Pastor's Post 9/2/2023

Dear Shiloh Family,

     It was a time before seat belts, lined roadways, and heavy traffic. Days of yore before many rural roads were paved, and before most vehicles had automatic transmissions.  It was also before I could reach the pedals in Dad’s 64’ Chevy pickup (okay, no short comments).  

     As we turned onto the backroad homestretch to the farm, I pleaded, “Dad, let me drive.” Dad never hesitated, snatched me from my standing perch on the bench seat between him and Mom, and shoved me in his lap.  What an awesome day!  I was doing it…I was driving.  Dad was working the accelerator and clutch, but I had the wheel; and I skillfully dropped the shifter on the column perfectly into all three slots.  

     Everything was smooth as silk until the unthinkable happened.  That one other vehicle that traveled our backroad chose my driving day to go to LaFayette. My arrogance faded to slight confidence.  As the oncoming intruder drew nearer, confidence turned to minor fear, and fear exploded into shear terror.  The ensuing dialogue sounded something like this.

     “Dad, Dad.”

     “You got this.”

     “Dad, help me.”

     “You wanted to drive, now drive.”

     “Take it Daddy, take it Daddy, Daddy, DADDY!

     Then came the blood curdling scream at which time I released my grip and all control of the steering wheel and covered my eyes.  Be careful what you ask for.  

     Yes, you are already ahead of me.  Dad had a firm grasp of the bottom of the wheel the entire time.  He was always in total control.

     Shiloh, we asked God to bless our church and send people to hear the gospel and allow us to minister.  He is answering our prayers.  

     Sunday’s homecoming was incredible!  The worship service was packed, Buddy and Kerri were wonderful, there was more food than I’ve seen in a long time, and more folks stayed for dinner and fellowship than in many years.  

     The youth had their annual Back-to-School-Bash Wednesday.  There were high and middle school students everywhere.  What a blessing!

     Our Bible studies and Sunday School classes are filling to capacity, and our new Moms are certainly growing the nursery ministry.  

     This Sunday is our AWANA kickoff day.  There will be fun and food for everyone, and our children will be the honored guests. 

     September 17th will be our Man Church quarterly meeting in the evening.  Kieth Boggs will be speaking after a wonderful meal prepared by men and women of Shiloh and a worship service from our praise team.  

     We are planning to top the month off with a baptism on September 24th.  After the baptizing, we could possibly have the privilege of feeding one of the football teams.  

     When you ask God to send the rain, don’t forget to bring an umbrella.  He has given us great responsibility on this hill.  However, don’t turn loose of the wheel and cover your eyes.  God always has His hands on the wheel, and He has total control.  Let’s all crawl up in our Father’s lap, shift the gears as he directs, and love people to Jesus.  

John 14:13-14

13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.  NKJV

Asking God and believing God are both linked with serving God.           

God bless you all,

Pastor Derrell