Vol. 17 No. 48 | November 30, 2015

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Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make church goers…people attend church on a semi-regular basis…do not expect too much of them. Just be nice to them when y see them on Sunday morning.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make nice people…people who are sweet and kind and…people who leave nice tips when they get good service in restaurants…they vote in every election and keep their homes and lawns neat and clean.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make church members…they participate in everything that is scheduled at the church building, give their ten percent consistently, and even take notes when on the preacher’s sermons.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make good parents…the world needs more good parents.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make politically correct and socially conscious citizens…people who care about abused cats, dogs, horses, world peace, the environment and taking care the homeless.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make people who are not afraid to offend their neighbors, quotes the Bible verse that says, “God helps those who help themselves,” and would prefer most of the refugees stayed out of our country.

No, wait. I think we may have missed something. I think we may have read that passage wrong. This is what Jesus really said.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples (a follower of Jesus) of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20, NIV)

We may have missed it, but we can still get it right. Let’s try.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2015. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 47 | November 23, 2015

Maybe it was because it was a beautiful and cool fall-early winter afternoon. Maybe it because it was Friday afternoon. Maybe it was because the sun was going down and casting long shadows from the evergreens, the oaks, and the maples. Maybe it was the music I was listening. Maybe it was just a fluke. Maybe it was my age and where I am in life. Whatever the reason, this afternoon walk was a time of reflection on the week that was ending, the people I had interacted with, the sermon I was formulating for Sunday, and the next article I would write.

The combination of the angel of the setting sun and the shadows being cast by the trees across the hills the open fields, the ponds, and the path where I was walking was too much for this amateur photographer to resist from my thoughts and snapping a few quick shots from my phone. The old club house, pro shop, tennis court, and pool house are gone. The difference in the landscape is amazing. The leaves that two weeks ago were spectacular in color have mostly turned brown, blown away, leaving the trees embarrassingly bare. From the shadows in the distance down the hill a deer stood motionless to make sure I did not move in her direction.

Having reached the end of my outward walk I was on the way back when I stopped to get this one shot across the water with the sun to my back. Focused on the pond and the hillside in the distance I did not notice until that snapshot included my shadow long and stretched thin in the foreground of the picture. It captured the afternoon perfectly. “What a long shadow I am casting this afternoon!” I thought.

As Jesus walked the earth His shadow, His presence, brought good news to the poor, freedom to the imprisoned, restored sight to the blind, and release for the oppressed. He brought life to lifeless, hope to the hopeless, and joy to the joyless. His shadow, His presence, fell upon the angry, the hurting, the lonely, the sinful, the broken, and the forgotten. His shadow, His presence, was significant and make a difference in the life of all who will allow it.

That image coupled with those thoughts, nudged my pondering from an image of a shadow on the ground to the shadow of my life. What kind of shadow have I cast with the life I have lived? What kind of shadow do I cast with the life I am living now? As the light of the Son shines over me does my shadow impact another life for the better? Is the life I am living providing a moment of beauty, a moment of peace, a moment of encouragement, a moment of joy for those whose lives I am touching? Or, it is just a shadow?

I wondered about my shadow, my presence. What impact is my shadow, my presence, having on those around me? Do those upon whom my shadow falls, sense a peace in me that passes understanding? Do those upon whom my shadow falls feel a presence that will bring refreshment to their souls? Are those upon whom my shadow falls aware of the presence of God?

Today my shadow will be cast across more lives than I can fathom. Yours will too. May the shadow we cast bring good news to the poor, freedom to the imprisoned, restored sight to the blind, and release for the oppressed. May the shadow we cast this week offer life to lifeless, hope to the hopeless, and joy to the joyless. May the shadow we cast, may our presence, fall upon the angry, the hurting, the lonely, the sinful, the broken, and the forgotten in a way that is significant make a difference in their lives.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2015. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 46 | November 16, 2015

franjohns.net

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:5-7)

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:17–18)

Let There Be Peace On Earth

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
With peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.
(Jill Jackson / Mark Miller – 1955)

The Prayer of Saint Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace; 
Where there is hatred, let me sow love; 
Where there is injury, pardon; 
Where there is doubt, faith; 
Where there is despair, hope; 
Where there is darkness, light; 
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console; 
To be understood, as to understand; 
To be loved, as to love; 
For it is in giving that we receive, 
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, 
And it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. 
Amen.
(St. Frances of Assisi)

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Lord, make us instruments of Your peace.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2015. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 45 | November 9, 2015

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Psalm 108 begins with, “My heart is steadfast, O God;” My response: “No. It is not!”

How can I say my heart is steadfast? Steadfast means, “resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.” That is not my heart.

My heart is far from “resolutely firm.” My heart wavers constantly. Oh, sure there is a part of my heart that constantly longs to know God and express my love for Him. But, that longing is easily distracted by life’s demands, life’s problems, life’s temptations, life’s struggles, and life’s pleasures. How easy it is to say “I love You, Lord” one moment and in the next moment express something completely different.

The heart regarded as the center of a person’s thoughts and emotions, especially love or compassion. How can I say my heart is steadfast? Oh sure, my heart’s desire is to love people, all people and help them know and understand the love the Father has for them, but how quickly I forget to, or choose not to, express that love to the person who has annoyed me, interrupted me, criticized me, betrayed me, or simply ignored me. How quickly I fail to show compassion to the  person who disagrees with my point of view or disappoints me.

My heart is far from dutifully firm. Oh, I dutifully obey the rules.  I dutifully fulfill my expected role(s). I dutifully perform my assigned tasks. I dutifully keep my commitments. But my heart seems far from dutifully firm. Another person’s actions or lack of action can result in a heart that easily gets discouraged.

My heart is far from unwavering. Oh, I have my moments or seasons when my heart stays constantly focused where it should be…seeking the Lord. And there are times when though my heart suddenly veers off track due to some unexpected interruption or some intentional departure of my own. But, to be unwavering consistently enough where I could say, “My heart is unwavering” is a stretch.

When I read the words of the Psalmist I am a bit envious and at times disappointed in my resolve because must admit that I do not always “sing and make music with all my soul.” I do not always “praise you, Lord, among the nations.” Or “sing of you among the peoples.”

But then I read verse 4: “For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” And verse 11: “Is it not you, God, you who have rejected us.”And verse 13: “With God we will gain the victory.”

After the complete reading I understand better than even though my heart is not always “steadfast,” the Lord is steady. When I am wavering He is fighting with me and for me. When I am not dutifully firm, God is solid and standing with me and for me and will help me stand firm.

The only excuse I have for not having a steadfast heart is my weakness as a human being. The only hope I have for ever having a steadfast heart is You, O God, who will “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.” And who will ‘“Save us and help us with your right hand.”

I long for my heart to be steadfast, O God.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2015. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 44 | November 2, 2015

As I write this I am sitting in a coffee shop while outside the areas around me are being flooded by downpours of rain and heavy storms are pounding the region. There are reports of streets flooding, intersections closed, and wind damage. Parents are concerned about their children and their schools. Commuters are looking for alternate routes to get home and to work. Flood and tornado victims are evaluating the damages and dealing the with the shock of yet another unexpected weather system. As I sit here I am reminded of the reality that there is absolutely nothing I can do about any of it.

Around the world today, and on any given day, the threat of terrorism creates fear and paralyzes communities. Even in areas that would normally be considered low risk for terrorists attacks are reminded daily that nobody is safe. Major power brokers keep other major power brokers constantly on alert with threats of the use of nuclear weapons. As I listen to the warnings I am reminded of the reality that there is very little, if anything, that I can do about any of it.

Our cities are filled with growing homeless populations, deteriorating neighborhoods, and staggering numbers of children left to manage life for themselves. Statical studies on the rate of marriages that end in divorce seems to be growing with little indication of slowing down. Families are in crisis. Husbands and wives often work at least one job, sometimes two or more doing all they can to get their bills paid and reduce their level of debt. I read and hear those stats and realize how limited I am at making even a small dent in the trends.

People get sick. I can do nothing about it. People die. I can do nothing about it. People are abused, violated and murdered. I can do nothing about it. Churches split. I co do nothing about it. Children go to bed hungry and alone tonight. I can do nothing to alleviate that massive numbers. Families will lose their retirement because of unwise investments or gambling addictions. I can do nothing to prevent it. Women and children will fill shelters tonight because of abusive husbands and fathers. I feel helpless.

When I see more things that I cannot control than things that I can control, I reflect on portions of Psalm 31 (especially verse 14-15) where David reminds us of his desperate situation and where he turned for comfort.

Psalm 31 (NIV)

1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.
3 Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me,
for you are my refuge.
5 Into your hands I commit my spirit;
deliver me, Lord, my faithful God….
9 Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress;
my eyes grow weak with sorrow,
my soul and body with grief.
10 My life is consumed by anguish
and my years by groaning;
my strength fails because of my affliction,
and my bones grow weak….
12 I am forgotten as though I were dead;
I have become like broken pottery….
14 But I trust in you, Lord;
I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in your hands;
deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
from those who pursue me….
19 How abundant are the good things
that you have stored up for those who fear you,
that you bestow in the sight of all,
on those who take refuge in you.
20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them
from all human intrigues;
you keep them safe in your dwelling
from accusing tongues….
23 Love the Lord, all his faithful people!
The Lord preserves those who are true to him,
but the proud he pays back in full.
24 Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the Lord.

Those words remind me that it is not necessary for me to be in control, because God is in control. He may or may not do things the way or as quickly as I might prefer, but that is His choice. It is His world. He did create it. We are His people. He did create us. He can do as He chooses. My life reflects that His default choice is for my good, not for my harm. Most of the time I can rest easy with that thought.

A second thought that comes to mind in times when it seems I have no control, is that the only thing I really need to control is me. My thoughts. My words. My actions. My life. My attitude. And of those things the only one that I ultimately can actually is my attitude. Other people or things might alter my thinking. My words can be misinterpreted. My actions can be limited or mis understood. My life can be altered or taken from me. But my attitude is mine to choose regardless of my circumstances and the world around me. My attitude can and does determine how I perceive the thoughts, words, actions and life of those around me.

Consider Paul’s words in Philippians 4: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (4-9, NIV)

I cannot control everything, but I can control my attitude. That’s where I’ll start.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2015. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.