When Tomorrow Comes

This is my last posting for the year, and my first in Melbourne, Australia.

I don’t suppose many will read it because this site has been dormant for quite a long while that those few who frequent it previously could have stopped checking it out altogether. And so, I log my last post knowing my thoughts are bare to the One who sees all things, but which I have also chosen to make know to the world on this obscure blog – thoughts that will mark the end of this year and the beginning of next year.

The past two months since leaving the country, have been fleeting and almost spurious. And I have come to appreciate how reality and wishes can blend into a kind of twilight that leaves you wondering if at all your life is in free fall instead of the masterful control of the unseen Hand of the Almighty.

I don’t think I can begin to express enough and mention the many people I would like to talk about who have crossed my path this season. Not just yet. I will blog in stages when the year begins, as I mentioned I would in my last posting.

Today, I will just articulate three concerns.

First. I know just how far I am from understanding what it takes and means to be strong and courageous. But that is what not only I but those who are called to hasten His coming and to possess the land are required to be. Thus, I will continue into the next season this endeavour. To be strong and courageous. That would be my resolution this coming year, in the things that truly matter. Beyond that, I couldn’t care less. For the moment, I speak almost in riddle. Those who have walked with me would understand, for I speak plainly.

Do you need to be strong and courageous? What does it matter if you do or not?

Of course, I will elaborate as we move along into the new year what matters you and I must face and overcome. But for now, let me move into my second concern.

While the world reels in the onslaught of incessant blows – those of us who have managed to track developments locally and abroad – most of us are focused on our micro priorities. For us, who have moved out of our comfort zone into a new land, we too have easily stumbled headlong into our self-centered preoccupations, however legitimate they may be. In that process, we are caught in a vicious cycle of survival. Surviving. And in the course of time, we become who we survived to become without realizing it – victims of our perceived circumstances and limited choices. Do I judge someone on this matter? I fear that I may, though I wish I would not.

How can we break free of our cycle, or “karma” in the words of some others labelled heathens? Doing the same thing over and over, until the silver cord is broken.

Do you know how you are going to end your cycle? What is does it take to move on to that which you know truly matters? Or are you going to ask, What does it matter, and carry on as if tomorrow will never come.

My third and last concern, for the moment, is simply this. We will see like never before a beguiling force that would shroud the world. Unprecedented deception. In so much that, if it were possible, even the very elect shall be deceived.

The Church will be sieved. Listen to what the Spirit says to the Church.

The Word says you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free. Only those who truly love the Truth and seek the Way will find Life.

And the elect will stand.

What does it matter to you to be counted among the elect? You and I need to be strong and courageous and not be among the crowd who are deceived.

Already, the next hour draws near….

For now, I conclude.
May God bless you

Last Blog in Malaysia this year

This is likely my last blog in Malaysia this year.

The next will be done in Melbourne.

For starters, I'll be posting in three installments my next blog.

First, pictures and commentary on our three years and seven months in Grace Assembly. That's the happy nostalgic part.

Second, pictures and commentary on the mighty warriors I've had the privilege of knowing in Grace Assembly. That's the grand part!

Third, pictures and commentary on what was, what is, and what is to come in Grace Assembly. This would be my insider view on the whole journey. And that's the exciting part!

Unlike Raja Petra Kamaruddin, I don't think I'll be hauled up for sedition, ISA, OSA, or whatever Thossai or Chappati.... Heh heh, but it's time to look to a new season.

So if you're watching and waiting... pray along, and we'll soon see what's next!

God bless you all my wonderful friends, fabulous fans, and fiendish fiends....

Let me end with an old Christmas song ahead of time....

You better watch out, You better not cry
You better not pout, I'm telling you why
CAUSE Jesus Christ is coming so soon....

End of Days

Like the movie starring Pierce Brosnan in The Day After Tomorrow, the world's climate seems set to change more amid drastic levels in global warming. But more alarming is the financial meltdown that last days prophets of doom in the 70's and 80's would shrill with delight in proclaming curtains for all.

But really, how close are we to the end?

Those who have lived with the overcast gloom in those days and are pushing 50 to 60 today seem largely oblivious to the fears of yesteryears. I guess, for them, it doesn't really matter as much if Jesus comes back today or not since they are already close to ticking off their bucket list.

For those who are hale and hearty, the end seems a remote and unwelcomed possibility. Although none can run away from the inevitable of pushing daisies when their number is up, most do not come close to considering death let alone Jesus coming again.

So where does this leave us all?

The Bible says, as it was in the days of Noah, many will go on eating, drinking, and making merry with business as usual, so shall it be in the last days....

So what shall it be for you, my friend....

What does it matter if the end comes today, or tomorrow, or whatever you say?

What does it matter?

Does it matter that RPK is still squatting in a cell in Kamunting?

Does it matter that the financial status of the United States is in a quandary?

Does it matter that you have been ingesting melamine the past many donkey years as a result of China's .... hmmm shall we say, apathy?

Does it matter that Najib could be the next prime minister in Malaysia?

Does it matter that you don't know what you believe in and when someone asks you what your religion is and you pause a moment and say, ur hur ur ur....

Does it matter that tommorow Thailand will dip further into some kind of anarchistic melee as a result of the nation's loss of vision?

O you say, vision? Is Malaysian on target to achieve its vision 2020 or is the country going to go under in the next few years from corruption and mismanagement and sheer stupidity?

Does it matter .... O does it matter at all whether you are going to sleep soundly tonight and probably waking up to a more crappy tomorrow because you haven't figured out why you are the way you are?

Does it matter that the rest of the world is in doldrums and you're thinking about what you are going to do about your life?

Does it matter if anything really matters and nothing matters altogether because you haven't figured out what matters that is worth mattering over? Huh? Duh?....

Does it matter....? What? You say....

Farewell my friend until we meet again

(Sunther in the middle with his arm over Ethan, flanked by Davian and Torina, in a photo taken with missionary friends, John and Melody woodworth, and their sons, Tanner and Grayson, and a church member.)


Today, the family and friends of Pastor Sunther will bid him one last farewell. I'm sure it will be a teary affair. While we know he has certainly moved on to a far better place in the bosom of the Lord - awaiting the last trumpet call when the dead in Christ will join all who are still alive to meet in the air to reign forevermore - he will be missed by those dear to him.

Sunther was the president of our graduating class in 1993. He was always jovial and outstanding as a leader among leaders. Quick to inquire when he spotted a need and to speak a kind word or intervene when he could make the difference. That was why his peers elected him.

Since then, the class of 1993 have moved on.... everyone doing their own thing in the ministry field, too busy to meet as regularly as we ought to have met. Like most ministers, the driven pace of work and tyranny of the urgent crashing into our pool of priorities, clouding oftentimes the menial from the what matters most in life.

The last I met Sunther was in the recent AG council meeting. Bright eyed and alert, he chatted only briefly with me. I noticed though, a pensive mood he carried. He looked the same only having added some kilos to his portly frame, but appeared quite different from the earlier days.

We all change. Life's choices weigh down on us. And the passage of time carve its effects on us.

Among our graduating class, he is the first to move on. At age 42, he leaves behind Lydia, his sons, Davian, Ethan, and daughter, Torina, and immeasurable memories behind.

One day, we will meet again.

Meanwhile, his passing on leaves a poignant impression and trailing questions.

At the end of the road, at the end of the day, what does it matter.

Sept 16 - A New Day for Malaysia?

By the end of this day, all Malaysians will know whether a new era has dawned in our nation.

But in any case, the year 2009 looms ahead ominously spelling certain doom and perilous times ahead for those who are not anchored in the Rock of the Ages!

Let us call unto the Lord - 2 Chron 7:14

Arrested Under Internal Security Act

Finally, after a week predicting his own arrest, controversial blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin was picked up today at 1.10pm under the Internal Security Act for allegedly being a threat to security, peace and public order. He could be detained for up to 60 days.

No wonder our friend said he was banking on Anwar Ibrahim forming a new government failing which he is done for!

For somewho who is doing what he has been doing to uphold justice and the truth, I wonder if his arrest will inspire Christians and the church to get locked up for upholding justice and the truth.
If not, then for preaching justice and the truth?