A Norvell Note for April 26, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 16

On Any Given Day

On any given day, I might pray

I am weak, Lord. Help me find strength in You.

I am fearful, Lord. Help me trust You.

I am strong, Lord. Help me to be gentle.

I am lonely, Lord. Remind me of Your presence.

I am tired, Lord. Help me rest in You.

I am sad, Lord. Help me see the joy around me.

I am empty, Lord. Help me drink of Your Spirit.

I am a sinner, Lord. Help me know Your forgiveness.

I am lazy, Lord. Help me find energy and motivation.

I am confused, Lord. Help me find clarity.

I am foolish, Lord. Help me use the wisdom You give me.

I am discouraged, Lord. Help me find reasons to be hopeful.

I am blessed, Lord. Help me be grateful.

I am selfish, Lord. Help me have a generous heart.

I am blind, Lord. Help me see You more clearly.

Oh, gracious God and Creator of all things, You know everything about me. You know me inside and out, the good and the bad, all my flaws, and all my sins. You know all my successes and failures and all my dreams and disappointments. And, somehow, You love me and want a relationship with me, and You want to bless me.

Thank You.

Help me live to please You.

Amen

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.   

A Norvell Note for April 19, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 15

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, New International Version)

Sometimes the light and momentary troubles seem bigger than light and not so fleeting moments. Sometimes I lose sight of the fact that these light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Sometimes, even when I try to fix our eyes on what is unseen, seeing the unseen is difficult. Sometimes, even when I am trying to do otherwise, the visible things obstruct my vision for the unseen.

Do you ever struggle with keeping your focus on what is eternal?

When I realize that I am drifting or have drifted, I have found these shifts help me refocus and regroup into a different way of thinking.

I have to understand and accept that I am in that space. I can pretend I am someplace else; I can deny that I am in that frame of mine, and I can ignore what is going on in my head. But, until I am willing to acknowledge where I am and how I am thinking, nothing will change. “Okay, Tom. You need to wake to where you are. Do you want to stay here, or do you want to move to a better way of thinking?” The answer is always yes, but the process is not as simple as admitting it.

I have to focus my thinking intentionally. I have never suddenly snapped out of it. I have never realized that I am in a different state of mind.  

Intentionally avoid focusing on temporary things. That may mean that I listen to a different kind of music. That may mean that I change my viewing habits. That may mean I spend time with other people. That almost always means I spend more time journaling, meditating, and calming my soul. The keyword in this is intentional.

Spend time regularly in the Word. Sometimes not being regularly in the Word is a part of the drifting process. I’m not suggesting hours of Bible Study and prayer (though that might be necessary) but simply finding a reading plan that feels right and reestablishes the habit of reading just the Word. John’s Gospel is one that I revert to frequently. Reading and reflecting on a few verses every day helps me remember, “this world is not my home, I’m just a’passin’ through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.”[1] (I can’t believe I just quoted that song.)

Get away from the noise of this life. For me, sitting near the ocean is the best option. When that is not possible, as it hasn’t been for quite a while, I have to find a quiet, comfortable place to walk, or sit, and listen to the sounds of nature and breathe. Quieting the noise needs to be a regular practice. When I fail to do this, my soul suffers.

The Message states it:

These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, The Message)

“Here today, gone tomorrow.” That describes our possessions, our problems, and life in general. That puts it all into perspective. That is the truth, and that is what I believe. I need to remember it, and I need to live as I think.

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.   

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[1] Arrangement copyright © 1937 in Radio Favorites. Renewal 1965 by Albert E. Brumley. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Admin. by ClearBox Rights, LLC.

A Norvell Note for April 12, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 14

It’s Good to Be Together

For only the second time in over a year, we met together with fellow believers. The group was small, and the shady front yard of one of our families was our cathedral. A few white wispy clouds only broke the blue sky, and a gentle breeze brushed our skin. As neighbors strolled, jogged, and biked past us, we sang, listened to the Word, and remembered the sacrifice of the Savior.  

These words came to mind.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23-25, NIV)

None of those attending had given up meeting together on purpose, so being together again was particularly meaningful for these reasons.

I needed to focus on the faithfulness of God. Isolation creates space for doubt to take up residence. The distance can cause suspicion and second-guessing. Doubt, fear, and second-guessing can be killers to the soul without regular opportunities for spiritual fellowship.  

I needed the reminder of practicing love and good deeds. Perhaps like you, I’m tired. The last year has been challenging. The last several years have been difficult and tiring. Fatigue can make it hard to be loving and diminish the desire to do good deeds. Listening to others share stories of struggle and victory restore the desire to keep going.

I needed to remember that I am not alone on this journey. Most of us have experienced some level of loneliness. Telephone calls, texting, Facebook, FaceTime, Twitter, and Zoom have been invaluable in helping us stay in touch with each other, but it’s not the same. Being physically present with others who share the faith journey reminds me that I am not alone on this journey.

I need to focus on God’s faithfulness. I needed the reminder to practice loving and doing good deeds. I need to remember that I am not alone on this journey. I am thankful that I met with my brothers and sisters today and look forward to the next opportunity, whenever that might be. I hope you can be back with your spiritual family very soon.

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.   

A Norvell Note for April 5, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 13

The Day After Easter

I originally published this several years ago, but it seems appropriate to share it again today.  

Luke ends his account of the life of Jesus like this: 

44 Then he said, “Everything I told you while I was with you comes to this: All the things written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms have to be fulfilled.”

45-49 He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, “You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You’re the first to hear and see it. You’re the witnesses (Italics mine). What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you’re equipped with power from on high.”

50-51 He then led them out of the city over to Bethany. Raising his hands he blessed them, and while blessing them, took his leave, being carried up to heaven.

52-53 And they were on their knees, worshiping him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting with joy. They spent all their time in the Temple praising God. Yes. (Luke 24:44-53, The Message)

I hope your Easter Sunday included a time of genuine fellowship, energized and God-focused worship, and a message from the Word that challenged you, encouraged you and inspired you to greater service in the Kingdom of God. 

As you spent time over the last week reflecting on the last days of the life of Jesus, you also reflected on how you are living your life and how you would want to spend the last week of your life. I hope, now that we have passed through another Easter season, you and I will accept the same role as that of those who were with Jesus after His Resurrection. In verse 48 of the text above Jesus explains their new identity in the Kingdom: “You are the witnesses.” 

A witness sees an event. Jesus told them that they had seen the fulfillment of things He had told them would happen. “You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You’re the first to hear and see it.” (46-47) 

When you are a witness, you can testify as to what you have seen. When you see a crime, you might serve as a witness in court.

When Jesus tells them, “You’re the witnesses” He is challenging them, and giving them an open door to share what they have seen and experienced. He tells them to wait until the Spirit comes to them but be ready to be the witnesses. If you read further in Luke’s writings (the book of Acts), you will see they accept and excel in being His witnesses. 

You and I witnessed something yesterday. Because we are witnesses, it is now time for us to share what we saw, what we experienced, or the impact, and why it was so significant. That is what a witness does. That is what we are. 

The only question that remains is, will we accept our role as His witnesses? 

It is the day after Easter. Will you be His witness?

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.