Pastor's Post 7/22/2022

Dear Shiloh Family,

     I remember the long trek home from Mars Hill College.  Hours crawled, the slowest person on the interstate was always in my lane, and the 55-mph speed limit was way too low.  In fact, the speed limit was for people other than college students.  My desire to be home often superseded my common sense.  I needed to be there NOW!

     The initial reunion was warm and as familiar as a favorite sweater.  There were handshakes and hugs, tales and tears, and aroma of a home-cooked meal…home at last.  I was once again in a cocoon of comfort, but my spirit yearned to recoup a year of lost time…in two days.  

     The brief period out of the nest had awakened our family to the realization that a few things had changed, and some adjustments were necessary…mostly on my part.  My first taste of freedom had made me become even more independent and arrogant than before.  I struggled with the fact that there was only one Chief in the tepee, and it wasn’t me.  Terry had grown up considerably as well, and two roosters in the same pen were destined to eventually square off.  There is a rumor still circulating that in efforts to prove our “maturity”, he and I rolled around on the floor and broke a few items of furniture.  Don’t believe everything you hear…but I’ll be glad to tell you about it sometime.  Monica just loved both of her big brothers, and Mom was the balance.

     Independence had made me frustrated, bitter, and ironically, even more needy.  Because I was trying to do the right things, I felt entitled, deserving; they owed me something.  Why couldn’t everyone leave me alone and let me do my own thing?  God, through a series of events of which I won’t bore you, brought me to my knees (literally), and opened my eyes.

Ephesians 1:13-14

13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.  NKJV

     I had forgotten; my freedom came with a great price.  During my time of adolescent bliss, my parents had paid my insurance, filled up my gas tank (multiple times), provided housing, clothed me, and gave me money to buy occasional off-campus meals.  Mom even washed the mounds of laundry during unannounced drop-ins.  Consequently, I’m so glad we all worked together to overcome my stupidity because other than my relationship with Jesus, family has become one of the most important things on earth.  And now, I’m exponentially more blessed because our family is intwined with yours, our church family. 

     Likewise, our church family is experiencing some of the same adjustments.  As we move forward, we must accept the fact that some things are not as they once were.  I’m so proud that most of our church family is adapting and excited about progress and newfound ministry opportunities.  However, we need everyone!  There are ministry positions that need to be filled, and your presence is desired on Sunday and Wednesday.  

Acts 20:28-29

28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.  NKJV

     Remember, we are not performing; we are serving.  We must continually remind ourselves that Jesus paid a great price for our freedom, a price we couldn’t pay.  We work in the power of the Holy Spirit, through the efforts of Jesus, the Son, to please God, the father.  I pray we never lose focus.  

Romans 6:22-23

22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  NKJV    

When I forget the price He paid, I also forget the debt I owed.  

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

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.

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  Several of our SS classes and small groups are meeting at various non-traditional times throughout the week. Morning Sunday School will be between services and will begin at 9:45. Some of the locations have temporarily changed.  Teachers, please contact members and prospective members and inform them of the times and location of their class.