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Dear Shiloh Family,

Have you ever heard of the Trojan Horse? Of course you have. However, I learned that it doesn't mean the same now as it once did. The term "trojan horse" has become attached to computer lingo.

What I know about computers and computer language can be written on one 3X5 index card in large print. Well, that may be a bit of hyperbole, but not much. However, I discovered that a trojan is a form of malware that misleads users as to it's true intent by disguising itself as being something perfectly normal. Basically, an unsuspecting blunderer like me is duped into clicking an email or link that opens the gate of devastation, destruction, crime and chaos. Please, don't ask me how I know all this.

Even though it is a completely different animal (pun intended) than the original Trojan Horse in Greek mythology, there is one consistent ingredient - the owner, guardian, or keeper of the gate makes a conscience decision to open the door and allow the perpetrator inside.

Wow! Isn't that much like our Christian lives and our walk with Jesus? We come to church and do all the things we are supposed to do. Suddenly, adversity hits and we immediately get mad at someone in the church, or even at God. Eventually, we settle down and allow the Holy Spirit to speak and reveal truths about our actions. It is very humbling to discover that we actually invited Satan and his demons in - we opened the window. Again, don't ask me how I know this; or, maybe it's just me.

The Bible tells us to guard our hearts and minds. We do this by thinking and meditating on good things and the goodness of God. 

Proverbs 4:23:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. NKJV

Philippians 4:8-9: 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things. NKJV

Philippians also tells us that when we fill our lives with prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, God will send his peace to "guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Oh, by the way, we are also bound to protect His church. We must be careful that we don't become the Trojan Horse that allows discord into the church through our words and deeds. Satan knows better than to attack the church from the outside. He must use internal tactics.

Proverbs 14 says idle chatter leads to spiritual poverty, and chapter 13 says a person who guards his/her mouth brings life, but a person who opens the mouth wide brings destruction.
 
Remember, we are not fighting flesh and blood. We are warring against the powers of darkness. The world knows we love God by how we love one another. In fact, if we don't love one another, we don't love God. Let's show folks who come to Shiloh that our love for God is real, and let's begin by the way we love our brothers and sisters.

1 John 4:7-8: 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. KJV

One wafer of heavenly manna is better than a bakery of Satan's counterfeit. 

God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell

Thank-you Letter from: Cherokee Ridge Elementary School: On behalf of the entire CRE community, I want to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible generosity and support that you've shown throughout the year. Your volunteer efforts during field day, breakfast that was provided for our dads and Teacher Appreciation events. Your kindness and thoughtfulness go above and beyond, and we are truly grateful for your continued support of our school.

Thank you again, Pastor David, and to everyone at Shiloh Baptist Church, for everything you do to support our school and community. We feel blessed to have such an incredible partner in education.