Vol. 22 No. 04 January 27, 2020

This thought came to me recently: There are a lot of people in the world. 

I know, not terribly profound, but what else do you think about when you are stuck in traffic on the freeway? 

Here’s what it looks like to me

• Population of the world: approaching 8 billion people: 331,002,651 live in the United States. (Worldometer) 
• 28.7 million people live in Texas
• 2 million live in the Austin metropolitan area
• 43,480 in Kyle, Texas 
• 1294 people who have claimed me as a “friend” on Facebook (some of those are family)
• 11 people in our immediate family 
• 2 of us are living in our home

Who are all of these people? Where are they going? Where have they been? What is it like in their part of the world? Are they happy, or are they sad? 

Beyond the numbers, there is something even more amazing: God knows every one of us, and He knows us completely. 

I have been very blessed to have met a lot of people. I have become acquaintances with some, become close with others, and grown to love and be loved by a select few.  

But, even if I could figure out a way to count everyone who has touched my life in some way, the number would be minuscule in comparison to the 8 billion living in the world. 

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31, NIV)

In Psalm 139, David describes the relationship God has with us in terms that are more intimate than my mind can comprehend. He has known us since before we came into being; He knows what we’re thinking before we think it; and He knows where we’re going before we go there. 

 Not only does He know us completely, He loves us completely and is always working to do what is best for us. 

When I consider the numbers, it’s easy to feel insignificant and small. But when I consider His love and kindness, I cannot help but feel extraordinary.

I agree completely with David’s observation in verse 6 of the Psalm: 

“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” 

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A Norvell Note © Copyright 2020 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

Vol. 22 No. 03

January 20, 2020

His Peace

“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, NIV)

Jesus made several statements like this to remind us that there is peace amidst all the chaos we see going on around us. 

There have been many times in my life that I believed I would only find peace when…I had all the things I thought I needed; all the conflicts between nations cease; churches practice the teachings they preach; all turmoil within and around me has calmed; and I am evolved enough to consistently reflect the image of Jesus more than my own.  

Guess what? That hasn’t happened. 

I still have days when I think I’ll only have peace when I reach a certain status, have and accomplish enough, and there is less turmoil in the world. 

But on a deeper level, I know it is still possible to have the peace Jesus promised. Even when the chaos and uncertainty directly impact me, I know that Jesus overcame the world, and that thought calms me. That gives me peace. 

And I’m pretty certain that when I arrive at that place of peace, Jesus, the Father, and the Spirit must surely smile. 

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A Norvell Note © Copyright 2020 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

A Norvell Note 2020 

Vol. 22 No. 02

January 13, 2020

Seeing What You Cannot See

Have you ever tried to see something you cannot see?

You are driving on a dark road. Your headlights are on and you see clearly as far as they reach. But beyond the light, all you can see is darkness. Until you turn on your brights, and then you can see what you could not see. 

You wake up in the middle of the night. The room is dark. There’s a nightlight, but it only helps for a certain distance. You squint, but you still cannot see what’s beyond the light. And then you flip a switch to another light that allows you to see what you could not see. 

You are walking down a dark path. A friend is holding a flashlight and can see fine. But you can only see vague images and shadows. Then he shines his light on your path, and you’re able to see what you could not see. 

For centuries, people were trying to see what they could not see. They had heard about and studied God. They wanted to see Him. They searched for Him in the Scriptures, religious meetings, rituals, and traditions. But they still could not see Him. 

And then the light came on. 

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

He came into the world, not as they expected, but He came. (John 8:12, NIV)

While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”  (John 9:5, NIV)

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5, NIV)

The light of Jesus continues to shine so we can see what we could not see. Let it shine brightly, and you will overcome the darkness. 

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A Norvell Note © Copyright 2020 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved