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).