Monday, September 17, 2007
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Hebrews 12:15
If a serial killer wanted to kill you, what would u rather do: kill him or put him behind bars?
This was actually a question a friend of mine asked me. I looked at her, admittedly a little confused, and answered, "In my own opinion, I'd rather put him behind bars."
My friend asked, "Aren't you afraid there's a serial killer out there that could come and kill you?"
Yes I am afraid of a serial killer out there to kill me.
But at the same time, I feel that by killing a serial killer, you may be disposing of one person, but ten more may rise up and you wouldn't even know. What good does it do to kill him? What good does it do to yourself (murder is a sin), to him (he will experience eternal death) and to the rest of the world (who are mostly oblivious of his existence)?
I've heard stories where people have gone to jail, become changed men and come out living new lives! I've heard stories where people in jail have come to find God, repented of their ways and turned to walk with God! And in some places, prisoners actually have honest jobs, which can build them up as well as the community!
I'm not saying all prisoners will turn out as such. Some never change, some become worse, etc. But by being in prison, there is that slim chance they will be changed, whereas people can't "die and change" as someone just mentioned to me.
When I gave my answer, here's what my friend said, "You know, out of 20 people that I asked... you're the only one who said you'd put him in jail."
Wow. If that were true statistics, that 1 out of 20 will send a serial killer to jail, and 19 others will kill him, then how much better are we than the serial killers? If there were 1 billion people in the world, and 19 out of 20 would kill serial killers, then we'd have 950 000 000 000 killers on our hands. That's 950 million.
Even if only 1 out of every 20 people said they'd kill, then out of a billion, we'd have 50 million killers.
Obviously, this is just a hypothetical calculation. But what say if?...
What is your mindset like? When you answer this question, whether you prefer to kill or put the killer behind bars, what were you thinking? Do you know why you answered that? Do you have a reason?
Maybe your reason is not as lengthy and "complicated" as mine. Maybe it's more of so. But the only explanation for my reasoning is because of the wonders I have heard/seen God do in lives of even prisoners - dead or alive! It's really amazing - God can truly do things beyond our imaginations!
This was actually a question a friend of mine asked me. I looked at her, admittedly a little confused, and answered, "In my own opinion, I'd rather put him behind bars."
My friend asked, "Aren't you afraid there's a serial killer out there that could come and kill you?"
Yes I am afraid of a serial killer out there to kill me.
But at the same time, I feel that by killing a serial killer, you may be disposing of one person, but ten more may rise up and you wouldn't even know. What good does it do to kill him? What good does it do to yourself (murder is a sin), to him (he will experience eternal death) and to the rest of the world (who are mostly oblivious of his existence)?
I've heard stories where people have gone to jail, become changed men and come out living new lives! I've heard stories where people in jail have come to find God, repented of their ways and turned to walk with God! And in some places, prisoners actually have honest jobs, which can build them up as well as the community!
I'm not saying all prisoners will turn out as such. Some never change, some become worse, etc. But by being in prison, there is that slim chance they will be changed, whereas people can't "die and change" as someone just mentioned to me.
When I gave my answer, here's what my friend said, "You know, out of 20 people that I asked... you're the only one who said you'd put him in jail."
Wow. If that were true statistics, that 1 out of 20 will send a serial killer to jail, and 19 others will kill him, then how much better are we than the serial killers? If there were 1 billion people in the world, and 19 out of 20 would kill serial killers, then we'd have 950 000 000 000 killers on our hands. That's 950 million.
Even if only 1 out of every 20 people said they'd kill, then out of a billion, we'd have 50 million killers.
Obviously, this is just a hypothetical calculation. But what say if?...
What is your mindset like? When you answer this question, whether you prefer to kill or put the killer behind bars, what were you thinking? Do you know why you answered that? Do you have a reason?
Maybe your reason is not as lengthy and "complicated" as mine. Maybe it's more of so. But the only explanation for my reasoning is because of the wonders I have heard/seen God do in lives of even prisoners - dead or alive! It's really amazing - God can truly do things beyond our imaginations!
Hebrews 12:15 - See to it that no one misses the grace of God (NIV).
Celebrity Craze
Mel Gibson came to LUCT today for some launching. Sounds exciting but I wasn't very ecstatic about it. He may be a celebrity, but he's still another person like everyone else I meet everyday. Some people joked that I should go meet him and hand him the Sold Out CD and we laughed about it, but I spent the night pondering over that very thought.
See, this is where my perspective comes from: One of my dreams/goals in life is not to meet a celebrity or to hug one or to get his/her autograph or to have pictures taken with the person. Those are great and all, but how much will it impact my life and other people's lives? I could make others excited, but I could also make them jealous. I could be happy for the moment but it will become just another memory in the back of my mind.
What one of my dreams/goals is... is to impact the industry that I am heading into - entertainment! So while I laughed at my friends' joke, my mind began searching far and wild dreams! I began to ask myself questions like: What if I do give Gibson the Sold Out CD? is it possible that through the songs, he might draw closer to God? Is it possible a seed will be sown? Is it possible something will change? If Mel Gibson changes for the good of God's kingdom, wouldn't he be a great influence because of his fame and status? What if this is actually a chance for me to take to start sowing seeds in the entertainment industry?
Sounds impossible? Well, my God is of the impossible. And because I know all things are possible with God, I never stopped pondering.
Eventually I made a deal with God. I told God that if He made our paths cross, I will bless Gibson with the CD. If not, then there really wasn't much I could do. I saw Gibson, but I never had the chance to go close to him. Actually I think I missed a chance by going out to lunch. I felt I should have stayed back and approached Gibson in Wings Coffee.
I can't be sure whether I missed out a great opportunity God sent to me or not. If I had confirmation that I had, I wouldn't be able to express how sorry I am. But all the same, missed opportunity or not, I believe God will continue opening doors for me along my journey. And next time, I need to be sure or those opened doors =)
____________________________________________________________________
I was talking to my classmate who got to see Gibson along with crowds of other students and from our conversation, I could sum up a few points that I feel are important. It's difficult to piece all my thoughts together from this afternoon, so I may not make perfect sense.
Mel Gibson came to Malaysia unnoticed and I think he wanted it to remain that way. If he desired paparazzi, cameras and screaming fans, he would have openly announced his very presence in Malaysia. So when he entered LUCT and staff and fans with cameras began pouring out of the college, I think he became rather annoyed.
I don't mean to speak as if I know him well. There is evidence to show he preferred a quieter welcome:
1. He hid his face from cameras
2. He verbally mentioned that he did not expect a crowd to greet him
And it's interesting how he gets all the attention but his director friend who walked with him today still remains unknown (by most at least)! It isn't because he's directed movies that people "love" him, it's because he's acted. Which brings me to conclude, it's not the person they love, it's just the status.
Key word: celebrity.
A lot of times when people meet a celebrity, they want to receive something - fame, jealous stares, a hug, an autograph, a smile, a wave.. or perhaps steal their clothes, possessions and even hair. Each to his own motive. But not for myself - I wanted to meet Gibson to give him something that might have that slimmest chance to make a difference in his life and the entertainment world.
Perhaps you think I'm crazy, disillusioned, weird... but that's really how I think, no fooling. And I don't care what you think. If this is the dream God has for me, then He is with me, and no one can be against me =)
See, this is where my perspective comes from: One of my dreams/goals in life is not to meet a celebrity or to hug one or to get his/her autograph or to have pictures taken with the person. Those are great and all, but how much will it impact my life and other people's lives? I could make others excited, but I could also make them jealous. I could be happy for the moment but it will become just another memory in the back of my mind.
What one of my dreams/goals is... is to impact the industry that I am heading into - entertainment! So while I laughed at my friends' joke, my mind began searching far and wild dreams! I began to ask myself questions like: What if I do give Gibson the Sold Out CD? is it possible that through the songs, he might draw closer to God? Is it possible a seed will be sown? Is it possible something will change? If Mel Gibson changes for the good of God's kingdom, wouldn't he be a great influence because of his fame and status? What if this is actually a chance for me to take to start sowing seeds in the entertainment industry?
Sounds impossible? Well, my God is of the impossible. And because I know all things are possible with God, I never stopped pondering.
Eventually I made a deal with God. I told God that if He made our paths cross, I will bless Gibson with the CD. If not, then there really wasn't much I could do. I saw Gibson, but I never had the chance to go close to him. Actually I think I missed a chance by going out to lunch. I felt I should have stayed back and approached Gibson in Wings Coffee.
I can't be sure whether I missed out a great opportunity God sent to me or not. If I had confirmation that I had, I wouldn't be able to express how sorry I am. But all the same, missed opportunity or not, I believe God will continue opening doors for me along my journey. And next time, I need to be sure or those opened doors =)
____________________________________________________________________
I was talking to my classmate who got to see Gibson along with crowds of other students and from our conversation, I could sum up a few points that I feel are important. It's difficult to piece all my thoughts together from this afternoon, so I may not make perfect sense.
Mel Gibson came to Malaysia unnoticed and I think he wanted it to remain that way. If he desired paparazzi, cameras and screaming fans, he would have openly announced his very presence in Malaysia. So when he entered LUCT and staff and fans with cameras began pouring out of the college, I think he became rather annoyed.
I don't mean to speak as if I know him well. There is evidence to show he preferred a quieter welcome:
1. He hid his face from cameras
2. He verbally mentioned that he did not expect a crowd to greet him
And it's interesting how he gets all the attention but his director friend who walked with him today still remains unknown (by most at least)! It isn't because he's directed movies that people "love" him, it's because he's acted. Which brings me to conclude, it's not the person they love, it's just the status.
Key word: celebrity.
A lot of times when people meet a celebrity, they want to receive something - fame, jealous stares, a hug, an autograph, a smile, a wave.. or perhaps steal their clothes, possessions and even hair. Each to his own motive. But not for myself - I wanted to meet Gibson to give him something that might have that slimmest chance to make a difference in his life and the entertainment world.
Perhaps you think I'm crazy, disillusioned, weird... but that's really how I think, no fooling. And I don't care what you think. If this is the dream God has for me, then He is with me, and no one can be against me =)
Sunday, September 2, 2007
DIVE IN 07 - Discover a Real World
The month of August was so eventful! The new semester started, work is already pouring in, but most important of all, August was FILLED with th essence of DIVE IN 07!!
For those who didn't come for DIVE IN 07, I'm so sorry but you'll never realize how much you've really missed! Stories cannot possibly describe how much happened during the camp, pictures worth 1000 words can't come close to giving you the experience of DIVE IN 07! But I will do my best to tell you about the camp from my personal point of view.
Just to make things clear, I'm not coming from the POV of any other camp participant. I started off as a diver (a participant) but eventually became quite occupied with taking photos of the camp (being part of the photography team). So my POV will be the mix of two different angles.
Being a diver was great fun. Wow, meeting my teammates (Team 4, yea!) and working with them, creating cheers, abusing our flag, learning songs and dances - it was all real great! Once I started to get more involved with photography, however, I was a bit more distant from my group (sorry, guys!) and unfortunately, I wasn't able to say goodbye to them personally after the camp ended! Team 4 @ Green Lic Pies, if any of you are reading this, I send my apologies and I hope I get to meet you again SOON so we can catch up!
As awesome as it was to be a diver, I feel being a photographer was even more worth the experience. I must admit, I almost didn't want to be a diver because I had been one in DIVE IN 06 and I really felt like contributing more to the camp! You know what, God is so good because He catered to my wants even though I had never mentioned them to anyone! I helped out in the photo ministry more than initially planned, I helped set up chairs in the hall and I even was given a chance to help set up a game!
Don't misunderstand me - I'm not saying this out of pride that I'm more "important" than any other diver. I'm really saying it out of humility and thankfulness that God was so good to have made use of me in even the smallest areas!
And God is really so wise in how He makes things work out, because by putting me in positions where I was, in a way I obtained the "freedom" to be where I wanted during the events (eg: I could sit at the back of the hall, I could move around to take photographs..). The reason I am so thankful for this "freedom" is because it gave me the liberty to just be there to pray! I believe one of the reasons God put me where I was (besides being able to contribute physically) is because He wanted me to pray.
I hope I'm not going in too deep for you. Let me explain my mind and heart for DIVE IN 07. Before the camp, I was constantly, faithfully praying for the camp, for things to go smoothly, for the place and especially for the PEOPLE. I didn't want this camp to be just any other fun camp for students, but I wanted it to be something different for people to experience! I wanted people to benefit from it, or be blessed by the content of the camp.
During the last week before DIVE IN 07 happened, I fell into a tired state and my spirit was very low. During the camp itself, God revealed that though I had stumbled that week, He was still faithful and still had me securely in His hands! God was so good to explain to me that I had been relying on my own strength and not His, and that is why I had become weak. Then I received a prayer that confirmed what I had heard from Him. So i recommitted my life and efforts to Him and He really showed me the great and unsearchable things that I did not know during the camp! (Jeremiah 33:3)
So what do I mean about having the liberty to be there to pray? I need you to understand that I really believe in the power of prayer. God is so real with His ear always ready to hear and His hand already outstretched to perform wonders and miracles upon the requests of those who love Him! So in the mornings, during services, almost anytime I wasn't snapping photos, I was praying! Like I said, I wanted people to be blessed and receive more than just "fun" from the camp. So that is what I prayed for - that people will be blessed, strengthened, touched by God's love that has so touched me!
And do you know what? It is amazing because through my weaknesses, God shows His strength! I was extremely tired on the 2nd night, and nodding off just about every five minutes. But at the same time, I didn't want to cease praying so I silently, and admittedly distractedly, asked God to keep me focused. Very suddenly, toward the end of the service, I began praying and I hardly knew what I was praying because my mind was still half asleep! I feel that this really was the Holy Spirit of God working in me. As I continued to pray, for no reason at all, I began to cry! Until now, I am amazed because it was unlike any other kind of weeping. I neither knew why nor where the tears were coming from until I felt God speak to me and tell me that He was taking things into His hands now, that He was now doing what He wanted to be done in the camp! It's like He wanted me to rest and I really felt peace and a sense of joy deep in my heart that it made me cry even more.
God really is so wonderful. DIVE IN 07 provided me an encounter with God like no other encounter I've had before. It moved and encouraged me so much that when I joined the IMU students for their morning devotion on the last day and Victor asked everyone: What is the next level for you?, I immediately had an answer. I had not thought about it before, but I believe this is the next step God wants me to take.
After DIVE IN 07, I want to become a prayer warrior for God. "Prayer warrior" is what people have been calling me each time I pray for the college, other people, etc. But I never actually embraced the title until the Holy Spirit filled me on the last night of camp. I believe that if things are out of my capabilities, God can still do wonders in those areas. I believe that when we pray, doors are opened for God to show his glory and power. I believe that each time we cry out to God, each time we present a request, He hears us and is ready to act.
Lord God, nothing equals up to Your love and power. I feel that taking this step to becoming a "prayer warrior" for You will certainly be more challenging than just casually stepping in. I know I will face obstacles but I want to be an overcomer as You have called me to be. So I pray that You hold me close to You and walk with me on my journey. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
For those who didn't come for DIVE IN 07, I'm so sorry but you'll never realize how much you've really missed! Stories cannot possibly describe how much happened during the camp, pictures worth 1000 words can't come close to giving you the experience of DIVE IN 07! But I will do my best to tell you about the camp from my personal point of view.
Just to make things clear, I'm not coming from the POV of any other camp participant. I started off as a diver (a participant) but eventually became quite occupied with taking photos of the camp (being part of the photography team). So my POV will be the mix of two different angles.
Being a diver was great fun. Wow, meeting my teammates (Team 4, yea!) and working with them, creating cheers, abusing our flag, learning songs and dances - it was all real great! Once I started to get more involved with photography, however, I was a bit more distant from my group (sorry, guys!) and unfortunately, I wasn't able to say goodbye to them personally after the camp ended! Team 4 @ Green Lic Pies, if any of you are reading this, I send my apologies and I hope I get to meet you again SOON so we can catch up!
As awesome as it was to be a diver, I feel being a photographer was even more worth the experience. I must admit, I almost didn't want to be a diver because I had been one in DIVE IN 06 and I really felt like contributing more to the camp! You know what, God is so good because He catered to my wants even though I had never mentioned them to anyone! I helped out in the photo ministry more than initially planned, I helped set up chairs in the hall and I even was given a chance to help set up a game!
Don't misunderstand me - I'm not saying this out of pride that I'm more "important" than any other diver. I'm really saying it out of humility and thankfulness that God was so good to have made use of me in even the smallest areas!
And God is really so wise in how He makes things work out, because by putting me in positions where I was, in a way I obtained the "freedom" to be where I wanted during the events (eg: I could sit at the back of the hall, I could move around to take photographs..). The reason I am so thankful for this "freedom" is because it gave me the liberty to just be there to pray! I believe one of the reasons God put me where I was (besides being able to contribute physically) is because He wanted me to pray.
I hope I'm not going in too deep for you. Let me explain my mind and heart for DIVE IN 07. Before the camp, I was constantly, faithfully praying for the camp, for things to go smoothly, for the place and especially for the PEOPLE. I didn't want this camp to be just any other fun camp for students, but I wanted it to be something different for people to experience! I wanted people to benefit from it, or be blessed by the content of the camp.
During the last week before DIVE IN 07 happened, I fell into a tired state and my spirit was very low. During the camp itself, God revealed that though I had stumbled that week, He was still faithful and still had me securely in His hands! God was so good to explain to me that I had been relying on my own strength and not His, and that is why I had become weak. Then I received a prayer that confirmed what I had heard from Him. So i recommitted my life and efforts to Him and He really showed me the great and unsearchable things that I did not know during the camp! (Jeremiah 33:3)
So what do I mean about having the liberty to be there to pray? I need you to understand that I really believe in the power of prayer. God is so real with His ear always ready to hear and His hand already outstretched to perform wonders and miracles upon the requests of those who love Him! So in the mornings, during services, almost anytime I wasn't snapping photos, I was praying! Like I said, I wanted people to be blessed and receive more than just "fun" from the camp. So that is what I prayed for - that people will be blessed, strengthened, touched by God's love that has so touched me!
And do you know what? It is amazing because through my weaknesses, God shows His strength! I was extremely tired on the 2nd night, and nodding off just about every five minutes. But at the same time, I didn't want to cease praying so I silently, and admittedly distractedly, asked God to keep me focused. Very suddenly, toward the end of the service, I began praying and I hardly knew what I was praying because my mind was still half asleep! I feel that this really was the Holy Spirit of God working in me. As I continued to pray, for no reason at all, I began to cry! Until now, I am amazed because it was unlike any other kind of weeping. I neither knew why nor where the tears were coming from until I felt God speak to me and tell me that He was taking things into His hands now, that He was now doing what He wanted to be done in the camp! It's like He wanted me to rest and I really felt peace and a sense of joy deep in my heart that it made me cry even more.
God really is so wonderful. DIVE IN 07 provided me an encounter with God like no other encounter I've had before. It moved and encouraged me so much that when I joined the IMU students for their morning devotion on the last day and Victor asked everyone: What is the next level for you?, I immediately had an answer. I had not thought about it before, but I believe this is the next step God wants me to take.
After DIVE IN 07, I want to become a prayer warrior for God. "Prayer warrior" is what people have been calling me each time I pray for the college, other people, etc. But I never actually embraced the title until the Holy Spirit filled me on the last night of camp. I believe that if things are out of my capabilities, God can still do wonders in those areas. I believe that when we pray, doors are opened for God to show his glory and power. I believe that each time we cry out to God, each time we present a request, He hears us and is ready to act.
Lord God, nothing equals up to Your love and power. I feel that taking this step to becoming a "prayer warrior" for You will certainly be more challenging than just casually stepping in. I know I will face obstacles but I want to be an overcomer as You have called me to be. So I pray that You hold me close to You and walk with me on my journey. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
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