July 10, 2000
TOGETHER:
Prepare for a spiritual journey you never imagined
___I drove onto the grounds and immediately was drawn again into the beauty of Glorieta.
___Texans arrived all day Saturday, July 1, to make up the second Texas Baptist Family Reunion. We came from every part of the state, from every size church, and there were people of different races, cultures and ages.
___We studied and prayed together; we worshipped and spent time together.
___Albert Reyes, president of the Hispanic Baptist Theological School in San Antonio, and Duane Brooks, pastor of Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston, were the preachers for the week. These two young ministers blessed our lives as they spoke profoundly and movingly about God's provision and plan for families.
CHARLES WADE
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
___Scores of other Texas Baptist conference leaders led a wide variety of workshops on family concerns.
___I had the privilege of leading the morning Bible study. From the Gospel of Matthew, I taught "Knowing Jesus."
___The Apostle Paul wanted more than anything in his life to know Jesus (Philippians 3:7-11). Many people have learned to ask, "What would Jesus do?" But most have not really studied in depth "what Jesus did"!
___Studying the life of Jesus always challenges, humbles and revitalizes my life.
___In these first eight months of my service to you, I have been praying for Texas Baptists that we can, together, put our arms around Texas and hug our state up close to God. I believe God loves every person in Texas, and he wants his people to love them also: The neighbors you have not met. The people you work with. The students in your classroom. The clients and customers you serve. Members of your family. The isolated people--homeless, wealthy, in prison, in long-term care facilities, academia, apartment dwellers, those who live in ethnic or cultural enclaves.
___There is a ministry of hope, compassion, touch, grace and redemption for every Texas Baptist to do.
___I am praying every church will look around itself and ask: "What would Jesus do if he lived here in this place? Who would he care about? Where would he go?"
___Then, I pray, every church member and every church will begin to go and care as he did.
___As you go, you can do this. Read the Gospels, asking, "What do I learn here about the heart and mind of Christ?"
___Pray a prayer something like this: "Our Father in Heaven, Creator of all that is. You are the one who yearns for the redemption of all people. Give me a clean heart that I might have eyes to see, ears to hear, what Jesus would see and hear today. By the indwelling presence of your Holy Spirit, guide my feet and hands to go and do what he would do today. Give me lips that speak blessing. Let me invite people to go with me to the place where I am helped to know and love you more. I ask that your will be done in all the earth, and in my life, as it is done in heaven. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen."
___This study of the Gospels and this kind of praying will get you ready for a spiritual journey you may never have imagined before.
___You may say: "That's dangerous. Who knows where you might find yourself?"
___Exactly!
___Go with God, for we are loved ...
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