This week's newsletter from Karen

Ever been in a situation that needs a lot of prayer but you have no idea what your prayer needs to be? A situation where you’re not sure what God wants? A situation where it seems like there is no good thing coming no matter what happens?

I once taught a lesson on why we should pray, and one of the verses we studied was Romans 8:26, which reads, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” (NIV)

If you go on and read the next two verses (27-28, NIV) you see, “And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

How comforting. When I don’t know what to say, God has given me the gift of the Holy Spirit to take care of the words. When I’m not sure what God wants, He knows the Holy Spirit is asking for God’s will. When no good thing is in sight, I can know that God sees things differently and will work things out according to his good.

This week's newsletter from Michael

Ask yourself, am I willing to let God use me? I hope your answer is YES! There is one person who does not want you to be used by God, and I am sure you know who that is: Satan! The one thing Satan fears more than any other is a child of God who is willing to say two little words each day, “Use me.” Don’t let Satan win this battle, child of God.

Many of you may wonder, how can I be used? Where do I start? Begin by praying that the Lord would reveal to you what it is you are to be doing. Some of you already know what you are to be doing, but you just haven't made the decision to begin what you know you can do. I challenge some of you to ask our leadership this week, next week, soon! How can I be used at Hillcrest Baptist Church for kingdom work! Here are some ideas just off the top of my head.

• Be a greeter
• Serve in our children & youth ministries
• Media Team
• Choir & Orchestra
• Soup kitchen once a month
• Share your faith
• Invite family & friends to church
• Missions

There are many options you can be a part of in our church besides those I have listed. Can you imagine what our church would look like if everyone was being used by God. This place would explode and hearts would be changed. I look forward to seeing what God will do in your life as you ask to be “USED” this week and for all eternity.

This week's newsletter from Gene

Spring Jubilee in Branson April 19-23
This is not the normal Branson trip to see their shows, but is a conference put on by an independent group, Jubilee Conferences, and features some of the top gospel recording artists and preachers. We will leave Tuesday, April 19th and arrive in Branson Wednesday afternoon. The conference begins that night with a concert by David Phelps, Speaker Herb Reavis and comedienne Chonda Pierce. The conference will also include Johnny Hunt speaking (one of my favorites), Karen Peck and New River, Dixie Melody Boys, Ricky Skaggs and Squire Parsons in concert. We’ll leave at noon Friday, spend one night on the road, and be back in Austin around 3:00PM Saturday the 23rd.

You can pay the full amount of $300 if you wish (which includes the breakfast meal only), but at least a $150.00 deposit will be required no later than Sunday, March 20th. We should have on-line registration set up in the next few days.

Go to www.jubileeconferences.com for more info.

Palacios, May 16,17,18
We have done many retreats in Palacios over the years, and one of the favorite formats has been a staff-led retreat. Many of you don’t get to interact much with our staff, and we should have a new youth person on staff by then. This will provide an excellent time with our ministry staff in a very informal, relaxed setting. The encampment at Palacios has nice motel-like rooms, double queen beds with private baths, and is right on the bay. The price is right, $125.00 per person, double occupancy, meals included. Departure is at 1:00 Monday and return about 4:00 on Wednesday. We’ll have four Bible study and worship sessions. Tuesday afternoon will be free for fishing, shopping, golfing, relaxing, etc.

The $125.00 is due no later than Sunday, May 1st.

If you are under 50 and would like to go on either one of these trips, contact me for a special “age dispensation.” 

This week's newsletter from Karen

Sometimes when I look at my watch, I panic because I see time just whizzing by. Each and every tick of the clock’s second hand is a reminder that I am losing a resource that is not renewable – time.

Many things in my life right now are time-driven. My vacation is coming up and I have not started getting things ready, a special April emphasis for the kids is being launched, and summer camps for the kids need to be planned and staffed. The closer each of these events gets to fruition, the faster the days seem to approach. The faster the days approach, the more anxious and uneasy I get about all the things I want to say and do.

These feelings remind me of Paul’s words in Philippians 4:4-7. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

If you are feeling like I am, join me in rejoicing that God is in control. Join me in remembering that God is with us. Join me in giving thanks to God for all his provisions for our church family. Join me in receiving the peace only He can give. Join me in realizing that each tick of the clock is a gift from God that isn’t to be worried away, but to be used for His glory.

This week's newsletter from Michael

What a great day of worship we had Sunday! I love seeing all generations play a part of our worship services! Thank you to the Sunshine Choir and our trio for blessing us with your special music. God has really given us some great talent!

Our choir is gearing up for Easter Sunday and we are only 6 weeks away! Start inviting your friends and family to join us that Sunday. We have some great music lined up. So, no vacations, no sleeping in, and no excuses that Sunday.

I am still looking for a few good men and women to help serve in our video ministry. I have talked to a few of you already, and still I need a couple more. If you are willing to learn, we are willing to train you! Email or call me this week.

Our Church APP: We have a church app! Check it out in your app store today. We are also in the process of doing some updates to our website and a few tweaks to our app, so keep a lookout!

We have lots going on in our Music & Media ministry, and I just want to say, THANK YOU, Hillcrest for allowing me the opportunity to serve and be a part of this great family! Looking forward to seeing you again next week together in worship.

This week's newsletter from Gene

Well, spring has sprung on us and summer isn’t far behind. We have a couple of trips coming up for the 50+ crowd. If you are under 50, see me for a special dispensation!! I’ll have final costs on these trips in the next few days, but wanted to let you know they are coming so you have more time to consider them.

Spring Jubilee in Branson April 19-23. This is not the normal Branson trip to see their shows, but is a conference put on by an independent group, Jubilee Conferences, and features some of the top gospel recording artists and preachers. We will leave here Tuesday, April 19th, and arrive in Branson Wednesday afternoon. The conference begins that night with a concert by David Phelps, speaker Herb Reavis and comedienne Chonda Pierce. The conference will also include Johnny Hunt speaking (one of my favorites), Karen Peck and New River, Dixie Melody Boys, Ricky Skaggs and Squire Parsons in concert. Exact numbers later, but trip cost will probably be about $350.00 per person, double occupancy, including meals. Go to www.jublieeconferences.com for more info.

We have done many retreats in Palacios over the years and one of the favorite formats is a staff-led retreat. Many of you don’t get to interact much with our staff, and we should have a new youth coordinator on staff by then. This will provide an excellent time with our ministry staff in a very informal, relaxed setting. The encampment at Palacios has nice motel-like rooms, double queen beds with private baths, and is right on the bay. The price is right, $125.00 per person, double occupancy, meals included. If you are under 50 and would like to attend, let me know.

I’ll provide more details and registration deadlines by next week.

This week's newsletter from Karen

With Valentine’s Day approaching, there is a lot of talk in advertising on television, social media, the radio, etc. about love and how love is shown.

Take some time this week with your family and try this activity* that focuses on God’s love for us.

Items Needed: a different colored piece of construction paper for each child;
Special “Valentines” Snack

Have a “party” to celebrate God's love for us. (It doesn't have to be on February 14; pick any day and celebrate together.)

Write "God Loves You" on each piece of construction paper. Cut the letters apart (into 11 pieces) and hide them around the room (while the kids aren't looking). Assign each child a color and invite him/her to find a special message. When all the letters have been found, unscramble the letters to decipher the message. (Older kids can help the younger ones.)

Ask:
How do you know God loves you? (He created you special; He watches over you; He answers your prayers; He sent Jesus to die for your sins; He's making a place for you in heaven; He shows us the way to live in the Bible, etc.)

Share the special snack while reminding the kids of God’s love shown in John 3:16.


*Activity provided by Splink (February 13-19, 2014)

This week's newsletter from Michael

Who Am I Willing to Hold Jesus From?

Matthew 25:31-46 was a passage of scripture I read this morning and boy did it hit hard. The final judgment. One day we all will be gathered…ALL NATIONS, before the throne of God. Think about it, I mean really THINK ABOUT IT.

Verses 32-40 say, "He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And He will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brother, you did it to me.’"

The next six verses mentions those on His left and talks about how they never helped anyone of the least. This is the group I choose not to be a part of.

As you go through your week take a moment and ask yourself the question, Who Am I Willing to Hold Jesus From? Every one of us has different circumstances and the Lord knows our hearts, but I pray that we as believers are not holding Jesus back from anyone.
__________

Memorial Service for Mitch Mallory will be here at Hillcrest on Saturday, February 13.
Visitation 1:00 p.m.
Service 2:00 p.m.

This week's newsletter from Gene

What does being “perfect” mean? How many of you consider yourselves to be “perfect?” Probably very few would admit to being perfect, at least where anyone would hear you!! Yet, I suspect most of you are perfect because you are allowing the Lord to work in and through you.

Years ago, we had an interim preacher, Dr. Cal Guy, from Southwestern Seminary. He had a small farm just south of Ft. Worth and he described the “perfect” piece of equipment he had made. Now the equipment was cobbled together using various parts and pieces from other pieces of equipment. He said if we were to look at it, we would probably think it was useless. However, to him, he saw it as perfect because it did exactly the job he needed done when he “created” it.

Our tendency it to look at ourselves, or others and not see perfection, but mostly flaws because we don’t look like a certain “picture” we have in mind or have been taught. Being perfect for a situation or role in life may not have you looking like that “picture.” For example, what is the “perfect” screw driver? If you are needing a flat head, a Phillips won’t do and vice versa. There are at least 30-50 different types of screw driver heads and thousands of size options. Which one is “perfect?” The one you need for a particular job.

The Lord made each of us “perfect” for the life (jobs) He has for us, which means we shouldn’t think we have to look like everyone else. However, with that freedom, how can we know if we are “out of bounds” and need to change? Scripture. If we are not living according to the principles of scripture, it’s time to re-evaluate and not take liberty in our uniqueness. Romans 8:12-17 and 12:1-6.

This week's newsletter from Karen

In my devotional this morning I read this…

Elisha’s story begins in 1 Kings 19:14-21 as God tells Elijah to anoint Elisha as the prophet to replace him. In this passage we read that Elijah finds Elisha plowing in a field with a pair of oxen and immediately throws his mantle on Elisha as an invitation to follow him. Elisha immediately obeys and burns his plow and cooks the oxen and gives it to his friends to eat. Elisha exhibited ridiculous commitment to Elijah. He wasted no time in obeying. He didn’t go away to take time to think about it. He didn’t write out a list of pros and cons. He didn’t play it safe. He immediately said yes to God’s calling through Elijah.

Elisha’s ridiculous commitment shows that the cost of following God is great, but the cost of not following Him is even greater. Furthermore, Elisha’s commitment was complete. He burned his plows, slaughtered his oxen, and left his family’s inheritance behind. He left everything he knew and loved behind. Elisha shows us that to step toward your destiny, you have to step away from your security. Is your commitment to God immediate and complete like Elisha’s? What security might you need to walk away from in order to walk toward your destiny?

When I read this the first thought that came to my mind is that true security lies within the uncertainty of complete dependence on God. My prayer for the week is that those whom God calls will begin to understand the true security of following God.

This week's newsletter from Michael

I wanted to share this post from Connie Mallory regarding Mitch’s update. I know some of you may have seen this through social media, but many of you are not on social media. I would like for us all to really take some time out of our day to lift Mitch up in prayer. I sure miss the two of them playing in our band each week! Connie told me this morning that Mitch is having a colostomy today and they are waiting on an operating room.

Here is the post:

We received some not so good news Friday concerning Mitch when we met with Dr Colon. The tumor has grown much larger and seems to be growing rapidly. There are new tumors in his liver, it has spread from 2 lymph nodes in the pelvis to all the lymph nodes there and it is putting lots of pressure on his bladder, to the point that he can't sit comfortably. They have his colostomy scheduled for Thursday, but I don't know if we'll make it. I had to take him to the ER last night with a huge BP drop and heart rate increase. When they tested him, they found he was septic. The culprit is severe colitis. So they gave him massive amounts of fluids and IV antibiotics and are continuing to do the same. He was admitted and we have no idea when he's coming home. The worst part of this is Dr Colon told us on Friday that Mitch may have 2 years. We were both tremendously shaken by this. When we got back to the hotel and began to process it and talk about it, I looked Mitch over really well and found no expiration date anywhere. The Drs. have told us what they think, but we know a much greater Physician than any of them, as good as they are! So we are leaning on that Great Physician, knowing He is in control, no matter what. We covet your prayers as we make decisions about Mitch's future care. Thank you and God bless!!

This week's newsletter from Gene

2015 was a very good financial year for Hillcrest. The end of the summer and early fall, there were some concerns, but we had a very good ending and finished the year about 5% over budget!! For the past several years, January has been a difficult financial month for us, but we are going to be very close to making budget for January. Hopefully February will also be strong. Just like at your house, having money opens up options. Our financial goal is not to accumulate cash, but to fund ministry opportunities, whether within our church or through other opportunities. When our budget is fully funded, it allows our internal ministries to fulfill the objectives they set when submitting their budgets. It is very nice, as the administrator, when I can give the green light to ministries funding their projects instead of asking them to wait until we are in a better cash position.

Do you “pay” your “bill” to Hillcrest, or however you label your donations in your mind, or do you give your offerings? Over the years, our giving has been very important to Lynn and me. We saw it as not only what we should be doing as disciples, but also, from maybe a somewhat selfish standpoint, I wanted to make sure that we were always in a position financially to know we could depend upon the Lord to provide all our financial needs. You don’t get to that position without giving, because that is what He has said.

The Bible has lots of references regarding giving; do a word search sometime to learn more. But if you look at Mal. 3:10-11, you will find the only place in the Bible where the Lord says directly to test Him to see if He will perform. I can’t tell you the number of times in our lives when I’ve asked the Lord to “rebuke the devourer,” as it says He will do, and have seen Him do that very thing. When we are trusting the Lord with our money by doing what He has asked, He then becomes responsible to guide us and either provide the income needed or rebuke the devourer (expenses), so that we will always have what we need. Ps. 37:25

What financial terms will you employ in 2016? The world’s methods, or the Lord’s? I hope you are in a position to know for sure that you can depend on Him to work in your finances this year. You control that.