SWING TO THE LEFT, SWING TO THE RIGHT

SLOW OR FAST

Some things are slow moving and some are fast moving - how is that possible? Like for example, the change I desire or wish to see happen in Malaysia is so slow in coming that it frustrates me. Yet again, there are so much to accomplish and so little time because the day passes by so fast that I wish I had 48 hours in a day.

I believe there are exciting days ahead, but the only issue is that of the definition of the word "exciting." Exciting days ahead could mean different things to different people. Explosive political and economic events that shake the nation to its core - that's exciting for some! Ministry or career opportunities even in the midst of economic meltdown, now that's exciting too! How about persecution for our faith, our skin color, and our gender? They are all very exciting possibilities - though negative.

I tell you what I personally think what exciting days are ahead. I think God is about to do a powerful work - to shake this nation and every other nation. What can be shaken will be shaken, and what cannot be shaken will remain. I think there will be an increase both in righteousness and evil - in light and in darkness! I think many will be driven to look up for a Saviour while others will be driven further into themselves and their selfishness. I am excited because it drives me to want to see people come into the Kingdom of God. Jesus Christ will establish His Kingdom and the gates of hell will not prevail against it!

So, what is "exciting days ahead" means to you?

POSITIVE OR ALARMIST

There are two types of people - one who is positive about everything and finds it a curse to be negative, and the other is an alarmist (the gloom and doom people).

As our country faces a very trying time - an economic meltdown, a political circus, and a racial drama in the coming days, I, on the other hand, am really "confused." I am confused because I am trying to understand God in the whole situation. I am confused because there are many theories about the country's woes. I am confused because there are so many stories being told to us through the media. I am confused because I am confused!

So the question is: should I be the positive guy? I need to stay positive, be positive, and in the end, it will work out! Or should I listen to the alarmist among us and be prepared for the worse - pack provision, keep lots of cash, and hide? Or maybe consider migrating to Melbourne, after all, it's the number one most livable place in the world!

I am confused.

OUTRAGEOUS OR REASONABLE

Nowadays, I don’t seem to have anything to write about or to comment. I mean, the positive things! Everything seems to be dark and gloomy. I really don’t want to comment on our country, our economy, and the things that are happening in the world. It’s too depressing. On top of that, I keep hearing from preachers who have the habit of dishing out statements that sent chills up my spine. I don’t pretend to know it all about theology or the Word of God, but I certainly can discern and differentiate between an outrageous statement and a reasonable one from the pulpit.

But I did have a good time last weekend with a group of medic students. I was speaking at their camp on building the altar of consecration, the temple of communion, the wall of character, and the Word, Christ our Lord! It’s great to spend time with the young adults because it makes me feel young again, and it gives me great hope in Christ.

At the same time, there was the Convergence-Crossroad Retreat, a young adult’s camp jointly organized by FG Plus and Crossroad network of churches. I was busy but delighted in hosting three youths from FGA Miri who were here for the Camp. There’s so much fun been with the young people. Thank God for their passion for the Lord. So, yes, last weekend was hectic but really fulfilling and enjoyable! At least it takes away the loneliness that sometimes engulfed me without any notice or warning.

LOOKING FORWARD TO A NEW ADVENTURE WITH THE LORD. It doesn’t matter how dark the days ahead can get because I know deep within me that His light will shine the brightest. Looking forward to a brand new path to forge ahead for the Lord.

OPPORTUNITY OR DESPONDENCY

The flatulent of the disgusting putrefying political quotes of “supposed” honorable leaders of our country have become classics - should archive it for the future generations so that they would be able to sit back, relax, read the historical account, and laugh while drinking their tea. But for the present? Ah – Oo – Ouch!

Times of despair, depression, and despondency can actually present an opportunity for God to act. We can believe that God is still in control. When the enemy comes in like a flood God would raise a standard against it. We can rise and do exploits for the Lord. We could resign to frustration and anger or we can push back the tide of negativity, trusting God to see us through. I think, besides praying, we need to have God’s perspective, we need to have a clearer understanding of his love and forgiveness, and not to lose sight of our purpose and meaning in life in Christ.

We need to be in anticipation of the coming of the Bridegroom for His bride, the church, YET at the same time we need to get cracking – love Him with everything that is within us, and to love one another, to care for the poor and needy, and to reach out to those who are spiritually destitute! Christ will come and He will reign over all the earth, and we shall reign with Him. But there’s so much still to be done in our city, in our land, and in our homes! LET’S BE ADVENTUROUS. LET’S BE BOLD AND COURAGEOUS!