Hanging In Singapore

Did you hear on the news today about the hanging in Singapore. Most of us have heard of the strict laws in Singapore and the strict enforcement of those laws. Today a young man was hanged there for drug dealing. He hopped a plane and flew there with mega loads of heroin.

Of course, the media took hold of this one and ran with it. They showed the video of the mother of this young man obviously distraught to say the very least. They showed his "friends" bringing candles to the prison to try and turn around the verdict. They even interviewed people who were obviously decrying this action by the government.

One thing kept going through my mind. "What about all those young people that would be buying this drug?" I could not help but think that if this were done more often, there would be less crime because of the deterrent.

Singapore, because of its stance on crime, is one of the safest and cleanest places to live in the world.

I know that capitol punishment is a huge issue and that it can rile people, but what do you think? Is this too harsh for drug trafficking?

One interesting fact they gave about this country was that it used to be illegal to chew gum in Singapore. In 2004, a law was passed that made it legal, but only with a permit. If caught chewing without a permit, one can face some pretty embarrassing punishments.

Forgiveness, What Joy!

What compels people to forgive one another? It is an amazing thing to forgive. No matter what has happened, no matter the wrong, forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts and blessings if not THE greatest that one can give to another or receive from one another.

Forgiveness frees everyone. The recipient of it is freed from the guilt of the wrong that she has committed. The giver of forgiveness is free from any hard feelings, ill will, of grudge that might accompany an offensive action. Being set free is awesome!

God, our Father is the ultimate example(as He is the ultimate example of all good things) of true forgiveness. He gave the most precious gift of all as a sacrifice so that we could be the recipients of His mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Romans 4:7-8 says, "Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose sin is no longer counted against them by the Lord." What joy! What an understatement! How can the English language express the forgiveness of God and the total elation that it brings into our life?

Just think, every time we choose to forgive, we catch a glimpse into what God must feel a "bazillion" times over and over again. The joy and freedom of forgiveness is sensed by the Father! It is His nature and man am I glad of that. He can't help Himself, He just forgives. How dare we not accept it! How dare we think for a moment that it is based on my jumping through some hoop to gain it by my own power, might, or smarts!

God is gracious! Accept it! Love it! Receive it and give it away to others and allow them to experience the freedom of living in Him!

Thanksgiving Fire II

I never cease to be amazed by the faith of people. Before I tell you of the response of Steve and Paula on Sunday morning, I must give you a small history of their walk, especially Paula. It was nearly one year ago that Paula was leaving the street our church building is on and pulling out to turn left on a four lane she did not see the motorcycle that hit her. She told me that she never saw him coming. The rider of the motorcycle hit her front end and flipped off the bike. He did not survive the crash. Paula was distraught as you might imagine. To make matters worse for her, the family of the man put up a sign that Paula has to drive by every service that says "Watch out for motorcycles, they are everywhere." There is also the name of the man who was killed and a cross. It is a constant reminder to her of the event. She never complains about it, but prays for that family. She really felt remorse for the whole sad event. We too have prayed or the family and cannot imagine the loss o a loved one like that. That event on Paula's life took place in the month of November.

The house fire I told you about happened to them in the month of November. Paula told me Sunday that she thinks that next year she is going on a month's cruise in the month of November so that nothing will happen to her. I told her that the boat would probably sink. We had a great laugh about that. I am glad to see her smile.

I tell you this whole story to let you see into the heart of a faithful couple of people. Sunday morning they both responded at the end of the day just to make a statement. Steve and Paula wanted everyone to know that they were celebrating! That's right--celebrating!! Paula said, "Yes, we may have lost all of our worldly possessions and even some that cannot be replaced, but I could be attending five funerals today and I am not." Her children and grandchildren were all in the house when the fire broke out. What a blessing!

Faith teaches us that even when it looks like all things are going wrong that we can find something to be joyous about. Steve and Paula could be down in the dumps and no one would blame them, but they have chosen to look at the blessings instead. Praise God for their testimony of faith! I hope that when the time comes for me to endure hardships--and it will come, that I can have that kind of spirit.