NSC Devotional Jan 11

Having Heart In A Sometimes Heartless World Day 11 Scripture focus:  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.  Psalm 51:12 NIV "I am going to spend the rest of my life making a living amends to my wife and children for all I've put them through."  And he has.  After years of moving in and out of sobriety, this guy made a decision to do more than get sober - he chose to come clean.  Coming clean to me means digging in and dealing with more than just the symptoms of our dis-ease.  It requires actually doing something about the underlying series of maladaptive beliefs and behaviors that made these symptoms so attractive in the first place. Meetings, counseling, small groups, asking for feedback and following through with suggestions, financial planning, time management, sacrifice, suffering for the sake of others, nutrition classes, fitness regime and much, much more were all ingredients necessary for the tough task of soul restoration.  In summation - my friend became willing. "Willingness is characterized by the ability to see things from another person's perspective or at least be interested enough to acknowledge that not everyone sees things the way you do.  Willing people realize not only that they are not always right, but they need to make things right when they are wrong.  Willing people jump into recovery or counseling because they know there is a world of information about themselves they don't have and will not be able to find on their own.  Willing people are able to shut up for a while and listen to someone else who might have something valuable to contribute to their lives."  (Stephen Arturburn, Reframe Your Life, pp. 33 and 34) If you've been stubbornly resistant your whole life, I suggest you ask God to make you willing.  He will if you will. Recommended reading:  Genesis 25-26 in the morning; Psalm 10 in the evening Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.  Proverbs 4:23 TNIV Click "Comments" Below to Join the Discussion   Scroll down to the Archive Section to View Previous Devotionals.

This email was sent to blog645.nscblog@blogger.com, by info@northstarcommunity.com Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by NorthStar Community | 2531 Buford Road | Richmond | VA | 23235

NSC Devotional Jan 10

Having Heart In A Sometimes Heartless World Day 10 Scripture focus:  Pharaoh's heart, however, remained hard.  He still refused to listen, just as the Lord had predicted. So Pharaoh's heart remained hard. But when Pharaoh saw that relief had come, he became stubborn.  He refused to listen just as the Lord had predicted. But Pharaoh's heart remained hard.  He wouldn't listen to them, just as the Lord had predicted, But Pharaoh again became stubborn and refused to let the people go, Pharaoh refused to listen. But when Pharaoh saw that the rain, hail, and thunder had stopped, he and his officials sinned again, and Pharaoh again became stubborn.  Because his heart was hard, Pharaoh refused to let the people leave, just as the Lord had predicted through Moses.  Exodus 7:14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:12, 33-35 NLT  (This insanity continues in chapter ten, but I can't bear to keep repeating this sad tale of resistance.  Read it if this doesn't convince you of the craziness of resistance.) Blood instead of water; frogs; gnats; festering boils; flies; plague against the livestock; hail; locusts; darkness; death of firstborns - all these plagues were sent by God to get the Pharaoh's attention, and he stubbornly resisted.  DUI's; abortion; rehab; banishment from the family; rehab; bankruptcy; felony charges; another abortion; more rehab; jail; loss of driving privileges; more DUI's; ill-conceived marriage; divorce; loss of custody; rehab; another felony charge; more jail - sound familiar?  "We can endure so many losses and painful moments, yet still refuse help or even look at the possibility that someone, somewhere, might aid us.  Somebody might know the way out of the deep hole we are in.  But rather than look at the possibilities, we hang on to our right to remain the same, our right to live life as we choose, no matter how painful that life might become." (Arterburn, Reframe Your Life, p. 31) I have a friend who is entering rehab - again.  I think she is perhaps one of the bravest Princess Warriors I know.  Suffering happens - and sometimes that suffering is the result of our poor choices.  Stubbornly resistant people keep on keeping on.  If we can shed this barrier to transformation, we can move through our suffering instead of relentlessly recycling it. Cyclical suffering is unproductive (see Running In Circles, by Kim Engelman).  Pharaoh was a guy who suffered cyclically.  Please don't add your name to the infamous list of unproductive sufferers.  God has big dreams for you; they may require you to suffer, but not in a cyclical fashion.  If your story sounds like a broken record, stuck in suffering, you aren't suffering for a cause, you may be suffering because you're stubborn and resistant to God's desires for you - transformation. All of us have a choice.  We can suffer because of our shortcomings, or we can suffer as we do the hard work of renovation required to work through our defects of character and on to a restored life.  Some of this is actually your choice! Recommended reading:  Genesis 23-24 in the morning; Proverbs 3 in the evening Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.  Proverbs 4:23 TNIV   Click "Comments" Below to Join the Discussion   Scroll down to the Archive Section to View Previous Devotionals.

This email was sent to blog645.nscblog@blogger.com, by info@northstarcommunity.com Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by NorthStar Community | 2531 Buford Road | Richmond | VA | 23235

NSC Devotional Jan 9

Having Heart In A Sometimes Heartless World Day 9 Scripture focus:  "You stubborn people!  You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth.  Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit?"  Acts 7:51 NLT She came to me with a proposal that sounded too good to be true.  She wanted to open a shelter for women and all she needed from me was money.  Her vision glittered.  In this safe harbor, women beaten down by the cares of this world would receive a second chance.  In this place they would be warm, well-fed, and safe.  Under this cozy blanket of protection from the harsh realities of living in a cruel world, they could catch their breath and gain new skills.  Re-entry into the world would be different the next time.  They would be more prepared.  Equipped to take on the world, this time they would succeed.  I asked her about her own life, and I detected an air of defensiveness.  I hadn't meant to offend; I just wanted to know from whence all this well-spring of good doing sprang. "My life is of no concern to you."  She huffed. "Oh, but it is," I reply.  "I am so impressed by your dream, I'm eager to know how you discovered it."  Pause.  "And of course, my Board of Directors wouldn't consider a large donation to any organization without a thorough knowledge of the leadership team running it." "Presently I am looking for residence, and the system has yet again taken one of my children from me." "Ahhh, I see.  Your passion is fueled by personal experience; I get that.  Some of the most effective mentors I know are those who speak from personal experience." "Yes," she nods.  And in the absence of judgment, she finds her own safe harbor in which to tell her story.  It's a good story, and if she can overcome a few barriers, I believe it will one day be a great story.  But for today, my new friend has three barriers standing between her and a big dream:  stubborn resistance, good intentions and arrogant entitlement.  (For a thorough treatment of this subject, read Reframing Your Life by Stephen Arterburn.)  In Arterburn's book, he talks about people who desperately need help but struggle with opening up to the help they need.  After our morning of conversation, I saw this struggle etched clearly in the face of my friend.  She refused any feedback from others.  She blamed "the system" for taking her children but resisted listening to "the system's" suggestions for how she might regain custody.  She loved her kids; she loved God and sensed his big dream lodged tenaciously in her heart.  But.  As Arterburn says so succinctly, "In fact, some of you have built your whole identity around resisting anything that anyone else suggests.  If someone says white, then you will naturally respond with black.  If someone says go to the right, you want to go to the left.  You have a hard time going along with what others think."   (p.27)  May I make a suggestion (and will you stubbornly resist)?  Practice not resisting this week.  Start small.  When you order fast food, and the cashier asks if you want a special sauce, ask - "What do you suggest?"  The server will be very startled, and this will be fun!  Whatever they suggest, take the sauce and eat it (unless you're allergic).  It won't hurt you!  And you may find that learning how to accept constructive feedback may bring you closer to God's big dreams for you! Recommended reading:  Genesis 21 and 22 in the morning; Matthew 8 and Psalm 9 in the evening Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.  Proverbs 4:23 TNIV   Click "Comments" Below to Join the Discussion   Scroll down to the Archive Section to View Previous Devotionals.

This email was sent to blog645.nscblog@blogger.com, by info@northstarcommunity.com Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by NorthStar Community | 2531 Buford Road | Richmond | VA | 23235

NSC Devotional Jan 8

Having Heart In A Sometimes Heartless World Day 8 Scripture focus:  Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.  God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.  This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.  Ephesians 1:4-5 NLT   Once upon a time, I was under the impression that I had stumbled back to God and was received reluctantly by a heavenly Father frustrated that it took so long for me to see the light.  In my mind I envisioned the approach - head bent, eyes averted, I sidled up to the throne of grace primarily because God was distracted with the cares of this world.  It wasn't like I was welcomed into the family of God so much as I was benignly ignored and allowed to hang out as long as I kept quiet and didn't make waves.  Troublesome passages of scripture popped up in my study time.  Hebrews four instructed me to approach the throne with confidence - confident people stride without a hint of sidling.  The ever-popular story of the prodigal son also confused me.  Why did that daddy run toward his errant son?  Where was the stern lecture delivered in a way that insured a response of shame?  He threw his kid a party - are you kidding me (no wonder the faithful brother was mad)?  For  years I regularly read Ephesians 1 without seeing the sentence - "This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure."   None of these verses sound like my preconceived notions of God barely letting me into the kingdom after I grovel sufficiently. Steve Arterburn has written a book, Reframe Your Life, in which he ponders the impact of suffering and suggests strategies that either help or hurt the healing process.  "I was fascinated that some people succumb to abuse, trauma, and other harsh realities of life while others overcome them and move on to great things and fulfilling lives. (p.5)"   His premise is that how we frame our lives determines the value of the life we live. Listen to me.  Put this devotional down if all you're doing is reading it to check it off your "to do" list for the spiritually-minded.  If you're reading this because you're desperate or devoted, then hear me out.  You must be willing to give up all your "impressions" and opinions and pre-conceived notions about who God is and what he expects of you along with a host of other half-truths and outright lies if you're going to grow up in your salvation. I was wrong about what it meant to be chosen by God.  I wasn't the last person picked to play on his team.  He didn't sigh when he stretched out his very big hand and pointed his long, powerful finger at me and said, "You. Come with me."  That's not how it went down.  Instead, he knelt on bended knee, the way daddies stretch to scoop up their babies.  He cheered as I toddled toward him on unsteady legs.  He called out (either gently or with a wild whoop, depending on the temperament of each child he welcomed), "Welcome home!"  When I walked through the entrance to the kingdom of God it gave him pleasure -   as did you.  This unfathomable act of grace and mercy reframes how we view our lives.  Remember this as I challenge you with three hard truths this week. Recommended reading:  Genesis 19 and 20 in the morning; Matthew 7 and Psalm 8 in the evening Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.  Proverbs 4:23 TNIV Click "Comments" Below to Join the Discussion   Scroll down to the Archive Section to View Previous Devotionals.

This email was sent to blog645.nscblog@blogger.com, by info@northstarcommunity.com Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by NorthStar Community | 2531 Buford Road | Richmond | VA | 23235

NSC Devotional Jan 7

Having Heart In A Sometimes Heartless World Day 7 Scripture focus:  I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.  John 14:18 NIV   If we're going to find our way back to God and live the abundant life that he promised for those who believe - we've got to get a few things straight.  (1).  The silence of God, suffering, and even sin - both ours and others, does not mean that God is punishing us, withholding himself from us, etc.  We must develop a foundation of belief in the character of God that is consistent with truth and not dependent upon upbeat feelings or pleasing circumstances. (2).  God has big plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11, John 10:10) and not a single item from #1 above makes this truth any less true. (3).  It takes a big heart to accept the challenge of such a gigantic adventure. (4).  Our hearts are vulnerable, and must be guarded. (5).  The world can be cruel - get used to it.  (6).  Sufferings and hardships in all their ugly forms are not dream stealers - they are potential character builders.  This sounds extremely cliché, but it is true.  Assuming the role of perpetual victim is the quickest way to sidetrack a good opportunity for growth. (7).  Mercy is when God takes pity on the suffering. (8).  Grace is God's unmerited favor towards those who have caused suffering. (9).  Don't get mad at God when he chooses to lavish his grace and mercy on others unless you are willing to ask him to give you the justice you truly deserve. (10).  God does not behave like mere mortals.  Humans may abandon us in our time of need - not God. This completes the first seven steps of your 365 step journey; I pray you are nearer to God as a result of the steps you've taken this week.  Next week, tune in to consider the blessings inherent with powerless living. Recommended reading:  Genesis 16 - 18 in the morning; Matthew 6 and Psalm 7 in the evening Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.  Proverbs 4:23 TNIV Click "Comments" Below to Join the Discussion   Scroll down to the Archive Section to View Previous Devotionals.

Forward to a friend This email was sent to blog645.nscblog@blogger.com, by info@northstarcommunity.com Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by NorthStar Community | 2531 Buford Road | Richmond | VA | 23235

NSC Devotional Jan 6

Having Heart In A Sometimes Heartless World Day 6 Scripture focus:  "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?"  Isaiah 40:12 NIV My girlfriend and I were ruminating about the nature of suffering. Why, we wondered, did suffering strengthen some and crush others?  It's a mystery that we couldn't untangle, so we ordered dessert.  Later, I took my grocery list and got busy. He was as cute as a button, standing tall at the diminutive age of four.  I could see his steady countenance as he waited patiently for me to notice him as he stood at the end of the aisle in my favorite grocery store.  His siblings swarmed around their shopping cart, negotiating with their mother over the quantity of junk food they can add to her brimming supply of nutritious staples.  I'm struck by how "above the fray" he seemed. "How are you Mrs. McBean?" "Fine, and yourself?" "Well, thank you.  And the children?  How are they?" "They are terrific, thank you for asking."  Anytime I am in the presence of this little man my manners improve!  I don't know it and neither does he, but one day in the future I will watch as he stands tall and delivers the eulogy at his father's funeral.  During this tribute, I learn that years of poor health preceded this death - a loss that somehow seems both sudden and inevitable.  Apparently, suffering has shaped this son into a strong young man, mature beyond his years, with a huge heart.  Of course, I think to myself, the seeds were apparent all those years ago, when he stood like a mini-man, showing concern for both me and mine. Suffering and its effects on the human spirit continue to baffle my limited human perspective.  I have observed in my life and others that suffering stirs up questions.  Times of suffering bring pressure to bear on our beliefs.  I wonder if you are in the midst of suffering in one of its many forms.  I bet if this is true, you have questions.  Regardless of where you are on your faith journey, I've learned something about God that I want to share with you.  According to James McDonald in Gripped by the Greatness of God, God needs a pretty big hand to hold the water of planet earth. He reports that the palm of God's hand must be capable of holding 912,500 cubic miles of water. Think about it. That's 912,500 miles high, 912,500 miles deep, and 912,500 miles wide-all sitting nicely in the palm of God's hand. So I ask you:  Is God's palm large enough to hold you and your suffering?  Mercy (God's compassion for the suffering) and grace (God's unmerited favor for those who have caused suffering)is dispensed to us (whether we are the offender or the offended), by the incredibly large hand of God.  Recommended reading:  Genesis 14 and 15 in the morning; Psalm 6 and Proverbs 2 in the evening Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.  Proverbs 4:23 TNIV   Click "Comments" Below to Join the Discussion   Scroll down to the Archive Section to View Previous Devotionals.

Forward to a friend This email was sent to blog645.nscblog@blogger.com, by info@northstarcommunity.com Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by NorthStar Community | 2531 Buford Road | Richmond | VA | 23235

NSC Devotional Day 5

Having Heart In A Sometimes Heartless World Day 5 Scripture focus:  "Surely the Lord is in this place - and I did not know it!" Genesis 28:16 NIV When I opened up my Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words (both complete and unabridged), I found this meaning of grace: Grace - "Charis" in the Greek language meaning:  freely given loving-kindness; delight, favorable regard, to rejoice; received from God and Christ; God's attitude towards one who sins (sin - living independently of God)  In the book of Genesis, Jacob is an unlikely character for God to heap helpings of grace on.  This man deceived his father, cheated his brother, and caps off the spree of deception in a close encounter with God.   In summary, God comes to Jacob and promises him a grand epic adventure, complete with blessings for both him and future generations.  Does that make sense to you? Jacob responds to all this good news with awe and fear; he worships God, and some suggest he attempts to manipulate God in the process.  I don't know Jacob's intent, but I find the story both oddly disturbing and immensely comforting (you can read it in Genesis 28). It disturbs me that God gives blessings to a guy who looks like he deserves stern talking to followed by a lengthy stay in "time out."  It comforts me to know that sometimes I, like Jacob, don't get what I deserve.  God chooses to bless as he sees fit, whether I deserve it on any given day or not. Big hearted people know this about God.  He blesses in a willy nilly fashion.  God has eyes that see our potential in spite of the fact that we often act more like problem children than potential heroes.  God looks right through all our messy living and sees the shining hope of His promise firmly embedded in our heart.  (He has planted eternity in the human heart. . .Ecclesiastes 3:11, NLT) In the days ahead, remember:  we find God's grace in unexpected places, dispensed to undeserving recipients.  At times this extravagant grace-giving will annoy us (especially when we think the lucky winner deserve smiting and heavy-handed justice).  Other times we'll count on it when our own bad behaving leaves us doubting our ability to serve on God's team.  Constantly we will adjust our thinking to align with God's truth.  We're in for the ride of our lives!  Enjoying the experience and enduring the thrills will require us to remember:  the grace of God is indeed an amazing thing. Recommended reading:  Genesis 11 - 13 in the morning; Matthew 5 and Psalm 5 in the evening Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.  Proverbs 4:23 NIV   Click "Comments" Below to Join the Discussion   Scroll down to the Archive Section to View Previous Devotionals.

Forward to a friend This email was sent to blog645.nscblog@blogger.com, by info@northstarcommunity.com Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by NorthStar Community | 2531 Buford Road | Richmond | VA | 23235