A VIEW FROM THE BACK  
(By a substitute usher.)  
   
Last Sunday I had the privilege of serving as an usher. In many churches ushers sit in the back of the auditorium to count attendees, help latecomers to find seats, and answer questions. I usually sit close to the front and rarely get an overall view of what occurs during worship, but last Sunday I did.  
   
There is no question that the back of the auditorium is noisier and has more distractions. However I noticed many positives, including:
   
Bibles! Nearly everyone brings his or her Bible. This is encouraging, as it reflects  a deep devotion to God’s word.  
   
Children! We are blessed with couples that bring babies, toddlers and young children. Although the parents may not hear every word or sing every line, they are teaching their children valuable lessons by bringing them to worship.  
   
Teenagers! We may not have an abundance of teens, but those we have attend worship regularly, including a few whose parents do not come. Their passion for God inspires me.  
   
Singing! Listening to the singing of this congregation helps me understand why the only music authorized in the New Testament is acapella singing. The words are inspirational.  
   
The elderly! I noticed people who have been Christians for more than 50 years, and couples who have been married for even longer. Some of these devoted saints are in poor health yet still attend services.  
   
Four generations! I saw families with four generations in attendance! What a blessing for great-grandparents to see their descendants worshipping God under the same roof.  
   
Friendships! It is thrilling to see people of different ages, races, accents and backgrounds come together as a family – the family of God!  
   
There is a lot to see from the back of the building, and most of it is VERY GOOD!  
   
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I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the house of the Lord."  Psa. 122:1  
   
Jesus, always Jesus!  
   
Dennis

KEEP YOUR LIGHT SHINING!  
   
"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (MT 5:14-16)  
   
Many years ago, a gospel preacher accepted an invitation to preach for a church in Houston, Texas. After arriving, he typically rode a city bus from his home neighborhood to downtown Houston. One day, upon taking his seat on the bus, he discovered that the driver had given him a quarter too much in change.
   
He initially thought, "I should return the quarter. After all, it would not be right to keep it, even if it is only 25 cents." Then he thought, "But why worry about a quarter? The bus company probably gets too much fare as it is, and the driver has enough on his mind without me trying to explain why I am returning a mere quarter. Just keep it."
   
But when it came time for the preacher to exit the bus, he paused at the door, reached into his pocket and handed the quarter back to the driver. "Here", he said, "You gave me too much change when I got on your bus today."  
   
The driver, exhibiting a broad smile, replied, "Aren’t you the new preacher that moved to town recently?"
   
"That's correct", the preacher replied.  
   
"Well, I've been giving thought to getting back in church. I overheard someone mention that you are a preacher, so today I thought I would see what you would do if I gave you too much change. So…I plan to see you at church this Sunday!"  
   
When the astonished minister stepped off of the bus, he purportedly grabbed the nearest light pole, held on a few moments and said, "Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter."  
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This story vividly illustrates the idea that our lives may be the only Bible some people will ever read. Who knows who might be carefully observing our actions today? May God grant us the determination to be a light for Jesus to everyone, everyday!
   
Jesus, always Jesus!
   
Dennis  

What Grabs Our Attention?  
   
Most of us have witnessed many dramatic rescue scenes (like those below) on televised news broadcasts.  
   

• Four helpless workers hang precariously from the edge of a skyscraper. Their  

scaffolding has all but collapsed. Police, fire and rescue personnel have been summoned. Thousands of anxious spectators watch from below. News helicopters and ground crews record every moment of the unfolding drama. Scores of people are trying to save these four lives. Thousands pray for their safe rescue.
   

• Immediately following an apartment fire, dozens of critical burn victims are  

transported to the Trauma Unit of a nearby hospital. Teams of burn specialists are quickly assembled. Meanwhile, dozens of family members and supportive friends assemble in waiting rooms, anxiously awaiting the status of loved ones. A prayer vigil takes place outside the hospital.  
   

• A four-year-old child is missing in dense woods near an isolated campground.  

Swamps, bears, coyotes, snakes and other dangers abound. Police, National Guard personnel and hundreds of volunteers spend the entire night fervently searching for the child. The family eagerly awaits news, and requests the prayers of local churches. No one rests until the child is found.  
   
   
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Such scenes have repeatedly touched our hearts, and most of us have fervently prayed for successful outcomes. This is as it should be. However, other tragic dramas unfold around us daily, but rarely get our attention, let alone our prayers. The irony is that the potential consequences are far worse.  
   

• A neighbor is lost in sin. He knows little about God's word and has never  

obeyed the gospel. He is on a collision course for the fiery lake that burns forever. One of his neighbors is a Christian, perhaps you or me. A church building may even be located nearby. Despite the fact that his soul is at stake, no crowds watch anxiously for rescue. No search party is organized. Few, if any, pray. No spiritual rescue personnel knock on his door.  
   
I commend Christians that pray for the victims of the real-life dramas that unfold on TV. But what of the lost souls next door or across the street? Do we notice? Do we pray? Meanwhile, Jesus hopes that we will obey His Great Commission. Do we?  
   
Jesus, Always Jesus!  
   
Dennis