GROWING FROM FRUSTRATION!

 

 

     Nobody likes to talk about their frustrations! I've noticed lately we all want to put our best foot forward. It doesn't matter if it's at work, with family or with friends, many of us never want to tell others we are frustrated. I was even told when I was a young pastor "From the pulpit, don't ever show your weakness or let anyone know you are frustrated." I never agreed with that. I truly believe in everything you do; you need to be real. Even when I shared in a Christian school chapel, I would let the kids know I failed, and I struggled. I let them know I had to deal with frustration in my life and share with them the road I took to get through it. 

     Yes, you guessed it. I have been frustrated. I have many decisions to make, and I need direction. I struggle with back pain and work at a job that requires being on your feet. A year ago, I was hoping to start a business doing birthday parties but that never happened. Financially, it is a struggle. I have often thought about working 2 more jobs, but my back won't allow that. I am starting a new job soon that is only part time. It is working as a "Workplace Chaplain." I have also had thoughts at looking at a new career. You all know I would absolutely love to be a children's pastor again full-time. This past week during one of my prayer times, I looked up and just said to God, "Lord, I give you my frustrations, my finances, my disappointments, my struggles, my fears and my worries. Give me direction, Lord. I will follow you!" So, now I sit, wait, trust God and allow Him to direct me. No, I don't sit on my hands and do nothing. I continue to work hard. I know what the bible says in Romans 8:28 - 

                      And we know that all things work together for good to them                                                    that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Frustration is something we all face. Nobody has a perfect life. How we deal with our frustrations is what makes us a better person. I thank God for frustrations. I know that sounds insane but it's true. I want to be a better person, a better Christian and a better man. When frustration knocks on my door, I know it's giving me the opportunity to grow and only improve and get better!

DON'T HAVE A FRUSTRATING WEEKEND, HAVE A GREAT ONE!! 

CHURCH HAS CHANGED A LOT!!

 

     I started attending a Christian church in 1977. The Pastor wore a 3-piece suit and tie, the worship leader stood behind a pulpit also wearing a 3-piece suit and as he sang, he would move his arm as if he were directing an orchestra. The choir usually opened with an upbeat song and then sang again during the offering.  On one side of the church platform is a piano. On the other side is an organ. On Sunday night our church would have an orchestra play during the service. I was a part of this playing my alto saxophone for 9 years!  Most church attenders would dress nicely and respectfully. The thought of coffee and bagels in the church were meant for the fellowship hall. 

     

     Fast forward 47 years. Most pastors, not all wear a t-shirt and jeans. Some do dress nice, but rarely will you see one wearing a tie. I still wear my fun character ties. I admit it! Some worship leaders also wear jeans and sometimes wear a baseball cap backwards with tattoos. During the worship time you might see strobe lights with smoke all in a dark, theater like environment. Drums have replaced the organ and electric guitars have replaced an acoustic guitar. A worship team has replaced a choir. Most church attenders will dress comfortably. Suits? Ties? Ha Ha! Good luck trying to find anyone wearing one of those! Assemblies of God churches were once called "Calvary Assembly of God". Today, the church has changed its name to "Experience Church." 

     Before I get into this blog. let me first put out a disclaimer that I am not singling out any particular church or their style of worship. What I am disturbed about is how many churches have decided to transform their style to fit what works in the world. We have become more about numbers and putting "bodies into seats" than reaching the lost. In the past 11 years, I have attended 9 churches. I know that sounds sad but it's true. What I have seen in these churches has been disturbing. Some of these churches had more than one service. I didn't feel as though I could really get to know people. You walk into the church that feels like a warehouse. You are greeted at the door and smell coffee immediately. You find a table, get your coffee and bagel and wait for the service to end so you could go in and worship. You sit down, say hello to the folks around you, hear the message and leave. Maybe there is a bible study or prayer meeting you can attend during the week. I often wondered where the discipleship was. Does the church have a plan on how to evangelize and share the gospel with others?  Have these particular churches seen growth with new people or just people church hopping just wanting to say "Hey, I went to church on Sunday. It's all good!" 

     I have noticed since our dreaded pandemic that there are many Christians who have not returned to church and will only sit home and watch live streaming or YouTube. There are others who were hurt by the church and refuse to go back. I have to say one thing I long for is revival in our churches. I miss those Sunday night services where you felt the presence of God so strong. I miss those worship times when you are lost in worship. I have for many years wanted to teach kids what worship really is. It has been a challenge because our kids today are so easily distracted. I say Let's get back to how it used to be. Let's get back to loving Jesus and seeing people accept him into their hearts. Hey Church! Let's not worry about numbers and filling seats with bodies. Let's work at discipling men and women who love God and who want to serve Him!

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HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!!