A Norvell Note – Page 18 – Thoughts and reflections on God, life, people, and living as a follower of Jesus.

Getting Back to Normal

A Norvell Note for March 29, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 13

Getting Back to Normal

We hear a lot about how “Things are getting back to normal.”

Really?

For the families of almost 550,000 who have died in the United States from COVID 19, what is normal?

For the business owners who no longer have a business, what is normal?

For the millions who have struggled physically, financially, mentally, and emotionally with the events of the last twelve months, what is normal?

Life is very different, and any normal is difficult to grasp.

I can remember years ago returning home after mission trips to Ukraine and being asked, “What is it like?” The only response I could give was, “Everything is different.” The food, the transportation, the language, the homes, the weather. Everything seemed different.

I feel the same way now. Almost everything feels different. Yes, more fans are allowed to attend sporting events, some restaurants are fully open for business, and the vaccines give us hope and more freedom to move about in our communities, but life does not feel normal.

I wonder if those plotting to kill Jesus, and eventually succeeded, were hoping that if we can only get rid of this troublemaker Jesus, life can get back to normal. They proceeded with their plan and hung him on a cross, then put him in a tomb. Ah! He’s gone!

But wait! Things changed. Jesus did not stay dead. He did not remain in that tomb. And life for those who knew Him and loved him would never be the same. Those who know Him today and experience His love will never be the same.

Life after a pandemic will probably eventually get back to some semblance of normal. Life for the follower of Jesus, the ones who allow Him to impact them truly, will never be the same.

If you have decided to follow Jesus, get used to the new normal.

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

When You Struggle to Pray

A Norvell Note for March 22, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 12

When You Struggle to Pray

A prayer for those days when you don’t know what or how to pray:

All-knowing Lord, you see what is in my heart. All-powerful Lord, I don’t have the power to accomplish what needs to be done, so I spread out my requests before you. All-wise Lord, I know you hear and will act—but I know also I must wait on your wise timing, and so I will. Amen.[i]

Do you ever have days when you need to pray this prayer?

Maybe it is a day when you have so much to do that you know you will never get it all done, but you don’t have a choice. Maybe it one of those days when your mind is so full you can’t think, you can’t relax, and you can’t rest. You try to explain what you are feeling, but you can’t. You hear people talking, but you can’t make sense of their words.

You go about your daily activities without passion, energy, or joy. You open the Scriptures for wisdom and inspiration. You close them without finding either. You decide to pray but have no words. So, “you spread out your requests before” the Lord. You trust that He hears you and will act, and you know you must wait for His timing.

I’ve had several days like that in my life, and especially in the last year. What can I say, how do I pray, what can I do? How am I supposed to feel? What am I feeling?

During times like this, I am grateful for the Spirit of God who steps in to speak what is in my heart.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27, NIV)

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

[i] Excerpt from The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms by Timothy Keller and Kathy Keller

C. Bruce White

A Norvell Note for March 15, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 11

C. Bruce White

1939-2021

The first time I saw that name was on a 3 X 5 index card tacked on a bulletin board in the Administration Building at Harding Grad School in 1975. The typed note read something like: The 7^th Street Church of Christ in Columbus, Mississippi, is searching for an Associate Minister. Contact C. Bruce White. I called, I was hired, and a few weeks later, I loaded all my earthly possessions in my red VW and moved to Columbus, Mississippi.

Bruce was the pulpit minister, and I learned that the Associate Minister’s role was to work with the youth and do anything Bruce did not want to do. In January of 1976, Kim and I were married, moved into the house that the church had for us that had lovely yellow, green and brown shag carpet, and had no idea what we were doing. C. Bruce and Judy loved us, encouraged, and patiently introduced us to life in the ministry. Bruce suggested I begin writing a weekly article for our church bulletin which we entitled, A Norvell Note.

Bruce and I shared a weekly drive to Memphis and back for classes at Harding Grad School. During those adventurous trips, we discussed the work, how to deal with church leaders and difficult members, and listened to every song the Statler Brothers ever sang, shared frustrations, planned strategy, and laughed. Oh man, did we laugh!

Since our meeting in 1975, C. Bruce has been a fountain of wisdom, a wealth of knowledge, and consistent source of encouragement. Through the years, in times of frustration and confusion, a phone call or face-to-face visit with C. Bruce helped me gain a new perspective, evaluate my priorities, and restore my desire to fulfill my calling.

The most stress I experienced as the Associate Minister was when Bruce informed me that he would be away on a particular Sunday and would need to preach. I had no idea how to prepare and preach a sermon. Listening to C. Bruce preach through the book of Acts inspired me to learn more and further my education.

When I accepted my first preaching assignment, I asked Bruce for advice. His simple answer has guided me throughout all my years of ministry: “Just love the people.”

My life is richer and fuller because of my relationship with C. Bruce. I am a better minister, teacher, preacher, mentor, and friend, in part because of Bruce. C. Bruce loved God, his family, the churches where he preached, and he loved me. I will miss him, but I rejoice that he is finally home where he always longed to be. Well done, and rest well, my friend.

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

Thoughts on Freedom

A Norvell Note for March 8, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 10

Thoughts on Freedom

Freedom is a popular topic in social media, news media, and daily conversations. We are frustrated and angered when our space is restricted or abused. We struggle to know the privileges and limits of our freedom.

New Testament letters contain messages on how to use our freedom in Christ, which may also help us live within our communities.

It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then? (Galatians 5:13-15, The Message)

Here are a few thoughts that I find helpful in Paul’s writing.

Be joyful with your freedom. Read that again: enjoy. It’s okay to enjoy your life. One of the great blessings of being a follower of Christ is that we can be set free to live free of our sins, free of our pasts, free from our guilt, and freedom to worship God as we choose. That should bring us joy. God created us with unique gifts, talents, and abilities, and He wants us to live and use those gifts and talents for His glory however we feel led to do so. He put very few limitations on how we are to use our skills, abilities, and gifts. He called us to a free life, so live and enjoy your freedom. There is no need to boast about it. Just enjoy it.

Be gracious with your freedom. Just because we are free to say whatever we want does not mean we should say it. Just because we are free to do whatever we please does not mean we ought to do it. In another letter, Paul writes: “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.” (1 Corinthians 9:13, 23) There is no need to put others down because they do not have the same freedom. Just be gracious.

Be generous with your freedom. When we use our privilege to serve others, it becomes contagious. When someone expresses their love for me by helping me, I desire to return the kindness or pass it on to someone else. Serving others creates a desire to keep doing good, which reminds me that I am free to be as kind I can be. There is no limit to how kind I can be or how much I can serve. There is no need to quash your freedom. Just be generous.

God’s Kingdom is about freedom, and as citizens of His Kingdom, we are to be lights in the world by being joyful, gracious, and generous with our freedom. If you pay close attention this week, you may have multiple opportunities to let that light shine.

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

Plans and Pauses

A Norvell Note for March 1, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 09

Plans and Pauses

Spring was coming on with intensity, then the winter storm hit and slowed the process. Fields and lawns were turning green. Trees were budding. Birds were singing. Then, pause.

Tiger was recovering from back surgery and preparing to return to competitive golf, hoping to make an appearance that the 2021 Masters. His automobile accident has put everything on hold as he recovers. His career is on pause.

Twelve months ago, we could not imagine the life changes we were about to experience. Nor could we imagine that we would still be experiencing them.

The Bible is full of stories about people who experienced an unexpected pause in their plans. Poor choices distracted David from following God. Jonah rebelled against God, delaying the message of repentance. Peter’s denials disrupted his leadership of the disciples. Paul’s missionary travel plans had multiple starts and stops. They paused as they dealt with the setbacks.

As I reflect on my sixty-eight trips around the sun, it reminds me of numerous times when I faced setbacks (some my own doing and others beyond my control) that forced me to suspend my plans and wait for me to see and understand God’s new approach.

Without exception, a setback (a reversal or stoppage of progress) irritates and frustrates me. I’m in a hurry, and a long slow train stops my progress. When I need to print a document quickly, the printer decides to misfeed. When I thought I was moving toward accomplishing an important goal, I realize that goal was not what I was needing (or wanting) to do. When I see some light at the end of the financial tunnel, an unexpected expense dims the light.

Does any of that sound familiar?

Almost without exception, the pause (interrupt action or speech briefly) ends up being a blessing. I cannot tell you how many times I wanted to say (or write) something, but I hesitated and remained quiet for one reason or another. That train that stopped my progress reminded me that being in a hurry is not necessary. The pandemic and slower pace provided the opportunity to see what’s important and appreciate my blessings. The weird and unexplained rash made me get a couple of days of much-needed rest.

As warmer weather returns, I am confident that the colors of spring will soon decorate the landscape.

Pauses and setbacks are part of life. How we deal with them is our choice. We can fuss and fume. Or we can look for the beauty found slowing down and looking for hidden blessings, as we remember that the Father is on our side, guiding our steps, sees things that are beyond our ability to see.

“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.
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.”[1]

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

[1] Isaiah 55:8-13, NIV

Lessons in Humility and Gratitude

A Norvell Note for February 22, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 08

Lessons in Humility and Gratitude

The truck passed me on the freeway, and ice started flying off his roof and hitting my windshield. I wanted to yell ugly things. Then, I wondered how many times I have unknowingly done the same thing.

As I watched the news reports, I wanted to call him arrogant, selfish, and a horrible public servant example. Then, I remembered times when I’ve been egotistical, selfish, and an awful example of a servant.

I grew restless and frustrated with being confined to home because of the snow and ice-covered roads. Then, I remembered the message repeated so often throughout my life be still, relax, and be where you are.

I was frustrated as the electricity kept going off, and when the restrictions on water usage and said to boil the water before drinking. Then, I talked to folks whose power had been off for days, had no idea when or if the power was coming back on, and had no water at all.

I began to feel gamey and grimy and complained about not having had a shower in five days. Then, I heard a nurse say she was wearing clothes from the facility lost and found and that he had not left the hospital in seven days.

I was almost boastful that have received both vaccine shots very early in the process. Then, I heard someone say they could not even get an appointment for the first dose.

I was thankful that we had candles and cell phones to light the darkness and gas logs in our fireplace to keep us warm. Then, I heard stories of freezing people, and others who were burning furniture to stay warm, and others who had water damage because of bursting water pipes.

Sometimes I whine and complain (my “No Complaints. No Fear. Finish Strong” bracelet broke last week) and think my life is more challenging than I deserve. Then we have a pandemic, a winter storm, a tornado, a hurricane, and images and stories of others who are dealing with much more than I am, and the Lord reminds me how richly blessed I am.

Father, thank You for blessing me with life, home, food, water, bed, warmth, family, friends, a spiritual community that knows no boundary, and so many other physical, material, and spiritual blessings. And, Father, please accept my prayer of repentance for the times when I gripe and complain and fail to acknowledge how much You love and bless me. So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. (Colossians 3:12-14 The Message)

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

Good Friends Who Love Deeply

A Norvell Note for February 15, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 07

Good Friends Who Love Deeply

In a section of Scripture where the writer (Paul) offers instruction for believers and among non-believers, he writes:

Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. (Romans 12:10 MSG)

I have a few people who fit that description. They have been and are good friends and have loved me deeply. They have loved me through good times, they have loved me through challenging times, and they have loved me through all the mediocre times in between. They have loved me when I have been easy to love and loved me even more profoundly when I have been far from lovable.

They have loved me when I have been sitting on top of the world, in the depths of despair, and I cannot imagine my life today if those friends had not decided to love me deeply. Thank you, good friends, for loving me deeply.

I also have people who have been willing to remain in the shadows while I have been in the spotlight. While I have been the preacher enjoying a level of celebrity status, they have stood beside me and behind me, encouraging me, believing in me, and at times protecting me from unseen dangers. These dear people have been willing to stay close and cheer me on as I have tried to use my communication skills to share Jesus. Thank you for always being near me.

I am thankful for the good friends who love me deeply and inspire me to be more like the Jesus I see in them and practice playing second fiddle.

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

It’s About Focus

A Norvell Note for February 8, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 06

It’s About Focus

Take a moment and focus on your fears. COVID-19? The vaccine – getting it, not getting it. Family problems. Being alone. Money problems. Health issues. Political division. Racial unrest. Not having enough to eat. Death.

Now, close your eyes and take some deep, slow breaths.

Now, read this passage, silently and then out loud.

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]

Do the same with these words.

Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you^[2]

What did you notice as you were reading? Do you see the contrasts in focus? I have two observations.

When I focus on my resources, I am likely to be afraid, I will become anxious and discouraged, I see my weakness, and I may very well fail.

When I focus on God and accept His help, I do not need to panic because He is with me, I do not need to be anxious, I have His strength, and He keeps me steady.

On any given day, you have countless reasons to be afraid, but you just as many possibilities to change your focus away from your fears and toward the One who will be with you, give you strength, and hold you steady.

It’s about focus.

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

^[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), Is 41:10.

^[2] Eugene H. Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2005), Is 41:10.

Hope Even in the Haze

A Norvell Note for February 1, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 05

Hope Even in the Haze

Let me introduce you to Haze and Hope. Haze and Hope were three weeks old when we brought them home in late April of 2020. As you can see, they have grown considerably since then. Haze is the larger and fluffier brother, and Hope is the smaller sister.

Haze’s name came from his thick fluffy and hazy smoke-colored fur (and one of my favorite songs from high school was “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix). Hope got her name because last year was the 50th anniversary of my graduation from Hope High School. Little did we imagine when we named them how hazy life would become and how desperately we would need to cling to the hope we have in Christ to get through the year.

They have become a calming presence in our home and have reminded me of these essential truths.

When I am with Him, I can rest.

A regular part of our morning routine is for Haze and Hope to take turns jumping up in my lap while I’m at my desk, curl up in my arms, and fall asleep. Haze often races me to my chair. Once situated, He flops in my arms and dozes. Hope prefers to be rubbed and scratched around her ears and under her chin. If my hands are too busy on my keyboard or sipping coffee, both will look up at me, meow, reach up a paw, and pat me on the chest as if to say, “Hey, I’m here!”

I find rest in the presence of my Master. I at peace when I hear His voice. I breathe with his comforting touch. I need to be as close to Him as I can be. The Master is never too busy for me. I am comforted and refreshed by being in His presence.

When I am afraid, I have a safe place.

A few occasions have been when a loud noise or uninvited visitor to our back yard has frightened our felines. When that happens, they bolt through the pet door and head straight to our bedroom. My wife and I will comfort them as best we can. I will step out the back door, searching for what brought on their sudden terror, and then reassure them that they are safe. After a period of recovery, Hope and Haze will feel brave enough to venture back outside.

Sometimes I get scared by a strange event or sudden shifts in my surroundings. I am grateful that I can run to the One who comforts me, protects me, defends me, and reminds me that I am safe in the His presence. He reminds me that He is my shelter and refuge.

When I cannot see clearly, I have hope.

Throughout the last twelve months, we have been encouraged to stay hopeful, hang on to our faith, and remain optimistic. We have tried to look forward to better days. We have struggled not to lose heart. It has not been easy to stay hopeful, there have been days when doubt and fear have almost consumed us, and yet we, by the grace of God we remain confident.

I offer these words to encourage us to remember that during a pandemic and beyond, our vision can become hazy, life can seem futile, and fear will try to weaken our faith and take away our hope. We can find rest in His presence. We can find comfort in knowing we have One who welcomes us into the safety of His loving arms. We can find peace in knowing He is your shelter in the storm.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

Trust Him and Live

A Norvell Note for January 25, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 04

Trust Him and Live

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;

don’t try to figure out everything on your own.

Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;

he’s the one who will keep you on track. (Proverbs 3:5-6, The Message)

Solomon offers us a simple plan for keeping our lives moving along a safe and positive path. Let’s look closer at the wise man’s teaching.

Completely trust God. The New International Version says, “With all your heart.” As you can see above, The Message says, “From the bottom of your heart.” Jesus would emphasize the first commandment, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.” Give it all to Him.

Accept your limitation. The reason we trust God is that we cannot figure everything out on our own. That is not easy for us to admit. We tend to think we are smarter than we are. We do not want to accept that we need something beyond us. It may be difficult to admit, but wisdom teaches there is One who knows what is best.

Listen to God’s voice. Always listen to God’s voice. All the time. About everything. Don’t just listen but do what He says. Submit your will, your wisdom, and your knowledge, and your abilities to God. Let Him be in control.

Walk the path. You have what you need to do, start walking. Live the life. Trust His plan.

We spend too much time and energy trying to determine what God wants us to do, who we are to be, and how we live. Even in these confusing and stressful times, it is possible to live with confidence and peace. God never intended for us to live chaotic and aimless lives.

Trust Him and live.

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

Plans and Pauses

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