Pastor's Post 2/1/2024

Dear Shiloh Family,

     It seems like an eternity, but not so many days ago, streams were dry, small ponds and lakes were mud holes or clay pits, gardens and crops were burned and stunted, and in various locations, rain had not fallen for days.  Wildfires raged uncontrollably across the south.  The scorching sun and hazy skies led us to believe we might never again see standing water. 

     However, that first small shower came like liquid manna from heaven. I made a trip to the farm, and it seemed I could almost hear the grass and food plots slurping up every bit of moisture.  Deer and other wildlife were boldly encroaching residential yards and pastures to steal a drink from birdbaths and livestock watering troughs.  

     Then the rains came…real, steady, showers, and downpours that lasted for continuous days.  Branches filled, creeks began to flow, rivers gushed, and tributaries brought ponds and lakes to capacity and overflow status.  The great creator had blessed the earth once again with bountiful blessings. 

Psalm 65:9-10: 9 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it. 10 Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof. KJV

     I am reminded that not so long ago, during the covid era, the world, including many churches, were dry and barren.  The Holy Spirit seemed like a far-off unreachable fable.  Masks, gloves, and social distancing dammed up the flow of brotherly love.    

     On the other hand, several small groups at Shiloh were determined to keep the spark alive.  You just kept on loving and meeting, and your efforts began filling the spiritual chasms and canals.  One of those small groups in particular is the Ladies’ Grace SS class. 

     Not only did they continue to meet, study, and fellowship throughout covid, they are still thriving and moving today.  For the past two weeks, these wonderful ladies, along with others, fed two different families in the FLC after funeral services of lost loved ones.  It was heartwarming to experience the love and care extended to hurting families.  Rivers of compassion flooded the room via their servanthood and tender smiles…and the food was incredible. 

  Psalm 72:18-19: 18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. 19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen. KJV

     It is that same love that continues to fill the Sanctuary, small groups, and service ministries.  The love of Jesus flowing through the hearts and hands of our Shiloh family is filling the dry and barren voids of our thirsty lives.  My prayer is that the waters continue to rise beyond capacity so that it pours into our community with a raging torrent.  Oh, that the glory of the Lord shines through our church like the voice of many waters.  

Ezekiel 43:2-3

2 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east. His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory. NKJV

Nothing fills an empty heart like a vessel full of love.    

God bless you all, 

Pastor Derrell