A Norvell Note   

February 26, 2024                                               Vol. 28 No. 9

Use Me, Lord!

It’s a simple prayer that almost always gets answered. If you pray this simple prayer, make sure you mean it because the Lord will answer this prayer. Use me, Lord!

If you pray the prayer, keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities because they will be there. 

This prayer carries a similar sentiment. 

Lead me to some soul today
O teach me, Lord, just what to say
Friends of mine are lost in sin
And cannot find their way

Few there are who seem to care
And few there are who pray
Melt my heart and fill my life
Give me one soul today. ^[1]

If you pray these words, the Lord will send you a soul and teach you what to say. If you ask God to use you, He will. 

If you pray these prayers, you may see the homeless family at the intersection that you’ve ignored all the other times you’ve driven past them. You may notice the elderly lady sitting alone in church and ask if you can sit with her. 

If you pray these prayers, you may be surprised at how your attitude toward people and perspective changes. Don’t ignore the prompt to notice people; be available and willing to use your gifts and talents to do good. 

It’s a simple prayer. Pray it, then let Him use you. Then, say, “Thank You, Lord.”

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2024 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

^[1] Contemporary Christian Music

A Norvell Note

Vol. 28 No. 8 

2-19-24

So Do Not Fear

The day began with a prayer of gratitude and a request for words for an article.  

A Bible lesson from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount offered assurance that the results of this year’s election are no cause for fear. 

A glance at the blue band on my right wrist that says: “No fear.”

An almost forgotten quote resurfaced, “What would you do differently today if you were not afraid.”

A post from social media with these words from Isaiah. 

So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.^[1]

The message is clear: God’s Kingdom is alive and well; fear will consume and paralyze you, so do not fear. 

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2024 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

^[1] Isaiah 41:10

A Norvell Note

Vol. 28 No. 7 

2-12-24

Waiting for the Number

When people enter the waiting area, they must put numbers into a computer to receive a ticket with a number on it. This is the number by which they will be called to a window with a number above it. Each ticket has a letter preceding the number. Each person holds on to their ticket and the documents they brought as if they contain life or death information. In some ways, I suppose it does. 

The room is full. All the chairs are taken. A few are standing. Rich people. Poor people. Anxious people. People who are in a hurry and do not want to wait. One who feels the need to express his frustration and loudly offers his opinion on improving the process. Some are content to sit and wait. 

All eyes are on the screen at the front of the room. On the left side of the screen is a row of numbers, each with one of the two letters preceding the number. Everyone was waiting for their number to be called. 

When a number is called, a sigh of relief replaces the anxiety on that person’s face. A round of applause would be appropriate, but that rarely happens. Everyone else waits for their number to be called. 

Life is sometimes like the waiting room. Some people live as if they are in a room waiting for their number to be called by a stranger sitting in a room on the other side of a glass window. They anxiously wait and wonder, “Is anyone back there?” “Is anyone working?” “Why is this taking so long?” Some give up and leave because the wait is too long. 

That’s not the way it is with God. us. The waiting is life. God doesn’t want to sit in a room waiting for a number to be called. He wants his followers to live and actively share His love and goodness. There is no need for anxiety and doubt. As a child of God, He will call your name. So relax and enjoy the wait. 

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2024 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

A Norvell Note

Vol. 28 No. 5 

2-5-24

What He Prayed

The fact that Jesus took time to pray for His followers shortly before he went to the cross is humbling and astonishing. Now consider what he prayed.  

He prayed for His followers to have joy. (6-13)

He prayed for His followers to be protected from the evil one. (14-16)

He prayed for His followers to be made holy. (17-10

He prayed for His followers to know unity. (20-26)

But the first thing He prayed for was for His followers to know Him. 

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (John 17:3)

He wanted those who were and would become His followers to experience Him completely, not just know about Him. Not just memorize His words and stories so you can repeat them and sound like You know Him. 

Knowing someone is dramatically different from knowing about them. Jesus wants His followers to know Him so that we can help others know Him. 

He prayed for His followers to know Him. This is eternal life. Is there anything more important?

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2024 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved