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Dear Shiloh Family,

Have you ever asked yourself who holds you accountable? In our Monday night men's study, David Wilson asks us frequently. We often find it offensive when someone questions our accountability or spiritual integrity. However, the Bible holds us to high standards and instructs us to study God's word so that we may examine ourselves according to the way of the Lord.

2 Timothy 2:15: 15 Be diligent (study) to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. NKJV

Football coaches often question players about their daily water intake, or how much time they spend watching opponents game film. This can be a dangerous proposition because coaches can monitor one anothers scouting activity. I've been embarrassed more than I'd like to admit.

Recently, I asked the deacons how much time they had spent in prayer and fasting about issues of our church. I could pose that question with relative confidence because we have a body of servant deacons who love and care for you, the church body. Honestly, I usually reserve such arrogant addresses for times when I know I have spent such sacrificial time of my own. However, like coaches who hold one another accountable for film time, our all-seeing, omniscient, omnipresent, Heavenly Father knows every second I spend on my knees and every meal I bypass for worship time with Him.

Last week, a group of men accompanied me to Pastor's Day at the Capitol. There were several speakers to which we all affirmed with head nods and amens. Then, Brad Hughes, chairman of our Public Affairs committee, and liaison to the Governor's office, challenged us as to how much time we had set aside for prayer for our public officials. He also asked if we had invited any of them to the pastor's prayer breakfast or to our church functions. "Have any of you invited your State Representative or Senator to a fellowship or special event, or have you text or emailed them about an important vote?" He quizzed. My gaze focused straight ahead because I dared not have looked at the gentlemen at my table. I sat there with the proverbial egg on my face. I was guilty and convicted. I was even reminded of how rarely I prayed for the previous administration.

I am working on changing that paradigm. Since then, I have talked to our Senator and State Representative and extended an invitation to attend our church and men's study. The following representatives from Walker County that serve in the Georgia General Assembly are as follows: 

  • Senator Colton Moore (R-District 53)
  • Representative Mike Cameron (R-District 1)
  • Representative Steve Tarvin (R-District 2)

Please, pray for your leaders, both church and government. We need it and they need it. Also, the next time you are tempted to complain or have a question about their intentions, send them an email and give them your Biblical perspective with a Christlike attitude. Then put legs,rather knees, behind your thoughts.

1 Timothy 2:1-4: Therefore. I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, NKJV

The squeaky wheel may get the oil, but it doesn't squeak if the oil is applied in advance, especially if the oil represents the Holy Spirit. 
 
God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell