Author: TomNorvell

Vol. 21 No. 11 | March 18, 2019

The tree outside my window that is just starting to show the first signs of renewal after a longer, barren winter. The brown grass in the surrounding fields is transitioning back to its rich, green color. And the birds that have been relatively silent for months are once again singing in full chorus.

It never ceases to amaze me how nature just knows when the time is right. There is nothing we can do to rush or delay the seasons- force flowers to bloom when the ground is too cold or coax animals out of hibernation before the time is right.

Nature just knows what to do when the time is right.

We too, have this gift that is as inherent in us as it is in nature. It’s starts in the womb- infants instinctively know when the time is right to come into the world, just as new mothers know what to do to care for them. 

And our instincts aren’t just restricted to physical aspects. If we allow ourselves to listen, truly listen, we will receive guidance on how and when to act (or not to) when the time is right- whether it’s the moment we realize our true calling or that deep sense of knowing when we have found our life partner.

Yet even though our instincts (or intuition) are natural doesn’t mean the process of trusting and action on them is easy…to the contrary.

No matter what phase of life we are in, knowing when it’s time to make a change or go in a different direction can be nerve-wracking. But actually taking the first steps in that new direction can be terrifying.

We have to relinquish our control, risk making mistakes, or worse, failing. We have to resist letting our insecurities and fears take the reigns. They will inevitably leave us paralyzed, stuck in the place we know we no longer belong.

But how do we know for sure? How do we know if we should trust our intuition?

When I find myself doubting myself- struggling with important decisions and anxious about taking action- I remember how Jesus responded when he was pushed to reveal his true identity.

“This isn’t my time. Don’t push me.” (John 2) “It’s not the right time.” (John 7) But later, He knew it was the right time.

On the final and climactic day of the Feast, Jesus took his stand. He cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me this way, just as the Scripture says.” (He said this in regard to the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were about to receive. The Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified.) (John 7:37-38, The Message)

But how did He know?

I think the explanation is obvious, just as it is in nature.

He was listening. He was attuned to what the Father was telling Him and trusted He would know what to do when the time was right.

And He did.

He knew when it was time to speak, and He knew what to say and how to say it. He also knew His actions would lead Him to the cross…and He trusted this was all a part of God’s plan.

I don’t know who deserves credit for these words, but they describe the person I long to be:

“A spiritual person is a person who does the right thing, at the right time, in the right way, with the right spirit.”

I’m not there yet…but know I will be.

____________

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Vol. 21 No. 10 | March 11, 2019H

You are grappling with a problem that has no apparent solution. You feel like you’re  up against a wall with no place to go. God is calling you to do work that feels beyond your reach. And you keep repeating to yourself, “This is impossible. I can’t do this. I don’t know what to do.”

When you find yourself stumped and wondering what to do, let me offer three suggestions based on a story of Jesus from John, chapter six.

Trust that God is aware of your circumstances and already has a plan.

In what appears to be a playful manner, Jesus asks his disciples to feed the thousands of people following Him. The disciples scratched their collective heads trying to think of a way to accomplish a seemingly impossible task.

But Jesus already knew what he was going to do. His request was His way of testing Philip’s faith.  

When I find myself in what appears to be an “impossible situation” (as Chuck Swindoll calls them), it helps if I pause long enough to remind myself of a few important facts.

I am not in this alone. God has not abandoned me. He knows exactly what is happening and is already working on a solution…even though I cannot see it.

Reminding myself of these facts doesn’t change my circumstance. But it helps calm my fears and reduce my anxiety.

However, I do still have to remind myself of these truths more than once and remember that God could be testing my faith as well. For this reason, I hang these words on the wall above my desk: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Take what you have to God and say, “Here’s what I have, Lord.”

One of the disciples—it was Andrew, brother to Simon Peter—said, “There’s a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But that’s a drop in the bucket for a crowd like this.” (vss. 8-9)

It seems that God enjoys it when we take seeds of faith to Him to see what He can do. “Lord, I’ve got these words, but I don’t know if they will mean anything to anyone else.” “Lord, all I have is a little money and a burning desire to help people.” “Lord, I’m scared, but I believe You are bigger than my fears.” “Lord, help me please.” “Here’s what I have, Lord.”

Acknowledge that God has been at work in you.

The people realized that God was at work among them in what Jesus had just done. (v. 14)

When you are going through a difficult time, as well as when you finally get through it, I think it’s very important to acknowledge that God was part of it and share what you learn with others. You don’t have to understand what has happened or why it happened the way it did. You just have to have faith that it  is and was always a part of His plan.

I’m sure the disciples and Jesus’s 5,000 followers were more than astounded when the bread and fish kept coming in quantities that defied logic. The only “explanation” was that, “…God was at work among them.”

As you go through your week, chances are you will be faced with a situation that you won’t know how to handle. Just remember, God is there with you. Take whatever you are struggling with to Him and say, “This is what I have, Lord.”

And when you experience God working in your life, enjoy it, learn from it, and share it with others to help restore their faith as well.

____________

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Vol. 21 No. 09 | March 4, 2019

Some people stopped reading when they saw this week’s title. So since you’re still here, let me explain.

Fairly early in Jesus’s ministry, it became clear that most of His teachings were directly opposed to the laws and beliefs of the times. Jesus was spreading a way of understanding and following God that was new and different… words that don’t sit well with those imposing strict rules and traditions.

The way Jesus treated people was vastly different than the other leaders of his time. He was kind, compassionate, and loving, demonstrating that the people being ruled mattered more than the rules themselves. And, He was criticized repeatedly for it.

We read about one such occasion in thefifth chapter of John. Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath, which was “against the rules.” And so the drama began… The man was questioned and criticized, and then Jesus was questioned and criticized.

So, Jesus decided to play along, criticizing them for not recognizing who He was.

You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. (John 5:39-40, NIV)

I enjoy the message inherent in His words:

“You constantly have your heads in your Bibles, thinking you’ll find eternal life there. But you are missing the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are about me– the person standing right in front of you who could give you the life you say you want.

Sometimes I read this and want to jump up and shout (in my self-righteous voice), “You go Jesus! Put them in their place!”

Then, I remember the time when…

I was preparing a sermon and someone came to my door needing to talk. I explained to her that I was busy doing God’s work and didn’t have time to solve her problems too. She understood, of course, and apologized for bothering me.

Then there was the time…

I was preparing for an important meeting and a co-worker came to ask if I could help him with a problem. I reminded him that I was leading a discussion that could determine the future of our church. Mending his discouraged spirit would have to wait. Of course, he understood and said he’d pray for the meeting.

And one time…

I was scanning emails to see if there was anything urgent I needed to deal with. I came across a message from a woman concerned about her husband’s health. I quickly replied that she was in my thoughts and prayers and moved on to next. I’m sure she appreciated me taking the time out of my busy schedule to respond.

These are just three of many examples when my head was so buried in my Bible, I forgot to actually use it (both my head AND the Bible).

Of course, I’m not encouraging you to stop studying your Bible. But I am encouraging you to do more than just read the words inside. Stop reading for long enough to ask your friend sitting across the table how he is really doing, or talk to the widow who comes to church every week, or reach out to the family you haven’t seen for awhile and tell them they are missed.

The Bible contains the very words of life. But if we don’t give them life, then that is all they will ever be.

So this week, let’s bring the word of God to life.

____________

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Vol. 21 No. 08 | February 25, 2019

The following is based on a true story.[1]

There was a woman who had lived a very difficult life. She had made so many mistakes and poor choices that most people, including herself, had written her off as a failure, casting her aside like a broken piece of pottery.

She mainly kept to herself, only going out when she had to and doing her best to get lost in the crowd to avoid being seen.

This is how she existed, living in the shadows, ashamed, disappointed, and alone.

One day a man interrupted her routine by engaging her in conversation and making a request. She was shocked, almost offended, that someone was actually talking to her. Who was this man and why was He making an effort to talk to her?

Annoyed, she answered his question,  hoping He would leave her alone. He didn’t. He began inquiring about her life, but He already knew all about her- all her mistakes and poor choices. Yet he did not judge her. They continued to talk. He asked questions. She answered. And He talked some more.

She got lost in the conversation. He answered many of her questions before she even asked them. She felt safe with Him, comforted, and started to feel the burden of her guilt and shame lift off her shoulders. The more they talked, the more alive she felt. By the end of their conversation, she felt revived and filled with hope…feelings she had never felt before.

When she turned to go, she didn’t return to the shadows. This time, she went to where the people were. She spoke freely about a man she had just met who knew everything about her and still loved her. She told the crowd how He pulled her from her tortured past and gave her a future, one filled with hope and peace. The crowd acknowledged her, listened to her, and wanted to know more…

Does this story sound familiar? Is this perhaps your story?

Is your life a mess? When you think about your past- the one that haunts your present and taints your future- do you wish you could go back and change it? Do you wish someone could see you and appreciate you for who you are, instead of judging you for what you’ve done or not done. Do you wish you could come out of the shadows and into the light?

You can. There is such a person. His name is Jesus.

____________

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[1] John 4

Vol. 21 No. 07 | February 18, 2019

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17, NIV)

I’ve only taught or written about this passage a handful of times. One reason is that so many people already have, and I’ve rarely felt I have anything to add. But the main reason is that the profound message of this verse flows through the entirety of Scripture. So in essence, almost everything I’ve ever written or spoken about God has this sentiment at its core:

God loves us. 

This is why He created the world, why He paints the sunrises and sunsets with beautiful colors, and why He fills the forests with vegetation that change with the seasons. This is why He sends people to enter and exit our lives at just the right time to teach us and enrich our lives (sometimes because of their exit). And this is why He sent His only son into the world to live and die, and then rise again.

Because He loves us.

All of us, even those we see as unlovable. He loves us when we are at our best and our worst. He loves us, not because of who we are or what we do.

He loves us because He is love.

…a profound message, indeed.

____________

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Vol. 21 No. 06 | February 11, 2019

There is a story in the gospel of John that describes a time when Jesus attended a wedding. During the celebration, Jesus’s mother comes to inform Him that the host is almost out of wine. Mary knows this will embarrass the hosts, so she nudges Jesus to do something about it.

Jesus said, “Is that any of our business, Mother—yours or mine? This isn’t my time. Don’t push me.”

She went ahead anyway, telling the servants, “Whatever he tells you, do it.” (John 2:1-5, The Message)

A couple of observations from this short exchange:

First, Jesus’ mother was a classic mother. By this I mean, she had expectations of her son. But she also had confidence in Him. She saw a problem and knew He had the ability to solve it.

An aside. This also brings to light an age-old question. Did Mary know her son had special powers? I suspect she did, and perhaps had witnessed Jesus experiment a time or two…Hey, Mom, watch this!

But to the point, when Mary realized the host was on the verge of humiliation, she turned to Jesus, knowing he would do what needed to be done.

Second, Jesus respected His mother. The reasons why he seemed to dismiss her request aren’t clear. Was he resisting revealing His identity, or was He just teasing her?

Regardless, despite Jesus saying “Not now”, Mary knew He would grant her request.

The story reminds me of a very practical lesson:

Sometimes we just do what needs to be done.

You’re exhausted and looking forward to sleeping in. But your wife and kids what to you to fix pancakes. So you get up and fix pancakes.

You had planned on retiring at fifty-five, but illnesses and college tuitions changed your plans. So you keep showing up and punching the clock.

Your kids can be demanding, lazy, and selfish. You’d like to go on strike to teach them a lesson. But you keep showing up and trying to be the best parent you can.

It seems that most of our lives involve just getting up every day and doing what needs to be done. We cook meals. We work long hours. We do more than our share when others don’t do their part…

Why? Because we care. We care about doing things the right way and not cutting corners. We care about people, about doing what we can to help others in need.

Mom: “Son, they’re running of wine.”

Son: “That’s none of my business, Mom.”  

Mom: “Listen to him. He’ll do what needs to be done.”

Maybe you are facing a situation that you wish you didn’t have to. Take a step back and look at your options. Ask for guidance, make changes if you can, and have faith that everything will work out exactly as it should.  

And then, go do what needs to be done.

____________

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Vol. 21 No. 05 | February 4, 2019

“He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.” (John 1:10, NIV)

That’s how John describes what happened when Jesus came into the world.

My first reaction is disbelief. Prophecies about Him had been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. Believers were anticipating His arrival. Yet when he finally arrived, they didn’t recognize Him. How could that be?

Many historians indicate that there was nothing distinct about Jesus’s physical appearance to set Him apart from the crowd. But I still don’t understand how they couldn’t recognize Him.

However, before I can launch into a judgmental tirade (Jesus actually deals with that later on), I ask myself, would I have recognized Him? And more importantly, do I recognize Him today?

Do I recognize His love when I see a nurse being gentle and kind with a frightened patient?

Do I recognize His spirit when I overhear a telephone conversation of a friend offering words of comfort to someone going through a difficult time?

Do I recognize His calm and comforting voice in the tech support representative who is saving my whacked-out computer when I’m in the middle of a big project?

Do I recognize Him in the face of a friend among a crowd of strangers when I feel uncomfortable and lonely?

Do I recognize His guidance when I open a blank page on my computer, ask Him for words, and within seconds, they begin to flow?

Do I recognize His beauty when I see the brilliant array of colors when the sun sets in the western sky?

The answer to all those questions is, yes. I recognize Him in all these scenarios when I’m not blinded by my preconceived ideas of how He should act, look, and sound.

But would I have recognized Him when He was here in the flesh? Would I have been any different than those who had been waiting for His arrival?

Probably not. However, as I continue to learn that He shows up in all kinds of situations, expected and unexpected, I am beginning to see Him more clearly.

I encourage you to join me and look for Him throughout your day. I promise you’ll find, even in the unlikeliest of places.

____________

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Vol. 21 No. 04 | January 28, 2019

Traffic delays. Flight delays. Package delivery delays…

No one likes delays, especially when they are because of someone else’s lack of planning or poor judgment.

Most of us don’t plan for delays, just like the airline attendants didn’t plan for my delayed flight.

But delays are inevitable, right? And the sooner we accept this, the easier it will be to make the best of the situation for everyone involved.  

As my fellow travelers and I waited for our flight to leave the terminal (interesting name for a place where we are always waiting), we each had different reactions. Some used the time to get work done, some found a place on the floor for a nap…and some grew increasingly irritated. The latter passed the time repeatedly complaining to the airline attendants, even though the flight crew was keeping us updated and were all extremely pleasant. I’m sure the crew was just as anxious to get us on our way, especially those who were complaining.

I think one of the keys to surviving delays without losing our sanity is to have something productive or fulfilling to do. For instance, if you have a child who is getting irritable because their playdate is late, maybe help them fill the time by playing a game, reading a book, or taking a walk. (Note: these activities are equally effective when we find ourselves annoyed and impatient because of delays.)

—

I chose to dedicate this week’s topic on “delays” because, not only did it fill my time while I was waiting, but it also assured me that I won’t delay getting these words to my editor. And sure enough, when the wait was over, I felt more productive and less stressed than if I would have sat waiting impatiently or pacing the terminal fuming about the delay.

This experience actually reminded me of how those living in the time of Jesus must have felt as they waited for the arrival of the Messiah. We grow impatient over a ninety-minute flight delay, while people of faith endured four hundred years waiting for Him to appear.

And when He did finally arrive, it was not at all what His followers expected. He wasn’t a King who came to take control of the kingdom. He was a baby who would delay assuming his ministry for thirty years.

The first chapter of the gospel of John reminds us that when He arrived, He came to be with us, to dwell among us. The delay was long and difficult to endure, but it was certainly worth it.

The lesson is this: delays will happen, but they will also come to an end. And waiting for us will be family to greet us, entertaining things to do, projects that will be completed, and delicious meals shared with delightful people…proving once again, if we can learn to endure those “intolerable” delays a little while longer, they will be well worth the wait.

We can even go as far as considering our lives as a temporary delay that will eventually end in a reunion with our loved ones. And we will celebrate joyfully together in the presence of God. This too will definitely be worth the delay.

So, be patient, be productive, have some fun, and do what you can to make the experience better for yourself and those around you.

____________

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Vol. 21 No. 03 | January 21, 2019

A few weeks ago, my oldest granddaughter, Isabel, was attending a basketball game with her Dad while I was at a different basketball game in another city. Her Dad and I were texting back and forth about the game when I received a text from Isabel.

She texted, “Why…just why.” (Giggles)

I responded, “Because…just because.”

Her response: “That’s funny.”

I smiled, enjoying the first of what I hope to be many texts from my granddaughter(s).

I smile each time I think about our text exchange. And it makes me wonder how many times the word why comes up in everyday conversation.

Curious children love why questions. “Why is the sky blue?” “Why do I have a belly button?” “Why do I have to eat three more bites before I can have ice cream?” “Why can’t I go to bed when I want to?” Why did you tell me to stop asking why?”

We too, ask why, but our questions are often more serious. “Why did my husband leave me and the children?” “Why did my mother have to die when I needed her most?” “Why must I go through life alone?” “Why can’t I find a job?” “Why did our son do what he did?” “Why can’t we get pregnant?” “Why…just why?”

For some questions, there are easy, logical answers that can be explained scientifically, or by referencing the Bible, or learning from the wisdom and experiences of others. But for other questions, the answers don’t come as easily.

In 2 Corinthians 2:8-10, NIV, Paul searched for answers from God, and He provided them.

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

In the song, The Reason for the World, Matthew West and Matthew Joseph explain why they believe we have to endure pain.  

But maybe the reason for the pain
Is so we would pray for strength
And maybe the reason for the strength
Is so that we would not lose hope
And maybe the reason for all hope
Is so that we could face the world
And the reason for the world
Is to make us long for home.

—

“Why…just why.” (Giggles)

“Because…just because.”

Sometimes that’s the only answer we have because we won’t understand what God has planned for us until He chooses to reveal it.

And even then, sometimes we just have to accept the outcome. Even when we question His methods, we have to trust that He is always conspiring for our greatest good.

And that, Isabel, is the undisputable answer to your question…

____________

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