Digging Deeper – Page 40 – NorthStar Church Blog

Digging Deeper: Walking In Love

Minda Seagraves on January 4, 2024

READY:

“I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love.”

John 15:9-10 (MSG)

WALKING IN LOVE

SET:

So much of God’s word feels like a warm hug, but there is something about today’s passage that makes me feel the tangible love of Jesus wrapped tightly around me. Words have the capability of painting vivid pictures and The Message translation of John 15:10 does just that.

This week we have unpacked obeying God – both the how to and the why. We have discussed the importance of seeking His will for our lives and explored the courage it sometimes takes to answer in obedience. Today’s look at obedience comes from a different angle than most of us probably ever think to explore.

It should be no surprise that John, the self-proclaimed “disciple whom Jesus loved” approached the topic of obedience through the lens of love. We obey the Father because we love him and we love him because he first loved us! The original word used here for love is “agapao” which implies being loved dearly or beloved. It’s not an “I love tacos” kind of love John is talking about, but a deep fondness and commitment. We are promised that when we obey our loving Father we will be as close as possible to the feeling and security of that love. We get to experience a love that feels as warm, safe, and cozy as being home when we choose to walk each day out no obedience.

Yes, we have the reassurance that He goes with us, and yes we know that He blesses our path when we walk where He leads us; but we also have the comfort in knowing as we take each wobbly step with Jesus in obedience we are walking deeper into our love relationship with Him! You will never feel the love of Jesus more than when you are walking in obedience with Him!

GO:

Can you think of a time that you felt the tangible love of Jesus?
How does knowing love and obedience are linked change the way you think about doing what God asks of you?

WORKOUT:

James 1:22-25
Psalm 1:1–2
Matthew 7:11
Matthew 7:24-27

OVERTIME:

Jesus, thank you for loving us with a deep unending love that is bigger than anything we can fathom! We ask you to meet us wherever we are today in this very moment and let us feel your loving arms wrapping around us as we willingly submit to your best for our life. Give us the patience to wait for you to guide each step we take and the wisdom to not get ahead of you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Digging Deeper: Trust Your Training

Minda Seagraves on January 3, 2024

READY:

Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Joshua 1:7-8 (ESV)

TRUST YOUR TRAINING

SET:

“Coach said.” I would argue that those are the two most important words in all of sports. It’s why athletes at all levels do everything they do in competition. It’s why they run zone instead of man, why they run the ball instead of passing it, why they go for two instead of kicking the extra point. At practice it’s why athletes will push their bodies harder than when they do drills at home. It’s why they watch film instead of bingeing something on Netflix. More often than not what coach says needs to be done is not enjoyable or pleasant, but good athletes will do it anyway because they know there is purpose in the pain. The instruction from a coach is always purposed in getting better, both for the athlete individually and for the team. The goal of competition is to win, and we don’t win while sitting idle doing the easy stuff.

We have the greatest coach of all! In the above passage God is coaching us up on how to win at life here on earth. We are told to be careful to follow His instruction, not even veering off from it a little bit in any direction. Just like running line drills at practice, staying on the narrow road God calls us to is not always easy; but the more we do it the stronger we become. That strength looks like better clarity in the next step God is calling you to take, and a peace that surpasses understanding when we are in the middle of hard times. We can know what play God is calling us to run by studying His playbook- the Bible! We are instructed to meditate on it day and night and not let our mouths cease from sharing what it says with others. The only way we can obey Him is to know what he is saying, and the only way we are able to know what He says is by spending time with Him in his Word. It takes discipline to stick to training of any kind but as Christians we have the biggest reason to trust the training from the best coach of all time!

GO:

How are you turning to the right and left of what God is telling you to do?

How can you take steps to follow in closer obedience?

WORKOUT:

James 1:22-25
Psalm 1:1–2
Matthew 7:11
John 15:10–14

OVERTIME:

Jesus, thank you that you don’t leave us to figure it out on our own, but instead give us clear directions on how to obey your best plan for our lives. Thank you for your grace as we tend to drift off from that plan, for meeting us where we are and lovingly and gently guiding us back to the path you have purposed for us. Thank you for never growing tired of doing this! Help us Lord to have ears to hear your directions every moment of every day and to have the discipline, courage and boldness to take each step of obedience as we walk along the path you have called us to. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Digging Deeper: Confident Obedience

Minda Seagraves on January 2, 2024

READY:

I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.

Genesis 22:17-17 (ESV)

CONFIDENT OBEDIENCE

SET:

I am 110% NOT an athlete. So, eight years ago, when I felt the Lord calling me into full-time ministry as a missionary to coaches and athletes, I was very confused. What in the world did I have to offer this community of people I had no common thread with? It took about three months in fervent prayer for me to fully grasp what the Lord was asking me to do, and even then I was very fuzzy on what answering this call to ministry would look like. The one thing, really the only thing, that was crystal clear was that He had given me a clear path to step my foot on. I had no idea what the next step would look like after I took that first one, but I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt I had to take that first step.

In today’s passage I believe Abraham can relate to that feeling of answering a clear call without fully understanding what comes next. God is clear that he will bless Abraham and even lists out what those blessing will look like, as a direct result of Abraham’s obedience. It would be easy to get lost in the weeds here and think that Abraham’s actions led to a blessing. We know that’s not true because scripture tells us that we cannot earn God’s blessings; they are given to us as gifts, just as parents give gifts to their children. What God is telling Abraham is that these blessings are what he can expect as he steps out into the great unknown of walking where God calls Him. God promised to be with him as he went deep into uncharted waters.

And He does the same for us! When I answered God’s call in 2015 I had no audible assurance from God of the blessings that were waiting for me, but there have been so many over the last eight years that I cannot even begin to count them all! I can honestly say that I have walked my calling as a missionary out in totally blind faith, trusting Jesus for everything I need and the directions on how to get there.

No matter where or what Jesus is calling you to, you can take that first fuzzy step in complete confidence that His blessings will follow as you continue on the path that was planned for you before you drew your first breath!

GO:

What is God calling you to do that feels unclear or out of your comfort zone?
How can you take steps in obedience to that calling?

WORKOUT:

- Joshua 1:7-8
- Psalm 1:1–2
- Matthew 7:11
- John 15:10–14

OVERTIME:

Jesus, thank you for the callings you place on our lives. Thank you for the opportunity to see your loving provision as we respond in obedience to your direction. Sometimes you ask us to do hard and scary things, but we know those are the times we will grow even closer to you as we learn moment by moment to be completely and totally reliant on you for everything. We ask that you would give us confidence and clarity as we answer your call on our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Digging Deeper: New Beginnings

Minda Seagraves on January 1, 2024

READY:

Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other.  Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like. But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action.

James 1:22-25 (MSG)

NEW BEGINNINGS

SET:

Happy New Year!

I love the possibility that comes with new beginnings. I’m one of those outliers that love Mondays because of the potential of a fresh start I see in the week ahead; so, naturally I love the start of a new year for the same reasons. According to Google, 37% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, with 87% of them saying they are very likely to keep it through the year. As you would probably guess most of the top resolutions revolve around finances and wellness. Whether you’re a fan of Mondays and New Year’s resolutions or not, I think we can all benefit from establishing habits that will set us up for success. Without question setting goals for bettering your health and finances are a great idea, but may I suggest that there is one far better?

In the scripture above James gives us a pretty clear action plan. Other translations tell us to not just listen to the word but to be doers of the word. I love directness of The Message translation above: “Act on what you hear.” What if we made this our true north for 2024? What would it look like to wake up every day and be intentional about acting on what we read in our quiet time with Jesus?

We don’t have to guess because James tells us in verse 24 what we can expect. He says that if we catch even a small glance from the corner of our eye of what God is teaching us and act on it, those actions will be affirmed! How beautiful is that? We don’t have to get the whole picture to get it right. God only wants our attention and obedience. He will fill in the gaps we leave as we walk in the way He calls us, the best we know how. I don’t know about you, but that sounds like a goal I want to commit to for 2024!

GO:

How can you make time with Jesus every day a priority this year?
How can you plan to make the shift from hearing the word to doing the word?

WORKOUT:

Deuteronomy 6:4–9
Psalm 1:1–2
Matthew 7:24–27
John 15:10–14

OVERTIME:

Jesus, thank you for the fresh start of a new year! Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you each morning. Thank you that we don’t have to guess what your will is for our lives, that you promise to direct our decisions each day if we will meet with you asking for wisdom and guidance. Thank you for being a patient Father and not expecting us to grasp the whole picture, but allowing us to walk in your blessings because of our pure intentions in obedience to our understanding of Your call on our lives. Give us an abundance of discernment each day and help us to be intentional about acting on every single thing you lovingly direct us to do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Digging Deeper: God, the World, and the Church

Phil Meade on December 29, 2023

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (ESV)

GOD, THE WORLD, AND THE CHURCH

In John 3:16, we have three main characters involved: God (in the persons of God and Jesus, two members of the Trinity); the World; and, the believers (the church universal, not necessarily a specific denomination). Let’s look at the interrelationship between these three entities.

God, through Jesus, created the World (see Hebrews 1:2). The World rebelled, and was now separated from God. God entered the World, in order to facilitate a reconciliation. Some rejected God, and they will be separated from Him forever.

Those who chose to accept Jesus became the church. The body of Christ consists of those who are redeemed by His blood. The Spirit transforms the heart of the believer, leading to an endearing love for and obedience to their Creator. They now have peace with God, and are guided by His Holy Spirit.

The church is in the world, but not of the world. We are not to live as the world lives, nor to “love the world or the things in the world” (1 John 2:15, ESV). The church is called to take the Word of God to all nations (Matt 28:19, ESV).

This describes a balanced relationship between all three parties. However, take one party out of the equation, and an imbalance will occur. If we have just God and the World, without the church, the proof of God’s love and saving grace is not evident. If we have just God and the church, the body of Christ would be inward-looking, and would lack purpose. Loving our neighbor and sharing the Gospel would be meaningless. Finally, if we have just the church and the World, we would have the modern definition of “spiritual but not religious.” God is now a concept, and transformation and salvation would only be possible through one’s own efforts.

Take time today to thank Jesus that he willingly and lovingly left heaven, was born in a stable, lived a sinless life, died a sinner’s death, and rose again, all so you and I could live with Him for eternity!

This article expounds on the general premise of a commentary on John 3:16 by Wilbert R. Shenk, Professor Emeritus, Fuller Theological Seminary, from the website transformingcommunity.com.

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 Light and the Darkness

Phil Meade on December 28, 2023

And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.

John 3:19-21 (ESV)

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

John 1:9-12 (ESV)

THE LIGHT AND THE DARKNESS

On day one of creation, God spoke into being the light (day), and the darkness (night) (See Genesis 1). This Christmas season, we celebrate the coming of Jesus into the world. Jesus is called the “true light, which gives light to everyone” (John 1:9, ESV).

Yet many flee from the light, fearing what the light may reveal (John 3:20, ESV). Another reason people reject the light is pure selfishness. John MacArthur explains that people do not believe in Christ (the light) because, “They love their sin. They don’t want to come near Christ ’cause He shines a light on their sin, exposes their sin. Sinners love sin. It’s not ignorance. It’s not lacking the basic faculties of reason. It’s not misunderstanding. Sinners prefer moral darkness.”

Should we as believers in Jesus fear the light? We all have things about us that we do not wish to be subjected to the light of day. But we are loved by a God who sent his Son into a dark (and getting darker) world to shine a light into the darkness. This merciful, forgiving God knows all our hidden secrets, yet he chose to send his Son as the perfect sacrificial lamb, to offer an atonement for our sins. We should be drawn to the light, the light of truth, so that our good works can be clearly seen (John 3:21), and we will become children of God (John 1:12).

Digging Deeper: The Gift and the Giver

C.A. Phillips on December 27, 2023

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God”

John 3:17-18 (ESV)

THE GIFT AND THE GIVER

During this Christmas season we celebrate the birth of our savior the Lord Jesus Christ. As verse 17 notes, Jesus was sent into the world not to condemn but to save. Jesus said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10, ESV). The word save has many synonyms, including: rescue, free, liberate, deliver, ransom, and unchain. What then does Jesus rescue us from? He frees us from the chains of sin, and liberates us from the power that sin has over us (see Galatians 3:23). Of course, we all still commit sin, and according to a just God, deserve to be punished. However, Jesus came as a ransom for all who believe – the ultimate example of a sacrificial, servant heart (see Mark 10:45).

Although Jesus was not sent into this world to condemn, those who do not believe in the “name of the only Son of God” are already condemned (v. 18). They have heard the name of Jesus (and many saw him and witnessed his works during his lifetime), but they have refused to believe. The gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is free, but many choose to remain in their sin. By rejecting this free gift, they will be paid according to their choice (see Romans 6:23).

Think of a gift that you received that had special meaning to you. Was it the fanciness and/or expense of the gift that made it special, or did the special meaning come from the story behind the gift/giver? Was it a gift given in love, and not just a mere token? Did it cost the giver more than just the expense? Now think about the saving gift that God sent us with the birth of his Son. Try to remember, especially at this time of the year, what a special gift that was. Go and reach out to those around you and share the story behind the gift and the giver!

Digging Deeper: He Loved, He Gave, with a Purpose

Phil Meade on December 26, 2023

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (ESV)

HE LOVED, HE GAVE, WITH A PURPOSE

In John 3:16, God gave us a model for how to live a loving, giving life. God loved, so he gave, with a purpose. He was not coerced into giving. He did not give out of a sense of guilt. He did not give to be noticed (although all that He does is for His glory). He gave because He loved! Even though we are all sinners by nature, he sent his Son into the world to die for my sins and for your sins (see Romans 5:8).

Abraham and Sarah are two examples of God’s loving, purposeful giving. They could not conceive a child, even though God had promised Abraham he would be “the father of a multitude of nations” (Gen 17:4, ESV). Abraham had already tried to circumvent God’s plan (Ishmael), but God told Abraham that Sarah would deliver a son, Isaac. How did the couple react to the news? Joy? Weeping? No, laughter! Abraham was 100 years old, and Sarah was barren, but Isaac was born, and God established His covenant with Isaac. God loved, and He gave, with a purpose.

Jesus walked the earth for 33 years. He spent his last three years living with his group of 12 disciples. He taught them about his heavenly Father, not only in word, but also in deed. He loved them, even unto death (see John 15:13). He gave all of himself to them, willingly laying down his life (see John 10:11). He commissioned them to spread the good news of his coming and going (see the High Priestly Prayer, John 17). Jesus loved, and he gave, with a purpose.

Jesus is quoted by Paul as saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35, ESV). I think that in today’s “I want it all and I want it now” culture, one would be summarily canceled on all social media platforms for espousing that attitude! As you prepare for the upcoming year, open your eyes to the need that surrounds you. Lovingly look for opportunities to give, with a purpose. We are all to some extent gifted with time, talent, and treasure. Use those gifts that God gave you to bless others. God gave us Jesus – Jesus gave us eternal life. Give to others as a way of shining a light in this dark world. Who knows, that light may shine on the path to Jesus for a lost soul!

Digging Deeper: The Priceless Gift

Phil Meade on December 25, 2023

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (ESV)

THE PRICELESS GIFT

Trivia question: What Bible verse was referenced on a sign held up by the “Rainbow Man” at many of the major sporting events during the late 70’s and early 80’s? Hint: He wore a rainbow-colored wig and always managed to get brief on-camera time during the network broadcast. Answer: The verse is John 3:16, and Rainbow Man is Rollen Stewart. Unfortunately, the professed born-again Christian and evangelist is serving a life sentence for multiple kidnappings.

If you ask someone (Christian or non-Christian) to recite one Bible verse, John 3:16 would probably be one of the most often-quoted. This one verse succinctly describes the message of the Gospel. Let’s unpack each section of this powerful verse:

1) “For God so loved the world” – God initiates the love. In John’s first epistle, he writes, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19, ESV). God has loved the world from the beginning. He has been pursuing us from the start.

2) “He gave his only Son” – This is the most precious gift he could give. A chasm was created between God and man as a result of the Fall of Adam and Eve. God, in his infinite wisdom and endless love, created a way to bridge that divide. The price was immeasurable, but the cost was worth the gain. God loves us that much!

3) “Whoever believes in Him” – There is a requirement associated with this gift – One must believe in God’s Son. This is not merely an intellectual understanding of who Jesus is, but it is the act of placing your trust and faith in the one who came to “take away the sins of the world” (see 1 John 3:5).

4) “Should not perish but have eternal life” – The act of sending His Son as the perfect lamb was designed so that all who believe and “call on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom 10:13, ESV). Belief in Jesus guarantees that God’s love for us will never end, and we will be with Him for eternity!

As you celebrate Christmas this year, take a moment to reflect on the immense love of God, the priceless gift that He gave, the cost of that gift, and the eternal implications of that gift. The gifts we give to one another during this season, no matter how special the gift, and no matter how much thought and cost went into obtaining the gift, pale in comparison to the gracious, life-saving gift that God has offered us on Christmas morning (see Ephesians 2:8).

Digging Deeper: Home

Sarah Jefferson on December 22, 2023

Now may the God of all hope fill you with joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 (CSB)

HOME

As we wrap up our time together this week in this beautiful verse, I hope you’ve begun to understand what a gift Jesus’ birth and life are to us.

We were hopeless, sinners eternally condemned. He humbled himself and came as a baby, lived fully God and fully man in the person of Jesus, suffered and died the death we deserved, and rose again from the dead.

Why? Why would He do that? Oh dear friend, because that’s how much he loves us! He came to redeem us! That is our hope in this life!

John 1:14 says, “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”

You see, He came and made his home among us that we might build our lives on him.

Where have you placed your hope in this life? Who or what are you looking to for joy and peace? Only Jesus can satisfy. Build your life on him, living in the pages of his word, empowered by his Spirit to all he’s calling you to—only there will you truly be Home!

PRAY: Jesus, what can we say? You are more than enough. What a gift you are to us! Forgive us when we forget. Help us to love you, love others, and live sent. Amen.

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.