We were challenged by Dr. Bryant Wright, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, and a host of other Baptist leaders, to have a “solemn assembly” on January 30. The Old Testament prophecy of Joel records these words: Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD, Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come. (Joel 1:14-15, KJV).
Indeed, we had a “Day of Prayer” at First Southern Baptist Church on the 30th. I “participated” in this service. I did not “lead” it. I allowed the other four members of the ministerial staff to “lead” it (David Jakes, Tim Franks, Pam Hill, and Juan Hernandez).
Here is some of what God impressed upon my heart as we prayed for the SBC, our homes and families, the spiritually lost, and for the ministries of our church.
- God has a delightful sense of timing. I had “scheduled” this day last November. We sketched out the broad outlines of it in a ministerial staff meeting on January 3. It was then that I asked my four fellow ministers to take the lead. It was on Monday the 24th that I was hit with an attack of “shingles.” I was not at 100% on Sunday. But, my fellow ministers were at 100%. They did a tremendous job of leading us in our Day of Prayer.
- It was a blessing to pray for the direction of our Convention. We are in the midst of great changes in leadership, structure, and strategy. Because we are not perfect, I know that our former structure and strategy was not perfect. I am praying fervently that these new changes will help us to stop doing good things to focus on the best things. I am praying that the new strategies will help us to be more effective for the Kingdom with every dollar and with co-laborer in Christ. Oh, the opportunities before us are great. Let us seize the moment! Thank you, David & Nancy Jakes, for leading us in this time of prayer.
- Pam Hill really made me stop and think. She challenged us not to pray that we will have Christian homes, but pray that we will have Christ-like homes. One is a nice label. The latter is a lifestyle that truly changes everything!
- As Tim Franks led us in prayer for the lost, I was overwhelmed again with a challenge from the Lord to be “light,” boldly and intentionally.
- Juan Hernandez was masterful as he led us in prayer for our church and our ministries. We prayed for many areas of the church, but I was especially humbled as we prayed for those who take care of the facilities. What a joy it was to praise God for the ministry of Patrice, Augustin, Roger, Bill, and Roger.
- It was awesome to join hearts with everyone in thanking God for his faithfulness to this local church for 90 years,
- The roof didn’t collapse. There was no sermon — just music and prayer. IT WAS A GREAT DAY OF WORSHIP, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS PRESENT!!!
