Pastor's Post 9/7/2023

Dear Shiloh Family,

     Have you ever needed something, not wanted, but needed something so badly that your spirit was completely drained?  You had tried everything to remedy the situation, made deals with God, promised to be a better person, dropped bad habits, and even, of all things prayed about it, but to no avail.  It seemed like Satan had locked the prayer chambers of heaven and thrown away the key.  

     A young man was brought to Jesus in a very similar situation, except he was literally possessed by the evil one.  Obviously, the Savior was up for the task and gloriously delivered the man.  However, the disciples were perplexed, because apparently, there had been previous exorcism attempts.  The inquiry was made, and the Master implicated the need for prayer coupled with fasting.  

Mark 9:28-28: 

28 And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" 29 So He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting."  NKJV

     The Lord instructed the prophet, Joel, to lead the nation of Israel to fast with repentance for healing, and Ezra tells of a time where a nationwide fast was proclaimed for their homes and families.

 Joel 2:12: 

12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning. KJV

Ezra 8:21-23:

21 Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. 

23 So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer. NKJV

     Cornelius fasted and prayed for God’s guidance and for help in the ministry.  The Lord heard his plea and sent Peter to assist.

Acts 10:30-32: 

30 So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. NKJV

     Oh yes, let’s not forget that Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness before he faced Satan for our deliverance.  So why shouldn’t we fast for Him?  

     It has been a long time since we fasted corporately as a body of believers.   I sincerely feel like the Lord is leading us to be more intentional in our prayer and fasting days for our church and families.  If you would permit a request from your Pastor, I would like to begin our joined fast for the next Man Church event.

     On Sunday, September 17th, Keith Boggs will be speaking to the men.  We expect the attendance to be an all-time high, so my heart is to proclaim a 24hr. fast on Friday the 15th and Saturday the 16th.  I am asking each member of Shiloh to fast from dinner Friday to dinner Saturday.  That is only three meals, dinner, breakfast, and lunch.  During those mealtimes, please pray specifically for the Praise team, Brother Keith, and you might include Brother David Wilson as well.  

     I am aware of the monthly men’s prayer breakfast.  It would be perfectly fine if they chose to move their fast from lunch to lunch on Saturday and Sunday.  

     I know this is a week in advance, but I wanted to give you all plenty of time to prepare.  I hope everyone will participate because I am excited beyond words to see what blessings await for Shiloh.  

Fasting denies earthly desires to allow heavenly deliveries.  

God bless you all,

Pastor Derrell

P.S. It sure was great to see all the AWANA kids running around Wednesday.  PTL