Digging Deeper: Pray When Darkness Surrounds You

36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.

Matthew 26:36-39 (ESV)

 



PRAY WHEN DARKNESS SURROUNDS YOU

 

As this story unfolds, Jesus and his disciples have celebrated the Passover with a meal, taken part in the first Communion, and Peter has emphatically pronounced he will never deny Jesus. It is late at night/early in the morning as the group heads to Gethsemane (a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives on the east side of Jerusalem). Darkness is everywhere. Jesus picks out the three who have been his closest friends during his time on earth (Peter, James, and John, v. 37), and he asks them to watch as he walks on alone to pray (v. 39).

Jesus knows what lies ahead: an unimaginably painful physical death on the cross; and, an equally unimaginable spiritual separation from his Father as a result of the weight of the sins of the world being placed upon him. Paul wrote, “21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin” (2 Cor 5:21a).

Jesus is “very” sorrowful and troubled, “even unto death” (v. 37-38). Some translations describe Jesus as exceedingly sorrowful, overwhelmed with sorrow, and full of sorrow. Matthew here is describing a violent emotion, something resembling shock. The King of Kings proceeds to “fall on his face” (v. 39), and begins to pray to his Father. Luke describes Jesus as “being in agony,” his sweat becoming like “great drops of blood falling to the ground” (Luke 22:44). In Jesus’ darkest hour, with the night closing in all around him, he lays prostrate at the feet of his loving Father.

At various times in the Gospels, Jesus goes off to pray, often in the hours of darkness. He does this to connect with his Heavenly Father, and to recharge his Spirit. We are called to do the same. When you find yourself in your darkest hour, pray! When the world seems to be closing in all around you, pray! When you reach rock bottom, just remember to look down at the rock of foundation you are standing on. Fall on your knees and pray! James, the half-brother of Jesus, says it perfectly, 13 “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray” (James 5:13a).

God, in the name of Jesus, through the power of the Spirit, hears our prayers. Praise God that He listens!

 


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

 

Digging Deeper: The Path of Humble Obedience

“For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you.”

John 13:15 (NLT)



THE PATH OF HUMBLE OBEDIENCE

 

In John 13, we find Jesus gathered with His disciples on the night before his crucifixion. In a moment of profound intimacy, He washes their feet, a task typically reserved for the lowest servant. 

 

The disciples are astonished. Peter protests, but Jesus replies with a powerful statement that cuts through to the heart of us all, “So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:14-15)

 

I think many of us can get behind the flashy ways to serve. The ones that command attention as we post them on our beautifully curated feeds. But He was calling them—and us—up to a life of humble obedience by serving, even if it means we get our hands dirty. Talk about a record-scratching moment.

 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “Christian love draws no distinction between one enemy and another, except that the more bitter our enemy’s hatred, the greater his need of love.” The only way we can glorify God is by loving Him and doing what He commands. 

 

Do we look at our enemies as those in need of love? What about the couple going through messy things in their marriage? Or the friend whose child has walked away from the faith? What about the friend whose profound loss leaves you speechless? Are we willing to show up and get our hands dirty serving those who have hurt us most so they might catch a glimpse of the hope we have in Jesus?

 

This might feel like it’s stepping all over your feet on a Friday morning. If that’s you, same. But remember, the towel and basin aren’t just symbols; they’re a call to action. Let’s pick them up, kneel before the needs of those around us, and truly follow Jesus’ example. It’s only then that we can ever live sent!

 

Jesus, what a profound example you have left us. Empower us to follow your lead. Put someone in our path to love and serve today, all for our good and your glory.


Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

Digging Deeper: Only Faithful

For He knew who would betray Him.

John 13:11 (NLT)



ONLY FAITHFUL

 

Don’t you find it interesting that in John’s account of the Last Supper, the only two disciples he mentions by name are Judas Iscariot and Peter? Judas is notoriously known for his betrayal of Jesus. Then Peter, when asked, adamantly denied knowing Jesus three times. Jesus, knowing all these things would happen, enters the room and kneels to wash their feet. 

 

Why? Because Jesus is faithful even when we are not. Charles Spurgeon said, “The glory of God’s faithfulness is that no sin of ours has ever made Him unfaithful.”

 

When Peter boldly declared that Jesus is the Messiah in Matthew 16, Jesus told him in verse 18, “On this rock, I will build my church, and gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Peter’s later denials didn’t keep God from accomplishing the work He had started in him. 

 

But there is something we must note. Judas’ betrayal begs us to understand that temptations are a big deal, even as we walk with Jesus. Are we killing the little foxes of sin before they grow into wolves of destruction? Are we engaging in daily confession and repentance of sin? Are we involved in a community of believers that are holding us accountable?

 

When I look at Judas and Peter, I am reminded we have never fully arrived in our walk with Jesus. We will fall short. But take heart, Lamentations 3:22-26 tells us, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” And David declares in Psalm 36:5, “Lord, your faithful love reaches to the heaven, your faithfulness to the clouds.”

 

In a world with temptation on every side, we must be a people who anchor to the only Hope we have in this life—Jesus. Dig into His word and find His promises. Spend time reflecting on His past faithfulness. And pray without ceasing. 

 

Jesus, I thank you that our mistakes do not determine your faithfulness to us. Truly, Your lovingkindness is better than life. Lead us onto level ground and empower us to glorify you in whatever you ordain for us today!  


Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

Everyone Has a Role They’re Designed to Play


God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, then prophesy whenever you can—as often as your faith is strong enough to receive a message from God. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If you are a preacher, see to it that your sermons are strong and helpful. If God has given you money, be generous in helping others with it. If God has given you administrative ability and put you in charge of the work of others, take the responsibility seriously. Those who offer comfort to the sorrowing should do so with Christian cheer.

Romans 12:6-8 (TLB)


 

I stood in utter dismay as the scene unfolded before me. The home team – who was up at one point in the game 4-0, was now trailing 7-4. Why was I so crestfallen, you might ask. It was at this point the pitcher had completely lost any ability to throw a strike. In fact, he had already hit two batters and walked a couple more. I was in the field as an umpire, witnessing this monumental collapse. Unfortunately, the party had just begun.

The runners were moving from station-to-station with each base-on-balls awarded. The game had slowed down to a snail’s pace – and it was getting cold! Instead of rescuing the pitcher (as well as all the on-lookers subjected to this catastrophe) the pitching coach instead barked out at the poor kid on the hill, “You need to find a way to get an out, because nobody else is coming out there. You’re it!”

And, 10 runs later, the coach had kept his word. Mercifully, at 17-4, the final out in the top of the third inning was recorded. The bad news was that the home team still had an at-bat, and the game would continue for another 25 minutes. For curious minds, after three complete innings and 2 hours, 22 minutes, the final score was 17-7.

I’m all for giving kids opportunities – to pitch, catch, play a different position. But, there’s a time and a place – and a window of opportunity – that is appropriate for this. While a coach might be teaching a player to develop fortitude and perseverance, he might be doing it at the expense of his entire team losing heart – and the game! For instance, if the coach had pulled the pitcher when the score was 7-4, he could have taken that opportunity to encourage him and keep him motivated to go out there again the next time with an idea of how to overcome some of his mental and mechanical deficiencies. And, he could have kept the rest of the team in the game. Instead, that pitcher is going to remember giving up 13 runs that inning, and the team is not likely to forget it either!

In Romans 6, Paul isn’t writing about baseball, but his words can apply to practically anything that involves a team setting where each person has skills in certain areas. We each have different abilities, passions, and interests. We all have strengths and weaknesses. If you put an accountant in the role of Communications Director, you might have a problem. Likewise, if you put someone in Operations on your Sales team, you might find they’d prefer to work behind the scenes and not talk to people all day long.

The beauty of any effective team is that it can work together as a unit while individuals contribute in ways they were designed and educated to help! Leaving someone in a role they struggle in causes the entire organization to suffer.

So, the next time you allow someone to sit in a different seat on the bus, you should plan to sit nearby. First, you can be an encourager to that person; but, you can also shift things around to ensure that person – and the team – are at their very best!


C.A. Phillips has served on staff at NorthStar Church since 2004, and has more than 35 years of baseball experience as a player, coach, and umpire. He and his wife, Amy, have two adult sons and live in Kennesaw with their German Shepherd, Abby.

Digging Deeper: The Gift of Wrestling

“You will never wash my feet,” Peter said.

John 13:8 (NLT)



THE GIFT OF WRESTLING

 

The second disciple to enter the story of the Last Supper is Simon Peter. Let’s take a minute to remember Peter. Some of his most well-known appearances in Jesus’ ministry include Jesus walking on water and Peter boldly stepping out with him (Matthew 14). He confessed that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16). He was also present at the transfiguration (Matthew 17).

 

As the soldiers came to arrest Jesus before the crucifixion, his emotions reigned, and Peter drew a sword and cut off the ear of a soldier. In John 6, when some of His disciples found it hard to follow and accept His teachings, Jesus asked the remaining disciples if they wanted to go away too. And Peter replies so authentically, “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life.” 

 

Peter believed Jesus was who he said He was. No doubt, he was one of the disciples closest to Jesus. Fallible as he was, he was a leader. He often spoke up first, asked all the questions, and imperfectly wrestled out his faith with Jesus. 

 

I resonate deeply with Peter in many ways. When my mother died very unexpectedly, it was another tough loss in my life. Many days, I sat in the dining room digging into God’s Word and wrestling with the tension of grief and hope. One of her dear friends told me, “Sarah, to some, God gives the cocoon of grace. But God has given you the gift of wrestling. My conclusion is that the wrestling that drives us to Jesus is a form of lament, and lament is a sign of deep, strong faith.”

 

T.B. LaBerge once said, “The greatest tragedy in humanity is when we do not wrestle with God when we become so apathetic that we are but a limp rag doll in the hands of a mighty lover who wishes that we fight back; that we embrace Him and choose to find truth.”

 

In all the hard of my life, all the losses and confusion, I am learning Jesus wants us to bring our doubts to Him. He wants us to seek to know Him and gain a heart of wisdom. When the hardest days come, He wants us to cry out for help when all feels lost. Yes, Peter did it imperfectly, but the takeaway is that he did it. There’s beauty in wrestling Jesus to believe, dear friend. Do not miss it!


Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

Digging Deeper: Jesus’ Gentle Invitation

Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God.

John 13:3 (NLT)



JESUS’ GENTLE INVITATION

 

This Last Supper is so poignant to me. After three years with Jesus, Judas sits down at the Last Supper, and his heart has already been tempted towards betrayal. And this betrayal would set things into motion for Jesus’ crucifixion. 

 

Verse two tells us Jesus knew this, and His next move is unbelievable. “So He got up from supper, laid aside His outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around Himself. Next, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around Him.” John 13:4-5

 

What a tender, humbling scene that must have been. With the weight of His coming events firmly on His shoulders, Jesus kneels down in love, even for one whose decisions would set into motion such incredible pain and suffering. I can’t help but wonder: Did he linger longer with Judas, wishing he would confess, repent, and turn from the temptation? How was He able to love Judas?

 

Verse three explains it all. “Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into His hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God.” Jesus was surrendered to His Father’s plan. He knew the call on His life was to glorify His Father, who would faithfully equip Him for all He was sent to do. But He also knew who He was, where He had come from, and where He was going. 

 

What about us and those painful areas of our life? Or those hurtful people? What about the situations you poured your heart into that didn’t work out how you thought they would? Jesus is showing us what it looks like to lay down the painful parts of our story at the feet of the Father so our hands can be free to wash feet. 

 

He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

This hard, beautiful work allows us to love best by surrendering most. What a beautiful invitation out of the ordinary into the extraordinary. Jesus, help us not to miss all You’re inviting us into simply because it’s dressed in hard circumstances!


Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

Digging Deeper: Jesus Reads the Room

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)



JESUS READS THE ROOM

 

At this point in His ministry, Jesus had now been with his disciples for three years. These men had three years of following Jesus under their belts, listening to His teachings, witnessing His miracles, and seeing His heart. 

 

The curtain rises in this chapter with John narrating the opening scene of the Passover Supper. “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 earthly ministry, and now He loved them to the very end.” Jesus knew the entire reason He came to earth would soon culminate in the greatest suffering known to mankind. 

 

Just before this, Jesus had just endured a discussion-turned-argument between these fellas, where they roped Him in like children do with their parents to ask Him who among them was the greatest. Three years, they walked with Jesus and witnessed all the things, and they asked Him who among them was the greatest. Don’t you kind of want to roll your eyes and beg them to read a room?

 

Jesus didn’t explode because He was stressed and overstimulated, demanding they clear the room so He could just have a moment to get His mind right. He didn’t roll his eyes and spit some clever sarcasm in a belittling, condescending tone. He didn’t turn inward in a silent, passive-aggressive way towards self-preservation, laying down boundaries because they still didn’t get it. No. Jesus read the room and responded with exactly what these imperfect men needed: love. How utterly profound!

 

You see, these disciples that can’t seem to read a room are you and me – called according to His purpose (2 Tim. 1:9), even as unworthy and unqualified as we are. And that purpose? Follow Jesus’ example (1 Peter 2:21-23) to our spouses and kids. To those whose choices profoundly affected us. And that person who bullied us or our children. They’re our co-workers and that person who just cut you off in traffic. 

 

Paul says it best in Romans 2:4, “Do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”

Friends, when the heaviness of our present circumstances press in, threatening to wreck our hearts and our lives, Jesus shows us we don’t have to respond in our flesh. We can boldly respond with the determination of David in Psalm 63:3: “My lips will glorify you because your faithful love is better than life.” 

 

So, how do we do that? Let’s tackle that tomorrow.


Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

Digging Deeper – Making Disciples

14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.

Matthew 24:14 (NLT)



MAKING DISCIPLES

 

In this passage, the days leading up to his death, Jesus tells the disciples that before the end comes, the Good News will be spread to the whole world. Later, after his crucifixion and resurrection, he tells them again in the Great Commission, “Go and make disciples of all nations…” It was one of the last messages he gave to them before his crucifixion, and his very first message to them after his resurrection. It holds great significance to the calling of Believers. If we aren’t spreading the Good News and making disciples, we are not following the mission He has set before us.

 

So how do we become a disciple maker? At the heart of a disciple is a desire to be more like Christ. And if you haven’t heard it enough this week, the more time we spend with Him, the more we desire to be like Him and know Him more. It’s not surprising that the word disciple and discipline come from the same Latin root word. Becoming a true disciple takes devotion and discipline. It means sacrificing some time and maybe even some sleep. But even the busiest of us have the capability of doing it.

In his book The Spirit of the Disciplines, Dallas Willard writes, “Of course, attitudes that define the disciple cannot be realized today by leaving family and business to accompany Jesus on his travels about the countryside. But discipleship can be made concrete by loving our enemies, blessing those who curse us, walking the second mile with an oppressor—in general, living out the gracious inward transformations of faith, hope, and love. Such acts—carried out by the disciplined person with manifest grace, peace, and joy—make discipleship no less tangible and shocking today than were those desertions of long ago.”

We don’t have to make discipleship difficult. Some of you may be called to greater discipleship like leading a small group, being  a mentor, going on mission, becoming a missionary; but others of you can be disciples in your own homes and neighborhoods. In fact, the season of life my family is in, my biggest discipleship is to my children—and sometimes that simply looks like saying sorry to my kids, wiping snotty noses, praying with and over them, and showering them with grace. You may even find me outside praying over my kids with my eyes wide open as I watch them jump in the pool this summer. My deeper walk with Jesus and growing into a greater disciple doesn’t always have to look like me opening the Bible in a silent room. It can look however my life needs it to in that season. It just requires some intentionality and discipline.

 


Courtney Miller is the Special Needs ministry Director at NorthStar Church. She was born a Texas girl, but has lived in Georgia the majority of her life (Go Dawgs!). She married her husband, Chris, in 2012. They have two children with a third on the way. 

Digging Deeper – Standing Firm in Your Faith

“Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. 

12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 

Matthew 24:9-10, 12-13 (NLT)



STANDING FIRM IN YOUR FAITH

 

We hear so many stories of persecution in other countries of those who stood firm in their faith, holding steadfastly to their belief in Jesus. Do you ever wonder what you would do in the same situation? In all honesty, sometimes I find myself wondering, “Would I be strong enough to face death or even torture?” I can only imagine the thoughts that would race through my head in such a moment like that. I’m willing to stand up to criticism and hate, but am I willing to go through persecution and death?

I think it’s an important question to wrestle with. And God is okay with our questions. The important part is how we follow the question. If you conclude that you’re unsure what you’d do, then I challenge you to dig deeper. An authentic faith is an enduring faith. I know my faith is authentic because I can look back at my testimony and see times in my life when I saw the Lord answer prayer in only a way He could. I’ve felt His presence in moments of worship or rest. I’ve seen Him move in the lives of my children. I’ve seen Him move in the lives of others. I’ve heard the testimonies of incredible miracles in the lives of others. I know without a doubt that the God I believe in is real, and I stand firmly on that even if from time to time I have moments of wondering.

 

Reflection:

Reflect on what the Lord has done in your life. What have you seen Him do in the lives of those around you? Reflect back to the moment you put your trust in the Lord for the first time—do you remember the emotions you felt?

 


Courtney Miller is the Special Needs ministry Director at NorthStar Church. She was born a Texas girl, but has lived in Georgia the majority of her life (Go Dawgs!). She married her husband, Chris, in 2012. They have two children with a third on the way. 

Avoiding a Life of Erosion

 

“An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. He will die for lack of self-control.”

Proverbs 5:22-23


 

AVOIDING A LIFE OF EROSION

I don’t remember very much about high school.  It’s been a minute.  However, one thing I remember very distinctly was an experiment my science teacher performed.  I watched the slow death of a frog in an oversized beaker of cool water. Below the beaker he moved a Bunsen burner with a low flame so that the water heated very slowly.  In fact, the temperature rose so gradually that the frog was never aware of the change.  After a period of time the frog was dead . . . boiled to death.  The change occurred so slowly that the frog never tried to jump out of the water.  Little did I know I learned a profound principle that day in class.  What principle you ask? 

 

Erosion! 

 

What causes this spiritual stagnation and erosion? The answer is often conformity to the world’s methods and values, and compromise with sin. The process of erosion begins in the mind when we allow our thoughts, attitudes, and desires be shaped by our culture. Before long, we begin to conform to the godless and sinful behaviors around us.  Slowly, one rationalization leads to another, which leads to another, which triggers a series of equally damaging alterations in a life that was once stable, strong, committed and reliable.  No one ever wakes up in the morning and says, “I think I’ll commit adultery today” or “I think I will abuse my child this morning.”  It never happens that way.  It happens ever so slowly.  One compromise after another after another after another—and before you know it, you’re living a life of erosion and in a spiritual far country that you never intended living in.  

 

Listen Closely:  God’s word says that sin is enjoyable for a season.  Then payment is due!

 

Never forget:  Sin will take you father than you want to go and keep you longer than you want to stay.  And, it’ll charge you more than you are willing to pay.  Say “No!”  Flee evil and the very appearance of it.  Stay in God’s Word daily.  Keep yourself surrounded with a godly accountability partner that will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.  Stay out of spiritually unhealthy environments.  Lock eyes with Jesus every day and walk towards Him. You’ll be glad where you wind up at the end of the day.  

 

Avoid a life of erosion.  

 

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 43 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.