At times, the world can be a dark place. And, as Christ-followers, we're light in the darkness. As we see in the New Testament of the Bible, we aren’t asked to be light rather we are called light, which wins, illuminates, and leads. Consider how you are light to those around you.     

Trees are a well-known tradition at Christmas that also hold a powerful connection to the Gospel. Consider that the “tree of life” is what God directed, the “tree of knowledge” is what God allowed, and the “cross” is what God celebrates. How does thinking about the traditional Christmas tree this way shape your view of its tie to what we read in God’s Word?  

We see at the end of the Sermon on the Mount, the crowds paying careful attention to Jesus. Is it encouraging or challenging to know that unbelievers watch our lives?  Consider how your words and actions — your life — reflect the Kingdom of Jesus.     

As we read in Matthew 7:7-14, we see that God is more than able, He is good; we’re called to be more than a fair person, but also one who is good; and we are to let God be God. This is his heart for both you and your world.  Be reminded that as much as He is powerful, all-knowing, and eternal, He is also good.  

Pastor Tim Hawks has faithfully and tirelessly served Hill Country Bible Church for 35 years. Over the years, he’s been instrumental in advancing Hill Country's mission to saturate greater Austin with the love of Jesus. Today, we’re honored to celebrate Tim and his wife Cindy, as he delivers his inspiring farewell message.

Local pastors, leaders, and our church family gathered to celebrate all that God has done in and through Hill Country Bible Church over the past 35 years. 

In Scripture, Jesus calls us to examine our own “logs” before we concern ourselves with other’s “specks.” Consider your own temptation to judge others and then think about what Jesus has to say about it, which is to apply our judging criteria to ourselves. How do you think your life would look different if you put this practice into place?

In Scripture, we read that Jesus asked people to invest wealth into the kingdom. Does that feel like a habit that Christians used to do, or still do? Financial investing in the kingdom grows a trust in the King. As such, consider what role giving has in your spiritual life. And think about what role gratitude has in your giving.

Everybody has a heart, yet some people have God’s heart.  You can access and acquire God’s heart when you give, pray, and fast. Consider how you can orient yourself in these ways to shape your heart more like God’s.

God calls us to seek wisdom to not be foolish and put ourselves in harm’s way. And, at the same time, to ask for the wisdom to see where God might have us let go of our rights and love an enemy.