Winning Ways -- Hillcrest Baptist Church

Eyes Wide Open
by Tom Goodman
March 21, 2012

Difficulties make us ask, "What am I going to do?" What we really need to be asking is, "What am I going to see?"

That's the point of a remarkable story in 2 Kings 6. It's also the point of our March 31 Men's Breakfast. Are you signed up?

In the Old Testament story, a servant to the prophet Elisha went outside one morning to find they were besieged by hostile forces.

"Don't be afraid," the prophet replied. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." When the servant looked outside again, the hills were full of supernatural "horses and chariots of fire all around."

As men, our first response to a problem is, "What should I do to fix this?" But figuring out the right thing to "do" comes second. Figuring out the right thing to "see" comes first. We need the confidence that God is with us to guide and empower us -- and even fight for us. Any decisions we make without that assurance will be based on either fear or arrogance.

The theme of our Men's Breakfast is "Eyes Wide Open," and its based on this story in 2 Kings 6. If you need your eyes opened to what God has planned for you, don't miss this! We'll enjoy breakfast, worship, and plenty of fellowship from 8:00 a.m. to noon.

The getaway is for men and their sons. I'll leave it up to you to decide how young is too young for your sons to enjoy a retreat like this.

We're meeting at Wellspring Ranch near Blanco, about 80 minutes from the church. You can meet at Hillcrest at 6:30 a.m. and ride the bus. Or map the address in your smartphone (263 Big Sur Dr, Blanco, 78606). We'll e-mail the directions to everyone who signs up. Send an email to my assistant and let us know you're coming (jami@hbcaustin.org). Sign-up deadline is Wednesday, March 28. Cost is $10, payable at the retreat center.

Growing Pains of the Soul. This Sunday we'll conclude this two-month series with a message from Titus 2:11-14. The Bible tells us that the God who saved us from the penalty of sin stands ready to save us from the influence of sin. See you @ 10!

--Tom

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Winning Ways - from Hillcrest Baptist Church, Austin, Texas	Contact Tom Goodman, Pastor
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Eyes Wide Open by Tom Goodman March 21, 2012 Difficulties make us ask, "What am I going to do?" What we really need to be asking is, "What am I going to see?" That's the point of a remarkable story in 2 Kings 6. It's also the point of our March 31 Men's Breakfast. Are you signed up? In the Old Testament story, a servant to the prophet Elisha went outside one morning to find they were besieged by hostile forces. "Don't be afraid," the prophet replied. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." When the servant looked outside again, the hills were full of supernatural "horses and chariots of fire all around." As men, our first response to a problem is, "What should I do to fix this?" But figuring out the right thing to "do" comes second. Figuring out the right thing to "see" comes first. We need the confidence that God is with us to guide and empower us -- and even fight for us. Any decisions we make without that assurance will be based on either fear or arrogance. The theme of our Men's Breakfast is "Eyes Wide Open," and its based on this story in 2 Kings 6. If you need your eyes opened to what God has planned for you, don't miss this! We'll enjoy breakfast, worship, and plenty of fellowship from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The getaway is for men and their sons. I'll leave it up to you to decide how young is too young for your sons to enjoy a retreat like this. We're meeting at Wellspring Ranch near Blanco, about 80 minutes from the church. You can meet at Hillcrest at 6:30 a.m. and ride the bus. Or map the address in your smartphone (263 Big Sur Dr, Blanco, 78606). We'll e-mail the directions to everyone who signs up. Send an email to my assistant and let us know you're coming (jami@hbcaustin.org). Sign-up deadline is Wednesday, March 28. Cost is $10, payable at the retreat center. Growing Pains of the Soul. This Sunday we'll conclude this two-month series with a message from Titus 2:11-14. The Bible tells us that the God who saved us from the penalty of sin stands ready to save us from the influence of sin. See you @ 10! --Tom Beacon Articles Available Online: The staff newsletters that appear each week in the Beacon are also available on our website. You can find them here. Check out my weblog here. Do you know friends who would appreciate Winning Ways? Just forward this e-mail to them! Have you subscribed to Winning Ways? You can subscribe by clicking here and following the instructions. Your e-mail address will not be sold or given away to anyone, and you can automatically change your subscription or drop it by following the easy steps provided with each e-mail. FRESH NEWS AT HILLCREST UPDATED WEEKLY: www.hillcrestaustin.org LISTEN TO RECENT SERMONS: Click here. MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS TO OUR EMAIL NEWSLETTERS: Click here. If you do not have access to the web, please send a note to newsmaster@hbcaustin.org to tell us of any changes you would like to make.