NorthStar Church Blog

Digging Deeper: From Curious to Committed

Larry Grays on March 7, 2025

Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. 39 With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. 40 Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth. 41 The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before. 42 And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

John 19:38-42 (NLT)

FROM CURIOUS TO COMMITTED

Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a respected ruler, sought Jesus under the cloak of night. Fear and curiosity warred within him. He had witnessed Jesus’ miracles, heard His profound teachings, and felt a stirring in his soul. “How can these things be?” he questioned, grappling with the concept of being born again.

Jesus’ words, like seeds in fertile ground, began to sprout—though hidden from the harsh light of his peers’ judgment. The night symbolized his internal struggle, the wrestling between tradition and the allure of something new.

Time passed, and the seeds grew. When the Sanhedrin condemned Jesus, Nicodemus dared to speak—a flicker of defiance against the gathering darkness. His voice, though perhaps trembling, offered a defense, a plea for justice.

Then, at the foot of the cross, Nicodemus emerged fully into the light. With Joseph of Arimathea, he brought spices—a lavish display of devotion—and helped lay Jesus’ body in the tomb. The night’s uncertainty had yielded to the day’s boldness. Nicodemus’ journey from secret inquiry to a public act of faith was complete.

Reflection:

In what ways is your faith becoming more public?
What step can you take to move from curiosity to commitment?

Suggested Prayer:

Jesus, I don’t want to be a secret believer. Grant me the courage to follow You boldly and with joy. Amen.

Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

Digging Deeper: The Spirit is Moving and Cannot Be Predicted

Larry Grays on March 6, 2025

“The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”

John 3:8 (NLT)

THE SPIRIT IS MOVING AND CANNOT BE PREDICTED

A seasoned sailor can prepare his boat—hoist the sails, check the rigging, and position the rudder—but without the wind, the boat remains motionless. No amount of rowing, pushing, or wishing can generate the power of the wind.

Jesus told Nicodemus that spiritual birth works the same way: “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8, ESV). Just as the wind moves the boat in ways beyond the sailor’s control, spiritual rebirth is solely the work of the Holy Spirit. We cannot manufacture it; we can only surrender to it.

Nicodemus, who craved logical clarity, was challenged to understand that the Spirit works beyond human prediction. This verse teaches us that faith involves trusting in a dynamic, unpredictable power rather than relying on our own calculations. It reminds us that our attempts to control spiritual outcomes are futile and that true transformation comes from surrendering to God’s sovereign, unseen work in our lives.

Allow yourself to be surprised by God’s work, even when it defies your plans. Choose to trust His timing, even in uncertain circumstances.

Reflection:

Have you ever sensed the Holy Spirit leading you in an unexpected direction?
What is one way you can be more open to the movement of God’s Spirit in your life?

Suggested Prayer:

God, help me to trust Your Spirit’s work, even when I don’t understand. I surrender my plans to You. Amen.

Digging Deeper: Spiritual Life Cannot Be Manufactured

Larry Grays on March 5, 2025

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” 4 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” 5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.”

John 3:3-6 (NLT)

SPIRITUAL LIFE CANNOT BE MANUFACTURED

A world-famous sculptor once attempted to create the most lifelike statue ever carved. He chiseled every detail with precision—the folds of the skin, the depth of the eyes, even the veins beneath the surface. When completed, it looked stunningly real. A crowd gathered in awe, but when someone whispered, “Come to life,” nothing happened. No matter how perfect the statue, it remained lifeless—because only God can give life.

In the same way, religion, morality, or effort can make us appear spiritually alive, but only the Spirit can truly bring us to life (John 3:5–6). Jesus declares that spiritual rebirth is not manufactured by human effort but is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Nicodemus, a man of logic and tradition, struggled with the concept of being “born again”—a mystery that defies natural experience.

Jesus’ words challenge us to recognize that genuine transformation arises from divine intervention rather than self-made efforts. This passage invites us to surrender our self-reliance and embrace a renewal that is essential for entering God’s Kingdom and experiencing eternal life. Let go of self-reliance and seek His renewing power daily. Surrender your personal efforts and allow God to mold you into His image.

Reflection:

Have you ever tried to change yourself instead of allowing God to transform you?
What does being “born again” mean in your life?

Suggested Prayer:

Holy Spirit, I surrender my efforts to You. Transform me from the inside out. Amen.

Why, God?

Kevin Burrell on March 5, 2025

How long, Lord, must I call for help, but You do not listen? Or cry out to You, “Violence!” but You do not save? Why do You make me look at injustice? Why do You tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds.

Habakkuk 1:2-3

WHY, LORD?

Have you ever asked God, “Why?” We’ve all asked that question at one time or another.

“Why, God?”

Why did my spouse die? Why is my child being bullied at school? Why did my marriage fail? Why did my parents pass away? Why did I lose my job? Why did I receive this cancer diagnosis? Why did my best friend suddenly die? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why is there so much suffering? Why does injustice always seem to win?

Why? Why? Why?

Even the prophet Habakkuk, a great man of faith, wrestled with similar questions. He looked at the brokenness of the world and couldn’t understand why God seemed silent.

The truth is, we tend to cry out to God the loudest when things go wrong. When life is smooth, we often forget to seek Him. However, in seasons of pain, disillusionment, disappointment, confusion, or injustice, we come to Him desperate for answers. Sometimes, just like Habakkuk, we don’t get the answers we’re looking for—at least not right away.

Habakkuk asked God three “Why” questions:

Why don’t You listen to me when I call for help?
Why don’t You save when there is a problem?
Why do You tolerate wrongdoing?

Have you ever been there? I certainly have. Have you ever asked similar questions of God?

If we continue reading, we see that God does answer Habakkuk. His response is not immediate relief but a call to trust:

“Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” —Habakkuk 1:5

God was at work, even when Habakkuk couldn’t see it. His plan was bigger than what the prophet could comprehend. And the same is true for you and me today.

Listen closely: When you don’t understand, you can still trust that God sees, He knows, and He is working for His ultimate purpose. The challenge is to trust God even when you don’t have all the answers. It’s okay to bring your “Why” questions to God, but also to say, “Lord, even though I don’t understand right now, I will trust You.”

When was the last time you asked God, “Why?” How did you feel in that moment? How can you learn to trust Him even when you don’t understand?

Take a moment to thank God—not just in your struggles, but in your blessings as well.

When you don’t understand, when you don’t see His plan, when you can’t trace His hand—trust His heart!

Be Worth Being.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

Kevin

Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 44 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Digging Deeper: Jesus is More than a Teacher

Larry Grays on March 4, 2025

No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.

John 3:13-15 (NLT)

JESUS IS MORE THAN A TEACHER

This passage teaches that Jesus is not merely an admired teacher but the divine Savior who descended from heaven. His comparison to Moses lifting the bronze snake illustrates that faith in Him brings life and healing. Nicodemus, initially captivated by Jesus’ wisdom, is challenged to move from mere admiration to an intimate, transformative relationship that grants eternal life. The text calls us to embrace a deeper commitment—one that transforms our hearts rather than just our minds.

C.S. Lewis, in Mere Christianity, uses the analogy of a man building a house. He argues that Christianity isn’t just about accepting a set of intellectual propositions, like agreeing that two plus two equals four. “The difference is that in the first case [mathematics], you have only got to understand, whereas in the second [Christianity], you have got to do something. It is more like learning to swim than learning about swimming. You throw yourself into the water. And in Christianity, you have to throw yourself, in a sense, on Christ.”

Reflect on whether you are simply reciting words or truly experiencing Jesus’ saving power. Pursue a relationship with Christ that goes beyond intellectual admiration. Let His sacrifice inspire you to live a life marked by genuine commitment.

Reflection:

Do you see Jesus only as a teacher, or have you embraced Him as your Savior?
How can you move from admiration to a committed faith as you embrace Jesus as Lord?

Suggested Prayer:

Jesus, You are more than a teacher—you are my Savior. Help me not just to learn about You but to truly trust in You. Amen.

Digging Deeper: Curious and Confused

Larry Grays on March 3, 2025

There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. ‘Rabbi,’ he said, ‘we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.’”

John 3:1-2 (NLT)

CURIOUS AND CONFUSED

Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee, visited Jesus secretly at night, driven by genuine curiosity yet constrained by fear of public judgment. His covert approach reveals an inner conflict—a yearning for truth versus the burden of cultural expectations. Jesus’ miraculous signs and profound teachings challenged Nicodemus to rethink his understanding of faith. This encounter invites us to examine our own hesitations in pursuing spiritual truth and to approach Christ with sincerity, even when fear tempts us to remain in the shadows.

Pastor Tim Keller, in a 2018 sermon, humorously recounted a Sunday school boy who earnestly asked, “If Jesus lives in my heart, does that mean He’s got a VIP section?” The teacher’s witty reply—that Jesus must have a separate lounge—sparked laughter while revealing spiritual depth. This amusing anecdote reminds us that even simple questions can unlock profound truths. It challenges us to pursue our inquiries with both humility and humor, trusting that God welcomes our honest, childlike curiosity.

Examine your life for areas where fear keeps you from seeking deeper truth. Commit to spending quiet time with God, asking honest questions about your faith. Share your journey with a trusted friend or mentor so you can grow together.

Reflection:

Have you ever hesitated to ask spiritual questions? Why?
What area of your faith remains unexplored?

Suggested Prayer:

God, help me seek truth boldly and overcome my fears to embrace You fully. Amen.

Digging Deeper: Tell Your Story

Phil Meade on February 28, 2025

²⁸So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, ²⁹“Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” ³⁰They went out of the town and were coming to him . . . ³⁹Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” ⁴⁰So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. ⁴¹And many more believed because of his word. ⁴²They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”

John 4:28-30, 39-42 (ESV)

TELL YOUR STORY

As the disciples return from their grocery shopping, the woman heads back to town, leaving her water jar behind (v. 28). I find this an interesting dichotomy. On one hand, she may have wished to lighten her load so she could quickly return to share the good news. On the other hand, if I were in her position—with what I assume was a not-so-stellar reputation around town—I wouldn’t be in a hurry to engage in conversation with the locals. Fortunately, I am not God, and Jesus had a precise plan already in motion.

The Samaritan woman and Mary Magdalene (Matt. 28:7-8) have two things in common: both heard the good news about Jesus and quickly shared it with others. And although they were believed initially (which was unusual in their culture), those who heard them still had to see and hear for themselves (v. 39, 42; Lk. 24:10-12). No matter who plants the seed, God is the source, and His will is always done.

How did this Samaritan woman of questionable morals become such an influential messenger of the good news? She simply told her story. She met a man at a well who told her, “all I ever did” (v. 29, 39). She knew the Messiah had been promised long ago, and her heart was open to the possibility that this man was who He claimed to be. All her past sins and failures—though still a factual record—no longer defined her. Jesus defined her!

Barclay’s Study Bible notes:
“This very desire to tell others of her discovery killed in this woman the feeling of shame. She was no doubt an outcast; she was no doubt a byword; the very fact that she was drawing water from this distant well shows how she avoided her neighbors and how they avoided her. But now she ran to tell them of her discovery. A person may have some trouble which he is embarrassed to mention and which he tries to keep secret, but once he is cured, he is often so filled with wonder and gratitude that he tells everyone about it.”

Do you wish to quench your burning thirst? Seek the One who provides eternal living water. Do you know someone who is thirsty? Tell them about the Man you met—the One who knew all your faults, yet loved you still. Only He can satisfy a thirsty world.

Diggin Deeper (er):

Psalm 34:4-5; Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 3:15

Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

Digging Deeper: Admit that You are Thirsty

Phil Meade on February 27, 2025

¹⁶Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” ¹⁷The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband;’ ¹⁸for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true” . . . ²⁵The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” ²⁶Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”

John 4:16-18, 25-26 (ESV)

ADMIT THAT YOU ARE THIRSTY

Most scholars believe that John’s account of this story is abridged; the entire conversation with Jesus is not included. The omitted parts likely contained more details about the woman’s past, providing Jesus with more of her story (this does not discount His divine ability to discern the contents of a person’s heart).

Jesus has just flipped the script. It would have been customary for a man engaged in private conversation with a woman to ask that her husband join them (v. 16). I am sure the woman had heard this request numerous times while she was unmarried, and her reaction was likely the same each time. The apostle John does not describe her facial expression, body language, or tone of voice, but we can infer from her terse four-word response that it was not a positive reaction. Guilt and shame were probably among the strongest emotions she felt. She did not join the other women of the town to draw water in the morning—there had to be a reason.

I have been divorced for over 25 years and have led numerous divorce recovery groups during my time at NorthStar. Scripture does not specifically state that divorce was the reason for the dissolution of all five of the woman’s marriages (v. 18), but it is safe to assume that at least some of her husbands did not die. One nearly universal experience among newly divorced individuals is the overwhelming sense of guilt and shame. While I encourage them to honestly look in the mirror and reflect on their role in the divorce (no matter how small it may seem) as a step toward healing, I also remind them that guilt and shame do not come from above but from the evil forces at work in this world.

All of us experience brokenness at times. We search for healing and thirst for something that truly satisfies. For Christ to quench that thirst and heal our brokenness, we must be honest with ourselves (v. 17) and, more importantly, with our Creator (confession = repentance = forgiveness = healing). “That Christ seeks all people, despite our former sins or our current circumstances, and wants to make us sincere disciples, is the great message of His conversation at the well” (bibleref.com).

One final point: This is the first recorded instance in Scripture where Jesus reveals His identity (v. 26). That He chooses to reveal Himself to a Samaritan woman of questionable character tells us everything we need to know about what our gracious Lord and Savior can do in our lives!

Diggin Deeper (er):

Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 147:3; 1 John 1:9.

Confronting the Giant of Anxiety

Kevin Burrell on February 26, 2025

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace.

Philippians 4:6-7

CONFRONTING THE GIANT OF ANXIETY

Hitting a baseball is hard! Hitting it consistently is even more challenging. In my opinion, it’s the most difficult thing to do in sports.

As a Major League Baseball scout for the past 34 years, I believe that most hitters struggle with success at the plate due to excessive anxiety, which leads to poor decision-making and a lack of discipline. When hitters are too anxious, they chase pitches outside the strike zone—swinging at breaking balls in the dirt or above the zone—instead of waiting for a good pitch to hit. Their lack of zone awareness results in weak contact or frequent strikeouts, as they fail to recognize pitches they can drive.

Additionally, being too anxious causes hitters to react too quickly rather than staying calm, quiet, and composed—trusting their hitting approach and letting the game come to them. Without plate discipline, they give pitchers the advantage by expanding the zone, making it easier for pitchers to exploit their overly aggressive approach. In contrast, successful hitters maintain their composure, trust their approach, and wait for pitches they can do damage on, leading to more consistent, productive, and quality at-bats.

In a similar way, people today struggle with anxiety in a variety of areas. Below are ten of the most common sources of anxiety:

Work or Career
Finances
Health Crisis
Relationships
Public Speaking
The Future
Failure
Safety
Change or Transition
Perfectionism

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7 not to be “anxious” about anything but to bring everything to God in prayer with thanksgiving. He assures us that when we do this, God’s peace, which surpasses all earthly understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Paul emphasizes that God is in control and that He will provide for all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). Instead of worrying, we are called to trust in the Lord, knowing that He cares for us and will sustain us through every situation.

Listen closely: God is bigger than all your anxieties in life. During stressful times or when receiving bad news, remind yourself to trust in the Lord—He holds you in the palm of His mighty hands. As a child of God, remember that nothing can touch your life unless it is first sifted through the hands of the Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.”

Allow God’s peace to rule and reign in your life today.

Be Worth Being.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

Kevin

Digging Deeper: Jesus is the Spring of Living Water

Phil Meade on February 26, 2025

¹³Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, ¹⁴but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” ¹⁵The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”

John 4:13-15 (ESV)

JESUS IS THE SPRING OF LIVING WATER

I want you to think of a time when your mouth was dry, your throat parched, and you felt like you would die without something to drink. Maybe you were mowing the lawn, exercising, or simply outside on a hot, sweltering Georgia summer day (just typing this is making me thirsty!). Now, think of the one beverage that would truly quench that thirst. It might be as simple as water (probably the best choice), or it might be something different (I believe someone in the audience just said ‘Diet Coke’). Whatever your beverage of choice is, ask yourself: How long did it satisfy my thirst? How soon until I was thirsty again? (v. 13).

The woman at the well came for water, likely to carry it back to her household—a task she had performed countless times. However, this visit to the well would be different. Marcus Dods comments, “The water of Jacob’s well had two defects: it quenched thirst only for a time, and it lay outside the town a weary distance . . . Christ offers water which will quench thirst lastingly, and which will be ‘in’ the person drinking.”

Yesterday, we saw how the woman initially misunderstood Jesus, thinking He was offering her water from the ground. He explained that what He was offering did not come from a well or a spring but from His Father. The water He offered would eternally quench her thirst and become a spring within her (v. 14). Jesus was offering her a gift she did not deserve and could not earn. This, by definition, is grace.

Paul writes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith” (Eph. 2:8). Christ lovingly and graciously offers us access to this living water through His indwelling Holy Spirit. This spring will never run dry and will be our source of refreshment on life’s dry, dusty days. Nothing else can satisfy. Everything else eventually dries up or turns bitter.

As we saw yesterday, the woman’s response to Jesus’ offer of living water showed that she was still thinking in literal terms (v. 15). But Jesus was offering her so much more. Now, as the story continues, He puts her to the test. Their back-and-forth verbal sparring over literal versus figurative water is over.

All of us, at one time or another, have been challenged to decide. The Samaritan woman’s time is now. The next few moments in this encounter will determine her eternal destiny.

Diggin Deeper (er):

John 7:37-39; Hebrews 4:16; Revelation 21:6.