How Do You Handle Disappointment?

I had a meeting yesterday that I was rather excited about. I expected one result but I was disappointed. It didn’t turn out as I had hoped and so I had to begin formulating “plan B”. I did what I could but it was a “no go”.

Did you notice the number of times the word “I” was used in the last paragraph? Could it be that we are often disappointed because our plans or decisions are focused on “I”? Sure we pray and ask God to help but often times we are just looking for a “junior partner” in the endeavor. Someone to follow our plan in order to get our results. What if I turned it around and God was the Senior Partner. Then that first paragraph might look a bit different and I wouldn’t end up being disappointed. Check it out…

God invited me to a meeting yesterday that was rather exciting. The results were not according to my expectations or hopes. Rather than become disappointed my excitement grew. You see it was clear to me that God must have a “plan B” that was even greater than my initial expectations.

Hope I can grow to be more like the second paragraph.

Check this out: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Shalom (Peace and so much more)

P. Jay

How's Your

At West Broward Community Church (the church I pastor) we have two quite different worship experiences. The first is 30-40 minutes long and starts at 8:00 a.m. The format is fairly simple: call to worship, opening prayer, a Song/Hymn, Scripture, Prayer, Meditation, prayer for the offering and benediction. It’s for folks who have to work or have other commitments and yet would like to join in worship. I started this service in January and so far our high attendance day was Feb. 1st. We had 5 people plus me! We don’t have a budget to advertise so it’s word of mouth. I have high hopes and I enjoy this simple low-key worshipful format.

But I also like our 10:00 service which lasted 90 minutes this past Sunday. We have a lot of music with a childrens lesson, a congregational sharing and prayer time, a message and this week we had an exciting report about the work of the Gideons.

These two services are as different as night and day (I even give two different messages). But they are both worship!

I grew up in the Roman Catholic church when the mass was in Latin and YES I was an altar boy. Over the years I have experienced many types of worship (including a Quaker meeting where we sat and waited for the Lord to give a word). Perhaps all this variety in styles of worship helps me to remember that true worship is not about all the component parts of the service as much as it is about the spirit and truthfulness of the worshipers.

Jesus said; "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to worship Him." Joh 4:23

P.S. Next I would like to start a worship service that appeals to young people or perhaps an online worship.

Shalom (Peace and so much more)

P.Jay

Why they Go Deep!

Jack (one of our deacons) had members of his family in church yesterday. They were visiting from “up-north”. His brother-in-law brought his fishing gear along but wasn’t having much luck. The chilly weather we’ve been having in south Florida the last couple of weeks keeps the fish from biting. They “go deep”.

That got me to thinking. Isn’t it like that for us as well. When things are “chilly” we tend to “go deep”. But when things are warm and inviting we come to the surface. We Christ-followers often have a reputation of being cold, judgmental and critical. And sadly too often the reputation is deserved. We want to reach lost people but our words or actions can cause them to “go deep” instead of rise to the surface.

I remember when I gave my heart and life to Jesus. My zeal overpowered my love and I was rather obnoxious. I had good intentions but bad execution and those around me went “deep”.

So I think the guy with the funny hair at the ball games that hold up the sign every time the camera comes near him should change his message just for us Christ-followers. He should make it John 3:17 instead of John 3:16.

“God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it , but to save it.”

Shalom (Peace and so much more)

P.Jay

February 2, 2009

Let me tell you about....

It's called bragging. Your proud about something and you want others to know about it. Yesterday was Super Bowl Sunday and I'm sure there are lots of folks who are bragging on "their" Steelers (right Nikki).

Some of you who know me may think this is leading to my grandson. After all Cody is the brightest child on planet earth. Instead, I want to brag about the folks at WBCC. Now there are lots of things I could share with you but I want to tell you about their "servant hearts".

Two weeks ago Habitat for Humanity had a last minute need for 15 people to work on Saturday and they called WBCC. Now for a large church 15 people would be no problem but we are a small church. So when Gordon, the head of our Deacons, called to ask me if I thought we could meet the need, I HAD SERIOUS DOUBTS. Our folks had just done a major service project a month earlier. But I said, let's put the word out and see what happens.

What a blessing when 20 people from WBCC showed up to work. From teens to senior citizens they showed up and in the midst of fellowship and fun we blessed a family in need.

Now I don't know what kind of church you attend or if you even attend a church. But you won't find a body more "servant minded" than WBCC on planet earth. They are GREAT, and I have pictures if your interested!!

"Whoever wants to become great must be a servant." Mark 10:43 (MSG)

Shalom (Peace and so much more)

P Jay