News & Notes for 11-23-13

Hello Holland First Family, Here are events happening this weekend (plus a head start on next week) and some reminders… •Tonight! Men’s Life Group at Rich Hardenburgh’s home – 7pm •The Gathering! Life Group for Young Adults. Meet at IHOP at 7pm on Friday, November 22nd for dinner then on to Bowling at Century Lanes!!! •Saturday, there will be No Corporate Prayer. With the Winter months approaching a decision was made to cancel Corporate Prayer starting this Saturday. There will still be Men’s prayer every Tuesday from 6-8am and Ladies’ prayer every Thursday from 7-8am. •Sunday… *Pastor Mike Houser will wrap up his series, Meditate on These Things, with a part four sermon entitled, “If there is any Virtue and if there is anything Praiseworthy” *The First Ladies’ will be hosting their “Thanksgiving” Bake Sale after both services. Stop by the kitchen to purchase delicious pies, cookies, cupcakes and more! *No Radiant Jr. High this Sunday so that students can hear Pastor Mike’s message which will touch on family. *Sunday night from 6pm-7:30pm kids grade 1st-6th will have rehearsal for their Christmas Musical. *Radiant Youth Life Group will be having their Thanksgiving get together this Sunday from 12:30pm-2pm. Students are asked to bring a side dish to pass. The main dish and beverages will be provided by the church. For questions email Pastor Chad at chad@radiantyouth.org •Heads up for next week Monday and Tuesday (Nov 26th & 27th): Hanging of the Greens. Make sure to stop by and help decorate the church for the Christmas season. You can come 8am-3pm or 6pm-8pm. Hope to see you there! Also, Pastor Christina says, “Don’t forget to have kids bring in their Ugly Ties for B.G.M.C.” Phew! I think that is it for events, reminders and everything else!!! Hope to see you soon! www.hollandfirst.com

Dr. Michael Youseff "Your internal compass"

There is a tension afoot in our world today. Really, it has existed from the moment mankind sinned in the Garden of Eden. It comes as a result of our being tempted to twist the Truth of God’s Word so that we can live conveniently and not totally committed to Jesus Christ. When an unbelieving friend wants to know if Jesus Christ is the only way for him or her to be saved, our answer should be an affirming “yes!” There is no other way for mankind to be saved except by faith in God’s Son (John 14:6). God’s Word is a double-edged sword. It is able to cut through the dross surrounding the weak and vain arguments of those who are seeking another way to gain salvation. It is true that sin and disbelief can keep us from speaking what we know is true. However, these cannot stop the light of God’s Word from touching the blinded eyes of those who have never experienced His salvation. Without the light of the Holy Spirit to transform them, the hearts of men would remain in darkness. Revival never falls on the casual seekers of Christ. Instead, it falls on those who are seeking the Lord with all of their hearts. If your deepest desire is to be radically transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit via internal revival, the truth of God’s Word must be written on your heart. It must become your internal compass for every road you travel and for all that you do. Prayer: Lord, help my words and actions today reflect the fact that Your Word is the ultimate truth. Transform me, that I may be a reflection of You to those who do not know You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

A Timely Word!!!!

THE DOCTRINE OF JEZEBEL by David Wilkerson [May 19, 1931 – April 27, 2011] Read Revelation 2:18-29 and you will see that Christ warned the church against the doctrine of Jezebel. "Thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols" (Revelation 2:20). The Greek word here for Jezebel is a synonym for a “false teacher.” She clearly represents false doctrines. Jesus clears it up by continuing, "As many as have not this doctrine" (Revelation 2:24). Here is a group of God's people, full of good works and charity, having a form of faith and patience. But with all that is good and commendable, something very dangerous is going on, something so seductive that Christ warns He will send judgment and make them an example to all the churches. Certain members of the church were selling out to Satan. Their good works, charity, service, faith and patience were overshadowed by a seduction of false doctrine. They were under the spell of a false teaching, a teaching that came disguised as the true Word but was, in fact, evil. It is dangerous to sit under wrong teaching and Christ does not take this matter lightly. His eyes are piercing the Church, and He has come to warn, expose and save His people from this terrible seduction. Where you go to church, who you are listening to, the teaching that has your heart is very, very serious. The mark of a seduced Christian is that he is "carried about" seeking some new, different, strange teaching. The Bible warns, "Be not carried about with different and strange doctrines" (Hebrews 13:9). This is speaking of running from place to place, seminar to convention, church to church, having no roots. The ears of such people are always itching to hear something new, something sensational, something entertaining, something pleasing to their flesh. We get them at Times Square Church: gadabouts, human tumbleweeds riding the winds of doctrines. They resemble the Athenians who "spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing" (Acts 17:21). Paul warned Timothy, "They will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears" (2 Timothy 4:3).

The Only Way to Freedom

By Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Many preach that one must achieve nirvana, have good karma, follow certain principles, be knowledgeable enough, or pray a certain number of times a day in order to attain perfection. They believe that the way to freedom is working for a seat in heaven, which can lead to a lifestyle of constant fear, confusion, and anxiety. But Jesus preached differently. In the midst of these exhausting lifestyles, Jesus stands alone. In a time when many were burnt out on the religion of the Pharisees, Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). This promise is just as relevant and powerful to us today as it was 2,000 years ago. Many people admire Jesus but become disillusioned when they see Christians who are hypocritical, anxious, legalistic, and tired. The truth is, Jesus did not die for us to live this way—He died for us to live in freedom. In Galatians, one of Paul’s most fervent letters, Paul warned against Judaizers who were preaching that Jesus’ work was not enough. They taught that salvation was only achieved through following Old Testament laws in addition to faith in Jesus. Jesus Himself rebuked the Pharisees for trying to be perfect through their works (see Matthew 23:25-28), which is self-righteousness. So what is true righteousness? Paul’s letters remind us that “the righteous will live by faith” (Galatians 3:11, Romans 1:17, Romans 4:22). If you truly believe that Jesus gave His life for you, then His righteousness already covers you. Transformation then comes from an inward connection to Jesus, the source, changing you from the inside out. Good works are not our salvation, but they are the proof of a faith-filled life. Our works do not change us; His grace does that. Jesus did not die for us to work our way into His good graces—He became the way so that we might live in His grace eternally, starting today. This grace is so powerful that our desire to love God and others becomes greater than our desire to sin, provoking us to then do good works. Do you know that Jesus’ work is enough for you? The perfect life He lived, the obedient death He died, and the victorious Resurrection He won are enough to transform you into His likeness today. All He needs from you is an open heart.

A Word that will Speak!!!!!!!

GOD HAS DONE GREAT THINGS by David Wilkerson [May 19, 1931 – April 27, 2011] “For I am the Lord thy God . . . and I have loved thee. . . . Fear not: for I am with thee" (Isaiah 43:3-5). The Old Testament stories of Abraham, Joshua and all of Israel are meant to encourage and exhort us to seek God’s presence in our lives. We can thank God for what His presence did for them and yet each of us has a powerful testimony of what God's presence has done for us: guiding our lives, opening doors, moving obstacles, melting hearts, making us fearless. I have seen this proven true in my life. You may say, "You're just boasting!" No, the fact is, God's presence has been with me in spite of myself! When we started Times Square Church in New York City, the presence of Christ emanated from us in all we did. I remember walking into a famous Broadway producer's office in search of a theater to use as a church. This man's secretary and staff scoffed at me; their words and attitudes assured me, a lowly minister, I would not be able to get an appointment. In fact, I thought I might even get kicked out. But then the producer came out of his office and when he saw me, he invited me in! Over the next several weeks, the producer and I got to know each other. At times he would look across his desk at me and say, "I don't know why I'm spending so much time with you. My schedule is absolutely full." But whenever I walked into his office suite, his secretary pushed me past all other visitors, saying, "Go right in, Reverend, he's waiting for you!" Eventually, this man sold his flagship theater to us to use for Times Square Church. Even as he was signing the documents of sale, he said, "I don't know why I'm doing this!" It was only God's presence that moved him to sell that building to us. Just a few years after the deal was done, he and his attorneys were begging to buy it back! I saw God change the hearts of others as well. The man who owned the building next to ours refused to sell it to us as an annex. But over time he became a friend of mine, and eventually he sold us the building. All along, he kept telling me, "Somebody up there is working for you!" That is the power of the presence of God. And every Christian can testify in the same way: "God's presence with me has done great things!"

News and Notes for Wednesday, Sept. 25

Hello Holland First Family, Here is what’s happening this week at church… •Wednesday (25th) – Family Night at 7pm: Men’s Class: The Quest for Authentic Manhood. Ladies’ Class: Kingdom Woman plus ministry for Youth and kids! •Thursday (26th) – Ladies’ Prayer from 6-8am, Men’s Life Group at 7pm at Rich Hardenburgh’s home •Friday (27th) – The Gathering! This Life Group for Young Adults will meet at Johnny Carino’s at 7pm •Saturday – Men’s Breakfast at 9am, Corporate Prayer from 6-8pm, both events are at the church •Sunday – There will be an evening service this Sunday at 6pm because it’s a fifth Sunday. We’ll have ACCESS night, Water Baptisms, and our S.N.A.C. potluck!!! Everyone bring a dish to pass and 2 liter beverage. Also… Do you attend the 11am service and have a fast internet connection? Would you be interested in uploading the sermon audio and video each week? No experience necessary - training provided. Please contact Lisa Horton at lisaanne999@gmail.com or 616-990-4263. Thanks!

Pastor Mike News & Notes for Thursday, Sept. 12

Hello Holland First Family, We had a great first week of double services. We had 415 in attendance! Praise God! I am believing that moving to two services will enable us to do more towards the Great Commission and that is "Winning the Lost!" Believe with me. I want to let the church know that we do have a 5th Sunday night service on Sept. 29th at 6p.m. We only have them once per quarter, but this one falls on the same month we moved to double services in the morning and stopped our 1st and 3rd 6p.m. services. So, mark your calendars and do plan on being here Sunday night, Sept. 29th at 6p.m. for ACCESS Night. A night of praise & worship, water baptisms and then S.N.A.C. night. Everyone is to bring a dish to pass and a 2-liter of pop. Take care and have a great rest of your week, Pastor Mike Houser Senior Pastor www.hollandfirst.com

News & Notes for August 22, 2013

Hello Holland First Family, Here are a few reminders for this coming weekend… -HayDay VBS is this weekend!!! Friday and Saturday night from 6-8:30 pm for Kindergarten-5th Grade. -The Gathering(Young Adult Life Group for mid-20’s and up) will meet at El Rancho, Friday, August 23rd at 7pm. -Saturday is Corporate Prayer from 6-8 pm. Please meet upstairs in the Youth Room due to VBS in the Sanctuary for this Saturday. -On Sunday, Pastor Mike Houser will continue his morning series, “I AM” (Part 3) with a message entitled “The Way, The Truth, & The Life.” -Also, Life Groups meet this Sunday. Note: Radiant Youth Life Group will meet right after church and head to Peach Wave for Ice Cream!! They will return to the church at 2 pm. Be Blessed as we enter into a weekend of Praise and Worship!

News & Notes for August 1, 2013

Hello Holland First Family, •Tonight at 6:30pm, Key Leaders meeting, for those who received a letter. Please meet in the Youth Room. Childcare is provided. •Also tonight at 7pm – Men’s Fellowship at Rich Hardenburgh’s home. •Saturday, August 3rd Cookout & Pool Party for 5th graders going into 6th grade this year. Noon-3pm. RSVP with Pastor Christina at christinak@hollandfirst.org •Sunday AM service Pastor Mike will share a message plus we will have Communion. Come back at 6pm for Worship and a message from Pastor Larry. ***Note: We will NOT have S.N.A.C. potluck this Sunday night but have moved it to Sunday, August 18th. That evening we will have a special Honduras Testimony night with a “Mexican” S.N.A.C potluck.***

News and Notes for the weekend of July 20-21

Hello Holland First Family, Here are a few events to keep in mind for the weekend… •TONIGHT! Men’s Fellowship at Rich Hardenburgh’s home – 7pm •There is a Men’s Breakfast on Saturday at the church at 9a.m. No cost – just donations. •Also on Saturday from 1:30-4:30p.m. stop by the church to have your vehicle washed by Radiant youth and help them with their fundraiser for National Fine Arts. No set price – taking donations!!! •Sunday at 10am Pastor Mike will be concluding his series, “Not a Fan!” We will also have guest Missionary Flynn Clanton with us. He will be sharing for a few minutes on his work in Argentina. And don’t forget about the special love offering we will be taking for the Honduras Missions Team. Please be in prayer as to what God would have you give. •Sunday night at 6pm we will have a special “Honduras Missions Team Commissioning Service.” We will be anointing and praying for the entire team. Don’t miss this opportunity to send them out with your prayers. www.hollandfirst.com

News & Notes for the Weekend of July 13-14

Hello Holland First Family, Here are some reminders as we head into the weekend… •Tonight at 7pm Men’s Fellowship at Rich Hardenburgh’s home •Friday Night Softball! Games originally scheduled for July 5th were moved to this Friday night, July 12th 6:30pm – First Assembly vs. First Assembly #2 – Kraai Field 7:30pm – First Assembly vs. Peace Lutheran – Kraai Field 8:30pm – First Assembly #2 vs. Graafschap Young Guns – Kraai Field •Saturday, July 13th 1-4pm Puppet Boot camp at the church with Pastor Christina; for those interested in learning the art of puppetry and prop making. •This Sunday Pastor Mike Houser will be back in the pulpit! He will continue his series, “Not a Fan!” There will be child dedications. And it’s a Life Group Sunday so make plans to join a group for the afternoon. Don’t forget the Pretzel Sale after service! Support the Marriage Retreat and stop by the kitchen to purchase a soft pretzel with cheese for only $2. www.hollandfirst.com

News & Notes for Thursday, June 27

Hello Holland First Family, •Tonight! Radiant Youth will be attending a Whitecaps game. Cost is $15 and covers the cost of a ticket and food purchases. Students will leave from the church at 5pm and return around 10:30pm •Holland First Softball Schedule – Friday, June 28 6:30pm – First Assembly vs. Barnabas Gray – Bil Mar Field 6:30pm – First Assembly #2 vs. Peace Lutheran – Kraai Field 7:30pm – First Assembly vs. Hope Church – Kraai Field •For those who are interested in taking the Purple Book/Discipleship class, we are restarting the book this Sunday from 9:00 – 9:45. If you have any questions, please contact Geoff Brinkman (benson1972@sbcglobal.net) and remember the book is free! Childcare is available upon request. Contact the church office at (616) 396-5646 so that arrangements may be made. •This Sunday during the 10am service we will be honoring our Nation and Armed forces in light of the upcoming Holiday. Please feel free to come dressed in your military uniform. •Sunday Night at… 5pm - FINAL Honduras Missions Trip meeting. Please make every effort to attend. Meet in the Prayer Room 5:30pm – Water Baptism orientation class. It’s not too late to join. Meet upstairs in the Staff Conference Room. Bring your Bible, change of clothes and a towel. 6pm – ACCESS night! A time of intimate worship to the King. ***Note: Family Night will be canceled Wednesday, July 3rd in light of the 4th of July Holiday taking place the next day.*** Have a great weekend! www.hollandfirst.com

6-13-13 NEWS!!!!!!

Hello Holland First Family, Here’s what’s happening this weekend… •Friday Night Softball! (June 14th) 6:30pm – First Assembly vs. Bethany – Kraai Field 7:30pm – First Assembly vs. Barnabas Blue – Kraai Field 7:30pm – First Assembly #2 vs. Bethany – Bil Mar Field 8:30pm – First Assembly #2 vs. Hope Church – Kraai Field •This Sunday is Father’s Day! Pastor Mike Houser will be preaching a special Father’s Day message plus there will be gifts for all the guys and a video tribute in honor of all dads. Keep in mind there will be NO PM service in light of Father’s Day. •(Looking Ahead) Next Sunday is our Annual Church Cookout after the AM service at Lawrence Park in Zeeland. Last Names A-M bring a dessert to share plus beverage and Last Names N-Z bring a side dish plus beverage to share. The church will be providing hotdogs, hamburgers and the rest! Don’t forget to sign up for the Volleyball Tournament. Have a BLESSED weekend! www.hollandfirst.com

We Know the Ending!

By Michael Youssef, Ph.D. While witnessing one team take a lopsided lead in a sporting event, we sometimes keep watching because of the slight chance that the losing team could mount a comeback. More often than not, that team fails, but at least there is hope. When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave, He secured the victory for us. Jesus’ triumph over death also gave us the victory over death’s grip, both here on earth and in eternity. No longer do we have to be held in bondage to sin on earth. No longer do we have to pay the price of death for our sins on earth either. Jesus’ sacrifice covered it all. Life can be difficult. It can even feel gloomy and full of despair. Yet, just as Jesus’ sacrifice gives us new life, His last words before His death fill us with hope: “It is finished.” Like watching a movie for the second time where all the suspense is removed, so is living our lives here on earth if we are walking with the hope and assurance of salvation in Christ. We know the ending. God is victorious. Satan, sin, and death are defeated. Jesus’ death and resurrection give us eternal life, and His final words on the cross give us encouragement, spurring us to press on because God is the victor and we are His people. While the enemy may make a last-ditch effort to discourage you and to divert the plans God has for your life, he will not win. God loves you and when you place your faith and hope in Him, He will deliver you from all the wiles of the enemy. The victory has already been won! Prayer: Lord, reveal to me how I can walk more in the victory of Christ each day. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7)

Weekend News for May 4 & 5

Hello Holland First Family, Here are a few items to keep in mind as we head into the weekend… •This Sunday is the last day to order flowers for Mother’s Day. Stop by the designated table to purchase a dozen roses for $20. Flowers will be delivered on Mother’s Day. Any extra flowers will be available for purchase that day but to guarantee that you will have roses to give, it will be better to place an order. •Rick Pasquale will be with us Sunday, May 5th for both our 10am & 6pm services. We will have communion in the morning. Please note that the S.N.A.C. potluck for Sunday night has been moved to May 19th •Fiesta Lunches 2 Go will be available for pick up after Sunday morning’s service. If you did not get a chance to place an order you may still stop by the kitchen; any extra lunches will be sold on a first come first serve basis. As for next week… •There will be NO Wednesday Electives May 8th due to Tulip Time. Have a BLESSED weekend! Pastoral Staff www.hollandfirst.com

Update on ministry weekend with Evangelist Rick Pasquale....

He will be with us on Sunday, May 5th in our 10a.m. and 6p.m. services. He will not be with us on Saturday, May 4th. Hope to see you at both of these powerful services on Sunday, May 5th. www.hollandfirst.com

Our Life Stories

April 18, 2013 By Michael Youssef, Ph.D. When we know and understand people better, we are more empowered to relate to them. Knowing more about individuals allows us to speak directly into their lives where they need it most, when they need it most. Whether you are in a marital relationship or not, taking time to get to know someone will help you bring out the best in that person. In 1 Peter 3:7, husbands are given the charge to honor their wives. This is a powerful life principle that we should apply to all relationships. People respond to different acts of love in different ways. However, everyone responds in a positive manner when someone takes an interest in his/her life. We all enjoy sharing our life stories. And when you take an interest in someone that goes beyond the courteous “How are you doing?” question, people come alive and open up their lives. During Jesus’ time on earth He had a large following, but He did not act like a superstar. He spent time with people and ate in their homes. When Zacchaeus was struggling to get a glimpse of Jesus from atop a sycamore tree, Jesus looked up at him and took more than a passing interest in his life. He suggested they eat dinner together. After one meal with Jesus, Zacchaeus, the once-hated tax collector, experienced a changed life. He returned the money to those he had taxed unfairly. In fact, he was so moved by the Savior’s love that he returned much more than was taken. Prayer: Lord, please give me a genuine interest in people. I pray for You to flow through me into their lives. I pray in the name of Jesus. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Weekend of April 13-14 Holland First activities and ministries

Hello Holland First Family, Here are some reminders as we head into the weekend! *Saturday, April 13th Men’s Breakfast at the church at 9a.m. No cost, just donations. Invite someone to join you for food and fellowship. *Radiant youth event at Craig’s Cruisers in Grand Rapids. Cost $13 includes pizza buffet and 2 activities (laser tag, go-carts, putt-putt golf, etc.) Bring extra money for arcades. Students will leave the church at 5pm and return at 9pm *On Sunday Pastor Mike Houser will continue in his new series, “A New View of You.” It is also a Life Group Sunday!

Wonderful devotional from the late David Wilkerson

David Wilkerson Today A Ministry of World Challenge THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013 THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST by David Wilkerson [May 19, 1931 - April 27, 2011] Those who submit to Christ's lordship have an increase of strength and knowledge of Him. They literally gain a new mental and physical strength. They do not faint along the way because Jesus pours His own strength into them as they go. "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness" (Colossians 1:9-11). God will keep those who submit to His lordship blameless to the day of Christ's coming. If we submit to Jesus—doing as He commands, not leaning on our own understanding—we will never lack anything. He will supply everything we need to please Him. The Lord Himself will hold and keep us blameless to the very end! "That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord" (1Corinthians 1:5-9). We are to entrust our lives into Jesus' care. It then becomes His responsibility to hold and keep us: "The Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil" (2 Thessalonians 3:3). He says, "If you keep Me enthroned on your heart, I'll keep you blameless until My coming. I'll keep you from falling!" "Commit the keeping of [your] souls to him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator" (1 Peter 4:19).

New series starting April 7th at 10a.m.

Easter Weekend of Ministry

Good Friday service at 6p.m. Saturday- Healing and Breakthrough Service at 7p.m. Resurrection Sunday Service at 10a.m. www.hollandfirst.com

News & Notes (Feb. 19, 2013)

Hello Holland First Family, We have just a couple of reminders for the week *Tomorrow Night is Family Night at 7pm! *This Saturday, February 23rd there is a Youth Fine Arts practice scheduled for those students participating in the Human Video. Practice will go from 10am-3pm *Make sure to sign up for your Lifetouch photo directory time slot. Spots are filling up fast!

Newcomer lunch this Sunday, Feb. 17th after the AM service

If you have been coming for 6 months, give or take....we want to see you this Sunday, Feb. 17th right after the morning service. The lunch is free and it's held in your honor. The lunch will be held in the youth room upstairs. Hope to see you Sunday at 10a.m. and then at the lunch at approx. 12:15p.m. Take care, Holland First Leadership

Mid week reminders for Feb. 5, 2013

Powerful Devotional by Dr. Michael Youssef

January 31, 2013 A Devoted Heart By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Once while visiting President Roosevelt in the White House, Wendell Willkie asked, "Mr. President, why do you keep that frail, sickly man—Harry Hopkins—constantly at your elbow?" Without hesitation, Roosevelt replied, "Through that door flows an incessant stream of men and women who almost invariably want something from me. Harry Hopkins only desires to serve and to do that well. He must stay near me." The same thing can be said of David. When Samuel first saw him, he almost questioned God's judgment. The Lord's choice for Israel's future king was the youngest of Jesse's sons. He was ruddy in appearance and did not look like kingly material. But Samuel wasn't able to see David from God's perspective. Many times, for us to gain God's perspective we have to be willing to let go of our limited and often personality-skewed viewpoint. David was a man whose heart was devoted to God. He wanted nothing more than to worship the Lord and be close to Him. Much of the book of Psalms was penned by David. Many entries were written while he tended his father's sheep. He was a content man because he had learned how to practice the presence of God. It was there in his father's fields that he realized God's hand was on his life. David was loyal and faithful. And God knew that whatever happened in this young man's life, he would never abandon his godly faith. Prayer: Lord, make me like David—a person with a heart devoted only to You. Fashion within me a heart of worship like this. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).

Announcements for weekend of Jan. 26-27

Hello Holland First Family, Well as you can see we are covered with snow and that means… *The K-5th sledding event is ON for Saturday!!! We’ll meet up at Van Raalte Hill from 10am-Noon. Dress warm, bring your sleds and we’ll provide the hot chocolate! *Corporate Prayer every Saturday at 7pm in the Sanctuary *Sunday morning Pastor Mike Houser will finish out his series on FEAR with a message entitled, “You Know the Way, But Tell Others.” It is also a Life Group Sunday. *Students participating in Youth Fine Arts begin practice this Sunday. They will need to bring $3 for a pizza lunch. Practice will go from 12-2pm Have a BLESSED weekend! www.hollandfirst.com

Weekend events for Jan. 18, 2013

Friday at 7p.m. WeR3 Couples Game night. Bring a 2-liter and a snack to share. Also, bring your favorite game. Saturday at Noon- Men's lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings Sunday- 10a.m. Pastor Mike Houser continues his current series, "Fear" with a part 3 message entitled, "Satan's Top Priority." Come back at 6p.m. for a time of praise & worship and a message from Pastor Mike Houser as he continues his current evening series, "God is....." with a part two message entitled, "God is listening to your words."

News & Notes for 1-9-13

Hello Holland First Family, Here are some reminders for the week… *Tonight is Family night at 7pm. Amazing classes and ministries for adults, teens, and kids. *Golden Anchor’s LUNCH tomorrow at noon. Russ’ (north side) *Men’s Life Group at Rich Hardenburgh’s home tomorrow night at 7pm *Creative Arts ministry meeting at Holland First - Saturday January 12 from 10:00-11:30 AM. Anyone who currently serves or would like to serve in the areas of music, vocals, video, sound, and graphics should plan on attending. Pastor Larry will share the vision for 2013 as well as some important procedural information. *Child Dedications are this Sunday (13th). If you would like your child dedicated please email Pastor Mike Houser at mikeh@hollandfirst.org by noon – Friday, January 11th We also need to make you aware of two changes: •The Men’s Fajita dinner fundraiser has been moved to Sunday, January 20th. This will allow for people to pre-order their dinners. Stop by the designated table in the narthex this Sunday and place your order. •

The Women’s Bake Sale will now be Sunday, January 27th after the morning service.

1st Sunday at Holland First

Hello Holland First Family, I hope you all are enjoying the first week of the New Year! Here are a few announcements as we head into the weekend… *Come out for Corporate Prayer Saturday at 7pm in the Sanctuary. Open to everyone. *Sunday we have both AM and PM services. Pastor Mike Houser will begin a new sermon series for both morning and evening services. •Sermon series for the AM is “FEAR!” with a part one message entitled, “Facing Your Fears.” We will be partaking of communion in the morning as well. •Sermon series for the PM is “God is…………” with a part one message entitled, “God is Wanting You to Keep a Proper Perspective.” Plus we will be having our S.N.A.C. potluck after service. Everyone bring a dish to pass and a 2 liter beverage.