Digging Deeper – Time for a Cartoon Break

Avatar photo Chris Boggess on July 29, 2026

 

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 

Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT)


TIME FOR A CARTOON BREAK

I, like probably many of you, grew up on Saturday morning cartoons. At a time when there was no streaming—not even VHS tapes or DVDs—you had to get up early and stay planted in front of the TV until around noon to enjoy all the colorful goodness! Even getting up to grab a bowl of cereal or use the bathroom was a race to beat the end of the commercial break.

Even the commercials were pretty cool sometimes. In between episodes of Scooby-Doo or Super Friends, there were ads for Hot Wheels, Micronauts, and Stretch Armstrong. But we all knew they were just commercials, so it was okay if we missed a few while enjoying the main shows.

TV networks were also required to include educational programming during commercial breaks, and that’s where the classic Schoolhouse Rock! segments came in. Everyone of a certain age just started hearing “Conjunction Junction” playing on repeat in their heads…you’re welcome.

Then the FCC relaxed its rules about marketing to children, and in the 1980s, the lines between commercials and cartoons began to blur. Was He-Man a cartoon, or was it really a long-form advertisement? It seemed like every toy line had its own TV show designed to boost sales.

The goal of the advertising was to make kids see those toys as not merely things they wanted, but things they needed. Coveting was the objective. You would watch the show and then see a commercial featuring kids just like you playing with those toys in a bedroom or backyard that looked just like yours. You’d think, “That could be me,” or, even more intensely, “That should be me.”

So you begged your parents, wrote requests to Santa, or “accidentally” left birthday wish lists where your parents were sure to find them. But inevitably, when we finally got those toys, they never lived up to the promise of the commercials. Those things never satisfied the longing that the marketing had ignited.

Some of us may still have trouble shaking off the programming that was instilled by G.I. Joe and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The world wants us to covet. Advertisers want us to look outward for satisfaction in things, but God wants us to look to Him. The “things” we believe we need will never truly satisfy us.

Take a moment to reread Paul’s words to the church at Philippi that are quoted at the beginning of this post. Where do you need to learn contentment? Where in your life are you more tuned in to the commercials playing around you than to the blessings you already have?

Chris Boggess is the Care + Family Pastor at NorthStar Church. He grew up in St. Albans, West Virginia, and still cheers for the Mountaineers. He and his wife, Heather, have two grown children and one granddaughter.

Make Every Day Count

Kevin Burrell on July 29, 2026

 

“Pay close attention to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time you have, because the days are evil.” 

Ephesians 5:15-16

 

MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT

Recently, I came across a powerful quote: “They can make more money—but they can’t make more time.”

One of the greatest reminders that tomorrow is never promised is the story of my own father and sister.

It was Easter Sunday morning in 2021. My father was doing exactly what he had done for countless years—getting ready to go to church and worship his risen Savior.

As he stepped into his car to drive to the Easter morning service, the Lord called him home. There was no warning. None of us knew that what seemed like an ordinary Sunday morning would become his entrance into eternity. He never made it to the church building, but by God’s grace, he arrived in the presence of the One he had faithfully worshiped every day.

Then, exactly one month later, my sister woke up like it was any other day. But by noon, she was gone, having passed away suddenly and unexpectedly.

Time is the one resource God gives equally to every person. Every morning we wake up with a fresh 24 hours—or 86,400 seconds—yet none of us are promised we’ll make it through the day.

Paul reminds us in Ephesians to “pay careful attention” to how we live. That phrase implies intentionality. It means we don’t drift through life—we direct it. We don’t waste our days—we steward them. We manage our time, or our time will manage us.

The world constantly competes for our attention. Endless distractions, entertainment, meetings, and busyness can consume our schedules while leaving our souls empty. It’s possible to be busy every day, yet accomplish nothing of eternal value. Paul says that wisdom is found in “making the best use of the time.”

Don’t miss that!

In other words, redeem every opportunity God places before you.

Live today as if there is no tomorrow—not with fear, but with purpose. Love your family well. Encourage someone who is discouraged. Share your faith. Forgive quickly. Serve generously. Invest in people rather than possessions.

The greatest legacy you will ever leave isn’t what you accumulated; it’s who you influenced for Christ.

One day, our careers will end. Our achievements will fade. Our names may even be forgotten. But every act of obedience to God, every soul impacted, every life encouraged, and every seed of faith planted will continue to bear fruit long after we’re gone. That’s the kind of life that outlives the grave.

Listen Closely: The greatest legacy isn’t how long you live, but how faithfully you live until God calls you home.

So ask yourself today:

If this were my last day, would I spend it the way I’m planning to?

Am I investing my time in things that matter for eternity, or merely things that matter for the moment?

Every day is a gift. Every moment is an opportunity. Every decision is an investment in eternity.

Choose to walk wisely, redeem the time you have, and live in such a way that when your race is finished, the impact of your life continues to point others to Jesus long after you’re gone.

Make Every Day Count!

 

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 45 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 – The Heart Lies

Avatar photo Chris Boggess on July 28, 2026

 

“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things,
    and desperately wicked.
    Who really knows how bad it is?
10 But I, the Lord, search all hearts
    and examine secret motives.
I give all people their due rewards,
    according to what their actions deserve.”

Jeremiah 17:9-10 (NLT)


THE HEART LIES

Jeremiah 17:9 is a verse that I quoted many times during my years in student ministry. Adolescent brains develop from the back to the front; the parts of the brain that control feelings and desires mature before the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for reasoning and decision-making. In a sense, our “heart” is really in the middle of our brain. For a teenager, that “heart” is often the loudest voice in their head.

We have all lived through this stage of life, and we know that many of the decisions we made as teenagers were not especially well-reasoned or insightful. In fact, many of them were downright foolish. This is one reason I am so thankful my teenage years predated social media, so there isn’t a permanent record of all my bad decisions. The problem for many of us is that, like teenagers, we continue to trust our emotional hearts and rationalize their desires.

In our culture today, we often place extra emphasis on those desires. We use phrases like, “My heart is set on it,” or, “The heart wants what it wants.” We justify our desires with sayings such as, “Follow your heart,” or, “Trust your heart.”

But Jeremiah encourages us to do the exact opposite! He warns us not to trust our hearts, reminding us that they can deceive us. What our hearts want is often not what God wants for us. At its core, coveting is choosing to trust our hearts more than we trust our God.

Trusting God is the opposite of trusting our hearts. I love what Jeremiah 17:10 tells us—that God examines our hearts and rewards us according to our ways and the fruit of our actions. It is important to note that God is not merely concerned with our outward behavior but also with our motives. Our relationship with God is not rooted simply in what we do but in what is in our hearts.

Just like yesterday, take a moment to examine your heart. Are you trusting your heart more than you are trusting God?

 

Chris Boggess is the Care + Family Pastor at NorthStar Church. He grew up in St. Albans, West Virginia, and still cheers for the Mountaineers. He and his wife, Heather, have two grown children and one granddaughter.

Digging Deeper – The Heart of the Issue

Avatar photo Chris Boggess on July 27, 2026

 

“You must not have any other god but me.” 

“You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.” “

Exodus 20:3; 17 (NLT)

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ 22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! 

 “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 

Matthew 5:21-22a; 27-28 (NLT)


THE HEART OF THE ISSUE

Years ago, I remember there being a big kerfuffle about whether the Ten Commandments should be displayed in courthouses. The pro-display crowd argued that the Ten Commandments were a legal document and therefore had a place in modern courthouses.

I always thought this argument was a little off. The Ten Commandments definitely give us a template for how to live in harmony with one another and with God, but as a legal document, they are severely lacking. They identify offenses but provide no indication of the punishments for violating them. Then they conclude with the unusual commandment, “Do not covet.”

Unlike stealing, murder, or adultery, coveting does not directly affect those around me. It is not an action but a thought. And last I checked, we do not make laws about thoughts.

At first glance, the commandment about coveting seems a bit out of place among the other nine. It stands out because it can be hidden away. It is a commandment that only you and God know whether you are keeping.

But there is one other commandment like it: the first commandment, to have no other gods before Jehovah. I believe these two commandments are the key to understanding what God is telling His people through the Ten Commandments.

I believe Jesus was helping His listeners understand what these commandments were truly teaching when He addressed two of the biggest ones on the list: adultery and murder. Instead of focusing only on the actions themselves, Jesus pointed out that these sinful actions begin in our thoughts—with the desires and impulses that come before the action.

Jesus addressed two commandments that are clearly tied to outward actions and explained that the actions themselves are not the root problem. Rather, they are symptoms of an issue within the heart.

Take a moment for some honest self-reflection. Is your heart aligned with God today? What have you allowed to come before Him in your life?

Surrender those things to Him. Get your heart right, and obedience to the other commands will follow.

 

Chris Boggess is the Care + Family Pastor at NorthStar Church. He grew up in St. Albans, West Virginia, and still cheers for the Mountaineers. He and his wife, Heather, have two grown children and one granddaughter.

Digging Deeper: The Heart Behind the Words

Avatar photo Larry Grays on July 24, 2026

 

“A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart.”

Matthew 12:35 (NLT)


THE HEART BEHIND THE WORDS

 

A little girl proudly announced to her mother, “I didn’t say anything mean to my brother today.” Her mom smiled and asked, “What were you thinking?” The little girl paused and replied, “Oh…I thought lots of mean things. I just didn’t say them.” Children have a wonderful way of reminding us that God cares about more than our behavior.

Throughout this week’s passages, we’ve discovered that the ninth commandment isn’t merely about telling the truth. It’s about becoming truthful people. That transformation begins in the heart. Jesus changes us from the inside out. As He reshapes our hearts, our speech changes naturally. We begin speaking with greater honesty, greater courage, greater kindness, and greater encouragement because His Spirit is producing new fruit within us.

The goal isn’t simply controlling our tongues through willpower. The goal is allowing Christ to transform our hearts. That’s the gift of the Gospel. We don’t become truthful people by trying harder. We become truthful people by staying closer to Jesus. As our hearts become more like His, our words increasingly overflow with His grace and truth. May people hear Jesus every time they hear us speak.

Reflection Questions

If someone listened to your conversations all week, what would they learn about your heart and God’s heart?

How is Jesus inviting you to grow in truth and grace?

Suggested Prayer

Lord Jesus, continue transforming my heart so that my words consistently point people to You. Let my speech be marked by truth, love, grace, and encouragement every day. Amen.

 

Dr. Larry Grays is passionate about helping churches grow and reaching people in fresh, creative ways. He launched a church in a Midtown Atlanta movie theater and later served as an Urban Church Planting Strategist with the North American Mission Board. Today, he speaks, writes, and coaches pastors and leaders. Larry has degrees from UCF, Southeastern Seminary, and Southern Seminary—but more importantly, he loves Jesus, good coffee, and seeing the next generation step into their calling. He and his wife Lori love raising their incredible kids and love doing life and ministry together.

Digging Deeper: Do My Words Build Up My Neighbor?

Avatar photo Larry Grays on July 23, 2026

 

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”

Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)


DO MY WORDS BUILD UP MY NEIGHBOR?

 

In 1854, a young Thomas Edison was sent home from school with a sealed note for his mother, Nancy Edison. The teacher’s note stated that Thomas was “addled,” intellectually deficient, and could no longer be taught at the school. Nancy, however, chose not to repeat the teacher’s cruel assessment. Instead, she read the note aloud to her son, telling him, “Your teacher says you are too smart for this school and should be homeschooled.” She chose to frame his differences as signs of genius rather than failure. Decades later, after finding that very note among his mother’s papers, Edison wrote, “Thomas A. Edison was an addled child that, by a hero mother, became the genius of the century.” Her words didn’t just build him up; they literally redirected the course of his life—and, arguably, modern history.

Paul tells believers in Ephesians 4:29 to “let everything you say be good and helpful.” This is a mandate to filter our speech through the lens of grace. Notice that Paul doesn’t stop with truth; he instructs us to communicate in a way that provides “encouragement to those who hear.” Truth without love can be harsh, and love without truth can be empty. Biblical communication always brings both together.

Every conversation is an opportunity either to strengthen someone’s faith or weaken their spirit. Our words can heal or wound, encourage or discourage. We have a unique calling to intentionally use our speech to build others up. Imagine what would happen if every conversation at home, at work, at school, and at church became an intentional act of grace.

Reflection Questions

  • Who in your life needs an encouraging word from you today?
  • How can you make your conversations more intentional this week by focusing on “building up” rather than simply “speaking”?

Suggested Prayer

Father, thank You for the power of words. Let my mouth become an instrument of Your grace so that everything I say is helpful and an encouragement to everyone I meet. Amen.

 

Dr. Larry Grays is passionate about helping churches grow and reaching people in fresh, creative ways. He launched a church in a Midtown Atlanta movie theater and later served as an Urban Church Planting Strategist with the North American Mission Board. Today, he speaks, writes, and coaches pastors and leaders. Larry has degrees from UCF, Southeastern Seminary, and Southern Seminary—but more importantly, he loves Jesus, good coffee, and seeing the next generation step into their calling. He and his wife Lori love raising their incredible kids and love doing life and ministry together.

Digging Deeper: Do My Words Reveal that I Trust God?

Avatar photo Larry Grays on July 22, 2026

 

“But Peter denied it…”

Matthew 26:70 (NLT)


DO MY WORDS REVEAL THAT I TRUST GOD?

 

A pastor laughed while telling the story of accidentally sending a text message complaining about a meeting—to the very person he was complaining about. After a moment of panic, he apologized immediately. Later, he joked, “Apparently the Lord wanted me to practice confession much sooner than I planned.”

Most of us have experienced moments when fear causes us to say things we later regret. Peter certainly did. In Matthew 26, Peter had boldly promised he would never deny Jesus. Yet only hours later, standing beside a charcoal fire, he denied knowing Christ three separate times. Why? Fear.

Peter feared what people might do more than he trusted what God could do. His words exposed the battle taking place in his heart. Thankfully, Peter’s story doesn’t end in failure. After the resurrection, Jesus lovingly restored him and used him to boldly proclaim the Gospel. That’s wonderful news for us: our failures don’t have to become our identity.

Trusting God often becomes most visible in ordinary conversations. We may not deny Jesus with our lips, but sometimes we remain silent when we should speak, compromise the truth to gain approval, or soften our convictions because we’re afraid of rejection. Courage grows when trust in God becomes greater than the fear of people.

Reflection Questions

  • What fears most often influence your words?
  • Where is God asking you to speak the truth with courage?

Suggested Prayer

Lord, strengthen my faith so that my words reveal confidence in You rather than fear of others. Amen.

 

Dr. Larry Grays is passionate about helping churches grow and reaching people in fresh, creative ways. He launched a church in a Midtown Atlanta movie theater and later served as an Urban Church Planting Strategist with the North American Mission Board. Today, he speaks, writes, and coaches pastors and leaders. Larry has degrees from UCF, Southeastern Seminary, and Southern Seminary—but more importantly, he loves Jesus, good coffee, and seeing the next generation step into their calling. He and his wife Lori love raising their incredible kids and love doing life and ministry together.

A Heart That Speaks

Kevin Burrell on July 22, 2026

 

“What you say flows from what is in your heart.”

Luke 6:45

 

A HEART THAT SPEAKS

Have you ever squeezed an orange? No matter how hard you squeeze it, orange juice comes out because that’s what’s inside.

The same is true of us. When life puts pressure on us—through stress, persecution, disappointment, defeat, or relational conflict—what comes out of our mouths reveals what’s truly in our hearts.

Words That Tear People Down

“You’ll never measure up.”

“I don’t believe in you.”

“You’re a disappointment.”

“You’re bringing our team down.”

“You’re worthless.”

Words That Build People Up

“God has a purpose for your life.”

“I believe in you.”

“You’re valuable to our team.”

“I believe God is working in you.”

“You’re deeply appreciated.”

Jesus said, “What you say flows from what is in your heart.”

Our words are not just sounds; they are the overflow of our hearts. If our hearts are filled with anger, bitterness, pride, jealousy, or unforgiveness, those things will eventually come out in our speech.

But if our hearts have been transformed by Christ and filled with His love, joy, peace, grace, and truth, our words will reflect His character.

Proverbs 18:21 says:

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

Don’t miss that!

Listen closely: Every day you have a choice. You can speak words that wound or words that heal. You can criticize or encourage. You can tear someone down or remind them of who they are in Christ.

I’m often reminded:

“Hurt people hurt people.”

The good news is that Jesus doesn’t just tell us to control our tongues—He changes our hearts.

Spend time with God by reading His Word, praying, and allowing the Holy Spirit to shape you so that your heart becomes more like His.

Because when your heart changes, your words begin to change too.

Today, before you speak, text, or email, ask yourself:

  • Are my words bringing life?
  • Do they reflect the heart of Christ?

Choose to be a person whose words encourage, build up, strengthen, forgive, and speak hope.

Progress, Not Perfection!

After all, what flows from a redeemed heart will always point others to the One who redeemed it.

 

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 45 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: Do My Words Reflect God’s Character?

Avatar photo Larry Grays on July 21, 2026

 

“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.'”

John 14:6 (NLT)


DO YOUR WORDS REFLECT GOD’S CHARACTER?

 

A customer once noticed a small sign behind the counter at a neighborhood bakery that read, “We’d rather lose a sale than lose your trust.” Curious, he asked the owner about it. The baker smiled and explained, “People can forgive a stale loaf of bread once in a while. They don’t forgive dishonesty.” That little sign became one of the bakery’s greatest advertisements because customers knew they could trust the people behind the counter.

Trust grows where truth lives. Jesus doesn’t merely tell the truth; He is the Truth. Everything Jesus said perfectly reflected the character of God because Jesus Himself is God. There was never deception, exaggeration, manipulation, or hidden motives in His words.

As His followers, we are called to become people whose speech increasingly resembles His. That doesn’t mean we’re brutally honest in ways that unnecessarily wound people. Jesus consistently combined truth with grace. He confronted sin without condemning sinners. He corrected people while still extending compassion.

Our culture often encourages two unhealthy extremes: saying whatever feels good or avoiding the truth altogether to keep the peace. Jesus models a better way. Every conversation is an opportunity to represent Christ well. Whether we’re talking to family members, coworkers, neighbors, or posting online, our words should reflect the truthfulness, kindness, and integrity of our Savior. When people hear us speak, they should hear echoes of Jesus.

Reflection Questions

  • Would those closest to you describe you as consistently truthful?
  • How can your speech better reflect the character of Jesus this week?

Suggested Prayer

Father, let my words accurately reflect the character of Christ in every conversation. Amen.

 

Dr. Larry Grays is passionate about helping churches grow and reaching people in fresh, creative ways. He launched a church in a Midtown Atlanta movie theater and later served as an Urban Church Planting Strategist with the North American Mission Board. Today, he speaks, writes, and coaches pastors and leaders. Larry has degrees from UCF, Southeastern Seminary, and Southern Seminary—but more importantly, he loves Jesus, good coffee, and seeing the next generation step into their calling. He and his wife Lori love raising their incredible kids and love doing life and ministry together.

Digging Deeper: You Can Handle the Truth

Avatar photo Larry Grays on July 20, 2026

 

“For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.”

Matthew 12:34 (NLT)


YOU CAN HANDLE THE TRUTH

 

Humorist Mark Twain is often credited with saying, “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.” While historians debate whether those exact words appeared in his writings, the quote has endured because it captures an undeniable reality. Most of us have experienced the exhausting work of trying to keep a story straight after stretching the truth. One lie usually requires another, and before long, we’re working harder to remember our version of events than the events themselves.

Jesus teaches that truthfulness is far more than simply having a good memory. In Matthew 12, He explains that our words reveal our hearts. Whatever fills our hearts eventually flows from our mouths. Honest words come from hearts that have been transformed by God, while deceitful words reveal something deeper that needs His attention.

The ninth commandment isn’t simply about avoiding lies. It is an invitation to become people whose hearts are so shaped by Christ that truth becomes our natural language. For the NorthStar family, that’s encouraging because Jesus doesn’t simply modify our speech; He transforms the source of our speech. As we spend time with Him, our conversations become more honest, more gracious, and more life-giving.

Reflection Questions

  • What did your words last week reveal about your heart?
  • How is Jesus changing the way you communicate with others this week?

Suggested Prayer

Lord Jesus, transform my heart so that my words consistently reflect Your truth and Your love. Amen.

Dr. Larry Grays is passionate about helping churches grow and reaching people in fresh, creative ways. He launched a church in a Midtown Atlanta movie theater and later served as an Urban Church Planting Strategist with the North American Mission Board. Today, he speaks, writes, and coaches pastors and leaders. Larry has degrees from UCF, Southeastern Seminary, and Southern Seminary—but more importantly, he loves Jesus, good coffee, and seeing the next generation step into their calling. He and his wife Lori love raising their incredible kids and love doing life and ministry together.