Monday, September 16, 2013

The Voice of the Empty Seat

Pastor McGriffin preached a tremendous message last night called "The Voice of the Empty Seat."  His text came from 1 Samuel 20:27, "And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to day?"  It says a lot when your seat is empty at church.  

In John chapter 20 Jesus appeared to his disciples.  Thomas' seat was empty that day.  He missed church and his next words were "I will not believe."  Missing church causes unbelief.  

Great things happen at church!  We should be excited every time the doors open.  "I get to go to church tonight!"  Sunday service, midweek Bible study, prayer meetings, it's a privilege to enter His gates.

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord."  Psalm 122:1

When you miss church, your empty seat says a lot:
It says to guests, "Maybe this church isn't as powerful as they said it is."  
It says to the pastor, "You're not doing a good job."  
It says to the saints, "This isn't important to me."  
It says to God, "You're not number one on my priority list."

"For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness."  Psalm 84:10
Better is One Day
How lovely is Your dwelling place
Oh Lord Almighty,
For my soul longs and even faints for You
Oh, here my heart is satisfied within Your presence
I sing beneath the shadow of Your wings

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

One thing I ask, and I would seek,
To see Your beauty
To find You in the place Your glory dwells
One thing I ask and I would seek,
To see Your beauty
To find You in the place Your glory dwells

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

My heart and flesh cry out
To You, the Living God
Your Spirit's water to my soul
I've tasted, and I've seen
Come once again to me
I will draw near to You
I will draw near to You

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

No comments:

Verse of the Day