Author: TomNorvell

Vol. 17 No. 06 | February 10, 2014

I had been thinking it all week then a friend sent an email (all the way from Jerusalem) expressing my feelings perfectly: Sorry for pain, waiting for joy.

(DISCLAIMER: Any reference to my personal pain and discomfort in this article is not to be compared to what our daughter and her husband have been experiencing, nor that of any other mother who has gone through childbirth. I don’t want any mothers coming after me saying, “Pain? You don’t know pain! I’ll show you pain!”)

Going through the pain and waiting for the joy has been our story for the past several days as we have awaited the arrival of our granddaughter. Each day we thought and hoped that this would be the day. Each day we responded to texts and emails and phone calls requesting updates with the same message, “Not yet”. This Proverb has been playing and replaying in my mind: Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12, NIV)

For those of us waiting (waiting could possibly be better translated “hovering,” “staring,” and possibly “driving the mother-to-be crazy”) the waiting has been inconvenient. No physical pain for us. Away from home? Yes. Pain? No. Difficult? Yes, at times. Our part of the waiting has involved praying, cooking, offering to do anything that could be done, trying not to get in the way, and trying not to make their waiting more difficult.

At times the prayer has literally been a request that the pain of labor would begin. “Lord, let her labor begin.” Then, in our minds we say, “Because we are ready for the joy of seeing and holding and loving this baby girl.” Somewhere in there is sorrow for the pain, but honestly the real desire is for the joy to come soon. Some dad, huh? “Please, Lord, let my daughter hurt so we can experience joy.”

We pray similar prayers in other areas of our lives, don’t we?

Father, I want the joys of a new job and increased salary, and I know that there will be pain as I pursue it. There is the trouble of putting out resumes, saying goodbye to co-workers, possibly moving to a new location, and the discomfort that goes with a transition. I’m sorry for the pain, and I will wait for the joy.

Father, I long for the time when I see my son transformed into the image of Your son, but I know for him to get there he must experience the growing pains that go with it, the testing, the faith struggles, and all the circumstances that produce that Christ-like character. I’m sorry for the pain, and I will wait for the joy.

Father, we want our marriage to be strong and healthy and an example for others to see and follow, and we know that getting there will be painful and difficult. Tough choices. Serious decisions. There must be changes in our lifestyle. There may be changes in our friendships. We are sorry for the pain, and we will wait for the joy.

Father, we want our church to grow and become a light to our part of the world, and we know that growth requires change and change produces the pain of moving from our zones of comfort. We are sorry for the pain, and we will wait for the joy.

We do not always understand how this transformation from pain to joy takes place. Maybe that is the reason when we speak of the birth of a child we refer to it as a miracle. As painful as it is to admit, I suspect that is the way it should be. We do not understand because we are not equipped to understand. Another passage that has been playing and replaying in my mind all week is from Isaiah:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.” (Isaiah 55:8-13, NIV)

Father, we are sorry for the pain Your Son endured to redeem us from our sins, but we are filled with joy because You waited for us to acknowledge and to accept Your free gift.

Father, as we seek to follow You we are sorry for the pain, but long for the joy of knowing You.

Tom
By the way, as I post this article (12:45 a.m.) we are at the hospital waiting. The pain is almost over. The joy we have been waiting for will soon be realized. Norah Lee Howard was born at 3:41 AM.

© Copyright 2014 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 05 | February 3, 2014

I read these words from Jesus, “Do not worry about your life.” I read these words from Paul, “Do not be anxious about anything…” And, I read these words from Peter, “Cast all your anxiety on him…” and I want to argue with them.

Before I get the objections out of my mouth Paul and Peter point to Jesus and remind me, “We are only the messengers! These are His words.” So, I argue with Him.

“Do not worry about your life? Are you kidding me? Have You ever been laid off from your job? Have you ever seen your hard earned paycheck disappear before you even get it deposited? Have you ever wondered where your next meal would come from, or when it would come? Have you have known something was wrong inside your body but found no answers from the medical experts?”

“Don’t be anxious about anything? Lord, are You serious?” I continue my case. “Lord, have you ever sat in a hospital waiting room as the person you love undergoes surgery to remove a tumor that may or may not be cancerous? Have You ever dropped your son off at his college dorm, hugged him, told him you love him, and drove home knowing that things will never be the same? Have You, Lord, ever been hundreds of miles away from your daughter, while she approaches and passes her baby’s due date? Have You ever been forced to watch as your son struggles to recover from his first true heartbreak?”

“Cast all my anxiety on You? All my anxiety? Do you really expect me to do that? Do you know what it’s like to give up the controls of your life and let someone else take control? Have You ever experienced what it is like to be totally at the mercy of someone else, knowing they could take advantage of you, hurt you, misrepresent you, and abuse you?”

He answers, while Paul and Peter stand nearby with their arms crossed and sly smiles on their faces: “Well, maybe not exactly those same circumstances, but I think I understand how you feel. I did send my one and only Son into the world to express my love for the people, only to watch as He was mistreated, ridiculed, judged, beaten, and killed. And, I have watched as my children have declared their undying love for me one day then turn their backs on me the next. And, I have witnessed my loved ones make promises and express vows of faith and faithfulness, only to watch them fall by the wayside when they experience opposition. And, I have been watching over you since before you were born and re-born clearing away dangerous obstacles, removing strong opposition, giving you strength and wisdom to handle the pressure, and going out of my way to express how very special you are to me. Let me ask you, did you know all that?”

Before I can shamefully slip away from His presence, He asks me to read the entire passage surrounding those statements. So, I read the entire passages.

(Matthew 6:25-27) “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

He asks me: “Are you not much more valuable than they?”

(Philippians 4:4-7) Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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.

He asks, “Do you realize that I am always near?”

(1 Peter 5:6-7) Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

He asks, “Do you realize how much I care about you?”

My argument is over.

Tom

© Copyright 2014 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 04 | January 27, 2014

A friend was describing the pain he feels for his teenage granddaughter who is having a tough time. Her mother, his daughter, is struggling to know how to help. He is struggling to know how to help her. During one conversation he told her, “I have been were you are. I know what it’s like to be where you are, but I don’t know what it’s like to be where I am.”

Maybe you can relate.

You are talking to a friend when you realize she is struggling with a problem that you have struggled with. You have been there. You have done that. But, you have never been where you are now – trying to help a friend deal with that same problem. You know what it’s like to be where she is, but you don’t know what it’s like to be where you are.

Your son and his wife, or your daughter and her husband announce that they are expecting a baby. They are excited. You are excited with them, for them, and for the fact that you are going to be grandparents. You remember what it was like when you and your spouse found out you were going to have a baby. You know what it is like to be excited out of your mind and scared out of your skin all at the same time. But how to encourage them, reassure them, support them, and celebrate that big event as their dad, or their mom? You know what it’s like to be where they are, but you don’t know what it’s like to be where you are.

Your father has gotten older and his health is failing. He needs round-the-clock care. He has always been independent and struggles with the newfound dependence on someone to get through the day. He is looking to you for help. You are trying. To prove you understand with his situation you tell him, “I understand being sick. I know what it’s like to be dependent on someone else to take care of you.” He nods in only semi-agreement. You understand helplessness but you do not understand what it’s like to care for an aging parent. You know what it’s like to be where he is, but you don’t know what it’s like to be where you are.

The situation is new. It is strange. It is way out of your comfort zone. It is not even within the same realm of possibility of where you thought you would be at this point in your life. Nothing is familiar. Nothing is easy. You have no instruction manual for where you are and what you are experiencing. You are learning as you go. At least, you hope you are learning something. You don’t know what it’s like to be where you are.

Life gets confusing. Circumstances change. Little ones grow up and have little ones. We are constantly being faced with new and challenging situations that keep us guessing, keep us questioning, and remind us that nothing stays the same. Perhaps our best, and maybe only, response when we pray is, “Lord, I don’t know what it’s like to be helpless.” “Lord, I don’t know what it’s like to be in need of help instead of being the helper.” “Lord, I know what it was like to be where I was, but I’m not there any more. I don’t know what it’s like to be where I am.”

Our loving Father responds to that kind of honesty with love, kindness, and compassion, “I know you don’t understand, but I do. I know you have never walked this path, but I have. Come near me and rest. Let me give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28-30) You are never beyond my reach. “Be still and know I am with you.” (Psalm 46:10)

I don’t know what it’s like to be where I am, but I know I am not alone. He is with me. He is always with me. For that I am thankful. Be assured, He is with You, too.

Tom

© Copyright 2014 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 03 | January 20, 2014

I am borrowing the title from a brochure provided by the Pregnancy Care Center in our community that we shared with our people on Sunday morning as part of our observance of Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. The article, based on John 10:10, identifies Jesus as the Life-Giver and challenges us to live our lives in His footsteps as we give life to all people.

The article concludes with these words:

“By treating every person we meet with dignity, we demonstrate the value of all human life the way God does. We help each of them to understand God’s love and grace. Through a life-giving lifestyle we have the best opportunity to introduce others to the life-giver Himself and to the forgiveness and healing offered by God through His Son.”

Workers in the Pregnancy Care Center in our community, and those in your community, and multiple other organizations are committed to offering compassionate counsel and gentle guidance to expectant mothers in a moment of crisis. How blessed we are to have this organization and multiple others in our communities where the homeless are offered food and shelter, where people who find themselves at the end of their rope can find hope to keep going.

Many of you are off work today because of a man who attempted to follow the life-giver, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was his desire – his “dream” – to see all men and women treated with dignity. Although we continue to struggle with this concept, we are closer than we would have been if this man had not taken following the life-giver so seriously.

It is our turn. We do not need to volunteer at a pregnancy center (although I am sure they would be appreciative if you did), nor is it necessary to join a protest march for freedom or equality. Our greatest contribution to this effort may come when we give a child our undivided attention. Our greatest gift may come when we choose to slow from our hectic pace of life and walk with a person whose pace of walking has been slowed down by years or poor health. The greatest need is not for us to make a splash in the world that will make the news and be retold for generations, but to make an impact on one individual who needs to know you are glad they exist.

As you move through this week will you look for an opportunity to follow the life-giver by being a life-giver? Will you make a decision this week to give your undivided attention to one individual in your sphere of influence? Will you commit to search for an individual who needs to be reminded that he is special, unique and created in the image of God, and remind him? Will you pray for God to bring you into the path of someone who needs to be assured that she is not forgotten, not ignored, and not alone?

It’s your turn. Follow the life-giver.

Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10, ESV)

Tom

© Copyright 2014 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.

One story from Abraham and Sarah:

Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.”Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. Abraham and Sarah were already old and well advanced in years, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?”

Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son.”

Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.”

But he said, “Yes, you did laugh.” (Genesis 18:10-15, NIV)

Sarah most likely thought she was far enough away from the conversation that no one knew she was listening and certainly no one could hear her reaction to the news that she was going to finally have a baby “After I am worn out and my master is old.” She was wrong. She was heard. And worse, she was confronted and could not hide it.

I feel for her. I sense her frustration and disappointment. I understand how she must have felt (not about having a baby) about laughing to herself. “Yeah, like that’s going to happen now. Great timing Lord!”

I also know how she must have felt being confronted by the God who says, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

More times than I can recall I have laid out my requests before the Lord and waited expectantly. And waited. And waited. Nothing happens. Eventually I’ve gotten to the point that Sarah may have reached, “Okay, Lord, if this is not going to happen, what are You going to do? Are You going to do anything? Are You telling me to give up on this dream? I do not understand. But, I still trust You. Although it seems crazy I will wait.”

He acts. Often at the least expected and most convenient time, He acts. I laugh to myself. He hears me laugh. I deny it. “I did not laugh.” He says, “Yes, you did laugh.”

The new ministry begins with great enthusiasm and excitement. You experience God’s empowering presence in ways you never imagined. You are seeing the results you had hoped for. You are encouraged. Something changes. Positive results begin to diminish. You and your co-workers get discouraged. You pray for a turn-around. Nothing happens. No signs of improvement. You question your wisdom, ability, leadership, and your heart. You resolved that things are never going to change. You begin looking across the fence at the greener pastures. Then, He does something amazing. You laugh to yourself, “Oh really. Now?” He hears you laugh. You deny. He says, “Yes, you did laugh.”

You had such hopes when your marriage began. You were the perfect couple. You knew it was true and everyone who knows you agreed. Now, years later the dreams have faded, the communication has stopped, and you both are too tired to try anymore. Help is available but neither of you can be convinced it is worth trying. You are almost to your breaking point and ready to either walk away or to tolerate the mediocrity of the relationship when something happens. You are unable to actually pinpoint what it is, but something says, “Don’t give up.” You laugh to yourself, but He hears you. He whispers: “I’m not finished with you.” You laugh again.

I’m not sure how God feels or how He thinks about things like this, but I get a sense that He loves to hear us laugh as He reveals His plans for us. I sense that He loves to catch us when we feel like we are about to fall and remind us that He has everything under control. I sense that He enjoys surprising us by meeting us at the crossroads of life with hope, reassurance, and a refresher course in faith and trust.

Father, I know You hear me laughing. Thanks for listening.

Tom

© Copyright 2014 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 01 | January 6, 2014
During a week when there is much talk about making New Year’s Resolutions about losing weight, getting healthier, exercising, reading the Bible regularly, and praying more andbeing overwhelmed with suggestions and techniques and plans for doing each, through his relationship with the Lord, David gives us a simple formula for prayer:

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly. (Psalm 5:3, NIV)

Reading the rest of the Psalm reveals his understanding of the kind of heart needed to have God’s ear: honest, righteous and humble. Convinced that he has that kind of heart, or at least is attempting to have that kind of heart, he calls out to God. Confident that the Lord is listening he simply prays.

In the morning I lay my requests before you. Pray in the morning. Obviously you can pray anytime and anywhere, but David takes his requests to the Lord in the morning. Why is that a good idea? In the morning things are fresh on our minds, and our minds are usually clearer. In the morning, chances are we have not gotten bombarded with tasks of the day. In the morning, leaves the impression that this is a priority. Before I get started into the events and responsibilities of my day, I pray. I lay my requests before you.

In the morning I lay my requests before you. My requests. There does not seem to be a limit or any specifications on what these requests need to be. David simply says, “my requests.” I suppose that can be anything. Dreams I have. Plans I am making. Hopes for the day, week, month, the coming year, the rest of my life. Concerns I have for myself, my loved ones. Health issues. Financial issues. Certainly spiritual issues. I lay them before you. I give them to you. I leave them with you.

And wait expectantly. Uh-oh! You knew there had to be a catch didn’t you? Wait. You mean my requests will not be granted immediately? Some times, but not always. Some times we wait. Some times we wait and we wait and we continue to wait. But, we wait expectantly. We wait with hope. We wait with our eyes wide open to see how God responds to our requests. We lay our request before the Lord and wait expecting Him to act.

So, here is a suggestion for praying (even if and especially if you have already abandoned your resolution to pray more). Take a few minutes in the morning to approach the Lord and say, “Lord, here is my list of requests for the day.” Leave them there. Lay them down. Give them to Him. Wait expectantly for God to act. Then, watch God work.

This is a simple formula. A simple plan that just may enhance your spiritual walk, increase your faith, and draw you closer to the Lord. I hope you will give it try.

Tom

© Copyright 2013 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.

 

Vol. 16 No. 52 | December 30, 2013

What if you could keep the New Year’s resolutions you are about to make?

What if you could have a better marriage?

What if you could be a better parent?

What if you could get the promotion in your company?

What if you could teach that class at church?

What if you could lead that small group study?

What if you could share the gospel with that person you work with?

What if you could change your bad habits?

What if you could overcome your shyness?

What if you could stop using bad language?

What if you could stop feeling sorry for yourself?

What if you could stop living with a victim mentality?

What if you could improve your financial situation?

What if you could do great things for the Kingdom of God?

What if you could change the atmosphere in your workplace, in your home, or in your church?

What if you could forgive the person who hurt you so deeply?

What if you could get beyond your past?

What if you could forgive yourself for mistakes you have made?

What if you could be forgiven for your sins and begin a new life?

What if you could do those things, would you? Sound impossible? Maybe. But what if you could? Would you? Before you answer consider these statements from the New Testament.

Jesus once asked a similar question in John 5:5-9 (NIV):

One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

In another place Jesus is questioned by His disciples about why they could not drive out demons:

Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:19-20, NIV)

On another occasion Jesus’ disciples were puzzled by a statement Jesus made about the difficulty being saved:

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”(Matthew 19:25-26, NIV)

There was another time when Jesus had a conversation with a man who had a very sick child:

Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”“From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” (Mark 9:21-23, NIV)

Paul wrote about his struggles and his desire to overcome them in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10(NIV):

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 Philippians he wrote: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (4:13) “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (4:19)

Now, answer the question: What if you could, would you?

Tom

© Copyright 2013 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.

Vol. 16 No. 51 | December 23, 2013

Re-gifting has become a fairly common occurrence this time of year. I heard John Ortberg

tell about taking a gift he and his wife received for their wedding and re-gifting as a wedding gift for a young couple, who in turn years later re-gifted it to another young couple. Chances are this Christmas season you will be the recipient of a gift that has been re-gifted to you, or you will re-gift something that you received last year. It is even possible that you could receive a gift that you gave last year. If you re-gifted it last year, then it is only appropriate that you get it back.

There is a gift that is worth re-gifting.

Acts 2:37-39 (NIV):

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Romans 6:22-23 (NIV):

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesians 2:6-9 (NIV):

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no
one can boast.

Revelation 22:16-18 (NIV):

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

If you have received this gift of hope, re-gift it. Find someone who may have lost hope, or who may be losing hope. Share with them the reason you have hope. Encourage them to hold on and not give up. Walk with them for a while until they have their hope restored.

If you have received peace, re-gift it. Look around your place of work. You will probably see someone who struggling to find peace. She is facing a major life decision. He is straggling with his marriage. The lady who works in the office down the hall has not heard from her daughter in three weeks. The salesman who calls on your company every week got word this morning that his wife wants a divorce. Pray for them. Tell them you are praying for them. Break the ice and ask how they are doing. When the time is right share with them a time when your relationship with God sustained you as you went through a difficult time.

If you have received the gift of joy, re-gift it. Put it on your face. Let what you feel in your heart be visible in your disposition. It is not hard to find a person who needs more joy. You can help them see a different way. Use positive language. Look for joyful things to share. Gently share when them something God has done for you that brought you great joy.

If you have received the gift of love, re-gift it. Keep your eyes and ears open in your community of Christians for the person who comes in at the very last minute, sits alone, and leaves as soon as the last song ends. Seek them out and speak to them. Say more than a quick, “Hey, how’s it going?” Look them in the eye and say, “How are you?” and wait for an answer. Pray for an opportune time to share with them the love story that is the Bible, and what it means to you.

This week we celebrate the gift of Jesus. He is hope, peace, joy, and love. He is the gift worth re-gifting.

Tom

© Copyright 2013 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.

Vol. 16 No. 50 | December 16, 2013

Rumors have circulated for weeks about a well-known college football coach at a prominent university as to whether or not he would be fired. As the season ends he announces his retirement. It was his decision.

Running hand in hand with that story was the story of another well-known college football coach at a prominent university who was interested in the previous coach”s position and would leave his school for the position held by the other coach. As the season ends he signs a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract and is staying put. He said he had never considered the other position.

A coach at a smaller, lesser-known university signs a contract to coach the team. After one successful season he breaks his contract, and signs a contract with a bigger school for considerably more money.

Athletes go on record as saying they play for the love of the game and that the fans are what it’s all about. Then, when a more lucrative offer from another team is offered they are gone.

A woman stands with a man and pledges that she will love her husband for better or worse, for richer or poorer, for as long as they both shall live. The marriage takes some unexpected turns and is no longer what either of them had anticipated. They agree to file for a divorce because they cannot imagine God wanting them to be so unhappy.

A father tells his daughter that he will love her and protect her, and that he will never let anyone hurt her. He does not. He abuses her.

A man runs for office promising to lead the nation as a man of the people and for the people. As important and critical bills pass before him he consistently votes for what seems to profit himself and a few wealthy supporters.

A news media company advertises that “We are the network you can trust.” Week after week they report on stories that turn out to be half-truths, partial-truths and total fabrications.

A ministry leader stands before his parishioners every week preaching a message of godliness, honesty, purity, selflessness, and dedication to helping the poor, the broken, and the lonely. A story breaks revealing a secret life of greed, immorality, and extravagant living.

These kinds of stories are all too common. Is it any wonder that so many of us are skeptical, cynical and often apathetic. Who can you trust? Is there anyone who remembers what it means to be loyal, dependable, people of their word?

There is One.

The prophets said He would come. He came.

The gospel writer said He came to dwell among us. He did.

He said He came that we might have “abundant life.” (John 10:10). He did. We can.

He said He would teach us how to love, how to serve, and how to live even when He was gone. He did (John 13-17). We can.

He said He would die and rise again in three days. He did.

He said He would never leave us. He has not.

He said He will come again and take us to be with Him forever.

Who can you trust? Although examples of the untrustworthy are plentiful, not everyone is lying. Although you will have many who will make promises and not keep those promise, some will keep them. Although there are many reasons to become skeptical, cynical, and apathetic, don’t.

Who can you trust? You can trust Jesus.

Trust Him. He keeps His promises. He can do what He says He will do.

Tom

© Copyright 2013 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.

Vol. 16 No. 49 | December 9, 2013

Stay warm, stay safe, and stay close to Jesus. I ended an email to a friend who lives in an area experiencing and ice storm.

Stay Warm.

That is advice for a winter day. Stay warm. If you can, stay inside, by a fire, and with someone you love. For those who have lost their heat, have no home, have no heat, or must work outside in this weather, I am sorry. For those who are serving others by working outside, I am thankful for your faithfulness in doing what you do. For the rest of us who can, stay warm.

Stay warm on the inside as well. Don’t just avoid the cold temperatures, but avoid the cold heart, the cold attitude, and the cold spirit. Staying warm is a choice we will have to make. It is not natural. It will not come easily. It may never be noticed or appreciated. But, choose to stay warm. (Watch This Is Water it will help you think about your choice.) Matthew 14:13-14, “When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.”

The world has a tendency to want to squeeze us into its mode of skepticism, negativism, cynicism, and suspicion (Romans 12:1-2). Don’t let it happen to you. Stay warm.

Stay Safe.

Stay safe if you must get out in the weather. Icy roads are treacherous and dangerous. A common warning when winter storms come is, “If at all possible, stay at home.” Sometimes it is better to not make it to a church service (yes, I did say that), stay home from work, and miss the ball game, than risk your life, or the life of someone else by trying to navigate slick roads. When the weather is bad it is good advice to stay safe.

Staying safe is not always the best thing to do. Sometimes people of faith are asked to take a risk, to do the ill-advised, to step out in faith, or to take the road less traveled. When you do you may be criticized, you may be ridiculed, and you may be called foolish, childish, or even crazy. Do it. Step out. Don’t play it safe. (See Hebrews 11)

Matthew 14:27-29, But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said.

His friends may have said, “Peter, stay safe here in the boat with us.” If he had, he could have never said, “I walked on water!”

Stay Close To Jesus.

Stay close to Jesus. This is always good advice. This is always the best route to take. This is always the right choice. Warm weather or cold, icy conditions: Stay close to Jesus. On your job or in your home: Stay close to Jesus. Working hard or on vacation: Stay close to Jesus. Through the good times and through the bad: Stay close to Jesus. In sickness or in health: Stay close to Jesus. Through times of wealth and times of poverty: Stay close to Jesus.

Matthew 14:29b-31, “Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.”

Wherever you are today, whatever you are doing, whoever you are with: Stay warm, stay safe, and stay close to Jesus.

Tom

© Copyright 2013 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.