A Star Is Coming- (Repost from January 12, 2006)

It is good to see remember where we have been...The following is a repost from January 12, 2006:

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.

They Were Focused

I am constantly reminded of the number of people who do not know the peace, hope, and forgiveness of Christ. Since day one of The Movement called the church, the message of Christ has been shared with those far from God. As you trace the early steps of the church in the Book of Acts, you see an evangelistic fervor that would continue for years to come. As the people shared Christ, there was a strong sense of fulfillment knowing they were offering hope. In fact they were offering what no one else could give. They lived and breathed this challenge not because of obligation or duty but of urgency and personal experience.  They woke up thinking of those they could share this message of hope.  The people were united with this purpose and so they shared. Scripture says they focused on unity, ministry, purpose, strategy and action. This Revolution grew and on a regular basis many would experience the forgiveness and hope that only God could give. God had raised them up for such a time as this. He not only chose them to be the catalyst but He empowered them to do so. He favored them in the task and they were careful not to overlook His calling. So we today have been called, empowered, and favored to be the people who share this same Good News.  The Movement Continues today and so we wake up every day thinking of with whom and how we can share this message. Who in your circle of life needs to experience His transforming power of forgiveness and hope?

Shopping at the Harley Dealership....

While traveling this past week, we dropped in at the local HD to grab a new tee shirt. Going to the Harley Davidson dealership is one of Marla's favorite things to do so naturally I stop as often as possible. (Not really…I mean, I do stop often but it is not necessarily Marla’s favorite thing to do. J) Anyway, we had just ridden the Dragon. The Tail of the Dragon is a stretch of road in the mountains with 318 curves in just 11 miles. This is a pretty well know strip of pavement for bikers. While there, someone stuck up a conversation with Marla about the subject of God and church. One of the workers there invited us to attend her church. She was really pumped and it was as if she couldn’t wait to tell Marla about where she attended and how God had used it to literally change her life.  She told her how God was growing the church and doing some incredible things there. As a pastor and follower of Christ, I thought it was pretty cool how she was so excited about her Christ, her church and the possibility of us going there too. We ended up going to that church over the weekend. It was really good, even though I missed my NSC family. How simple is that? I mean, Really...can’t we all do what this lady did at the HD? I am so thankful how so many at NSC having been doing since the very beginning. I am so thankful that God honors our efforts in extending the gospel in this way. You guys are fabulous. Let’s keep it up because it is making a difference. God puts people in our way every day that we can influence, impact and minister to for Christ. Who knows, your invitation may be exactly what it takes for someone to give God a chance in their lives. So many lives have been changed for eternity because people like you invited them to Christ. Thank you for making a difference in eternity.

...you would not believe, even if you were told....Habakkuk 1:5

Habakkuk 1:5 ⁵ “Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.

I want to write a quick note after such a busy Easter Weekend @nschurch.  God moved supernaturally in our church this past weekend. We saw over 70 people give their hearts to Christ.  We are just beginning to hear the stories of those who said yes to His Beautiful Exchange. One is a sweet 89 year old lady who attends each week with her family. When the invitation was given, she was seen standing down front with one hand on her walker and the other lifted to the Lord. Countless other stories of lives being changed are coming in daily. #thisnevergetsold.  I am so thankful for all our volunteers who work tirelessly each week filling all the areas of service. These volunteers are awesome.  God did indeed do something in our days that was beyond imagination. The best is yet to come.

More exciting news...Today marks the day of the book release of a tremendous man of God named Pete Wilson. Pete is the Pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville. His new book is entitled: Empty Promises. Be sure to pick up a copy of this book that goes on sale today.  We will have copies of his book in our Compass Center.  We are really excited to have Pete  coming to NorthStar this summer. We will be doing a two part series. Pete will bring the first message and I will be bring the second.

I never cease to stand amazed at such an Awesome God we serve. Keep on keeping on….

Oh yea...a few weeks ago in my ten year vision I mentioned The Code.  You can go to our web site and read the details of the meaning of the code.