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Meet the Pastor

 Meet our Pastor

Pastor Dave graduated from Grace Bible College (Grand Rapids, MI) in 1988 with a B.Th.  He spent the for_my_wedding_day.jpgnext 18 years in youth ministries in Washington, Ohio, Florida and Michigan.  While ministering as youth pastor in Holland, MI, Dave felt the Lord urging him to focus on a senior pastoral ministry.  From the moment Dave learned that Lakeview needed a pastor, he believed that Lakeview was the church God wanted him to shepherd.

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Dave’s greatest strength lies in his love for people and his desire to see people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and to grow in their faith. His preaching is practical and challenges us to more fully reflect God’s heart in our homes, work places, schools and communities.






The song below, is a reflection of his life.  It is his desire that his lifesong honors our Savior.








Lifesong - Casting Crowns

"The Quilt Holes"

 

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that was our life.

 

quilt.jpgBut as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

 

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

 

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

 

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose, each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me and nodded for me to rise.

 

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

 

And now, I had to face the truth: My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.

 

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.

 

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image: the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.

 

'Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'

 

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!

 





Letter from Jesus about Christmas

Dear Children,

It has come to my attention that many you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. . . although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
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Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. Not just during Christmas time, but all through the year. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the president complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sends out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family? Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless?  Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions and words that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember : I LOVE YOU, JESUS









God is Cheering for You

by Max Lucado

 

If your God is Mighty enough to ignite the sun, could it be that He is mighty enough to light your path?

God is for you. Not "may be," not "has been," not "was," not "would be," but "God is!" He is for you. Today. At this hour. At this minute. As you read this sentence. No need to wait in line or come back tomorrow. He is with you. He could not be closer than he is at this second. His loyalty won't increase if you are better nor lessen if you are worse. He is for you.

God is for you. Turn to the sidelines; that's God cheering your run. Look past the finish line; that's God applauding your steps. Listen for him in the bleachers, shouting your name. Too tired to continue? He'll carry you. Too discouraged to fight? He's picking you up. God is for you.

God is for you. Had he a calendar, your birthday would be circled. If he drove a car, your name would be on his bumper. If there's a tree in heaven, he's carved your name in the bark. We know he has a tattoo, and we know what it says. "I have written your name on my hand," he declares (Isa. 49:16).




Power Of A Changed Life - Galatians 1:23-24

(Galatians 1:23)  But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
(Galatians 1:24)  And they glorified God in me.

The power of a changed life has a testimony that goes beyond anything that can be said or written.  Paul’s reputation as Saul of Tarsus the destructive murderer made him one of the most feared men.  Just because he said he was a changed man didn’t automatically put that behind him.  But as his life was observed and the Holy Spirit began to use him, word began to spread.  It reached those followers of Christ in the regions beyond Damascus.  Now he was known as a builder instead of a destroyer.  Those who “had heard only” had not yet heard about the abundant revelations given to Paul by the risen Lord Jesus Christ.  They had not yet heard the Lord had instituted a new program in which both Jew and Gentile could be saved into one universal Body of Christ.  They simply heard that he had changed.

Instead of trying to convince people by words that your life was changed by Christ, why not allow the Lord to live His life through you to demonstrate it’s true?  Let them see faith in action.  Let them watch the love of God working in you.  Let them see that your beliefs extend beyond Sunday morning.  Let them see the reality of faith working in you every day of the week.  Let them see truth you believe compels you to love them.  Once they see the life of Christ in you really working, they will listen to what you have to say.  And then they will glorify God in you!

Renewed Thought - Lord, help me to put the past behind me.  Help me to live the kind of life that will cause people to glorify you.


Quiet Moment with God...



Building On a Strong Foundation

Dedicate your hearts and lives to serving the Lord your God.
Start building the holy place of the Lord.
I Chronicles 22:19

When a large building is being built, work seems to sit for months; the future building seems to be little more than a hole in the ground. Then suddenly, construction efforts seem to yield hints of what will be; the shapeless mounds begin to look like a real building.  In reality, the most important part of the building -- the foundation -- was being constructed when it looked like no progress was being made. 

When it seems that you aren't making much headway in your relationship with God, realize that you're building the foundation.  Persevere in building the foundation that will never fail.  The Bible is the foundation for your life.  God's presence is the cement that holds your life together.

The foundation bears the weight and supports the rest of the building.  A strong faith foundation will support you through any storm that comes along.



Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crosn of like which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
James 1:12 (NASB)

taken from Quiet Moments with God, pg. 56-57

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His Very Own

You are a holy people to the Lord your God;
the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself,
a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.
Deuteronomy 7:6 (NKJV)

When pirates roamed the oceans stealing gold and valuables from ships, people lived in fear.  Many pirates buried their treasure on deserted islands with the intention of going back for it later.  Much of this treasure has never been recovered.

You are God's precious silver and gold.  He values you above anything else He has created.  He doesn't bury you or hide you away where no one else can see you.  Instead, He shows you off to the world.  "Here's my wealth!" He shouts to the nations as He proudly hold you high in His hands.  You are God's gift to the world.
Buried treasure can't make a different;
it can't buy food or clothing or heal the sick. 
God chooses to use you to show others the love of God.

How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!
And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.
Proverbs 16:16 (NASB)



from...Quiet Moments Alone with God, Bethany House publishers, copyright 2006

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Reflecting his heart.