Pastor's Post 10/21/2022

Dear Shiloh Family,

It was 4:00 AM and my two little Mountain Feists were going crazy in the lot.  Ordinarily, this wouldn’t have startled me because it was a full moon, and the ankle-biters could see everything that moved.  However, this particular night was different.  With every breath, they were telling the world that something was wrong.

I’m not sure if it was actually the barking dogs or thundering hooves that catapulted me from my slumber, but for whatever reason, I was up. It was common to hear the horses running, especially in cool weather, but there was something unusual about the sound.  As I shook the cobwebs from my head and got my bearings, I realized the hoofbeats were coming from the wrong side of the house.  I glanced out my bedroom window just in time to see two equine flashes dancing in the moonlight.  With flashlight in hand, I leapt from the back deck and dashed across the yard (I say this tongue-in-cheek with slight exaggeration) towards the open pasture gate.  The two escapees paid me no mind as they made at least their third lap around the house.

It’s funny how many thoughts can run through your mind in such a short time.  “Grab a rope. Who left the gate open?  Please, don’t get in the road. I wish those dogs would shut up.  My feet are really, cold.  I hope those elephants don’t step on my bare toes.  And…two quick shots from my deer rifle would fix this situation once and for all.” 

Instead, I instinctively grabbed a scoop of feed, hustled over to the gate, and whistled.  The mare raced around the corner, bolted toward me as if she was coming down the homestretch, came to a sliding stop at the feed trough, and snorted loudly as if to say, “I won!  How’d you like that.?” The gelding simply sauntered in behind her. 

I was amazed.  They were free!  Their newfound freedom afforded them no restrictions.  The world, its temporary euphoria, and its shallow rewards were at their disposal.  The unseen, but certain dangers loomed large as well.  However, they chose to run around in a small circle. 

If left to themselves for a long period, the wanderers would have inevitably strayed into mischief or harms way.  Fortunately, they heeded the call.  My whistle meant safety, health, an occasional brushing, a pat on the head, plenty of TLC, and an immediate feeding. 

Satan will often present us with an open gate to what seems like eternal bliss.  However, we find ourselves running is circles, frolicking in temporary self-fulfillment, but rubbing shoulders with life-altering dangers.

 1 Chronicles 16:27: 27 Glory and honor are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. KJV

God the Father patiently waits at the point of our departure, right where we strayed from Him and His path.  He is calling for us to come home.  Like my whistle to the horses, His voice means safety, love, joy, peace, an abundant life on Earth, and a home in Heaven.

John 10:3-5: 3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. NIV

Like the song says, “In his presence, there is joy beyond measure, and at his feet, peace of mind can still be found.  For this is the temple Jehovah God abides in.  We are standing in his presence on Holy Ground.”

We often forget that the pasture was prepared for the sheep by the hand of the shepherd.    

God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell

2022 NEW MEMBERS:  Dustin Afman;  Rob, Lori, Bowden, and Garrett Gass, Jake and Kristen Brown, Patricia Fleming, Jimmy Farrow, Joella Morehead, Bill and Rita Willett, Moe, Sharon and Pat Gass, Becky and Doug Trew; Paul, Laura, and Jacob Donahoe

PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS:  If you would like to meet to discuss membership at Shiloh, I would love to meet with you between the two morning services from 10:00 – 10:30 AM.  Please schedule the appointment through the church office.

We will continue to stream the 11:00 service as usual.  Once again, if you are sick, please stay home.  We don’t want anyone to feel pressured into coming if he/she is not comfortable.

If you choose to meet at the church during the week, PLEASE!  Let Melissa know the time and location (room) for your ministries.  It is imperative that we coordinate all gatherings at the church. If you have questions about Shiloh ministries, contact us at secretary@shilohbaptistministry.com.

TRUNK-OR-TREAT:  October 30th. We would like for every ministry to be represented with a banner, booth, table, etc... If you have questions, please call the office or contact Pastor Derrell.

SUNDAY WITH THE BOOTH BROTHERS:  November 6th, 11:00 AM.