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Dear Shiloh Family,

It was late July, the temps were hovering around 98, and we were cruising northbound on Hwy 59. Vacation was over and the O'Neals were heading home from Lake Guntersville. Anita was following closely behind me, running recon in her Jeep Grand Cherokee which was packed headliner to floorboard. I say recon because my truck and boat were heaped to the point of overflow with, let's just say, various redneck items (rods, reels, lawn chairs, golf clubs, grills, tents, tarps, floats, swim noodles, coolers, rocking chairs, etc.) Yep, we were modern day Beverly Hillbillies.

The journey was half complete when it happened the unmistakable swerve of the boat, tilt in the trailer, and gut-wrenching flapping noise. It sounded as if the lead drummer was playing wipeout on the left fender. Fortunately, I was in the right lane and promptly exited to the shoulder of the interstate. As I opened the door to survey the damage, my phone rang.

Now, please understand the nature of the situation before you judge me. Remember, it was scorching hot, the boat was loaded, we had packed all morning, I wanted to be home, my tire and possibly the fender are shredded, and I heard these words, "Hey, theres something wrong with your tire."

Really?

Let me go ahead and admit that my response was not very pastoral. And, for the sake of preventing total loss of respect for your pastor, let's just pretend the reply was something like, "Well, thank you honey. I hadn't noticed." Not! However, I instructed her to stay in the vehicle, and that I would take care of it. Her reply gaze was somewhere between, "Are you kidding?" and "Dont hold your breath until I get there." I digress. 
 
When a lucky soul acquires a boat, there are two things that are constants. At some point, assistance will be needed to get back to the dock, and eventually, he/she will experience some type of trailer problem. 

Ezekiel 38:7: 7 Prepare yourself and be ready, you and all your companies that are gathered about you; and be a guard for them. 
NKJV

Fortunately, having been a multiple rag-tag vessel owner, I was prepared. I dug through the redneck rubble in the bed of my pickup, retrieved the anticipated floor jack and four-way lug wrench, removed the spare tire from the tongue of the trailer, and replaced the dilapidated tire in less than 15 minutes. The funny thing is; all the time I was working on the flat, I was remembering the dry rot cracks in the sidewalls of the dated tires; blemishes I had noticed before we left the house. I was sure they would make it one more trip. 

1 Peter 5:8-9: 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. NKJV

Likewise, there are at least a couple of things that are certain in your Christian walk; you will eventually need help from a brother or sister in Christ, and you are sure to experience a blowout along the way. It may be because of the load you're carrying; it could be because of the heat you're feeling; or it might be because of the lack of maintenance in your life. Regardless, it pays to be prepared.

I encourage you to get involved in a small group, SS, Bible Study, prayer group, accountability group, personal studies, serving ministry, etc. These alliances will not prevent problems from occurring, but they will often provide the tools to enable you to get back on the road to your spiritual journey.

Hebrews 10:24-25: 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. NKJV
 
There is nothing more encouraging than being prepared for life's barriers. There is nothing sadder than knowing the barriers are coming and failing to acquire the available tools to clear the way. 

God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell

PS. Our church is growing, and the nursery along with it. We are in need of volunteers. Please, see Lea Gordon, or call Melissa in the office if you will help. We could also use help in the ushers and greeters ministries.