Over The Hump – Page 4 – NorthStar Church Blog

Famous Last Words

Kevin Burrell on August 21, 2024

“I am writing to Timothy, my dear son in the faith. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.”

2 Timothy 1:2

FAMOUS LAST WORDS

Have you ever thought about the influence and weight of your words? Imagine with me for a moment. If you knew exactly one week from today that you’re going to die and go out into eternity, what would you say for the next seven days? How would you talk? What would be your “famous last words?” Would your words leave a lasting mark on the lives of people that you rub shoulders with at work or do life with every day? Would your words build up or tear down? Would your words encourage or discourage? Would your words leave a ripple effect long after you’re gone? Below are some famous words:

“It is well, I die hard, but I am not afraid to go.” – George Washington, U.S. President

“Mr. Gorbachev tear down this wall!”

US President, Ronald Reagan

“Happy anniversary. I love you.”

Vince Lombardi

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” Yogi Berra

“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” U.S. President, JFK.

In the verse above, the Apostle Paul is getting ready to die. He knew his time was imminent. So, he wrote a letter to Timothy, his beloved son in the faith. It was his “famous last words.” I encourage you to read the entire chapter when time allows. The truth is that the greatest destroyer of relationships is an uncontrolled mouth. Harsh words. Cutting words. Condescending words. Discouraging words. I read recently that the average person has 30 conversations each day. If true, that means we spend approximately one-fifth of our lives talking. At some point, our mouths will likely get us into trouble. The odds are stacked against us!

Listen closely: You have no idea the day or the hour you will die. However, death is certain. Therefore choose your words wisely. Instead of heading in a destructive direction, choose to use your words to build others up. Catch people doing something right and tell them about it. Affirm their character when they make wise choices and decisions. Lift them up with words of encouragement when you see them living a life of obedience. Offer words of hope. Building others up with your words isn’t difficult, but it is intentional. Above all else, use your words to share Jesus with others. When you do, you’re reflecting God’s glory to a dark, evil, and hopeless world all around you.

What “Famous Last Words” will you be known for?

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.

Live the Life

Kevin Burrell on August 14, 2024

Preach the word. Be ready to do it whether it is convenient or inconvenient. Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction.

2 Timothy 4:2

LIVE THE LIFE

The 2024 Summer Olympics just wrapped up this past weekend. After a damp start during the opening ceremonies, the Paris Olympic games recovered nicely and were an incredible hit among worldwide viewers. For most spectators, the Olympics is a display of the highest level of athletic skill and competition. For many Christian athletes, they also provide an opportunity to express their faith to each other and to the world. One such athlete is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who has made her Christian testimony widely known through numerous interviews and in her book, Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith.

“I credit all that I do to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He’s given me a gift, a drive, and a platform to glorify Him, so whenever I step on the track, I pray that God will allow me to be the vessel through which He is glorified, no matter the result. It’s about how I conduct myself and how I carry myself, not just how I perform. There is freedom in knowing that regardless of what happens, the Lord is going to get the praise through me. That’s why I do what I do.”

Sydney gets it! She clearly understands her “Why.” We get one shot in our life on earth to live in a way that brings honor and glory to Jesus Christ. As Rick Warren famously said, “It’s not about you!”

If you’re a coach, then you’re a minister in disguise as a coach. If you’re a scout, then you’re a minister in disguise as a scout. If you’re an athlete, then you’re a minister in disguise as an athlete. Whatever you do, whatever profession you work in, never forget: you’re a minister in disguise as a (fill in your blank) _________!

Paul admonished Timothy, and he is admonishing you and me as well: “Preach the word! Be ready to do it whether it is convenient or inconvenient. Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction.”

Live the life! Let your life shine for Christ. But even more importantly, step up, speak up, and tell your story about how Jesus intersected your life for eternity. Know your “Why.”

Remember:

“You’re a minister in disguise as a ________!”

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

Be Worth Being,

Kevin

How are You Planning Your Life?

Kevin Burrell on August 7, 2024

“I have brought You glory here on earth by completing the work that You gave me to do.”

John 17:4

HOW ARE YOU PLANNING YOUR LIFE?

People plan for everything in life. They plan for weddings, funerals, vacations, trips, retirement, game opponents, exams, etc. However, one area that most people do not plan for is how they want to live their life. They do not live their life with the end in mind. Throughout the years, I’ve observed that talking about death makes people very uncomfortable.

Case in point: many years ago, I was officiating a funeral. I watched many in attendance squirm during the funeral service while I was sharing about the brevity of life. We “pay our respects” and “offer our condolences,” but rarely do we take personal inventory of our spiritual life and where we’ll spend eternity when we die. For the Christian, the “End” is not death but only the beginning. The “End” is the culmination of a lifetime pursuit of intimacy with God. Death simply becomes the conduit into the presence of Almighty God. Living with that “End” in mind, the Christian should daily exercise faith in an unseen, almighty, all-powerful, awesome God.

In my case, I asked myself decades ago, “What do I want my life to look like when I take my final breath on this earth?” “What ripple effect do I want my life to leave on this earth?” Not just as a husband, father, friend, or MLB baseball scout, but what do I want to be true of me as a disciple-making follower of Jesus Christ? To accomplish this, I must have a focused, detailed plan. As a disciple of Christ, I want to know at the end of my life that I demonstrated more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. I want to know that I have belonged, magnified, served, grown, managed, shared, and multiplied my life. I want to know that my life will make an eternal impact that will far outlive me.

Listen closely: If you want to “live your life with the end in mind,” you must develop a plan to help you become the person God wants you to be. It helps you identify what you want to be true of your life—and then work the action steps in your plan to ensure you grow and develop each area of your life. Truthfully, very few people make it a priority to live their life this way. Instead of developing a life plan to hit their target, most people “wing it” or get distracted by the cares of the world that come their way.

Don’t miss the following truth: “If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time.” I suggest that you plan your life—and then live out your plan. Never forget, if you fail to plan, then plan to fail. If you need help to formulate a plan, I can help you; simply ask. After all, if you are a Christian, your life belongs to Christ, and He should be the One you’re living for every day.

As you go about your everyday life, be thankful that God has revealed in Scripture that the day is coming when Jesus Christ will return as King of kings and Lord of lords.

There is an appointed time when you will die. Therefore, live your life with the end in mind.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

Be Worth Being,

Kevin

Moving from Useless to Useful

Kevin Burrell on July 24, 2024

“Formerly Onesimus was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me. I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart.”

Philemon 1:11-12

MOVING FROM USELESS TO USEFUL

Two seminary students in New Orleans stopped at a local grocery store one evening while traveling. One of the seminary students was Don Wilton. While in the store, they noticed a young, needy couple with a baby dressed only in a diaper. The Spirit of God moved in the hearts of the two seminary students in a special way to open their wallets and give the young family all the money they had. The total was more than $200. With a gentle voice, Don spoke to the frightened man and said, “My friend, you don’t know who I am. However, I want you to know that my friend and I want to show you in a practical way how much God loves you. Because of what Jesus has done in our lives, we want to give you this small gift from the two of us.”

The man tearfully received the money. Don Wilton thought he would never see the man again. However, nearly a decade later, Dr. Wilton was teaching at the seminary. One of the new students recognized Dr. Wilton’s distinctive South African voice. It was the man from the grocery store! He told Dr. Wilton that their young family was desperate that night. So desperate, in fact, that they had driven from their home in Alabama to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge in New Orleans. They planned to take their baby with them but decided to feed her first, so she would at least die with a full stomach. That’s why they stopped at the store. However, they were deeply moved and encouraged by the kind words and financial gift. That one act of kindness set the man and his wife on a path to salvation in Jesus Christ and a call to full-time vocational ministry. That night, the man’s life was transformed from being “Useless to Useful.”

God’s providential hand saves lives. Onesimus was spiritually lost! He was the fugitive slave of his master, Philemon. Onesimus had robbed Philemon and fled to Rome, a large city where he could easily hide—or so he thought! However, providentially, Onesimus encountered Paul in a Roman prison where the apostle was in chains. Paul led Onesimus to faith in Jesus Christ, and his life was forever impacted and transformed from being “Useless to Useful.”

Listen closely: How about you? Have you ever felt useless? Have you ever had a sense that you have no real purpose or usefulness in life? If you have, you’re not alone. The story of Onesimus is a classic picture of one who tries running from a good and gracious God but instead runs right into His loving arms—just like the man in the grocery store. Through salvation, the fugitive sinner found grace, forgiveness, and freedom that are only found in a ‘right relationship’ with God, through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Be encouraged. Wherever you are in life right now, God’s eye is on you! He knows your name. He knows your need, and He will use ‘whatever’ and ‘whoever’ to intersect your life right where you are. A genuine encounter with the living God will forever change your perspective, your relationships, and your future.

It will transform you from “Useless to Useful.”

Remember:

God has a plan. His plan is far greater than yours. He is writing your story. Don’t steal His pen!

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

Be Worth Being,

Kevin

Your Reputation

Kevin Burrell on July 17, 2024

First of all, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because the [news about your faithfulness is being spread throughout the whole world.

Romans 1:8

YOUR REPUTATION

Many years ago, a frozen pizza company was trying to figure out an advertising campaign to bring attention to their product. They designed a series of humorous commercials where an individual was about to lose his life in some melodramatic fashion. In each case, they were asked, “What do you want on your Tombstone?” – to which the answer was, “Pepperoni and Cheese, please.” It was a risky ad since Americans don’t want to hear about death. The company was trying to be humorous with their new catchy name, “Tombstone Pizza Company.”

That leads me to ask you the following question—when you die, what inscription would you like written on your tombstone?

Ruth Graham, the wife of evangelist Billy Graham, died in 2007 and had this chiseled on her tombstone:

“End of Construction—Thank You For Your Patience.”

I like that! She didn’t pick a favorite Bible verse or a lofty quote from a famous leader. She humbled herself and admitted that her life had been “a work in progress” until she died.

Listen Closely: Character is who you are; reputation is what others think you are. In an age of the internet, texting, email and social media, what people think about you and what people say about your reputation as a follower of Jesus Christ can be spread quickly. The reputation of the New Testament believers and their faithfulness spread like wildfire “throughout the whole world.” Think about that for a moment. Don’t miss that important detail. No internet, no texting, no email and no social media, yet their “faithfulness spread throughout the whole world.” Wow! That is a godly reputation.

When people see you, what is their first thought? What does your reputation say to them? Do they immediately think, “Christ follower!” “Not ashamed about his or her faith in Christ!” “Lives the life of a committed follower of Jesus Christ!” Or do they not give those characteristics a second thought about you? I encourage you to be bold. Be fearless. Be strong. Do not be ashamed. Stand firm and resolute in your faith. Live the life that the Apostle Paul penned in Romans 1:16:

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Jesus Christ. For it is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.”

Let those words be your reputation!

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

Be Worth Being,

Kevin

Being Over Doing

Kevin Burrell on July 10, 2024

As Jesus was starting out on His way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to Him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must [I do] to inherit eternal life?” Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” Jesus told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” At this the man’s face fell, and [he went away sad], for he had many possessions.

Mark 10:17, 21-22

BEING OVER DOING

Buying an airline ticket these days is very expensive, especially if you have to travel at the last minute. You feel as if the airlines want all your money—and your firstborn. For example, suppose I want to fly from Atlanta, Ga., to Dallas, Tex., but I find the cost is too high for my liking. So, I decide to create my own ticket. It looks just like the real thing. It has the correct airline, flight number, gate number, seat number, and departure time on it. In fact, I did everything correctly, but I created my own ticket. However, if I’m foolish enough to present the created ticket to the TSA agent to get through the TSA security checkpoint, it would be rejected as invalid. No amount of trying to persuade the TSA agent will help. I would be left out and likely thrown into jail. In a similar way…

This story in Mark 10 began beautifully. A fine young man, rich and well-educated, came to Jesus, bowed before Him, and asked a very important question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Don’t miss that! Most people came to Jesus to get something, such as healing or food for themselves or help for a friend or loved one. But not this man. This man was different. He was interested in spiritual matters. However, the story ended on a negative note, with the rich young man leaving “sad” by the response of Jesus. You see, this young man did everything right. He kept the law perfectly, and Jesus knew it. He prioritized “doing” over “being.” So Jesus cut to the heart. He knew this man’s crutch—and his crutch was his wealth, his riches, his possessions.

So what was the young man’s problem?

First, he loved his wealth more than he loved God. Possessing wealth is not wrong or sinful in and of itself. However, allowing wealth (or anything else) to stand in the way of complete surrender to God brings spiritual disaster.

Second, and even bigger, the young man misunderstood God’s way of salvation. He believed he was “good enough,” claiming he had always kept the commandments (doing). He wanted Jesus to tell him one more “good work” he could do that would guarantee him a place in heaven. This man was more concerned about “doing” than “being.” When Jesus told him to give up the one thing that was closest to his heart—his wealth—he could not do it. By that one act, the young man showed that he did not see himself as a sinner in need of God’s grace and forgiveness.

Listen closely: it’s been said that many people will miss heaven by 16 inches—the distance between their head and their heart. What’s most disappointing about this story is that the man walked away from Jesus “sad.” But why? Because, like countless others in our world today, the man refused God’s offer of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus alone. Jesus plus nothing! The man is never mentioned again in Scripture.

So, allow me to ask you, what is the one thing in your life that is holding you back from complete and total surrender to following Jesus? Is it your money, material possessions, job, position, or relationship? Or are you consumed with earning favor, acceptance, and approval by God for what you can “do” for Him? Don’t make that grave error. You will never be “good enough.” Always remember…

“Doing” for Jesus always flows out of “being” with Jesus.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

Be Worth Being,

Kevin

The Potter and the Clay

Kevin Burrell on July 3, 2024

The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, “Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there.” So I did as the Lord told me and found the potter working at his wheel.

Jeremiah 18:1-3

THE POTTER AND THE CLAY

Most people today have never heard of Adelaide Pollard. However, in 1902, at the age of 40, Adelaide Pollard contemplated her situation. She felt, as many do at times in life, that she had reached a point where she was passionate about doing something yet was frustrated by the hurdle in her way. Adelaide sensed a call by God to begin missionary work in Africa; however, she became bitterly disappointed in her drive to raise funds for the needed trip. Through a series of events, Ms. Pollard attended a prayer meeting at a random church one evening, and it was there that an anonymous elderly woman prayed a prayer that germinated deep within Adelaide’s heart and soul, changing her life.

She went home and began writing out a prayer that went on to become a famous gospel hymn. Still today, in 2024, churches all across the world continue singing the hymn Adelaide Pollard wrote:

“Have Thine Own Way.”

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art the Potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will, While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Jeremiah the prophet watched as the potter patiently formed the clay on the wheel. Obviously, he had a goal and purpose in mind for that piece of clay. But some of the clay was resistant and inflexible in the potter’s hands. Therefore, he cast it aside for a lesser purpose.

In a similar way, we are the clay, and God is the potter. He has a plan for each of our lives that is better than anything we have planned for ourselves. We have a choice as to whether we will yield to the will of God for our lives or resist it and become inflexible. Of course, we will have setbacks in life. We will face hardship and tragedy. We will encounter unexpected problems and heartache. However, we have a choice to become bitter or better.

Listen closely: Life is full of surprises. We all know people who had great promise but never reached their potential. Then there are others who did not seem to have much promise, yet God is powerfully using them today. What will you do with the life that God has given you? Will you conform to the will of God, or will you resist Him? Will you surrender to God’s plan and purpose for your life, or will you reject it? Will you say, “God, I want my own way,” or will you say, “God, have Thine own way”? I encourage you, do not be resistant and inflexible.

The choice is yours.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

Be Worth Being,

Kevin

The Danger of Empty Promises

C.A. Phillips on June 26, 2024

Broken promises
are worse than rain clouds
that don’t bring rain.

Proverbs 25:14 (CEV)

THE DANGER OF EMPTY PROMISES

We were in the quarterfinals of the 13U tournament and on the verge of a major upset victory over a team who were favorites to win the whole thing. Our team was smaller, but we were gritty. We had threatened to take the lead earlier in the game, when the oppsing coach brought in the team’s closer to fend off our rally.

But, the rally continued, and we started thumping their hard-throwing righty. Seriously, the kid was throwing in the 80’s – which looked like 100 from only 54 feet away! Our guys didn’t flinch, and we started smoking singles and doubles in the gaps. Before we knew it, we had a one-run lead!

We were the visiting team, and with only a few minutes left in the game, it was looking like we’d pull off the upset if we could hold them on defense. We got the first out quickly on a weak grounder to third. The next batter struck out. Two down! The next batter hit a hard grounder up the middle, but our second baseman was shaded in that direction, and made the stop. I could taste victory as he made the throw to first base. But, instead of taking his time, he rushed the throw and didn’t shuffle his feet and step towards the target. The result was a tough in-between hop that handcuffed the first baseman, who was unable to hang on to it. Safe.

Instead of a huge win, the inning continued. To make a long story short, that runner stole second, then scored on a single to tie the game. We managed to get out of the inning without any further damage, and we were headed for extra innings. I was hot.

As the second baseman came off the field, I got in his face and said, “You’re sitting next inning!”

“But Coach,” he replied, “you have always said that you’d never take us out of a game if we made a physical error. Only if we kept making mental mistakes!”

I was stopped cold. He was right, and I had a choice to make. I could allow my emotions to get the best of me and remove him from the game. Or, I could do the right thing and own up to what I had always told my players.

Honestly, I believe the Holy Spirit intervened here. It was like I completely came to my senses and realized what could happen if I chose to take him out of the game.

So, instead of using my authority to put him in his place, I swallowed hard and said, “You’re right. I did say that, and I’m sorry. You’re still in the game.”

We ended up losing 7-6 in extra innings. It hurt to lose, especially when we had the opportunity to claim the victory. But, the hurt could have been far worse if I had followed through with taking the player out of the game. I would have broken my word – not only to him, but to the entire team! The damage would have been far more catastrophic than a painful and disappointing loss.

I’m so glad Alex (the second baseman) was bold enough to speak out! It would have been easy to just accept the punishment of making an error and not confronting the coach and his broken promise.

Coaches (and parents) – please heed this warning! Eyes are on you, and ears are listening! Treat your words seriously, and have the integrity to live up to the promises you make. It’s much more than a baseball game that is at stake!

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.

What Does that Cross Mean, Really?

C.A. Phillips on May 22, 2024

⁷People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, ⁸but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. ¹⁰And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!

James 3:7-10 (NLT)

WHAT DOES THAT CROSS MEAN, REALLY?

I was umpiring a Championship game for the 18U Division at a local park last week, when I noticed that several players on one of the teams had drawn crosses on their cheeks in eye black. I often see eye black used for a variety of facial graphics, including one kid they called “Robin,” who had so much of it painted on around his eyes that it looked like he was wearing a mask. Most of the time with these teens, it’s intended to make them look fierce and intimidating – like war paint. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see the crosses.

That is, until it became evident that the team was not going to win the game after unraveling on the mound and in the field late in the game. It was then that I heard these same kids – ones wearing the cross of Christ on their cheeks – begin to deride teammates with profanity that would make a sailor blush. One player screamed, “You’re so (bleeping) awful!” to his left fielder after that player booted a ball. A different player with the cross-cheeks exclaimed an F-bomb after grounding out to lead off the next inning.

Honestly, I’d be upset at the kids for talking this way whether or not they had crosses painted on. But, the cross made it worse. I actually felt a bit of sadness for the other kids who didn’t have crosses painted on. Who knows, they could know Jesus. But, for those who don’t – what do you think their collective impression of these self-proclaimed “Christians” was?

Whether you paint eye black on your face, have a Jesus fish on your car, have a WWJD bracelet on your wrist, or wear a necklace with a cross pendant, you should know that people do pay attention! I’m not saying you won’t mess up – we all will. But, we’ve got to stop wearing the cross as a fashion statement or just as a label that we’re “saved.” When we identify with Christ, we need to try to reflect his image in ALL areas of our lives: our speech, our attitude, our behavior, our work ethic, and especially our heart for lost people who need Jesus!

Otherwise, just leave the eye black in your bag.

Ships are Sinking

C.A. Phillips on May 1, 2024

There is more hope for a fool
than for someone who speaks
without thinking.

Proverbs 29:20 (CEV)

SHIPS ARE SINKING

I’m sure you’ve been there: you’re uttering words, and while they are escaping from your lips, you realize it’s too late – you can’t un-say them.

Sometimes, this can just be a simple slip of the tongue – a goof. Everyone makes mistakes, after all. Other times, it can be a tad more painful – both for you and the recipient. In fact, I vividly recall a time in my more ignorant days in my early 30’s. I was at church and was greeting at a door outside the main building. I noticed a woman walking towards me, and made eye contact with her. I said hello, then uttered the dumbest, most dangerous question a man could ever ask a woman: “Are you expecting?” (I know, I know – I can’t believe it either).

And, then, nearly the worst reply fathomable followed: “No. I had a baby a few weeks ago.”

So, there WAS a baby…but that was little solace to my crushed psyche.

I don’t believe the kind woman held it against me, but it’s something I’ve never forgotten – and I was able to learn a powerful lesson that day: don’t ever ask women questions! Or perhaps a greater lesson: Just smile and keep your mouth closed!

There’s a famous saying: Loose Lips Sink Ships. And, if this was literal, ships would be sinking all around us.

About 2000 years ago, James (Jesus’ step-brother) stated it plainly:

People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, ⁸but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:7-8 (NLT)

No one can tame the tongue. No one!

As a youth baseball umpire, I can attest to this. I spend much of my week hearing coaches, parents, and players saying some of the most spiteful, senseless, inconsiderate words you can imagine. And, only part of the time those are directed at me!

So, if this is a universal struggle, what’s the antidote? In short, we have to get our hearts right.

Read what the Apostle Luke had to say on the subject:

A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. Luke 6:45 (NLT)

If you’re heart is set on the things of this world, you’re likely to talk like the world. Like they say, “Trash in, trash out.”

But, if you set your heart on Jesus, it will be far more difficult to follow the pattern set by society. When you follow his lead, you’ll look AND sound different.

And, that will be a breath of fresh air for anyone near you. People are desperate for love and encouragement. Let’s choose our words wisely. And, if all else fails, choose silence and a smile.