God, help us.

As I sit here reflecting on this past week, I shudder. I shudder because as a Christian, I have given my life to reflect the love of Jesus. There are days when this is a huge challenge. There are other days where it is a joy. I also shudder because I fear there are some Christians who will be hostile to the very people they wish to see turn their lives over to Jesus. God's love MUST be shown.

Charleston, SC

First, how would Jesus treat Dylann Roof? He took a gun and sat in a Bible Study and then shot and killed nine people. I, just me, I think Jesus would look at Dylann and offer him forgiveness. He would allow Dylann an opportunity to ask for it and Jesus would then give it to him. What Dylann did is a sin. He killed people. For no reason other than they were the "wrong color," he killed them. Jesus would give him the opportunity to get things right. Does this mean there are no consequences to his action? Certainly not. There are ALWAYS consequences to our actions. We serve a just God, but also one who forgives.

How would Jesus treat the homosexual? He would love him. He would offer forgiveness. Why? First, because He cares about every individual. Second, because sin is sin. According to the Bible, homosexual behavior is a sin. No, I do not want to debate this issue. You will not change my mind, nor will I change yours. I did not write this to start a fire. Both Christians and non Christians must realize that we are not always going to agree on everything.

The "Supreme Court"

No, I am not one of those unfeeling, non-caring Christians who has never had a friend who is homosexual. Nor am I one who has never known or spoken with a homosexual. In fact, the ones I have known and know, know themselves better than a lot of heterosexuals. I am one who seeks to love people, follow God's word and point people to Him.

I am also not one of those who uses God's word against others. The way I see it, if the person does not adhere or care about the Word of God, they are not going to be won over by it. They need to see God's love in action. They want to see the Love we say we have shared with them. THAT is what makes a difference.

Now some would say I am "judging" people by saying this. Others would say I am a hater. Disagreement is not hate. I sometimes disagree with my wife on issues, but that does not mean I hate her. My goodness, to take disagreement and elevate it to hate is a huge leap for me, but evidently not for others. The ability to respectfully disagree with another human being, and not hate them, is what I call, "living on higher ground." God wants us living on "higher ground."

"Preacher, what about the Confederate flag?" Hmmmm. That is best saved for a post of its own. I do need to point out that getting rid of anything that reminds us of the civil war is not going to change the fact that it happened. I think it is best to have reminders of the pain lest we repeat the same mistakes later.

The big question for every Christian, and it should be asked every day, is "How do I reflect the love of Jesus today?" What we do with Jesus makes a difference in our lives, in our community and in our world. If one has truly given their lives to God, then they have said to Him, "Rule over me. Guide me." In doing this, we put ourselves in subjection to Him. THAT is where we need to live. May God help us to be who He wants us to be. May we listen to Him.

It's amazing what happens when Christians choose to love.

I read this story and was so pleased. THIS is what we, as Christians are to be like. THIS is what it means to look past what we see with our eyes and see a person's heart in need of the love of Christ. THIS is it. Read this story. I think it will amaze you. God is a big God and we can share His love if we'll simply look past what we see with our eyes and look at the need of a person's heart. There are many broken hearts in need of His love. Some even live in Franklin Parish.

Theatre...

I love the theatre. The Princess Theatre, The Strauss or even A. A. Fredericks Auditorium at NSU all bring a bit of happiness into my heart. Recently I was asked to be on the board of The Princess Theatre here in Winnsboro. What an opportunity. What a privilege.

Tonight I attended the Christmas Event at the Princess and was pleased and surprised at what I heard. We have got some talent in this here town! Thanks to all who made it such a great evening!

Let me encourage you to be a part of what's happening at the Princess!

Satan, I mean Santa.

Ha ha. I love the parents who force their child to sit on Santa's lap. It makes for great photos to laugh at. I do wonder about how harmed, mentally, the children are. I will never MAKE my child sit on Santa's lap. Look at each face in this picture. Each face tells a story.

"Merry Christmas...or not"

As I listen to the media and receive updates from the American Family Association I am saddened. First, I'm saddened by the fact that some stores and people elect to say, "Season's Greetings" instead of "Merry Christmas." I think it's odd to change what has been shared for years into some generic greeting. "Happy Holidays" is not much better. Why don't we say that on Valentine's Day?

Second, I feel that those who are making a huge deal about saying, "Merry Christmas" are missing the point of Christmas. This entire issue has been described as "The War on Christmas." When was Christmas supposed to be about war? When did it become a fight over what people say to each other? I prefer and will continue to say, "Merry Christmas," but I'm not going to push other people to say it if they don't believe or see things differently.

I'd rather make a difference on my own, in my own way. I'd rather say, "Merry Christmas" to those I come in contact with and go on with my life. The message of the birth of Christ is more than two simple words. It's a lifestyle. If we push two words on others which we feel they must say at Christmas we're missing the point. Sharing the gospel is telling others about Jesus, not telling others what they should and shouldn't say to each other. Does that make sense? I don't want to dread celebrating the birth of Christ each year because I'm worried about Wal-Mart or Target screaming "Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings" on huge banners at their stores. Am I nuts or what?

Teachers and holidays

Christmas time is here. I wish that were true for all the teachers. They need a break. Pray for them to hang in there. If you are a parent, please support your kids teachers. Please treat them as you would want to be treated.

What a blessing!

It was truly a blessing to be with Presbyterians, Methodists, Nazarenes and other Baptists as we said, "Thank You" to God for all He's done for us. We had a great service at First Church tonight. Glad to be a part of such a community of faith. What a blessing it is.