NorthStar Church Blog

In Part 2 of the Prayer Series, Pastor Roscoe gives us four reasons why God doesn’t always answer our prayers right away or at all.

First, God answers in His own time. He doesn’t answer when we think it’s best but rather when He thinks it’s best. God wants us to grow and mature so He sometimes waits. Not yet doesn’t mean No, it just means not at this time. A mark of maturity is how long you wait for God. Immature people haven’t lost faith, they’ve just lost patience. Some of us are begging for God’s help but God is saying “You’re not ready for this responsibility yet.” Delay doesn’t mean denial. God is never late.

Next, God answers in His own ways. He says “In My own time and in My own way, let me do it for you”. We ask God for too little and want it immediately. Those who leave the choice up to God will always experience God’s best which is the best for you.

Third, God answers in His own power. We can’t manipulate or make things happen. We can pray to God to do the impossible and when God answers, when the impossible occurs, God will get the glory.

Finally, God answers for His own purpose. God’s purpose is for our growth and for His glory. In Romans, Paul wanted to preach but God wanted Paul to write. God knew the only way he could get Paul to sit still and write was to jail him. Paul gave God glory by writing, which had more impact on the world than preaching to a few hundred people.

When you pray and the request is not right, God says “No”
When you pray and your motives are not right, God says “Grow”
When you pray and the timing is not right, God says “Slow”
When everything is in place, God says “Go”

Pastor Roscoe encourages us to ask Jesus to come into our hearts and forgive our sins, to let God answer our prayers in the way He sees best, to examine what we’re praying for and to wait on God’s timing for our prayers to be answered.

Women’s Summer Bible Study
Beginning August 8 at 7 p.m. and lasting for 6 weeks, “Fall In Love with Jesus”, focuses on deepening our confidence that we are the object of Christ’s affection. Workbooks $8.00. Held at 2 Tintagel Way. See the display table in the lobby for more info.

Church Fellowship Sunday
On Sunday, August 26, Shen Campus will be closed so in place of normal Sunday Service, there will be a church-wide cookout and softball game at the Jonesville Fire House. Arrive early for a day of fun, food and fellowship. Bring your glove, lawn chairs and a side dish or dessert to share. The softball game will start at 10:00 a.m. with a cookout to follow. Activities for kids will include wiffleball, kickball, giant bubbles and more.

Shop with a Hero
On Saturday, September 1, we will be partnering with Kohl’s Department Store and CAPTAIN Youth Services to sponsor this program to help financially burdened families buy clothing, shoes and school supplies. Area children team up with public safety personnel, elected officials and other community leaders to go school shopping at Kohl’s with a $100 gift card which we provide. If you would like to serve that day, let us know on your Connection Card. If you can help sponsor a childe, please place your gift with your regular giving in an offering envelope. This is one of the many ways we can put our faith into action.

Visiting Brad
A sign-up schedule has been created for visiting Brad. Only two persons per day are allowed during regular visiting hours so sign up to claim your time slot.

Pastor Grantley discussed the importance of prayer in our daily lives. What is prayer? It’s having a conversation with God. Pastor discussed three reasons to pray:

First, prayer gets us in touch with God. We must first believe in God and place our trust and faith in Jesus Christ and give our lives up to Him. In order to get in touch with God, we have to go through Jesus. It doesn’t matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, God says “Pray to Me and I will listen”.

Next, prayer gets us in touch with ourselves. One of the hardest things for people is to be honest with themselves about themselves. We wear different masks at work, around our friends, and at church. God exposes us for who we really are. We are sinners in need of a savior. We need God’s peace to make it through each day.

Finally, prayer gets God in touch with us. God gets in touch with us in many different ways. God says “give me your worry, your bitterness and stress and let me carry it for you”. We give it to God and then we take it back before giving it to God again at another time. God wants to keep it for us and give us peace and wholeness. He says “I will never leave you or forsake you.” He speaks to us through His Word, surrounds us with people who love us or sometimes we witness a supernatural act. God says, “I displace your worry and replace it with a peace that is beyond your understanding. I am with you. Let me comfort you and take care of you.” After everything in our lives has fallen apart, God will be there to help us through it.

Place your faith and belief in Jesus and ask Him to take control of your life. Pray and ask God to reveal things about yourself to you. Write down every time God answers your prayers.

Baptism Service
Our next baptism service will take place on August 19 at 3pm at 3 Barkwood Lane, Clifton Park. Bring a lawn chair and come celebrate with our family members as they take this next step of faith.

Family Performing Arts Concessions
Starting July 18 for five consecutive Wednesday nights, Clifton Park offers free children-oriented performing arts concerts. We will be hosting free concessions at each one to show God’s love in a practical way. Sign up at the information table for one or several nights if you would like to give out free popcorn, snow cones or cotton candy. Please arrive at 6 p.m. The event starts at 7:00 and lasts one hour.

Women’s Summer Bible Study
Beginning August 8 at 7 p.m. and lasting for 6 weeks, “Fall In Love with Jesus”, focuses on deepening our confidence that we are the object of Christ’s affection. Workbooks $8.00. Held at 2 Tintagel Way. See the display table in the lobby for more info.

PALS
On Friday, August 17 at Hoffman’s Playland in Latham, Parents and Little Stars are meeting at noon. Bring picnic lunches and be prepared to spend the day. PALS is open to parents with children four years of age and under. Call Toni at 638-2330 or email mamalyng@aol.com for more info.

Visiting Brad
A sign-up schedule has been created for visiting Brad. Only two persons per day are allowed during regular visiting hours so sign up to claim your time slot.

The NorthStar Game Show series comes to an end with Pastor Roscoe and Pastor Grantley answering more questions from the congregation.

The first question that the wheel landed on was: Isn’t it arrogant to claim that Jesus is the only way? Answer: Jesus made it clear that He is the Way and the Truth and if anyone wants to have a relationship with God, they need to go through Jesus. If we believe, truly believe, that Jesus is the way, then repeat his teachings to others. Arrogance is an attitude. Don’t blaspheme others beliefs, just tell them your truth without attitude and love them enough to move on.

The next question asked: What is Gossip? Answer: Gossip is talking behind someone’s back and repeating innuendos and rumors. A good rule: If the person hasn’t shared the information publicly, then you shouldn’t share it publicly. Also, if you have told the person you won’t share their confidences, you must not share them with your spouse or other, even if it means continuing to hold the weight on your own shoulders.

The third question was: What’s the deal with Slavery in the Bible (Ephesians 6 and Philemon)? Doesn’t it contradict the basic philosophy of Christian brotherly love? Slavery is a black-eye on Christianity. When Jesus came, he taught that there was no difference between us and we were all one. He told us to love God with everything we have and to love others as ourselves. Slavery was wrong. Similar to present day employee and employer relationship, if we use free will to make our job our king, we will become enslaved to it. Rather, worship God and love your neighbor.

The fourth question was: What happens to animals when they die? Will my pet go to heaven? Answer: No one really knows and the Bible doesn’t say for sure.

The last question was: Is disease or illness a punishment for sin? (Luke 5:20). Answer: Not necessarily. It’s God’s will that some people are stricken and some people are not. Reference: John 9:2-3 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.

Wallie Miles, August 4
Marla Welson, August 5
Scott Newhouse, August 7
Michael Borgel, August 8
Nancy Wiley, August 8
Maureen Huff, August 9
Joe Tanner, August 11
Aubrey Tanner, August 13
Trent Roberts, August 18

Family Performing Arts Concessions
Starting July 18 for five consecutive Wednesday nights, Clifton Park offers free children-oriented performing arts concerts. We will be hosting free concessions at each one to show God’s love in a practical way. Sign up at the information table for one or several nights if you would like to give out free popcorn, snow cones or cotton candy. Please arrive at 6 p.m. The event starts at 7:00 and lasts one hour.

Women’s Summer Bible Study #2
Beginning August 8 at 7 p.m. and lasting for 6 weeks, “Fall In Love with Jesus”, focuses on deepening our confidence that we are the object of Christ’s affection. Workbooks $8.00. Held at 2 Tintagel Way. See the display table in the lobby for more info.

Visiting Brad
A sign-up schedule has been created for visiting Brad. Only two persons per day are allowed during regular visiting hours so sign up to claim your time slot.