I remember the day, at my old job, when I struggled with a leaking pen. I couldn't figure out which pen it was, since every time I grabbed for a different one, small bits of black ink ended up on my hand. I finally pulled out all of the pens and noticed ink at the bottom of the holder. One pen had leaked, but now every pen that was in the jar touched the ink and was stained. I had it on my hands, desk, everywhere.

I was suddenly reminded that this was like the sin in our lives. When we allow a little in, it starts to spread to other areas, and before we know it, it's touching everything. Realizing this, I was grateful that Jesus doesn't throw us away, as I did the jar. When we ask for forgiveness, He washes us white as snow, and the stains are gone.

Today, take an inventory of your life and make sure there are no leaky pens. If there are, invite Jesus to wash over you with His forgiveness and give you clean hands and a pure heart.

Last night, I had the opportunity to be on the other side of the table and serve alongside one of our devoted volunteers. I’ve learned a lot this year about that word, “serve.” It is actually the word God gave me for 2026. As leaders, we can believe that as we grow and lead, we can outgrow roles of manual labor and service, but I’ve learned this year that's false. We must be willing to jump in, do the dishes, clean bathrooms, set up tables and chairs, whatever it takes to serve the body. Because in these simple acts of service, we show love. We meet people right where they are, across the table, in the moment, serving a meal, a cup of coffee, a smile - just like Jesus did.  Jesus said, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45. He modeled this by washing his disciples' feet, and then dying a death that I deserved.
If I want to be more like Jesus, then I can never outgrow “serving.” To lead is to serve.

The division that we see in the church today is not new. When you read the Bible, you will see that there was division in the church all the way back to Corinth. Some followed Paul. Some followed Apollos. Some followed Cephas. And some followed Christ.

But Paul's question to the Corinthians was poignant. "Is Christ divided?" Who was crucified for us? Who sent us the Holy Spirit as our helper? Who is coming back to take us to our heavenly home? It is Jesus!

Let us not be divided by doctrine, denominations, and diplomacy. Let us come together as one body serving one Lord following one set of directions - God's Word. Let us be one church!

Tuesdays Are Where It's At!
¡Bienvenidos!  Un programa bilingüe
Are you or someone you love facing depression, addiction, grief, or brokenness? You're not alone—and you are welcome here. Join us tonight from 6–8 pm for a time of healing and hope. Come as you are—whether you're single or bringing the whole family. Enjoy a free dinner, an uplifting community, and open-share groups for men and women. And if you're new, we have a Welcome Gift for you!
*We have translation earbuds for any language.
*Childcare is provided for infants through 5th grade.
*Identity Class for 6th - 12th grade
City On A Hill (Main Entrance)
100 Pine St.
Zeeland, MI 49464
But if you can't come in person, join us online.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/fhgmrecoverygroup

In Luke 10:25-37, we read of an expert in the law trying to test Jesus. He asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus asked the man, “What do you think? How do you read it?" The man answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' and 'Love your neighbor as yourself!" “You have answered correctly," Jesus said. "Do this and you will live." But the man wanted to justify himself and went one step further and asked, "Who is my neighbor?"

And isn't that what we are still asking ourselves today? As Jesus proceeded to share with him the parable of the Good Samaritan, He asked the man another question: "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" "The one who showed him mercy," replied the expert in the law. Then Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

Who is our neighbor? Jesus makes it clear in this parable that our neighbor is anyone around us, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, social or political status. We are called to love.

Amen!

Where we see brokenness, God sees an opportunity to do something new! As we start this new week, trust Him.

If we walked through our days using our physical eyes, we would walk in fear. We would feel without hope, lost in a world where darkness is winning and joy will not come in the morning.

But when we walk by faith, we can hope in the One who is walking with us. We can trust in His promises and believe in His Truth. We can love without end, confident of where we're going, and knowing this world is not our true home. When we walk by faith - we are victorious - in Jesus!

I know what it feels like to feel the weight of my sin. It's heavy, and no matter where you go or how hard you try to change, it follows you everywhere. But there is good news! What Jesus did on the Cross frees us from the shackles of our sin and shame!

"For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2).

What Jesus did on the Cross was enough. It is finished! It's time to receive the gift and allow the Lord to remove your sins "as far as the east is from the west!" (Psalm 103:12)

Are you ready? I hear those chains falling...

Listen to Ammie Bouwman ~ Speaking Truth with Love on Spotify for Creators, or wherever you get your podcasts.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6MXUJRZ2ARLoryuWRAA1Dh?si=lFM9qf1HQQ2Euxjk2wlYXQ

When life feels like nothing but rubble—broken relationships, shattered dreams, overwhelming loss—where do you even begin?

There is one name that can help you move that first stone—Jesus. He is faithful to walk with you through every step of restoration. Maybe that’s unforgiveness, bitterness, or even pride. What stone is God asking you to pick up today? We begin the clean up, one brick at a time, one day at a time. You can do this!

We often want to hurry. Hurry up and be happy. Hurry up and get to where we’re going. I’ll finally be happy when "this" happens. But happiness is fleeting. True joy is possible right now, no matter the circumstances, when we REMAIN in His love. It’s not about the what; it’s the Who, and slowing down long enough to hear Him and obey.

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:9-11

Have you ever walked past a door without realizing you had the key? Matthew 7:7-8 reminds us that everyone who asks receives, everyone who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. That door is real, and it has your name on it.

Prayer is not just mealtime blessings or bedtime routines. It is a living, ongoing conversation with a Father who is always present, always listening, and always ready to meet you right where you are. Today, start with this prayer...

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

Have a beautiful Sunday!
God bless!

Have you ever been tempted? Whatever the temptation, it's never easy, but what if God is revealing to you it's time to move on from a season or situation, and you're tempted to stay? Staying could mean accepting that things will remain the same, no matter how unhealthy they are. Staying could mean you're willing to keep enduring whatever pain you're experiencing. Staying sometimes seems easier than the unknown.

In Matthew 5:1-11, we read that Jesus Himself was tempted by the devil when He was in the wilderness. Three times the devil tempted Jesus, enticing Him to "stay" and not move forward into everything God had planned for Him, and three times Jesus answered, "It is written." He used God's Word to defeat the devil, and He left the desert - starting His earthly ministry that led to the cross.

What is God revealing to you today? Is it time to move on from the desert and into everything He has planned for you? If you're struggling and tempted to stay, look to the One who knows - Jesus. He will walk with us every step of the way, out into freedom and into the perfect plan He has for our lives. He will give us the strength and prepare the way!

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." ~ Colossians 3:12-14

Each morning when we wake up, we have a choice - to follow our feelings or our faith. We have a choice to follow the world or God's Word. We can choose to grieve our circumstances or be grateful for another day. A choice to live in fear or trust in the One who is still on the throne. Our Heavenly Father is so gentle and loving that He gives us this choice, not wanting our love because we have to, but because we want to - we choose to. May we always choose the One who loves us unconditionally. Because ultimately, He chose us!

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." Ephesians 1:3-6

Keep going!
"And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." ~ Hebrews 12:1-3

This is what my heart used to look like: little drawers where I would file away hurts, issues, offenses, and painful memories. And I would open these drawers, reopening the pain, reawakening the anger, and feeding the root of bitterness that had taken hold of my heart. But this is not how we were designed to live, not as enslaved people filled up on yesterday's pain.

The Bible tells us in Psalm 119:11, "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." What would it look like to empty these drawers of the hurts, issues, offenses, and painful memories and fill them with God's Word - overflowing with love, forgiveness, peace, and joy? We would be different people and live in the freedom we are promised when we have Jesus in our hearts-praying that you experience that today!

It's time to reach out to Jesus! Have faith and believe!

"And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself, "If I only touch his garment, I will be made well." Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well." Matthew 9:20-22 ESV

Do you know the Holy Spirit? If not, let me remind you of John 15:26. "When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father - the Spirit of truth goes out from the Father - he will testify about me." The Greek word for Advocate is "Paraclete," which means someone who comes alongside us. He comes to counsel us, comfort us, and give utterance to our prayers when we cannot find the words.

Jesus was telling His disciples that He would no longer be with them, but that He would send the Holy Spirit to help them and speak truth to them. But the fantastic thing is that the Holy Spirit wasn't just for the disciples; He is for ALL of us and wants to be your Advocate today!

Have you ever come to a fork in the road? Well, not a literal fork, but a place in your life where you've had to stop and choose your next direction. What do you do to decide? Do you draw straws, check the weather and radar, or ask a friend? What about praying - asking God who loves you and created you where He would like you to go? It's trusting Him with your future steps. It's believing that He has great plans for you. I encourage you to give it a try.

Put down the phone and the straws, and let the Creator of the Universe direct your steps. He knows the best way to go!

We have a hard time imagining that Jesus can forgive us for our sins. Especially the ones that have stained our skin and left a mark. But 1 John 1:9 tells us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Nothing we have done is too much for Jesus to forgive. What He did on the cross was enough. Isn't it time to live in that complete freedom? Confession is key - and remember that once we're forgiven, our sins are removed as far as the East is from the West. Hallelujah!

I know what it's like to feel how this picture looks. Your head is filled with confusion and racing thoughts while you feel pulled and weighted down with darkness. I battled depression and mental illness for 17 years, missing one truth - the battle was spiritual. I was fighting against the spirit of depression and suicide and didn't know it. I was trying to fight in my own strength - exhausted and weary and wanting to give up.

If this is you today, it's time to recognize, like I did, who you are fighting. It's time to rebuke the enemy, put on God's full armor - and fight in the Spirit! We are victorious in Christ! Nothing is too big for God!

We are responsible for protecting those children entrusted to us, teaching them God's Word, and helping them build a solid foundation on which to stand. It's time to suit up, as the enemy is actively going after them - telling them lies and filling them with confusion. May we all be examples to the generations that follow - and show them, Jesus!

"6 These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be [written] on your heart and mind. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your [a]children [impressing God's precepts on their minds and penetrating their hearts with His truths] and shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7 AMP

It's good to glance back and see where you've been, but don't miss what God's got in front of you.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" - 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17