The Kingdom of GOD is Near

"The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever." ~ Revelation 11:15

Have we been preaching with the wrong focus?

It was a mind-blowing sermon this morning and it made me really look at the gospel in another way.

We started the series "The Magnificent Obsession" last week and it started off with the declaration that the message of the Bible/gospel is the message of the Kingdom of GOD, establishing the kingdom of GOD on earth. And the point is to "seek first the kingdom of GOD".

However, the underlying truth of establishing the kingdom of GOD on earth did not hit me so hard as it did today. Today's message was about boldness. The message today made me really re-look at the Bible in a new light and there is much deeper meaning. Preaching about the gospel is not just about preaching GOD's love. That's only part of the equation. It is about the kingdom of GOD. Preaching the kingdom of GOD brings about transformation, not just personal salvation. It means transforming not just yourself, but communities, society and nations; transforming the kingdom of the world & claiming it. GOD always looks at the nations (Exodus 4:22, Matthew 24:14, 28:18-20).

One of the most mind-blowing part was the issue about the rapture. Pastor made special reference to John 18:36. It makes reference to a kingdom "not of this world" but actually, in context, Pilates was actually asking for the source of Jesus's authority. However, it gives the impression that there is another place we will go to. Does that mean the kingdom of the world is not our business? That's not true as Jesus is meant to reign on earth and the kingdom of the world will become the kingdom of our Lord (Rev 11:15). And what do we pray in the Lord's prayer ?

"Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done

on earth as it is in heaven"

~ Matthew 6:9-10

So it is the conquer of the kingdom of the world which we must look at, bringing heaven on earth. (Ephesians 1:10, Revelation 11:15, Luke 17:21)

Another thought came to my mind actually: so is that the reason of Jesus's second coming - coming back to reign on this earth?

"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." ~ Matthew 4:17

Photography...minus the abstract

My friends & I were having a discussion about photography and 1 of them joked that what would happen if a photographer sent in the wrong pics for an exhibition and thus the wrong pics were actually displayed. We joked that, maybe if the theme is abstract, people may just think it's meant to be and go "hmm...interesting" still. "Emperor's New Clothes" syndrome maybe? Then I recalled to them that I once saw an exhibition where some of the photos actually looked like normal out-of-focus photos, where me & my friend just sort of "huh?" about it.

You can think I don't know how to appreciate this kind of "art", but I think sometimes, maybe there's more "smoke" than real skill. Don't get me wrong, coz actually, I like photography, if only the more "real" kind, i.e. not those that are said to express some abstract idea. Well, to me, photography, besides skill, it somehow has to be gripping, and essentially, it is "of the moment". I'm not against abstract, coz sometimes, I also think with an abstract mind, but sometimes, you just feel it's not really that great and the abstract idea may just be "smoke".

Then it occurred to me (well, it could well be only me who thinks that way) that maybe pics of nature are the most real, in a sense. I mean, how do you do "abstract" or fake nature? And nature is so simple, yet mystifying and well, natural.

It also set me thinking. As I thought further, I think photos of nature gives a sense that the world is larger than the photographer, at least that's how I feel. One is taking a pic of something not created by human, but of something shaped & created by God. And usually, in good nature shots, I feel that the intention is to capture the greatness and mystique. The clouds, sea, trees, flowers, etc. are subjects for this. It is quite different from when the photographer tries to impose some kind of idea of his own on you. Hmm...don't know if you understand what I mean. Maybe like for nature/scenic shots, you will first be struck by the vastness of nature first and step back for a while to appreciate it before you start thinking of the photographer. On the other hand, especially those "abstract" kind, you will tend to wonder first "what was the photographer thinking?".

Of course, other kinds of photos I like are those dealing with real issues like disasters, war, etc. Very National Geographic hor?

Am I pushy (at times?)

I was just reflecting on my attitude towards people and I think I might be a little fierce, pushy, maybe even to the point of rudeness at times, to some people, especially those that have yet to "buy me over".

Think 1 example is my current boss. Somehow, I find that it's very hard to get her to understand the situation (sorry, but I sometimes find her a bit blur and impractical). So I sometimes get so frustrated with her that I begin to be harsh in my tone or the way I talk to her, to the point like I'm retorting her or keep objecting her views. Of course, sometimes I would also not think very "straight" and speak a bit bluntly. I know I'm guilty of it and it's really bad coz it makes both of us look bad, especially if others are also in the discussion. Then you know lah, my voice sometimes a bit "loud" so it comes out worse and I'm not so good in verbal expression. Although I'm not the only one who feels frustrated about her, it's not an excuse to treat people badly, and it's bad testimony. I have to psycho myself to be nicer to her.

There are also times when I get carried away trying to get my point across and I become too agitated or defensive. Often, I feel guilty or regret at the way I tried to bring it across, but it's like too late and the damage is done. And I always worry if relations will be strained afterwards or if I looked really bad like too strongheaded/pushy (ok, this is a more selfish reason).

I'm usually a mellow person, but don't know why nowadays I'm like that. I find that since working (not sure if it's here), I've become "uglier" in a way, being skeptical, sometimes jaded, less even-tempered, etc. Normally, people who know me will know it takes quite a bit to "ruffle my feathers" so hmm...

Letting Go

I realised that when it comes to letting go (with the help of God), I'm actually quite 果断 and strong in making such decisions.

As I reflect on events that has happened to me over the years (ok, not that much lah), I don't know if it is a sign of resignation at matters/issues affecting me, but at the end, it seems that for some things, what's the point? Of course, I know there are also things that are not "healthy" which must be removed.

Let's take work for example. I can say I'm a little perfectionistic, so once I start on something, it's hard for me to let go of some of the work I do, especially if it's like my "baby". But at some point, I get really stressed up and then I find that why do I get so possessive over certain things? It's not good actually coz it sort of makes one micro-manage and alone, actually, I can't do everything. So yah, I learnt to let go a little. Not that I don't do my best anymore, but I learn to not get too bothered over matters not within my control. Of course, if there are some urgent deadlines, yes, sometimes getting a bit stressed is good, but as long as priorities are set right, then things would be fine. And of course, there are issues about people at work which I think is not convenient to elaborate.

Hmm...in terms of relationships, well this requires a lot of help from God really. Especially in terms of disputes, where letting go means forgiveness. There was 1 time when I even went to "谈判" with a close friend coz I felt betrayed by her. Well, if some things needs to be done to resolve issues or help you let go, then it needs to be done. Of course it has to be done in a sensible manner after much thought (which I did...I prayed about it and prepared a script leh). Of course, there are other matters, and really I find that once I really pray and accept that I must let go of things that are bad for me (emotionally & of course spiritually), no matter how heartbreaking/painful, you can really feel a burden lifted. And sometimes, literally, it feels like that "feeling" (not sure what word to use), like a "tumour", gets cut off. Of course, one would need to pray the right (and sometimes difficult) prayer to really make oneself let go. You know, in cases when you say you want to let go, but am afraid/don't really want to let go, but must steel yourself to do it.

And fortunately, when it happens, I realise that hey! I can withstand it and be resolute about it. Of course, there is a healing process, but we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28), so things will always work out eventually.

SSO's New Beginnings

It's been a while since I caught an SSO concert (1-2 years?) as during the past year or so, I decided to try some new music and take a break from classical stuff.

So tonight, I decided to revisit my classical roots and attend one. Well, it didn't start off as intended as the original soloist, violinist Augustin Dumay was unable to perform tonight due to health reasons. He was supposed to perform Brahms's Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77. The programme was only changed on Thursday, and the concert was on Friday! Some more I just bought the tickets on Wednesday.

Anyway, he was replaced by cellist, Qin Li-Wei who played Dvorak's Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104. I wasn't too sure if I would enjoy it as much as I'm not really good at appreciating cello music, but well, since it's Dvorak and my friend didn't mind, I still went.

Dvorak is my next favourite composer after Tchaikovsky and the piece didn't disappoint, being a rather familiar piece and I like this style, you know, the Russian/Czech kind, full of "flavour" & "passion". Qin Li-Wei played well, and being in the 4th row, I could see his animated expressions as he played (I find that Chinese musicians, conductors included, tend to be more animated). After that, as an encore piece, he played a March by Prokefiev, where he did some funny fingering to amuse.
I should dig up my Dvorak CD to play.

The 2nd part was Shostakovich's Symphony No. 10 in E minor, Op. 93. It was a rather long piece, especially the 1st movement. I didn't realise that his work was so cryptic until I read the programme notes. Hmm...

Well, overall, the concert was not bad, given the sudden change of programme. I also found out my friend actually preferred cello! Well, need to look out for the next violin concerto to catch.

I Love Clouds!

I simply & absolutely love clouds. They are so beautiful, mysterious, awesome, precious (transient) and definitely good for imagination.

Each piece of cloud is so unique & dynamic; the colours, shapes, sizes, contrasts, etc. Wow. One can't help to be amazed by God's handiwork. So beautiful & natural, yet providing us with cover, rain, etc and yet so magnificent and difficult to grasp.

Hence, I love to take photos of clouds, whether it's dark stormy ones, or set against the blue skies, it's amazing to view them, especially when there's a glimmer of sunlight shining through, like hope emerging.

Turandot

Maybe it's the setting...or maybe it's my first experience...but despite the good reviews, I will say that it's ok for me.

I attended my 1st Western opera last night with some colleagues, and amid the foreign language, I can't really tell if it was a good or bad experience.

Firstly, the costumes & props were set in ancient China, but it was really weird hearing them sing in Italian. Maybe it's also because of the setting that I started to make comparisons with Chinese opera, which I find is more interesting as in Chinese opera, it's not just about the singing, but also about the movements & acting. Coz in the Western opera, when they start singing, it seems like they have to be stationary. I also noticed that 1 of the leads' movements was not as refined as it should be, given the character played.
Maybe through this, I learn to appreciate Chinese opera more. Hey, I've been to both good & bad ones and also in dialects that I can't understand.

But despite these I must say that I enjoyed Nancy Yuen's (Liu) and Lee Jae Wook's (Calaf) performance. Also I liked the familiar Nessun Dorma (None Shall Sleep Tonight) performed by Lee. And of course, being a fan of Maestro Tsung Yeh, who conducted the orchestra, I would say the music was good.

Some parts of the show were rather funny, given some comic characters (Ping, Pong, Pang) and the dramatic actions, especially the ending kissing scene where Calaf very dramatically pulled Turandot towards him to kiss her. We couldn't help laughing at that part. Not that I'm not a romantic, but if you saw it, you would know what I mean.
Also, we noticed that the props were likely inspired by the "Mystery Men" exhibition hosted by the ACM last year, with all the Bronze Age emphasis, though Peking wasn't actually the capital at that time.

Anyway, maybe next time, I should watch something that's set differently like Aida, or in a more European setting.

Baybeats 2008

I also caught my 1st Baybeats this weekend (Sat & Sun).
I kind of liked the 2nd night better, though I caught less acts.

For Sat, I watched You & Whose Army (YAWA), The Oddfellows, Electrico, and Amberhaze. Of the 4, I liked Amberhaze best, with the ambient sounds and something closer to what I listen to. Haha...maybe also because the rest were in the outdoors, amidst the "smoke" and heat. Anyway, those were more on the "rock" side. It was really crowded.

On the 2nd night there were less people around. Me & my friend caught Sourgrapes and The Analog Girl. We "passed by" some other acts while on our way to the shows, which were playing music that I was more used to & they were quite nice too. My friend & I were discussing who might be The Analog Girl's influences coz we heard some familiar styles like it could be something from Lamp, Mono, or even Jap anime. Didn't really take to her 1st 2 pieces, but it got better later.

Songcraft session

It has been 2 months since my last Songcraft and I was already beginning to miss it earlier this month. Maybe partly because we haven't met up since, and have been busy at work, overseas for work trip, that I needed some time off. And I always love Songcraft sessions coz I give myself an "excuse" to take leave from work and do what I like and hang out with people I like. :)

Anyway, it was a cozy Songcraft session today, with about 10 people this month. Heard last month was overwhelming due to the new Facebook group set up, which gave little time for everyone to share something. So this month, everything was low-key and it was really good as we could have more time for chatting, go at a more relaxed pace and ended off with a mini jam session.

We had some newcomers and I think it was good that it was a small group as they were a little shy. But in the end, I think they shared more songs than they intended to. :P
I also shared a song "Will You Sing Again" which was done about 2 months ago and posted up in an earlier entry.

Of course, to end it all off, we went to our usual after-Songcraft hangout at Coffee Club.

Money No Enough 2

It has been a busy weekend for me and 1 of the things I did on Friday was to watch Money No Enough 2. Well I was claiming my National Day off and also had a movie voucher which was expiring on 31 Aug, and Money No Enough 2 was a show that had almost the right timing that afternoon before Songcraft, so I went. Of course, some of my friends did say it was not bad.

Anyway, I caught the movie. It was actually a more or less "serious" show and in the later half, a tearjerker (yes, I did cry). There were some "grousing" about govt policies like ERP and such, but essentially, it was about family and the need to be 脚踏实地, and also the never-say-die attitude. If you fail, face it and be practical; be humble about it.

Rating? Well, considering that it is a Singapore film, it was not too bad. I would give it a 3.5 out of 5.