Pastor's Post 2/17/2023

Dear Shiloh Family

     You are in for a treat in this week’s “saga”.  It will be a first for some, and a warm, homely blanket for many.  As I sit beside the hospital bed of my best friend (other than my sweetheart), it seems like a great time to open the window and allow all of you in on the wonderful conversation.  I’m going to let Pastor Paul give you his heart and greetings today.  I asked him to give you a few thoughts this morning, and the monologue was as follows.  His first comment was, “You’re just wanting a free ride, I see what you're doing.” 

     We all laughed, but he continued. “Derrell, I’m just tired of war.  Ole David sat in there and fought the battle.  They tried to run him out, but he just kept on fighting the enemy, even though he loved them as well.  He just kept loving everybody, and his footprints are still everywhere in the Bible.  He said just keep on loving and going, and eventually, God will show up.” 

     “Dad, tell the church your heart.

     “Well, the number one thing I would tell them is that it would take at least 7 newsletters to say all I want to say.  And you will have to do it because I can’t type.  But here it is.  I know everyone is praying for me, and I appreciate everyone.  The thing God loves is faithfulness. Down to his last breath, he proved it.  Not only his love, but his faithfulness of that love.  I want all of you to know how thankful I am for your faithfulness to the church and more importantly, to the Lord.  “I heard the birds of spring last night (which was probably Monday) and it was the greatest sound I’ve heard in a long time.  It reminded me of my life and our church.  God gives us times of spring in our lives and it is wonderful.

     He paused, looked at Mom and me and exclaimed, “If y’all are going to make me do this, here is all I know.

     At which point he closed his eyes, pulled down heaven, and addressed the throne directly and personally.  In fact, there was no one in the room except the Father (his heavenly Father) and him.

     I can’t begin to relate to you the events of the ensuing 25 minutes, but I will give you some highlights.  He began just fellowshipping with the Lord, most of which I can’t remember because I was awed beyond normal cognizance.  He expressed deep affection and gratitude for the people in his church, his family, and the hospital attendants.  The prayer then changed to a petition for help for all those who are sick and ailing in our church and for protection for family and brothers and sisters in Christ.  His plea then turned to intervention in his health. But it was ‘so I can have one more chance at doing something in the church, and possibly to let me and Mom sing again.’  There’s more, but I can’t betray the intimacy of the moment, however, I will share one final statement.  “Lord, thank you for every hospital I’ve been in because you have sent someone every time for me to give a testimony. Let me learn from each experience.  And Lord, Please, let those who followed my ministry over the years not follow me, but let them follow your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ.” 

     Obviously, it was a blessed and supernatural experience.  He is showing improvement, but prayers are still desired and appreciated. 

In the words of the Apostle Paul:   

1 Corinthians 15.58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord

     The 26th will be our Chest of Joash Day.  We will receive an offering dedicated to the principle of our existing building loan.  I firmly believe paying off the debt is paramount to our progress and will be instrumental in allowing our church to provide many future ministries for the sake of the Gospel.  This is always a special time for our church.  The chest will be placed at the front of the auditorium, and I would like for each family to come as a family unit and deposit their offering while using it as a time of prayer as well.  What a wonderful teaching moment for our children.  Allow them to experience the joy and reverence in giving to the Lord. 

     If you intend to give online, you can designate your love gift to the special day.  However, please write the amount on a slip of paper and come by with your family to deposit it in the chest.  
 

2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
 

   In the next couple of weeks, ask the Father how he would have you participate, monetarily or physically, in the work of the body of Christ.  
 

The trip is often monotonous without the occasional unexpected detour.         
   

God bless you all, 

Pastor Derrell