A Norvell Note                                                           Vol. 20 No. 39 | October 1, 2018

“To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.__

How much time do we spend every day either trying to please people, being afraid we aren’t pleasing them, or being told we didn’t?

Some of us will spend our entire lives trying to gain approval- from our parents, employer, spouse, or friend. We work long hours, give elaborate gifts, and often ignore our own needs in this never-ending battle for recognition.

It becomes exhausting, jumping through hoop after frustrating hoop, hungering to hear the magic words: “I’m proud of you, son”, “You look beautiful, sweetheart”, or “Great work today”.

Unfortunately, similar longings reside in the hearts of many regarding our relationship with God.

Many of us have been taught from the beginning that pleasing God is only possible by working harder, doing more… making sure we’ve jumped through all the hoops. So, like the parent we’ve tried so hard to please, we do everything possible to prove our worth.

As we see in the Old Testament, this quest to please God is nothing new.

Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
    with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
    the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

Then, comes the wonderful news of what the Lord wants of us.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:7-9, NIV)

There is no long list of rules to follow and no expectations to be perfect. See, as it turns out, God never intended for us to live in fear of not doing enough to make it to heaven.

He just asks that we act justly, love mercifully, and to walk humbly…no hoops required.

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A Norvell Note                                                Vol. 20 No. 38 | September 24, 2018

On a daily basis, I try to remind myself that there are many things I simply cannot do…

I cannot rid the world of evil, for example, or undo the wrongs done to innocent people

I cannot prevent hurricanes, massive flooding, or mass shootings.

I cannot stop the ugly rhetoric of government leaders and political parties.

I cannot take away the aching hearts of parents who lose a child or those of children who lose their parents.

I cannot make people act or think the way I think they should act or think.

And on a daily basis, I also try to remind myself of the things I can do.

I can focus on the things and people who are true, admirable, and lovely…those worthy of praise.

I can be an example of love and peace, patience and kindness, faithfulness and gentleness.

I can let gentleness be evident to all people because I know God is near.

I can stop complaining and arguing and do my best to live so that I shine like a star in the universe.

I can be a better me. On a daily basis, I can do my best to be a better me. 

And that is enough.

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A Norvell Note                                                          

Vol. 20 No. 38 | September 17, 2018

The elderly woman I sat beside seemed distressed as she pointed to her Bible. I handed it to her and watched as she thumbed through the pages. She said it always brought tears to her eyes when she thought of the first part of Genesis.

I later realized this was because the first ten chapters of the book of Genesis were missing.

I always loved going to church, since I was a little girl, although we really weren’t given a choice. We just knew, if something was going on at church, we would be there.

The conversation went on for a bit, ending with the 23rd Psalm and a prayer.

Our conversation stayed with me and made me realize how long it had been since I’d seen someone have that much respect for her personal copy of the Word of God.

At the risk of sounding like an ‘old fogy’ who has lost touch with the modern world, I’m going to share a few thoughts that have been lingering ever since.

There was a day when our personal copy of the Bible was considered just that, personal…almost sacred. We kept it clean, maybe even with a protective cover on it, and stored in a special place when we weren’t reading it.

Gradually, we began to collect different versions so we could read and compare. Then, we started leaving our personal copy in the car from one Sunday to the next. Eventually, technology introduced us to the electronic Bible. Now, we have access to literally hundreds of copies stored in our phones.

My intention isn’t to judge this transition as good or bad. It’s just something I’ve been observing.

I’ve noticed a similar phenomenon happening with our physical place of worship. I don’t hear many people these days grieve over the fact that they’ve gone weeks without going to church or connecting with their spiritual community.

The reasons are varied- business travel, the children’s sport leagues, illness, or simply a lack of interest. I’ve heard things like, “I can worship just as well on the water with just me and the Lord as I can in a church building.” Or, “That’s the only free day I have to rest, relax and do nothing.” 

We really were not given a choice…we just knew if something was going on at the church we would be there…

Again, no judgment implied, just reflections on how things have changed and thoughts that probe my heart.

So some questions to think about this week:

Do we truly value the Word of God and the Community He has blessed us with?

Whether leather bound, red-letter-edition, on the big screen, or in our pockets, do we truly appreciate that God loves us so much He has given us unlimited ways to read His words? Do we truly appreciate the spiritual community God has provided us through the countless ways and places we have to cultivate our relationship with Jesus?

I hope these words inspire you to absorb the words of God in a space you love surrounded by people you love.

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Vol. 20 No. 37 | September 10, 2018

Sometimes people get on my nerves, and sometimes they surprise me, both in good and bad ways. Sometimes they remind me of things I aspire to do, and sometimes of things I never want to. Sometimes people do amazingly kind things, and sometimes unbelievably hurtful ones.

Sometimes I am one of those people.

Some days I say to myself, “people are people”, sometimes, “people are amazing”, and …sometimes, “you can’t fix stupid”. Occasionally, I’ll quote the late Jim Morrison, “People are strange.” But in reality, after these profoundly astute observations, I simply move on with life.

One thing I’ve observed that makes moving on the most difficult is when we disappoint.

I said I would never act like that, and then I did. She said she’d keep what I told her between us. She didn’t. I made a commitment and didn’t follow through. He told me the car was fixed, and it wasn’t…on and on.

Being disappointed can be devastating. But one of the most destructive responses to being disappointed is anger.

Anger in itself is not bad. It’s how we deal with it that’s important.

So, when I disappoint myself or someone disappoints me, I remind myself of these words:

“Neither do I condemn you. Go on your way. From now on do not sin.”

“Forgive us our sins as we forgive others.”

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love others.”

“First, get the beam out of your own eye.”

Dallas Willard shared these words:

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus starts his discussion of life with a picture of the kingdom of God and the blessed life within that. And then he turns to street level and begins to look at where harm comes from in individual lives. The first thing he puts his finger on is anger and contempt (Matt. 5:21-26). If you could pull anger and contempt out of the world, you wouldn’t have an attack on the Twin Towers, or a Holocaust, or an Inquisition. Without anger and contempt, there simply isn’t the motivation to hurt people.

It’s important to remember this as we look at evil in the world and ask, “What am I going to do about it?” We each have to start with ourselves and our range of influence. We need to help others come to grips with the place of anger and desire in their lives. Anger comes from crossing someone’s will—interfering with someone’s desires. The general path of changing this, of getting rid of anger and contempt and keeping desire under control, is to surrender our will to God. That is to say, we have to turn our future, our present, and everything in our lives over to God’s care. This is the answer to the problem of evil. Even for those who have to go through cancer, losing loved ones, war, whatever it may be—the answer is surrender to the will of God.
[The Allure of Gentleness: Defending the Faith in the Manner of Jesus. Copyright @ 2015 by Dallas Willard. HarperCollins Publishers]

When people disappoint me, I do my best to remind myself that my best approach is to be a better version of me. Of course, there will still be times when I disappoint people and they will disappoint me. But I am trying to learn not to assume motive, immediately judge or condemn. Instead, I’m doing my best to lead with kindness and mercy.

So, if after reading these words, your initial response is, “I’m really disappointed with Tom”, I hope you will apply these thoughts of kindness and mercy toward me.

Have a blessed week.

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Would you like to feel useful, productive, and know at the end of the day that your time wasn’t wasted?

Vol. 20 No. 36 | September 3, 2018

Encourage Someone

Would you like to feel useful, productive, and know at the end of the day that your time wasn’t wasted?

Here’s something that might help:

We should think about each other to see how we can encourage each other to show love and do good works. (Hebrews 10:24, Easy-to-Read Version)

First, think about each other.

Think about other people- your friends, family, and coworkers. Put your needs aside for a few minutes and think about what is going on in their world and obstacles they might be facing. Pray for them.

Paul said it like this:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4, NIV)

Second, think about ways you can encourage them.

If you have a friend who is going through a hard time, call them and remind them you are thinking about and praying for them. Be specific.

If you know someone who is expecting a baby, invite them over for a meal and listen to their dreams, fears, and concerns. Listen, then pray for them.

If you know someone who recently had or adopted a baby, call or visit them and ask how they are really doing. Listen to them, then pray for them.

If you know a couple who is recently married or about to get married? Arrange a time to be with them, listen to their excitement or challenges. Pray with them.

Do you have friends whose child is about to graduate from high school? Send them a note and let them know you’ve been there. Encourage them to enjoy every moment…and to cry when they need to.

Send your preacher a note reminding him or her that you appreciate all they do for you and the church.

Make a special effort to let your child’s teacher know you appreciate all they do.

Make a list of things your spouse does that you appreciate and share it with them when they are having a tough day.

Pay attention to your child and acknowledge something they do that makes you proud. Make a big deal out of it. Also notice when they are struggling and learn how to help them work through it.

Think about others. Be creative in encouraging them. They will be glad you did. You will be too.

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A Norvell Note

Vol. 20 No. 35 | August 27, 2018

The team needs you to be the best coach ever. Your boss needs you to go above and beyond your job description. The kids need you to be super mom. Your spouse wants you to read her mind. Your church wants you to be fully involved in every program.

By the time the week ends you’re exhausted, only to wake up and realize it’s time do it all again.

One of the characteristics of Jesus that constantly amazes me was His ability to be and do what everyone needed Him to be and do.

When people needed compassion, He had plenty of it.

When people needed firm teaching, He taught with authority.

When people needed to know they were loved, He loved them lavishly.

When people were hungry, He fed them.

When people needed to be forgiven, He forgave them.

When people needed a Savior, He died on a cross.

When people needed hope, He rolled the stone away and came out of the tomb.

All those things He did while He walked the earth, and all those things He still does.

Why? Because He loves us, and He wants us to do the same. He wants us to love like He loves.

We love because he first loved us. Because He loves us we can love others. (1 John 4:19)

We cannot do everything and be everything that Jesus did and does. Our human tendencies are often more powerful than His Spirit that dwells within us. But, we can do one thing well and consistently as Jesus did. We can love people like Jesus did. Let’s do that.

This week let’s just love like Jesus loves and see what happens…

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A Norvell Note                                                                Vol. 20 No. 34 | August 20, 2018

What is it like for you when you are not ‘in the know’?

You are on group message and you realize that you’ve missed a part of the conversation and have no idea what the others are talking about.

You are the new member of a team. You don’t know the inside jokes or understand the historical references.

You are in a meeting and stepped away for a moment. When you come back, the conversation has shifted and you’re clueless about the topic being discussed.

You walk up to a group of friends who are engaged in a lively conversation. You stand awkwardly by them for several minutes totally unaware of what they’re laughing about…wishing you could be included.

You are new to the neighborhood and unfamiliar with the community services and organizations. What is the system for garbage pickup? Who has the best internet service? Are there any reputable and affordable mechanics, local cleaners, and lawn care professionals? What is the best donut place? What coffee shop has the best coffee?

Until you are there for a while, you don’t know. You’re dependent on neighbors, friends, and community veterans to get answers to your questions.

Not knowing is hard. It can make you feel alone and isolated. It can be confusing, frustrating, and even dangerous. Even if it is not essential for you to know, you still want to.

Some prefer not to know the evil things that go on in the world. Some say ignorance is bliss and believe if you ignore problems, they will take care of themselves. But that rarely happens. So, I prefer to know.

I have often thought about how Job in the Old Testament must have felt when he became the subject of Satan’s cruel game. “Why is this happening? What am I supposed to do and feel as I watch everything important to me crumble? God, I don’t know what is going on, but I trust You.”

In the end Job still didn’t completely understand everything that had happened to him, but he did learn more clearly that God is aware of everything that happens to us, is loving and kind, and does not need our opinion on how he handles the events of life on the earth.

God understands our needs and desire to know about the important things in life. In John 14, Jesus said this:

“You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” (4-7)

In chapter 16, verse 33 he said:

“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.”

And then in chapter 17, verse 3:

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

It seems to be that the whole purpose of God sending His Son to earth was so we could know Him. God wants us to know Him. “If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.”

There are many things you may never know. Many of them are of no consequence. But there other things that you need to know or you will be missing out. Not knowing God is one of those important things. In fact, there is nothing more important.

I hope you know Him. If you do know Him, I hope you are growing in your knowledge of Him. If you do not know Him, I hope you will come to know Him. If I can help with that, please let me know.

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

Listen: Jesus Let Us Come to Know You

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The Importance of Knowing

ON AUGUST 20, 2018 BY TOM NORVELL LEAVE A COMMENT

 

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A Norvell Note                                                                   Vol. 20 No. 33 | August 13, 2018

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”^[1]

I have read and sung those words hundreds of times and they never get old. I suppose it would be impossible for them to get old based on the truth stated in them…

“His mercies never come to end; they are new every morning.”

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.” The Lord’s love is steadfast. That means it is solid, strong, and consistent. The Lord’s love never ceases. In relationships we have to be careful with the word never. “You never say you love me.” “You never show me respect.” Using the word in those situations help make a strong point, but it is likely not accurate and puts the other person in a no-win situation.

When the Lord says, “My steadfast love for you never ceases.” He means it never ceases. We may do some crazy, knuckle-head, awful things, but His love for us never ceases. We may act selfish, unkind, and unmerciful, but His love for us never ceases. But we can carry that thought as we go through the day, when we lay our head on our pillow at night…The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.

And if we need a little more assurance, we can add these words:

“Great is your faithfulness.” His faithfulness, not mine. “His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.”

Every morning we have a new supply of mercies from God. His mercies, compassions, kindnesses, sympathies, and generosities never come to an end. Every morning we wake up to the reality that God still loves us, and He has a never-ending supply of mercies. We must strive to start our day with that thought, and it might change the way we move through our day.

The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is my everything, my all, He is all I need. How could I ask for more? Because of who He is, I would put my hope in Him. He will love me with an eternal love, greet me every day with an endless supply of mercy, and show me that He is all I need, so naturally He is where I will hope.

You may recognize the reality of these truths this week when you…

…randomly run into a friend from another city while you are out to dinner.
…wake up in the morning to the comfort and familiarity of your home…on and on…
…hear the laughter of a child.
…listen to the falling rain.
…take a breath…then another.

Whenever and wherever you experience them, thank Him for His mercies that are new every morning.

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^[1] Lamentations 3:22-24, New Revised Standard

Vol. 20 No. 32 | August 6, 2018

“I hope to do better.”

I wonder how many times I’ve said that phrase?

…when explaining that I’m having difficulty with a new responsibility, after failing to keep a promise to a friend, or admitting I’ve not completed a task I’d committed to doing.

“I hope to do better.”

I wonder how many times I’ve said that to the Lord?

…when confessing I’ve not been the person I want to be, when I’ve not kept promises I’ve made to Him, or when I’ve committed the same sin again.

…when frustrated with and disappointed in my lack of consistency in reading the Word, praying for people, showing kindness and love, being gentle, and spending time alone with Him.

“I hope to do better.”

I wonder how many times the Lord has heard this from all of us?

A couple of stories come to mind that demonstrate how we all struggle with the desire to do better…to be better.

The first takes place in the temple.

Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”

But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:10-13, NIV)

The second takes place in the courtyard near the temple.

At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery.In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”

They were using this question as a trap in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

“No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin. (John 10:1-14, NIV)

The way the Lord praises the Pharisee’s confession, I believe He is saying, “I know you want to do better. I believe you. And, I love

Jesus’s response to the condemned woman seems to be saying, “I know you want to do better. I believe you. And, I love you.”

Usually, when I say, I hope to do better, the words are accompanied with feelings of remorse, regret, and guilt. But when I read the two stories above, I’m reminded that I can do better. I am encouraged by the realization that the Lord believes I want to do better and that I can. He offers His help and reminds me of His undying love for me.

So now, when I say I hope to do better, I say it with confidence that I will do better.

Thank You, Lord, for all the opportunities You hear my confessions and remind me that You love me, and that with Your love and guidance, I will do better.

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Vol. 20 No. 31 | July 30, 2018

I woke up this morning in a new place. There have been several mornings in recent months when I’ve woken up in new places. Some mornings I’ve even wondered, “Where am I now?”

This morning, however, I woke up in our new home.

As we searched for a place to live, there were some houses we loved and some we immediately knew were not what we wanted. There were a few we loved but were not meant to be- an offer had already been accepted, there was some major flaw in construction, or there were things we didn’t want. So, we moved on.

When we walked in this house for the first time, we instantly knew this was the one. In fact, within a few minutes, we were ready to make an offer. The offer was extended, accepted, and this morning I woke up in my new home.

As the furniture and boxes were unloaded, we made comments like, “This is it! This is our final move.!” We’ve said this before. I suppose we all have wanted to believe, ‘we’re finally home’ at different points in life. After a long trip, “Ah, we’re finally home.” At the end of a long day or when the work week ends, “Ah, we’re finally home.” When I laid my head on my pillow last night, I thought, “It’s good to finally be home.” It’s a great feeling.

I love our new home. I hope we’re able to share meals, drink coffee, and have conversations and laughter with our family and friends for years to come.

But I know this is only a temporary dwelling. The newness will eventually fade, and life will get back to normal (whatever that is). This is, in fact, only a temporary dwelling.

I am reminded of these words:

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 2:1-3, NIV)

There are times, out of necessity, when our eyes are focused on “earthly things.” It is a part of being human. But our eyes cannot remain fixated on these things. These things and this place are temporary. They will become old and they will pass away.

And one day, I will wake up in a new place unlike any other. It will be a place that will last forever and never grow old, and thankfully, there will be no more goodbyes.

The last book of the Bible talks of such a place:

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

There will be a morning when I will wake up in this new place, and I can finally truly say, “Ah, it’s good to be home!”

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