Killing for Kicks

Killing for ‘Kicks’

            The recent travesty in Duncan, Oklahoma, where 3 teens killed a jogger for “kicks” has stirred great controversy. Many are appalled at such a blatant act, especially when knowing that the apparent motive was “boredom.” How could that possibly be? Who would do such a thing? For what valid reason would these young men concoct such a senseless murder?

            The media pundants seem to be clueless. The ageless argument of the lack of “gun control” heads the list of liberal reasoning, even though stiff gun laws are well in place. What gun has ever killed anyone apart from a human hand and heart? It’s people that need “self-control,” not the weapons. Then the race card is being played again, which certainly could be a factor from one of the teen’s cell phone records. But the victim being white will keep the “race mongers” like Al Sharpton from making a scene.

            Others are more accurately blaming the effect of video games, which are laced with violence and killing. Then there’s the factor of broken homes, lack of parental guidance and values. These are valid concerns, which explain the absence of discipline and standard of right and wrong. The “law” must be laid down at home first, if it’s to be obeyed in society. And still that’s no guarantee that teens will not break it. But this prevalent attitude of “free expression” has been “killing” us! The chickens are coming home to roost---big time. And this is only the tip of the iceberg.

            Since throwing out the Bible from public life in the 60s, we have reaped a harvest of selfish, disrespectful, and angry brats. Personal responsibility has been thrown to the wind, in place of doing whatever “makes me happy.” We have created an “entitlement” society where “what’s mine is mine, and what’s yours in mine.”

            Getting closer to the root, evolution’s denial of a Creator discards the fact of “sin”, making any abnormal behavior “mental illness.” So now we have children on Ritalin, etc. who are coddled and excused for sinful behavior. Then we wonder why they grow up with no conscience regarding sinful and/or criminal actions. If everyone is “mentally ill,” then no one is guilty of any wrongdoing, for we don’t “lock up” sick people.

            Years ago a personal friend worked in a middle-school cafeteria where students were stealing butter patties at lunch time. There was a minimal price posted over the patties, but was disregarded by most. She decided to place another sign alongside, which read, “Thou shalt not steal.” The response to that “sign” (commandment) was phenomenal. Students began to get under conviction about their “crime,” and their conscience helped them come up with the money. This simple illustration speaks volumes. The conscience of young people needs to be trained by the laws of God.

            Like it or not, it’s time to face the reality of the human heart (spiritual nature). Our whole judicial system has been based on the Biblical concept of human depravity. Sin is universal and thus every society has some judicial restraint. Police work on this premise every day. The three teens in question are no exception, for their senseless plan to kill Mr. Lane had to be resident in their hearts and minds. Let’s face it, psychology, and the rest of academia, have no valid explanation of the origin of murder.

            It was Jesus Christ who said that, “It’s not what goes into a man that defiles him; but rather what comes out of his heart.” (The Bible) Yes, even the consumption of drugs, alcohol, foods, etc. does not go to the heart, but into the stomach, etc. and eventually excreted from the body. He went on to say, that from the heart (nature) proceed “evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, wickedness…pride and foolishness.” That’s not to excuse the hazard of illegal drugs, etc., but to expose the deeper problem of sin that affects all people. Drugs or no drugs, this is the issue that must not be ignored. 

            The Cross of Christ paid the penalty of that sin (John 3:16), making forgiveness possible by faith. In addition, He made a “new heart” available, cleansed from the old selfish lifestyle. Right now there are three foolish teens that have snuffed out a precious life for “kicks;” they need to face this issue squarely, not only in court, but before a Holy God.

           

Gambling Addiction on the Rise

If it’s not one thing, it’s another. Our society is increasingly plagued with all sorts of addictions, whether alcohol, drugs (legal and illegal), pornography, tobacco, food, video games, etc., etc. It’s no secret that the human psyche can become addicted to just about anything. It’s not what we control, but what controls us that makes the difference. For instance, there’s nothing wrong with money per/se, but it’s the “love of money” that creates havoc. Most people who love money don’t have it, which makes the lottery and casinos such an insidious temptation. Consequently, gambling has become “big business,” catering to those who out of greed desire to “get-rich-quick.” While very few ever win, the “gambling bug” sets many up for a fall, losing whatever little they had initially. I know people who have gambled away their homes, businesses and their livelihoods. Make no mistake; this menace is on the rise, leaving a trail of devastation behind.

            Interestingly, in our state of Ohio, before our four casinos opened, officials were already anticipating the potential epidemic of “problem gamblers.” According to a recent Tribune Chronicle article, just months after these gaming places opened, a multitude of “addicted gamblers” began showing up at state-run treatment centers. Thousands of calls have been received by the “gambling hotline” in the last twelve months. “Hundreds have asked to be banned from all Ohio casinos because they say they cannot stop gambling.” What a travesty!

            We have a scenario here where the state wants to gain more revenue through gaming enterprise; yet, the “game” takes advantage of human weakness and temptation, creating havoc in the end. Is this a wise and fruitful means of dropping coins in the state coffer? It’s a shame that such a ploy for funds should be necessary, in light of all the potential destruction of individual lives, families and jobs. Now these addicts will need welfare and psychological “treatment” at the further cost of the state? Does that make sense? Look what’s already happening with the horrific “world” of “legal” alcohol? Do we need more of the same?

            This idea that gambling enhances the state revenue and community life is bunk. I lived most of my life in New Jersey, where the casino industry took over Atlantic City in 1973. I witnessed first hand the demise of a once-beautiful shore resort, in spite of the promise to “help the senior citizens.” What a joke! The seniors were pushed out of town, and the area two-blocks from the beach became a slum. The Rescue Mission in town began to mushroom with “clients,” not the typical “bums,” but well-dressed clientele from the casinos; I saw one guy first-hand staggering in the door with vomit stains on his suit; he was crying that his car, wallet, gold watch, etc. had been stolen. Yes, he came with a “roll of greenbacks,” but he got “rolled” (robbed), losing it all! Here the “up-and-outer” needed a meal and a cot along with the “down-and-outers.”

            I also understand that the Mission and other agencies received considerable amounts in “donations” from casinos for taking so many addicts off their hands. New Jersey is still in financial trouble, and so are the casinos. Atlantic City was more recently hit hard by the storm Sandy, but it was already in bad shape through the deception and travesties connected with gambling.

            Yes, you can lose money investing in Wall Street, but at least you can find a viable, legitimate establishment to hopefully share in its profit as part owner. While life itself is risky in many areas, the risk of pure chance and luck at the gaming table is a price much too high to pay. That “price” must also be considered by the conscience of the casino regarding its effect and influence on its weak and idealistic patrons. This is risky business! There’s got to be a better way to raise state revenue.            

Defending Your Home

DEFENDING YOUR HOME

            “I just shot through my door with a gun,” a Niles, OH man recently told a police dispatcher. The Tribune Chronicle’s front page story arrested my attention, for this happened just a few miles from my house. Part of the headline was a sign with giant letters, “PROTECTED BY OWNER,” pictured with a hand holding a gun. Under this sign was the caption: “Home is your castle,” which certainly is common knowledge; but what’s the big deal here?

            Come to find out that 40-year old Roy Hahn, the caller, didn’t realize that the shotgun blast he fired through his front door had killed one man in the group attempting to break into his home. This incident is one of several examples across the country where deadly force has been used for self-defense; local prosecutors have confronted such cases in the form of “Ohio Castle Doctrine, stand-your-ground or ‘no duty to retreat’ laws.” On this basis, Mr. Hahn was cleared of any wrongdoing by the Trumbull County prosecutor’s office, citing it as a clear case of self –defense. Including Ohio, castle laws are also in effect in at least 48 states.

            In this day of judicial breakdown and “political correctness,” I wondered if there might have been a public outcry over this “verdict.” Wouldn’t Hahn be the perpetrator, rather than the victim? This is a feasible question in light of the recent self-defense case of George Zimmerman in Florida where he was acquitted in the death of Travon Martin. The race card was played big time in that scenario; thankfully, that is not a factor in this local case.

            But even more amazing was the additional “twist” where the surviving burglary suspects were charged with murder, seeing that their involvement of this felony caused a life to be taken. Yes, those engaged in the burglary attempt were complicit in the death of one of their own. That’s in “the books,” and rightly so---but how bizarre in light of modern thinking. What a weight this law has placed on all concerned! There are some vital lessons here.

            Thankfully, in America, our “home is our castle,” if we have one. It’s a place of rest and refuge, a place to escape the rat-race and intrusion of the outside world. It’s really the last resort of a person’s privacy and solitude. No one has the right to violate that space; but unfortunately that doesn’t deter some people from invading the privacy of others.

            But increasingly, these personal rights are being violated, even by “Big Brother” with his sophisticated technology and power. Our “land of the free…” is consistently being decimated and challenged. Neighborhood crime continues to escalate especially where the “entitlement” philosophy is mushrooming; this promotes the attitude that “what’s yours is mine,” and sets up further episodes of “stand- your- ground” confrontations as described above. It took a “shotgun” blast through the door to send a clear message from Mr. Hahn that his “home was his castle!”

            Certainly there’s a sobering note here, for a man lost his life attempting to break in to someone else’s house. Moreover, the other accomplices will also face stiff consequences as well. In reality, while they broke the law, the law in turn broke them. I’m sure they’ve had second thoughts about their wicked plight. Few would say that the “stand- your- ground” law will not deter some from attempting such unlawful and selfish deeds. Gratefully, the law protects us from such violations; but that’s effective only in a society that promotes respect for authority and sensitivity of conscience. We’re losing those concepts rapidly!

            Speaking of the unlawful invasion of a man’s home or castle, how many folks don’t even have a place to call “home.” Yes, there is still an abundance of houses, but there are very few real homes. Traditional marriage seems to be on the decline, while divorce and co-habitation are on the rise. Then consider the epidemic rate of illegitimacy and the plight of single moms who look to government to become the “father” and breadwinner. This has become a colossal heartbreak, impeding the family structure and preventing the wholesome security and beauty of efficient home life. A house is one thing, but a home is another. Men make houses, but only God can make a home.

            I’m grateful for “Ohio’s Castle Doctrine” that protects the homeowner’s right to protect himself and his “castle.” However, I have a three-fold concern; first, how long will such laws be enforced in light of the mounting tolerance toward criminal behavior and accountability; second, there’s the growing “progressive’ trend to “take from the haves, and give to the have nots?” Thirdly, with the moral corruption, infidelity, and spiritual bankruptcy that plagues our nation, how many real homes (“castles”) will be left to protect?

We Need to Hear from God

We Need to Hear from God

            We’ve heard from everyone else---what about God? Politicians, educators, and pundants of every stripe dominate the air waves, but where are the ol’ time preachers? The public proclamation of Biblical truth is fading rapidly. Chatter fills the atmosphere at unbelievable speed, but what are we talking about? People talk incessantly and say very little. Talking is one thing, but communicating is another. There’s still a difference between having to say something, and having something to say.

            People in every walk of life continue to spout their personal propaganda, but what real progress has been made in changing humanity for the better? Yes, medical science and pharmaceutical innovation have helped in battling certain diseases, but what accounts for the growing epidemic of greed, anger, crime, and bankruptcy of character? Especially in America, never have we had so much, and never have we had so little!

            Socialists and liberals continue to push for higher taxes and bigger government, which has proven to be a great source of our problems. Detroit has just filed for bankruptcy, the result of Democratic politics, along with a history of corruption, etc. The reality is that no political party has the ultimate answer for saving our nation; it would be refreshing just to hear someone in Washington admit that. But who would ever admit that we are suffering from moral and spiritual collapse, snubbing our proverbial noses at God and His Word? Our president is simply a reflection of our national dilemma, taking advantage of the situation, and setting himself up as an “empty suit” messiah. The liberal press has sworn its allegiance to him and his agenda, with no “change” in sight.

            It’s time to hear from God! Our spiritual apostasy and unbelief is catching us with us. This rising trend of government power is slowly killing our freedom. The Bible has already been removed, now the Constitution is being dismantled right before our eyes. Opposition to religious liberty is mushrooming. Not only ministers of the Gospel are being pressured, but military chaplains and public officials are being “gagged” regarding their open allegiance to Jesus Christ. Ironically, Muslims are catered to in their religious practices, while Christians are ostracized. Where are the Elijahs of old?

            It’s time to stand up and be counted for Christ, regardless of the consequences! True believers need to “come alive” in this hour while still having the opportunity. Preachers need to stop compromising, and begin to “preach the Word, to be instant in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (teaching).” Let the testimony of true salvation in Christ be proclaimed by life and by lip!

            Genuine spiritual awakening does not begin in the White House, but in the Church house. There’s been a “power failure” in the Christian community, and a divine move of conviction and repentance must invade our lives. There are “pockets of grace” all over our land, small groups of folks who still love truth; therefore, we need to pray: “Revive us again, fill our hearts with Thy love, may our souls be rekindled with fire from above. Hallelujah, Thine the glory; Hallelujah, Amen! Hallelujah, Thine the glory---revive us again!”

            When Israel of old was threatened with moral and economic disaster, God said:  

                        “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2Chron. 7:14)

            For some time now we’ve been hearing from puny, egotistical men; it’s time to once again hear from God!