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Dear Shiloh Family,

It was a gorgeous beginning to an evening of baseball in Truist Park, Atlanta. We had 4, front row, 1st level seats and a few (nose-bleed) upper-level as well. We were celebrating my grandson's birthday, so naturally he got one of the premier tickets. And everyone knows he wanted Poppy to sit with him (after much persuasion and bribery). All was going better than planned until midway through the 3rd inning.
 
In the distance, over the rightfield wall, a few clouds began to appear. As the inning progressed, the small clouds grew larger and darker. By the 4th, full grown thunderheads had developed and had now spread across the entire sky. The questions began.

"Poppy, how bad do you think the storm will be? Is it going to be a tornado? When do you think it will start? Do you think they have a basement here?" He had become obsessed by the impending weather threat….so much so, that he couldn't enjoy the game. 

I assured him, "It will be fine. Why do you keep asking, and why are you so worried about that storm? Enjoy the ballgame. I prayed and asked the Lord to let the storm pass over."

To which he matter-of-factly replied, "Well, I notice that you keep checking the weather app on your phone. So, you must be worried too." 

Busted! He had caught me in my tracks, or I should say, phone in my hand. My voice emitted peace, but my actions didn't portray the accompanying faith. It also didn't help when the grounds crew removed the cover from the field tarp. 

Fortunately, the thunderstorm dissipated and parted as though the hand of God directed its path around the stadium. All it left was as few light showers that lasted only a couple of innings. 

In the end, the Braves won, and we enjoyed perhaps the most amazing musical fireworks/laser show I have ever seen. It was spectacular! It proved to be the proverbial icing on what was already a wonderful life cake. The feared boom of thunder and dreaded flash of lightning morphed into a celebration of pyrotechnic wonder. What was once terror, became God's treat. 

Psalm 107:28-31: 28 Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. 29 He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. 30 Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven. 31 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! NKJV

Over the years, I've learned that when we attend ballgames and other outdoor activities, we are certain to encounter occasional storms. It is wise to expect them and prepare for them. One must take the good with the bad. However, the most valuable lesson is that God controls the outcome.

In the Christian walk, especially in the church, to get in the game/battle/work means to prepare for occasional storms. Jesus said that to reign with him is to suffer with him. You often see the trouble coming, but only the hand of the Lord can dissipate it. Worry won't fix it and fear can't faze it. Consequently, there isn't an app in play store that can squelch Satan's attack on the body of believers.
 
Shiloh family, the spiritual activities around our church have increased exponentially. I won't belittle ministry by calling it a game, but using the analogy, we know there will be trials, tribulations, and storms. Satan hates it when lives are being changed, families are being restored, and sinners are being saved and baptized. 

Naaman 1:3:3 The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked. The Lord has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of His feet. NKJV Never forget, God's power is greater than anything the evil one has to offer. He controls ALL storms. My Savior turns trials into blessings, thunder into fireworks displays, and lightning into laser shows.

I wouldn't be a good pastor if I didn't warn you as well. Be careful that you don't cause a storm in his church or among his children. It is a dangerous situation to place yourself in the path of God's judgement.

Speaking of ministry, please, pray for the youth next week. They will be leaving after the 1st service for Camp Awanita. Pray for the lost to be saved, the saved to become closer, and the leaders to have God's strength, energy, and compassion - whichever is needed. 

Our greatest fears are already God's defeated foes. 
 
God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell