Slideshow image

Dear Shiloh Family,

As I neared the church, ominous billows of smoke permeated the sky. My heart sank and my unharnessed imagination ran free and pictured our worship home in flames. The dense smoke was thick as a bar-room scene out of an old motion picture, and ash was falling like snow on the parking lot. Fortunately, the raging forest fire was still several hundred yards away, and the wind was prevailing in a Northwesterly direction away from the campus.

I agreed to run block and recon for the Ladies' Bible study, and assured them I would sound the alarm at the first sign of danger. So, I made rounds through the Peach Orchard monitoring the situation. What a sobering sight as residents soaked yards, trees, houses, pets, and kids. Many brave souls had water hoses stretched to the tops of houses as they showered their belongings from the rooftop.

However, several onlookers lined the streets and observed the flames as if a parade was marching up Hogan Street. Children laughed and played as the burning death devoured everything in its path. I know, I know, there is a bit of hyperbole in my intent. Actually, I could feel an air of deep concern throughout the neighborhood.

Folks, the next scene I will describe can only happen in the South. Please, trust me when I say, "You can’t make this stuff up." As I was making one particular round, I topped a hill and noticed a small gathering in the front yard of a rather homely abode. Ten or twelve aspiring southern citizens (red-necks) were assembled to watch the show. It didn't take long to deduct that some of these lively individuals were a bit impaired (whether by alcoholic spirits, spooky spirits, or the spirit of genetics, I couldn't tell) and not thinking with soundness of mind. In fact, I did the proverbial double-take. There they were - beer in hand, wife-beater tank-top, mostly barefoot, and ready to party. Consequently, the most interesting and somewhat concerning aspect of the gala was the waist-high teepee of cardboard they were preparing to light. Yep, these productive citizens were going to party round the camp "far" as they watched the big "far" burn.

I slowed my vehicle just long enough to confirm what I really saw, and long enough to see other concerned neighbors making their way to confrontation. I would have loved to have perched on a nearby oak limb for that ensuing mele.

Luke 21:34-36 34 "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." NKJV

We sneer, snicker, and stereotype those slightly mislead wanderers, but are we not doing the same thing spiritually? The cultural Christian can see the smoke and feel the heat of the flames as families, churches, and nations are being consumed by the ploy of the evil one. Partying supersedes praying, complacency reigns over commitment, and denial prevents us from drenching ourselves in the spirit of the Living Savior. The late Vance Havner once said, "We are sitting on the premises instead of standing on the promises." Our children play in the streets of danger while the smoke of Satan's den billows from our TV’s, computers, and smart phones.

Church, it is getting late. I really believe one of Satan's greatest weapons is the confusion of contentment. Just like the fire; our homes are in danger, while the church sits idly by in plain view.

I watched the heroes of the day, the first responders, sacrifice life and limb to save our community from destruction. I'm so glad that Shiloh is a place where the well of the water of life springs freely. I’m proud to watch many of you sacrifice much for the cause of Christ and for the love of our Lord. You may be the only thing standing between the salvation of our community and the pits of hell. Keep showering others with the life-giving water of the Holy Spirit.
 
Thank you as well for saturating Anita and me with the prayers of protection and healing. I would be much more concerned about undergoing the knife if it were not for your uplifting words of encouragement and genuine prayers of love. 

John 4:13-14: 13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. KJV

The same spark that starts the forest fire can ignite the flame that saves a life.

God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell