Front Row

by Mike Holden

So, you ever wonder what Mike and Jim were up to by sitting up on the front row. Was it that they were losing their hearing with old age? Vision? Patience? By the way, where they been of late? Ain't seen 'em up there in a while.

Have you ever wondered what goes through Nancy's mind when she rest her head on Sunday night and reflects on whether it was something she did, or didn't do, that keeps this "on-fire-for-the-Lord" body of believers planted in their seats while the praise and worship team stands and delivers their heart in song. I am as guilty of not being prepared as often as anyone else so I can ask the tough questions as if to promp myself for the answers. For me, this one is like answering God, and to show proper honor I need to stand up, or bow down. But don't just stay planted in the seat! Stand up, don't be so weighed down that you can't raise your hands, your voices, your sight to the Lord. Jesus wants us to open up FULLY to Him, so that He can fill us to where our cup runneth over. Sometimes it is like we are shielding our cup with the lid of a garbage can from His gifts that rain down from above, more concerned of our appearance with wet heads in public than Fully receiving Spiritual Gifts that are ours just for opening up. Toss the lid aside, be refreshed and filled, it is going to be a very busy week coming up and to be able to Hear Him and Obey Him we are going to need this shower. Stand up, present yourselves, give to God with all that is within you what He demands and needs: adoration. We can never, ever out give Jesus who gave His life that we may eternally live.

I wonder what our Pastor might think if we suddenly filled up the place from the front to the back, instead of back to front. I wonder what visitors might think if they saw a congregation exited and alive, praising the Lord in a load, bold voice and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit, unashamed. A church that was not bogged down with obligation and duties but freed with helping hands everywhere ( ever bite your tounge or step on your own foot ) , a church of believers caught up in the Joy of the Lord and just flat out Alive. Ever heard someone say "amen" as a message was being brought forth, or seen a row of people leaning forward, hanging on every word the Pastor spoke, fully attentive and Hungry, or just hanging out after church with no place to go running off to in a hurry ( ouch, ouch, ouch )?

I have seen such a church, once. I myself had come out of a slow death church experience and when I set foot in that place the music was high and the people were lifted up and I could tell that they too had broken the chains of repression and bondage! They were having church in that building and the Lord was there in the mist, I was home and free to worship, all that was within me rejoiced in the presence of the Lord Almighty. I stayed, been here ten or twelve years, remember thinking how great it will be when we get out of this school building and are not rushed out of church every Sunday at noon, sharp! Seen many people come and go, said last goodbyes to a few and first hello's to a few and for the most part it has been a large family. I have gotten a bit fat and lazy, and in life that is not too good, but in Spiritual matters it is deadly. Come, let us cast off our burdens and fears and go back to that place where God met us, out of the desert and at the foot of the Holy Mountain where the Living Waters refresh and restore our very souls. Close your eyes, be still, be quiet, and remember. Dry bones come alive, stand and deliver, burst out in song and worship our Lord with reverence, and joy. Amend. Mike