HARD PRESSED!!!!

Perhaps like Paul, you are being pressed beyond measure, tested beyond your endurance. Your strength is nearly gone, and you are on the brink of giving up. You want to run, but there is no place to go. Now you say with Paul, "This is above my strength!" So, what is the way to victory? All I can tell you is how God continues to bring me out. Here are two important truths He has given me: 1. Don't think you are experiencing some strange, unique battle. On the contrary, you are in good company. Recall Job, Jeremiah, Elijah, David, Paul — even me. What you are going through is common to believers throughout the centuries. "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy" (1 Peter 4:12-13). 2. When you think you can't go on another hour — when everything looks absolutely hopeless — cry out to God with all that is in you, "Lord, help!" Consider the counsel of the psalmist in the following verses: * "As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me" (Psalm 55:16-18). * "I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. . . . In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears" (18:1-2, 6). * "O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. O Lord, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit" (30:2-3). Here is a key verse: "For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper" (72:12). Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit to be your helper and He will not turn a deaf ear to your cry for help!

Special Mother's Day service this Sunday at 10a.m.

Be sure to be at Holland First this Sunday at 10a.m. for a wonderful Mother's Day service. We have some exciting things planned. BRING YOUR MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you are not already in Mike & Rose Rodriguez's Wednesday night class, Pastor Mike Houser would like to invite you to the 2nd half of his Men's class that meets in the prayer room. "Fathered by God" wrapped up this past Wednesday so Pastor Mike will be ministering on different subjects pertinent for men for the entire month of May! Tomorrow's class (May 2nd) will include a video about Tim Tebow; quarter back for the New York Jets and recipient of the Heisman Trophy. He also has been named greatest collegiant of all time. So come out and be a part of this exciting men's class. And bring the family!!! There is Wednesday ministry for everyone. www.hollandfirst.com

Powerful devotional from David Wilkerson Ministires

David Wilkerson Today

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012

TRUE GRACE
by David Wilkerson
[May 19, 1931 - April 27, 2011]

Let me give you the heart of the true grace message: It is not a permissive
gospel but one that teaches holiness!

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that
blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus
Christ" (Titus 2:11-13).

According to Paul, we are not walking in grace until we have broken from
worldly corruptions. Unless we are endeavoring through the power of the Holy
Spirit to lead godly and righteous lives, looking for the Lord's coming in our
every waking moment, we do not know God's grace.

Many Christians want forgiveness, but that is all. They do not want to be
delivered from this present world, because they love it. They are attached to
their sins, not wanting to give up the pleasures of this earth. So they cling
to a doctrine that says, "I can live as I please — as long as I say that I
believe."

They do not want to hear about obedience, repentance, self- denial, picking up
their cross, taking on the yoke or burden of Christ. They simply want to be
excused on Judgment Day — to have all their iniquities overlooked. They
expect Jesus to open up the pearly gates, put His arms around them, and lead
them down a golden street to their reserved mansion, even though they have
never broken from the spirit of this world!

Paul writes, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and
perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2). We are to break from this world completely
and be conformed to Christ alone!

Jesus justifies us through faith for a purpose: It is to embolden and empower
us to resist the devil and overcome the world.
"[Jesus Christ] gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this
present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father" (Galatians
1:4).

Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday info

Join us for our Good Friday service at 6p.m. and our Resurrection Service on Easter morning at 10a.m.

www.hollandfirst.com

Attention Holland First Family!!!!

Men's Breakfast this Saturday, March 31st at 8a.m. at the church with special guest, Pastor Glenn Smith with Pathway to Joy Ministries. Then at 11a.m. the ladies will have a brunch at the church with Donna Smith. Then on Sunday, April 1st at 10a.m. Pastor Glenn and Donna Smith will be ministering. Don't miss this exciting weekend of ministry!
www.hollandfirst.com for more details!!!

Spring Classes begin Wednesday, March 7th!!!

Spring Electives start tonight at 7p.m.!!! Come out for ministry for the entire family!!!
• Men's Class: Fathered by God. Taughty by Pastor Mike Houser in the prayer room
• Ladies' Class: David, Seeking a Heart Like His. Taught by Pearl Garcia in the sanctuary
• Co-Ed Class: The Transformed Life. Taught by Mike and Rose Rodriguez upstairs in room 218
• Plus Soul Purpose Youth group with Pastor Mike and Christina Kelley for youth grades 6th-12th
• And SPLASH Zone for kids newborn - 5th grade