>>He Was Born Under A Christmas Star

Can you believe it is Christmas time already? Me either! It seems like just yesterday we were going to the parties, attending the programs, and exchanging gifts. I have often said everyday is Christmas for the believer. We should celebrate Christ's birth each and every day. While I enjoy this season and all the extra things that we do, I must never lose sight of the real reason we have Christmas. Have you read the story lately? The Christmas story is incredible!After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5 "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: 6 "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'" 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him." 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Matthew 2:1-12 (NIV)I told you it was incredible!As we prepare for all the things that we will be doing this Christmas let us be sure to celebrate the real reason for Christmas.

>>Six Months Later...

I have a vision! I have a dream! Not the kind of vision some might think where you hear voices, levitate, walk through space, move through time surrounded by fog or smoke. In fact, I have never had one of those and when I do, call me crazy, but I will have lost it totally! The kind of vision and dream I have is seeing beyond the horizon to the heart of God. Through prayer, study, seeking the will of God, worship, and spiritual intuitiveness
I have envisioned what God wants to happen in and through NorthStar. This vision began developing a few years ago and began to grow stronger and clearer just over a year ago. I see God's hand in my life over the past several years preparing me for the vision He was giving me. He used people , His Word, my studies, and life experiences to shape this vision. Okay, Okay already! What is your vision?My vision is for there to be a church that functions much like the church in the New Testament. The N.T. church had a passion to come together to worship in a way that was relevant to their culture. I doubt seriously they had a pipe organ or an electric guitar. They just came with a strong sense of urgency to worship the creator of the universe. Some say as they came to church there would be over twenty thousand worshipers in the 10:30 (not sure what time) morning service at the temple courts (worship center). They would then break up into small groups, go to individual homes, eat, fellowship, study, serve, worship, and reach out to others together. Incredible! This is what we are doing at NorthStar!My vision goes beyond the warehouse that we are using as a church building.
I envision that in the years to come, God is going to provide us with property where we can take root and grow to an even greater level doing even greater things for the Lord.
I envision while we are still in our current building, expanding to additional services to accommodate the numbers of people that will be coming. As I teach in Discovering NorthStar 101, we can not let the shoe tell the foot how big it can get.
I envision the people of NSC inviting their friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers to be a part of what God is doing here.I envision multitudes of people plugging into small groups that will meet literally around the region. Small groups are where people can grow deeper with God while growing closer with one another. There is no way for everyone to know everybody, especially in a church the size of NorthStar. Therefore, it is important to get into a small group to experience the kind of fellowship God created us to enjoy.
I envision people driving on to our campus and actually sensing the presence of God through the smiles of the parking lot team, greeters, and leadership.
I envision people meeting Christ and connecting in the body of Christ. I envision people following Christ in obedience and connecting with His plan for their lives.
I envision NSC being a world mission strategy center with people going out at different times of the year to do home and foreign missions.
I envision NSC being a ministry focused church and actually being the hands and feet of Christ in our community, city, and county.
I envision NSC being a church planting resource center, and I envision NSC planting her first church by the end of our third year.
I envision students growing and reaching their friends for Christ.
I envision college and career ministry reaching people on campus and in the work place.I envision a children’s ministry that is cutting edge and life-changing, causing parents to say "I want my child a part of this ministry."
I envision worship that uses creativity and relevance to reach not only this generation but the ones to come. These things are not just wishful thinking or dreams that are beyond reality. In fact, we are already seeing these things come to pass in all of these areas. With the commitment to excellence, we are already seeing lives changed and people added to the kingdom. Often people ask me, "Would you have dreamed a year ago there would be so many people coming to NSC, etc?" Some are surprised by my answer. I did dream this! I believe the next six months are going to be even greater than the first. I am so glad you are a part of this vision, and I am thankful for the way God is using you to grow the kingdom for His glory.

>>His Love Is Indescribable

His Love Is Indescribable
Wow! These past weeks have been indescribable as we have seen new people present each Sunday and as God has done an incredible work among us. I am so thankful to be part of such a move of God in our area. Someone asked me the other day: "Could you have imagined this happening nine months ago?" The answer is: I have not only imagined what is happening now but even beyond. That is why I feel so amazed and blessed at seeing these things of God unfold. In reality, it is even greater than I imagined, and the days to come are going to be awesome as God continues to do His work in and through His people. It is one thing to envision there being a church like NorthStar, but it is another thing to actually see in come to fruition. Rick Warren said: "Dream big dreams." I have a dream of God using NorthStar Church as a regional center of worship, evangelism, missions, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and church planting.
Adding To Our Building
The 3600 square feet addition to our building is going well. We are adding a new children's worship room almost twice the size of our existing one. Along with this we are adding two smaller rooms adjoining this room that will be used for small group time. In addition to these rooms we are adding two preschool rooms for our growing needs. This past week we were blessed to add our kitchenette and wash area for our baby room. Please pray for God to supply our needs as we prepare to buy the tables and chairs needed for these rooms.
Lives Are Being Changed!
We are seeing homes mended, souls saved, commitments deepened, hurts healed, excitement restored, lives yielded, maturity increased, ministries begun, evangelism implemented, worship flourishing, and fellowship among His people. Wow! Isn't God great! We baptized five in August and will be baptizing later this month. Someone said to me the other day: “You guys are doing a great job." The reality is that God is moving and working. This is all about Him, and we are simply trying to be willing for Him to use us in any possible way. No, we are not perfect, but we serve someone who is perfect and we are trying to be sensitive to His will and way. To God be the glory. Paul said: "to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:21 (NIV)
Small Groups Have Launched.
With great enthusiasm our small group launch was super. Already our small groups are growing, and people are joining each week. I really feel that small groups are going to take our church to another level. In each of our small groups, we are emphasizing and living out the five purposes of our church. These purposes are: Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry, and Evangelism. It is going to be astonishing as we see the impact our small groups will have in the days to come. It is in the small group setting we grow closer to one another and we are able to minister to the needs of one another better. If you have not joined a small group, there is one just for you.
In Closing.
Please take a moment today to remember the families of those who lost loved ones during the great national tragedy of September 11 , 2001. Please pray for peace and pray that the love of Jesus Christ could be seen daily through your life. Please pray that we could make a difference in this world through our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Thank You
I want to thank you for the part you are playing in seeing the Kingdom of God expand in and through NorthStar Church. Thank you for giving your time, resources, ideas, money, willingness, prayer support ,and encouragement as God grows this church. Thank you.

>>Dive On In

Awesome...just one of many words to describe what God is doing at NorthStar. Each week I am amazed at how God reveals Himself to the people at NSC.
“Dive On In”
We have children in every nook and cranny of our building. The NSC children's ministry is so exciting, I would kind of like to attend and get in on what's going on. We are steadily seeing our student ministry grow and reach students from all around our area. Our Career and College ministry called The Refuge had a record high of 31 people a couple of weeks ago. Since the last blog, many have given time and resources to do work in and around our facilities. (Cleaning, yard work, setting up chairs, weekly preparation, improvements, etc.) There are so many who have been involved in the various ministry projects at NSC. World Changers, Fourth of July at Ballard Park (Diaper Changing Station and Lost and Found), and manning the booth at the Winds of Worship Concert are just a few of the ways people have been involved. The NSC praise band, Three Days Journey, has both the privilege and blessing of opening the Jeremy Camp Concert Sunday night, July 16 at the BancorpSouth Center.
“Dive On In”
We have one college student working at a Christian camp in Central Mississippi and two others working at Super Summer. We have one young adult lady who spent two weeks on the foreign mission field and is currently in New York with the North American Mission Board on a four week trip. Later in July, NSC has a team of four going on a mission trip to the Philippines for two weeks. These really are exciting days for NSC.
“Dive On In”
The Wednesday night services have been great as we have been doing the study, Your Church Experiencing God Together. The small group time at the conclusion of these studies has been great. Our small groups will launch the week of August 20 and we have already had a small group leader training.
“Dive On In”
We are about to expand. The owner of our building is about to add about 3000 square feet of space that will be used in our student and children’s ministry.
“Dive On In”
God really moves in our services each week, and for all these things we give Him the praise. If you have not attended NorthStar Church, now would be a great time to “Dive On In” and experience what God is doing. If you are an attender, we are glad you are here, and we are glad you took the dive!

>>Our First Six Weeks

It seems like only yesterday that we had our first service at NorthStar, and now we are six weeks into the journey. These have been some incredible days in my life and in the lives of others at NSC. We have seen people each week give their lives to Christ and countless others whose lives have been changed. I stand in awe of the way God has put everything together and how He has made the way for what He has called us to do. For those who have been working and leading, these have been really intense days. So many have done so much in order that the building is ready each week while construction has been underway. There have not been any dull moments in anything or in any way. We have celebrated baptism twice and have had some incredible times of worship. Our children's ministry is overflowing with music, work, fun, and of course, children. God has been so faithful to provide us with chairs to sit in, though they are borrowed. We are thankful for each one of them. Both our College & Career and Student ministry has kicked off in a strong way. Ministry teams have been formed and are beginning to function. The list goes on and on. I want to thank God for making all of this possible. I want to thank all the workers who have worked tirelessly for His glory. I want to thank those who have given so much of themselves. I want to thank each person who has attended for the impact of their presence in the services. We truly have so much to be thankful for as God has multiplied His blessing immeasurably. I know the weeks to come are going to be as incredible as the previous ones. If you are new to this journey, come expecting to be blessed, used of God, and a part of something greater than ourselves.
In Him,
T

>> Launch Sunday and Beyond

The day finally came and the church officially launched. Busy doing the last minute task that had to be done before opening Sunday, the launch team worked tirelessly. The dream of this church launching Easter Sunday was about to become a reality. Easter Sunday, over 350 people gathered from the four corners of the county to worship the risen Christ. Forty nine children filed into the children's area which had been designed with children in mind. The stage was set, the lights were burning, as people gathered with the purpose of worshiping and hearing from God. The greatest thing was that God was in their midst.

NorthStar Church... a reality! NorthStar- Real people at a relevant church who connect people to a growing relationship with Christ and others to fulfill their life's purpose. It is NorthStar's desire to show God's love in such a way that people exchange ordinary living for an extraordinary life through the power of Jesus Christ. Now that the church has launched, many are asking: What now? Can I still get in on the excitement? Has the momentum died down? CanI be involved? Certainly! We've only just begun! Will you come and be a part of this community? There is room for you! Ready for a fresh start? Come join us!

>>The Word of God Will Last Forever

Wednesday night a group from NorthStar went to our new property to sign the walls of the Worship Center and Children's areas with scripture. What an experience, as we literally covered the framing with the Word of God.

Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, "It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" (NIV)

Psalm 56:10 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise -- (NIV)

Proverbs 30:5 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. (NIV)

Isaiah 2:3 Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. (NIV)

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." (NIV)

John 1:1-5,14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (NIV)

It is incredible to know that every part of the framing of this building is covered with the Word. This church is built on the Word of God, and while some of our methods are different and innovative, the preaching of the unchanging Word remains true. May God Bless NorthStar as she reaches out to the community and world with the life changing power of the Word.

>>Prayer Walking

Thursday Evening:
As we prayerwalked in our potential building and around the property Thursday night, my heart was warmed by watching those walking around the different areas of the building. The parking lot, nursery, preschool, children's, welcome center and worship center were just a few of the areas where people prayed. It made my heart smile as I heard the audible prayers of those praying. "Lord, save people and change lives here", "Lord, bring the people to yourself", "Lord, use us to reach the unreached and unchurched.", "Lord, bless the children, the homes, the lives..." We will certainly be doing this again as we lead up to the launch and after the launch. We need to be people of prayer. Read the following words written by Sherri Ingram.

Prayerwalking is just what it sounds like — simply walking and talking to God. My church’s missions minister says if you can walk and chew gum, you can prayerwalk. You don’t have to even be especially coordinated — you just need to be able to pray. Prayerwalkers don’t make a big production about what they’re doing. In fact, you may have seen prayerwalkers in action. If you did, you probably thought they were just out walking and talking to each other.

I’ve been actively prayerwalking for over a year. My prayerwalking partner and I prayerwalk our missions sites weekly. God even sent us to Asia to prayerwalk for 10 days.
Preparation for Ministry
As we walk around a subdivision, we voice specific prayers for what we see — or don’t see. We pray for people involved in violence, for those we hear arguing, for drug dealers, and for school children. Sometimes we pray for particular people we see in the area. They don’t know us or that we are praying for them, but God does. He knows the needs in their lives better than we do.
We not only pray about the bad things we see, we praise and thank God for the good things also. We thank Him for decreased trash in a neighborhood, for better-kept homes, and especially for what He’s doing in our church’s apartment ministries.
I like to think we’re like John the Baptist. We prepare the way for ministry teams. We go into an apartment complex or a neighborhood and pray for workers and residents — usually before a ministry is ever begun in the area. Then our ministry teams come in to work in the neighborhood and find hearts already softened and ready for the gospel.
Preparation for Evangelism
Prayerwalking can lead to evangelistic opportunities. As my prayer partner and I walk, we smile or say hello to the people we pass. Sometimes God gives us the opportunity to stop and talk to someone. We explain why we are in the neighborhood. We ask them if we can pray for specific things in their lives or in their neighborhoods. Often people allow us to pray with them; if they don’t, we pray for them as we continue walking.
God does awesome things when we are obedient. At one potential mission location, my partner and I strongly felt God’s presence the first time we walked the site. We sensed that when ministry started at that apartment complex, the work would progress quickly.
Our church started a tutoring ministry there in September. By the following January, we had a church service at that complex. Within a short period of time, seven people made professions of faith in Christ. Am I saying prayerwalking did that? No! But I do believe the quick results indicate that God honored our obedient and persistent prayer.
Preparation to Be Used by God
Now you may be wondering, Why should I leave my comfortable home and sweat in the sun over mission sites I can pray for from the comfort of my living room? Prayerwalking allows God to use our eyes, ears, feet, and mouths. When we make all of our senses available to God, He uses us in ways we couldn’t imagine otherwise.
Recently while my prayer partner and I were walking, we heard an ambulance. We started praying for the ambulance driver, for traffic, and for whoever was in need of help.
The ambulance got closer and closer. We prayed harder. Soon the ambulance was on the street where we were. We continued to pray. When we looked up, the ambulance was across the street from us. We didn’t want to intrude, so we continued to walk. When we reached the end of the street, we looked back to see the ambulance leaving.
We noted the address and mentioned it to our missions minister, who suggested a visit to the home. She and I went to visit about two weeks after we had seen the ambulance. We found a teenage mother with a new baby. We were able to share the gospel and pray with the teenager and her stepfather.
We would have missed this opportunity if we had been praying from the comfort of our own homes. By allowing God to use our eyes, ears, feet, and mouths, we were able to present the gospel to this family as well as to others.
God can use anyone in the ministry of prayerwalking. Those who can walk and pray should walk and pray. Those who can’t walk for health reasons can go to a site and pray for those walking and for the people who live and work in the area.
God calls us all to intercede. I get so much more than I give when I allow God to use me. I hope you will choose to let God use you and bless you through the ministry of prayerwalking.
Sherri Ingram is a member of Florida Boulevard Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
This article is courtesy of HomeLife magazine

>>Shine Like Stars . . . .

Paul wrote in the Bible that we are to be Shining Stars. Read the following verses as they tell the story: 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. Philippians 2:15 (NIV) I am reminded how important it is to know Him, serve Him, and shine for Him. Jesus went where no one else would go and did what others would not do. He spent time with those in need and hurting. Almost every time you see Jesus in scripture, He was associating with people of the world, which at that time was most everybody. He spent time with people like the lepers, blind, outcast, tax collectors and common people. Every where Jesus went, He made a difference in the lives of the people He associated with. He went about teaching, loving, healing, changing, shaping, showing compassion, and saving. We too need to model our lives and ministry after that of the Lord Jesus. He ministered to the hurting, listened to those in despair, reached out to the lonely, cared for the disenfranchised, healed the sick, cared for the dying, and proclaimed the Truth of God. We can learn a lot about ministry and service from the life of Christ.

Should we not also be going about ministering to the lost and unchurched? Should we show our love for God by doing what the very Son of God did in the world? I believe, as God continues to build NorthStar Church, we should do the same. NorthStar is a place of refuge for those in need, searching for truth, and needing a touch from the Savior. The story of Zacchaeus is one that teaches us the importance of sharing the Good News with the world. Read the story of how Jesus touched a life in such a way that it changed a man forever. 1 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. 5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a `sinner.'" 8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." 9 Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." Luke 19:1-10 (NIV)

My prayer is that we would be such a people that touches the lives of those around us with the message of Christ's love. In scripture we see Jesus taking the time to share with Levi, and we see the difference made in his life. 14 As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him. 15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the "sinners" and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: "Why does he eat with tax collectors and `sinners'?" 17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Mark 2:14-17 (NIV) This week let us reach out to those who need the changing, saving, healing message of Jesus. Shine Like Stars For His Glory.

>> We Are The Body . . . The Body Of Christ

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (NIV) As Casting Crowns communicates in one of their songs, "If we are the body why are His arms not reaching, His hands not healing, His words not teaching, His feet not going, His love not showing...." Read these words about what the body of Christ is to be doing:
1 Corinthians 12:12-27 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body -- whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free -- and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (NIV)
As we are a part of God building His church through NorthStar, let us be sure that we are functioning as His body: Arms Reaching, Hands Healing, Words Teaching, Feet Going, and Love Showing. God is blessing us as we follow in obedience His direction for NorthStar. We praise Him that we are growing and that He is already ministering to us and through us. Lord, we love and adore you. Please continue to build Your church for Your glory!

>>His Heart-Our Heart-One Heart- That All Peoples May Know Him

Each day as I move along the journey God has called me to, I am reminded I am not alone as I travel. I know that there are others who are taking this journey with me. Most of all I am comforted by the fact that God is walking with us as we avail and humble ourselves to Him to be used in the planting of His church. We yield ourselves to His will as He builds a unique church to shine His light to those who might otherwise not be reached. It is a matter of obedience. We are doing His work, going His direction, in His power, led by His Spirit. We must remember, it is not about oursleves but about Him and His glory.

I love to read from the book of Acts of how the New Testament church was formed and functioned. I find encouragement in the way God helped the early Christians and early church as they navigated through history. We are reminded in Peter's sermon how they functioned as believers. Read the following verses carefully and notice several significant truths. Notice how they preached the Word of God, responded to the message, gathered together in one place, studied the Word and fellowshipped together. We have consistently been saying our methods are different but our message is the same. This concept is not new, for Jesus was keen to the methods needed but never changed His message. The early church did the same yet were devoted to the truths of the Word of God. Listen to the Words as you read them and imagine yourself in the same place with them.

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off -- for all whom the Lord our God will call." 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (NIV) Acts 2:37-47

I love seeing the five purposes lived out in scripture. Please pray as we develop as a church and live out those purposes even now.

>>Fresh Anointing

As we gathered last night for our sixth "core building" meeting, we sensed a fresh anointing of God on the meeting. We had a total of just over sixty people with us as we met to worship and continue to catch the vision of where God is leading. I felt God's presence before the meeting even began. I stand amazed at what God is doing. I am humbled at the fact that He is allowing me to be a part of something so exciting and great as NorthStar. I am thank for all those whom God is raising up to join us in this great journey. We are so blessed by what He continues to do each time we come together. If you have not begun this journey with us we hope to see you soon.

>>He Is Able

Listen to the direction God was leading His people. Numbers 13:1-3, 21-30 The LORD said to Moses, 2 "Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. From each ancestral tribe send one of its leaders." 3 So at the LORD's command Moses sent them out from the Desert of Paran. All of them were leaders of the Israelites.
21 So they went up and explored the land from the Desert of Zin as far as Rehob, toward Lebo Hamath. 22 They went up through the Negev and came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, lived. (Hebron had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) 23 When they reached the Valley of Eshcol, they cut off a branch bearing a single cluster of grapes. Two of them carried it on a pole between them, along with some pomegranates and figs. 24 That place was called the Valley of Eshcol because of the cluster of grapes the Israelites cut off there. 25 At the end of forty days they returned from exploring the land. 26 They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 They gave Moses this account: "We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan." 30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it."

The report of the ten was: "we can not so ..." but the report of Joshua and Caleb was "we can...."
This is a passage I used at our last time of worship to describe what God is doing and where God is leading. We must be sensitive to His leading and respond with obedience. There are movers and shakers and there are moaners and quakers. I want to always be on the cutting edge with a heart of obedience. What do we ask and how big do we dream? He can and will do even more than we ask or dream. I am being told by church planters and visionaries not to dream to small. I am believing God to do an incredible work in and through NSC. Someone asked the question: "Who is behind all of this?" We serve a great God and He is the one behind all of this. Without Him we would certainly fail, fall, go astray and to put it frankly, mess it all up. We have got to put our trust in Him, follow Him completely and constantly be sensitive to His leading. I humble myself before Him, seek to be filled with His Spirit, seek the mind of Christ, and follow His voice. He is able!

>> What Is God Doing?

God is moving and we are joining Him. The Bible describes it this way: 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) God is raising up a church to reach a generation of people with the solid, unchanging message of the love of God. There are so many unchurched and lost people in our area. It is going to take all our existing churches and more to reach them. Our passion is to reach the 22,000 in our county who do not know Him. Our involvement in this task is going to require us to be faithful, diligent, sensitive, holy, devoted, willing, sacrificial, loving, giving, committed, and prayer warriors. What is God doing? He is at work! We are joining Him.
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>> A Star Is Coming, NorthStar Church

I am so excited about NorthStar Church. This is certainly an exciting time as we are on a very unique Kingdom Journey of seeing the birth of a new church. Church planting has been around for quite some time. Actually for a couple of thousand years. I am intrigued by how the early church took care of business. They met, prayed, studied, fellowshiped, worshiped, ministered and went out to share together. When I began this journey, led by His Spirit, I knew God would have to guide and provide. I realized from the very beginning that this was something that I could not do in my own strength and would have to totally rely on Him. The Lord told me to trust and follow. So, that is what I am doing. The scriptures teach us that it is in our weakness that His strength is made known. He sure is being made known these days. My dream for NorthStar is that it will be incredible tool in the hand of God to reach the un-reached, lost, un-churched and a perfect fit for those who share this vision. I envision this church not only reaching the lost but discipling the saved. I envision NorthStar being a regional church drawing people to Christ from all over our region. Are we competing? Yes, we are competing with the devil. He does not like what we are doing so we must be on guard against "the wiles of the devil." He is our enemy yet the scriptures teach us that; " greater is He that is within us than he that is in the world." As we live in these days we must stand strong on God's Word, walk close to the Lord, be filled with His Spirit, live a life of holiness, minister to the body of Christ, share Christ in the dark places of the world, share with our city, county,state, learn from the Master, pray without ceasing and worship Him genuinely. As you join us in person or in prayer, journey with us as we strive to do what He created us to do.
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