Digging Deeper: Getting Answers from the Right Person

Avatar photo Lee Wilson on July 9, 2025

 

39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him,[a] saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Luke 23:39-43 (NLT)


GETTING ANSWERS FROM THE RIGHT PERSON

 

Recently, my wife had a scary encounter at work. She was setting up a display at a retail store when one of the metal crossing bars on the display came loose and fell on her arm. She’s far tougher than me and despises any kind of pity or attention, so she initially tried to push through the mishap.

After a few minutes—and some immediate swelling—it became clear that pressing on wasn’t an option. She called me, and I left to go with her to urgent care. Since this was a workplace incident, there’s a specific protocol for treatment, including which doctor to visit and how to appropriately seek care.

My poor, injured wife was mistakenly given two incorrect addresses for care and was turned away both times! A frustrating experience, to say the least. After one more phone call, we were finally connected with someone who helped update us on the correct care options. Eventually, we found the right person who could help, and thankfully, what was initially feared to be a fracture turned out to be just a contusion.

It’s important to find the right person to ask for help. As we studied Luke 23 this week and focused on the thief on the cross, we see that the penitent thief asked for help from the right person. After acknowledging his guilt, he asked Jesus to remember him in His kingdom.

Sometimes, we can find the answers to life’s questions right in front of us. The nature of our daily problems may be solvable with our own intellect and resources. But this can breed an unhealthy sense of self-sufficiency that will falter when the problem grows beyond our ability to manage. Some problems are simply too big for us to solve.

So what do you do when you face life’s biggest problems? It is a universal truth that we will have trouble in this world (John 16:33), so are you trusting in the One who overcame the world to solve them?

The thief on the cross was saved—in part because he asked the right person for help. Jesus, battered and bloodied on the cross next to him, assured him that his faith had brought him to paradise.

Jesus says He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). We will always face problems bigger than ourselves, questions we can’t answer, and situations that don’t make sense. In those moments, it’s crucial that we seek help from the right person.

 

Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

Digging Deeper: Hope in Him

Avatar photo Lee Wilson on July 8, 2025

 

39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him,[a] saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Luke 23:39-43 (NLT)


HOPE IN HIM

 

In my general life, I’m a pretty optimistic person. I’m normally positive and enjoy trying to be a source of encouragement for other people. I do have kryptonite, though, and there’s one aspect of my life that can cause me to be more cynical and pessimistic than I usually am—the fact that I’m an Atlanta sports fan.

Whether it’s “28-3,” Leyritz taking Wohlers deep, or even the recent slew of injuries to the Braves’ rotation, it seems I’ve developed a negative reflex when it comes to my sports fandom. This drives my wife—the eternal sports optimist—crazy. She will sit and watch until the last out or until the clock hits zero, believing her team can still win. She has a hopefulness I envy—and one we should all seek to maintain.

As Andy Dufresne says, “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things.”

Not being persuaded out of your hope by negativity is a worthy pursuit. But when you find yourself in a perilous situation, staying hopeful becomes much more difficult than simply trying to have faith in the Braves’ bullpen this season.

As we discussed Luke 23 this week, we visited the scene of the two thieves alongside Jesus. Both were condemned to death for crimes that are not fully detailed—both were set to face eternal judgment. As the two men hang there, there’s a stark contrast in how they speak to Jesus.

The first cares only about escape. Both men would likely have had knowledge of who Jesus was and why he was there, and by simply looking at him, they would see that his punishment was far more barbaric and severe than theirs to that point.

The first thief doesn’t seem to care about Jesus but offers a faint, last-minute plea for freedom, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” In his words, there’s a drip of desperation—and maybe even doubt.

Knowing the fate that awaited them, the other thief isn’t persuaded to join in. His initial response is a rebuke: “Do you not fear God?” This tells us two things—he did fear God, and that fear was driving him more than the terror or madness of the moment.

We may not face crucifixion, but we all encounter moments in life that can cause us to doubt. We read tragic headlines, see loved ones walk through dark valleys, or experience depression and sadness like we’ve never known. In those moments, it’s easy to cry out, “Jesus, why aren’t you coming down off that cross to help me?”

It’s a human response—but not a godly one. Instead, we must remain hopeful, full of repentance, and walking in a healthy fear of the Lord.

The last out hasn’t been recorded yet, so never give up the hope you have in Him.

 

Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

Digging Deeper: Judgment Day

Avatar photo Lee Wilson on July 7, 2025

 

39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him,[a] saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Luke 23:39-43 (NLT)


JUDGMENT DAY

 

My eldest son just turned 10, and as part of his celebration, he wanted to go to Six Flags because he is finally tall enough to ride everything there. So we went on Batman, the Scorcher (twice), and more—and he ate up every second of it. He loves roller coasters, just like his dad.

Part of the thrill is the initial climb up the track. As you inch closer to the top, you know the rush is coming—that initial drop and those loops are just on the horizon. The anticipation is almost as much fun as the ride itself, because we know something thrilling is about to follow.

This week, as we studied the “thief on the cross” passage in Luke, we find Jesus on the cross with two thieves. We aren’t told much about them, but we can quickly glean a few things: they were not claiming innocence, and neither wanted to be there.

Crucifixion was considered a humiliating and barbaric death in ancient Rome. It was reserved for threats to the state, slaves, and those who committed heinous crimes. Most Roman citizens were spared from it unless they committed treason or rebellion. So we can assume these men had done something significant to draw the ire of Rome.

Hebrews says that immediately after we die, we are judged (Hebrews 9:27). Death and judgment were now inevitable for the thieves. In the midst of their brief moments with Jesus, we get a very clear depiction of the hearts of the two men beside him. One man desperately wants escape and demands that, if Jesus is who he says he is, he should save himself—and them.

The other man, often referred to as “the penitent thief,” took a courageously different stance. He rebukes his fellow thief for his lack of contrition and simply acknowledges that he deserves to be there. We don’t know what he did, but his admission suggests he believed the punishment was justified.

He asks Jesus to remember him in his kingdom, to which Jesus famously replies, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Hearing those words must have done something profound for his soul. As he hung on the cross in unimaginable pain, he suddenly received the greatest news anyone could ever hear.

While it might be an overstatement to say he was eager to die, the anticipation that must have followed those words from Jesus is incomparable. And it’s an anticipation that can be ours as well.

We are just like the thieves. We are rightly condemned by our sins and deserve the full punishment of God’s law. Will we struggle, fight, and hope for the best? Or will we acknowledge our missteps and look to Jesus for mercy?

If we trust in him, we can wait with eager anticipation—because we know something thrilling is about to follow. We do not need to fear death, because belief in Jesus means we too can be with him in paradise!

Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

Digging Deeper: Follow Suit

Avatar photo Kelly Skelton on July 4, 2025


I have given you an example to follow; do as I have done.”

John 13:15 (NLT)


FOLLOW SUIT

 

Jesus doesn’t just serve—He invites us to follow.
It’s not a suggestion—it’s a commissioning.

When we think back to the story of Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet and Martha busy in service, we’re reminded that both devotion and action matter in His Kingdom.

To be a foot-washer in today’s world is to lean into both.
It means praying with a friend in crisis.
Running errands for an overwhelmed co-worker.
Mentoring someone who’s struggling.
Listening—really listening—without rushing to fix.

Jesus says, “As I have done, you should do.”
That means we carry His towel into every room we enter—ready to serve, ready to love, ready to get a little messy for the sake of others.

Prayer
As we end the work week, Jesus, help us carry the towel of servant love into every space we enter. Whether through words or actions, help us walk out our faith boldly and humbly. Make us people who don’t wait to be asked, but who joyfully follow Your example and lean in—ready to serve, ready to love, and ready to reflect You.
Amen.

 

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: There’s Healing in Humility

Avatar photo Kelly Skelton on July 3, 2025


Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Philippians 2:3-4 (NLT)


THERE’S HEALING IN HUMILITY

 

We live in a world that celebrates the loudest voice and the most curated image.
We tend to look to highlight reels and find validation in likes and comments.

But the Kingdom of God looks different.

It celebrates hidden faithfulness and humility.
It honors quiet serving, unseen volunteering, and deep, sacrificial love.

So often, we feel pressure to measure up—to be everything to everyone.
But Jesus calls us to something quieter, deeper: humility that heals.

When we choose to serve instead of compete, to lift others instead of comparing ourselves, we create space for God’s love to thrive.

Humility isn’t weakness.
It’s the strength to serve when no one notices, when no one applauds, when it’s not shared on a screen.
It’s the power to love without keeping score—to step up, lean in, and put someone else’s needs before our own.

Prayer
Lord, today I ask You to free us from the pressure to prove ourselves. Teach us to live with open hearts and gentle spirits. Help us serve with grace, knowing You see every hidden act. Remind us that Your thoughts of us are the only ones that truly matter. Give us a love that stretches beyond what’s easy or comfortable. Teach us to love—even when it’s hard—just like Jesus did.
Amen.

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.

 

Provision and Protection

Kevin Burrell on July 2, 2025

 

 

The Lord Himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your provider and protective shade. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. 

 

Psalm 121:5, 7-8

 

PROVISION AND PROTECTION

 

In our backyard stands a birdhouse. As the first rays of sunlight peek through the trees, a female bluebird stirs in her nest. The day begins not with rest or leisure, but with unbridled devotion from the new bluebird parents. From dawn to dusk, they tirelessly search for food—worms, insects, caterpillars, and more—anything to nourish their tiny fledglings. They make countless trips all day, fluttering back and forth between the wild and the nest, delivering provisions straight into eager mouths.

However, their care doesn’t stop with feeding. The male bluebird stands guard, alert to every sound and shadow: a rustle in the grass, a predator hawk lurking in nearby trees. He flares his wings and sounds an alarm, ready to fight, to flee, to protect at all costs. His devotion is constant, unwavering, and sacrificial. The young may not understand all that both parents do for them; however, their care surrounds the fledglings every moment of the day.

In a similar way, our Heavenly Father watches over His children. From the moment we rise to the time we lay down—and even in our sleep—God provides for every need, seen and unseen, known and unknown. We may not always recognize His hand, but He is always working: shielding us from dangers we never knew approached, providing for our every need, and nourishing our souls in ways we cannot measure.

Listen closely: Unlike the bluebird, who must rest when night falls, God never sleeps. His eyes are on you 24/7, 365 days a year. His care never ceases. He hears your cries, knows your fears, and anticipates your needs. Just as the fledglings trust in the provision and protection of their parents without worry or toil, you also should rest in the care of your Heavenly Father.

Let the bluebird be a simple yet profound reminder: if God has written such nurturing love into the instincts of a small bird, how much more has He poured into His love for you? His eye is always on you—because you are the apple of His eye.

What are some ways God has provided and protected you that you only realized in hindsight?

Pause today and thank Him for His unseen hand in your life.

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: Called to Pour Out

Avatar photo Kelly Skelton on July 2, 2025


“No,” Peter protested, “You will never ever wash my feet.”

Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.”

John 13:8 (NLT)


CALLED TO POUR OUT

 

Peter’s resistance to being washed wasn’t about pride—it was about shame.

I think we all know that feeling.
We often carry quiet guilt, old wounds, or hidden insecurities. But Jesus insists:
“Let Me wash you.”

He doesn’t just want our hands that serve—He wants our hearts, fully surrendered.
He longs to wash away every voice that says we’re not enough, so that we can pour into others from a place of healing and wholeness.

To serve like Jesus, we must first be filled by Him.
When we allow Him to cleanse, restore, and heal us, we become vessels of His mercy to a world in desperate need of it.

Prayer
Jesus, today we give You every part of us—the broken, the weary, the unsure. Wash us in Your grace. Quiet the voices of shame and remind us of who we are in You. Fill us, Lord, so we can pour out love and hope wherever You lead us. Use our stories, our scars, and our strength to reflect Your beauty to the world around us.
Amen.

 

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: Love in Action

Avatar photo Kelly Skelton on July 1, 2025


Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end.

John 13:1 (NLT)


LOVE IN ACTION

 

What kind of love kneels before the one who will betray you?
What kind of love washes the feet of someone who will deny even knowing you?

That’s unconditional love.

Jesus’ love didn’t flinch. It didn’t retreat or draw lines. Instead, He leaned in—to everyone at that table.

His act of foot washing was driven by deep, sacrificial love. It wasn’t selective love. Among the disciples were Peter, who would deny Him, and Judas, who would betray Him. Yet Jesus didn’t hesitate. He washed all of their feet—without bitterness, without holding back. That kind of love goes far beyond emotion; it’s a conscious decision to put others first, even when they don’t deserve it.

We know the cost of love—whether in parenthood, friendship, ministry, or leadership. True love means serving when we’re tired, forgiving when it hurts, and showing up even when our hearts are fragile.

Jesus gives us the perfect example: to love bravely, not perfectly. To serve not because others have earned it, but because He first loved us. This kind of love rarely comes with applause. It often happens behind the scenes—through small, sacred sacrifices. But it’s in those hidden places that we are most like Christ.

Prayer
Jesus, help us to lead like You. Give us eyes to see the needs of others and a heart willing to meet those needs, no matter the cost. Help us embody Your love—even when it’s hard, even when it’s not returned. Teach us to serve from a heart that overflows with Your compassion. Let our love be more than words; let it become action that changes lives and transforms the community around us.
Amen.

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: Humbled to Serve

Avatar photo Kelly Skelton on June 30, 2025


Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God.  So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin.  Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.

John 13:3-5 (NLT)


HUMBLED TO SERVE

 

I can’t help but have a vivid picture in my mind as I read these Scriptures: a beautiful, long wooden table surrounded by prominent figures from the Bible—chatting, smiling, and enjoying what would forever be a sacred dinner. Then, Jesus stops. He pushes His seat away from the table and does something most leaders would hardly consider.

In that moment, Jesus flips the script on the world’s definition of leadership.

The disciples had witnessed His miracles, His wisdom, and His power—yet in the upper room, Jesus shocks them. He removes His outer garment, kneels, and begins to wash their feet. I imagine their feet—tattered, cut, scraped, and filthy from the dusty roads they had walked.

We know this wasn’t just any act of service. Foot washing was reserved for the lowest-ranking servant in the household. But here is Jesus—the King of kings—taking on that very role.

What makes this moment even more significant is that Jesus, knowing He was about to be betrayed and crucified, chose to spend His final moments not being served, but serving. His hands, which had healed the sick and raised the dead, were now washing the dirty, calloused feet of His friends.

When we reflect on who Jesus is, and see Him humbly take on the role of a servant, we’re left with a challenge:

What are we willing to lay down in order to serve others?
How can we carry this mindset into our workplace, our homes, and our communities?
What simple act can we offer today to reflect His love?

Prayer
Lord, as we begin this week, open our eyes to the needs around us. Show us where we can step in and serve. Teach us not to consider any act of kindness or humility beneath us. Help us to live like You—with a heart ready to kneel, to serve, and to love. Let us be Your hands and feet in a world that desperately needs Your touch.
Amen.

 

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: I Am the Resurrection

Avatar photo Sellers Hickman on June 27, 2025

 

20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

John 11:20-26 (ESV)


I AM THE RESURRECTION

 

Martha believed that Lazarus would rise again on the last day.
Her answer was theologically correct—Lazarus will rise when the Messiah returns.
But that’s not what Jesus was talking about in that moment.

He surprises her with something even more personal and profound:
Jesus doesn’t just bring resurrection—
He is the resurrection.

Not simply that a resurrection will one day happen, or that He has the power to perform one,
but that Jesus Himself is the resurrection and the life.

This changes everything.

Jesus isn’t pointing to an event.
He’s pointing to Himself.

Eternal life isn’t found in a future timeline—it’s found in a present relationship.
And this resurrection life isn’t just available for Lazarus.
Jesus reassures Martha that anyone who believes in Him will never die.

Now, we know that physical death is still a reality.
All around us, we see the evidence—war, sickness, aging.
Death feels inevitable.

But Jesus wasn’t speaking about the physical.
He was speaking about what matters most: the spiritual.

It reminds me of a story my student pastor once told.

At the time, he had a few young sons—probably around 3 to 5 years old.
One day, he offered them a choice:
“Do you want one piece of cake today, or a whole cake next week?”

Without hesitation, they took the slice.
Immediate pleasure won over a better reward later.

Jesus gives us a similar offer.
On this earth, will you settle for a small taste of temporary satisfaction,
or will you trust Him and receive the eternal feast of joy in the Kingdom of Heaven?

Will you choose the fleeting pleasures of now…
or the everlasting promises of forever?

This pattern runs all throughout Scripture.

Think about the Israelites in the wilderness.
God provided them manna from Heaven—daily bread, fresh each morning.
But instead of gratitude, they grumbled.

They longed for Egypt’s food: fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic (Numbers 11:5).
They begged to go back to slavery just to eat what they missed.
But ahead of them was something so much better:
a Promised Land flowing with milk and honey.

They could settle for cucumbers and onions…
or keep walking toward the feast God had prepared.

We face the same decision.

Jesus stands before us, asking the question from John 11:26:
“Do you believe this?”

Not:

  • “Do you believe in Heaven?”

  • “Do you believe Jesus was a good teacher?”

But:
Do you believe that He is the resurrection and the life?
That even when everything around you feels like death, brokenness, heartbreak, and loss—
He can still bring life?

Do you believe that trusting Him is better than anything you could gain on your own?

 

Sellers Hickman serves as College & Teaching Pastor at NorthStar Church and loves cheering on his Ole Miss Rebels. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Dallas, Ga. with their two daughters. He also serves as the chaplain for the KSU Men’s Basketball team.