Tyrannus Online Seminary

DAILY REFLECTION
21 May 2026

 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
Psalm‬ ‭32‬:‭8‬ ‭

In June 2023, I made the painful decision to cancel a long-awaited cruise to Alaska with my beloved wife. Though difficult, I sensed deeply that God was calling me to set aside personal desires and seek Him wholeheartedly during one of the most uncertain seasons of my life. Instead of pursuing rest and leisure, I devoted myself to prayer, reflection, and quiet surrender before the Lord.

At that time, the responsibility of leading Tyrannus Online Seminary (TOS) weighed heavily upon me. The future seemed unclear, and I often felt inadequate for the enormous task ahead. Yet as I waited patiently upon God, He began guiding me step by step. His direction did not come dramatically, but gradually through subtle confirmations, timely encounters, and unexpected opportunities.

Through the encouragement of pastors and trusted friends, God opened doors I could never have arranged on my own. He connected me with theologians who shared the same vision and were willing to help develop structured theological programs leading to certificates, diplomas, and Bachelor’s degrees. At the same time, a former STM lecturer graciously offered to assist in rewriting the ATA Standard Operating Procedures. Looking back, I could clearly see God orchestrating people, resources, and opportunities according to His perfect wisdom and timing.

Although many uncertainties still remained, I chose to trust that God, who sees the beginning and the end, was faithfully directing every step. This season taught me a profound lesson: divine guidance often unfolds progressively rather than instantly. God frequently reveals His will through the people He sends, the doors He opens, and the provisions He releases exactly when they are needed most.

Psalm 32:8 became a deep source of encouragement to me. It reminded me that God never leaves His children to wander aimlessly. His guidance flows from His perfect wisdom, sovereign love, and complete knowledge of our future. When we surrender our fears and uncertainties into His hands, we can move forward confidently, knowing that the Lord Himself is faithfully directing every step.

"God is not late. He's not slow. He's intentional."

DAILY REFLECTION
20 May 2026

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭

Each morning, as I come before the Lord seeking wisdom and direction in leading Tyrannus Online Seminary, I am continually reminded of His unfailing faithfulness and provision. In seasons marked by uncertainty, limited resources, and overwhelming responsibility, God has graciously guided me step by step, providing what was needed to sustain this ministry. By His grace alone, eight students were able to continue their education, becoming a visible testimony of God’s sustaining hand upon TOS.

The passing of my ministry partner, Prof. Dr. Paul, taught me profound spiritual lessons. I began to realise the danger of trying to carry the burden of ministry alone. In my weakness, the Lord showed me that seeking partnership, godly counsel, and shared responsibility is not a sign of weakness, but an expression of wisdom, humility, and dependence on God. Ministry was never meant to rest upon one person alone, but to be strengthened through the unity, support, and encouragement of fellow labourers in Christ.

As I reflect on Psalm 37:23–24, these verses now speak to me with greater meaning: “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”These verses remind me that my life and ministry are never directed merely by human effort, personal planning, or chance circumstances. God Himself lovingly establishes and directs the steps of those who seek Him sincerely. Even when the future appears uncertain and the path ahead seems unclear, we can trust that the Lord is still guiding every step according to His greater purpose. What has sustained me is not my own strength, but God’s unfailing grace and faithful presence.

Psalm 37:23–24 teaches us that faithfulness is not about never stumbling, but about continually trusting God through every season of life. Even in uncertainty, personal weakness, or difficult transitions, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that God is holding us securely. His faithful hand continues to guide, strengthen, and sustain all who delight in Him and walk humbly before Him.

“He does not lead me around the troubles of life, but He leads me right through them, and His presence is my proof that I will arrive.”—A.W Tozer‬‬

DAILY REFLECTION
19 May 2026

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." 
Jeremiah 29:13

When the mantle of leading Tyrannus Online Seminary (TOS) unexpectedly fell upon me in January 2023, I found myself overwhelmed by deep desperation and uncertainty. The responsibility was far heavier than I had ever imagined, and I felt completely inadequate to carry such a burden alone. Yet what initially appeared to be a devastating crisis became one of the greatest turning points in my spiritual journey.

In my weakness and brokenness, I was driven to seek God more earnestly than ever before. Above all else, I longed to align myself with His will, trust fully in His promises, and depend entirely upon His strength rather than my own understanding. The pressures surrounding me drew me into a deeper relationship with the Lord.

Each morning, often between 3 and 4 a.m., I would rise to seek God in the quiet stillness before dawn. Those early hours became sacred moments of prayer, surrender, and waiting upon Him for wisdom, strength, and direction. Day by day, the Lord became my anchor in the midst of the storm. He not only sustained me through overwhelming responsibilities, but also transformed my heart to know Him more deeply and trust Him more fully.

Through this season, I learned that spiritual renewal always begins with the heart. God often allows seasons of desperation to draw us closer to Himself. In moments when we feel weak, uncertain, and empty, He invites us into deeper dependence upon Him. In the place of prayer, God renews our strength, clarifies our direction, restores our soul, and teaches us to walk by faith rather than by sight.

Jeremiah 29:13 reminds us that no one is too broken, too discouraged, or too lost to encounter God’s presence. The Lord remains near to all who sincerely turn to Him. When we seek Him wholeheartedly, we not only find guidance for the journey ahead—we find God Himself, and that changes everything.

“God does not hide Himself from those who seek Him with all their heart."

DAILY REFLECTION
18 May 2026

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." 
Proverbs 3:5-6

After the funeral of my ministry partner, Prof. Dr. Paul, in January 2023, I entered one of the darkest and most overwhelming seasons of my life. Overnight, the entire responsibility of leading Tyrannus Online Seminary (TOS) fell upon my shoulders—a burden far heavier than I had ever imagined carrying alone. The sudden loss left not only an emotional void, but also a ministry crisis that seemed impossible to overcome.

Without access to his computer passwords, many critical documents, records, and essential information became unreachable. At the same time, financial pressures intensified as outstanding debts mounted and creditors repeatedly demanded payment. Yet I could see no clear solution and no visible path forward.

The challenges did not end there. There was no administrative team to assist, no faculty support to rely on, and very limited resources to sustain the daily operations of the seminary. Humanly speaking, everything pointed toward failure. Fear, uncertainty, and helplessness surrounded me, and I often felt emotionally exhausted and completely lost.

In that painful season, I learned what it truly means to cry out to God. When every human option seemed to disappear, I desperately sought His wisdom, strength, and direction to guide me through the darkness. What once seemed like an impossible situation became a deeper journey of dependence upon Him.

During those difficult days, Proverbs 3:5–6 became a living anchor for my soul.
These verses reminded me that life is not sustained by human ability, personal wisdom, or favorable circumstances, but by the sovereign hand of God. There are seasons when our own understanding fails, when logic cannot provide answers, and when human strength reaches its limit. Yet it is often in those very moments that God teaches us to trust Him more deeply.

Many people desire God’s guidance while still holding tightly to their own control. But true faith begins when we surrender our fears, uncertainties, and limited understanding into His hands. God sometimes allows difficult seasons not to destroy us, but to draw us into deeper dependence, stronger faith, and greater spiritual maturity.

Proverbs 3:5–6 teaches us that God’s guidance is not merely about leading us out of adversity; it is also about shaping our character, refining our trust, and fulfilling His greater purpose through our lives. When we choose to trust Him wholeheartedly, even in seasons of pain and uncertainty, we will eventually discover that His ways are always higher, wiser, and far more faithful than our own.

"Worry is blind and cannot discern the future, but Jesus sees the end from the beginning."

DAILY REFLECTION
15 May 2026

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails"
Proverbs 19:21

In early January 2023, my ministry partner Dr. Paul shared with Prof Mark our plans to visit NZ in April to sign an important contract for his official appointment as Chair of TOS at the seminary after his heart valve replacement surgery at CVSKL. Hope filled our hearts as new opportunities began unfolding for the future growth of TOS. It seemed that a new chapter of expansion and breakthrough was just ahead.

On the evening before his planned discharge from the hospital, everything changed in a single moment. Dr. Paul suddenly collapsed and never regained consciousness. His passing on 22 January 2023 brought unimaginable shock and grief, leaving a profound void not only in my life, but also in the ministry we had faithfully built together.

For years, he had carried much of the operational and academic responsibilities alone. No one else had access to the seminary’s passwords, systems, or critical information. Overnight, I found myself standing in the middle of uncertainty and confusion. Without theological training, sufficient resources, or strong support, I felt completely overwhelmed and helpless, unsure how to continue leading TOS. What once appeared to be a season filled with promise suddenly became a journey marked by grief, fear, and unanswered questions.

We often make plans with confidence, believing we know the direction ahead. Yet life can change without warning, reminding us that human control is fragile and temporary. Even the most carefully arranged plans can collapse in a moment, but God’s sovereign purpose remains steadfast and unshaken.

Though our understanding is limited, God continues to work beyond what we can see. In seasons of loss, uncertainty, and broken dreams, He gently teaches us to surrender our plans, trust His higher wisdom, and rest in the assurance that His purpose will always prevail.

Proverbs 19:21 teaches us to surrender our desire for control and trust fully in God’s wisdom. Though human plans may fail or change, God’s purpose remains firm forever. At times, He allows unexpected disruptions not to destroy us, but to redirect us according to His greater will. When we place our lives and ministries in His hands, we can move forward in faith and peace, confident that His plans are always wiser, higher, and ultimately for His glory and our good.

"When God cancels your plans, it's always for a greater purpose"

DAILY REFLECTION
14 May 2026

"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."
Proverbs 16:9

In 2022, my ministry partner, Prof. Dr. Paul discovered that the process of obtaining ATA full accreditation was far more stringent and complex than we had initially expected. He decided not to continue pursuing that route. Instead, he explored another strategy by signing an MOU with a seminary professor from New Zealand, appointing him as the chair of TOS with an attractive remuneration package, and commissioning him to recruit 42 theologians to develop a complete theological curriculum—from certificate to degree levels.

The proposed project was ambitious, valued at millions of ringgit. The vision was to produce a comprehensive collection of theological books for churches, similar to encyclopedias for their libraries. Humanly speaking, it appeared impressive, strategic, and full of potential. Yet, despite the grand vision, it eventually became clear that this was not God’s direction for TOS.

As believers, we often make plans based on what seems wise, logical, and promising. There is nothing wrong with planning, because God gives us wisdom, vision, and creativity. However, today’s verse reminds us that only God sees the complete picture. His ways are higher than our understanding, and His direction always aligns with His eternal purpose.

Sometimes God blesses and confirms the plans we make. At other times, He lovingly redirects us away from opportunities that may appear good but are not part of His divine assignment. These moments teach us humility, dependence, and spiritual sensitivity to His leading.

Proverbs 16:9 teaches us to plan diligently, yet hold every ambition with open hands before the Lord. Human understanding is limited, but God sees the past, present, and future perfectly. Therefore, we are called not only to make plans, but also to surrender them prayerfully to Him, trusting that His guidance will always lead us into His best purpose for our lives and ministry.

“Don't limit God by trying to get it done your way.”

DAILY REFLECTION
13 May 2026

“I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭

During one of the most difficult seasons of our ministry, uncertainty and anxiety weighed heavily upon us during the MCO period. In the midst of that challenging time, we received a timely call from a pastor friend in Kuching. He asked whether TOS could develop a one-year course titled Journey Through the Bible to equip their cell leaders and members throughout the lockdown.

Although our resources were limited, my ministry partner, Prof. Dr. Paul, responded with remarkable dedication and quickly designed a comprehensive program. Shortly afterward, an MOU was signed to launch the online studies, marking a significant milestone for TOS. By God’s grace, SBC enrolled more than 400 paid participants, and the support from the program sustained our operations for the next six months.

What seemed like a season of uncertainty became a testimony of God’s faithfulness. This breakthrough reminded us that perseverance and obedience in difficult times often become the pathway to God’s provision and blessing.

In Revelation 3:8, Jesus declares, “See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” This verse carries a powerful assurance that God holds the keys to every opportunity in our lives. During seasons of hardship, waiting, or discouragement, it is easy to feel weak and powerless. Yet God sees our faithfulness, our struggles, and our perseverance.

The church in Philadelphia had “little strength,” yet they remained steadfast in obeying God’s Word. In the same way, God is not searching for people who rely on human strength or ability, but for hearts that remain faithful, obedient, and fully dependent on Him. When God opens a door, no opposition, limitation, or obstacle can close it. His divine timing creates opportunities for growth, provision, ministry, and fresh beginnings.

Revelation 3:8 teaches us to trust God even when resources are scarce and challenges appear overwhelming. Our responsibility is not to depend on our own abilities, but to remain watchful, faithful, and ready to walk through every door that God opens according to His perfect purpose.

"When your back is up against the wall and you pray and seek his help, God will make a way through the trial." —John Townsend‬‬

DAILY REFLECTION
12 May 2026

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬ ‭

Amid relentless financial pressures and the ongoing challenge of sustaining Tyrannus Online Seminary (TOS), we have continued to reach out tirelessly to churches and Christian organizations, seeking opportunities to share and promote our courses. Yet the reality has often been discouraging. The unaccredited status of TOS and the absence of structured academic programs have made it difficult to attract students and gain wider recognition. At times, the road has felt lonely and uncertain. Even so, we refuse to lose heart. By faith, we continue pressing forward, trusting that in His perfect timing, the Lord will open doors no man can shut and establish the work He has entrusted to us.

Building a seminary is far more than managing finances or administration—it is about shaping lives, nurturing hearts, and raising a spiritual community grounded in faith, wisdom, and God’s purpose. The apostle Paul reminds us that though outward circumstances may seem painful and discouraging, God is continually renewing the inner person day by day through His grace, strength, and sustaining presence.

The burdens we carry and the challenges we face do not define the worth of this ministry nor diminish the calling God has placed upon us. Instead, these difficult seasons have become sacred moments where the Lord deepens our dependence on Him, renews our vision, and strengthens our resolve to persevere. In the hidden places of hardship, His Spirit is producing endurance, resilience, humility, and spiritual maturity within us.

Though immediate results may not yet be visible, God is quietly working behind the scenes, preparing the way for greater fruitfulness and a wider impact for His kingdom. Every sacrifice, every prayer, every step of obedience is seen by Him and will bear fruit in due season.

2 Corinthians 4:16 calls us to lift our eyes beyond temporary struggles and focus on God’s ongoing work of transformation within us. It assures us that our labor in the Lord is never wasted. Even when we feel weary outwardly, He is faithfully renewing, strengthening, and sustaining us inwardly day by day.

“God’s faithfulness sustains us through every season, filling our hearts with comfort, strength, and joy as we remember His mighty works and unfailing goodness in our lives.”‬‬

DAILY REFLECTION
11 May 2026

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!”  
Psalms‬ ‭42‬:‭11‬ ‭

During the Movement Control Order (MCO) in 2020, we devoted six months of relentless daily effort to providing free online Bible studies. TOS’s mission to serve and equip marketplace believers with theological education remained unwavering. However, as time passed, the demands became physically, emotionally, and financially exhausting. With no income to sustain the ministry, we eventually faced the difficult decision of introducing fees. Yet, the number of registered students was disappointing, and the limited contributions were still insufficient to cover the costs of Zoom subscriptions and lecture honorariums.

In the midst of uncertainty and mounting pressure, I experienced the sustaining comfort of God’s unfailing love. His faithfulness became my anchor, restoring my soul and strengthening me to persevere through that difficult season.

Today’s verse teaches us to shift our focus from the weight of our struggles to the certainty of God’s faithfulness. Even in seasons of disappointment, waiting, or lack, His presence remains constant. Trusting in His unfailing love is an intentional act of faith that renews our spirit and steadies our hearts. Faith does not deny hardship; rather, it chooses to trust God in the midst of it.

Psalms 42:11 reminds us that in every season of discouragement or uncertainty, we can speak hope to our souls, place our trust firmly in God, and continue praising Him. He remains our faithful Savior, the lifter of our countenance, and our unshakable source of strength.

“Life with God is not immunity from difficulties, but peace in difficulties.” —C.S. Lewis

DAILY REFLECTION
8 May 2026

"You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him." 

Deuteronomy 13:4

By the end of 2019, I experienced a remarkable breakthrough—freedom from every financial bondage—which marked the beginning of a new season in my life. With renewed faith and purpose, I stepped out to rebuild Tyrannus Online Seminary (TOS). The journey, however, was far from easy. There were many moments when discouragement nearly caused me to give up.

Then, in March 2020, during the government’s Movement Control Order (MCO), an unexpected door opened. As physical gatherings were restricted, TOS was given the opportunity to engage Bible teachers to conduct classes online, allowing theological education to continue reaching people in their homes.

Because the courses were offered free of charge, interest grew rapidly. Soon, more than 800 Chinese-speaking students and 500 English-speaking students enrolled, bringing total registrations to over 1,500. Nearly every day except Sundays, the late Prof. Dr. Paul and I labored tirelessly on the phone and computer, helping students gain access to lessons and ensuring the ministry continued smoothly.

After six months, exhaustion began to take its toll. Financial limitations made it increasingly difficult to sustain free theological education. Humanly speaking, the situation seemed impossible.

Looking back, this journey reflects the truth found in Deuteronomy 13:4, where God calls His people to walk after Him, obey His voice, serve Him, and hold fast to Him. Loving God is more than an emotional experience; it is a steadfast commitment that shapes every decision and direction in life. Obedience requires trusting that God’s ways are higher and better, even when circumstances appear uncertain.

To “hold fast” to God means remaining faithful during seasons of pressure, fatigue, and testing. It is choosing perseverance over surrender and truth over distraction.

Deuteronomy 13:4 reminds us that Faith is not merely intellectual belief; it is daily walking under God’s guidance. A true disciple seeks to follow God’s character, values, and purposes in every area of life, trusting that He remains faithful even when the journey becomes difficult.

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”—Corrie ten Boom