A Norvell Note for June 27, 2022

Vol. 26 No. 24

A Man of Grace

During the last and most recent months of craziness and confusion, I failed to acknowledge the passing of Lynn Anderson. As a result, I am only one among thousands who were able to sit at Lynn’s feet and listen to him talk about his relationship with God and his longing for us to know that same love. 

Lynn had a remarkable ability to memorize Scripture. Still, his ability to help us move from the written Word to the understanding that Word is alive, hope is real, and faith is worth searching for that touched me so profoundly. With Lynn’s help, I understood and appreciated that “The Word did become flesh and made his dwelling among us.” 

Lynn could make you think about God and the Scripture in new and fresh ways. Passages I had read hundreds of times took on new meaning and gave me a clearer understanding of Jesus. 

As I watched the recording of Lynn’s memorial service, I heard his students, friends, and family share how Lynn made them feel like they were the most significant person in the room when they were with him. He made me feel that way. He could see into our souls and remind us of our goodness and beauty.

I remember one occasion when sitting with Lynn and sharing my heart about life and soaking in his wisdom when he opened his Bible and said, “Here’s a verse that will haunt you and wake you up in the middle of the night.” Here is the passage: “How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” (John 5:44) After several restless and sleepless nights, I sent him an email early one morning and said, “Lynn, thanks a lot!”

I recall another time when a friend and I were frozen in silence as he stood at Signal Point on Signal Mountain, Tennessee. With arms raised in worship, he gazed across the mountains, the sky above, and the valleys and river below us. He did more than simply recite the words of Psalm 8. He prayed the words as he poured out his heart to the Creator. 

Many people were closer to Lynn and knew him more intimately than I did. But no one appreciated his grace-filled words and unconditional love more than I did. Lynn was a man of grace. I’m thankful for knowing him, the grace he preached, and the time I shared with him. 

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A Norvell Note for June 13, 2022

Vol. 26 No. 23

Tom Mathis

I would prefer not to write these words. There is a void in the Chattanooga, Tennessee, community due to the passing of Tom Mathis, a very dear friend, brother in the faith, and a servant of the Lord. Tom has fought his fight, finished his race, has kept the faith, and received his crown of righteousness. 

       We moved to Chattanooga in September of 2000. I met three men and knew my life forever changed as soon as I met them. Tom was one of those men. To think of Tom not being there to call, text, visit, listen to, or read his writings is beyond my mind’s grasp. 

       When I first met Tom, it was hard for me to believe he was real. He seemed too good, too spiritual to be true. I observed him, listened to him intently, and searched for flaws. His wisdom was beyond his years. I admired his depth of understanding of the Scripture and his ability to communicate it to others. His compassion for people was beautiful to watch. 

       Through the years, Tom and I taught classes together, shared the stage in worship events, and grieved, comforted, and celebrated with each other. We enjoyed meals with our wives and friends and time in each other’s homes. We prayed for our children, prayed for our friends, prayed for our marriages, and prayed for our church. We sat and struggled through multitudes of meetings, encouraged each other, confronted each other, advised each other, and loved each other deeply. 

       Kim and I were blessed to watch up as Tom and Ginger found each other, fell in love and were there when they married. We were blessed to be with them on a chilly colorful fall evening when they exchanged their vows and declared their love for one another. I was the officiant. Kim was the witness, the photographer, and the designated crier for the event. 

       I share those memories, acknowledging that I am only one of the hundreds of people who have their memories. Tom Mathis was an extraordinary man who had a supernatural ability to communicate his love for the Creator and demonstrate his love for his family and friends. 

       I don’t know how to close this tribute to my friend except to say. Tom, I love you and miss you terribly, and share some of your words. 

THE MOUNTAIN CALLS ME HOME

Psalm 61 Meditation for Day 61 (3/2/2021):

“The mountain calls me home. The rocks and ravines beckon me back to the security of my favorite hiding places. The cool springs invite me once again to quench my thirst and refresh my spirit with pure water.

“In my mind I know this to be true, but my heart—dulled by too frequent wanderings in the far-off plains of distraction and valleys of despair—has somehow drifted out of tune with the frequency and rhythm of God’s voice. And so I have projected my failure to hear onto Him—as if my Mighty Rock, my Strong Tower, is too weak to hear and understand my cries for help, too busy or disinterested to respond.

“If I promise (once again) (oh, how many times have I promised?) to listen to You, to be faithful to You, will You hear my prayerful pleas and draw me back, guide me back, carry me back to You?

“How I long to be close to You again, to rest safely in You and have You tabernacle in me. How I yearn for the Rock that is higher than I, the security of Your powerful presence and protection, the refreshment of Your mercy and grace manifested in patience, forgiveness, and sanctification.

“‘Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you. I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.’ (Psalms 61:1-4)”

(Pre-release notes for Heartsongs—More Meditations in the Margin for Psalms Lovers, © 2021, Thomas R. Mathis)

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A Norvell Note for June 6, 2022

Vol. 26 No. 22

My Anxious Thoughts

Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.^[i]

When You search my heart and test me, You will see that my anxious thoughts are many. 

I have anxious thoughts due to the current circumstances in my life and the lives of those dearest to me. Almost all the events are beyond my control and are things I am trying to accept that I cannot change. 

Some anxious thoughts are of my own making. Things I did that I should not have done, something I should have done that I did not do, things I said that I should not have said, and things that I should have said but did not. I am working on correcting and improving what I can.         

Many of my anxious thoughts stem from actions and events far beyond my circle of influence. The instances of gun violence and mass shootings are alarming. The anger and divisive spirit among the political leaders spread into other areas of our society, and the divisions grow wider. 

Yes, my anxious thoughts are many. 

As I confess those anxious thoughts, I hear you saying, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.^[ii]

So, Father, I present all these anxious thoughts and request the peace that passes understanding to guard my heart and mind in You. 

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^[i] Psalm 139:23

^[ii] Philippians 4:6-7