Last week, I reported the Bivocational/Small Church Association understands serving on the small-church mission field requires courage. This year’s conference, July 11-12 at the Baptist University of the Americas in San Antonio, is designed to serve small-church ministers and their families who have taken on the call of God.

Richard RayThis conference will provide breakout sessions that will edify, educate and equip you to serve in the small-church mission field. I also noted we will host a “Ladies’ Beauty Spa,” where each woman can have her nails done and receive refreshments and fellowship, and the teenagers will experience San Antonio along the River Walk. There also will be childcare and activities for the children.

Christian illusionist Mitch Chapman and 46:10 Ministries will perform Friday night. Baptist Health Systems is providing its mobile medical unit. A Christian clown company will entertain the children. The Texas Baptist Men feeding unit from San Angelo will provide breakfast and lunch Saturday.

You simply do not want to miss the two-day conference, where you and your family will be lifted up in Spirit and in truth.

I would like to take this opportunity to highlight one of our breakout seminars. “Don’t Get Stuck” is the story of how one small church realized if they did not change how they do ministry, the congregation could die. This church was not about to let that happen, so they got “unstuck” by developing a climate of change. If you attend this seminar, you will hear their story and the lessons they learned along the way.

Pastor Bob Ray of Fairy Baptist Church and his wife, Rosalind, who leads worship, teaches women in Sunday school and works with children, will lead this seminar. They have served Fairy Baptist Church more than 48 years. If your church or ministry is not moving in the direction you feel it should or you are experiencing struggles in getting your church to accept change, I would encourage you to attend this seminar.

You can find additional information and register for the conference on our website, www.bivocational.com, or you may contact me via email at brother_ray@juno.com. In next week’s article, I will highlight another breakout seminar from the Bivocational/Small Church Conference.

Remember, God has called you to serve, but God has not called you to serve alone. Let us be your advocate, your resource and your prayer partner as you fulfill your calling. Until next time, please visit our website, www.bivocational.com.

Richard Ray is president of the Bivocational/Small Church Association, pastor of First Baptist Church in Wink and director of missions for Pecos Valley Baptist Association. You can reach him at brother_ray@juno.com.

The past few weeks have been particularly challenging from a church leadership standpoint for me. Nothing too traumatic, though.

I was up late on a recent Sunday evening after a full day of church, flipping the channels, and one of those commercials for long-haul truck-driving school came on. I thought to myself, “Now there’s a job!” The freedom of the open road, good pay, independence, no stewardship campaigns, no deacons’ meetings, no budget crisis. Jeff JohnsonNo hospital visits, no sermons to prepare and no “wheedlers”—combo-whiner/needler according to the late Calvin Miller. My conscience resurrected the song “Convoy” by C.W. McCall. Remember the “friends of Jesus in the chartreus micro-bus”? I’m in!

So, I asked Kenny, one of our church folks who is a truck driver, about it.

The sobering truth is truckers have a pretty rough life. They’re at the wheel of an 18-wheeler semi, not a “Beamer,” and they’ve got several tons of cargo right behind them going as fast as the cab. You do the physics. They have to wrestle an 18-wheeler over the highway while I’m hiding from their rearview mirrors. They also have to contend with weather, long hours and lots of lonely nights spent at truck stops around the country.

Eating truck-stop food every day can’t be good for the waistline. Kenny says it “could rot your gut,” too. Then there are the temptations that seem to crop up at many major stops around the country. Pornography, prostitution, gambling, smuggling and other vices seem to lurk just behind the fuel pumps. Kenny says: “Driving the truck isn’t the hard part. It’s living the life that’s hard.” Give me a “wheedling” deacons’ meeting any day!

Who reaches people who always are moving targets for Jesus Christ? A chaplain.

Bobby Smith leads our team of specialists in pastoral care, evangelism and outreach in places where clergy often do not have access. This team of Texas Baptists endorses and encourages chaplaincy that includes health care, military, restorative justice, pastoral counseling, marketplace, crisis resiliency, public safety, coaching and biker ministries. This includes full-time, part-time and volunteers who are deeply involved in kingdom work. One of our newest chaplaincy ministries serves oilfield workers and their families.

I spend an awful lot of time trying to figure out how to get more people to come to church. Maybe “success” in the kingdom of God is more about obedience and less about how many people are in the pews on Sunday morning. Maybe it is a lot more about how many people in the larger community find sacred space. Every day, chaplains at a truck stop, workplace, traffic accident, natural disaster, hospital emergency room or military installation provide hope for those seeking some real comfort and a word of grace.

Interested in chaplaincy? In training? Take time to contact one of our chaplaincy team.

E-mail them at chaplaincy@texasbptists.org. They have 12 volunteer associate endorsers who are retired chaplains with different areas of expertise.

I’m thinking I no longer want to be a truck driver when I grow up, but a chaplain. “Jeff Johnson, chaplain.” But I still like a good “Convoy.”

Jeff Johnson is president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and pastor of First Baptist Church in Commerce.

I again invite you to our upcoming Bivocational/Small Church Conference July 11-12 on the campus of the Baptist University of the Americas in San Antonio. The theme for the conference is “A Call to Courage,” taken from Deuteronomy 31:8, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Richard RayI shared last week the Bivocational/Small Church Association understands serving in the small-church mission field takes courage. This year’s conference is designed to minister to ministers and their families who have taken on the call of God to serve in the small-church mission field.

I mentioned how this conference will provide breakout sessions that will edify, educate and equip you to serve in the small-church mission field. I also noted we will host a “Ladies’ Beauty Spa,” where each woman can have her nails done and receive refreshments and fellowship, and the teenagers will experience San Antonio along the River Walk. There also will be childcare and activities for the children.

Along with these activities, we also will provide wonderful entertainment, beginning with Christian illusionist Mitch Chapman on Friday night. He will entertain with his unique style of mystery. He will astound you with his illusions, and he will enlighten you with his words.

On Saturday, we will host a free health screening for all attendees and the local community, thanks to Baptist Health Systems, which is providing its mobile medical unit for the conference.

Also on Saturday, a Christian clown company will paint faces, make balloon animals and put on skits to entertain the children. The Texas Baptist Men feeding unit out of San Angelo will provide breakfast and lunch Saturday. You simply do not want to miss the two-day conference, where you and your family are lifted up in spirit and in truth.

Our goal for this conference is to touch the lives of all those called to serve in the small-church mission field, which includes the family. You can find additional information and register for the conference on our website, www.bivocational.com. You may contact me via email at brother_ray@juno.com. In next week’s article, I will share the heart of each breakout session as expressed by the instructors.

Remember, God has called you to serve, but God has not called you to serve alone. Let us be your advocate, your resource and your prayer partner as you fulfill your calling. Until next time, please visit our website, www.bivocational.com.

Richard Ray is president of the Bivocational/Small Church Association, pastor of First Baptist Church in Wink and director of missions for Pecos Valley Baptist Association. You can reach him at brother_ray@juno.com.

Hello, Texas Baptists! I hope you all were able to spend some quality time with your friends, family and church this Easter. My family and I were thoroughly blessed to spend time together reflecting on the magnificent gift the Lord gave us through the resurrection of Christ.

David HardageKathleen, Rebekah and I spent Easter Sunday at First Baptist Church of Gainesville. It was a wonderful experience, and I was happy to preach and worship alongside that great church.

Later, I made a visit to West Texas and was able to meet with pastors and directors of missions around Lubbock and Midland. It was a great trip, filled with wonderful conversations and hopeful anticipation for the work in that area. Thanks to all of the Baptist leaders who made time to visit.

Houston Baptist University has been named the sixth most diverse U.S. college. Four racial groups—Asian, black/African-American, Hispanic/Latino and white—each comprise double-digit percentages of Houston Baptist University’s student body. That means a very diverse group of students is learning to view all life from a distinctively Christian worldview as they prepare for success on the job and in life at HBU.

Your Baptist Building is being decked with photos from our Baptist institutions around the state. All of these beautiful Texas Baptist faces are bringing a lot of life to the halls and offices. I hope you will stop by sometime and see them for yourself. Thanks to Baylor University, Buckner International, Children at Heart Ministries, East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, Howard Payne University, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor  and Wayland Baptist University for sending us photos. If you didn’t see your Baptist institution’s name in this list, please contact them and ask them to send us photos to represent them here in your building. We would love to have their photos up on the walls!

David Hardage is executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board.

At 50, it is said, everyone gets the face they deserve. Whoa! I am 53.

My wife headed to the middle school track meet (a school annual sponsor) this past week with PFS 120 sunscreen slathered on her face. Who of us over the age of 30 would dare go out for a day in the sun without a thick coating of zinc oxide? Of course, for me, this probably is all too late. The damage has been done. I have, yes, wrinkles! Lines! Creases!

Jeff JohnsonWhat an image! No wonder the multi-million-dollar cosmetics industry provides so many moisturizing, micro-encapsulated, mega-drenched, money-sucking methods for combating the effects sun, rain, wind and life exact on our faces.

Have you ever wondered what we as Texas Baptists look like? Our image? Our identity? Our distinctives? How old we are? How old we appear? Do we look our age?

Alan Lefever leads a group that helps us identify ourselves. The Texas Baptist Historical Collection partners in collecting, preserving and communicating the history of Texas Baptists by working with churches, institutions and associations. They help provide a better look at where we’ve been, where we are and where we are going. They also provide information on a particular church’s history or particular minister’s biography.

Texas Baptist Historical Collection

Need someone to help you formulate and articulate your church’s heritage? Frame your image for those who would build on your church’s spiritual foundation? Contact the Texas Baptist Historical Collection team: Alan Lefever, director; Naomi Taplin, associate director; and Autumn Hendon, ministry assistant.

First Baptist Church in Commerce recently hosted the annual Baptist General Convention of Texas Church Library Conference. Naomi is the person on our BGCT staff responsible for organizing and leading this meeting. Her expertise as both a librarian and an archivist helps churches like ours transform old facilities and practices to meet the demands of 21st century church libraries, media centers and reading initiatives.

Image is an interesting thing, especially in religious life. Over the years, I have noticed Jesus’ image showing up in all sorts of bizarre places. In Texas, I can remember Jesus’ image reportedly appearing in a bathroom window, a flour tortilla and a Willie Nelson photograph.

One year, he had the good sense to appear on a mass-produced piece of pizza billboard advertising. I then resolved to take no more foolish treks to Southwest Texas lavatories just to see Jesus.

See the image of Jesus in Texas Baptist history

I see the face, the image of Jesus in Texas Baptist history. Our foreparents encountered God, and I have a passion to experience God in the same way. What does your church’s heritage reveal about your relationship with God? What Texas Baptist facemarks testify to our experiences with God and Main Street encounters with those Jesus died to save?

As a Texas Baptist late baby boomer, I may just be willing to concede I should begin to “act my age,” but it is abundantly clear I have no intention of looking it. When I look in the Baptist historical mirror, I am encouraged toward a bright future built on a firm foundation. Oh, in pictures, remember I’m the one with the neon green zinc oxide nose and outback hat.

Jeff Johnson is president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and pastor of First Baptist Church in Commerce.

I want to invite you to our upcoming Bivocational/Small Church Conference July 11-12 on the campus of Baptist University of the Americas in San Antonio. The theme for the conference is “A Call to Courage,” taken from Deuteronomy 31:8, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Richard RayThe Bivocational/Small Church Association understands that serving in small church takes courage. This year’s conference is designed to minister to small-church ministers and their families who have taken on the call of God to serve in the small-church mission field.

In this conference, you will find breakout sessions that include topics such as “Sermon Preparation,” in which you receive resources and on-sight instruction on preparing a sermon. “Pastor to Pastor” is a time set aside for pastors to share their ideas and struggles, seeking answers to cooperative conversation and prayer.

“New to the Ministry” will offer instruction for a new minister in leading his church to follow God’s vision. “Don’t Get Stuck” will examine the pitfalls that can snare a minister and church. You will learn how to avoid or get unstuck from such pitfalls. “Gifts Assessment” will help you discover your spiritual gifts and how to use them to further the kingdom of God.

We also are featuring a “Ladies’ Beauty Spa,” where each woman can have her nails done and receive refreshments and fellowship. The teenagers will be entertained and ministered to by Cory Devivo of Masterpiece Ministries. Cory and his wife, along with sponsors, will host the teenagers on a day trip to downtown San Antonio. Childcare and activities also will be provided for children.

This conference is designed for the whole family to be encouraged, equipped and edified. We understand that when a minister is called to serve in the small-church mission field, the entire family also is called. To survive the call, it takes courage and support from those who understand. I encourage you to attend this year’s conference.

You can find additional information on our website at www.bivocational.com, or you may contact me via email at brother_ray@juno.com. In next week’s article, I will share additional information concerning the conference, including entertainment and special events.

Remember, God has called you to serve, but God has not called you to serve alone. Let us be your advocate, your resource and your prayer partner as you fulfill your calling. Until next time, please visit our website, www.bivocational.com.

Richard Ray is president of the Bivocational/Small Church Association, pastor of First Baptist Church in Wink and director of missions for Pecos Valley Baptist Association. You can reach him at brother_ray@juno.com.

Cultural conflict has caused some of the world’s bloodiest battles. Vignettes of violence fill the evening news. Today, cultural conflict is a danger for Christians in America, where our cities, neighborhoods and congregations experience tremendous demographical change.

Do you know what I’m talking about?

Jeff JohnsonHas it hit your town yet?

Take a look around.

Our congregations will be challenged to respond in one of two ways—either (a) resist this trend and engage in Christian cultural conflict or (b) extend the hand of Christian fellowship and share the gospel.

Baptist Hispanic youth provide one of the brightest lights in our state. They are leading the way in offering Christian fellowship as an alternative to cultural conflict. I challenge all of us as Texas Baptists to follow their example.

This past week, Texas Baptists sponsored Congreso, the Hispanic youth and young adult conference. Congreso is the largest annual gathering of Hispanic Baptist young people in North America, as well as the largest Baptist General Convention of Texas event every year. Frank Palos is our director of Hispanic evangelism. He and his Hispanic evangelism events coordinator, Angie Carter, work diligently to reach the fastest-growing population segment in our state for Jesus Christ.

Congreso

“Congreso is conducted in English for Hispanic students and has been the largest gathering of Texas Baptists for the last eight years,” Palos reports. “In this time, Congreso students have given over $52,000 for college scholarships and missions.” In addition, “about 2 percent of the current 1,100 Hispanic congregations affiliated with BGCT conduct English-only ministries to Hispanics.”

Jesse Rincones, executive director of Convencion, the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas, and also senior pastor of Alliance Church in Lubbock, notes: “Of the 30-plus Hispanic congregations in our association, the three largest churches are English speaking. There needs to be some type of bridge or landing pad for those coming out of the Congreso experiences that find themselves disconnected from the traditional Convencion or BGCT experiences.”

Pray for Palos as he leads in this effort. Pray for our Hispanic youth. This year’s Congreso celebrated what our Lord has done for Hispanic students’ lives through the conference for 50 years. Congreso 2014 took place April 17-19 at Baylor University in Waco.

You can find more about outreach to our Hispanic youth on our Texas Baptist website or contacting our Hispanic evangelism office: frank.palos@texasbaptists.org; angie.carter@texasbaptists.org.

As odd as this may feel, we should remember that such cross-cultural faith sharing really is nothing new. Jesus himself had such an experience with the woman of Samaria.

Open to change

But churches must be open to change.

We should be working toward the day when our Christian identity will tie us together in one international, multicultural community—a community that breaks down cultural barriers as Jesus did and worships the Father neither in Samaria nor in Jerusalem, but “in spirit and truth” (John 4:23).

Until that time, we must face conflicts and misunderstandings together. We must dismiss the notion the Holy Spirit works exclusively among our particular culture. We should try to remember Texas Baptist churches belong not to Texas Baptists, but to God.

Thanks to Frank Palos for his leadership in Texas Baptist life, and thanks to Hispanic Baptist youth for lighting the way.

Jeff Johnson is president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and pastor of First Baptist Church in Commerce.

I come to you today with a word of encouragement during this Easter season, when we remember the sacrifice our Savior made for us and the power of his resurrection that brought salvation to the world.

Richard RayAs ministers, we spend our time pursuing. We pursue former church members, trying to get them to return to church. We pursue visitors, trying to get them to become members, and we pursue the lost, trying to introduce them to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. It seems some of our most valued time is in pursuit.

Pursuing for the sake of Christ can be very trying on the soul. It is difficult at times, and it takes much of our time we could spend in other areas of our life. However, ministers know that without the pursuit of others for Christ, our pews would be empty, our budgets would decrease and ministry would suffer.

However, those are all the wrong reasons to pursue others for Christ. We are not in the ministry to fill our coffers or to build up our Sunday school roll; we are in the ministry because God has called us to reach the world for his sake. We are not maintainers of his kingdom; we are builders of his kingdom.

Even though I am pursuing for the sake of Christ, I must remember Christ also is pursuing me for his sake. First John 4:19 says, “We love him because he first loved us.” All throughout God’s word, we find God pursuing us, from the Garden of Eden to the empty tomb. This verse reminds us the only reason we are pursuing others for Christ is because Christ first pursued us.

Jesus Christ has always taken the initiative in our relationship with him. This gives me the strength and fortitude to keep pursuing others for Christ, to keep doing what God has called me to do to further his kingdom and to keep my pursuit beyond the pews and the budgets by keeping my pursuit on the cross.

However, this pursuit cannot be accomplished alone, and we at the Bivocational/Small Church Association understand this. We want to hear of your challenges and your struggles as you serve the Lord. We also want to pray with you personally as fellow pursuers of the cross. If you will email us and share your heart, we will contact you personally to visit with you and pray over you.

Our pursuit is the same—to be builders of the kingdom of God. Remember, God has called you to serve, but God has not called you to serve alone. Let us be your advocate, your resource and your prayer partner as you fulfill your calling. Until next time, please visit our website, www.bivocational.com.

Richard Ray is president of the Bivocational/Small Church Association, pastor of First Baptist Church in Wink and director of missions for Pecos Valley Baptist Association. You can reach him at brother_ray@juno.com.

I spent a weekend not too long ago in Laredo and had the privilege of attending the Laredo Baptist Association meeting that Saturday night. Sunday morning, I attended United Baptist Church in Laredo. It was a wonderful weekend visiting with pastors and getting to see how the Lord is moving in that area of the state.

David HardageThe Christian Life Commission board of commissioners met a couple of weeks ago at Hardin-Simmons University. We spent time reflecting on the CLC’s past as well as brainstorming for the future. There are exciting things coming.

Then I was blessed to speak at Eastern Hills Baptist Church in Garland. I continue to lift them up in prayer.

Monday, April 7 was the first Texas Baptist Golf Classic. It took place at the Dallas Athletic Club. With 240 golfers, I would say it was an enormous success. Thanks to Chris Liebrum, director of church ministry resources, and his wonderful staff for a great event. Also, thanks to the many sponsors who helped make this day possible and who helped us raise money for disaster recovery efforts. If you didn’t get to participate with us this year, I hope you will join us in San Antonio for the 2015 Golf Classic.

Please consider holding a special offering in your church on Mother’s Day for the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering. Why? Because every mother’s child needs a meal. This May 11, let’s make Mother’s Day count by not simply passing the plate in church. Let’s fill it.

Along these lines, starting on May 5, we have about 40 cyclists riding 425 miles from Boerne to Wichita Falls to raise awareness and money for ending hunger in Texas. Yes, some money raised goes to the Mother’s Day Hunger Offering. Join in by riding or giving to support Bike Out Hunger. 

David Hardage is executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board.

Have you ever stood in a ski-lift line for 45 minutes, waiting to catch a chair that will take you to a black diamond death run down Peak 9? Or plodded in line for a ride at Disney World? Or joined scores of people with baggage in a line that snakes toward two ticket agents at the airport? And then a VIP or a rich person who’s paid more money or something, or someone who knows someone jumps to the front of the line, bypassing all of us who’ve been waiting with reasonable patience for our turn.

I recently purchased an EZ-Pass toll tag for my car, in order to expedite my trip home when I have to go to the big city. They call it the “rush hour.” What a joke. The microchip tag sticks to the inside of my windshield and contains pertinent data that eases my way. An antenna quickly reads my electronic data as my car zooms on through the toll plaza. A computer automatically deducts the appropriate toll tax from my account. This computerized collection system then sends a monthly statement to my wife’s email, with tallies of times and places for our records.

Do you remember when Jesus kind of tells us we are jammed up on the wrong side of the idea? I have it all wrong if I think the first will be first and the last will be last. The last will be first, and the first shall be last. The greatest among us? The servant of all.

What do servant-leaders look like? Steve Vernon, our Baptist General Convention of Texas associate executive director, and his team, Judy Hackler and Debbie Moody. They “herd cats” like Texas Baptist pastors, committee members, councils and the BGCT Executive Board. They get things done on time and done right. They work tirelessly behind the scenes. They are people who embrace both the concept of serving others and serving Someone greater and beyond themselves.

With the possible exception of pastors at church potlucks, no leader gets an EZ-Pass. Whoever wants to be a leader among us must be a servant to all the rest. A true spiritual leader serves first, and by serving leads—through example.

Steve, Judy and Debbie are people who understand the importance of awareness, listening, empathy and building Texas Baptist community. They understand it isn’t about them. It’s about you—our Texas Baptist family.

Let them know their work is appreciated this week. Contact Steve, Judy and Debbie. 

Jeff Johnson is president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and pastor of First Baptist Church in Commerce.

I write to you today with a heavy heart as I mourn for the soldiers killed and for those wounded during the tragic shooting at Fort Hood in Killeen. As a veteran of this great country, my prayers go out to the families of those affected by this tragic event.

Richard RayAs I watch the news and read the articles of what took place, I am compelled to say we must be there for the families of these fallen soldiers and for those affected by this tragedy. These soldiers demonstrate patriotism every day, whether it be in our great country or across the world, defending our freedom, protecting those who cannot protect themselves and providing assistance to the mistreated.

Serving in the military requires faith—faith in one another, faith in your country, faith in yourself, and faith in God. Having faith means you know it will happen. Faith does not believe that God can; it knows God will. I know God will provide comfort to the families who have lost loved ones in this tragedy, and I know God will provide healing to the wounded.

My faith tells me my God will supply all their needs during this tragic time and he will demonstrate his love for them through his children.

I call upon each of you to pray for our fallen heroes and for those who serve and defend our country every day. Pray on bended knees for God to demonstrate his love to these men and women through the local churches and ministries in the Killeen area.

Pray for those ministers and counselors as they reach out to bring comfort and peace during this tragic time. Pray in faith, knowing God will hear our prayers and answer them much as he did for the Roman centurion when he called on Jesus to heal his servant in Luke chapter 7.

This Roman soldier called upon Jesus to heal his servant who was sick and ready to die. Jesus described this soldier’s faith as “great faith” and because of this one soldier’s “great faith” in Jesus, Jesus healed his servant. A person who signs up to serve our country in the Army will say an oath of enlistment, and in this oath a soldier will say these words, “that I will bear true faith and allegiance … so help me God” (Title 10, US Code; Act of 5 May 1960).

Let us also bear true faith and allegiance to these men and women and their families who serve the people of the United States of America. Let us call upon the Lord with “great faith,” asking for healing, comfort and peace to be given to those who have lost loved ones and for those who are wounded. Let us pray, “So help us God.”

Richard Ray is president of the Bivocational/Small Church Association, pastor of First Baptist Church in Wink and director of missions for Pecos Valley Baptist Association. You can reach him at brother_ray@juno.com.

The founder of Memory Pharmaceuticals, Eric Kandal, firmly believes within a few years a pill will be available to improve memory dramatically. My dad is an Alzheimer’s patient and takes memory-improvement medication. In a frightening turn, these “smart drugs” now are being sold illegally to students for better memory focus on exams.

Jeff JohnsonI dusted off an old volume of Charles Haddon Spurgeon’s sermons for my devotional time this past week. He describes studying a beech tree one afternoon. Like a skilled naturalist, he noted the color of the leaves, the texture of the bark and the intricacy of the branches. Such study was, for him, a form of grateful prayer to God as rich as any study in the library.

On this particular day, he noticed a squirrel running up the branches, leaping from one to the other, playing in every nook of the great tree. The squirrel moved among the branches as if the trunk were Main Street and the smaller branches country lanes or alleys; somewhere among the branches were his house and daily food.

As Spurgeon reflected imaginatively on this inquisitive, frolicking squirrel, so wonderfully at home in the beech tree, he drew this analogy to our relationship with Scripture. “Well, now, the way to deal with God’s word is not merely to contemplate it, or study it, as a student does; but to live on it, as that squirrel lives on his beech tree. Let it be to you, spiritually, your house, your home, your food, your medicine, your clothing, the one essential element of your soul’s life and growth.”

I chose to be a Texas Baptist for a number of reasons—one being we believe in and study the Bible. Phil Miller leads the way for Texas Baptists in our Bible study/discipleship ministry. Phil and his team exist to “provide consultations, training, special events, tools and resources to help Texas Baptist congregations develop Acts 1:8 believers.”

Does your Bible study time need a “smart pill?” The Texas Baptist Bible study team has it—for all ages. Contact Phil and our Bible study team as you and your church strategically prepare for implementing a plan for transformational Bible study in your community.

Being “at home” in Scripture certainly is an alternative to the seemingly endless quest for a new philosophy that is going to fulfill my every desire.

A daily smart pill might increase my memory, but a day spent studying Scripture with an open heart and a searching mind increases my love for God, makes me a wiser person, and enables me to discern false teaching the next time it comes to the box office, Twitter, text, YouTube or bookstore.

Now that’s a really smart “pill.” (Check out 2 Timothy 3:14-17).

Jeff Johnson is president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and pastor of First Baptist Church in Commerce.