God is a God of the living. I do a lot of mentoring to parents with children in the LGBT world. I use my vast reserve of knowledge in and around the LGBT world to share truth with them. Through God’s leading I have given Christian parents permission to love their children. I have also helped them begin to understand the many trials and struggles their LGBT child goes through. While I teach and believe a biblical ethic when it comes to human sexuality and God’s design for marriage, I make a huge effort to love the gay community well. I show them as much love, understanding and compassion as I show the rest of the broken and sinful people in my life. To God, sin is sin. Sin separates us from the Father heart of God. I went to bed last evening thinking of the many people that have died in the past two years. Two questions remained:

“Did they know Jesus Christ as their savior?”

“Do I care enough to share the truth with the living?”

One such mom with a daughter who is dabbling in the gay world texted this morning and asked if it was okay to meet up with her daughter and her current partner. She asked if that would signal approval or send a mixed message. I encouraged a meet up. The world is pouring so much garbage into our kids. We have to take opportunities to pour life into them as well. Jesus sat with sinners and loved them, yet did not practice their sin. We need to follow that example and Live THE TRUTH out loud in a loving way. Parents, make those lunch or coffee plans. Leave your judgment at the house and pack a whole lot of grace and compassion for the journey. When you meet with the lost, remember the place and state of mind that God found you in. Let the weight of that recollection transform you into a rescuing angel, not a condemning religious zealot.

Psalm 23 is often a chapter often wasted on a “body” at funerals. It was written for those still in the land of the living. Here is my take on the verse. I have added some sentiments in the ( ), but not touched the scripture. Those are my thoughts just to lead, guide and encourage. Feel free to have your own. Know that God is trekking with you. And Jesus desires relationship with you. Always has. Always will; even if you pass from this life not knowing Him.

Psalm 23 
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (God’s Provision)
He makes me to lie down in]green pastures; (God’s Rest)
He leads me beside the still waters. (God’s Peace and Presence)
He restores my soul; (God’s Restoration)

He leads me in the paths of righteousness (God’s direction and correction)

For His name’s sake. (God’s legacy and power)
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; (God’s Reigning Protection)
For You are with me; (God’s Presence)

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (God’s protection)
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; (God’s power over evil ministry leading for us.)

You anoint my head with oil; (God’s love and preparation)

My cup runs over. (God’s overwhelming grace and mercy)
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; (God’s truth)

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord. Forever. (God’s redemption and promise)

1 John 4:4 4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Do not let fear keep you from being a missionary to those in peril. Each one of you has the capacity to bear love and truth simultaneously. Step out. Follow God’s path.