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Dear Shiloh Family,

What a great day! It was his first football game and he and teammates were working hard and having fun. After the last whistle and following the postgame team meeting, my 6-yr-old grandson, Brady proudly strolled up with helmet in hand and a smile on his face. The ensuing conversation was classic.

Hey Poppy.
Hey man, what a great game. You were awesome!
Thanks Poppy, but Im not near as hot as I look.
Oh, youre not?
Nope, and Im not near as sweaty as you think I am.

I chuckled and took the bait.
Really? Well, you look pretty sweaty to me.

Pleased that I had bitten, he informed, No, didnt drink my water; I poured it all over my head. 
Being the coach/Poppy/out of touch old man, I waded out over my head. Well, you need to drink plenty of water. Its good for you.

The young philosopher matter-of-factly explained. Poppy, think about it. When I pour the water on my head, it cools my whole body. If I drink it, it only cools my mouth. Now, how could I argue with that kind of logic? Isnt that great? 

As simple as it sounds to him, he has not yet learned that cooling the outside, though beneficial, is temporary. He will eventually learn that hydration not only cools the body, it also prevents cramps, headaches, and other physical issues. In other words, it works from the inside out.

Not long ago, a few of our men invited me to do a devotion for their small group. After a wonderful meal and my lackluster devotion, David grinned, complimented my attempts, and informed me I wasnt really there for the devotion. The group then escorted me to the loft of a barn laden with hay, dust, and droppings of chicken manure.  In the center of the elevated floor, sat a bench. On top of the bench was all the makings for the Lords Supper.
 
I wont reveal all the details because it was very personal between all the attendees. However, upon completion of an incredible communion, the Holy Spirit spread through the upper room like the aroma of a fresh-baked apple pie. We were so overwhelmed by the presence of God we found ourselves facedown in that nasty floor crying out to our Heavenly Father.

Please understandwhat had happened on the inside of that group of men far outweighed the effects of the outside circumstances. 
   
The communion that took place in the hearts of those men has spread through the men and inevitably the families of our church. In turn, we are learning that emotion and outward experiences, though beneficial, are temporary. It is only when we allow the Holy Spirit of the living God to change us from the inside out, that we truly experience bodily growth. 

Galatians 2:20: 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. NKJV

Sunday will be a celebration of what God is doing at Shiloh. It will also be a time for others to come to know our Savior, Jesus Christ. I would ask all of you to join me in a few endeavors that will make this a success. 

Please, pray for salvations and freedom of the Spirit, fast one meal per day in meditation for your leaders and Brother Rick, invite lost and unchurched people to our services, and if possible, consider contributing financially to assist in the cost of the event. 

Remember, what people see on the outside is often an indication of our inward condition and spiritual health. 
   
I say with the apostle Paul;
Philippians 1:6-8: 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; 7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. NKJV

People learn more about us by what we they see than what they hear. 

God bless you all, 
Pastor Derrell

P.S. Dont forget, we will only be having the 11:00 service this Sunday.