God in Repetitions

It's been officially 10 years since i graduated from CHBTC (now known as SOT). Most graduates will tell you that they may have forgotten 95% of the theological teachings, sermons, notes and etc.  But the thing they will never forget are the encounters.

However, on my way home from AZ Leaders thanksgiving last night, i was reminded of a sermon that impacted me during my bible school days. I remember it was a Swedish pastor. He started the sermon with the following illustration:

"One day, a pastor of the seminary entered and started to preach to the congregation.

It was a really good and impactful sermon and the people are blessed. 

On the 2nd day, the pastor returned to the class and started preaching again.

After awhile, the people noticed that it was the exact sermon he shared the day before.

Hoping that there might be a twist somewhere, they sat through the whole sermon but in the end, 

it was the exact same sermon! 

3rd day, the pastor came and started preaching again, the same sermon. 

This time, the people were confused and frustrated. 

They reasoned among themselves and was wondering if someone should go and tell the pastor that he had already preach this sermon twice and now the third time. But no one had the courage. 

On the 4th day, as they hear the sermon for the 4th time, many begin to be distracted during the sermon, minds drifting away, falling asleep and some got bitter and left half way. 

Knowing what was on their minds, the pastor continue preaching, the exact same sermon. 

Now the week has come to an end, it was the 5th day. Some did not turn up that day, some came feeling bored and totally lost focus and some were left confused but still kept coming. And the pastor said this, "God is often found in repetition. Most of us hope that our everyday walk with God will be filled with new revelations everyday, signs and wonders, the fire, the wind, the storm... But yet, the Lord is in the still small voice. If we cannot go through the repetitions, we will be disappointed."

If we get tire of repetitions, the bible itself is repetition.. Being in church for so long, we have the danger of 'hearing that sermon before many times'; 'we know what pastor is going to share'; 'we know the revelation of that certain verse or passage already'... Like some of the people in the illustration, we start to loss focus, minds drifted away..

But let us be reminded that God is often found in repetitions. Most of the time, we encounter God not only in mega events or activities, but in the repetition of our daily routines. Our prayer time everyday is often not filled with hair standing, open visions, seeing angels moments.. but simply reading the bible and seeking the face of God daily. 

Just for laugh,

Do you know your PROVIDER?

Build it like your own!

As the date draws nearer for the collection of my keys, great anticipation builds up and I can't wait to move my things into the bigger space and also get the best things for my house! The last letter stated Aug/Sept and now that Aug is over... September it shall be! :)

But before all these, we had a great time planning together how we can give and build the house of God in this upcoming building fund! This is my 11th building fund and it will be the first time we are pledging together as a couple! :D

Year after year, I looked forward to the building fund because it is really not about building buildings but building lives! Since my first building fund in 2001, I have seen how relationships have developed, lives have been built and transformed. Personally, since joining City Harvest Church in year 2000, my own life has been greatly impacted and changed, I would not be where I am now if without God and then people He placed in my life. I believe that it is God who placed me here and He bless me so that I can be a blessing!

Suntec is not just a piece of land or a place, it is our promise land. Yes, there are giants in the land and will require a fight, but if God has given us this vision, He will give us the provision! This is not out of the will or desires of a man but a promise of God. I was there when we prayed, we fasted, we confessed and we visualized, before this vision was birthed. "This is a place in the marketplace, for the marketplace, to serve the marketplace!" Not for glamor or for fame, but simply to serve the marketplace, to build lives and most importantly to build God a house. I remembered how I had this phrase printed on A3, with an image of a stadium, pasted on the wall of my room so that I can visualize, pray and confess together with the Church every single day till this vision was birthed!

Just like how anyone will be excited for their new house and want to get the best for their homes, I think God's house deserves the BEST! Unequal amount, but equal sacrifice! Build it like it is your own! This is my church, this is my house, this is my life!