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.