Pastor's Post 8/18/2023

Dear Shiloh Family,

     It was only a tricycle. I mean, how difficult could it be?  Over the years, I had assembled a dozen trikes, bikes, and various motorized toys.  However, this was the Mac-Daddy tricycle/stroller combo with all the bells and whistles…literally.  

     This three-wheeler had a Ferring for my grandchild to place her feet until she was able to peddle on her own, which goes without saying it required a push-bar which also doubled as a canopy.  It was bedecked with seat straps, tassels, woven basket, mag wheels, and a trunk for mom’s accessories…oh, and let’s not forget the strategically placed My Pony stickers and tags.  

     After numerous re-starts, teardowns, walk-arounds, and tantrums.  I decided to read the instructions.  Even then, I often argued with the engineer’s design because I thought it fit better, looked better, or operated better my way.  Each time, I concluded that my design would only produce brokenness, injuries, and frustration for the child and parent.  

Isaiah 55:8-9:8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. 9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. NKJV

     God, the great creator, and architect, has a grand design for our future.  Jesus is the way.  We often insert modern thinking, personal philosophies, aesthetic ideology, or simple negligence into His perfect plan as though we can improve on a tried and tested set of instructions.  This is called sin.  Erring from the original design produces brokenness.  It is not until we repent, turn from our ways, adhere to His plan, and follow His instructions perfectly, that we begin to resemble the picture on the box…or I should say the picture on the cross.  

     Shiloh, we have the privilege of showing a lost world God’s design for their lives.  We also have the means…God’s word, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Tell someone about Jesus, direct them to the Father, and oh yes, help push them along until they can peddle for themselves.  Just think, we have the architect, engineer, and designer walking, talking, and living in us.

Matthew 28:19-20:  19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.  NKJV

     In the up-and-coming weeks, our Associational office is providing training in prayer ministry, evangelism, children’s ministry, and youth leader collective.  Anyone interested in any of these ministries is welcome to attend.  Please, contact the church office if you are planning to attend.    

The finished product was first seen in the mind of the designer.         

God bless you all,

Pastor Derrell