Pastor's Post 7/13/2023

Dear Shiloh Family,

    Does anyone, besides me, DVR episodes of Shark Week on the Nat. Geo. Channel?  I absolutely love watching biologists try to explain why sharks bite, what makes them attack, and when and where they are most dangerous. They try to determine if certain colors, smells, behaviors, or seasons spark human/fish confrontations.  

     Well, I’m not a wildlife expert, but I can help them with these questions.  Let me take a stab at this one…sharks bite because, well, because they are sharks, duh!  They attack because they are living, breathing, missiles with sawblade teeth.  Sharks are apex predators that are designed to kill.  That’s what they do!

     And as far as where they attack…let me make an intelligent attempt at this complicated scenario.  They predominately live in salt water, seas, oceans, gulfs, bays, and inlets.  Some have even migrated into freshwater streams, and lakes that attach to salt water.  It seems that sand, salt, and sunshine equals sharks.  Problem solved.  

     So, the ocean is their house, and we are swimming in their kitchen. Uber, Deal Dash, or Dominoes couldn’t make a more convenient delivery, and most of the meals are already unwrapped (you can figure out that one).  Encounters are becoming more frequent in strange places because more people are venturing into shark domain.  The warning signs are there…on the beach, tv, and social media, but for some reason, the most intelligent race on the planet wades out into the soup dish.  Then we complain when we become the entrée.

     However, on my vacation, there wasn’t one report of a shark attack on the dry sand of Ormond Beach, and I am confidently, positively, certain that I was never in danger on my fourth floor, motel balcony.  

    It reminds me of how we view Satan and his demons.  We blunder into his domain and cry when he attacks.  We wonder why he bites and plunders.  That’s what he does!  That’s who he is!  God gave and continues to give warning signs, but intelligent folks continue to frolic in dangerous territory.

1 Peter 5:8-10

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.  NKJV

     Get out of the troubled water.  Live safely in the balcony of the Lord Jesus Christ.  He will protect and keep you from the evil one.  

Psalm 61:3-4

3 For You have been a shelter for me,

A strong tower from the enemy. 

4 I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;

I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. NKJV

     Shiloh, my prayer is that we become a church family that provides a safe haven from the vicious attacks of Satan.  The world looks beautiful and enticing, but we must provide a place of rest for the distressed souls of a misguided generation. We must also be aware lest we become or allow sharks within walls of intended safety.  Let’s continue to proclaim the name of Jesus, the risen Savior.  

Proverbs 18:10

10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

The righteous run to it and are safe. NKJV

Safety is only as relevant as the provider.     

God bless you all,

Pastor Derrell