Honor your father & mother

Mothers teach, counsel, and guide. “Do not forsake your mother’s teaching” (Prov. 1:8). Mothers comfort. “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you” (Isa. 66:13). Mothers are a source of wisdom. The famous Proverb 31 was written by King Lemuel as “an inspired utterance his mother taught him” (Prov. 31:1 TNIV). There is a reason Proverbs personifies wisdom as a woman. Lady Wisdom walks in grace and wisdom purchased over decades of choices to cultivate her heart by faith. Wisdom is earned. And a mother passes her wisdom, her way, her core beliefs onto her children. “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Tim. 1:5). Too often we have diminished our mothers, both who they are and what they’ve done. We want to respect the weighty role they have played in our lives.

God's Encouragement

By Michael Youssef, Ph.D. After God’s promise of victory to Joshua, God encouraged Joshua through His Word: “Be strong and very courageous. ... Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:7-8). True prosperity and success come from holding tenaciously to the Word of God. This doesn’t mean we won’t face setbacks or opposition in our work for the Lord. It doesn’t mean that every person we share the Gospel with will want to listen. But ultimately we will be on the right path when we follow God’s Word. As Scripture says: “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble” (Psalm 119:165). God also encouraged Joshua with the promise of His presence: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Even more than God’s promises or His written Word, we have the presence of God. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). When we make our relationship with God a daily priority, when we consistently seek and listen to His voice, when we trust in Him moment by moment, then God will give us the victory. Prayer: God, thank You for the encouragement You give us through Your Word and through the promise of Your presence. Thank You for the victory You give as we trust in You. Amen. “You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry” (Psalm 10:17).

The Bride of Christ

April 23, 2014 By Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Psalm 45 is a wedding song that tells the story of the king’s wedding—the wedding of all weddings. Psalm 45 is a prophecy about the coming of our groom, King Jesus. It paints a picture of King Jesus preparing a place for His bride, the Church, and then coming back to take her to His Father’s house. In His first coming, Jesus betrothed every believer to Him on the Cross of Calvary. He told everyone who belongs to Him: “I love you. I died for you. I have chosen you and have paid the heaviest dowry that could be paid with my own precious blood. I am betrothing you to myself and I am committed to you. I will take you to my Father’s house.” For those who are part of the bride of Christ, soon—whether we go to Him first or He comes back to us first—we will hear those words: “Welcome home. I have been preparing my Father’s house for you. I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have shown you my love on the Cross; now you can see it fully. Come inherit your Father’s kingdom. I know that you have waited longingly for me, but the wait is over. Now enter into my Father’s glory.” Prayer: Father, thank You that when I accepted You, I became a part of the bride of Christ. Thank You for the inheritance that awaits me. Amen. “As a young man marries a maiden, so will your sons marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you” (Isaiah 62:5).

Wonderful devotional

Run to the Rock By Michael Youssef, Ph.D. King David called God his “Rock.” Whenever David found his security, his family, or his reputation under attack, he ran to the cleft of the Rock and found a never-failing source of aid and protection. In the Bible, a rock symbolizes the invincible, immutable, and changeless character of God. Therefore, David did not pray feeble “I hope you can do this” prayers. He knew that God’s all-sufficient power could rule over any problem, even when circumstances seemed out of control. David overcame some of life’s worst situations by making confident requests of God, calmly reasoning with God, and acknowledging he had cause for rejoicing because God would assuredly answer his prayers. What has failed you in your life? The company you counted on? The spouse you trusted? Your health? When your world collapses before your eyes, do you turn to God, the Rock, or do you wonder how God allowed this to happen to you? David’s proven method of running to God will help you find direction for and protection from the difficulties you are facing right now. He is your Rock, your unfailing refuge in times of trouble. Prayer: God, I need to run to You, my Rock, today. Teach me how to pray confidently, knowing that You will answer my prayers. Amen. “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2).

Kate Zudweg's Baby Shower info

Hi Ladies! (Husbands, if you get this email please pass on to your wife, thanks!) Kate’s shower is coming up Monday, March 17th at 6:30p.m. at the church and we just wanted to communicate a few things in regards to it! •Amy Houser will be collecting $ to purchase some larger items if anyone is interested in giving to that – she will be collecting $ thru Sunday. She will add your name to the card. •If any ladies would like to help by bringing light, finger food, type items for example, finger sandwiches, veggie tray, cheese/cracker tray, fruit bowl, chips & dip, etc. just let her know. You can email Amy at powerhouse4jesus@hotmail.com •Also bring a book to build baby’s library •Kate is registered at Target and she is having a girl! •Many ladies have already RSVP’d by signing up at the info center. THANK YOU! If you haven’t had a chance to yet, please do so soon. This will help us in preparing for the shower. You can also RSVP by responding to this email. I will be sure to add your name to the list.  Raquel Santos Administrative Assistant 1331 E 16th Street Holland, MI 49423 (616) 396-5646

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).