A Norvell Note – Page 23 – Thoughts and reflections on God, life, people, and living as a follower of Jesus.

Choose Love & Fear Doesn’t Stand a Chance

A Norvell Note 2020

Vol. 22 No. 09 | March 2, 2020

Most of us know the famous line from the horror film, The Fly, “Be afraid. Be very afraid.” Although the film came out in the ’80s, this line keeps popping into my head, because it seems to be the place we are all operating from.

Each political candidate warns us about how dangerous their opponent is. We’re so afraid of mass shootings, we avoid going to public places. We’re afraid of Coronavirus. We’re afraid of not being able to afford our medications. Or if we can afford them, we’re afraid they won’t work. We’re afraid of not finding a job, then when we find one, we’re afraid of losing it. We’re afraid we won’t have enough money, then when we have enough, we’re afraid of running out.

“Be afraid. Be very afraid.”

It’s true, we live in a culture saturated with fear. I get frustrated when I find myself letting it control my life. Because deep down, The only way I know to avoid being controlled by fear is to stay focused on the One who is watching over us.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—

he who watches over you will not slumber;

Indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—

the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

he sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—

he will watch over your life;

The Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore. (Psalm 121)

We live in scary times and can’t avoid being impacted by some of the threats we face. But we also live in times that are good and exciting. So instead of focusing our attention on what scares us, why not focus on the things that inspire and bring us peace.

God did not put us here to walk around in a constant state of fear. He is love, the opposite of fear, and we are His creations, which means we are made of love. We have a choice- we can choose to consume media that reminds us of all the death and gloom, or we can focus on the positive stories and events that are happening in our lives.

This doesn’t mean we have to live with our heads in the sand. We can just choose to approach our day from a place of love, look for it and find ways to share it- with ourselves and others- through our thoughts, beliefs, and actions. If we do this, we are letting God work through us- the greatest source of power there is.

Look to God, focus on His source of love, and the things you fear don’t stand a chance.

^[1] https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/be-afraid,-be-very-afraid.html

Transitions

A Norvell Note 2020

Vol. 22 No. 08 | February 24, 2020

Transition: the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.

Transitions are inevitable — some good, some bad; some gratifying, some regrettable; some deliberate and some unforeseen.

In life, we transition from birth to childhood, adolescence to adulthood, and eventually, to the next life.

In work, we transition from one job to another, from being the newbie to a veteran employee.

We transition from winter to spring to summer to fall. And as the day transitions to night, we go from being fully conscious to drifting into a deep sleep, then back to being fully awake.

To survive life’s transitions, we need something to keep us balanced and help us maintain some sense of stability. Reminding myself that God is real, that He is always with us, and that He can be trusted provides that stability for me.

But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands;

(Psalm 31:14-15)

Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised e confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:17-20)

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)

Most likely, you are in some transition at this very moment. Keep your eyes on Jesus, trust in God, follow His guidance, and live in His presence. His love is constant, and that will never change.

God Moves

A Norvell Note 2020

Vol. 22 No. 07 | February 17, 2020

“God moves in a mysterious way. His wonders to perform;”

These first two hymn lines, written by William Cowper in 1774, are often quoted when an amazing, unexpected event is happening, has happened, or is about to happen.

A couple prays for years to be blessed with a child, but nothing happens. They finally stop all the tests and procedures and accept that they will never have a child of their own. A month later, she finds out she’s pregnant.

Every night, the parents call their estranged son, praying he will answer. They finally decide to start clearing out his room, believing he will never return. That night, he calls them and asks to come home.

The church congregation is making great strides in building a large community of rich fellowship, despite one influential leader’s efforts to spread gossip and negativity. But eventually, the leader’s toxicity spreads. And just as he is about to succeed at pitting one group of members against the other, he’s unexpectedly transferred to another state for his job.

After a long dry season, the man wonders if God is hearing his prayers. He tries desperately to hang on to hope, but the despair continues. The uncertainty and frustration escalate to the point of unbearable, when suddenly, the unexpected happens; the door opens, letting in light and opportunities beyond what he could have ever hoped for.

God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform.

God moves in ways that we can’t always see or understand. But let there be no doubt, He is always moving for you.

If you are enduring a season of disappointment and discouragement, remember, God still moves. If your prayers seem to be unheard and unanswered, remember, God moves and His wonders He will perform.

Present Your Requests

A Norvell Note 2020

Vol. 22 No. 06 February 10, 2020

I know, I wrote a piece about peace a couple of weeks ago. But it seems like an appropriate time to reapply the wisdom and comfort of these words.

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. (Philippians 4:6,7, NIV)

The challenge: Do not be anxious about anything.

If I could write an article that provided a fail-proof plan for how to accomplish this, I would be set for life. Instead, all I can do is offer my suggestions for dealing with our anxieties.

The action: Present your requests to God.

This part is relatively easy for me. I have plenty of requests to present to God: Give me wisdom to make good choices. Give me the strength to use the wisdom You give me. Show me who I should pull for in the upcoming election. Lead me to the job you want me to accept. Help me be a good husband, Dad, Papa, and friend. Give me insight to understand people’s fears and struggles and the ability to guide and encourage them.

I think there is a lot of flexibility in how these requests are presented to God. I don’t think the method is as important as the act of simply presenting our requests to God, whether through tears of joy or sadness. Sometimes I present them in my journal, sometimes in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep, and sometimes in my car or a coffee shop. I also think it’s helpful to make a list of positives and negatives, in both good times and bad. Just say: “Lord, here they are. I give them to you.”

The result: The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

The key for me is to leave my requests with Him and trust that He will give me peace. I have experienced this when trying to make a decision, sorting through my hopes and dreams, or weighing possibilities and options. I don’t understand or know how to explain it (He said I would not be able to), but I know when it happens. There is a feeling of serenity and relief. And it is real.

This peace is from God and it is real peace. Present your requests to God and enjoy the results.

Too Lofty for Me to Attain

Vol. 22 No. 04 January 27, 2020

This thought came to me recently: There are a lot of people in the world.

I know, not terribly profound, but what else do you think about when you are stuck in traffic on the freeway?

Here’s what it looks like to me

Population of the world: approaching 8 billion people: 331,002,651 live in the United States. (Worldometer)
28.7 million people live in Texas
2 million live in the Austin metropolitan area
43,480 in Kyle, Texas
1294 people who have claimed me as a “friend” on Facebook (some of those are family)
11 people in our immediate family
2 of us are living in our home

Who are all of these people? Where are they going? Where have they been? What is it like in their part of the world? Are they happy, or are they sad?

Beyond the numbers, there is something even more amazing: God knows every one of us, and He knows us completely.

I have been very blessed to have met a lot of people. I have become acquaintances with some, become close with others, and grown to love and be loved by a select few.

But, even if I could figure out a way to count everyone who has touched my life in some way, the number would be minuscule in comparison to the 8 billion living in the world.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31, NIV)

In Psalm 139, David describes the relationship God has with us in terms that are more intimate than my mind can comprehend. He has known us since before we came into being; He knows what we’re thinking before we think it; and He knows where we’re going before we go there.

Not only does He know us completely, He loves us completely and is always working to do what is best for us.

When I consider the numbers, it’s easy to feel insignificant and small. But when I consider His love and kindness, I cannot help but feel extraordinary.

I agree completely with David’s observation in verse 6 of the Psalm:

“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.”

______________________________

His Peace

Vol. 22 No. 03

January 20, 2020

His Peace

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV)

Jesus made several statements like this to remind us that there is peace amidst all the chaos we see going on around us.

There have been many times in my life that I believed I would only find peace when…I had all the things I thought I needed; all the conflicts between nations cease; churches practice the teachings they preach; all turmoil within and around me has calmed; and I am evolved enough to consistently reflect the image of Jesus more than my own.

Guess what? That hasn’t happened.

I still have days when I think I’ll only have peace when I reach a certain status, have and accomplish enough, and there is less turmoil in the world.

But on a deeper level, I know it is still possible to have the peace Jesus promised. Even when the chaos and uncertainty directly impact me, I know that Jesus overcame the world, and that thought calms me. That gives me peace.

And I’m pretty certain that when I arrive at that place of peace, Jesus, the Father, and the Spirit must surely smile.

______________________________

Seeing What You Cannot See

A Norvell Note 2020

Vol. 22 No. 02

January 13, 2020

Seeing What You Cannot See

Have you ever tried to see something you cannot see?

You are driving on a dark road. Your headlights are on and you see clearly as far as they reach. But beyond the light, all you can see is darkness. Until you turn on your brights, and then you can see what you could not see.

You wake up in the middle of the night. The room is dark. There’s a nightlight, but it only helps for a certain distance. You squint, but you still cannot see what’s beyond the light. And then you flip a switch to another light that allows you to see what you could not see.

You are walking down a dark path. A friend is holding a flashlight and can see fine. But you can only see vague images and shadows. Then he shines his light on your path, and you’re able to see what you could not see.

For centuries, people were trying to see what they could not see. They had heard about and studied God. They wanted to see Him. They searched for Him in the Scriptures, religious meetings, rituals, and traditions. But they still could not see Him.

And then the light came on.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

He came into the world, not as they expected, but He came. (John 8:12, NIV)

While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:5, NIV)

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5, NIV)

The light of Jesus continues to shine so we can see what we could not see. Let it shine brightly, and you will overcome the darkness.

______________________________

Live in the Moment

Vol. 22 No. 01

January 6, 2020

Live In the Moment

I have never been a big advocate for making new year’s resolutions. But I do typically spend a little time reflecting on the past and contemplating the future. I won’t bore you with the specifics, but I will share a few observations.

There is absolutely nothing I can do about anything that happened in the past.

That won’t stop me from thinking about them, but I cannot undo anything that has been done. I have a tendency to remember the mistakes I’ve made more than the things I’ve done right. So there will be more moans and groans over dumb things I’ve done and stupid things I’ve said.

And I’ll probably think about those special times and wish they could have lasted longer. I can wish all I want, but those good times ended just like the unpleasant ones.

So, since I can’t do anything to change the past, I hope to spend less time and energy living there.

I cannot predict what is going to happen in the future.

I can make plans and do my best to be prepared for what comes. But there will still be things I have no control over. The best I can do is develop a spiritual mindset that will enable me to deal with whatever comes in the most Godly manner.

The best resolution I can make is to resolve to live in the moment.

I can’t change the past. I can’t live in the future. But I can live today fully and try my best to do what the Lord wants me to do.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Ephesians 5:15-17, NIV)

______________________________

Gentleness

Vol. 21 No. 52 | December 30, 2019

Gentleness

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:5, NIV)

Gentleness. The word keeps nudging its way into my thoughts, stirring up a longing for more.

Maybe it is the lack of gentleness conveyed in the news and on social media that makes me long for more, or the politicians and leaders who have forgotten that gentle responses are even an option or the people who tout religious values but contradict the spirit of gentleness that the Lord prefers.

“Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced.” (James 3:17, The Message)

Or perhaps it’s the examples of gentleness I do see and hear that makes me want to experience and exhibit more:

The dad who takes time to listen to the story his daughter’s trying to tell him; the son who helps his dad walk from the car to the restaurant; the mom who comforts her little one in her arms after she’s fallen; the daughter who responds gently to her mother’s harsh criticism, knowing her grandmother never did the same.

Whatever the reason, I have a growing desire to see and hear more gentleness, speak and respond more gently, and live with more gentleness in the coming year.

May you be blessed with and share more gentleness as a reminder that the Lord is near.

______________________________

A Test of Authenticity

Vol. 21 No. 51 | December 23, 2019

I haven’t been following the Democratic debates, but for some reason, I watched the last one (possibly because I couldn’t find a good basketball game). For the better part of three hours, the seven candidates went back and forth in the typical “attack, destroy, and self-promote” fashion.

As Jason Russell put it in a Washington Examiner:

The last question of Thursday night’s Democratic debate had nothing to do with public policy. Instead, it was a great test of authenticity. In short, it’s the holiday season, and if you could give any other candidate a certain gift or ask any of them forgiveness, what would you do? Sadly, all of the candidates failed the test.

I agree with Russell’s evaluation. For a brief moment, I hoped I’d hear an honest answer, but that didn’t happen. Not only did they fail the test, but they also had no idea how to respond.

Sadly, a sincere, honest answer to a question that might make them vulnerable is too much to expect in our current political eat-or-get-eaten environment.

But even though none of the presidential hopefuls answered the question, it still resonated with me. If I could give any other person a certain gift this holiday season, or ask one person for forgiveness, what would I do?

And this is what I came up with:

I would give you my promise that in the days I have left, I will do my best to be the person whom God has called me to be, and whom I claim to be.

And I would ask all of you to forgive me for the times (way too many to count) when I failed to live up to my calling and be who I claim to be. And I would ask for forgiveness if and when I fail again.

May you be blessed with love, joy, and peace this Christmas season.

______________________________

Subscribe to A Norvell Note