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Category Archives: Opinions

Should you fear the Reaper?

This is going to end up being a cautionary tale, so please read to the end.

I grew some Carolina Reapers this year. Hottest peppers on the planet, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

I used to wonder why anyone would want to grow them, because at 1,641,000 on the Scoville

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Blessed are the peacemakers

In the Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew 5, we read, “How blessed are those of a gentle spirit…those who show mercy…those whose hearts are pure…[and] how blessed are the peacemakers.”

Gentleness, mercy and purity of heart — how are these beautiful qualities related to peace? By linking these qualities together, Christ is laying the spiritual foundation of moral being and action, and giving us the vison of how to create peace. Through the power of His sovereignty and

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Courier Letter’s to the Editor

Taking on the fentanyl crisis in US

Dear Editor,

On Aug. 31, my family and I attended a prayer vigil at the Pickens County Courthouse steps to commemorate those who have died from an overdose of the drug fentanyl. There were about 100 people in attendance. Most of the attendees have lost someone to an overdose of fentanyl. One of the speakers was a narcotics officer who said that about 200 people in America die from fentanyl overdose every day. My

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Yes, we are special — but so are they

I came across an old fellow the other day who’s apparently been living in the woods behind our house for decades, and I had no idea he was there.

He moved very slowly and quietly, minding his own business, staying out of everybody’s way.

Until this particular day.

There he was, on the side of the road, looking befuddled.

He was a turtle.

I mean, a great big whopping turtle. He must have been at least 50 pounds,

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Leapin’ lizards and dagnabbit!

During the Revolutionary War, Gen. George Washington issued a general order to his troops on Aug. 3, 1776, regarding the wicked practice of profane cursing and asked his officers to endeavor to stop it because “we can have little hopes of the blessing of Heaven on our Arms, if we insult it by our impiety and folly.”

The popular expletive of the 17th and 18th century was “bloody.” It was definitely a word that

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One chance to make it right

The other day I was speaking with a person I’ve known most of my life, and he asked me if I could go back in time and live my life again, what would change. You would think this would be a question from someone who has maybe suffered and now contemplates how much better life would have been if different decisions had been made.

However, this person has been very blessed with a nice family, decent health, and more wealth than they will ever be able to spend. It’s true that many people are just never satisfied, and often

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even a great life is not really appreciated. Instead of thanking God for all the good things we have, some will spend their lives daydreaming about a life that could have been. The truth is they would still not be satisfied. Jesus is the only person in heaven and earth that can give true peace and contentment whatever the situation.

With fantasizing about this, I’ve heard others say the only way they would possibly even consider going back is if they could know what they know now. Good point, as I realize that going back for a do-over without this knowledge would risk making even more mistakes and being worse off than the first time. Even as a young man making foolish choices, I still believe that God was with me and was trying to guide me into the life that He wanted me to live. But what makes us think a second chance would be the charm? We learn and develop from our failures. Often, we do not recognize God’s presence at the moment, but hopefully, we can look back and see that He not only wants to save us spiritually, but also physically, mentally, and emotionally. Blessings we enjoy today are a direct result of Him intervening, inspiring, and warning us in times of difficulties.

Most humans who visualize a second chance are only thinking about what would make them more happy, instead of how they could cause God to be more pleased with them. I rarely hear individuals say that going back in time would allow them to help others, do more good deeds, or tell more people about Jesus. It’s usually about regretting decisions they wish they could change. These folks might laugh and joke around about this, but for some, their personal agony is very real. Why are they secretly haunted?

Instead of listening to their creator who wants to speak His truth and heal their pain, they are listening to the voice of the great deceiver, the enemy of our souls, and often called the accuser of the brethren. It is a dark demonic influence that speaks lies and negative information with the intent to make us feel rejected, envious, and depressed. This is why its imperative to realize that God never condemns, mocks, or laughs at our misery. He is always there to forgive, comfort, and encourage us to keep our eyes on His endless love and grace.

When Satan through the serpent communicated with Eve, the temptation to embrace evil was introduced and it has been a continuous flow of twisted and distorted information since that time. This malicious lying presence never stops suggesting and roams the earth seeking someone who will listen. The devil cannot actually make anyone do anything but is considered extremely clever when it comes to verbal persuasion. Why else would a person who has every material blessing and pleasure you can think of cry themselves to sleep at night? Instead of being grateful to God for His mercy and praising Him for all the miracles they have received, they choose to dwell on what life would be like if they could go back and choose again.

King Solomon was at one time the wealthiest man in the world and was also the most miserable. He said he realized that earthly possessions and pleasures did not bring spiritual joy. In fact, he said the natural world was vanity. What did he mean?

The earth is a temporal realm that passes away and can give us good things for a short while, however, beware of carnality as the lust of the flesh and love for possessions take us further away from God. Galatians 5:26 says, “Let us not desire to be prideful, provoking one another, envying one another.” Next week, we will continue this conversation. Take a peek at Philippians 4:4-8 when you have a minute.

 

 

William F. Holland Jr. is a minister, chaplain, psalmist and author. As a freelance faith writer, his books and newspaper and magazine articles are enjoyed around the world. Dr. Holland’s weekly column, “Living On Purpose” is focused on bringing spiritual hope and encouragement through God’s Word. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com.

 

Courier Letters to the Editor

Saying no to reckless spending

Dear Editor,

A short distance off S.C. Highway 11, Pickens County just completed painting a fresh, bold, double yellow line down the middle of a one-mile stretch of dead-end road, servicing 20 homes in our small wooded neighborhood. According to the county, this was done in the name of “safety.”

Common sense begs the question — what is the real reason for striping our road? The lion’s share of this narrow road has a 15 mph speed

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Writing the next big hit

I’m working on a new song, y’all, and I’m sure it’s gonna be a big hit!

It’s called “Dang Crooks South of Baltimore.”

Yep. I’m gonna sang about ever grievance anybody in America ever had and blame it all on them dang crooks in Washington.

And I’m gonna work it so that no matter which side of the fence you’re on, you’ll think I’m

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Jesus loves the little children

Last week we talked about how desperately we need to reach all children for Christ, and I still have much to say on the matter.

God loves the little children and always made it a point to spend quality with them. Why? Because He knew that when a child learns about God and the eternal truth is planted deep within their hearts, it will always be there. One of the passages about that promise is found in

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Courier Letters to the Editor 9-6-23

The effects of alcohol

Dear Editor,

Serving of alcohol has changed immensely. It used to be that the places that served alcohol were known as beer joints, on the outskirts of town, hidden away. Now every restaurant from one side of town to the other is serving alcohol. Every grocery store, handy mart and gas station sells alcohol, making it easy to purchase.

The alarming use of alcohol has cost the U.S. $249 billion per year. Alcohol can make you a fool, destroying homes, marriage and the family

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