Digging Deeper – Page 5 – NorthStar Church Blog

Digging Deeper: Dwelling at God’s Altar

Sarah Jefferson on November 22, 2024

“The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while.”

1 Peter 5:10 (CSB)

DWELLING AT GOD’S ALTAR

So what do we do with this suffering Peter is warning us of? He tells us in verse 9, “Resist him, firm in the faith…” But how do we resist this lion looking to devour our souls?

Psalm 84 says, “How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord of Armies. I long and yearn for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh cry out for the living God. Even a sparrow finds a home and a swallow, a nest for herself where she places her young — near your altars, Lord of Armies, my King and my God.”

What an interesting choice to talk about the sparrow and the swallow. These are interesting birds because they’re nothing birds. In Jesus’ day, they had very little value. And they were messy.

Have you ever been out on a boat, maybe on Allatoona? If you go under an overpass, the bridges that cross the lake, and look up, you’ll see these mud nests. Those are sparrow nests.

These birds would build their nests in little nooks and crannies around the temple, and they were a mess. They were loose, misshapen nests made of whatever they could find, or they were made out of mud. But there they were–near His altar.

He could have written about any beautiful, prized, put-together bird here. Birds with nests that are planned, polished, clean, and fully put together. Birds that hold worldly value, whose soar demands the respect of others. But he chose the sparrow and the swallow. Why do you think that is?

Because that’s you, and that’s me. And that’s the call He has placed on our lives! Bring your mess, your filth, your unpolished world, and live your life near His altar–and dwell there.

I did a word study of altar. Are you ready? [Altar]: a place of sacrifice AND thanksgiving, a place where God brings change.

We resist the devil and stand firm in the faith when we build our lives at His altar. When we allow Him to empower us in the hard seasons, whatever it is, and determine to set our hearts on following Jesus, wherever He leads us. When we suffer and weep–because we will–He takes our tears and makes them refreshing–and a place of blessing. We’ll look back and see we moved from strength to strength, empowering to empowering, one situation at a time. Why? Because we’ve camped our lives–every aspect of it–on Jesus, at His altar–His place of transformation.

Only Jesus can do that. There’s no other route, no other way, no other choice that can give you this kind of “return” on obedience, surrender, and sheer determination to follow Him.

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 is a high school English teacher Mt. Paran Christian School. When she’s not teaching, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

Digging Deeper: The Enemy’s Prowling, So Expect Suffering

Sarah Jefferson on November 21, 2024

“Your adversary, the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.”

1 Peter 5:8-9 (CSB)

THE ENEMY’S PROWLING, SO EXPECT SUFFERING

As a writer and fellow lover of words, I absolutely love Peter’s writing style. He uses strong words and powerful language to communicate his message. He cuts to the chase, calling Jesus’ followers up not only to the reality of the calling on their lives but also to the beauty in it all.

But as we read his description of the enemy, I can’t help but wonder why Peter was writing like this. He’s concluding his letter that essentially tells Jesus’ followers, “Hey, Jesus suffered, and you need to prepare yourself that you’re going to suffer too.”

Prowling, by definition, means to move about or wander stealthily in search of prey. Perhaps, Peter learned that lions prefer to do their hunting when it’s dark. Maybe he was taught that lions also like to hunt during storms because the noise of the wind, rain, and thunder makes it hard for their prey to see or hear them coming. It’s even possible that Peter observed lions stalk their prey. All of this is true of the nature of lions.

Or, maybe Peter wrote like that because he had lived it.

Remember, it was during the Last Supper (Luke 22) that Jesus said to Peter, “Look out, Peter. Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” And Peter replies proudly, likely with the same emotionally charged boldness he had in the garden, “Lord, I’m ready to go with you to prison and even death.” And can’t you just imagine Jesus’ face falling and his voice lowering a bit, looking deeply into Peter’s eyes, saying, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you deny three times that you even know me.

It can be easy to look at pages and scripture and honestly just feel like it’s all unrelatable. But if we strip away the modern ways of the world, the pages of scripture are filled with fallible people like you and me. While Peter wasn’t perfect, he’s the same man Jesus said he would build his church on and even the gates of hell could not overthrow (Matthew 16).

If you follow Jesus–and you should–you will suffer. Peter strongly warns us that the enemy is real, and he’s looking to sink his teeth into those who don’t see him coming. But the other thing I hope we see is that Peter is the gift the Lord gave us to show us he’s not looking to use perfect people–he’s looking to use the bold, repenting, and willing. Don’t allow your past sin to keep you from leaning into all God is calling you to.

Digging Deeper: Humility Lightens Our Burden

Sarah Jefferson on November 20, 2024

“All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exact you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:6-7 (CSB)

HUMILITY LIGHTENS OUR BURDEN

Since 2020, I feel like we have been frogs in the pot of ever-increasing tensions among Americans. We certainly are not lacking for things to divide us.

This passage from 1 Peter encourages us to embrace humility as both a garment we put on and a posture we take before God and others. To “clothe yourselves with humility” calls us to make humility a visible part of who we are. We are all image-bearers created to display God’s glory regardless of our circumstances. When we approach others with humility, we’re choosing to respect and value them, acknowledging that everyone is worthy of love and respect in God’s eyes. God honors this attitude by extending His grace toward us in ways we may not even expect.

God’s promise here is beautiful and freeing, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time.” This is not about looking down on ourselves or pretending to be less. It’s not about pretending at all. This call to humility is about real about who we are and our need for Jesus and surrendering our plans and purposes for our lives believing His are better. When we submit to His timing, we can rest knowing that He will lift us up and fulfill His purposes in our lives at just the right time.

Finally, Peter reminds us to “cast all your cares on him because he cares for you.” Early in our marriage, I distinctly felt the Lord telling me, “Sarah, before you complain about Curtis, just tell me.” What I have learned through bringing all of my concerns in marriage, parenting, work, and friendships to him is that most often, He’s inviting me to see Him more clearly and know Him more fully. Humility means recognizing that we don’t have to carry our burdens alone. When we let go of pride and self-sufficiency, we make room for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives to strengthen and support us in all He’s calling us to, experiencing His care in a deeply personal way.

Peter’s warning about suffering, followed by casting our cares on the Lord, isn’t a coincidence. We are only able to suffer well when we allow the Lord to carry the heaviness of all that’s hard in our lives. As Christ-followers, we must develop our prayer life so that whether we are struggling in sin or weighed down by our circumstances, we run to our Father to tell him.

In his book Desiring God, John Piper wrote, “Prayer is not a task to be completed, but a relationship to be cultivated.” Today, let’s lean in and ask God to clothe us in humility, trusting His mighty hand and resting in His profound love for us. There’s a dying world that needs to experience our kindness and love for them in order to see the hope we have in Jesus.

Digging Deeper: Humble Submission

Sarah Jefferson on November 19, 2024

“In the same way, you who are younger be subject to the elders.”

1 Peter 5:5 (CSB)

HUMBLE SUBMISSION

Peter opens the chapter by talking directly to those in leadership within the church and commanding them to shepherd the flock. That is to say, their jobs are to preserve and protect the sheep–that’s you and me. It could be easy to read a passage like this with a hand on our hips posture, looking at church leadership passive-aggressively to do just that. And there’s no denying this is within their job descriptions.

However, there is an important aspect worth considering. Are we willing to follow? You see, church leaders can only lead to the degree to which their sheep are willing to follow. While some may consider submission a four-letter word, Jesus’ life and ministry modeled a life of humble submission, ultimately calling us to the same. So, what does humble submission look like for those of us who are members of this body of believers at NorthStar?

A willingness to be known.

In a world of perfectly filtered squares, social media has led us to believe highlight reels are real life. The truth is, there are no perfect churches, marriages, children, schools, and the list goes on. But as we struggle in those areas, we must be willing to be real so that church leaders can come alongside to love and lead us. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” This is how we love one another and spur each other on to the deeper things God is calling us to.

A teachable spirit.

Being known isn’t the answer to this humble, submissive spirit if we aren’t also willing to be teachable. This isn’t easy. Yet, Proverbs 12:1 tells us plainly, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but one who hates correction is stupid.” As we grow in our knowledge of God’s word, we allow sanctification to have its way in our lives as we allow others to encourage us to love and respect our spouses, to parent our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, to view our time, talents and treasures in a way that glorifies the Lord.

A posture of prayer.

We are undoubtedly living in times when we are seeing Christian leaders, in their humanity, fall short of God’s call on their lives. In one story, a pastor admitted he was leading from an empty place. Are we praying intently for our leaders that they would be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and that God would give them a hunger and thirst for His word? Are we asking for an extra measure of boldness to preach all of God’s word, even when it steps on our toes? Are we covering their marriages and families, asking that God might protect them and be glorified in their lives?

Yes, Peter is calling our church leaders up, but he is calling us up, too. God’s created order within the church gives us the freedom to love God, love others, and live sent in a world that desperately needs the hope we have in Jesus.

Digging Deeper: Christ’s Grace Shaped Peter’s Leadership

Sarah Jefferson on November 18, 2024

“Shepherd God’s flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed for money but eagerly; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”

1 Peter 5:2-3 (CSB)

CHRIST’S GRACE SHAPED PETER’S LEADERSHIP

Peter doesn’t mince words when he speaks to leaders within the church. He calls them to shepherd but clarifies that they should do so willingly and set an example for those they lead. But why would he place so much emphasis on the way they shepherd?

Perhaps his own failures lurked as a not-too-distant memory. He was the disciple who walked on water with Jesus, yet all too quickly rushed to defend Jesus in the garden. 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.” Later, he would deny three times even knowing Jesus.

However, I believe Jesus’ words and example had a far more lasting impact on his ministry than any of his failures. During the Last Supper, Jesus says, “Simon, Simon, look out. Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32).

Jesus isn’t simply telling Peter of a specific sin he will commit but ultimately speaking of a life of suffering to come for the sake of Jesus’ call on his life. In his kindness, Jesus adds his prayer that his faith would not fail so that he might strengthen his brothers.

Fallible as he was, Peter was a pivotal leader in building the church. In Matthew 16, Jesus told him, “On this rock, I will build my church.” Peter made mistakes, but God’s plans and purposes prevailed, and even the powers of hell could not overcome them. And Peter is now imploring fellow leaders to understand and walk out the high calling of leading God’s chosen people.

This is convicting in a time when churchgoers often take the posture of consumers, looking to pastors and leaders to perform, entertain, and lead perfect lives without sin or struggle. Yet Peter’s life shows us that pastors and leaders within the church can deeply love the Lord, be eager to serve, and still show their humanity.

Paul encourages church leaders in Titus 1 to “Hold to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able to both encourage with sound teaching and refute those who contradict it.” As our campus transitions through the Whatever It Takes campaign, it will be easy to focus on minor inconveniences. Yet we have this glorious opportunity to model Jesus by praying for our church leaders that their faith would not fail, that their work might strengthen the members, and that they might hold fast to God’s word. That’s doing whatever it takes. That’s the foundation God uses to build eternity in the hearts of those who still need Jesus.

Digging Deeper – The Thick of It

Courtney Miller on November 15, 2024

So, if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.

1 Peter 4:19 (NLT)

THE THICK OF IT

When we are in the thick of suffering or trials, it can be so hard to feel God’s presence. Our pain and suffering can easily overtake us if we allow it, following us through every moment, tapping on our shoulder. It’s in these moments—at our breaking points—that we must make a choice. Do we succumb to our emotions and circumstances, or do we lean into the only One who can sustain us?

For me, in these challenging seasons I’ve walked through, choosing to lean into God is truly just that—a choice. Sometimes I find myself lacking the genuine desire to seek Him. It can feel like too much work, and selfishly, I’d sometimes rather wallow in self-pity and despair. It just feels easier. But we serve a God who is for us. The very purpose of His Spirit is to guide us through life—our Helper.

In these heavy seasons, seeking Him may initially feel like a checklist: just do what you need to get it done. But I promise, anyone who has ever chosen to truly seek Christ finds Him, just as it says in 1 Chronicles 28:9. In every trial I have faced, God has made Himself known. It may not happen immediately, but He reveals Himself through the dedication of spending time with Him each day. Looking back, these are some of the most spiritually rich seasons of my life. When everything else seems stripped away, only Christ remains. He will strengthen you for the journey, and you will find joy amidst your trial.

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 – Searching for Peace in Our Suffering

Courtney Miller on November 14, 2024

Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

1 Peter 4:13 (NLT)

SEARCHING FOR PEACE IN OUR SUFFERING

In February 2018, I had a miscarriage at ten weeks. It was devastating, and the circumstances surrounding it made the experience even harder. About a month later, I went to a monastery for a silent retreat. When we truly tune in to what God is saying in the silence, when we quiet the noise even for a few moments, He will make His presence known and speak to our hearts in just the way we need. He longs to spend time with us, revealing Himself in many ways—through visions, thoughts, and situations. Often, He speaks to me through situations and experiences.

One night during the silent retreat, I made myself a cup of jasmine tea and sat reflecting on God and how He was beginning to heal my hurting heart. As I drank my tea, He began to speak to my heart, and I journaled the thoughts He was giving me:

“Steep yourself in Me. Smell My sweet aroma. Breathe it in. Feel My presence. I am with you. Picture My field of flowers. Spring is coming. Beauty lies ahead. Walk with Me into the meadow. The sweet smell of jasmine is all around you. Let it bring joy to your heart. Let the dark, cold winter be over by just breathing Me in, for I am with you. I have always been here. Let Me fill you with My warmth. I will thaw out your cold, dry bones.”

I love that we can find God in every moment—like drinking a cup of tea—when we are truly listening. What a wonderful reminder that, whatever season of life we are walking through, He is there to meet us if only we listen. He gently reminded me, “Find Me in the nuances of your day. I am in all things. I will reveal Myself to you in all things. Simply tune in to Me.”

Our peace is found in God alone, even through trials and suffering. We simply must seek Him.

To tie a bow on my search for peace, one year later, in February 2019, our daughter was born. The Lord very clearly revealed her name to me in a prayer of thankfulness: she would be named Everly. Since names hold great significance to me, I looked up its origins. Everly means “from the boar meadow.” Little did I know, when He spoke those words to me during the retreat, that in bringing peace to my suffering, God was also giving me the promise of new life through my precious daughter, Everly.

1 Peter 4:13 tells us, “Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” Through suffering, His glory has been revealed in the wonderful joy of my daughter Everly’s precious life.

Digging Deeper – When Will My Suffering End?

Courtney Miller on November 13, 2024

Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

1 Peter 4:13 (NLT)

WHEN WILL MY SUFFERING END?

Suffering is hard. No one desires it, and when we are in it, we are desperate for it to end. God cares about our suffering, so why does it sometimes seem to last forever?

While we know that God loves and cares for us, this does not always mean He intervenes immediately at our request. We are not spared the troubles of life simply because we are His children. In fact, Jesus told us that those who follow Him will suffer. Yet, Jesus also told us to take heart, for He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Only God determines the timing of His intervention. We have to trust in His timing, which is always perfect. His intervention may come in this life—after weeks, months, or even years. Or, His rescue from our suffering may not come until we meet Him face to face.

In his book Abide in Christ: The Joy of Being in God’s Presence, Andrew Murray writes, “The Christian wants to conquer his weakness and to be freed from it; God wants us to rest and even rejoice in it. The Christian mourns over his weakness; Christ teaches His servant to say, ‘I take pleasure in infirmities; most gladly will I glory in my infirmities.’ The Christian thinks his weakness his greatest hindrance in the life and service of God; God tells us that it is the secret of strength and success. It is our weakness, heartily accepted and continually realized, that gives us our claim and access to the strength of Him who has said, ‘My strength is made perfect in weakness.’”

So, whether our suffering ends quickly or lasts until we meet Him face to face, we know that in our weakness and suffering, God is glorified.

Digging Deeper – Finding Joy Amid Suffering

Courtney Miller on November 12, 2024

Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

1 Peter 4:13 (NLT)

FINDING JOY AMID SUFFERING

How do we begin to find joy in our suffering? I believe it can start very simply. Each day, find something to thank God for. You may not feel thankful; you may even feel like a hypocrite, but thank Him anyway. We have to start somewhere. One of the keys to experiencing joy is cultivating a habit of thankfulness. And we must remember that every breath we take on this earth is a gift to be grateful for, given to us because our purpose here is not yet complete.

Another step in finding joy is releasing control. We can never have full control over our circumstances. God is the author of our paths, and we must learn to let go of the desire to direct our own destiny. We need to trust that He works all things together for His good, as it says in Romans 8:28. When we release control, we begin to find rest. Joy is not found in turmoil and stress; it is found in rest and release. God urges us to come to Him for rest, and He will not fail us.

Reflection: Take time today to note everything you have to be thankful for. Ask God to help you release control over your circumstances and to find rest in His presence.

Digging Deeper – Why Me?

Courtney Miller on November 11, 2024

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.

1 Peter 4:12 (NLT)

WHY ME?

“Why me?” This is likely the first question many of us ask when we face hardships. On this side of Heaven, we may never fully understand the answer. Yet, we are called to trust and hold on to our faith. Scripture reveals that suffering can shape and mold us into more devoted followers of Christ.

God does not cause suffering, but He allows it. The Fall of man introduced suffering into the world. Though painful, suffering matures us and refines our character, making us more effective servants for Christ. As Romans 5:3-5 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Through suffering, our patience grows, our empathy deepens, and our courage to support others in their trials is strengthened. All of these qualities develop as we endure physical, emotional, and spiritual struggles. In the process, we gain new perspectives, and often, we discover a profound love for Christ amid our suffering. God is refining you through your trials.