Pastor's Post 9/15/2022

Dear Shiloh Family, 

     It began as the greatest day ever.  The winds were calm, the waters of the Gulf of Mexico were like glass, and the skies were bright and sunny.  It was our first time on the ocean, and our maiden voyage on a boat larger than a 17’ skiff.  In fact, the 24’ Boston Whaler seemed huge until we hit the big pond…at which time we appeared very insignificant.   

     Terry and I were enamored with the experience and became oblivious to our surroundings.  We were fishing on the ocean, and that’s all that mattered.  However, I did notice the occasional glances from Dad and our host, Lex, and their gestures toward the horizon.  Then suddenly, out of nowhere, the wind began to whistle, and the waves were much larger than I had ever seen.  It was becoming very difficult to maintain balance without holding on to something secure. 

     There was a very definite squall line followed by a turbulent black monster.  Occasionally its eyes flashed, and its voice followed with a booming thunderous roar.  As it moved closer, the O’Neal brothers realized we were no longer in North Georgia, they didn’t have storms like this in Chickamauga, and we were ready to go home…then, it happened.   

     Did you know that electricity can be transferred through water, damp air, and wet boats, and that Bimini boat tops have metal railings, and metal is a wonderful conductor of electricity?  We encountered an incredible science experiment, but unlike Ben Franklin, we were not impressed nor educationally inspired.  Two tough-guy football players became screaming, babbling, infants. 

     Dad looked at our friend, and asked, “What are we gonna do?” 

     With a sheepish grin and raised eyebrows, our captain calmly replied, “We’re gonna out-run it.” 

     “We’re going to what?” 

     “Hold on!”  Was all I heard. 

     He fired up the twin 200 outboard engines, and in a flash, we were on top of the waves.  We turned parallel with the beach, skirted the ominous mass, and made a wide circle around the threatening beast of a storm. As the ride grew calm, Dad insured us we could now open our eyes.  We peered over the bow, watched the storm fade away in the distance and welcomed the sunshine once again.  Consequently, we enjoyed one of the best days of fishing of our young lives.

Psalm 107:29-30 

29 He calms the storm, So that its waves are still.  

30 Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven.  NKJV

   Likewise, we are poised to be “fishers of men”.  God has placed many of you in ministries teeming with potential, and He is waiting for others to get aboard.  To some, there will be uncharted waters and new experiences.  Already, there have been storms and threatening waves.  However, our great captain knows how to navigate troubled waters.  Please don’t be discouraged, and above all, don’t jump ship or attack your fellow shipmates.  Satan wants us to engage battle with brothers and sister in Christ.  However, our struggle is not with flesh and blood.  NO!  Our attack comes from principalities of the air, the dark side, and the evil one.  God, our Father, knows how to calm and protect his children in the middle of the storm, lead us around the storm, and YES, He can calm the storm as well.  

Mark 4:37-40 

37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. NKJV

     People are coming to see if we truly know the master of the wind.  The determining factor might be in how we weather the storms.   Keep fishing; God is preparing Shiloh for the best day ever.  

The lightning in the storm is temporary. The light of Jesus is eternal.  

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, Moe, Sharon and Pat Gass

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.

MAN CHURCH: Our next Man Church corporate worship service will be September 18th.  Food and fellowship begins at 5:30 PM, followed by the worship service at 6:30.  The guest speaker will be Kelly O’Neal. Sign Up Here.

 YOU CAN SHARE IT DAY:  Dr. Larry Moyer, with Evantell ministries will be with us in the 11:00 service on October 2nd.

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.