Pastor's Post 3/30/2023

Dear Shiloh Family,

     He never attended a worship service of 500 people.  In fact, he was probably never in a church that had a seating capacity of more than 100 (other than the occasional visit to Shiloh).  He didn’t play in a large orchestra; the band consisted of an organist, pianist, his acoustic guitar, and an occasional bass player.  The body of deacons counted two, him and one more, and his Sunday School class roll listed 5 on high attendance day.  As far as I know, he was never on Facebook, YouTube, or any other streamed media service.  However, most of the Chickamauga community knew Sam Sprayberry.  

     They knew him because every Sunday, he attended morning, evening, Sunday School and Training Union. Every Sunday, he occupied his spot behind the piano.  Every Sunday, he taught a SS class. Every Sunday, he prayed for his Pastor and fellow members.  Each Sunday, after lunch, he retired to his recliner, Bible in hand, TV off to prepare for the evening services and the week to come.  Week after week, he and one or two more men attended to the needs of the church and community; and when the needs of the church, parsonage, or fellowship hall included maintenance, Mr. Sam just took care of it and said nothing to anyone.  

Proverbs 16:3: 3 Commit your works to the Lord,

And your thoughts will be established.  NKJV

Matthew 16:27: 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.  NKJV

     They also knew my Granddad, Sam Sprayberry, because he worked as a handyman in and around the Chickamauga area.  He could fix anything, was an excellent craftsman, charged just enough to make a living (just enough to pay bills and fund his next camping trip), treated people with kindness and fairness, and talked about Jesus until the day he went home.  They knew him because he was faithful and stable.  He lived in the same house all of my life, and served in the same church most of my life as well.  He did nothing for personal gain or recognition.  His life’s goal was to allow people to see Jesus in him…oh yeah, and to catch a lot of fish.  What a legacy!  

     Even before the tutelage of Pastor Paul, I was subjected to servanthood.  My heart is that we, at Shiloh, would be known for our stability and faithfulness, and that we would do, what we do, not for recognition, but for the cause of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and for the Glory of God through the guidance of His Holy Spirit.  

James 3:13-14: 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. NKJV

1 Cor 10:31-32: 31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. NKJV          

OUR WORDS ARE OFTEN MUFFLED BY THE AMPLIFICATION OF OUR WORKS.     

God bless you all,

Pastor Derrell