Volume XXXVIII, #17: Those 'In-Between' Times

The Reminder

Roger Shouse
04/29/18 - The Reminder

Those “In-Between” Times

by: Roger Shouse

Our services are pretty structured. Bible classes start at a certain time. Worship starts at a specific time. There are announcements, songs, prayers, offering, Lord's Supper, and preaching, and then we go home.

Have you ever noticed how much "in-between" time we have? There is the time in- between worship and the start of Bible class. There is time in-between the passing of the offering plate and the men returning to the front of the auditorium. There is time in-between the Lord's Supper being passed. There is a short time in-between the invitation song and the closing prayer. What happens during those in-between times?

What do you do during these times? Many folks do nothing. It is a complete waste of time. Here in the midst of a carefully planned worship, we are drifting, and dreaming away a few precious moments while we are in the house of God, surrounded by wonderful saints, and in the presence of the Lord Himself.

Wasted time at church! It doesn't have to be this way. Consider a few suggestions for us to try during those "in-between" times:

Look over the list of sick that is in the bulletin. Say a prayer for them.
Look over the words of the last song we sang. Think about the meaning of those words.
Look who is sitting nearby you and say a prayer for them.
Close your eyes and remember how the Lord has blessed you this past week. Thank Him for that.
Open your Bible and read a few passages.
Pray about the lesson you are about to hear or have just heard. Ask the Lord to help you make application in your life.
Think about ways in which you can help your church family become closer to the Lord.