NorthStar Church Blog

Digging Deeper – From Doubt to Declaration

David Griffith on April 25, 2025

Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

John 20:28-31

FROM DOUBT TO DECLARATION

When Jesus appeared to the disciples the night after His resurrection, Thomas was not in the room. His friends—who were like brothers to him—told Thomas they had seen Jesus and that He was alive, but Thomas doubted what he heard.

After all, he had seen Jesus crucified and buried. His eyes had not been opened, and his mind had not yet been given the ability to understand. Thomas was in the dark—spiritually.

But God (my favorite preamble in any verse of the Bible) made a special trip back eight days later, just to see Thomas and open his eyes.

Thomas had said he wouldn’t believe unless he could actually touch Jesus’ scars—so Jesus came back and gave him the opportunity to do just that.

But Thomas didn’t reach out his hand to touch the scars in Jesus’ hands and side.

When Thomas saw the Lord—made possible only because Jesus sought him out—he was no longer blind, dumb, or doubting.

The Resurrection is important because it is the capstone of all of Scripture. It’s the final scene in the grand play of our existence.

The resurrection of Jesus seals all the other miracles into a six-hour and three-day window of proof that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life—and that no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).

The Resurrection abolishes all other paths to salvation. It is the closing argument in the trial for the soul of humanity—my soul, and yours.

When I have doubts about Jesus, I look first to the cross, and then to the empty tomb—and I am reassured.

So…
Is your heart burning within you?
Is your Lord and your God breathing on you to receive the Spirit?
Has Jesus come to you—outside your tomb of despair, along your road, into your fear, just to show you His hands and side?
Has He been opening your mind to understand the Scriptures and to believe in His name?

Then you have SEEN the Lord.

Run and tell the others. 🙂

Quite simply, Dave Griffith loves getting to know Jesus better by studying His Word daily and is passionate about teaching his siblings in Christ how to study His Word as well. He is passionately in love and like with his helpmate, Jackie; and is most fulfilled when he is hanging with his 10 kids (3 of his, 2 of Jackie’s, 3 are married, 2 more spiritually adopted) and 9 grandkids. He is a small group leader and a men’s group leader. He is a serial entrepreneur owning or having owned numerous businesses. He also enjoys naps!

Digging Deeper – From Confusion to Commission: The Power of Understanding

David Griffith on April 24, 2025

Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead the third day; and that repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things…”

Luke 24:44-48

FROM CONFUSION TO COMMISSION: THE POWER OF UNDERSTANDING

This is another account of the meeting with the disciples on the day Jesus specifically appeared to Mary Magdalene, the two men walking to Emmaus, and the disciples in their hideaway.

But Luke, it seems, was given a little more color commentary by one of the disciples who was there. As a doctor by trade, Luke likely remembered and noted additional details.

Jesus reminds everyone that He had been foretold in the Law of Moses, prophesied by both the major and minor prophets, and proclaimed extensively in the Psalms by all the writers.

He’s essentially saying, “I’ve been in this story all along.” His resurrection wasn’t a plot twist—it was the plan since before time as we know it began.

And still, they didn’t have a clue what He was talking about—until verse 45:

“Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.”

And what follows is both a reminder and a charge, which they now finally understood:

“Thus it is written (in the Old Testament) that the Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead the third day; and that repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem.”

Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, opens our minds to understand Scripture (see also 1 Corinthians 2:14–16). And when He does, our natural response becomes that of a proclaimer—announcing repentance and forgiveness of sins, but only in His name.

(Remember, only Jesus is kind of a big deal.)

Is understanding the Scriptures difficult?
Is seeing Jesus in the Old Testament a challenge?

Then ask Him to open your mind to understand what He wants you to know—what you need to know in that moment.

He will make a special visit to do just that.

Digging Deeper – Commissioned by Joy: The Call to Testify

David Griffith on April 23, 2025

When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them “Peace be with you.” And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples therefore rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus therefore said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit…”

John 20:19-22

COMMISSIONED BY JOY: THE CALL TO TESTIFY

On the same day, when the two men had hustled back to Jerusalem, in the evening, Jesus finally made a special house call (or hideout call) to His disciples. Again, Jesus took the initiative to go to Peter, James, John, and the others—to open their eyes.

When the disciples saw His hands and His side, they rejoiced. Then Jesus gave them a most special gift: He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit,” giving them authority to forgive the sins of others.

Basically, He gave them both the authority and the responsibility to go and tell the world, “I have seen the Lord!” Jesus was commissioning them for His ministry. He was drafting them into His service.

If Jesus has appeared to you in such a way that you have rejoiced upon seeing Him, then you have been commissioned into His service.

My joy (rejoicing) and my responsibility (as simple as it is) is to tell others that I HAVE SEEN THE LORD!

And so it is with you, who call Jesus Savior.

Do you remember what it was like when Jesus was not understandable to you—as you cowered in your hidden life—and then suddenly, Jesus stood before you, even when you thought the door to your heart was shut and locked (verse 19)?

Do you remember rejoicing when you saw the Lord? (verse 20) That was the moment Jesus revealed Himself to you, when your eyes were opened and you understood.

Do you remember?

If so—GO, and tell everyone!

Digging Deeper – When Jesus Walks Beside Us Unseen

David Griffith on April 22, 2025

And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem…(vs. 31,32) And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, and He vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” (vs. 33-34) And they arose that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them, saying, “The Lord has really risen…”

Luke 24:13, 31-34

WHEN JESUS WALKS BESIDE US UNSEEN

That very same day, two men—Cleopas and Simon (not Peter)—were going to Emmaus for some reason. Maybe they had family there. Maybe they had business there. Maybe it was just time to get back to real life since Jesus was no longer with them (though they had heard the rumors of the empty tomb).

No one knows, but Jesus knew. Jesus knew them and had a plan for them. Like so many times before, Jesus went out of His way to appear to those who would be saved, and to open their eyes so that they could see Him.

These two men were apparently also disciples of Jesus. They were called “two of them,” referring back to the disciples from the previous passage where the eleven were mentioned. I guess there were more than just the eleven huddled together.

These two men had walked with Jesus, and talked with Jesus, and heard His preaching to the multitudes. They had even heard His explanations of the parables later. Their eyes had beheld the Lord, and their ears had heard the audible sound of Jesus’ voice—but they had not seen Him or understood Him!

Do you come to church, or your small group, or maybe a more in-depth study of Scripture, and leave without having seen Jesus or having understood what He wanted you to hear? I know that I have.

Usually, it’s because the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, or the boastful pride of life (1 John 2:15–17) has blinded my eyes or deadened my hearing. Sometimes I’m just going through the motions of life—walking to Emmaus and talking about Jesus—but not recognizing Him when He talks to me, when He approaches me.

In those moments, I realize I’m more in love with the world than I am with my risen Lord. It’s in these times that I become unconcerned about the miraculous importance of Jesus rising again.

But I know that He lived for me.
I know that He died for me.
And I know that He rose again—just for me!

So much so that I want to arise and return to the eleven and those with them (those closest to me) and tell them, “The Lord has truly risen!”

Digging Deeper – The Power of Spiritual Vision in the Resurrection

David Griffith on April 21, 2025

Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her.

John 20:18

THE POWER OF SPIRITUAL VISION IN THE RESURRECTION

There are so many reasons why the resurrection of Jesus is important to my Christian faith—and yours. It proves to me, and to the whole world, that Jesus is who He said He is. But the most important reason for me is that His resurrection allows me to see the Lord, just as Mary did.

Spiritual vision is not a given; it is a product of grace. Let’s think about that together for a few days.

Mary, along with Mary the mother of James and others, came to the tomb following the Sabbath to anoint Jesus’ body and prepare it for burial. Jesus had told His disciples—including the women—on several occasions, that He would be betrayed into the hands of evil men, that He would be crucified and that He would die, but that on the third day He would rise again. This was a theme throughout His three-year ministry.

Yet not Mary, nor the disciples tucked away in an upper room hiding, remembered it. Or, if they remembered it, they did not believe it. And from a human perspective, who could blame them? They had watched it all unfold and had run away (at least most of the men did). They saw with their physical eyes that Jesus was dead and now buried in a borrowed tomb.

But Mary was allowed to see Jesus with spiritual eyes. In verse 14 of this text, Mary’s eyes were still closed to the truth Jesus had taught about rising again. But when He called her by name, Mary’s eyes were opened—and she could see Jesus, maybe for the very first time.

So that is my observation and interpretation of this story.

So what is the application of it? Here goes:

Does the weight of life keep me from seeing Jesus in my life?
Am I looking into the tomb of despair and feeling broken, not exhilarated by its emptiness—even when the pain of loss lingers?
Am I excited to tell the others that I HAVE SEEN THE LORD, and that He has RISEN, JUST AS HE SAID?

Has Jesus opened your eyes?

Digging Deeper: Change the Story

Kelly Skelton on April 18, 2025

Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

CHANGE THE STORY

How has Christ shaped your story?
How can you change the narrative from what was to what He did for you?

Life isn’t necessarily a series of things that happened to you.
What if you shifted your perspective and looked at it as a series of things that happened for you?

When I was 24 years old, I was engaged and chasing a far-off dream of becoming a photojournalist for Sports Illustrated. However, through a series of God-breathed events, that dream drastically changed. I found myself as a single mom, chasing the dream of a family, a more fulfilling career, and the gift of having more time to spend with my daughter.

Though I’ve never taken a single photograph or written an article for Sports Illustrated, God used my story—my hurt—to publish a children’s book embracing adoption. He perfectly pieced my family together in a way only He could, in a way I never would have imagined.

For me, my story is a reminder that we are each chosen and created by God. I am forever thankful that He redirected my steps, placed new desires in my heart, and ultimately changed my story.

My challenge to you this Easter weekend is simple: share your story.
Share your testimony. When the opportunity comes, speak boldly about what God has done for you—how He has transformed your life from what it looked like, from what it could have been, into what it is now.

I pray that as you embrace this Good Friday, you are reminded that Jesus’ death on the cross sets you free. It gives your life meaning and purpose. The very fact that you are breathing shows that you have purpose here.

Dare to share your story so that others can be inspired to find pieces of theirs.

Just like Jesus’ story didn’t end at the cross, neither does yours.
Your story doesn’t end at the place where you were hurt, where you made mistakes, or where you took a wrong turn. Let that be the beginning of your next chapter—the place where you let God heal you, forgive you, and deliver you.

This Easter, change your story.

Kelly Skelton is a Georgia native, raised in the south on Jesus, Georgia football and sweet tea. She is her husbands’ biggest fan and her two daughters’ loudest cheerleaders. She recently published her first children’s book titled, But God Had a Plan. She stays active in the Dallas area as a photographer, videographer, writer, and middle school teacher.

Digging Deeper: Your Pain Has Purpose

Kelly Skelton on April 17, 2025

Romans 8:28 (NLT)

YOUR PAIN HAS PURPOSE

Do you ever wonder if Jesus wanted to change His story—to remove the cross from His life, to spare Himself?
How often do we wish we could change our own stories?

Imagine if there hadn’t been another chapter after those three days.
Imagine if the darkest day the world has ever seen hadn’t flipped the script and changed everything.
But it did. God used His pain for a much greater purpose—and there’s purpose in your pain too.

In my years of teaching, raising a family, and being active in our community, I’ve learned that pain has a way of making us more empathetic. When we walk through difficult seasons, we gain the ability to comfort others who are suffering in the same way. Often, it’s through our own pain that we learn how to truly love and support others.

Just as Jesus understood our pain and suffered for us, we can use our pain to point others toward the hope and healing that comes through Christ.

I’ve come to realize that God doesn’t waste our pain. He uses it to refine us, to help us grow, and to shape us into the parents, friends, and leaders He’s called us to be. The struggles we face today may not make sense right now, but they are part of the beautiful tapestry God is weaving in our lives. That pain is shaping you, strengthening you, and drawing you closer to the One who understands pain better than anyone.

Trust that God is using every moment—even the painful ones—for your good and His glory.

I pray that as you walk through this day, you are reminded that you are not alone in any season of pain or struggle. You may feel overwhelmed by the challenges you face, but know that He is using these moments to grow you and draw you closer to Him.

Trust that your pain has purpose, and that He is working in and through you, even when you can’t see it.

Lord, give us the strength to endure, the wisdom to learn from these struggles, and the grace to share Your love with others who are hurting. Thank You for never wasting our pain. Amen.

Cut It Out

Kevin Burrell on April 16, 2025

After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things He had done. The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight and served the images of false gods.

Judges 2:10-11

CUT IT OUT

Bill sat on the edge of the hospital bed. The young baseball coach wore one of those paper-thin gowns that never quite tie correctly in the back. However, today, he didn’t care. Today was supposed to be the day everything changed.

After months of chemo, scans, and sleepless nights, today was surgery day—the day the cancer would be gone. The surgeon, Dr. Harlan, had a reputation for confidence, even charm. He walked into the room with his clipboard like a man about to give good news.

“Bill,” he said, smiling, “the surgery went great!”

Bill exhaled in relief. “So… the cancer is all gone?”

“Well…” Dr. Harlan hesitated. “We took out a good portion of it. About half.”

Bill blinked. “Half?”

“Yes,” Dr. Harlan said. “We figured that was enough to make a difference. The rest, well… it’s not so bad. You can live with it.”

Bill sat in stunned silence. “But Doctor, the plan was to remove all of it. You said you’d go after every last cell.”

Dr. Harlan shrugged. “Yes, but that was before we got in there. Taking all of it out would’ve been more work.”

Bill stared, his mouth wide open and hands trembling. “So you left the disease inside me… on purpose?”

“Yes,” the doctor replied. “It’s just easier that way.”

And with that, Dr. Harlan walked out of the hospital room.

We know—no sound doctor would ever make that decision. However, in a similar way, that’s what we occasionally do. We fail to cut out everything in our life that hinders our commitment to Christ. We leave a “hidden sin” here or there, as needed.

Our “idols” may not be golden statues or foreign gods, but they can take the form of distractions, habits, dysfunctional relationships, or priorities that slowly take over God’s rightful place in our lives. Anything that consistently steals our focus, affection, and obedience from Christ can become a modern-day idol.

In Judges 2, we see the devastating effects of compromise. When Israel allowed the false gods of surrounding cultures to infiltrate their lives, they drifted from their covenant with the Lord. The result wasn’t just spiritual decline—it was distress, defeat, and brokenness.

Listen Closely: What in your life is pulling you away from wholehearted devotion to Christ? Is it unhealthy relationships that encourage sin instead of holiness? Is it an addiction to entertainment, substance abuse, sexual promiscuity, approval, or material possessions? Is it an area of pride, bitterness, or fear you haven’t surrendered? Whatever it is, God isn’t asking you to manage it—He’s asking that you cut it out. All of it. Don’t leave a quarter of it or half of it. Cut it all out. If not, it’s like cancer that will slowly eat away at your life.

Take action today—delete the app, end the toxic pattern, confess the sin, and seek loving accountability. Above all else, don’t wait.

God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness are greater than all our sin.

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: Pardon-Forgiven

Kelly Skelton on April 16, 2025

Romans 8:1-2 (NLT)

PARDON-FORGIVEN

As a mother, I often think about the moments in life when I’ve had to make tough choices for my children. When I picture the story of Barabbas being pardoned in the Bible, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with emotion. Barabbas was a criminal—a murderer—and yet the crowd chose to set him free instead of Jesus! The choice seems so unjust. Barabbas was guilty, yet he walked away without paying for his crime, while Jesus, who had done no wrong, was sentenced to die on the cross.

This moment isn’t just a story from history—it’s a reflection of God’s incredible grace and mercy.

For me, the story of Barabbas represents something deeply personal. It’s a reminder of how often we fall short—how we, like Barabbas, are so undeserving of forgiveness, yet God still chooses to set us free. Barabbas didn’t earn his release. He was guilty, and yet he walked away without consequence. Jesus took our place, just as He took the place of Barabbas. He took the punishment we deserve for all the mistakes we’ve made. The freedom Barabbas experienced that day is the same freedom Jesus offers to each of us.

We may not be in prison, but we are all trapped by our sin—and Jesus is the only one who can free us.

As a mom, this truth hits even deeper. I want my children to know that no matter how far they fall, no matter what they do, they are always loved, always forgiven, and always worthy of grace. Just like Barabbas, they are forgiven not because they’ve earned it, but because of God’s unending love. I want my children to understand that no matter what mistakes they make, God’s grace is enough to cover them.

It’s a truth I will strive to reflect in the way I love my children, my husband, and everyone around me. Every day offers a new chance to live in grace, to forgive, and to show mercy.

I pray you are reminded of the amazing gift of grace you’ve been given—one you don’t deserve. I pray God will help you see the impact you can have on those around you and inspire you to show others the power of His forgiveness and love. I pray God will help you be a living example of grace, patience, and compassion in your home and in every relationship and space you enter.

Lord, when we fall short, remind us of Your unending mercy, and help us to extend that same grace to others. May we always walk in the freedom You’ve given us, and may we never forget how precious Your forgiveness is—and the impact it makes.

Digging Deeper: His Grace Took My Place

Kelly Skelton on April 15, 2025

Ephesians 2:8 (ESV)

HIS GRACE TOOK MY PLACE

I have a vivid picture in my mind of what I imagine Jesus looked like hanging on the cross. Blood dripped down His arms, His face, and the rest of His body—just hanging there, hanging on for life. I imagine what His cry out to God sounded like—the gut-wrenching cry of a child looking for their father when they’re hurt and desperate for His comfort. I imagine how immensely difficult it was for God to let it happen. To watch His only Son hang there, mocked, whipped, beaten—yet internally unblemished. All for the sake of everyone else’s sins, to offer them forgiveness they didn’t deserve. The very people who mocked Him—He was dying for them, to offer forgiveness and eternal life.

As a parent myself, I can’t fathom allowing that to happen to one of my own children. I can’t imagine not standing up for them when the world is knocking them down. I can’t imagine watching them suffer and not stepping in—sacrificing myself to ease their pain.

This is what I imagine grace looks like. It’s blood, sweat, and tears. It’s hitting rock bottom, feeling alone, not knowing where to turn—and then someone graciously steps in to help you pick up the pieces.

When I was in college, my best friend since second grade and I got into an argument—one that, to this day, I can’t even remember the true reason for. It drove a wedge in our friendship, and we never talked about it again. She moved to a different state, and we physically and emotionally grew apart.

But when she heard that my mom’s breast cancer had come back and hospice had been called in, she—without asking—made the six-hour drive by herself to spend the weekend with me, taking care of my mom. She literally came in with open arms, asking how she could help. She carried my mom’s weak and dying dog to the kitchen sink and gave her a bath. She helped me roll my mom over and change her tattered bed sheets. She went to the grocery store, bought food, and watched me spoon-feed my sweet mother.

It was a vivid picture of grace that I will never forget. In those moments, she was an answered prayer I never thought would walk through that door. That’s grace.

That is the kind of grace I want to walk with in this world—one where I forgive past hurts without question, one where I’m willing to step in when the world feels like it’s crumbling. Where I come in unannounced and can be the hands and feet of Jesus wherever I’m needed.

I pray that as you read these words, you feel challenged to do the same—to embrace the grace you don’t deserve and offer it freely to others, just as God has offered it to you. I pray you are patient, understanding, and forgiving, even when it’s difficult. Look past the faults and flaws of others, just as God looks past yours. I pray your heart will be filled with compassion—and that you can’t help but exude the love of Christ in all that you do.