities were much closer and elders were respected and their knowledge was needed for survival. The people placed a much higher value and level of respect on and for each other. Their very existence depended on divine interaction and close social structure, and they invested in it. They needed God and each other and interacted with God and each other continuously.

As man and his knowledge ( science&technology ) progressed, increased and developed through the centuries man felt less and less reliant on his own social structure and especially on God. The relevance was diminishing because man could gain worldly knowledge and experience outside of and away from God and a familiar social network. Man thought more about worldly ambitions and less about his creator God and his future eternal home. He or she developed many different perspectives about their place in the world and different belief systems. The focus seemed to become more about self; self -appraisal, self-reliance and self-centeredness. Ego and greed were usually the dominant characteristics and society often did not see the need or benefit of an intimate relationship with Triune God. Satan is having much greater success in these current generations than in the many previous ones. The good news is that it doesn't have to be or remain that way.

So what can be done about this generational division? How can we promote unity in the body and a sense of dependence, trust and reliance on one another? How can we learn to be unselfish and put others before self? Not just as an outward public gesture, but to actually benefit others in truth and genuine love for all of our brothers and sisters. Number one pray often and rely on Triune God and follow the instructions in His word (Bible). Put your hope, trust, faith and belief in Him. Totally surrender, forgive and repent always walking in unconditional love and obedience. And always raise up the next generation to do the same. Ref. Proverbs 22:6. This will bring about the practical manifestations (fruit of the spirit) of your faith through the grace we all received from Father God.

Galatians 5:22-23

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Matthew 7:12

12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Philippians 2:1-4

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Colossians 3:12-15

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

James 1: 22

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Love & Peace, amen. 

MIND/SOUL-HEART/SPIRIT

By Pastor Walter C. Scott 5/25/15

I Corinthians 2:9-16

However, as it is written:

“No eye has seen,

no ear has heard,

no mind has conceived

what God has prepared for those who love him

¹⁰but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God ¹¹For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except Spirit of God. ¹²We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. ¹³This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. ¹⁴The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. ¹⁵The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment:

^16”For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?”

But we have the mind of Christ.

We are taught early on in life that we are all unique individual creations of God. We all look different, our DNA is ours alone and we all have distinct features, gifts, talents and abilities. Most of us usually take pride in these diverse human characteristics. I say most because in our society there is idol worship, envy and discontent with what God has, at our birth, endowed us with. This takes form in our attempts to change the physical appearance of our external bodies and the attempts we make to conform our minds to the world's way of thinking. Why do so many people want to imitate political figures, media stars, sports personalities and/or anyone else? Why do so many change their appearance and/or try to take on the characteristics or habits of someone else? Could it be greed,envy, low self-esteem or something else? Is this what God intended for each of us? I don't think so, and we will have great difficulty becoming who God created us to become if we pursue this lifestyle. It seems to me that many of us are pursuing all forms of self in the form of a quest for superficial perfection instead of a personal relationship with Triune God. The self that we think we should be vs the self that God created for us. God has a purpose and a plan for each of us, just as we were created, and it is good; if we acknowledge, accept, and receive it.

Jeremiah 29:11&12

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

So, how does this relate to our minds, soul-heart, and spirit? First let me explain that I believe the heart and soul are intimately connected to each other. One reflects the others true essence, character, personality and moral/emotional natural nature. The spirit is the supernatural essence of the heart and soul. The mind reasons an rationalizes all external input and directs the thoughts and actions of us all.

Now we all know that God is the definition of love and His love is unconditional and is for all people. We don't merit it or need to earn it and never have to. I don't like to say we don't deserve it because I believe God decided we did and it's there for all of us. And that is the final word.

I John 4:8-16

8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God;but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

If we are Christians (followers of Jesus Christ) we are instructed to love God first and each other second, also unconditionally.

Matthew 22:37-40

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

So, how can we value or love someone else or your creator if we don't value or love ourselves? We are God's creation, right? In our Christian walk we have a goal set before us. This goal is to acquire the mind and characteristics that Jesus modeled by His example. In the process of a genuine effort to acquire the heart and mind of Jesus Christ we learn how to love as He did. His example is our objective and goal. Our life, although we are not perfect as He is, should exhibit the highest level of excellence that we are individually capable of attaining. This is where love, trust, obedience, hope faith, belief and complete total surrender to Him will bring the greatest abundance of fruit from us and the reality of all His promises. Faith and repentance releases practical manifestations.

Galatians 5:22-26

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited,provoking and envying each other.

Yes, we are uniquely individual, although loving as God intended and acquiring the mind of Jesus Christ is something we should all have in common. We all should love unconditionally and without favoritism just as He did.

Acts 10:34-35

34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.

And this love should supersede all other earthly or natural pursuits. Our spirits should be united in this love we have for Triune God and each other. This love will be the unifying force that the Holy Spirit uses to guide and direct our entire life.

Hebrews 10:19-25

19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

To have the mind of Jesus Christ and to love unconditionally as He did requires complete surrender to Him and turning our life over to His instruction through His word, the Holy Spirit, and the fellowship and relationship that is developed with Him and other believers.

Luke 6:43-45

43 “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers. 45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

Many of us never learned what real unconditional love is as we were growing from children into adults. And many not as adults. Some just never experienced it and others experienced a perverted version based on performance or expectation of reward. Oftentimes this came down through generations of misunderstanding, misinformation or ignorance. The enemy likes us this way, and we call this a generational curse. When we surrender our life to Jesus Christ and study His life and word the Holy Spirit will provide understanding, wisdom and break this generational curse; if you ask.

Psalm 73:21-26

When my heart was grieved
    and my spirit embittered,
22 I was senseless and ignorant;
    I was a brute beast before you.

23 Yet I am always with you;
    you hold me by my right hand.24 You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will take me into glory.25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart
    and my portion forever.

John 14:25-27

25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

We were all created equal and in the image of God. We do not need to guess what He looks like or how He feels about us because image means likeness.

Genesis 1:27

So God created mankind in his own image,
    in the image of God he created them;
  male and female he created them.

Genesis 5:1-2

5 This is the written account of Adam’s family line.

When God created mankind, he made them in the likeness of God. 2 He created them male and female and blessed them. And he named them “Mankind” when they were created.

We do however need to learn about Triune God through His word, teaching and the Holy Spirit. This requires faith and repentance. We have to walk it out and live it to acquire the mind of Jesus Christ. Original sin did and still does lie, distract, deceive and confuse many of us and keep us from our true purpose.

So, how and what do we say or do to acquire the heart and mind of Jesus Christ?

John 14:12-14

12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

And who does Jesus Christ say He is besides the Son of God and Man?

John 14:6-7

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

John 11:25-26

Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; ²⁴and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

As He just asked, “Do you believe this?” This belief and complete surrender is necessary and is what real freedom is all about. Freedom from fear of anything, especially death. No worry or anxiety just complete trust and dependence on God.

1 John 5:18

18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.

John 14:1-4

 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

So, can we do this? Can we completely surrender all forms of self for an intimate relationship with Triune God? Is this exchange worth it? Yes, without a doubt. Your ticket has already been purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ and the Freedom/Love train is waiting at the station for you to board. See you there!

Philippians 4:4-9

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything,but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Love and peace, Amen.

Our Future—No Exemptions

By Pastor Walter C. Scott, Let Go and Soar Ministries

July, 2015

We all have the honor and privilege of being citizens in one of the freest and most liberal countries that has ever existed in known history. And we didn't have to do much if anything to accomplish this. Our forefathers, who founded and established this great nation did it all for us, and through the years and many wars we just had to maintain it. Just keep the dream alive. We live, love, work and play here every day and many of us take for granted that this is normal and could never possibly end because of our past God blessed history. Although there are far to many of us that don't give God the credit for this nations prosperity. This assumption that this will never end is a major error in judgment.

We have many enemies in this world and some are here now, and actively attacking or planning to attack our Homeland(Promised Land). All of them with uninformed reasoning, misguided revenge, or just plain envy. If they can't have it why should anyone. This is what is propagandized to their people to avoid telling them the truth. This truth being that we are what we are here today in this country because we have received God's blessing through his grace and our belief and faith. If our enemy's people knew and understood this truth their opposition would dissolve. Do we think complete victory over our enemies is possible without God? I think not. What is the best defense against any violent threat such as, for example, the terrorist Islamic group Isis? The answer is a united Christian front that is strong in trust and faith and rooted in the belief that God will lead us to victory if we are obedient, ask him, and model the example of his son Jesus Christ. Read the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. That was his life here on earth and his model and example for us to emulate. We all remember the old testament stories of the times God saved Israel from destruction when they turned back to him and repented from whatever evil ways they were doing at the time. It still works the same way today. God has not changed in that respect. He gives us unconditional love and forgiveness if we ask.

Philippians 2:5-11

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;7 rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.8 And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

Jesus Christ lived during one of the most violent repressive times in the history of Israel, yet he did not promote any retaliatory physical violence against Israel's aggressors. He brought God's grace and truth and offered his life in exchange for salvation, redemption, reconciliation, forgiveness, repentance, unconditional love and eternal life to all mankind. Complete freedom vs bondage to sin and eternal death and separation from God. He modeled unconditional love and forgiveness.

Luke 11:17

17 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.

This country certainly will not stand or endure in its present form and current direction for long. It can't survive, and when it dies this present lifestyle we all enjoy will die with it. We have division in many ways and in all parts of this country, including and most importantly, the church. The church is supposed to represent the body of Jesus Christ. We need unity of thought, purpose and action and this unity comes through complete surrendering of self and country to Triune God and living according to the precepts and principles in his word(Bible). Shouldn't we do all that we can to help answer the unanswered prayer of Jesus Christ to his father in John 17:20-26?

I sometimes wear a tee shirt that says freedom is not free. I am a veteran and I understand the cost of worldly freedom. Not that you have to be a veteran to understand this high cost, however it seems to me to bring it much sooner in life and with a much greater appreciation for this lifestyle that many of us take for granted. This tee shirt refers to the natural freedoms that our U.S. Constitution guarantees. It is not free as you can see by the many wars fought over the years, and the many dead and wounded men and women, military and civilian, that have paid the ultimate price for this natural freedom. I realize there are many people that believe some if not all of these wars were unnecessary. Whether that is true or not is certainly up for debate, although nothing will change the past. We can't live in the past, we can only learn from it, we hope. The price we pay in lives and relationships because of war may not ever change or possibly it will if we repent, ask God for forgiveness, and include Him in all areas of our lives, especially areas of governance where the health and welfare of this country and the people in it are concerned.

2 Chronicles 7:13-15

13 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

Although this natural freedom we enjoy is costly, the complete supernatural freedom we receive in relationship with Triune God requires nothing of us except to completely surrender our life to Jesus Christ and model His example (walk in his footsteps).So many of us think that becoming a Christian means giving up freedom, but natural freedom includes fear of many varieties,worry, apprehension, constantly questioning your worth and value and the unknown. Supernatural freedom that comes with an honest relationship with Triune God eliminates all of the problems and questions associated with natural freedom. God is love and there is no fear in love. Jesus paid the price for all of us with His blood on the cross. His death and resurrection guaranteed our forgiveness and salvation. This freedom we enjoy as Christians is total and all people of the world have equal opportunity to receive it. All we need is trust, obedience, hope, belief and faith in Jesus Christ. All Wrapped up in love, forgiveness and repentance.

We must always think about and act for the benefit of future generations. What lifestyle do we want them to have? What system or form of government do we want them to live under? I believe we all want the children of the future to have the same equal or better opportunities that we all had and in some cases still have. Very few of us or possibly none of us will still be in the exact same place forever. Situations and circumstances change and we need to keep maturing and take advantage of opportunities as they come our way. God wants us to continue growing into His purpose and plan for us as stated in Jeremiah 29:11-13. This is not just for ourselves and our families, but also for the continuation of our God blessed promised land.

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

Is our country operating the way our founding fathers intended based on what was written in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution? No, I don't believe so. This country was founded and established based on a close relationship with God, each other and Biblical principles and precepts. Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Work hard to support yourself, family, country and be a Christian example to all people.

Matthew 22:37-39

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands,just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

2 Thessalonians 3:10

10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

This is the way I believe we should all live, but especially if we call ourselves followers of Jesus Christ. Using the model and example Jesus Christ showed us in his word (the Bible).

We need to be attentive fathers and mothers to our children and give them constructive criticism and direction, security, stability and unconditional love. We need to be present in their lives and model a good Christian example.

Proverbs 22:6

6 Start children off on the way they should go,
    and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Philippians 2:3-4

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Marriage and strong family is Gods will and His creation. It has always been the foundation of a strong healthy society, beginning with Adam and Eve. One of the first signs of a nation losing it's moral compass and its place of influence in the world is the deterioration of the family structure or unit, and our common enemy satan knows this and uses it to his advantage if we allow him.

Mark 10: 6-9

6 “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

This country can't sustain a strong Christ-centered free democracy while displaying a self-centered mentality or attitude of entitlement and enabling. All of these have to do with self. To achieve the highest level of success possible we need to allow God to be our enabler in doing what he instructs and we cannot accomplish ourselves.

What has happened to being accountable and responsible for ourselves and ours? What has happened to individual initiative, a desire to achieve and a strong work ethic? Also respect for and abiding by the law of the land? Where is the pride in this great nation and showing respect and gratitude for it and the opportunities it provides? Why do so many people only look for ways to abuse and take advantage of this system wherever they can instead of supporting it. Don't we remember what John F. Kennedy said quote, “ Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”. Most importantly, what has happened to our reliance on our creator God? I know we are all adults here, and being an adult means being responsible and accountable, working and contributing for the ultimate benefit of everyone. When we all unselfishly contribute we all benefit.

Jeremiah 29:11&12

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

I Corinthians 13:11-12

11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Why in our country, so rich in freedoms and opportunities, is there so much violence, death, addiction, hopelessness and despair in our homes and on our streets? What we are doing, instead of addressing the root causes, is showing the world that even in this great free U.S.A. we don't have all the answers and in many ways aren't willing to look for those answers. We are a poor example of a Christian country where excellence is one of our primary goals. We can't rely on past successes forever because these days will be our past tomorrow. I believe that over the many years since this country was founded and established we have slowly and steadily pulled away from reliance on relationship with Triune God. We thought that we could be self-reliant, that we could do better without Triune God. Hasn't worked out very well, has it? Remember the Tower of Babel; Genesis 11:1-9.

I want to emphatically state that none of us are exempt from the future path our country takes. We have truly been blessed far beyond many of the world's people, and most of us didn't do a thing to earn it. We just happened to be born here or maybe we immigrated. Even the people in our prisons are treated better than the majority of the citizens in many other countries. Will it or can it last?

We have had, for quite some time, a small but significant homeless and transient population in the U.S.A. This is bad enough in itself, but what is worse is that an average of 25% are veterans. It has also been stated that approximately 1in 4or5 children go to bed hungry every night. They also state that the most nutritious meal many children receive every day is the lunch program provided at low or no cost to low income families. These same children have limited medical and dental care. What fault do these children have? In prison inmates are supplied with regular meals, housing, clothes, medical and dental care and other benefits. By law. And our prisons are overcrowded. Who pays for all of this? Taxpayers. What is wrong or right about this.

So, what is your plan out in this world, if you even have one? Will you continue doing what you have done in the past, or will you find God's purpose and plan for your life? Christians call this repentance. We ask Jesus Christ to come into our life professing our belief in Him, receiving His forgiveness and changing the direction of your life. Through strong trust, obedience, belief, hope and extreme faith we can all have an abundant life.

John 10:7-11

7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] They will come in and go out, and find pasture.10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Only with God leading can we and this country survive and maintain a strong leadership position and be an example to the world of a strong Christ-centered nation. Jesus Christ modeled His example for the entire world to follow. We are to emulate His example and never cease praying.

Matthew 11:12

12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.

I Corinthians 13:13

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Love & Peace, amen.

Creation and Spirt

Creation and Spirit

by Pastor Walt Scott, Let Go and Soar Ministries

March 10, 2015

Genesis 1:1-2

¹In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ²Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

Genesis 2:21-24

²¹So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. ²²The the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

God asked me to ask him, “Why, and for what purpose, what creation?” This question just came in to my mind. I wasn't thinking about anything related to it. After this question entered my mind, my initial response was, “Yes, why did God feel that it was necessary to initiate and complete the creation process?” I think that God desired me to ask this un-asked question that was probably wandering through my mind now and then. Was this six day creation event really six days? Probably in God's timing this event could have had a different time line. God's ways and time are not ours.

Isaiah 55:8-9

⁸”For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. ⁹”As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

With the Holy Spirit's help I came to the conclusion that, because God is love, he wanted to express his love. This earth, the creation that we enjoy, is for us. He created us to have relationship with him and to mutually share and show love. He created us in his image to enjoy and appreciate his c reation and to acknowledge him and give him the glory.

Genesis 5:1-2

¹This is the written account of Adam's family line. When God created mankind, he made them in the likeness of God. ²He created them male and female and blessed them. And he named them “Mankind” when they were created.

Considering and realizing that time, as we measure it, is not necessarily God's time, if we will admit it, we would honestly have to agree that we have no idea how, or even if God measures time. There isn't time in eternity.

Deuteronomy 29:29

²⁹The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.

God's creation is relatively easy to explain if we observe it in that context. Whether it be the big bang theory or any other. Creation took a period of time. How long, and in what form is irrelevant. It is finished and God may be still resting on the seventh day. Only God's word is the relevant path to truth.

Hebrews 4:12-13

¹²For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ¹³Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

God asked me to write about an experience from my youth on the farm I grew up on in Iowa. The memory is very clear. I am not sure exactly how it is applicable to the question of creation, except possibly to support or enhance the realization and truth of his creation. Here is the event that I remember.

The farm I grew up on was beautiful and we raised almost everything we ate. I had two sisters and one brother and we were each other's playmates almost all the time. My brother and I spent almost all of our free time together, oftentimes doing things we shouldn't. Our farm was a triangle shape with rolling hills on each side with a valley in the middle, and sloping hills of about 30^o to 40^o on each side of the valley. My brother and I were between ten and 14 years old at this time. One day my brother and I were lying on our backs on this hill, just staring up at the blue sky and clouds passing by, completely silent. The earth made a connection with me, and I could feel it move and breathe, like something alive and intelligent. I felt it was trying, and succeeding, to communicate with me. I could also sense the earth's rotation. It was an awesome experience and I didn't want it to end. I believe now that God was speaking to me through his creation. I have never been able to duplicate it since.

To believe in creation is to believe in God. This, for reasons I find difficult to understand, is hard for many people to believe. Every reason or excuse is easy to explain; misunderstanding, misinterpretation or unproven.

Romans 1:20

¹For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Science has only unverifiable theories. We have the story of creation in the Bible. We have a choice to make, which requires a decision and a commitment on our part.

Romans 8:18-25

¹⁸I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ¹⁹For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. ²⁰For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. ²²We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? ²⁵But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

When our natural bodies give out our spirit will still exist. This spirit has to go somewhere. Our choices are limited. Heaven or hell. With our heavenly Father for eternity in heaven, or forever separated from the Father in a desolate wasteland of eternal suffering.

So we know what God's part was in the creation process, but who and what was Jesus in relation to creation?

John 1:1-5

¹In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ²He was with God in the beginning. ³Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ⁴In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. ⁵The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Colossians 1:15-20

¹⁵The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ¹⁶For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. ¹⁷He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. ¹⁹For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, ²⁰and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

God's Spirit was hovering over the earth since creation and has never left. What are some of the things scripture says about God's Spirit?

John 6:63

⁶³The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.

2 Corinthians 1:20-22

²⁰For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. ²¹Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, ²²set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

1 Corinthians 2:6-16

⁶We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. ⁷No, we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. ⁸None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. ⁹However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” --the things God has prepared for those who love him—¹⁰these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. ¹¹For who knows a person's thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. ¹²What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. ¹³This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.¹⁴The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. ¹⁵The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, ¹⁶for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

Romans 8:5-11

⁵Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ⁶The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. ⁷The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. ⁸Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. ⁹You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. ¹⁰But if Christ is in you, then even through your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. ¹¹And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

Luke 23:46

⁴⁶Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

Psalm 31:5

⁵Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.

Joel 2:28-32

²⁸”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. ²⁹Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. ³⁰I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. ³¹The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. ³²And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the Lord has said, even among the survivors whom the Lord calls.