“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21 NIV)
In reading this morning’s news, it’s clear that the President continues to be a lightning rod for political debate, which Christians have often gotten caught up in for many years, and the result has often been division among brothers and sisters. What deepens the divide, seemingly, is the fear of what happens if the “other side” gets its way. Some believe that if “liberals” get their way on issues, the nation, as my mom used to say, will go to hell in a hand basket. While, on the other hand, there is fear “conservatives” will take us back to the Dark Ages. So stark is the future in people’s minds, they lash out and demonize their opposition.
In the midst of such rancor, this proverb I hope can be a healing balm. It is easy to get carried along by the issues of the day, to get lost in the heated battle for right and wrong, to think it is dependent solely on us to shape the future. And, thus, easy to lose perspective (and temper!).
Yet, everything is not dependent on our efforts towards change. There are many agendas, but only one ultimate plan. Regardless of where you are on the political spectrum, you can rest in knowing God’s purpose will prevail. While we can be passionate on issues of the day (gun control, abortion, same-sex marriage, limited government, etc.), there should be comfort in knowing that God is ultimately in control and His will cannot be thwarted, thereby lowering the “temperature” of our arguments.
Today, regardless of how strongly you feel about certain issues, remember God is in control and His purpose will prevail. You can take a breath and calmly face the future.
© Jim Musser 2018
“ For 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.” (Romans 1:20 NIV)
I love looking at and experiencing God’s creation. I have the privilege of living amidst the Appalachian Mountain Range in North Carolina. I have often walked the beaches gazing at the Atlantic Ocean on the other side of the state. I have backpacked in the Rocky Mountains and hiked in the Swiss Alps. And, recently, I spent several days spotting the exotic animals that are synonymous in our minds with Africa
It is mind-boggling to me how creative and awesome His creation is. And that is on the macro level. This morning, I awoke to several inches of light, fluffy snow on the ground and it brought to mind something I recently saw posted on Facebook—a microscopic look at snowflakes. See here for yourself. It is absolutely amazing!
Gazing upon the vast ocean, standing atop a mountain, or looking up at the nighttime sky is to be awestruck at the creative power and beauty of our Lord. But His creative power is not only demonstrated on the macro level, but on the micro one as well. The pictures of individual snowflakes reveal an unmatched creative Mind that effuses with power and beauty. Putting most anything under a microscope will reveal the immense attention to detail our Creator has for His work at the tiniest levels. Again, as I have often written, the words of Paul resonate as we observe and study creation close up and from afar.
I cannot understand how there are those in our world who are convinced this is all happenstance, the result of geological and biological processes over billions of years. It is similar to thinking that Michelangelo’s David is the result of eons of wind and erosion! It is, as Paul notes, clear that creation speaks of the Creator through its intricacy of design and overall beauty.
Today, if you have any doubts about the existence of God, then let creation, in all of its intricacy and beauty, allay those doubts. Whether through a telescope, microscope, or through your own eyes, the evidence is there and it is overwhelming. And if you already firmly believe, then take the time to enjoy what He has created for your enjoyment (I Timothy 6:17).
© Jim Musser 2018
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” (II Timothy 1:6-12 NIV)
I was on campus the other day talking with some students and the subject turned to going overseas. One student said he would like to study abroad, but his mom nixed the idea because she was afraid, as an American, he would be in danger. Another student said the mere mention of a friend going to Mexico caused her grandfather to say, “you won’t be going there.”
Within our culture there is a growing spirit of fear. Children are often not allowed to play outside because of fear they will be kidnapped. Going anywhere overseas is deemed dangerous because of the threat of terrorism. And I heard recently of one college student who was required by her mother to call every night before she went to bed, just so she would know her daughter was safe.
In my position ministering to college students, I have had to deal with parental fears quite often. Many times I have talked with parents who are afraid to let their children go on a mission trip. They want assurance their children will be safe. I tell them I will do my best, but that I cannot guarantee their safety.
This kind of hyper-protectiveness emanates from the spirit of fear, but fear is not from the Lord. Paul tells Timothy the spirit we are given through the Lord is one, not of fear or timidity, but of power. When called by the Lord, we don’t shrink; instead we grow bold! And we can do so because of great confidence that the Lord will guard our lives until the day He calls us home. As Jesus said, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” (Matthew 16:25)
Today, ask the Lord to give you His Spirit to replace that spirit of fear. For He has promised to guard your life and wants you to live it in a way that is bold and courageous.
© Jim Musser 2018
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (I Timothy 6:6-12 NIV)
I had breakfast with a friend this week and part of our conversation revolved around the corruption of governments around the world. It started with my observation of the greed evident in my wife’s home country of South Africa, where we recently visited, where government officials regularly pocket taxpayer money for their own benefit. It moved on to professional sports where athletes typically make more money in one year than most of us make in a lifetime. Of course, the conversation could have gone on for hours discussing our own legislators becoming millionaires after they gain office, company executives making tens of millions each year while those working for them face potential layoffs because their companies are struggling financially, and pastors of mega churches living in mansions.
One does not have to look far to see the wisdom of Paul’s counsel to Timothy regarding money. The world is awash in it and for most, it is a temptation to idolize it, pursue it, worry about it, and covet it. Whether we are rich or poor, or middle class, the focus on money/wealth is inherent to most of us and has always been. We typically worry about not having enough or focus on how we can acquire more. It’s just the way the world is.
This is why Paul’s language is so strong—“flee,” “pursue,” “fight,” and “take hold.” The desire for money is powerful and can have a catastrophic effect on our spiritual lives. We should never underestimate it. Why is it so dangerous, you may ask? The answer, upon which Paul is basing his counsel, can be found in the words of Jesus: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24 NIV)
Like the fictional mad scientist who thinks he can control some source of great power but ends up being controlled by it, so it is with money. Like I saw recently in a social media post, it is easy to think the more money we make, the more good we can do with it. But that pursuit is fraught with danger and we would all be wise to heed the words of Paul and our Lord.
Today, consider your thinking about money. Do you think about it a lot? Do you want much more of it? Do you think the more you have, the more content and happy you will be? If any of these are true for you, be aware of the potential danger you are in, and take the same action Paul commands Timothy to take: Flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” You can’t start soon enough.
© Jim Musser 2018
“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.” (I Timothy 4:7 NIV)
Perhaps it’s merely a coincidence, or maybe there is actually a new trend developing. In just over a week, in conversations with several students talking about their future plans, I heard them say, “fingers crossed” to explain their hope for what they wanted would work out. Each time I responded, “That won’t do any good,” to which I received quizzical looks.
I am sure they thought me picky, and perhaps even judgmental, to make an issue of it. As one said, it’s a common cultural expression, similar to “good luck.” But I try to be mindful of not using that expression, either. But I admit I have sometimes used it because its use is so pervasive. You hear it so often that it becomes a part of your own lexicon.
So I didn’t judge these students, but did want them to think about their choice of expressions. Although crossing fingers seems to have its roots in Christian history, in modern times, it is a superstition that implies this action can help us obtain what we want, and obviously excludes the Lord as the ultimate resource to whom we can go for help.
Again, this may seem picky, but Paul’s instructions to Timothy are clear that we are to avoid any connection with “godless myths and old wives’ tails.” And there is a reason: The prevailing culture, then and now, tends to accept these things as realities, or at the very least, equal in validity to trusting in God. I just recently read there is an uptick in young people who are turning to astrology. Shall we then, in order to be relatable, refer to ourselves as a Taurus or a Libra?
As followers of Jesus, we are to be set apart in the way in which we think and live. We are to be different and it should be obvious to those with whom we interact, but that becomes difficult when we adopt the customs and language of the culture around us in a way that draws attention away or obscures our faith in the Lord. How different it sounds when we replace “fingers crossed” with “I’m praying for the Lord’s will and trusting Him, or “good luck” with “I’ll pray it goes well for you” or merely to say “Blessings.”
There has long been “cultural creep” in the Church, and this is precisely why Paul instructs Timothy in the way he does. It diminishes its impact on the society around it and to be a change agent for godliness and righteousness. If believers become increasingly similar to the unbelievers around them, what is the point?
I admit that “fingers crossed” may seem to be a small thing, but I am reminded the Lord does not cede His Glory to anyone or anything (Isaiah 42:8) regardless of how small or large.
Today, examine in what ways the cultural norms have affected your life. If there are norms that are godless or based in ignorance, then it’s time to rid yourself of them and exchange them with those that are godly. Your purpose is to bring attention to God’s glory, not diminish it.
© Jim Musser 2018
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.” (I Timothy 2:1-6 NIV)
You need to go no further than Facebook and Twitter to see how people feel about President Trump, Congress, liberals, Republicans, Democrats, conservatives, the NRA, etc. Almost all of my “friends” claim to be followers of Jesus, yet there is a great divide among many of them. They often will post articles that back their views, sometimes denigrate those on the other side, and rarely, if ever, admit they might be wrong. And I have yet to see anyone post anything like what Paul says to Timothy about the leaders and politicians of his day.
As a culture, we have become very divided and I fear have become like those Paul warned Timothy about who gather around them only those who will say what their itching ears want to hear. (II Timothy 4:3) And, like them, our hearts may have become hardened towards those with whom we disagree. Yet, Paul says we should pray for ALL people, make petitions and intercede on behalf of ALL people, and give thanks for ALL people. And he says to do so is good and pleases the Lord, because He wants ALL people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.
It is difficult to read this passage and not conclude something is missing from the way most of us relate to those with whom we disagree. First of all, we need to realize the deep love God has for those on the “other side.” It is not just limited to those who have similar views to us, nor does it mean to be saved they will have to switch to our side. As human beings, we must humbly realize we do not have the corner on truth. Secondly, we need to heed the command to go before the Lord on behalf of those with whom we disagree. Jesus said we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. (Matthew 5:44) Thus, it would seem appropriate to spend more time praying for them than debating with them.
This is indeed is to take an unorthodox swim up the cultural stream and anyone doing so will likely take some hits, but following Jesus is often hard and costly. However, the question we must ask ourselves is, whom do we want to please most—our friends who think like we do or the Lord who is our Savior and the Truth?
Today, consider the Lord’s love for ALL people, regardless of their political views. If you want to please Him, then start praying for those with whom you disagree.
© Jim Musser 2018
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.” (Acts 3:19-20 NIV)
Sometimes you just long for some fresh air. Like when you flying at 37,000 feet for 10 hours on a jet. Exiting the plane to inhale the outside air can be so refreshing. Or when you are on a long drive in a car and the inside air grows stale. What a relief to roll the windows down for a few seconds to replenish the air. Or when you exit a locker room or gym full of the odor of sweaty bodies and damp towels. Walking through the door into an open space and taking a deep breath can be invigorating.
I was thinking about this while driving several hours this past weekend, coming home from officiating a wedding. There was an acrid smoke through which we drove and I immediately hit the re-circulation button on our heating unit. Yet, that just kept the smell in the car. My wife then opened the windows for a few seconds and it immediately cleared out the old air with fresh.
Smelly or stale air is unpleasant, but sometimes people tolerate it because they become accustomed to it. While likely appreciating fresh air, their adaptive sense of smell doesn’t give them an urgency to seek it out. I think the same is true with faith.
Peter was speaking to very religious people who were very accustomed to their religion. Although it was stale and not life-giving, they were used to it and okay with it. Day after day, they lived in this stale atmosphere without much thought about it. Then Jesus came on the scene bringing with Him the freshest of air. “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) Yet, most were reluctant to step outside of their religion to drink it in.
The same is true today. So many are enclosed in their religion, sealed tight. It is stale. Fresh air is available, but it requires opening the door and breathing it in. The door is Jesus and walking through it is repentance from sin and surrendering our lives to the Lord. Taking the deep breaths of the fresh air is, as I wrote yesterday, to be transformed by Him who gives true life, and being refreshed and invigorated by His Holy Spirit.
Today, think honestly about your faith. Is it truly alive? Are you refreshed and invigorated by it? Or is it old and stale, sapping you of energy and enthusiasm? If you conclude it is the latter, then know times of refreshing are close by. By opening your life (once again) to Jesus and repenting of your sins, whatever they may be, you can truly experience a life-filled faith that is truly invigorating. You just need to step out and breathe it in.
© Jim Musser 2018
