Digging Deeper – November 9, 2023

Avatar photo Steve Roach on November 9, 2023

Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil.

James 4:16 (NLT)

 

Pride Before the Fall

Two geese were headed south on their annual autumn migration when they were begged by a boastful frog to take him along. The geese were willing to carry him if a means of transportation could be devised. The quick-witted frog produced a long stalk of grass and told the two geese to hold one end while he clung to the middle with his mouth. The three friends were soaring along, enjoying their journey, when some men noticed them from below. The men shouted their admiration for the device and called out, “Who was clever enough to figure that out?” When the boastful frog opened his mouth to say, “It was me!” he lost his hold, fell to the earth, and met his demise.

The entire Bible is filled with Scriptures that warn against pride and promote humility. Moses taught it, the Old Testament prophets proclaimed it, the psalmists sang it, Jesus exemplified it, and the apostles preached it. Let’s approach our future with humility and dependence on the One who holds our future.

PRAY:

Lord, give me wisdom and insight into the areas of my heart that do not please You. Help me to be humble and not proud. If I boast, let it be in You and Your goodness. Amen.

Steve Roach serves as Pastor of Spiritual Growth for NorthStar Church. He lives in Acworth, Ga., with his wife, Amy, and his four children.

The Greatest Instrument Gauge

Kevin Burrell on November 8, 2023

“Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.”
John 14:27

 

We live in a culture and society today that has everything – except “Peace.”  Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness, affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older every year.  People with anxiety disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders.  It’s not uncommon for someone with an anxiety disorder to also suffer from depression or vice versa. Nearly half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

One of my good friends, Gary Dickinson is a pilot and flight simulator instructor for Delta Airlines. I asked Gary the following question: “What avionics instrument would be the worst to lose and go out during the flight?” His answer was the “Artificial Horizon Indicator.”  Gary said: “Without it we would be unable to keep our wings level if we entered weather—clouds or anything which obscured the horizon.”  You see, the Artificial Horizon Indicator is an extremely important cockpit instrument gauge. It gives you an instant, truthful indication as to whether your aircraft is turning, climbing or descending, and should be trusted over all other senses if you are disorientated or lost. When this instrument is working properly, it provides a great sense of “Peace” to the pilot flying through poor visibility or disorientation.

In a similar way, the “Peace of God” that only He can give is the instrument gauge that will navigate you through the storms of life when you can’t seem to find your way. Without it, our lives become disoriented. We are instead controlled by anxiety, depression, troubles, worry, doubt and fear, which inevitably will lead us to crash. However, Jesus reminds us in the verse above about the “Peace” that only He can provide. It transcends all earthly understanding. Read it again closely . . .

“Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be anxious, troubled, or fearful.”

The “Peace” that Jesus gives is the very instrument gauge that will guide you through the loss of a job, parents, child or spouse. It is the instrument gauge that will guide you through overwhelming challenges, difficulties and the storms of life.  Because it’s not a matter of if, but when you’ll encounter the deep valleys of life—and it is then that you must rely on the greatest spiritual instrument gauge:

“The Peace of God.”

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.

Digging Deeper – November 8, 2023

Avatar photo Steve Roach on November 8, 2023

What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”

James 4:15 (NLT)

 

Infuse Prayer in Your Plans

In James 4:13-17, we find that it is unwise to make plans without asking God to reveal His plan to us. Some of us are scared to pray, “Your will be done,” because we are afraid God will want us to go to Africa or some faraway place to do difficult things in harsh conditions. The problem with this fear is that it comes from a misunderstanding about the nature of God. We have a Heavenly Father who only wants to give good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:9-11).

Philippians 2:13 (NLT) says this: “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” If God wanted to send you to Africa, He would put that desire in you so strong that nothing would keep you from wanting to go.  Although we may not always know God’s specific will, we can always know His heart.

 

PRAY:

Lord, I praise You that Your plans are always good. Show me Your good and perfect will for my life and help me obey You. Amen.

 

Steve Roach serves as Pastor of Spiritual Growth for NorthStar Church. He lives in Acworth, Ga., with his wife, Amy, and his four children.

 

Digging Deeper – November 7, 2023

Avatar photo Steve Roach on November 7, 2023

How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.

James 4:14 (NLT)

 

Make the Most of Today

It’s easy to get so preoccupied with the future that we miss the opportunities God gives us each day. Life is fleeting, and death is inevitable for all of us. Despite this, our culture is busy trying to disguise the aging process. We color our hair, inject Botox around our eyes, and look for some miracle potion that will give us a few more years. Some people even go to the extreme and freeze their bodies after they die in hopes that some future medical breakthrough will provide a cure for their particular death-causing disease and enable them to live again. But the reality is that nothing will keep any of us from the ultimate appointment already on God’s calendar.

The Bible says, “In Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them” (Psalm 139:16). If you have placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ and have followed Him faithfully, your appointment with God can be a means of rejoicing, not fear.

PRAY:

Lord, thank you for the gift of life and for every breath that you have gifted to me. Help me make the most of every opportunity for You and your Kingdom.

Steve Roach serves as Pastor of Spiritual Growth for NorthStar Church. He lives in Acworth, Ga., with his wife, Amy, and his four children.

Digging Deeper – November 6, 2023

Avatar photo Steve Roach on November 6, 2023

Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” — James 4:13

 

Spaced Out

There was a planetarium that needed money, so its director dreamed up a gimmick that preyed upon future-oriented, hopeful, yet gullible people. He printed brochures offering one-thousand-acre lots on Mars for only twenty dollars. “This land still features pink skies, unlimited rock gardens, and not one but two moons. So peaceful, quiet, and romantic—even the natives are friendly,” the literature promised. “At one-sixth the gravity of Earth, your golf game will improve immensely—drives will be six times longer. Mars will provide a world of adventure for the entire family.” The gag was surprisingly successful. People across the country sent in their money for a deed.

James reminds us that making life plans without praying and seeking God is just as foolish as buying land on Mars. I may not know what the future holds, but I know Who holds my future. Because God holds eternity in His hands, isn’t it a good idea to trust Him with all your tomorrows?

 

Father, though I don’t know the future, You do. Help me make wise decisions today to prepare me for whatever the future holds. Amen.

 

Steve Roach serves as Pastor of Spiritual Growth for NorthStar Church. He lives in Acworth, Ga., with his wife, Amy, and his four children.

Digging Deeper – November 3, 2023

Avatar photo C.A. Phillips on November 3, 2023

Draw Near To God (James 4:8-10)

8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be miserable and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.— James 4:8-10

Today, we continue our journey word by word, verse by verse through the book of James. The Bible is God’s written word to us, so we believe that every word matters and has a bearing on our lives!

James 3:9-12 speaks to the inconsistency of the tongue. The same tongues blesses and curses. This incongruence should not be! James goes on to make use of illustrations from nature to make his point.

Digging Deeper – November 2, 2023

Avatar photo C.A. Phillips on November 2, 2023

The Cure For Conflict (James 4:7)

7 Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. — James 4:7

Today, we continue our journey word by word, verse by verse through the book of James. The Bible is God’s written word to us, so we believe that every word matters and has a bearing on our lives!

James 3:9-12 speaks to the inconsistency of the tongue. The same tongues blesses and curses. This incongruence should not be! James goes on to make use of illustrations from nature to make his point.

The Storms of Life

Kevin Burrell on October 9, 2023

On that very day, when evening had come, Jesus said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And a great storm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.
Mark 4:35, 37

It was July 12, 1977. I woke up that morning excited, getting ready for my all-star pony league baseball practice later in the day. I remember it was a beautiful morning. The sun was shining. Not a cloud in the sky. My dad left for work. My mom was at home working around the house. My 4-year old brother was attending Vacation Bible School that morning.

The day was going great—and then it happened. Later (that very same day) a storm hit our family. My little brother, back home from VBS, accidentally slipped into a friend’s pool and was lifeless, floating on the top of the water. He was rushed to children’s hospital in San Diego, where, later in the evening, he was gone and went to heaven to be with the Lord.

In the verses above the disciples experienced a storm as well. Read it for yourself again. Their morning started out well. Great ministry was going on. Exciting things were happening all around, and then, “on that very same day” when evening had come they were in the middle of a fierce storm, battling for their lives.

Here is the reality: we do not know what a day will bring. A beautiful morning—only to end with a storm-filled evening. Our life is like a vapor. Life is precious and life is short. However, what we do know or should know is that Jesus is in the middle of the storm. It never catches Him by surprise. He allowed it to happen to the disciples and He allows it to happen in our lives as well. He reminds us: “In this world you will have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world.”

He is holding on to your hand. He doesn’t promise to keep us from the storms of life; however, He will guide us through the storm. Abide with Him. Trust Him. Allow your soul to anchor in Him. Every storm runs out of rain, just like every dark night turns into day. However painful, storms draw something out of us that calm seas never will.

Hang in there. Be strong. Be courageous. Do not fear. Do not quit. Keep making progress. Trust in the One who has you right in the palm of His Mighty hand.

 

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.

You are Plan A

Kevin Burrell on October 3, 2023

 

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.


Matthew 28:19-20

There is an old legend that speaks of a conversation between Jesus and the angel Gabriel, after Christ’s ascension back to heaven:

Gabriel: “How bad was it on earth for the 33 years you were there?”

Jesus: “Oh Gabriel, it was awful.”

Gabriel: “How bad was it going to the cross? We stood ready, your legion of angels stood watch in the garden of Gethsemane, waiting for your call, while watching you in agony praying to The Father while all your disciples were asleep.”

Jesus: “Yes Gabriel, the pain and suffering was awful, and separation from The Father was agonizing. It was horrendous.”

Gabriel: “What plan did you make for completing God’s mission of telling everyone throughout all of time about how much God loves them?”

Jesus: “I asked Peter, James and John, and a handful more in the region to make it their life’s mission to tell others. And then those are to tell others, and the others still others, until every person has heard the Good News and their life becomes transformed by it.”

Gabriel stood in deep thought and meditation as though he saw a flaw in Jesus’ plan.

Gabriel: “Yes, but Master, suppose after a while Peter forgets and goes back to fishing and John loses his enthusiasm.  And what if their successors, down in the 21st century get so busy or so timid that they do not make the time or have the courage to tell others? What will you do then?”

The voice of Jesus answered quietly and confidently—

Jesus: “I haven’t made any other plans Gabriel. I am counting on them. There is no plan B.”

May I remind you as well that there is no plan B. Plan B is plan A!

As you are going through life—Go, And Make Disciples!

Be who God created you to be. Never forget, If Satan can’t make you bad—he will just make you busy. Be busy about the right things. The things that truly matter in this life. Go and tell the message. Work His plan—and His plan will work!

 

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.

Seeing + Feeling + Acting

Kevin Burrell on September 19, 2023

When Jesus saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers into His fields.

Matthew 9:36, 38

Recently my wife and I were in a restaurant enjoying a date night out. While talking with the young lady who was our server, we learned she was struggling to make ends meet at home because her husband was out of work and they had young children to feed and care for. We saw a lady who was doing her best while walking through a dark valley in her life. We felt compassion for her. Sadly, it stopped there, until the Spirit of God said “That is not enough, Kevin.”

I have learned through the years in my walk with the Lord that Kindness = Seeing + Feeling + Action. All three steps are required. Needless to say my wife and I acted. We saw a need, felt compassion for the need, and took action to fill the need.

In the passage above Jesus was no different. Look at the progression. Jesus saw the crowds. He had a feeling of compassion for the crowds. However, He didn’t stop there. He took action by “Sending Out More Workers” into the crowds.

 I heard it said long ago, “The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your arm.” There is no truer statement!

We must first see a need > It must touch our heart to feel compassion for the need > And it must drive us to action by showing God’s love in a practical way to fill the need.

See a need …. fill a need!

 

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.