A Norvell Note

Vol. 19 No. 06 | February 6, 2017

Gas prices change at irregular intervals. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to the changes. Gas prices go up and go down, sometimes multiple times during a twenty-four period. In our area, you can drive down the road and the price of gas will fluctuate as much as ten cents higher or lower. This varies from week to week, depending on which location you go to. If a gas line is ruptured in Alabama, the price of gas in areas near us will go up, and some will not. Economists try to predict what will happen with gas prices, and sometimes they are right, and sometimes they are not. There seems to be little consistency.

Politics is as inconsistent as gas prices. Whoever is in a position of leadership determines the protestors and the supporters. The amount of power of the president is dependent upon which political party has control of the various branches of government. Even then, it seems that the bill he signs or does not sign can cause a shift in those who are supporters and those considered the opposition. Political analyst try to predict how politicians will act or react and how the constituents will respond, sometimes they are right, and sometimes they are not. There seems to be little consistency.

The weather, particularly during this season, is almost impossible to predict. We get frustrated with, amused with, and sympathetic towards those who have the task of making accurate predictions. Temperatures on some winter days are more like early spring or late fall. Predictions of light snow are overturned with a slight shift in the jet stream that produces several inches (and of course global warming must also be factored in). Predictions of heavy snow excite children, only to disappoint them when the jet streams moves just a degree or two in one direction or another. Forecasters, using all of their advanced technologies, do their best to make predictions that are as accurate as possible, sometimes they are exactly right, and sometimes they are not. There seems to be little consistency.

Jesus! Ahhh, Jesus! Jesus is someone who you can know, with absolute certainty, is consistent. We can consistently depend on Jesus. Jesus offers us something solid to hold on to. Jesus provides us with a tangible understanding of consistency. The writer of the Hebrews encourages the followers who were weary of the inconsistencies of living the holy life in a very hostile world with these words. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.” (Hebrews 13:8, NIV)

Sometime today I will fill my car up with gas. Before I go, I will check an app on my phone to see who has the cheapest price in my area.

Several times within the next twenty-four hours, I will get updates on all my devices or scan comments on social media that are giving details and opinions on the latest decisions coming out of the White House.

Before I leave the house, I will check the weather to see if there will be rain, sunshine, or clouds.

The sources that provide me with information about gas prices, politics, and the weather are useful and as dependable as ‘humanly’ possible. I am blessed to have these many tools at my fingertips to help make life more predictable and easier to manage.

Jesus, however, is always on target. His Word is always right. His predictions of what will happen to those who follow Him are true. His projections for those who do not follow Him are solid. He is never surprised by the price of gas, the actions of politicians, the weather, or anything else that happens in our world. When we turn to Him for direction, for wisdom, and for strength, He always comes through with exactly what we need.

As you face the inconsistencies of day-to-day life, use whatever is available to help you live the best life you can live. But more than anything or anyone else, keep your eyes and your heart focused on Jesus. He is the one you can depend on all of the time. “He is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV)

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2017. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

 

 

Vol. 19 No. 05 | January 30, 2017

 The Story

Matthew 14:22-23: As soon as the meal was finished, He insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. When the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be alone and pray. He stayed there alone late into the night.

24-26 Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them, the waves battering the boat. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared to death. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.

27 But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”

28 Peter, acting boldly, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”

29-30 He said, “Come ahead.”

Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”

31 Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”

32-33 The two of them then climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!” (Matthew 14:22-33, The Message)

The Observations

In Mark and John’s accounts, this story immediately follows the story of Jesus feeding 5000 people. Jesus feeds the masses, sends his disciples out in the boat to the other side of the lake, then goes off to be alone. What do you suppose the disciples were thinking? In Mark and John’s accounts, this story immediately follows the story of Jesus feeding 5000 people. After witnessing this miracle, he sends his disciples out in a boat and then leaves them to be alone. I wonder what the disciples were thinking.

They surely were amazed, astounded, and more than a little confused by what they had just experienced. According to John (6:15), the crowd was excited and ready to force Jesus to be King. Knowing He needed rest and the crowd needed to settle down, Jesus did what He believed to be best for His disciples. He sends them out in the boat away from the crowd.

They may also have been disappointed. They could sense the momentum building as Jesus traveled through the villages healing, teaching, and gaining followers. Their visions of kingdom, power, and control seemed to be in their grasp, and Jesus leaves them to be alone. What is up with that?

In the next scene, the disciples are in a boat in the middle of the night, when Jesus walks toward them. They are terrified until He identifies Himself.

Peter is overcome with excitement and starts walking on the water toward Jesus. Some say the wind scared him. Some say the waves scared him. Some say he took his eyes off Jesus. Some say he suddenly realized what he was doing. Whatever the reason, he started to sink. Jesus pulls him up, and they climb into the boat.

The Application

As we journey through life, there are times when we are overcome with disappointment and hopelessness, only to be amazed and energized by what happens when we allow God to work within us and among us.

The disciples go from being amazed by the miraculous feeding of the crowd, to being frightened in the boat during a storm, to being overjoyed when Jesus joins them in the boat. Peter probably went from “This is it!” to “This is not it!” to “Hey, look I’m walking on water!” to “Lord save me”, to ‘resting safely in the boat’.

As you travel through the ups and downs of life, remember this: there will be times when your faith grows weak and your hope begins to fade. When this happens, stay close to Jesus, keep walking with Him, and listen to His voice until hope returns.

Tom

 

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2017. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

 

Vol. 19 No. 04 | January 23, 2017

Sometimes you just can’t do it. You want to. You try everything and consider multiple options. You arrange and rearrange. You do everything you can but you just can’t do it.

Sometimes there are things that you just can’t do.

Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do things through Christ who gives me strength.” I know that if the Lord has something He wants me to do, that it will be for His glory and honor. He will provide me with the strength and the ability to do it. I believe that. God has proven that to me in my life more times than I could ever list.

Yet, there are some things I just can’t do. Here are some examples:

When I was growing up I wanted to play basketball for a career. I read books about Bob Cousy and the Boston Celtics. I played and replayed basketball scenarios on our dirt court at our home. Eventually, the dream evolved to the point that I would eventually play college ball, end up with the Boston Celtics, hit the winning basket to win the NBA championship, and drop dead at center court of the Boston Gardens.

A series of things happened that made that impossible. I was not that good, and I did not receive a single offer to play in college.

Those who knew me then are thinking, “You really thought you were good enough to get a college scholarship?”

But, this did not stop me. When I got to college, I decided I was going to walk on. I took one look at the team and realized I was not tall enough, fast enough, or good enough to even walk onto the court. The dream was gone. I learned that there are somethings I just cannot do.

Through the years I have discovered other things that I just cannot do.

• I cannot run like I once did.

• I cannot play basketball like I once did.

• I cannot be in all the places that I want to be.

• I cannot be everything people want me to be.

• I cannot help all the people I would like to help.

• I cannot fix all the problems I would like to fix.

Sometimes I have to admit that I just can’t do everything. Sometimes it is a painful admission. Sometimes it is easy to admit. Sometimes it is a frustrating realization. Sometimes the realization is a relief. Sometimes it is difficult to accept. Sometimes it is an easy acceptance.

I have grown to understand that although there are many things that I can do, and many more things I could do if I allow God to empower me, that there are some things that I just can’t do.

In those times of feeling weak and inadequate, I find comfort from these words from God.

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. (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)

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)

As you go through this week, you are going to be faced with requests, invitations, and demands for your attention, time, and energy. Some of you will accept and fulfill these obligations without hesitation or reservation. You will do these things enthusiastically and with delight.

There will be others of you that, regardless of your desire to fulfill these obligations, will most likely not be able to do. You may feel frustration. You may feel like a failure. You may look back on your week with regret.

You tried. Take comfort in that. You did as much as you could. Take comfort in that. God appreciates your efforts and loves you just as you are. Keep loving God and serving His people.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2017. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 19 No. 03 | January 16, 2017

Our water pipes are frozen this morning. The representative at the water department called it an emergency. But, is it? I mean, is it really an emergency?

We cannot shower, the small trickle of water coming out of the spout made it difficult for us to even brush our teeth. And, it is inconvenient.

It is inconvenient, but is it an emergency?

We may be late for church or not make it at all, but is this an emergency?

We have enough bottled water and a variety of other drinks to survive. We have enough food to last for days. If necessary, we can get in either one of our two vehicles and drive a few blocks to any one of several stores to get anything we need. Or, we can bundle up in any of our countless number of sweaters, coats, gloves, hats, shoes, and boots and walk a block or two to those stores.

If we must take a shower, we can call any number of friends and drive to their houses to use their showers. Or, we could walk a few steps to one of our neighbors’ places.

I set up the coffee maker before going to bed, so hot coffee will be had by all first thing in the morning.

The house is warm. In fact, it is so warm, I don’t even need the last layer of clothing I put on in preparation for the emergency. There is nothing stopping me from just crawling back into bed and waiting for the pipes to thaw.

I hear the automated system ask, “If this an emergency, please press ‘1’.

Emergency? Is this really an emergency?

There are probably hundreds of people sleeping (or trying to sleep) outside in this 9 degree weather, possibly even under the patch of trees located a hundred yards or so from our house….our house with the frozen water pipes.

As the sun warms the earth to a blistering 30 degrees, there will be men and women standing in the intersections, selling their papers and hoping those with generous hearts will give them an extra dollar or two.

There are children in our city who went to bed hungry and cold last night and will go to bed hungry and cold again tonight.

According to last year’s statistics, over half a million people are living on the streets, and nearly two million kids will experience a period of homelessness this year.

When the representative finally answered the phone, she assured me, “An emergency technician will be with you as soon as possible. Please be patient, due to the extreme weather conditions, we are experiencing a large number of emergencies, please wait patiently until the next representative can assist you. We appreciate your patience.” I wait, impatiently, constantly looking out the window, hoping help will come soon.

After a while, we got a hold of a local plumber, and he quickly came, fixed the broken pipe, received his payment, and left.

Emergency averted.

Or was it ever really an emergency?

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2017. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 19 No. 02 | January 9, 2017

Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10, NIV)

Being still is seldom easy, but it can be especially difficult in these early days of the New Year.

You have a plan and you are ready to move forward with your plan. Then you are reminded of the Lord’s words, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

You have made a decision to make a change and you are ready to start. Then, you hear the Lord say, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

You have delayed making a decision because you cannot seem to find peace with your decision. Maybe you need to read the Lord’s words again, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

You have shared your dream with some close friends and they keep telling you to move forward, but you keep hearing the Lord’s words, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

You have set a deadline that is rapidly approaching, you feel the pressure building, but you cannot escape the words from the Lord, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

It is a difficult dilemma. Ready to act. Needing to wait. Ready to move. Needing to be still.

Sometimes the reluctance to act is due to fear. You just are not sure that it is the right thing to do. You fear making the wrong decision, so you wait. That may be why the Lord is reminding you, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Sometimes the hesitance to act is because you have not done your homework. You want to make a change but you are not sure of the impact your decision will have on you, your family, your friends, or your co-workers. All you know is that you are ready for a change. That may be why the Lord is reminding you, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Sometimes you know you need to do something different but you do not know what to do. Maybe that is why you keep seeing these words from the Lord everywhere you go, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

The second part of this well-known message gives us the purpose for being still. The purpose is not just to be still or to avoid a move. The purpose is to remind us that God is God. God is watching over the events of our lives. God knows us better than we know ourselves. God knows what is best for us and is always at work towards what is best for us. The passage reminds us of what we often forget: God is God and we are not.

God wants us to be still long enough to remember that we have the ultimate source of wisdom, strength, and power at our disposal.

As difficult as it may be, there are times when the best thing we can do is to be still, so let me offer these observations.

Being still does not necessarily mean you are lazy. Of course, there is the possibility that you are lazy and using God’s message to excuse your laziness or your fear. But do not let people guilt you or shame you into action when you know the best approach for the moment is to be still.

Being still does not mean you are doing nothing. Some people cannot be still. And they cannot stand by and allow you to just be still. Stillness to them equals waste. If you are listening for the Lord’s direction and waiting for His peace do not allow the pressure from others to force you into action just to please them. Being still is doing something.

Being still may be the best thing you can do. Have you ever been hurt or offended and reacted in anger only to regret it? Have you ever made a quick decision without taking time to seek the Lord’s wisdom only to regret the outcome? Had you taken time to be still and ponder God’s presence, maybe that email would not have been sent, that phone call would not have been made, and maybe you would not be living with the regret of your decision.

As you move through your week, I pray you will have the wisdom to know when it is time to act and when it is time to be still.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2017. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 19 No. 01 | January 2, 2017

These passages from an Old Testament prophet and a New Testament apostle always seem to have relevance, but especially at this time of year.

This is what the Lord says—

He who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:16, 18-19, NIV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14, NIV)

The message is simple. The wisdom is timeless. The practice is challenging.

It is one thing to celebrate the end of a year and the beginning of a new with parties and fireworks, it is quite another to follow through with your plans to do things differently in the New Year.

It is much easier to make a New Year’s resolution to lose weight than it is to have the discipline to resist the Snicker’s bar in the cabinet ten feet from you.

It is much easier to say you are going to exercise more than it is to put those walking shoes on and head out the door.

It is much easier to say you are going to let go of your bitterness and resentment than it is to go to the person who hurt you and say, “I forgive you.”

And, it is much easier to say, “I forgive you” than it is to actually forgive.

It is much easier to say you plan to trust God more in the New Year than it is to simply trust Him.

It is important to make the promises and resolutions to do things better. It is equally as important to forget and leave the past behind. The passage from Isaiah says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”

You must forget and leave behind your failures. You messed up. Big time! Move on. Start over. Forgive yourself. Stop dwelling on the past.

Things did not go as well as you had hoped they would. Okay. Try again. Stop dwelling on the past.

You were hurt deeply. I am sorry. As long as you interact with people there is as risk of getting hurt. Keep interacting. Stop dwelling on the past.

You did great things last year. Good for you! Do not rest on those accomplishments. Do even greater things this year. Stop dwelling on the past.

Stop dwelling on the past, look for the new things God is doing, and join Him.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2017. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 18 No. 51 | December 26, 2016

John has shared the final episode of the life of Jesus and what is about to come in a very creative, but somewhat confusing, way. These were his final words:

He who testifies to these things says, yes, I am coming soon. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. (Revelation 22:20-21, NIV)

Like many people, the Christmas season and the beginning of a new year are times that we look forward to all year long. When we talk about it, we tell stories of Christmas past, the events of the year that is about to close, and the longing for what we hope will come in the New Year.

We may say it differently, but the desire is the same. “Hurry up, Santa!” “Please let this year end soon and let the next year be better.” “Lord, just get me to the end of this year so I can star over!” “Come on, Lord, do something soon!”

Well, here we are. Presents are opened. Gifts have been exchanged. Memories have been shared. New ones have been made. Blessings are counted. The clock strikes midnight, and we breathe a sigh of relief and say along with John, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus”.

In John’s words, we find a promise, a prayer, and a proclamation.

A promise:

“Yes, I am coming soon.” Although we do not know everything that was meant to be expressed in this statement, we do know enough to realize assurance in the promise: ‘you are not alone. I am always with you. I am coming. Do not despair. Do not lose heart or hope or joy. I am coming back’.

A prayer:

Amen. Come Lord Jesus. Lord, I need You now. I need You always. I need You every day. Lord, although I am grateful for this life and the experience of living here, I am ready for You to come and take me to be with You where You are.

A proclamation:

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.

Can one utter a more loving blessing for another human being? Can one proclaim a more generous request?

So, here we are again, ending one year’s story and beginning another. Closing one chapter as we turn the page to another. As we do so, may we offer this prayer:

Father, thank You for never leaving us alone and for the assurance of knowing that we will never be left alone, that You are coming, and although for us it may not be soon enough, we know You are coming. Thank You for always hearing our prayers.

Thank You for giving us Your grace and for reminding us of the grace that we want others to receive.

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell. All Rights Reserved.

 

Vol. 18 No. 47 | December 5, 2016

You have finished your busy week, and you have been counting the minutes until you finally have some down time. As usual, you have waited all week to have this time to relax. You indulge in a long and satisfying sigh of relief.

About that same time, your wife reminds you that you promised to go to church with her. Your sigh of relief turns into a moan of disappointment. The thought of walking into a church building, sitting for an hour, mouthing words to songs that do not make sense to you, and listening to a sermon that does not connect with you sounds exhausting. As you leave, you say to yourself, “Why do I do this?”

You just finished your very busy week. Phone calls, responding to clients, and handling your day-to-day responsibilities have taken a toll on you. You feel drained, and tired, and weary, and empty. You look forward to time with your spiritual family, the encouragement and support that comes from being with the people you consider your brothers and sisters. The songs lift your spirits and restore your heart and soul. The message touches you and reminds you that the Lord above loves you and sustains you. As you leave, you say to yourself, “How can I live without this?”

I suspect that most of us, if not all of us, have experienced both scenarios. There are times when worship is meaningful and rich, and there are times when worship is meaningless and dry. There are times when worship gives us life and times when worship leaves us feeling lifeless.

Although it is written in a way that may confuse us, the Revelation of John brings the story of the Bible to a dramatic conclusion by inviting us to experience being in the presence of God.

Eugene Peterson writes, “Worship shapes the human community in response to the living God. If worship is neglected or perverted, our communities fall into chaos or under tyranny.”^[1]

Peterson’s statement and my limited ability to understand the final book of the Bible lead me to these observations.

Worship is important.

• Worship is important because it reminds me that I am not alone and winning the battle against the enemy is not up to me.

• Worship is important because it assures me that I am not forgotten.

• Worship is important because it reminds me that I am not the center of the universe.

• Worship is important because it points me to the One who is the center of the universe.

• Worship is important because it offers me the opportunity to respond to the living God.

Let me encourage that your experiences of being in the presence of God, whether meeting your approval or not, provide you with the opportunity to express your appreciation to the One who created you, and to receive the affirmation that He longs to give you. As you worship this week, alone or in a corporate setting, may you give your heart to the Lord God Almighty, and may you receive His love and blessings.

Worship is important.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell. All Rights Reserved.

^[1] Eugene H. Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2005), Re.