“This is what the LORD says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NIV)
I remember being shocked when I returned to campus just six months after I graduated and not being recognized by some students when I stopped by our campus ministry house, where I had been a leader for two years. They were new to the ministry and had no knowledge, or appreciation, of my role there. The same would happen if I were to return to the campus ministry I directed for more than two decades. No one but the staff would have any clue who I was or would appreciate my years of leadership there.
I was thinking about this the other day after one of the elders of my church shared his life story at a men’s breakfast. Up to that point, I had known him only generally as an elder, a retired military officer and a former businessman. I didn’t know many details of his eighty years of life. I certainly didn’t know he had been a combat paratrooper in Viet Nam and nearly lost his life in an ambush. I only knew him as a kind, elderly gentleman and had no appreciation for his past.
As I was pondering this, I thought how easy it is to tie our identities and value to what we are doing in the moment. But what happens when we move on to the next thing in our lives? Only those closest to us will have any memories or appreciation for what we’ve done. For everyone else that we meet will only know us in the present. Almost every university building in the country is named after someone of significance in the history of the particular institution, but almost none of the current students know who these people are or what they did. They are just names and, perhaps, images captured in oil paintings hanging in the lobbies.
When I eventually leave campus ministry and move on to the next thing in my life, my identity with the people I meet will be what I am doing in the present. They might be curious about my past, but my identity with them will be found in the present. Thus, I realize how important it is to hold onto my identity in Christ, to recognize my value is found in the fact that I know the Lord. For my identity as a campus minister will one day come to an end.
Today, recognize your only consistent identity in life will be that of a follower of the Lord. No matter how many times you change jobs or careers, your identity in Christ is the one constant and the most important to maintain.
© Jim Musser 2016
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)
“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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV)
These two passages sum up my life, upon which I am reflecting as I celebrate 60 years of existence today. I was born the third son of Depression-era children. My dad was orphaned at six years old when his parents died in the 1918 flu epidemic and my mom was an only child. Dad quit school after 6th grade to go to work. Mom finished high school and was determined her boys would all go to college.
They met while Dad was in the Navy during World War II. There marriage wasn’t great, but they stuck it out and gave my brothers and I a roof over our heads and loved us the best they knew how. Like most families in the 60’s, they took us to church, but were not believers. I never saw them read the Bible or pray, and, thus, I didn’t either; well, except that time I got lost in the woods and begged God to show me the way home.
To imagine that I would end up not only becoming a follower of Jesus, but spend my adult life in campus ministry was impossible then and still almost beyond comprehension today. And then to examine the winding path of my life since making that decision, seeing the sin from my old life struggling to keep its grip on me, the numerous poor decisions I made along the way, and yet God working it all together for my good and using me to bring glory to His Kingdom, and blessing me in ways I could not have imagined is mind-blowing!
The joy and benefit of getting older as a follower of Jesus is to be able to reflect on His work in your life. None of us begins walking that road as a perfect person. The journey is God’s means to shape us into the man or woman He created us to be. The poor character, the bad habits, the hurts that tend to define us, the wrong thinking, all need to be tended to by the Great Potter who eliminates the defects, smooths the rough edges, and shapes us into something better than we were at the start. This takes time and, sometimes, it’s painful. But the end result is worth it.
As I reflect on my own life, my imperfections were great and I got in God’s way many times, and sometimes still do. And bad things happened which caused me great pain. But God is loving and faithful, and He has made my life into something I could have never imagined when I was young or even after I first met Him. I am blessed far beyond what I could have imagined and far more than I deserve. That, my friends, is the beauty of God!
Today, whether you are just starting this journey, are well down the road, or haven’t even started yet, know God will do much more in and through your life than you can imagine, and whatever bad things have happened, whether they’re your responsibility or someone else’s, He has the power to bring good out of them. Nothing is too bad to stand in His way. My life is evidence of that and yours can be as well, if you will let Him do His work.
© Jim Musser 2016
“They said to him, ‘John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.’ Jesus answered, ‘Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.’
He told them this parable: ‘No one tears a piece out of a new garment to patch an old one. Otherwise, they will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for they say, “The old is better.” (Luke 5:33-39 NIV)
I grew up going to a traditional, denominational church. The services were pretty much the same Sunday after Sunday. One didn’t really need the standard bulletin to know what was happening, except perhaps what particular hymns were being sung. It is not any different today for many churches. Even in so-called “contemporary” churches, there is a lot of tradition.
Tradition is popular and comfortable. We like it, often too much. Jesus’ criticism of the Pharisees was focused on their resistance to accept anything new or different. They liked the old ways so much, it prevented them from seeing the new things the Lord wanted to do. Jesus came to set people free; the traditions of the day were holding them back from experiencing this freedom. He wanted to focus on the heart and relationships; they wanted to focus on rituals and laws.
We are no different. We naturally like our traditional ways of doing things. We like routine, like sitting in the same seat on Sunday mornings or having the same order of service. We like rules we can follow that give us a sense that we are “in”. But when it comes to loving God, rules and rituals fall short. He desires our hearts instead. But this is a tough sell. People tend to like the traditional ways better; the new way feels weird and “out there.” Things like submitting one’s plans and dreams to the Lord, or radically changing one’s lifestyle for the sake of the Lord seem extreme. It’s a little too much and so we stay with what is comfortable. By doing so, we will miss out on the freedom and joy Jesus offers us when we are willing to wholeheartedly follow Him.
This reminds me of a baptism I witnessed a few years ago. A student decided late one night that he was tired of the religious life he had been living—going to church, being part of a campus ministry, trying to be a good person—and wanted to embrace the new life Jesus offers. So, around midnight, he was baptized in a local river in the midst of a storm with about 30 witnesses. Three pastors were present, but they didn’t perform the baptism. Instead, two influential peers were the baptizers. To many, this is just weird. He was baptized when he was ten, why do it again? Why not wait for a more reasonable time and better weather? Why not do it in a church baptistry? In reality, these are the questions of Pharisees, people more comfortable with traditional ways. What they miss is the joy of spontaneous obedience, the joy of faith grounded in love rather than routine, and the Lord’s concern more for the attitude of the heart than the exact way things are done.
Today, recognize that new wine has been poured and it is there for you to drink and enjoy. But know it may taste much different than what you have been drinking. It is an acquired taste, but if you are willing to give it time, it will taste better than you could ever imagine.
© Jim Musser 2016
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’” (Matthew 22:37-40 NIV)
Let’s try an experiment this morning: With what would you fill the blank of this statement if you examined how you really live? I love _____________ with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my mind. In other words, what is the motivation or focus of your life right now?
When I look back at my life and consider what I see in people today, here are some possibilities that perhaps ring true for you: What people think of you—your reputation among your peers, how many “likes” and comments you get on social media; your career or your career goals; your romantic life; the wrongs done to you and your lingering bitterness over them; having fun and enjoying life; regret over past sins; accumulating wealth and/or power; the appearance of your body; your personal comfort and safety.
The call of Jesus is to deny ourselves and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). This means what we want out of life is secondary to what He wants for us and where He leads us. Too often today Christians live and think as if their lives still belong to them, that they can do whatever they want. However, the call of Jesus is one of surrender. To follow Him is to surrender our wants and desires to Him. Now He may surely give us what we want, like a career goal or a romantic interest, but it is from His decree, not ours. We don’t demand it or take it. We humbly submit to His will, trusting that He loves us and has our best in mind.
By filling in the blank of the above statement honestly, we can get a sense of where our hearts truly are, to what or whom they are truly devoted. The wonderful thing about the Lord is He is so patient. He knows we struggle with self-absorption and He grieves at the trouble it causes us. If your blank was filled in with something other than the Lord, know that He is willing to forgive you. Yet know continued self-focus will only lead to more heartache and regret.
The Lord wants what’s best for you, and living for Him is truly the best. Consider where your heart is today and ask Him to change it to where the focus is increasing more on Him and less on yourself.
© Jim Musser 2016
“O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8 NIV)
I started noticing them just a few weeks ago—the songs of birds welcoming the new day. First, solos and duets; now trios and quartets. This wonderful gift, along with warmer weather and lengthening days, are the sure signs of spring, that most glorious time of year when we are reminded of the hope of new life.
I love this time of year because, after months of being closed up by the cold and nature’s palette of color and sounds receding into hibernation, it’s time to open the windows, letting the fresh spring air in to renew our senses (and allergies for some unfortunate souls!), time to bask in the warmth of the sun’s bright rays, and time to revel in God’s awesome creation that is coming to life all around us.
This is a Psalm for all seasons, but particularly Spring. As I am out walking and taking in all the beauty that is emerging around me, or sitting on my front porch watching the sun set behind the mountains, or just enjoying the fresh breeze flowing through the house, my heart sings, “O Lord, my Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
God has given us His wonderful Creation to enjoy. In this great gift, we can see His love for us. Not only has He given us new life, He has given us a beautiful backdrop in which to experience it.
Today, let your heart experience the beauty that is emerging around you. It is a wonderful gift from your Lord. And, if you are so inclined, let your heart sing, “O Lord, my Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
© Jim Musser 2016
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:1-8 NIV)
Cut flowers are beautiful—for awhile. Placed in a vase of water, they will provide a few days of color and beauty. But slowly they will begin to wilt, then die, and then be discarded. It is inevitable because a flower cannot survive long on its own, separated from its source of nourishment.
Spiritually, many of us are like cut flowers. We have the appearance of being alive—we go to church, maybe participate in another weekly meeting with Christians; temporarily, we look good—but we in reality are dying because we are not attached to the Source for all spiritual nourishment.
What institutional religion has taught us is we can be spiritual by the outward things we do—following proscribed rituals and being a good person. But Jesus warns us about this “cut flower” approach. Nothing apart from Him has any lasting value and, like a bouquet of flowers that has reached its end, will be thrown away.
The Jewish religion promoted by its leaders in Jesus’ day was heavy on rituals, but had been separated from a true faith in God (Mark 12:24). The Lord even went so far to label them “whitewashed tombs,” because while they looked good on the outside, they were actually spiritually dead. And the most frightening thing is they were completely unaware of their condition.
So today examine your spiritual life. Are you attached to Jesus? Is He the Source of your spiritual life, or are you more like a cut flower, having the appearance of a believer but are in reality slowly dying. If the latter, know it is not too late. Re-attach yourself to Jesus and let His life-giving power transform you from the inside out. Only then can you do things that have any lasting value.
© Jim Musser 2016
“Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:23-24 NIV)
These are the words of an experienced man, a man who had known both blessings and hardship in his life. He had walked a road that took him to the highest of heights and into the deepest of valleys. And, at the time he wrote these words, King David still maintained that the Lord is faithful and worthy of our allegiance.
Men and women who have walked for much of their lives on the narrow path that leads to life have much to offer those who are just starting out. Nothing can substitute for faithfulness to the Lord over decades of life in a world that is fallen and full of trouble. The temptation of the young, however, is to listen only to their own voices and dismiss older ones as “out of touch” or “unenlightened.”
Yet, those of us who are older now were young once and can identify with this hardness of heart towards the wisdom of our elders. Most of us, too, thought they didn’t understand the realities of our lives and how much life had changed since they were young. But as we became older, so did many of the things our elders told us become wiser. Their counsel didn’t change; we did. We gained life experience. We tried things our way and often failed, or lived to regret what we did.
This is why this Psalm resonates with me. David, as a man of faith and who has lived a long life, is imparting his wisdom to his people, wisdom gained from both victory and defeat. His life was far from easy and far from perfect; yet as he neared the end of his earthly life, he declared God to be faithful no matter what we experience in life and the wisdom of obeying Him even when the world around us is openly rejecting Him and His ways.
There are two things each of us need in our lives. First, we need to have the deepest respect for the Scriptures, which help keep us on the path that leads to life (II Timothy 3:16-17). They are the words of God and are above time and culture. Second, we need older mentors in our lives to help guide and encourage us in the ways of the Lord. Like David, they have the life experience and know of the Lord’s faithfulness in the midst of hard times, as well as the many dangers that lurk, which can lead us away from Him.
Today, if you are young, don’t assume you know everything and have life figured out. Dig into the Word for wisdom and guidance and seek out older people whom you see have remained faithful to the Lord. Ask for their counsel; listen to them tell of their experiences living for the Lord. And if you are older, seek out younger people in whom you, like David, can invest your experience and wisdom in order to help them grow to be faithful followers of the Lord. As one who is now older, I can tell you this is the way we gain wisdom and maintain our faithfulness for a lifetime.
© Jim Musser 2016
