Disconnected....

I know its quite a normal thing to go through ups and downs in your relationship with God, and that's okay. Just a couple days ago I was feeling on top of the mountain and yesterday and today I feel so disconnected. I know it may be partly because I've been slacking when it comes to spending time with God. I do pray every day, attend church several times a week, and I read at least one scripture most every night, but its gotten to the point I'm rushing through it, I just don't feel connected. I think a lot of this might have to do with church. I've been going to this church I teach childrens ministry at for 3 years and I love the sermons, they do so much for the community and its great to serve there, however I have not made one friendship. =/ The other church I go to I have made friendships but I disagree with a few important things that are being taught. I'm torn because I feel like how can I invite people to or get involved with ministry at church where I'm in disagreement with.
Then there are my 2 sisters, they love the church I don't fully agree with and believe all that's taught there (for example: if you don't speak in tongues you're not saved). They all think I need some sort of revelation to see "the truth". I went to a pastor who I trust back home and he suggested I leave. Id rather not leave the friendships I've made, and I have seen God working there but I think it's overwhelming me and pushing me more away from God than bringing me close to Him. In a way I want to just disconnect myself from all the outside influences (except teaching childrens ministry, and a few close friends that will encourage me) like church and study groups, and just let it be me and God. Would you say that's a wise decision? I want the Lord to be leading me not a bunch of people hurling their opinions and views at me and saying I need a revelation.

I think it is horrible that these churches cannot unite, but must be played one against another this way. Anyone who proposes to act as a channel between you and Jesus, must necessarily stand in a position that blocks part of your view of Jesus. One blocks it by creating an unfriendly environment, one by having opinions different from yours.

Here is the solution: You are just at the age to start hearing the truth God has for you, and to start finding the ministry He has for you. Then, you will find the friends who recognize your gifts that bring forth your ministry and confirm the truth with its fruit through you. Instead of rushing through prayers and Bible readings someone says you should be doing each night, start praying for this, on the schedule He gives you.

I can really relate to you.. I went through some similar things , I did step away from it .. When I did , doors with my relationship with God opened ..and growing deeper connected with Him in His timing than the rules and regulations of churches timing .. God brings along the ones who's oaths I am to encounter .. Sometimes to encourage , sometimes to teach , sometimes to learn .. I leave my hands open for God to bring in or take out as He chooses .. it's worked great this way .. Friendships develope and as each is growing we always say Hi when we pass ways again .. Like now .. (Hi Ken!)
Ken is very knowledgable and helped me a great deal with things I disnt understand when I first joined .. let God lead you , rest knowing He can .. I'm sorry for your experience .. It's hard to swallow when you think church and community should be comming together instead of dividing apart because of different views .we all have them .. But Thise views can work together if we can get past the "I'm right and your wrong aspect of it " many people are set in their ways .. I pray you find the freedom in Christ that God has intended for all., . His way really does a body good

Tonight I decided to skip church and just spend time with God. It was exactly what I needed! It was so nice to get rid of all the hype, the loud music, the people, just every distraction and talk to God and worship Him alone. I used to spend a lot of personal time with Him and less running around to every church service, I think I need to revert back to that (not saying going to church is bad or not beneficial because it is, but for me right now, I'm sure this is what I need to do). Tonight was so much better, when I'm running all around to different churches and they're pulling me in a hundred different directions I lose sight of what time with God is really like, happy He reminded me tonight!
Haven't heard this song in forever but it almost instantly came to mind....Heart of Worship - YouTube

You are 24, I'm 88. I face the same problem, but any more I feel so comfortable in my own skin that the people around me are only for me to love. But I want my church to take where I am and help me grow and they feel like dead weights about that, only telling me to back up, be careful, don't learn. They are filled with people I love. It is such a dilemma!

We live in such different age groups how I did it doesn't apply to you in many ways, my needs are different from yours. But here is my decision for me and why. I use my home and study of scripture and history to grow, I use my church to worship and share my love of the Lord with others.

Hi God's blessings on you. Wow what a lot to handle. You say you are slacking when it comes to God, yet you are praying daily. going to 2 churches, teaching and reading your bible. Maybe you are rushing and don't feel connected because you are doing more than God wants you to do right now.Does the church where you have not made friends, have people in your age group? This is a tough call, but for me, it would come down to what they are teaching and do I agree with it.I admire your faith and your commitment to God and to finding the right place for you to grow in your faith. I would continue to pray and ask God where He wants you to be. I'm praying for you for strength and that God's plan for you will be clear. God bless

Yeah, the church I agree with and teach children at is just very big...there are 3 service times and I think the problem is that there are so many people who attend its hard to find and make friends if that makes sense? When I said I was slacking I just meant in my personal time with God...sure I teach, and go to church and study groups but its been so much that I think I lost the feeling that I needed to spend time with God alone so I just didn't very often. I think that's where everything went wrong and the reason I felt disconnected, its better when all the distractions are gone. Thank you for praying!

Hugs, praying for all you ask and need in Jesus Christ is Lord.
Trust what God puts on your heart, He never fails us.
Sometimes God has to disconnect the flesh, so to bring His Spirit to connect in us.

God bless
pickles

As long as we arrange our Sundays so that one man is supposed to teach everyone the Bible, and a few others are supposed to lead the music, our churches will remain barely effective schools for a mixture of Scriptural truth and varying opinions of doctrine. That's why they are best for the recently saved. Even in college, you get to graduate, and start giving back. We could do church for mature Christians, by letting them all use their gifts to encourage, like Heb. 10:25 says, but we don't seem to be able to get over trusting the credentials of a hired pastor over the anointing of God placed inside each of us.


Hi, Michelle.

Loud music! That is certainly a distraction. Although I am not catholic, I find the atmosphere in a typical Catholic mass more worship friendly. Solemn but calm. Rigid but focused. Hope all's well with you by now. Jackie Evancho - The Lord's Prayer - Inspirational - HD - YouTube