Digging Deeper: Jesus Holds Everything Together

Avatar photo Larry Grays on December 6, 2024

 

17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.

Colossians 1:17 (NLT)


JESUS HOLDS EVERYTHING TOGETHER

 

Have you ever tried to carry too many groceries in one trip? You’ve got milk in one hand, bread under your arm, and produce threatening to spill out of a bag balanced on your knee. As you wobble to the door, one tiny bag of grapes tumbles to the ground, starting a chain reaction. You think, If I could just grow an extra arm, I could hold it all together!  Thankfully, when it comes to life—not just groceries—there’s Someone who holds it all together perfectly. That Someone is Jesus.

Colossians 1:17 says, “He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.” This verse paints a stunning picture of Jesus’ sustaining power. He didn’t just create the universe and step away; He remains actively involved in keeping it all in order. Jesus’ role as Sustainer applies to both the physical world and our personal lives. The same power that keeps planets in orbit and atoms from collapsing is at work in your everyday struggles. This truth echoes in Hebrews 1:3, which describes Jesus as “sustaining everything by the mighty power of his command.”

It’s easy to feel like you have to juggle everything on your own. Work, family, health, and faith can pull you in so many directions that it’s overwhelming. But Jesus invites you to rely on His sustaining power instead of your own strength. Start by surrendering your worries to Him in prayer. Be honest about the areas where you feel like things are slipping.

Reflection Questions:

  1. What areas of your life feel like they are “falling apart,” and how can you trust Jesus to hold them together?
  2. How does knowing that Jesus sustains the universe impact the way you approach your daily challenges?

Suggested Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for holding all things together. When my life feels chaotic, help me to trust in Your sustaining power. Remind me that I don’t have to carry everything on my own because You are in control. Strengthen my faith and teach me to rest in the truth of who You are. Amen.

 

Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

Digging Deeper: Jesus is God, and Deserves My Worship and Surrender

Avatar photo Larry Grays on December 5, 2024

 

15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. 18 Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. 19 For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ.

Colossians 1:15-19 (NLT)


JESUS IS GOD, AND DESERVES MY WORSHIP AND SURRENDER

 

A pastor once asked his congregation, “If Jesus walked in here right now, how would you respond?” Some said they’d fall on their knees. Others mentioned clapping or singing. But one young boy raised his hand and said, “I’d hug Him!” The room chuckled, but the pastor smiled and said, “That’s not far off—worship is about recognizing who Jesus is and loving Him with all you’ve got.” While we can show our love in many ways, worship begins with a deep acknowledgment of Jesus as God and our wholehearted surrender to Him.

Colossians 1:15–17 provides an awe-inspiring portrait of Jesus’ divine identity:
“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.” These verses confirm that Jesus is not merely a good teacher or moral example—He is God Himself. He is the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer. His supremacy is evident in His authority over Creation, His role as head of the church, and His victory over sin and death.

When we grasp the reality of who Jesus is, the natural response is worship. Worship isn’t just singing on Sundays; it’s a lifestyle of surrender, recognizing His rightful place as first in everything. As you reflect on who He is, let it move you to a deeper surrender of your heart, plans, and desires.

Reflection Questions:

  1. What does worshiping Jesus as God look like in your daily life?
  2. Are there areas of your life where Jesus is not yet “first in everything”? How can you surrender them to Him?

Suggested Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are God, and You are worthy of all my worship. Help me to live a life that reflects Your greatness. I surrender my heart, my plans, and my fears to You. Teach me to worship not just with words but with my whole life. May You always be first in everything I do. Amen.

 

Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

Digging Deeper: Jesus Rescues the Sinner

Avatar photo Larry Grays on December 4, 2024

 

18 Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything.

Colossians 1:18 (NLT)


JESUS RESCUES THE SINNER

 

A man once fell into a deep pit and couldn’t climb out. A pessimist walked by and said, “You’re going to be stuck there forever.” An optimist came next and said, “Don’t worry, it’ll get better.” A religious scholar muttered, “You must have done something wrong to end up there.” Finally, a friend came along, jumped into the pit, and said, “I’m here to help you out.” Surprised, the man asked, “Why would you do that?” The friend replied, “Because I know the way out.”

This is exactly what Jesus has done for us. While others might observe from a distance, Jesus stepped into our brokenness to rescue us. Colossians 1:18 declares, “Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything.” This verse highlights Jesus as the One who rescues sinners, giving new life and a new identity.

The phrase “supreme over all who rise from the dead” speaks to Jesus’ victory over sin and death. His resurrection not only proved His divinity but also made it possible for us to be rescued from sin’s grip. Through His sacrifice, Jesus brought reconciliation, offering us a way to be restored to God. Recognizing Jesus as our Rescuer means accepting His gift of salvation and allowing Him to transform us. It also means living in freedom—free from guilt, shame, and the power of sin.

Reflection Questions:

  1. How has Jesus rescued you from sin or struggles in your life?
  2. What steps can you take to trust Him more deeply in areas where you feel stuck?

Suggested Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for rescuing me from the power of sin and death. I am in awe of Your sacrifice and love. Help me to live in the freedom You’ve given me and to trust You more in the challenges I face. Use my life to point others to the hope and rescue that only You can provide. Amen.

 

Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

Digging Deeper: Jesus Created the Universe

Avatar photo Larry Grays on December 3, 2024

 

15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.

Colossians 1:15-17 (NLT)


JESUS CREATED THE UNIVERSE

 

A group of engineers at NASA once joked that designing a spacecraft was the ultimate puzzle. “Every piece has to fit perfectly,” one said, “or else things don’t hold together.” Another added, “And don’t forget, it’s all spinning through space!” Their laughter trailed off when someone muttered, “And yet we still can’t figure out how to make a sandwich taste good up there.” While the brilliance behind spacecraft design is awe-inspiring, the universe is far more intricate. And at its core is Jesus, the Creator who designed and sustains it all.

Colossians 1:15–17 gives us a breathtaking perspective on Jesus as Creator:
“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.”

Every star, every atom, and every unseen spiritual force owes its existence to Jesus. He didn’t just start the work of creation and step away—He continues to hold all things together. This truth is staggering: the same Jesus who walked on dusty roads in Galilee is the eternal Creator who spoke the cosmos into being. Jesus is also described as “supreme over all creation.” The phrase “through him and for him” reminds us that Jesus is both the source and the purpose of all existence.

Understanding Jesus as Creator reshapes how we see the world and our lives. It’s easy to feel like life is random, chaotic, or meaningless, but Jesus’ creative power reminds us that there’s a plan and purpose. He’s not just a distant Creator—He’s actively involved in sustaining everything, including you.

Reflection Questions:

  1. How does knowing that Jesus created and sustains the universe impact your trust in Him?
  2. What are some ways you can honor Jesus as Creator in your daily life?

Suggested Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for creating this incredible universe and for holding everything together by Your power. When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, remind me of Your control and care. Help me to see Your handiwork in creation and to live with awe and gratitude for who You are. Amen.

 

Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

Digging Deeper: Jesus Reveals the Father

Avatar photo Larry Grays on December 2, 2024

 

15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation

Colossians 1:15 (NLT)


JESUS REVEALS THE FATHER

 

A little boy was drawing furiously with crayons when his teacher leaned over and asked, “What are you drawing?” Without looking up, he replied, “God.” The teacher smiled and said, “But no one knows what God looks like.” Without missing a beat, the boy shot back, “They will when I’m done!” While the boy’s confidence was endearing, he wasn’t alone in wanting to “see” God. Throughout history, humanity has longed to know what God is like. The good news? We don’t have to guess—Jesus reveals Him.

Colossians 1:15 tells us, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation.” Everything about God—His character, power, love, and holiness—is fully revealed in Jesus. When Philip asked Jesus to “show us the Father,” Jesus responded in John 14:9, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you?”

Jesus isn’t just a representative of God; He is God. Colossians 1:19 affirms this truth: “For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ.” The same God who created the universe, called Abraham, and led Israel now stands before us in the person of Jesus. Through Him, we understand that God is not distant but present and relational.

The fact that Jesus reveals the Father means we can stop wondering about who God is and start embracing a relationship with Him. In your daily struggles, Jesus shows us the Father’s compassion. When you feel unworthy, Jesus reminds you of God’s forgiveness. And when you face uncertainty, Jesus points to God’s sovereignty.

Reflection Questions:

  1. How does knowing that Jesus reveals the Father change the way you view God?
  2. What step can you take this week to deepen your understanding of Jesus as the image of God?

Suggested Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing the Father to us. Through You, we see God’s love, power, and grace in action. Help me to draw closer to You so that I may know the Father more deeply. Let my life reflect Your goodness and truth to those around me. Amen.

 

Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

Digging Deeper – Purim

Avatar photo Chris Boggess on November 29, 2024

 

Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, 16 “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”

Esther 4:13-16 (ESV)

The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor. 17 And in every province and in every city, wherever the king’s command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many from the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them.

Esther 8:16-17(ESV)


PURIM

Purim is a festival that commemorates Esther’s courage and actions. The book of Esther is unique in the Bible because it never explicitly mentions God. However, that does not mean God’s hand isn’t evident throughout the story.

The events in Esther take place during the Jewish exile in Persia. Forces within Persian society sought to annihilate the Jewish people, but Esther, a Jew, had risen to a position of influence as queen. Her Jewish identity was a secret, and she could have remained silent, living a comfortable and privileged life in the palace. However, her uncle Mordecai reminded her that she was in her position for a purpose. Choosing courage over comfort, Esther risked her life and her status to act, and through her, God saved the Jewish people.

Passover reminds us of God’s deliverance of His people from bondage, while the story of Esther shows that even when the children of Israel were in exile as a result of their disobedience, God was still faithful to preserve them. The story highlights that God is at work, even when His name isn’t explicitly invoked.

The same truth applies to us. As John Piper once tweeted, “God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them.” Even when God seems silent, He is working behind the scenes for your good.

One Purim tradition involves children dressing up as characters from the Esther story and delivering care packages to those in need. While it may sound similar to Halloween, the focus is different: children wear costumes that point to Scripture rather than themselves, and instead of asking for treats, they give to those in need.

Take a moment to reflect on your own life. When have you seen evidence of God working in the background to preserve and sustain you, even when you weren’t actively seeking Him? Thank Him for His provision and His presence in your story, even in the moments when it wasn’t immediately clear.

Next, think about how you can give to others during this season of receiving. Is there a charity you could support? A neighbor who might appreciate a delivery of Thanksgiving leftovers and some conversation? Perhaps, like Esther, you have been placed exactly where you are “for such a time as this.”

 

Chris Boggess is the Next Generation/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 – Sukkot

Avatar photo Chris Boggess on November 28, 2024

 

You shall celebrate it as a feast to the Lord for seven days in the year. It is a statute forever throughout your generations; you shall celebrate it in the seventh month. 42 You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All native Israelites shall dwell in booths, 43 that your generations may know that I made the people of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”

Leviticus 23:41-43 (ESV)

 


SUKKOT

Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, is the remembrance closest to the time of our Thanksgiving holiday. Like Thanksgiving, it is a time of gathering the harvest and typically a season of abundance in the Jewish year. During this time of plenty, God uses the celebration to remind the nation of Israel that they were once homeless and living in tents. During this festival, the people of God build three-sided, roofless shelters and live in these temporary structures throughout Sukkot.

When I think about the children of Israel traveling through the wilderness, living in temporary shelters, and enduring the hardships of their pilgrimage, I am reminded of the American Pilgrims we reflect on during Thanksgiving. The Pilgrims sought a place to worship God freely and to escape the persecution they faced in Europe. They were willing to sacrifice the comforts of civilization and risk life in an unfamiliar, potentially dangerous new land.

But persecution didn’t end with them. As we consider these historical examples of people who struggled for religious freedom, we are reminded that even today, people around the world are still persecuted for their faith. In many places, Christians continue to struggle to find a place to worship God. In some cases, they must give up their homes and risk their lives to obtain the freedom to worship—something we often take for granted.

As the people of God, we are always sojourners in this world. The writer of Hebrews reminds us:

“For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.” (Hebrews 13:14)

No matter our current circumstances, we have the hope of a glorious future that God has prepared for us. As it says in Revelation:

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’” (Revelation 21:3-4 ESV)

Today, as you take time to be thankful for the blessings God has given you, don’t forget the freedom we have to worship Him. Take a moment to pray for those around the world who are still struggling to find that same freedom. Finally, thank God for the hope of what is to come. We won’t always live in tents in the wilderness. A perfect and eternal dwelling with God awaits us.

 

Chris Boggess is the Next Generation/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 – Shavuot or Pentecost

Avatar photo Chris Boggess on November 27, 2024

 

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:1-4 (ESV)

 

“And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.”

Leviticus 23:22 (ESV)

 


SHAVUOT OR PENTECOST

Shavuot, or the Feast of Weeks, is celebrated 50 days (seven weeks plus one day) after Passover. This holy day is a celebration of the wheat harvest and a remembrance of God’s giving of the law to Moses at Mount Sinai. We often use the Greek name for this festival: Pentecost.

Pentecost holds special significance for us as Christians because it marks the beginning of the Holy Spirit’s work in the early church. Before His ascension into heaven, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would come, and the supernatural gifts of the Spirit would empower and grow the church in its early days.

It is fascinating that on the same day they celebrate the harvest, God commands His people to leave grain at the edges of their fields for the poor and the sojourner. A big part of being truly thankful for God’s blessings is demonstrating generosity with the gifts He has given us.

Now, take a moment to reflect on these two ideas.

First, consider how God has blessed you and how you can express your thankfulness to Him by being a blessing to others. During Thanksgiving and Christmas, we have many opportunities to help those in need. How will you give back this season?

Second, remember that the Holy Spirit is still at work in the world today. Sometimes, we become so focused on ourselves that we fail to listen to the Spirit, let alone allow Him to work through us. Pray that God will use you in supernatural ways this season to demonstrate His love to the people around you.

 

Chris Boggess is the Next Generation/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 – First Fruits

Avatar photo Chris Boggess on November 26, 2024

 

And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 10 “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land that I give you and reap its harvest, you shall bring the sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest, 11 and he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, so that you may be accepted. On the day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it. 12 And on the day when you wave the sheaf, you shall offer a male lamb a year old without blemish as a burnt offering to the Lord. 13 And the grain offering with it shall be two tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, a food offering to the Lord with a pleasing aroma, and the drink offering with it shall be of wine, a fourth of a hin. 14 And you shall eat neither bread nor grain parched or fresh until this same day, until you have brought the offering of your God: it is a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

Leviticus 23:9-14 (ESV)

 

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:20-23 (ESV)


And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 

Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

 


FIRST FRUITS

Yesterday, we reflected on the Passover festival. We saw how it commemorated God’s emancipation of His people from Egypt and pointed forward to Christ’s work on the cross. Today, we will focus on the festival of First Fruits.

First Fruits was celebrated shortly after Passover. This feast was a time of thanksgiving for the first harvest of the year—the barley harvest. Bringing an offering of the first fruits of their harvest was not only an expression of gratitude for what God had already done but also an acknowledgment of the future harvest God would provide as the growing season continued.

In Paul’s writings, he compares Jesus to the First Fruits. Jesus represents the beginning of a new harvest. Because of Him, we have much to look forward to as His work continues in and through us.

Take a few moments today to thank God for Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Then, thank Him in advance for the blessings and the life that will come because of what Jesus has done for us.

 

Chris Boggess is the Next Generation/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 – Passover

Avatar photo Chris Boggess on November 25, 2024

 

“And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it[b] until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”

Luke 22:14-20 (ESV)

“…knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”

1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV)


“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,”

Ephesians 1:7 (ESV)

 


PASSOVER

As we enter this Thanksgiving week, we reflect on all that God has done this year and remind ourselves of how blessed we are. We remember God’s goodness to us.

In traditional Jewish holidays, we see a recurring refrain: take time to look back at what God has done and thank Him for what He is doing. As we go through this week, I would like to bring a few of these holidays—ones that date back through the history of God’s people—to our attention and consider how we can learn from these long-held traditions.

I think it is fitting to start with Passover. Passover is the celebration in which the Jewish people remember how God set them free from bondage in Egypt. The name comes from the final plague in Egypt, where the angel of death passed over the land and struck down the firstborn in each household. The only exception to this judgment was for the houses where the Jewish people, following God’s command, had placed the blood of a spotless lamb on their doorposts. This final act of judgment broke Pharaoh’s will, leading him to release the children of Israel from slavery.

Thus, the Jews celebrate Passover to acknowledge that God saved them when they couldn’t save themselves. Passover is also a celebration of the founding of Israel as a nation. Before Passover, they were slaves; after Passover, they became a nation.

It is also important to note that at Passover, Jesus initiated the remembrance we now call the Lord’s Supper. As He and His disciples reflected on that great deliverance in Egypt, Jesus revealed that a new covenant was coming and that His blood would save them.

Today, take a moment to celebrate your salvation in Jesus. Thank Him for saving you from the bondage of sin when you could not save yourself. Thank Him for being the perfect Lamb whose blood redeems us.

 

Chris Boggess is the Next Generation/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.