God's Higher Love

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.”
– Isaiah 55:8-9

Have you ever felt out of your league? Have you been around someone who was so much smarter, so much wealthier, or so much more powerful than you were that you felt intimidated and uncomfortable? Doesn’t it seem that this is how this passage portrays God? It doesn’t matter how wise we are, or think we are – God is wiser beyond comprehension. It doesn’t matter how powerful we are – God is more powerful still. Everywhere we look, and in all things, God is greater than us.

Do you feel intimidated by God? Do you feel like He is watching you at all times, just waiting for you to make a mistake? Do you feel like He just simply refuses to be pleased with how you live your life, no matter how hard you try to please Him? Perhaps God, to you, is like an overly strict father from whose gaze you cannot wait to hide yourself because you know that He is just waiting to see something wrong and punish you to the fullest extent of His power. If that is the case, then perhaps you have read these verses, or ones like them, without reading the verses surrounding them.

Verses 6-7 say this: “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”

Notice the things that God is trying to emphasize to His people in this passage. Nearness. Reconciliation. Compassion. Pardon. This is not a passage describing God as a distant God – one so remote that He cannot relate to us. Rather, we see God describing Himself as a God who, despite His awesomeness, and yes, distance from a sinful human race, desires very much to be near to men and women who He sees in sin.

So how are we to read and understand verses 8-9, and all of that talk about God’s thoughts and ways being so much higher and better than ours? We are to interpret them in terms of God’s capacity to love, forgive, and show grace to us. One of the main reasons many people view God like a strict, even abusive, parent is that they anticipate that His reaction to their mistakes will be the same as a typical human-being. Lawsuits, vengeance, justice, grudges, and hatred are just a few of many typical ways in which people quickly respond to one another after being wronged. Rarely does a person severely injured in a car accident or in surgery stop to think that an honest mistake might have been the cause. Almost never does the typical person actually completely forgive one who intentionally wronged them, and let them get away “scot-free.” It is not natural to us to instantaneously think in terms of forgiveness and mercy; rather, we more often tend to think in terms of making sure no wrong against us goes unpunished.

But God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. He looked at the race of people He created, and saw our disgusting sins, inexcusable atrocities, and all-out assault on goodness and desired to “abundantly pardon” every miserable one of us. In exchange for that pardon He might have asked more than we could give – He certainly had the right to. If the just penalty for mistreating men is sometimes 25+ years of a person’s life, or at times even the person’s life itself, how much greater is our debt to God after wronging Him so badly? And yet, after offending Him so much, He requires so relatively little. He simply says, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord.” God only asks that we change ourselves completely from how we were living in sin, and seek and serve Him. It requires our total dedication, but that is so much less than He could have asked us to pay! We can celebrate with the psalmist David when he said, “He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities” (Psalm 103:10).

Just because God is so willing to pardon us does not mean that we can take His offer lightly and just assume that He will pardon us without us having to make an effort to change our lives. Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek the Lord while He may be found.” There comes a point after which one may wish to seek Him, and He will not be found by that person. God’s offer will not last forever. Hebrews 9:27 says, “…it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.” (See also Luke 16:19-31 and 2 Corinthians 5:10) Let us make sure we take advantage of the grace God has given to us while we still have the time.

--Joel Holt

FaceBook and Christians

My son laughed at the idea that his mom and dad were on FaceBook. Why, I'm not sure. It isn't like we're backwards from a technology standpoint. I actually feel fairly certain that I'm above average when it comes to the use of technology, both in business and in my personal life.

FaceBook has been an interesting experience. I've enjoyed the way I'm being connected to old friends long forgotten. I have been able to catch up with people last seen over 30 years ago. That has proved fun though it also points out just how many years have gone by. Most of them have raised their children and are even grandparents. I still remember them as they were at 19 and 20 years old.

FaceBook has also been revealing in some other ways. Mostly, this occurs in the status comments where people post how they feel or tell about what they are doing. Some are fun to read. Some are encouraging. Some are innocent. But others are troubling.

Whining. Some Christians, who are supposed to be full of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24) such as love, joy, and peace, post Facebook status messages complaining about life and its troubles. Some seem to never be able to post positive things. "John is having a bad day." "Karen's friends don't want to spend any time with her." Some complain out loud about nearly everything. Where is the joy of being a Christian? When did we lose the concept of thinking on good things? (Philippians 4:8) These complainers will likely not join us in heaven because they likely blame God for their troubles - not on Facebook mind you, but in their inner hearts.

Disappointing. It has always been discouraging to me to hear about Christians who involve themselves in activities that are questionable, if not sinful, for Christians to be involved in. For example, several have posted on Facebook about movies they've seen, talking about how good the movie was, yet it is rated R. Simply from the previews it is obvious Christians have no business seeing the movie. Others will post a status and use language that is inappropriate for Christians to utter or write. Others post pictures of themselves immodestly dressed so not only am I discouraged by knowing they dress immodestly, I see them dressed immodestly.

Poor Selection Of Friends. Paul warns us about the company we keep. In 1 Corinthians 15:33 he said, "Do not be deceived; Evil company corrupts good habits." Looking at the Facebook pages of some Christians I know, it is obvious that they use poor judgement in their selection of friends. The comments their friends make on their page include inappropriate slang, outright cursing, references to drinking and drugs, etc. Paul indicated that we cannot go out of the world in our effort to avoid sin but he also tells us we must select our company carefully, lest we be corrupted by them. It is obvious that some Christians may have been "deceived" and need to rethink who their Facebook "friends" are and delete them...from Facebook and from their personal lives!

Time Wasting. Sometimes we talk about how hard it is to take the gospel to others. We comment about how our area is a "hard area" and "people are just not interested in hearing the gospel." Sometimes we talk about "how busy we are." It is apparent that many Christians on Facebook are consumed with Facebook and have no time for finding those to study with because they are spending far too much time on Facebook. They have multiple farms, they send hugs, kisses, and presents of all types to all their friends, they take quiz after quiz and score higher and higher on several Facebook games. Christians are to be "redeeming the time" in reference to those outside the body of Christ. (Colossians 4:5) Could Satan be using Facebook to make you an ineffective Christian while you sit for hours at your computer involved in all Facebook has to offer?

No doubt there are good things about Facebook. But for all its good, it must be kept in perspective. It has revealed some things to me that I wish I didn't know about some Christians. I hope they'll repent. The world has a very strong grip on too many Christians these days and I am afraid they have been overcome while feeling they are "okay" with the Lord. The Bible warns again and again, "Be not deceived."

July 27, 2009 Followup: A blog reader suggested this audio link. I think it is worthwhile.

Torchlights To The Cherokees

One place that is near and dear to my heart is called Audubon Acres, located in Chattanooga, TN at the end of Gunbarrel Road in East Brainerd. Many of you may think that I like this sanctuary because of my bird watching hobby. Actually, this place is special for another reason -- its history.

Audubon Acres is the old home place of a man named Robert Sparks Walker. He was born and raised in the log cabin that still stands on the property. His family moved into this cabin after purchasing the land it sat on. The cabin was abandoned by the Cherokee Indians when they were removed from Tennessee during what is now known as the Trail of Tears. Recently I was on the property and stepped into the visitors center. Their bookstore had a book by written by Mr. Walker called Torchlights to the Cherokees. The book chronicles the history of the Brainerd Mission, whose purpose it was to teach the Cherokees Christianity.

As a side note for you Chattanooga area readers, the areas known as Brainerd and East Brainerd take their names from this mission. There is a cemetery located to the right of Eastgate toward the creek, the only portion of the Mission site that is left.

Chapter two records some interesting information that I felt was applicable to our day. Mr. Walker discusses the founding of the Chickamauga Mission (later renamed Brainerd to avoid confusion with the town of Chickamauga) and its purpose to bring Christianity to the natives. Until the mission had been formed there was very little opportunity to influence the Cherokees with the gospel. The following paragraph from the book explains why.

"The natural criterion by which one judges the efficacy of any religion is its visible effects on the character and behavior of its adherents. Many of the Indian's most brutal, selfish and thievish white neighbors claimed to be Christians. It was natural that the Cherokees should judge the value of this new religion by the character of the people who were steadily encroaching upon their property and many of whom had introduced whiskey into their tribes. To them, Christianity was something that they might do well to avoid."

Then he tells of an Indian Chief who would not permit any literature to be distributed among his tribe until he had first read it and approved of it. Mr. Walker continues, "After listening earnestly to a portion of St. Matthew, the old chief dryly, but seriously remarked, "Well, it seems to be a good book, but it is strange that the white people are not better for having had it so long!"

What about our day? What sort of influence do we have on the world due to the influence the Word has on us? How do people view the religion of Christ based upon what they see in my life? Has God's word had a profound impact on me so that my character speaks positively about God and His word?

Fewer and fewer Christians look different from the world. We dress like the world, talk like the world, and there are even those among us who compromise with the world and even attempt to justify the behavior of the world.

For example, women professing to be Christians wear clothing that reveals their cleavage and showing from under their narrow tops are their bra straps. I hear Christians talking about seeing movies that are rated R. The language and certain scenes in those movies are not content that Christians should either see or approve of. Some young men get up and lead in worship yet in their seats it appears they would rather be anywhere than at worship. The language of Christians is getting worse and worse with more use of euphemisms, speech not becoming a child of God, and even text message abbreviations that take the Lord's name in vain.

In His sermon on the mountain Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:13-16).

Just as the Cherokees were not influenced by the Christians among them who did not exhibit the character of Christ, so we cannot influence our generation if we are flavorless salt or if we hide our light in shame, afraid to be recognized as different. Christians who conform to the world and cannot be distinguished from it bring no glory to God.

We need to take a long look at our lives and be certain that we are truly what Jesus wants us to be. It is highly unlikely that we will be what Jesus wants us to be and still be like the people of this world. It will probably be the case that "they think it strange that" you are different and start "speaking evil of you." (1 Peter 4:4). Examine your clothes, your language, what you watch on TV or movies, your interest in the worship of the Lord, your work habits, your attitude, your charity toward others, your willingness to take the gospel to others, how much you think about heaven, your study habits in regard to the word, etc.

Let's make it our aim that if our history is written 100 years from now that it will not be said of us that we failed to influence our peers because our religion had no "visible effects on [our] character and behavior" as Mr. Walker wrote.

'Foul' Speech

From the way the woman was yelling, one might have guessed that the man being yelled at had just insulted her child. The woman accused the man of being ignorant, blind, a poor excuse for a human being, and a myriad of other accusations too numerous to list. The tirade continued, off and on, for about an hour, and when the man would not apologize for what had happened, the woman stormed out of the building muttering her disgust. What had the man done to deserve such treatment? Well, among other things, he had failed to call a few fouls, he had called a few fouls that “should not have been called,” and had “been the reason the [insert sports team here] had lost the basketball game.” Who was the woman? Unfortunately, she was a Christian whose child was on the losing team.

It is alarming how that in some Christian’s minds sporting events have become acceptable venues for all kinds of ungodly behavior. Is it true that we are to “put away anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from our mouth” in every area of our life except in the sporting arena (Col. 3:8)? Does taking our seat in the bleachers relieve us of our responsibility to, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification…so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Eph. 4:29)? Surely we are to maintain our “tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” even when we attend sporting events (1 Tim. 2:2).

Not only do some Christians forget their godly behavior when they attend the games, they also excuse themselves from righteousness whenever the topic of sports comes up. How can two Christians be “diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” when they refuse to speak to each other for a week (or longer) after the annual in-state rivalry football game (Eph. 4:3)? If two Christians cannot sit together and discuss something as eternally irrelevant as a sports rivalry without becoming irritated or angry at each other, have they really learned what it means to be “slow to anger” (James 1:19)? Are they not allowing a mere game to divide two people who should be one in the Lord (John 17:21)?

We can hear the objections now. “Sports officials aren’t bothered by the comments of the fans – they expect to hear those things.” Obviously officials do expect to hear insults during games, but does the fact that one is prepared to hear insulting speech make it acceptable for a Christian to use it? “I may look worked up, but I know deep down it’s just a game.” Christians need to know the difference between enthusiasm and a lack of self-control. It is one thing to cheer loudly, and even to express disapproval of a call in a respectful way, but it is something completely different for Christians to say degrading things and leave the impression to all standing around that they cannot control their tempers. “I was just kidding; don’t think I really meant what I said or did.” It is one thing to give a good-natured ribbing to a rival fan, and it is another to push them to the point of anger. It is one thing for Christians to fake disgust when someone teases them about their team; it is another to allow something so trivial to actually arouse their anger or even to destroy their relationships with others.

A teenager yelling from the bleachers at the high school basketball game had no idea how embarrassed he was about to be. After very angrily yelling some insults at the referee, and making his disgust known to everyone around him, he looked two rows behind him, and to his horror, saw a fellow Christian listening to every word he said. (That man would go on to become an elder in a few years later.) Seeing the man sobered the young man’s attitude quickly, and he spent the rest of the game cheering on his team in a much more civil manner. You see, the reason we have come down so hard on Christians behaving this way is because the author of this article knows first hand how easy it is to forget godliness when it comes to sports – I was that embarrassed teenager. Christian living requires that we make no exceptions when it comes to godly behavior. We cannot be a Christian “most of the time.” It is a full time job, even at sporting events, to “Be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Mt. 5:48)

Wild Game Expo & Woof 'n' Worship

During my 50 years on this earth I have seen a lot of change in churches. As our society has become more wealthy and more focused on fun, churches have also grown in resources and have changed their focus to providing fun.

When I was in high school a local denomination put on a presentation for the student body. It was an abbreviated presentation of the "Magic with a Message" event going on at the church. A preacher did some magic tricks that served as a teaser to come and see the full show at the church. Of course, the magic came with a message about Jesus. All that the kids at school talked about afterward was the magic, not the message.

These days churches have gone into the counseling business, and the day care and education business. Many churches are now offering financial planning and most have physical fitness centers that rival the local YMCA where you can exercise to your favorite gospel music.

As churches have innovated and expanded their "services" they have always tried to slip some gospel into those services. That is, until now.

Watching TV the other night I saw an ad being run by the Oakwood Baptist church near Chattanooga, Tn. The ad promoted their upcoming Wild Game Expo. I was very surprised when the ad ended and not one reference was made to any sort of worship, praising the Lord, a time for teaching about Christ, etc. Not only that, to attend the evening event the church is charging $10 for tickets. So I went to their website. I figured they would surely have an agenda of their events that would include some spiritual activities. Here is the content of their site:

Woods-N-Water Wild Game Expo will take place Saturday, May 30, 2009, on the Chickamauga Campus. We are pleased to have Hank Parker as a special guest speaker. Chris McDaniel will provide musical entertainment.There will be a Wild Game Cook-off Competition during the day's events. Samples will be given until they run out. Entries will be judged by an "Oakwood Celebrity" panel. Trophies and bragging rights will be awarded. Contact Michael Swanson for details on competing at 706-375-7236.

Join us beginning at 3 pm for a day of FREE events

Archery Exhibition by Frank Addington, Jr.
Classic/Hot Rod Car Show
Motorcycle Show
Virtual Fishing & Archery by Georiga DNR
Displays by Outdoor Equipment & Supply Vendors
Wild Game Cook-Off Competition
Evening Events (Ticket required)
BBQ Dinner
Special Guest Speaker: Hank Parker
Music provided by Chris McDaniel
Door Prizes

Advance Tickets Now On Sale! Tickets for evening events: $10

There it is. No mention of anything spiritual. Apparently you can go and they won't even try to slip in a message about Jesus. Atheist's should feel comfortable going to this one. In fact, they can attend and perhaps walk away with one of the door prizes! And maybe it won't be a Bible.

I would say that I'm amazed but I am not. This is the natural course of events for churches whose emphasis has become fun and games and pleasing the masses. This falls under the "Recreation Ministry" of the Oakwood Baptist church (wasn't Timothy in the Bible a recreation minister? - I jest).

One of the popular "church growth" teachers today advocates that churches take a survey of the community to learn what they want and then provide it. Perhaps that is what the Oakwood church has done.

Now checkout this link. A church in Weymouth, Massachusetts now offers a Sunday evening service they call Woof 'n' Worship. Since the Scriptures speak of all creatures praising God, the Rev. Rachel Bickford decided to have her church members bring their dogs for worship. She said, "I thought this would be a wonderful opportunity for everyone to get together." She even blesses the dogs that are sick.

By just reading the article you get an idea of who is being pleased by these actions. "I love it. My life revolves around making my dogs happy" one member said. Continuing she said, "It makes me happy and it makes them better socialized and better dogs." Ms. Bickford stated "people were excited to be able to take their dogs to church." Like most politically correct organizations today, the church is an inclusive church. Bickford said she was glad the church was able to include all breeds.

In Acts 20:28, Paul refers to the church as "the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." Do you think Jesus shed His blood so that a church can put on a Wild Game Expo or help dogs be better socialized animals through Wolf 'n' Worship? Such activities border on blasphemy, if they aren't!

During the period of the judges the nation of Israel would cycle through periods of faithfulness to the Lord and unfaithfulness. Those cycles were pretty much timed with their poverty (reliance upon God) and their wealth (their periods unfaithfulness). Twice in the book of Judges we read this statement, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." (Judges 17:6; 21:25). That statement characterises several events throughout Bible history. The fact that such a statement is recorded in Scripture is evidence that doing things "our own way" is not acceptable before God.

I'm sure that the Oakwood church and the church in Weymouth, Ma believes they are doing what is right. The problem is, they are doing what is right in their own eyes. Our attitude should be like Jesus' regarding what He could and could not do. "For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak." (John 12:49). And, "I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me." (John 5:30). You see, unless God has instructed us to do a given thing, then that thing is not authorized and we had better not do it. He told us to "preach the gospel to every creature" and we see how his disciples did that. Not with Wild Game Expos or Woof 'n' Worship services which as designed to appeal to the desires of those participating, but through diligent teaching of His word. No gimmicks, no fleshly appeal - and no charge!

You might want to refer to another post of mine called Noah Was A Failure. You can also click on the tag below called "authority" for more posts related to doing things in God's ways. I would also appreciate your comments. May we all examine our efforts before the Lord and be certain that we are not guilty of doing what is right in our own sight.

Public Opinion and a Christian's Work

A recent Gallup poll indicated that for the first time in 15 years a majority of Americans, 51%, considered themselves pro-life. Fearing an anomaly, Gallup conducted two additional polls and came up with the same results. Also, two corresponding FOX News polls revealed that 49% of Americans considered themselves pro-life, while 43% considered themselves pro-choice. So, the facts are in for this year – more Americans object to abortion than are for it.

From a Christian’s perspective that’s good, so far as it goes. It turns out that last year the same Gallup poll revealed that 50% of Americans considered themselves pro-choice, while 44% considered themselves to be pro-life.

I would like to think that the change is due to the fact that large numbers of people have looked into the issue and have come to the conclusion that life begins at conception, and that abortion is murder. Even better would be if large numbers of people began caring what God’s word teaches about abortion. Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” God obviously felt that Jeremiah was “somebody” before he reached the third trimester. (see also Isaiah 49:1) John the Baptist is called a “baby” in Luke 1:44 prior to his birth while Jesus is called the same thing after He was born, Luke 2:16. Obviously, then, the Bible teaches that a fetus, though undeveloped and unborn, is a child – a person. So, to kill an unborn fetus is to kill a person according to the Scriptures, and therefore it is murder (Romans 1:28-32).

But while it would be wonderful to think that those might be the reasons the majority opinion has shifted on this issue, my gut tells me otherwise. Crowds are easily swayed, and often the majority opinion is determined by how big a push certain propaganda (good or bad) gets. When public opinion on an issue like this changes so drastically in just a year, it smacks of people who make up their minds about moral issues the way divas choose clothes – whatever is in style that season is what gets picked.

This fickleness is not new. Some of the same people who worshiped Jesus as he entered Jerusalem to die (Matthew 21:1-11) mocked Him and demanded His execution a week later (Matthew 27:20-25). The difference? They were stirred up by different people, and got caught up in the moment both times. Exodus 23:2 says, “You shall not follow the masses in doing evil.” Doing wrong because it is the majority opinion does not justify the wrong, but in a similar way, rejoicing because the right choice has been picked by a majority does not necessarily mean that righteousness on an issue is prevailing. Truth is sometimes “in season” and sometimes “out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). Fortunately, on this issue, it may be somewhat more “in season” than it has been in the past, but that doesn’t mean it won’t change for the worse in another year’s time.

The main point Christians need to see in this is that we don’t need to take relief in the fact that the majority is now on “our side.” The majority of people were on “Jesus side” too, early in His ministry,” and He lamented that they were like “sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Just because people are following the right way on an issue does not mean they always fully understand why they have made that choice. Our job is to educate them about the true reason to believe killing unborn babies is wrong – because God’s word says it is – and then to bring them knowledge of the rest of God’s truths. As Paul told Timothy (2 Timothy 4:2), we are to continue preaching the word when it is “in season” – not take the opportunity to rest because most people are accepting it (or accepting parts of it).

God’s success does not depend on entire nations believing or disbelieving His word – it depends on individuals believing and doing what is right, sometimes in spite of the nation they live in. We need to fight the good fight now more than ever, and if it is the case that public opinion has partially torn down a barrier to some people accepting the truth, then we need to take full advantage by bringing them the rest of the saving plan of God.

--Joel Holt