Pastor's Post 1/19/2024

Dear Shiloh Family,

     It was Mom’s birthday, and we were gathered at a local watering hole/eatery to celebrate.  As usual, Dad suggested (more like proclaimed) that it was time to ask the Lord to bless the food.  In his unique way, he proceeded to pull heaven down around our table, and not only the food, but everyone within hearing distance was truly blessed.  

     After the amens, MeeMaw suggested that my 3-yr-old Great nephew say a prayer of gratitude as well.  “Do you want to ask the blessing?”  

     Someone else prompted, “Don’t you want to pray now?”

     His reply was priceless.  The little guy looked up from his coloring page, rubbed his chin, and with a businesslike seriousness, matter-of-factly replied, “Well, I can, but I don’t need to pray right now.”  It was great!

     It was as if he was saying, “What is wrong with y’all?  Don’t you know PaPaw O’Neal has already said everything?”  I’m not going to top that one.”  It was a classic moment at which we all laughed.

1 Thess 5:16-18: 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. NKJV

       In retrospect, maybe he was like me and decided to save a prayer.  You know, those times when we know we should pray, but we choose not to petition God because we think we could be wasting a prayer…like the limitless, omnipotent Father of the universe only doles out or allots us with a specified number of requests.  Or somewhere in my finite mind, I conjure up the idea that if I don’t pray over a small thing, God will have a tendency to grant a future miracle request.  

Heb 4:16

16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. NKJV

     However, I love it when my children come to me about anything.  As a matter of fact, I am ecstatic when they simply talk to me…anytime, anywhere, for as long as they desire.  Our heavenly father is no different.  He desires to talk to us, and when we belong to him, we can call him, or on him, without limitation.  

Romans 8:14-17: 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. 

     Consequently, Melissa Trew is leading our prayer ministry at Shiloh.  Prayer is the foundation, core, and end result of everything we do.  Please get involved in this ministry.  You are not required to be an altar worker, nor do you have to pray publicly.  There are many ways in which one can experience the ministry of prayer. Yes, you can pray independently, but the body functions properly when all its parts work together.  Our connection with God and others begins with communication.  

 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18: 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. KJV 

God knows my heart, but he loves to hear my voice.  

From our hearts:  We are saddened by the loss of a dear brother.  Please pray for Mrs. Peggy and family in the loss of her husband, Jerry Don Tucker.  Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 23rd at Shiloh.  

God bless you all, 

Pastor Derrell