Respect Law Enforcement

I am a white man. I have not experienced what a black person has experienced in the 50's and 60's. I have not lived in a ghetto or project.  I do know that we all like to blame others for what ever ails us. It is a human trait. But I just feel blacks can do a lot to better their situation. Take personal responsibility, don't expect the world to revolve around you. If you are black and breaking the law, don't advertise for police.  Make sure your lights are in order. Obey traffic laws, don't do the things that attract the attention of the police. Most of the times I have been stopped, I was speeding. I got their attention by my actions. Once I had my seat belt hanging outside the door and the officer saw it. I remember years ago when I worked at a car lot. A young black man that was driving an older Lincoln  brought it in for service. One of the mechanics noted he had a tail light out and brought it to his attention. He was smart, he did not want the police to have a reason to pull him over, yes fix it. I watch Cops. Cops pull you over for even license plate lights out. Don't fish for police, take care of even the little things and obey the traffic laws. Don't roll through stop signs. Black people get upset when they feel police are profiling and stopping them because they are black.  When they do stop you, have everything in order. Drivers license valid, I can't tell you how many people think they can still drive with a suspended license.  Have at least liability insurance, it is the law. When they stop finding violations when they stop you they will find different tactics to do their job. Black people can do a lot to fix their situation if they will take personal responsibility. Remember the officer is there to enforce the law. So comply, get even the small stuff in order. Talk respectfully and obey. If you want to be a gang banger and break the law, expect the law to come after you. That is what a tax payer like me expects of them. It is their job, to enforce the laws of the land. God bless, LVZ.

When dealing with the police

We need to submit. Follow their commands. Period. Even in the Freddie Gray case , he ran before being caught and arrested. It is really hard to say what happened without video to show. But more than ever before, when dealing with the police we need to be careful, do not argue, answer questions as best you can. I am a white man, and I have never had trouble with the police. If I was black and felt my race was being unfairly targeted for arrests, I would be on my best behavior in all dealings with police. Don't run, don't argue, don't say I didn't do anything and expect them to believe it. If they stop you, they must have a reason, even if it is profiling, so don't give them a reason. If stopped cooperate fully, after you have been injured or dead it is a lot harder to deal with it. If it is a wrongful arrest, it can be dealt with later. But every time someone has been injured or ends up dead, they have resisted. I am not saying the police are always right, I am not saying there are no bad cops. I do believe the majority are good. But after you resist and run away, you are asking for trouble. When they run after you and take you down, you can get hurt just in the take down. Use common sense. don't resist, don't run, don't fight. If it is wrongful, it can be dealt with later. Right now with all the trouble in this country and mistrust with our police forces, police officers are also on edge. They want to go home to their families uninjured and alive at the end of their shift. They never know how quickly a situation can escalate. They need to be in control from the start. Use our heads, don't even argue, but submit, comply fully. If we would do that I do not believe we would be seeing all this bad stuff. Every situation that turned bad even when the officer is at fault, someone resisted, argued, ran etc. We want things to get better, start with our actions and let the officers relax themselves by not fighting them. We will all do better, the police will not be on edge. Just submit, even if you think they might not deserve it, show respect and don't fight. Things that need to be fixed will not be fixed at the time of an arrest. They need to be documented and dealt with later.  God bless, LVZ.

I wonder what God thinks

I am really concerned about the direction our country is headed. I wonder what God thinks?  Many times when God's people Israel strayed, he allowed bad things to happen. Not that he caused it, he just with held his hand of protection and allowed the consequences of their actions to happen. What if the Supreme court changes the definition of marriage that is as old a Genesis? Why do we even thing we have a right to change a definition that predates our country and our law since the beginning of time? I doubt God can be pleased. I do not know how such a small percentage of our population has gained such power. I would be afraid of the consequences of such action. God holds the universe in his hands. The seasons come and go at his design. The politically correct worry about climate change, but the earth has gone through cycle after cycle since the beginning  of time and survives. God created balance in this world, and it is man that puts it off balance. When man steps back, the universe seems to correct itself by the hand of God. This politically correct crowd is going to get us into trouble. I was encouraged to see a post on face book where Australia is praying for the US. I see where Franklin Graham is tweeting and posting about Christians praying for their nation. I saw a posting where the Church of God of Prophecy has called their organization to prayer for our nation and the supreme court. My own church, Hope Church of Tupelo has requested its members to pray for our nation. I am sure this is repeated across the nation by other churches. I hope we have not awakened to the danger to late. It is not to late for God, and unless God moves, I see this country going down. Many do not seem to see the problems we see. Lawlessness as in Baltimore, disrespect for our law officers spreading across this nation.  How dangerous is that. I was encouraged by the Momma that saw her son in the protesters. He was hooded and had half his face covered, but his Momma saw him and proceeded to chase him home on National Television. More Mommas and Daddies need to do the same. These young people do not understand the consequences of their actions.  I'll bet God was right there with that Momma. I am discouraged when neighbors are still thinking highly of Hilary Clinton, in spite of the things she has done even as recently as being Secretary Of State. Her email, run out of her own home, not protected like the governments secure e-mail. Then tell the government what they can have after she has deleted what she didn't want them to have.  Foreign money buying influence through the Clinton Family Foundation. The politically correct crowd is calling evil good and good evil. God is in control and when he has had enough, he may withdraw his hand of protection against us. I wonder what God thinks? Is he looking down and saying you foolish people, do you not see the consequences of your actions? 2 Chronicles 7:14, lets us pray before it is too late. God bless LVZ.

2016 Elections

With the 2016 elections heading toward us and the Presidential Candidates making their intentions known I think it is time to once again talk about 2 Chronicles 7:14. Their is not a candidate in any political party that is going to fix the mess this country is in. Think about how divided we are no matter which party is in the White House. Congress does nothing but fight against the other party. Each side blames the other for not compromising. The President will say he got elected and has a mandate from the people that elected him.  Well even the representatives from the opposite party have a mandate from the people that elected them. No matter how you try to slice it, it is going to require compromise.  We have elected some of the most arrogant people possible, no one seems to care about the voters anymore, its about the power they have in their elected office. THink about how some parties ave used Race issues to divide us even farther. They, meaning our elected officals, will use any means possible,  even dividing us along racial lines to promote their political cause. Lying and slandering an opponent is to win is OK and even thought to be good. Unless God himself moves in this election coming up, I see no hope for anything different. We elect based on lies and forged documents, our candidates can missue thier elected office for political gain, create their own e-mail instead of using the government protected e-mail they are suppose to. THey tell the government what they can have from their e-mail system they created and delete the rest. the candidate decides what is best for the country, and over rides the government control and this is what we want to consider electing our country's leader?  People still call this good. How can they be so far in the wrong and we not see it.  We are in trouble as a nation.  Godly views and beliefs are getting close to not being tolerated at all. We want to define marriage that has been defined long before this country came into existence and change a definition as old as time itself because it is deemed to be politically correct according to our current political powers. How can we not be doomed to displease God as a nation if we do this and continue to travel in this direction? Unless we fall on our knees and asked for God's help, repent of our sins, and believe it or not we are responsible for allowing things to get this bad. Our language on public media, Facebook etc, is terrible. We are fed a daily diet of adultry and homosexuality on the TV programming seen as good. Celebrate couples and the birth of their child over and over again and they are not married. I understand it is not the babies fault. How can we expect anything good out of this coming 2016 election if we do not fall to our knees and repent as a nation? 2 Chronicles 7:14 needs to be our battle cry as we move to 2016.  More than we need republican or democrat, liberal or conservative, male or female, we need to look for candidates of integrity. Are their any left?  2 Chronicles 7:14 is the answer, unless God moves, I wonder how much longer this nation will survive. Unless God moves, I wonder if God's people will have to worship underground. It is beginning to be a hate crime to express a Biblical view. You can cuss and use all kind of language, slander, lie, hide the truth, but do not express a Godly view point. We are in TROUBLE as a nation.  God bless, LVZ.

Adultery

So how do you teach a five year old Jewish child the 7th commandment? The way I heard it explained is like this: 5 year old David is invited to a bithday party at his friend Samuels house. He is excited about it and promises to come to the birthday party. A couple of days later another friend Michael invites David to his Birthday Party on the same day.  Mickael has wealthy parents, a huge house, a pool, tennis courts and man it is going to be a great party. David calls his first friend  Samuel and says he cannot come to his party. He commits to going to Michael's party. David and his Dad discuss what David  has just done.  He made a promise to Michael, and now he is backing out on his promise.  His Dad explains this way: what if I find a woman at the office and decide to make her my new wife and she will be your new Mom?  Suddenly David does not like this, this is wrong, he knows it is wrong. There was a promise made between his parents.
I think our understanding has to include the marriage bed is sacred.  A promise was made at the time of the wedding, a commitment. Many times our vows will say things like in sickness and in health, until death do part. I know I am not doing this story justice, but hang in there. God's perfect plan since the beginning of time was one man / one woman for life. Sometimes one or both partners heart is hardened and divorce happens. I believe God can rescue and restore marriages even up the the 11th hour, if we are submitted to him. Especially if both are submitted to him. Marriage is not easy. Two people do not always think alike. Sometimes, one of the other has to submit to the others reasoning or point of view on some issues. Back to God's perfect plan. It is not always the easiest path to travel, but it is the best at the end of time. Think of the turmoil children go through when parents separate and divorce. That does not mean it is better to be divorced and still  living together. Sometimes through religious teaching, some have stayed together for the sake of their kids only to end up messing the kids up. Kids are smart, you may think you are hiding your true feelings for their sake but most of us if any are not that good. A promise is made to be faithful to that partner back at the beginning of the marriage. Promises are broken, perhaps someone has been unfaithful. the perfect plan from God is one man / one woman for life until death do part. They cleave together and become one in their spirit. They become one as they stand together through all life's ups and downs. they are committed to each other and their children. Nothing is better for a child than to receive a good home life with a mother and father that truly love each other and are committed to each other. No education, no trust fund, no job training skills or anything can replace that good home life for that child.  Many times it is selfishness that causes one or the other partner to look elsewhere for relationship that was suppose to happen at home. God's perfect plan, a husband that loves his wife as Christ loved the church and gave himself fo it. Here too, God perfect plan  includes a woman that loves her husband and submits in a Godly fashion. This does not mean they take abuse.  A man that abuses his wife does not love her. We have gone through many stages through the centuries. At times women were considered property slightly above slaves. When reading some passages it is necessary to remember the time the word was written in.  In the beginning God created man and woman in his image. Equals, side by side. Keep in mind God perfect plan, and try to be the right person and not look so hard for the right partner. Perhaps we really need God's direction in a life partner more than at any other time in life. To fit God perfect plan, their is no other partner in life but the one we marry. God's perfect plan is that it last for life. God pefect plan is they cleave to one another and become one. God's perfect plan is children are raised by parents that are blood related to their children, that are committed to each other. When they grow old, they do not worry what if I die first, will my partner treat my kids as well as theirs? The children are common to both, as are the Grandchildren, and on. God's perfect plan is adultery free.  There is grace for all who have sinned and failed in God's perfect plan. I wonder what the world would be like if we, the whole of creation, had followed God's perfect plan? think of the heartache each of us has suffered through imperfect parents. Think of the unecessary grief we have cause our children and grandchildren when we have failed. God did not design a perfect plan to be hard, but to be the best for us.  God's plan is the best. We cannot go back and fix everything, we can go from this day forward, and follow God's plan as best we can. It is still the best course of action. Most of all, I am thankful for grace, I have not done all that well in the past. I have failed in God's perfect plan and suffered the consequences. But in that failure, I too have experience God's love, his forgivness. that doesn't mean my children do not have to go through some things themselves because of my imperfect life. Many times their are consequences not only for us but also for our children.  When you are young and looking for a partner, do you even begin to think though all these things. Do you consider, like David in the beginning of this blog, the effect of breaking a promise when something better comes along. God's plan is best, always has been best and always will be best. O, if I had known what I know now, how many decisions would have been different, if I could see down through the years and see the effect of those decisions.  God's plan is best, and it does not include adultery. I am so thankful for grace. God bless, LVZ.

Win by Cheating

When I was young it was considered a good thing to play sports because we learned good sportsmanship. We were taught to play fair. When I look at the world we live in today, it seems we have a culture that believes in winning by cheating. Some things you may remember: sports figures that won by cheating. Lance Armstrong, Alex Rodriguez, Tonya Harding ( Having a competitors knee cap broken), Barry Bonds, Marion Jones, Shoeless Joe Jackson (threw a game for money). There are more that won by cheating one way or another.  Or how about in the business world, the Bernard Madoff that stole millions from his clients. Or in the political arenda: remember the Forged National Guard Papers that were to be used against George W. Bush to keep him from winning. More recently, Harry Reid admitting to telling lies on Mitt Romney about not paying taxes. Harry's response when asked about it, Well he didn't win did he?  Almost proud of the fact he used lies to keep a person from the other party from winning. Watergate comes to mind. Photo shopped pictures of other candidates. One Democrat here in a local race, his name escapes me but sued a PAC for slander and won. He lost the political race, but what he wanted was an apology in the same paper that printed the slander. He won the lawsuit and the apology from the PAC was printed. I think of the time many years ago when I bought a 62 Ranchero for $500. The seller offered to write me a bill of sale for $100, so I could save money on taxes when I transfered the title. The principle of stealing a quarter is the same principle as stealing a million dollars.  What happened to honesty, integrity and truth? What happened to playing fair? Or the little league team that got their title taken away because they brought in better players from outside their area. Parents protested taking the title away, but didn't consider it was won by cheating.  What do you think God thinks? I know what he tells us in Proverbs about scales: Proverbs 16:11 "A just balance and scales are the Lord's; all the weights in the bag are his work." and Proverbs 20:23 "Unequal weights are an abomination to the Lord, and false scales are not good." I believe God wants us to be honest in all our dealings. it is not OK to win by cheating. I don't believe God is happy with dishonest means of winning.  These scriptures deal with the market place and money but I believe the principle is the same, even in politics. Don't win by cheating.   God Bless, LVZ.

small town politics

Verona has a population of about 3300 from what I have heard and seen on the internet. When I first moved here I soon met the Mayor and the Police Chief as well as the Police Chief in Tupelo. I thought that was kinda cool. I soon knew several of the Aldermen and women also. Even in Tupelo which surrounds Verona on tree sides and is about 35,000 population, I talked with the current mayor and many police officers.  The Tupelo Police Chief changed after the new mayor was elected. Verona got a new mayor and I know him also. The police Chief of Verona resigned last year and I met and was very impressed with the new Chief. I am very disappointed in what I see since then. The Aldermen ran off what would have been the best Police Chief they could have gotten in a small town like Verona. I hear so many rumors which are gossip and don't really know what to think. Actually the last few days I figure small town politics is probably just as corrupt as what we see on the National Level with our leaders lying, and actually endangering our country with things like Hilary's e-mail. There is Harry Reid lying about Mitt Romney and sounding proud of it because Mitt didn't win. The Alderpersons that probably need to be replaced are the most entrenched and will be difficult to vote out. So to me it is as bad as on the National Level. Then I think of Franklin Graham and his calling christians to prayer for our nation and the supreme court and the decisions they will be making next week. We need the same thing on the local level, God's people praying and repenting of their wrong doing. Even on the local level it looks hopeless unless God moves. Perhaps it is that way all across the country in every little town. We seem to have people in office that are there not to serve the people but to serve themselves with their power. Except God moves from the small towns to the White House, Supreme Court and on and on, it does not look good. More then ever we need to pray for all our government officers.  2 Chronicles 7:14 is the answer for our town and our nation. May God help us in the next two years to do just that, humble ourselves, repent and call on God to heal our land.  We need people in office that are honest and have integrity from Verona MS to Washington DC. We don't need black or white, male or female, but people of integrity. I have been watching the ads for the congressional representatives running for Mississippis seat vacated by the death of Alan Nunnley. Thirteen different people in all and so much money being spent on campaign ads. many tell us they are going to go to Washington to fix it. Well, I think little old Verona and other little town politics need to be fixed first and maybe it will spread to Washington.  We need people of integrity.
People that really want to help the people they represent and not selfserving lying what ever it takes to get in office and stay there. I though we sent our Kids to play sports so they could learn good sportsmanship, but the example we set in the political arena will override any good they are taught. They learn more by seeing examples, and the majority will do anything to win. Slander, lie, photoshop, forge papers. It is disgusting the examples we see being played out on the news.  God help us. Lets pray for our government. God bless, LVZ.

Just thinking

As I think about some of the blogs I have written, I wonder why I still blog. Sometimes I get on a subject, that I am pretty sure it will piss someone off. We don't all think alike. I don't like everything I read, or hear.  Many years ago when I was still a part of the church I grew up in, I heard Dr Walter Martin say or write something I disagreed with. I remember thinking at the time, you just don't understand. Now some many years later when I look back and remember, I realize today, that I  agree with Dr Walter Martin on that issue. At the time I disagreed but it made me think. Now years later I see he was right on. So should I worry about upsetting someone? Probably not. I am encouraged when I right an opinion about a subject and perhaps a few days later I will hear something from someone I trust that backs up what I said. I sometimes would wonder about the things I write,  because I write as I learn from others. A few days ago someone I trust was speaking about do you hide your light under a shade or a bed. We are not suppose to hide light, it is given to share with others. I recently was looking at the ten commandments and was trying to write a blog about each. Shortly after I starting thinking about this, another Pastor I greatly admire started a series on the Ten Commandments, and he is not done. I've learned a lot. Each time he has given a perspective I hadn't thought about or it backed up what I was already thinking. It has been really helpful. He is of Jewish ancestors, and has a background that is sometimes very helpful. Jewish children had to learn the ten commandments by 5. How do you teach a five year old about adultery? Black and white issues, I think some may think I am prejudice with some of the things I say. I think Racism and Prejudice are problems of the heart and not common to any one race or ethnic group. I have run into many that think White are the most prejudice people around. I disagree, I think I have run into just as many blacks that are just as bad as the bad whites from the 50's and 60's. It is an unchanged heart that is the problem.  Even people that have begun their journey with God don't change all their thinking overnight. I didn't. About the time I think maybe I should quit blogging, I receive encouragement that makes me feel like I should continue. I need to be more careful and perhaps study harder, but to piss someone off may be like me many years ago when I though Dr Walter Martin was wrong. It made me think. Perhaps I am meant to make people think. If so perhaps I am doing some good if I only make people think and not necessarily agree with me. I hope my little blog will make others at least think about some of the things I say. If so perhaps I am not hiding my light under a shade or a bed.  A gospel of a Loving God that changes lives needs to be shared more today than every before. Recently I heard another thing that encouraged me, I have said many times in the last couple of years that it is not a Democrat or a Republican that is going to fix our nation. Recently Franklin Graham has been saying the same thing on a National level. I wonder how many times I have quoted 2 Chronicles 7:14  as I thought about this. We Christian have the ability to move the heart of God in behalf of our nation. May we continue to stand for truth and righteousness over politically correctness.  God bless LVZ.

showing partiality

As I think about black and white issues, I realize you find some on both sides think the other is more prejudice. I really believe all of us have prejudices. Sometimes we just don't see our own. I really don't know what a person can do to fix it other than going to God. Why? Because it is a heart problem.  I see it in past relationships, and in myself in past relationships. I see it when I look at the city Aldermen who used to have an all white board. They changed the Alderman positions from a city wide voting to 4 wards so that they felt Blacks would have an opportumity to have a Black person on the board. Now 4 out of 5 Aldermen are Black. What I see is some, not all want to protect their people, meaning black. What I see is we need people of integrity that will represent everyone. How is this any different than the old south if we are going to protect or represent one race above the other. Maybe in the old south it was the Whites that were protected above the Blacks. But if it is now the Blacks protecting the Blacks above the white, how is that any less racist than the old south?  We need to get away from black and white thinking and serve the people of the community regardless of color. We need people of integrity that represent  everyone regardless of race. We heard the slogan that Black lives matter from Ferguson, but the truth is all lives matter. It is not OK to lift up a common criminal because he is black and destroy a cop because he is white.  I saw it again in a police situation recently. A young black man was arrested in a road block, a black officer that heard the call over the radio rushed to the scene to help this young black man because he was a member of his black church.  The young black man was driving on a suspended license, did not have insurance and also had an outstanding warrant for a ticket he didn't pay in 2008.  As I thought about this, I am troubled by it. The officer that did this is a kind young man. I know he meant well. The 2008 warrant was something the young black man thought was taken care of by a Black Judge that is currently under review and may be barred from his position because he misused that postition. The Judge was warned a couple of times but continued to give special treatment to his race or so it appears. Is this Black officer doing the same thing, protecting young men of his own race or his church. I like this officer, he is a good young man and I know he means well. I think of the different scriptures that tell us not to prefer rich over poor or well dressed over those in shabby clothes. Are we making the same judgements based on race and is not this something God tells us not to do, to be a respector of persons? Is this any different when we give secial treatment because of race vs special treatment because of economic stature?  I see where this Black Judge got into trouble by trying to help Black people. I wonder if this young officer, who I think is a very fine officer and a good christian, is not doing pretty much the same thing. Which is showing partiality because of race or because the young man belongs to his church. Am I over thinking this? It bothers me and in my gut it doesn't feel right.  I discussed this with my wife about how I was feeling about this situation. She felt if I wrote a opinion about this and sent it to the newspaper, most people who know me, especially if they are Black would take it as I am prejudice.   The law should be the same for everyone, and we should not get special treatment because of race or church affiliation. What happens if the young officer is not on duty next time, who is going to save the young black man then. Perhaps he will face a white officer who will not give special treatement. I think if we looked at this as a white officer going to bat for a young white kid, and I am sure that has also happened, Black people would feel it is unfair? Is it not unfair then if a Black Judge and a Black officer and others in authority do the same thing?  What about a Black Alderwoman that is trying to protect her people as she calls them?  We know we are not suppose to show partiality based on economic status according to the Bible but what about showing preference for people of our own race, what ever position we hold?  God bless, LVZ.

submit / comply

Every time I hear about another Police shooting, my heart goes out to the families. You never see anyone getting hurt when they comply / submit to the officers. At least I have not seen it. Officers adrenaline is running high after a chase, and if there is no argument or resistance, the officer is not having to even think about a physical response. The officer that shot the fleeing suspect in South Carolina was totally wrong. He needed to be fired and is facing murder charges as he should. BUT, had the victim not ran but submitted, he would still be alive. Yes the officer knew who he was and could have found him the next day. No need at all to shoot. But the man would still be alive if he had not run.  Eric Garners widow has been on the news, but her husband fought the police, if he had submitted, complied, he'd still be alive. Mike Brown would still be alive if he hadn't fought with the officer.  This whole hands up thing was false to begin with. The LA man, he resisted, if he had complied / submitted, he would still be alive. I heard it in a recent confrontation with some one I know and as soon as he felt handcuffs, he started protesting, I didn't do anything.  So what, comply, let the officer do his handcuffing for every one's safety. As it turned out there was reason, an old warrant, and a suspended license, no proof of insurance. But the protest goes on, the license is suspended that means you cannot drive. Most states require insurance. Why does this younger generation think they can still drive with suspended license. Suspended license is still like no license.
Driving privilege has been taken away when suspended.  Knowing all this what makes a person think they did nothing wrong? Anyway the main point is, please young people,  submit, comply, follow police commands, how ever you want to put it. These deaths are senseless but would not happen if we would just comply.  Romans 13:1  All authority is ordained of God. God bless LVZ.

Another kind of Investing

As I was thinking about my attitude towards police in this day and age when we see so much bad on the internet. I feel I have a healthy attitude toward Police. I went through a citizens academy years ago through the Police Department in Tacoma WA. It was an effort on their part to improve relations between the citizens of the community and the Police Force. I do not know what it cost them to run that academy, but years later I remember what I was taught and saw as a result of those classes. I realized the split seconds officers had to make a decision to shoot or not shoot when thy came upon different situations. It left a lasting impression on me. That impression has stayed with me even though I am in a different community, I still look at the police force with the same respect. What ever it cost them has changed my perception as well as many others that went through that academy. Other communities reap the benefits of changed attitudes of citizens that went through those classes. I believe it accomplished the purpose they held those classes for. I wish other communities would do the same thing, they would be investing in the citizens of their communities. We need healthy attitudes toward our law enforcement officers. They have a difficult job to do and deserve the respect of the communities they serve. As the respect erodes, so does the quality of the service they provide. Why do  a low paying job and be disrespected also. I think Tacoma did a good thing and I guess it has paid dividends in the attitudes of the citizens that attended those classes. All these negative videos we all are seeing about these bad police, keep in mind the majority of officers are good. We need good officers. We need to let justice prevail and not take it into our hands. Just after the South Carolina  incident is another one where deputies in California catch up with a guy running away and they are caught on tape. These are negative images that we are seeing, but the positive example that happen many more times, we do not see. They are not news. Where these officers did bad there are thousands doing the right thing. Lets continue to respect our police. Just this week I saw the good in police officers, as they arrested an individual with a suspended license. But I also,  another black man getting hand cuffed that started off pulling away. Thinking he didn't do anything. He had an old warrant that caught up with him.  What I thought was scary, when they had his hands behind his back and started to put the handcuffs on, he started to pull away. Just comply, submit, these are public servants doing a job we the public pay them for. Submit to their authority. It is the ones that don't submit that get into trouble and get hurt, or shot or even dead. Don't run, don't resist, submit. Civil authority is ordained by God.     God bless, LVZ.

the ninth commandment

 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. the ninth commandment from the short list.  Matthew 15:18-20 "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries. fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man."    These are Jesus words.    What I want to talk about in this blog is lying. It seems to have become common place in our society to lie. We know the truth is so important for justice. When we appear in a court of law we are required to swear the tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  We have seen it over and over again where our politicians will lie and later when confronted feel the end justifies the means. Harry Reid recently was questioned about his lie he told about Mitt Romney not paying taxes, He didn't win did he?, was his answer. Clinton lied under oath. Nixon lied. Over and over again we see people lying especially politicians and it is deemed OK by those that believe in them or their cause. I remember years ago when talking to a co-worker about the falsified National Guard papers that were used against George Bush. This liberal person stated that she thought it was OK to use those papers to keep Bush from winning. When our side wins it is OK? Do we still feel it is OK when lies are used against us  to cause us hurt or a loss. How do those same people feel there had been lies told that caused Clinton or Obama to lose? As long as they won, they probably do not confront that issue. But what if? What if in the upcoming election some grievous lies are told about the Democratic candidate and it is the cause of them losing? Not their policies but some out right lies that cause them to lose, will it feel OK then? Probably not. I imagine their would be, rightfully so,  a large outrage when the truth came out.
This is another of the commandments that is being so openly and freely disobeyed and some feel no guilt at all. My Mother-in-law once when she did not feel like going to a church meeting, told her husband she was not going. He asked, what lie do you want me to tell them? My Mother-in-law said, don't tell them no lie, just tell them I don't feel like dealing with them fools tonight!  I have often thought about that, and I like honesty as do all of us. When you know someone lies, you never know if you can believe anything that comes out of their mouth. This commandment needs to be kept and written on our hearts.  God bless, LVZ,

the eight commandment

You shall not steal.  The eight commandment from the short list.  As I consider this commandment, I think of the many situations that people think it is OK,  for instance if they cheat on their taxes. Its just the government. Once, I bought a 500 dollar car, the seller offered to write me a bill of sale for 100 dollars to save me money on taxes when I got the car registered in my name. I opted not to, and said  just write it for the correct amount.  Or recently when building a house the employees were talking about adding a tool to the material they were ordering, not realizing it was me that was paying. They thought it was their boss and they figured it was a way to get their boss to buy a tool for them. The boss did pay for it when I objected to seeing it on my bill. It may seem like a small thing, but it is stealing when you take something even in that way,  the payer did not agree to. If it is a large company or a government office, an individual it is still stealing. God commands us not to steal. The thing here to think about is the principle is the same, if you steal a quarter or a million dollars, the sin is the same.  Or the time when I worked for a large aircraft manufacturer, one employee that belonged to a car club was making trophies for his car club using company materials, company tools and on company time. He felt it was OK because they were a large company and could afford it.  When he got behind on his job, I was sent to take it over and I discovered what he was doing and reported it to my manager. I was  in trouble with the whole crew because they considered me a snitch and that was worse in their eyes then stealing.  I ended up having to go to another shift for my safety. Other employees were so mad at me, and didn't feel they could trust me. They felt they could trust the thief but not a man that reported the theft.  That was a difficult time for me and perhaps I could have handled it better on my end, That man stole material, time and wages and his work he was suppose to be doing behind schedule. God does not want us to steal, even little things. not from the government, or a large company, our neighbor or any one for that matter. God bless, LVZ.

I am a mess and your a mess

As I have looked at the ten commandments in recent months, it has shown that we all are a mess. That was the purpose of the law to show us that we need a savior. In daily living we run into situations where we want to go against the ten commandments. We have a problem here in Verona with the board of Aldermen. The rumors are flying, and it is hard to know who to believe. There is a problem, but how do you solve it. I am trying to learn who to believe, in order to know what to do next. I have made up my mind to run as an alderman next term. I just don't want to repeat the problems I see already. In everything we do, we need God's help.  We live in a very messed up world. Even Christians are imperfect people. I have trouble with motives, and I am impulsive. Many times  I try to do something good and just about the time I am done with what I think is a good deed and I get a glimpse at my motives. I don't always like what I see. We serve a loving God, who knows us better than we know ourselves. We need God, just as we need air and food and water. We are a messed up people. Look at the political scene and how politicians are proud of their lies that served their purpose. Look at the shooting in South Carolina, what was that officer thinking? I am a supporter of Police and we need good relations with our law enforcement. As I looked at that video, I thought what would his story have been if their had been no video? He is rightfully charged with murder, but let justice take its place.It is already known that he is going to face a trial unless he pleads guilty.  But lets not hamper the law law with a bunch of protest and publicity. Lets watch, the time to protest is if justice is not done. We don't rule by mob rule. Yes, it was a terrible act. It is wrong to take a life.  Men run from the police everyday, most times they get caught. The police officer did a terrible deed, but he still deserves a trial by unbiased peers. On the local scene is our Police Chief that resigned and is being bad mouthed by members of the board. I want to understand the issues, not join in the mess. I am listening to a lot of rumors trying to sort through them all. Here are my thoughts, We have a messed up control freak on the board that seems to be in control of the board. We lost a good man as police chief because he is not going to be a puppet. As I watch and learn, I see the same thing applied to other departments. In private you learn what other people really think that are trying to hold on to their jobs. It helps to understand the mess. it is a long way off to the next election, but I pray we can put some people on the board that have a servants heart. We have one, a person of integrity. And I am thinking, I am so glad she is black. Because the ones that really need to go are black. The biggest problem I have understanding this board is why so little is said in support of a good man. I think people are afraid to go up against a control freak. This board being mostly black is every bit as prejudice as any white board from the old south. We need people of integrity, not black or white. God bless, LVZ.

God, A father-in-law

Now this is something to really think about. My wife is God's little girl. Don't mess with Daddy's little girls. If my wife is God's little girl, he is my father-in-law. I grew up in a home where my mother was mistreated. I don't think you get on God's good side by mistreating his little girl. I have a daughter and when I feel like her husband is treating her right, I like him. If I think she is being mistreated, I won't like him. I might be careful of my words not to make it worse, but my feelings towards him will not be the same as someone who treats daddy's little girl in the right way. "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it." Ephesians 5:25. I been through a couple of bad marriages, and many times I have thought I need to be careful with the words I say about my exe's , because they may be God's little girls also. God brings us through things to teach us, lets hope we learn something so we don't have to face it again. I didn't have to follow in my earthly fathers footsteps in this respect. We need to stop and think about how we treat God's children. We don't allow much to be said about our child, imperfect as they may be. Imperfect as God's children may be, he is watching. Does not God even know the number of hair on our head. I've never taken the time to count the number of hair on my child's head but apparently God has.  That is a different thought, God is my father-in-law, be careful how I treat his little girl. God's little girl and I have just passed our eighth anniversary. I am so thankful for the woman God has put in my life.  God bless, LVZ.

Barabbas

This time of year we will hear the story of Christ's Resurrection. We hear of Jesus death for our sins preceding his resurrection. In Mark 15:7 we hear of Barabbas, "And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection."  When you think about Jesus time on earth up to this point, what had he done? Jesus healed the sick, set a demon possessed man free. Raise a couple of people from the dead. Healed a leper, a blind man, turned water into wine. Taught people with parables, and told them to render unto Caesar the things that belong to Caesar. No where did he try to over throw the Roman government. Taught that we were to honor authority, love our enemies etc. etc. He was not a threat to anyone other than the religious leaders. He was there to bring people to a relationship with God. Yet here was Barabbas, a leader of the insurrection, this verse says he murdered someone. He was a guilty man. Barabbas was believed to be the son of a Rabbi. He was a bad man, he was trying to overthrow the government. He was a leader of this insurrection. Yet the religious leaders feared Jesus, and they convinced the crowd to have Barabbas set free, and crucify Jesus.  Jesus took Barabbas's place on that cross. Even one of the other criminals that was hung with Jesus, noted that they were guilty, but Jesus had done nothing to deserve this cruel death. We are like Barabbas, we are born in sin and guilty. But Jesus spoke not a word in his defense, because he knew it was the fathers will that he die on that cross. We could have been like Barabbas  Guilty, but set free as Jesus took his and our place to pay for the sins of the world. How many of us have misplaced our loyalty because of the crowd. How many of us go along with the mob and pervert justice. How many of us misplace our anger towards a God that has done nothing but what is in our best interest. Yes, God does say no, when it would be bad for us. How many of us have a faulty view of God because of Political pressure or popular opinion?  His commandments were meant to simply shoe us that we could not live perfect lives, but need him in our hearts. There is not of us that can live good enough. all of us must come just as we are guilty of sin. How many times do we fall for the same temptation, and God continues to love us. Bring it to me, he says, I love you. Jesus did not deserve the cross, but we do, for our sins. Yet he loves us.  When you go through time and see the countless hopeless cases that Jesus has redeemed and set free, Not by works, but by free Grace. No one has enough money to buy their way, no one has enough good works to purchase their redemption, It is only by accepting Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Accepting his grace which is freely given. Barabbas was guilty but Jesus set him free, Jesus took his place and mine on that Cross. I was as guilty as Barabbas.  God bless, LVZ.

two options in life with or without God

Hebrews 9:27 "And it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement."

The ratio of men and death is 1/1. We, each of us will face God at some point. There are two options in life, one is Life with God or Life without God. We have a choice, and those are our choices. I believe this to be true. I know some believe in many different things but many of those things will be Life without God. God shows himself to us. He has given his Word to guide us. You might say the Bible is the instruction manual for life.  Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."  This is the option for Life with God. It is optional to us, we can accept or reject, it is our choice.  The Bible tells us all have sinned and Jesus life is the only price that could pay our redemption. He did it, all we have to do is believe it and accept him as Lord and Savior. You do have that choice, you can reject the Bible, God is not going to hold a gun to your head, it is a free choice that anyone can make. The grace is free. We cannot earn it, we cannot live a good enough life to qualify for it. It simply has to be believe and accepted when he knocks on our hearts door.  Some may think there are many options, but I am afraid on judgement day, some may find out the Bible they disbelieved is true. You can have another God, you can have no God and call yourself an atheist, but it still amounts to the two choices. Life with the God of the Bible or Life without the God of the Bible. It is a choice. It must be made ahead of time. You cannot change your mind on judgement day.  I suppose this sounds harsh to some, but if you haven't met the God of the Bible, you haven't explored all options. I have heard of some that call themselves ex Christians. and I do not know their story. but is it not worth investigating to see if people like me are on to something? What would happen if someone prayed "God if you are real show me?"   God bless, LVZ.

April fools day

Psalms 14:1 "The fool says in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good." As I look at this, I note the fool said in his heart there is no God. He is not saying this out loud.  This is the way he thinks, this is the way he lives. There is no God, no eternity, no judgement day. This life is all their is. God gives us life, air to breath. When we wake up in the morning, it is not because an alarm clock went off and woke us. God allowed us to see another day. God allowed us to hear that alarm clock. When the number of our days is over, we will not hear that alarm clock.  Is any body happy with the way our country is going? We are taking God out of everything.  We no longer give thanks for meals.  Not giving thanks at meal time is just another way to show we don't believe in God or his provision. Lately, I have watched Blue Bloods on Television and I like the Sunday dinners with the whole family. They say a simple grace, thanking God for his provision. That simple little act of saying grace at meal time acknowledges God. He is still in control. What happens when God says this is the end of your days, and that alarm clock is unheard? What will you say on judgement day when you stand before God and give an account for your life? On that day every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Why should God allow you into his heaven if you did not acknowledge him here below? Will you say, I lived a good life, I was kind to my neighbor, I gave to the poor?  What if the question is what have you done with Jesus? Have you accepted him into your heart, or have you said, I don't need him? You will need him on Judgement Day, if no other time in your life.  Remember it is not the alarm clock that wakes you up. It is God allowing you to hear it that wakes you up.  God bless, LVZ.