>>Isn't God Great?

Navigating Life's Journey is awesome. Each week that passes is exciting and fulfilling as we travel this journey of faith together at NorthStar. Isn't it something how each week God ministers to us just at our point of need? Where are you in your walk with Him? How’s the journey? Are you struggling? Are you hanging in there? Are you having a good time? I am thankful for the way God helps me go down this journey called the spiritual life. Someone said ( I think Tony Evans) : “He has us where we are, taking us where He wants us to be. If we are faithful where we are, He is free to take us where He wants us to be.” Each week someone shares with me either in person, by phone, or email how God is moving in their hearts at NorthStar. I am so thankful for NorthStar and the way God is at work. I am thankful for the way God is at work in my own life. Our present is a blessing, and our future is bright as we continue seeking His will and purpose for our lives. We must remember what successes and blessings we receive come from God. I praise God for NorthStar Church. I am so encouraged by the way church growth occurs at NorthStar. When people, excited about what God is doing, begin inviting family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors to worship, the results are immeasurable. This church truly has a passion to reach others for Christ. I am thankful for each person who is a member of NorthStar and for those attending NorthStar. I am thankful for those who have come to Christ and for those who will come to Him. Remember as we Navigate Life’s Journey together, we must do so with God at the controls of our lives.

>>It Makes My Heart Smile

It is really unbelievable how fast the year passed by for us here at NSC. When God enabled us to take the monumental step of launching the first service on April 16, we knew the rest of the year was going to be fast- paced. What an honor to be a part of such a fresh move of God. I have had some incredible years of ministry and have seen some pretty incredible things happen in God's work. However, there is nothing in all my years of ministry that compares to the experience of this work. It is so fulfilling to see God at work and moving in the hearts and lives of people. It makes my heart smile to see people each week pull onto the gravel parking lot of what used to be a trailer manufacturing facility, to attend worship. It makes my heart smile each time a person steps into the (cattle watering trough) baptismal pool to follow Christ in baptism. It makes my heart smile to see how people have such a willingness to be a part of what God is doing. It makes my heart smile as the different ministries are developing at NSC. It makes my heart smile to know that there is a freedom to worship, serve, share, dream, mature, and fellowship together. It makes my heart smile as we envision the next step. It makes my heart smile to see people interested and involved in missions. It makes my heart smile to actually begin to know some of the names of the people attending. It makes my heart smile to see new people each week. It makes my heart smile to have a leadership team committed to the vision God has given us. It makes my heart smile to see so many willing volunteers give so much of themselves to the cause of Christ. It makes my heart smile to know that even though we are not perfect, people are willing to come and feel a part. God has given us a challenge and task to make a difference in this community, county, and region. Our heart smiles because of all the ways God blesses us, and for all these things I am thankful. More than our own satisfaction, I pray that we please God in all that we do this coming year. I am looking forward to what God has in store for us this year, and I feel honored to share this time with those who are a part of NorthStar Church.

>>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.