Forward Focus in 2026

Kevin Burrell on January 14, 2026

 

But I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I keep pressing on.

Philippians 3:13-14

 

FORWARD FOCUS IN 2026

We are nearly two weeks into 2026. Millions of people began the New Year with these words:
“This is my year!” – uttered with laser-focused excitement and determination.

Gym memberships will skyrocket. Fruits and vegetables will sell out. Journals will be filled with promises to finally become that person—organized, disciplined, healthy, and kale-loving.
By February? Not so much.

The gym grows quiet. The kale salads dry up. The donuts are back. And the only thing organized is the Amazon queue.

The New Year stirs something hopeful in all of us, but we’re quickly reminded that authentic transformation is more challenging than a checklist.

That’s not failure—it’s reality.

As 2026 begins, I encourage you to set goals—but hold them loosely. Instead of striving in your own strength, invite God—the One who created you—into the process. Let your deepest resolution be dependence, not performance.

When our focus shifts from what we can accomplish to who we are becoming in Christ, everything changes. Think progress, not perfection.

The apostle Paul writes:

“But I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I keep pressing on.”

Don’t miss these words: Focus. Forgetting. Looking forward. Pressing on.

Paul wasn’t chasing self-improvement; he was pursuing Christ. He didn’t dwell on past mistakes, guilt, failures—or even successes. His eyes were fixed forward—locked in on Jesus. On growth. On grace. On mercy. On obedience. On progress. On becoming more like Christ.

That kind of focus frees us from shame and pride—and anchors us in purpose.

Listen closely: As 2026 begins, release the pressure to perfect yourself. Resolve instead to make progress by relying on Jesus. Ask Him to shape your heart, deepen your love, and align your steps with His will—not your own.

He is writing your story every day, and He never takes a day off.

True transformation isn’t found on the field or court of competition, in the gym, the calendar, the planner, the salad bar, or the bank account.

True transformation is found in a life surrendered to Jesus Christ—every day.

Blessings in 2026.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

Be Worth Being.

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 Understands Our Humanity

Avatar photo Steve Roach on January 14, 2026

 

“Jesus was about thirty years old when he began his public ministry. Jesus was known as the son of Joseph.”

Luke 3:23 (NLT)

 

JESUS UNDERSTANDS OUR HUMANITY

Yesterday, we said that at Jesus’ baptism, He was declared to be fully God, God’s eternal Son. In the very next verse (v. 23), Luke wants us to also see that Jesus is fully human. Jesus stepped out of heaven and entered real life with real struggles. He knew exhaustion, hunger, grief, and temptation, yet He lived without sin. His humanity was not a limitation. It was a bridge. He became like us so He could reach us. He walked among us to lead us back to God.

Luke emphasizes both Jesus’ humanity and divinity. The people knew Him as Joseph’s son, a carpenter from Nazareth, but heaven knew Him as the Son of God. The beauty of the gospel is that Jesus was both. He fully understands what it means to be human, yet He alone had the power to redeem.

His life shows us how to live. His strength in the face of temptation gives us hope. His compassion in weakness offers comfort. Jesus did not just come to save us. He came to walk with us.

During a marathon, a runner collapsed just short of the finish line. Rather than cross without him, another runner turned back, lifted him onto his shoulder, and walked the final stretch together. When asked why, he said, “Because he could not finish alone, and I could not leave him behind.” That is what Jesus does for us. He does not leave us in our weakness. He enters it with us.

How does knowing Jesus understands your struggles personally help you face them today? Where do you need to rely on Him more?

Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

Digging Deeper – Jesus is Fully God

Avatar photo Steve Roach on January 13, 2026

 

“And the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, ‘You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.'”

Luke 3:22 (NLT)

 

JESUS IS FULLY GOD

This moment in Jesus’ baptism is a powerful glimpse into the Trinity. The Father speaks, the Son prays, and the Spirit descends. Heaven itself opens to affirm who Jesus is. In this moment, He did not become God’s Son at His baptism. He always was. But this moment made it visible and undeniable to the people watching and to us today.

The Father’s words were full of meaning to those listening who were very familiar with the promises of the Old Testament. When He says, “You are my dearly loved Son,” He is quoting Psalm 2:7, a messianic psalm describing Christ’s coronation as the eternal King. When He says, “You bring me great joy,” He is referring to Isaiah 42:1, which says, “Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me.” Jesus is both the Servant who would suffer and the King who would reign. In a single scene, God affirms Jesus’ love, authority, and mission.

During a youth basketball game, a player made a great move and scored. Amid the noise, one voice rose above the crowd. “That’s my boy!” his dad shouted with pride. The son beamed. In that moment, everyone knew he was loved and seen. That is what the Father did for Jesus. He publicly declared, “This is My Son.” It was affirmation, love, and commissioning all at once.

The amazing truth is that God feels the same way toward His children who have been adopted into His family by grace through faith in Jesus. Have you received God’s affirmation in your own heart? When you consider your identity, do you believe you are dearly loved and sent by God?

 

Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

Digging Deeper – Jesus Understood the Mission

Avatar photo Steve Roach on January 12, 2026

 

“One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized.”

Luke 3:21 (NLT)

 

JESUS UNDERSTOOD THE MISSION

Jesus did not need baptism for repentance, as the others John baptized did. He had no sin to confess. John was hesitant to baptize Him, but Jesus insisted and stepped into the water anyway. Why? Because He came to identify with us in our humanity and to live the human experience. Symbolically, He stepped into the water to preview the mission He came to fulfill: to die, be buried, and rise again.

His baptism was a living parable. It showed that He would one day go down into death on our behalf and rise to bring us new life. It was a moment of divine clarity and a clear understanding of His mission. His baptism marked the beginning of a public journey that would culminate in the cross and resurrection.

We often think of baptism as symbolizing our commitment to God. But here, it is Jesus’ commitment to us. He was showing that He would go where we could not, do what we could not, and make a way back to God.

Imagine a lifeguard who sees someone drowning. He does not shout instructions from the shore. He dives in. That is what Jesus did. He did not shout at us from heaven. He did not stay distant from our sin and suffering. He came down into the water with us, not to be cleansed Himself, but to begin the rescue.

Here is another way to look at it. During the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, Dr. Kent Brantly volunteered to treat patients even though it put him at risk. Eventually, he contracted the virus himself. When asked why he went, he said, “God called me to go. I was not called to comfort but to obedience.” Jesus did something even greater. He did not just risk His life. He gave it out of obedience to the mission of His Father.

Have you stepped into the waters to be baptized to show that you have turned from sin and turned to Christ in repentance and surrender? If not, register for our next baptism in The Springs at NorthStar. You can find all the information about how to register and what to expect by following this link: https://northstarchurch.org/baptism.

 

Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

Digging Deeper: Jesus is the Answer

Avatar photo Minda Seagraves on January 9, 2026

 

“Everyone was expecting the Messiah… John answered… ‘Someone is coming who is greater than I
am.’”

Luke 3:15-16 (NLT)


JESUS IS THE ANSWER

 

There is pressure at the beginning of a new year to be more—to fix more, carry more, solve more. Last year reminded me how freeing it is to remember who I am not.

John redirects attention to Jesus. Preparation requires humility—knowing our role and releasing what belongs to God.

Jesus is not just the beginning of the story. He is the answer.

Consider: What expectations might you lay down so Jesus can take His rightful place this year?

 

Minda Seagraves has been married to her best friend, Russell, for 17 years and is mom to Carson and Maddie. She is also a full-time missionary with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as a chaplain to local female high school teams and supports 380 staff across four states in the U.S. and 20 countries in East Africa as the Regional Director of Talent Advancement with FCA. Minda and her family live in Acworth and have been attending NorthStar Church since 2020.

 

Digging Deeper: Prepare the Way Internally

Avatar photo Minda Seagraves on January 8, 2026

 

“The valleys will be filled, and the mountains and hills made level…”

Luke 3:4-6 (NLT)


PREPARE THE WAY INTERNALLY

 

Last year reminded me that capacity is not constant. Some days hold more strength than others. Plans shift. Expectations adjust.

God prepares hearts, not schedules. Valleys and mountains represent both despair and pride—places that make encountering Jesus harder.

God is not rushing us. He is readying us.

Consider: Where might God be inviting patience instead of pressure right now?

 

Minda Seagraves has been married to her best friend, Russell, for 17 years and is mom to Carson and Maddie. She is also a full-time missionary with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as a chaplain to local female high school teams and supports 380 staff across four states in the U.S. and 20 countries in East Africa as the Regional Director of Talent Advancement with FCA. Minda and her family live in Acworth and have been attending NorthStar Church since 2020.

 

Digging Deeper: Jesus is the Judge

Avatar photo Minda Seagraves on January 7, 2026

 

“Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised…”

Luke 3:9 (NLT)


JESUS IS THE JUDGE

 

Judgment can feel like a harsh word, especially when life already feels fragile. Last year helped me see that God’s judgment is not about condemnation—it is about clarity.

Trees are judged by fruit, not intention or appearance. Scripture tells us that judgment has been entrusted to Jesus, not as cruelty, but as righteousness.

In God’s hands, judgment becomes an act of mercy.

Consider: What might God be pruning—not to punish, but to bring life?

 

Minda Seagraves has been married to her best friend, Russell, for 17 years and is mom to Carson and Maddie. She is also a full-time missionary with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as a chaplain to local female high school teams and supports 380 staff across four states in the U.S. and 20 countries in East Africa as the Regional Director of Talent Advancement with FCA. Minda and her family live in Acworth and have been attending NorthStar Church since 2020.

 

Holy Graduation Day

Kevin Burrell on January 7, 2026

 

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants.”

Psalm 116:15

 

HOLY GRADUATION DAY

A couple weeks ago, my son Zach experienced his college graduation at Kennesaw State University. It was an exciting moment watching him walk into the convocation center to the “Pomp and Circumstance” hymn and then walking across the stage to receive his graduation diploma, each step representing years of hard work, discipline, sacrifice, growth, and determination.

Graduation day did not come easily. However, when it arrived, it was filled with anticipation, celebration, excitement, and deep gratitude. It marked not an ending, but a new beginning.

Psalm 116:15 invites us to see life and death through a very similar lens. At first glance, the verse appears heavy:

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants.”

Death does not feel precious to those who are left behind. It brings loss, grief, separation, and unanswered questions. However, Scripture gently pulls back the curtains of heaven and allows us to glimpse God’s perspective, one shaped not by sorrow, but by completion, honor, and unconditional love.

For the servant of God, death is not defeat. It is a “Holy Graduation Day.”

Just as Zach’s college graduation marked the completion of years of preparation, so the death of God’s faithful servants marks the completion of a life lived in trust, surrender, obedience, and perseverance. Every prayer whispered, every tear shed, every burden carried, every disciple made, and every act of faithfulness, seen or unseen, comes to its full reward. Heaven celebrates what earth now releases.

God calls this moment “Precious.” Not rushed. Not panicked. Not dismissed. Not overlooked. But precious.

Why? Because it represents the fulfillment of God’s work in the life of His child. The believer fought the good fight. The believer finished the race. The believer kept the faith. Lessons have been learned. Trials have shaped the soul. And now, God the Father welcomes His son or daughter home.

Like a proud parent watching a child receive their graduation diploma, our Heavenly Father delights in that final “Holy Graduation Day” into His presence. He is not indifferent to the passing of His saints. He treasures it. Their arrival in heaven is marked by perfect love, joy, honor, and eternal reward.

For those of us still on the journey, this truth brings comfort and hope. We grieve, yes, but not without hope and assurance. Graduation days are emotional because they are significant. They matter. And so does the moment when a [servant of God] steps from this life into eternity.

Listen closely. One day, every servant of God will experience their own “Holy Graduation Day.” If that describes you, your life of faith will be complete. Your struggles in this world will give way to glory. And the Lord Himself will declare your moment precious.

However, until that day, remain faithful, trusting, serving, locking eyes with Jesus every day, and walking toward Him in obedience, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. And when your final day comes, it will not be marked by fear, but by fulfillment. Why?

Because “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants.”

Love God. Love people. Live sent.

Be Worth Being.

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 the Forgiver

Avatar photo Minda Seagraves on January 6, 2026

 

“…preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”

Luke 3:3 (NLT)


JESUS IS THE FORGIVER

 

Last year reshaped how I think about repentance. I no longer associate it primarily with shame or self-correction, but with alignment. Repentance has looked less like trying harder and more like releasing what no longer brings life.

John’s message is clear: repentance prepares the way for forgiveness. It is not repentance that saves, but repentance that opens us to receive grace. Forgiveness is not earned by heritage, effort, or religious familiarity.

Jesus forgives completely, but He invites honesty first.

Consider: What might God be inviting you to turn toward as this new year begins?

 

Minda Seagraves has been married to her best friend, Russell, for 17 years and is mom to Carson and Maddie. She is also a full-time missionary with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as a chaplain to local female high school teams and supports 380 staff across four states in the U.S. and 20 countries in East Africa as the Regional Director of Talent Advancement with FCA. Minda and her family live in Acworth and have been attending NorthStar Church since 2020.

 

Digging Deeper: God Speaks in the Wilderness

Avatar photo Minda Seagraves on January 5, 2026

 

“At this time a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living in the wilderness…”

Luke 3:2-3 (NLT)


GOD SPEAKS IN THE WILDERNESS

 

Last year taught me how much clarity can come from quieter spaces. When life slows—whether by choice or circumstance—we often notice things we’ve been too busy to hear. Wilderness seasons strip away noise, schedules, and the illusion of control. They are rarely comfortable, but they are often clarifying.

Luke intentionally names powerful political and religious leaders, only to tell us that God’s word bypassed all of them and came instead to John in the wilderness. Preparation for Jesus did not begin in palaces or temples, but in obscurity. God’s voice is not impressed by influence; it is drawn to availability.

The wilderness is not a punishment. It is a place of preparation.

Consider: Where has life slowed enough for you to listen—and what might God be speaking there?

Minda Seagraves has been married to her best friend, Russell, for 17 years and is mom to Carson and Maddie. She is also a full-time missionary with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as a chaplain to local female high school teams and supports 380 staff across four states in the U.S. and 20 countries in East Africa as the Regional Director of Talent Advancement with FCA. Minda and her family live in Acworth and have been attending NorthStar Church since 2020.