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Dear Shiloh Family,

Last Sunday was a simple Father’s Day service with a slight twist to the normal format. Your deacons and their children read their favorite/life/devotional Bible verse and gave a few, very few, comments. There were no new revelations, no deep theological exegesis, nor earth shattering statements of wisdom. However, the comments were heartfelt and sincere, and the scripture was straight from God’s word.

It would seem that such a service would simply be nostalgic and sentimental, but the response proved differently. In fact, it reinforced how powerful the Bible can be when practically applied to life situations. 

Hebrews 4:12-13
12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. NKJV

Consequently, I was amazed at how many positive sentiments were given to me about the service throughout the week. However, the greatest enlightenment came while visiting two of my dearest friends in the hospital.

 The first conversation took place in Memorial Hospital. While fellowshipping and sharing typical hospital banter, our thoughts turned to Sunday’s guest speakers and how their scriptures were so varied and diverse and how the hospital room was brightened by the encouraging words. 
 A pastor often spends anxious moments when he veers from the normal Sunday morning song-sermon format. But it is so uplifting when the Lord confirms the influence of the Holy Spirit in the change. Such was the case in Park Ridge Medical that day.

 One of our dear brothers was struggling with anesthesia while coming out of a long surgery. During these times, hospital rooms for loved ones and caregivers can be dark and lonely. Such was the case last Wednesday night. Fortunately, during the streamed service the previous Sunday, the wife had jotted down most of the scriptures used by the deacons and children. As the situation worsened and nothing offered by doctors and nurses seemed effective, she began reading the scriptures and praying over her sweetheart. She related to me how every scripture she read was as though God had given it to her for just that occasion. The more she read and prayed, the more peace came into the room. As the Lord had promised Isiah, his word did not return void.

Isaiah 55:11: 11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. NKJV
Fellow believer and church family, when you think no one is listening…they are. When you think no one cares…God does. When you think you are not making a difference; you are. And when God inspires you with a passage from His word…use it. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17: 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. NKJV

Because of what you are doing, and because of the way you are applying God’s word to your life, we are baptizing again this Sunday. We will also be observing the Lords Supper. It is always a special day when we can worship while participating in the two ordinances of the Baptist church. Praise the Lord!

When the word of God is all you have left, it will be all you need. 
 
PREACH/TEACH/REACH

God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell