“The best translation is the one that keeps you reading the Bible.” – Unknown.

The Bible can be intimidating. It is a book with 66 books inside it, the most recent of which was written about 1,900 years ago by people who spoke dead languages and lived in cultures significantly different from ours. Some parts of the Bible are hard to understand, while others are a little boring.  Some stories speak of people and places we don’t know how to pronounce, and we have no idea who or where they are. Using the correct version can go a long way in dealing with those issues.

Translations exist because (1) most people are not fluent in the original languages in which the Bible was written, and (2) the English language has evolved and changed over time. So, what is the right version? God’s Word does not change, but languages do change; thus, updated and revised translations of the Bible can be helpful. The overriding goal of modern translations is to help convey to readers in contemporary language what the original text meant. A more practical answer to which version to use is to read the translation that keeps you reading the Bible. Northstar Church uses NLT as the default version but uses other versions, such as the  ESV and NIV.

It is called God’s Word, even though God did not physically write it. Instead, God worked through everyday people, inspired by Him, to record what Christians accept as the Bible. The Old Testament is primarily a record of God’s dealings with His chosen people – the Hebrews or Jews. The New Testament continues the record with first-century accounts of Jesus’s life and ministry.

God’s Word does not change, but languages do change, thus the need for updated and revised translations of the Bible. The overriding goal of modern translations is to help convey to readers in contemporary English what the original text meant.  For daily reading and Bible study, we recommend using a Bible translation that emphasizes the importance of being both literal and readable. The church uses the NLT, but the ESV and NIV are excellent versions as well.

Remember two things: First, we must keep in mind that the Bible must be prayed over, studied, and committed to the heart for it to function in the manner that God intended. The truth of Scripture is given to us for living. We may own every version of the Scriptures available and not profit by any of them. Regardless of what translation you use, what matters is the changes in thinking that result from what we read.

Discussion Questions:

1. What translation do you use? Why?
2. What can you do this week to improve how we read and study the Bible?

“There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.” – 1 Chronicles 4:10.

There are many characters in the Bible that we might, wrongly perhaps, skip over as not being particularly important; they don’t come across as heroes like Samson or Esther; they aren’t great Kings like David or Solomon; they weren’t vital to the life and story of Jesus like Mary. But some of these often-overlooked characters can be significant in other ways, showing us and teaching us something important through their lives, what happened to them, and how other people engaged with them. One of these is Jabaz.

Jabez is only mentioned in a few verses of scripture and is known for his prayer mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:10. In verse 9, he’s described as “more honorable than any of his brothers.”   This simple prayer is a great model for all of us. When we pray for God’s blessings, we shouldn’t just ask for more stuff or better circumstances for ourselves. We should also ask that God use us as a blessing to bless others. Jabez also asks for God’s protection. He recognized there were dangers in this world and that he needed God’s help to stay safe. It’s important to remember that God is always with us and that we can trust Him to protect us, no matter what comes our way.

 Jabez appreciated God’s power completely and understood the power of prayer. With unwavering faith, Jabez placed this entire matter in God’s hands—and there are no more reliable, capable, or powerful hands than those of our sovereign God. In the final sentence of 1 Chronicles 4:10, we learn that God granted Jabez’s prayer: “And God granted him his request.”

We know that God is sovereign. God is above all things and before all things. He is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. He is present everywhere so that everyone can know Him. God created all things and holds all things together, both in heaven and on earth. That being the case, God will listen to our petitions through prayer.

Jabez is an example of a person who lived a life of faith and trust in God despite his challenges and difficulties. His prayer reminds us that we can turn to God in prayer and ask for His blessings, protection, and guidance in our lives, no matter our circumstances.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are your thoughts on Jabaz’s prayer?
2. How does this prayer have application in our lives?

“Now God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn.” ― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.

C.S. Lewis tells us that God is our fuel. He is the power, the solution, and the puzzle piece necessary for life. When God is out of the picture, everything doesn’t seem to fit anymore. When God is absent, we are missing the fuel for a vibrant, purposeful life.

We all need refueling. Constantly. It is easy to think that once we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, our spiritual tanks would be full no matter what we do or leave undone. We all know from our own experience that it’s not true. You have to work at it constantly.  It’s not a one-time thing. Ephesians 5:18 (AMP) says, “…but be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him.” In other words, be continually filled with the Holy Spirit.

Why, then, do we keep forgetting to keep our tanks full? Sometimes, we take God for granted. Sometimes, we forget because life is life. Sometimes, we forget the enemy is crafty. The good news is God is an unlimited source of fuel and is always ready to refuel us. We need to work at it. The more we practice the refueling process, the less likely we are to take God for granted or run on empty. We need to turn to God every single day of our lives. We are dependent on God. The only way to fill our spiritual tank is to abide in Christ.

Take some time to reflect on your story. Remember what God has done for you. Keep telling your story repeatedly so that you never lose your sense of awe and wonder at what God has done in your life. It will refuel you, help you stand strong in faith, and give you the resolve to press on until you see Him do again what He has done in the past.

If we want to be refreshed, we must invest energy and time into our relationship with Him. Maybe we need to develop the habit of waking up early to read the Bible and pray before starting our day. Slowly, over time, that routine will be life-changing. It will allow us to learn something new and exciting about God daily.

We will never have everything figured out or our spiritual tanks full all the time. There will be days when we feel so far from who we want to be spiritually. During those times, we need to remember that an intimate relationship with the Lord is more about endurance than perfection. We don’t have to be perfect; we need to keep going and keep chasing Him every single day.

He is our power source and the only fuel we need.

 Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean to you for God to be your source and supply? 
2. What can we do regularly to refuel our lives spiritually?

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” Jeremiah 31:25

What do you find refreshing? Maybe it is reading a good book. Perhaps it is a good laugh or taking a stroll on the beach. But of all the refreshing experiences we can find, nothing can compare to the renewal of the mind and spirit found in God’s presence.

The Bible teaches that we need to experience spiritual refreshment in our personal and daily lives. Spiritual refreshment happens when we draw near to God, our hearts are quieted in a devotional time of prayer, and we meditate upon God, worship Him, and experience His presence daily.

There are times when we need spiritual refreshment. Sometimes, things seem to hit us one after the other, and it feels like we never get a break from it all. Other times, we face the consequences of our actions, which can lead us to spiritual exhaustion. The Bible says we can be spiritually refreshed in those times, too.

Acts 3:19 – 20 (AMP) says, “So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord [restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day]; and that He may send [to you] Jesus, the Christ, who has been appointed for you.”  Isaiah 44:3 (ESV)  says, “ God is the refresher and provides nourishment by pouring out His Spirit on us. The Holy Spirit is able to fill up our hungry and dry hearts. When our souls are refreshed it’s like water is being poured onto a thirsty land.“

Jesus is there to refresh. The refreshing love of Christ energizes and rejuvenates. Early in His ministry, Jesus announced this about himself: “On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart” (John 7:37-38). This was more than a theological statement. He made a critical point: The religion of the day had taken a toll on God’s people. It should have refreshed them, but it did the opposite. Jesus told them that He was the refreshing spring that never stops flowing.

Christ is the ultimate source of rest and refreshment. We must recognize that true replenishing, refreshing rest doesn’t come from external sources but from Jesus. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus offers us eternal life, the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit, and spiritual nourishment.

There is no better way for believers to experience a refreshing time than quieting our hearts in devotional prayer and Bible reading. When we spend time alone with the Lord, we can experience His peace and joy and feel refreshed.

 Discussion Questions:

1.     Have you experienced a time of refreshment from reading Scripture?

2.     What can you do this week to find refreshment in the chaos of life?

“In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” – 1 Peter 5:10.

If you have been a Christian for any length of time, you know the basics of caring and nurturing your faith: reading the Bible, praying, and going to church. These basics form the foundation for believers at any stage of their faith.

Many times in our life journey, we get off track. The busyness of life, the influence of wrong thinking, wrong people, and wrong priorities confuse our internal sense of direction. We end up wandering into territory we are not familiar with. Sometimes, we are lost. In times like these, we need a spiritual reset to realign with God, His Word, His people, His priorities, and His heart.

A hard reset, a factory reset, or a master reset restores a device to its state when it leaves the factory. All settings, applications, and data added by the user are removed. Everything is returned to its original working order. Now, imagine applying these principles to our spiritual lives. Resetting is about pivoting our lives, structures, and systems to do what God originally called us to do ― to be a light in dark places. What if we asked God to reset our lives, and we truly meant it? Would our daily routines, relationships with those around us, and attitudes change?

The good news is that God is all about resets. He wants you to have a fresh start, a new beginning, and to do something new in your life. Isaiah 43: 18 says, “But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.” God tells us to forget what happened before because the book is closed. God is far more interested in our future than in our past.

A divine reset comes when we thank God for what He is doing now, for our past failures because we have learned from them, and for past challenges. After all, He has brought us through them, for past defeats because He has caused us to overcome them, and for past attitudes because He has given us a new attitude in their place.

Hopefully, a reset also includes an upgrade. To upgrade requires some critical examination.  When we reset spiritually, we take a hard look at our lives and precisely pinpoint what we want or need to change. Where do I need help? What would I like to change in my life? What are the things in my life and relationships I’m dissatisfied with?  Ask God if there a new idea, a fresh work you want to begin in me? Is there a lost truth you want to illuminate in me? Is there anything in my heart that needs to be uninstalled so you can install something in its place?

Everyone needs a reset at some point—because life is hard, and we all make mistakes. Are you ready for God to do something new in your life? Ask Him for a fresh start, and He’ll give you renewed energy, a renewed spirit, renewed hope, and a renewed heart.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you need a fresh start?
2. What changes would you like to make in a fresh start?

“Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” – Genesis 11:4 (ESV).

The Bible contains gripping stories, but is it still relevant today? The Exodus from centuries of slavery in Egypt is a gripping account, but does it have any connection to my world of lightning-fast e-mails and jet travel?  Daniel getting out of a den of lions seems far removed from fixing my crashed hard drive. Can we relate at all to such strange and mystifying events today? The answer is yes. The Bible presents a realistic and balanced approach to life’s challenges, and the Bible’s information is more accurate and descriptive of the human condition than any psychology textbook, even after thousands of years.  Take the story of the Tower Of Babel.

The Tower of Babel is a biblical story in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 11. According to the biblical narrative, people spoke a single language after the great flood and migrated to Babylonia. There, they decided to build a tower that would reach the heavens, intending to make a name for themselves and prevent being scattered across the earth. “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.”

Let us make a name for ourselves. We can certainly relate to that statement. Let us make ourselves a brand—a platform, empire, or legacy. The Tower of Babel was built so everyone would know about them and who they were. God watched what was happening, and when it had gone too far, He stepped in and confused their language, leading to the dispersion of people and the abandonment of the tower’s construction. As a result, the place was called Babel, which means “confusion.” It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking fame while ignoring God and a theological explanation for the diversity of languages on earth.

We need to be vigilant and not try to build monuments to ourselves. All the glory belongs to God.

In our faith journey, we will encounter forks on the road. Here, we have to decide which direction we are going to go. Are we going to follow our path or God’s higher path? The Tower of Babel is another reminder that God’s ways are higher than ours – even when we think we have arrived where we intellectually believe that we don’t need God. This is a universal struggle; we often seek fame to validate our worth. However, the more important God is in our lives, the less critical fame becomes.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the main message of the Tower of Babel
2. What does the Tower of Babel story teach us about human ambition and divine sovereignty?

“And Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet, lived in Jerusalem and ate regularly at the king’s table.” – 2 Samuel 9:13

There are many characters in the Bible that we might, wrongly perhaps, skip over as not being particularly important; they don’t come across as heroes like Samson or Esther, they aren’t great Kings like David or Solomon, they weren’t vital to the life and story of Jesus like Mary. But some of these often-overlooked characters can be significant in other ways, showing us and teaching us something important through their lives, what happened to them, and how other people engaged with them. One of these is Mephibosheth.

We first encounter Mephibosheth as a young boy of five. We read that the same day he learned that his father (Jonathan) and grandfather (King Saul) were dead, his nurse dropped him resulting in him having a physical disability in his feet. “Saul’s son Jonathan had a son named Mephibosheth, who was crippled as a child. He was five years old when the report came from Jezreel that Saul and Jonathan had been killed in battle. When the child’s nurse heard the news, she picked him up and fled. But as she hurried away, she dropped him, and he became crippled” (2 Samuel 4:4).

David sent for Mephibosheth, Johnathan’s son, so he could “show God’s kindness to them.” (2 Samuel 9:3). When Mephibosheth came to David, he was expecting to be killed and fell on his face and paid homage to him. David responded and said, “Don’t be afraid!…I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table” (2 Samuel 9:7). The story of David’s care and provision for Mephibosheth is noteworthy. David reached out to him in grace and mercy – with no strings attached.

At first glance, this story looks like a story, but it holds much more than that. This situation is like ours and God’s and shows our relationship with Him. We are weak and broken, yet God has a place for us at His table, regardless of our flaws and shortcomings. He loves us so much and wants us to get to know Him.

David’s unconditional love for Mephibosheth is a great illustration of God’s unconditional love for us. Mephibosheth represents us—the “me” that’s been overwhelmed by the love of One greater than David, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. The King loves us unconditionally, no matter who we are or what we have done.

Through Mephibosheth’s story, we are reminded of the depth of God’s compassion and the inclusivity of His kingdom, where all are invited to partake in the blessings of His grace, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the story of Mephibosheth show us the nature of grace?
2. What specific ways have you seen God’s grace and love to you this week? How can dwelling on those things empower you to show love and grace to others?

 “We are all utterly committed and deeply devoted to our “style,” our “way,” and our “approach to life.” We have absolutely no intention of giving it up, not even for love. So God creates an environment where we have to. It’s called marriage.”—John Eldredge.

What makes a relationship last? What secret ingredient keeps couples holding hands long after others have stopped? How do we ensure our marriage makes it to the rocking chairs?

Grace. There are simply no enduring relationships without an abundance of grace. It isn’t keeping those romantic fires alive, learning to communicate better, or even knowing your spouse’s love language. While those things are all great to have in marriage, grace is how we make it to the golden years.

Grace means to bend or stoop in kindness to another as a superior to an inferior. In other words, you concede with tenderness. You give in. You bow and allow the other person the win. You don’t right their wrongs; you show them favor. They don’t deserve it, they don’t earn it, but you give them the win.

In response to God’s incredible gift of grace, we are called to be ministers of grace to others. We don’t offer grace because others have done anything to deserve it because it wouldn’t be considered grace. Grace is unearned favor. No, we offer grace because nothing compares to the grace we have been offered. Nothing compares to the sin that separates us from the Father or the grace that nailed Jesus to the cross so we could be free. This means we set others free from living up to our standards and expectations, and we allow them to be who they are – without harshness, bitterness, or resentment.

The problem is that we are all broken people trying to build a marriage in a broken world. The truth is we struggle to show grace for any length of time. We try to tell ourselves we can do it, and we resolve to be kinder and more forgiving people, but we often fail at it. We can’t make it work even when we know what we should be doing. When we resolve to show an attribute of God in our lives in our power, we will fail—every single time.

Grace is an attribute of God. The only way we can access His attributes, genuinely and for any length of time, is by being filled with the Spirit. Grace is the supernatural outcome of being filled with the Spirit and living proof that God dwells in us. We know He is alive in us when we see grace in our lives in such a way that surprises us – when we have joy in a difficult trial, when we have peace in a heart-breaking decision, when we love the difficult person, and when we show kindness in the chaos.

Showing grace to other people is humbling and challenging, but showing grace to the person sleeping next to you is downright impossible in your power. You can’t do it. You need Him. You need His grace if you want to make it to the rockers holding hands.

 Discussion Questions:

1. What do you see as the primary ingredient in a successful marriage/relationship?
2. What is the best way to display grace in a marriage/relationship?

“Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.” – Romans 12:15.

Do you remember when the preacher at a wedding used to say something like, “If there is anyone present who knows of any reason that this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace?” This was almost always followed by several seconds of awkward silence. “Speak now or forever hold your peace” meant that if you didn’t say something, you accepted the new marriage and must never express your objections.

But instead of telling wedding guests to hold their tongues, we should encourage them to pledge their support to help keep the new marriage strong. Family and friends have an active role in the marriage, and their involvement doesn’t end when the wedding cake is cut.

Living in community is essential to keeping a marriage strong, particularly when the marriage is being tested. The God of the universe created us to be in relationship — with Him and with others — so we were never meant to tackle the challenges of life and marriage alone. This is why we need to be intentional about regularly connecting with like-minded couples.

This community will involve both give and take. Spouses who share a healthy, vibrant relationship rely on their support system, but they also recognize that they have a responsibility to help other couples thrive.

So how can help support couples? Hebrews 13:4 says, “Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage…” We all have a responsibility to help build a community of support and encouragement for marriage.

Do you have a network of other married ministry couples to connect with for friendship, guidance, and support? Begin by praying for the Lord to bring a support network together for you and your spouse. Second, look actively to see if others may also be looking for what you’re looking for as well. Third, commit to meet frequently, regularly, and for the long haul so that you can grow stronger in your marriage and your ministry.

You can support other people in their marriages by praying for the relationship, babysitting their kids so they can have a date night, or starting a small group to study marriage topics. You could also read a marriage book together or attend a conference with other couples.

Whatever you choose to do, try to be transparent—create a culture where it’s OK to talk about relationship struggles. Listen to other couples when they face frustrations or hard times and encourage them to get counseling before they reach a crisis point.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we, as the church, support marriage relationships?
2. How do we get better at celebrating with those who are celebrating and mourning with those who mourn? 

“…This is my beloved, this is my friend…” – Song of Solomon 5:16 (NIV).

Most of us remember our wedding day with great clarity. Frankly, we probably have more photographic evidence of that day than any other in our lives. And with good reason. We were undoubtedly more scrubbed and polished for the occasion than we have ever been before or since as we prepared ourselves for a lifetime of wedded bliss.

We all love good marriages. We love to read about couples who renew their vows on their anniversary … about the elderly gentleman who faithfully visits his bride at the nursing home …, and about the husband and wife who stay together through thick and thin.  But loving, long-lasting marriages don’t just happen. They need tender, loving care, and they need God. Amazing things can happen when you have both, one of which is becoming more like Jesus.

Marriage is a crucible for discipleship. It is and always has been about demonstrating the gospel. It’s meant to be a walking, talking, living, breathing illustration of the relationship between Christ and the church. As Jesus loved the church enough to die for her, so should husbands love their wives. And as the church gratefully and willingly submits to Jesus’ leadership, trusting He has the best in mind for her, so should the wife follow her husband.

One of the most important lessons God wants us to learn is how to love like Jesus.  God uses marriage and our relationships for that purpose. Loving like Jesus means our love is not conditional. Under challenging circumstances, we must seek God and ask Him to express His love through us to our spouse. Loving like Jesus means loving when it’s not easy or convenient. When we express love, patience, and commitment to our spouse amid conflict, we strengthen our character, marriage, and relationship with God.

Marriage exposes our weaknesses so we can grow to become more like Christ.  Marriage doesn’t solve our problems, it exposes our problems and allows God to transform them into opportunities for us to grow to become more like Him. When we fail to respond to His grace and try to do it all on our own, we focus on our problems instead of looking at them as opportunities for growth. Trials in our marriage lead us to seek Him, know Him on a more personal level, and invite Him to work in and through us.  Once we recognize this, we can stop looking to our spouse to meet our every need and blame him or her when those needs aren’t met.  We can start to notice goodness and be thankful for the person God chose to share our life with.

Marriage points us back to Jesus. And when we grow more like Jesus, we can truly experience the love and commitment of another.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can a marriage be a conduit for discipleship?
2. Pursuing a Biblical understanding of marriage isn’t just for married couples. It should be a pursuit for every Christian. How can that pursuit enrich all Christians (not just those married) in their relationship with God?
3. Like all things, marriage isn’t ultimately about us. It is about God. Agree or disagree, and why?