A Norvell Note

Vol. 18 No. 08 | February 22, 2016

22 They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he

had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?”

24 He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”

25 Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t go into the village.” (Mark 8:22-26, NIV)

The disciples were a lot like this man in that although Jesus was right there in front of them they could not see clearly who He was or what was happening. While they occasionally demonstrate partial understanding of “the way of the Lord,” they never fully grasp its implications. We are a lot like the disciples in that our vision and our understanding are often impaired to cause us to occasionally demonstrate partial understanding of “the way of the Lord.” We have a difficult time remembering and living according to what we know.

The blind man knew he was seeing people but they looked like trees. He knew what people looked like but as his sight is being restored he was not sure of what he was seeing. Jesus’s disciples experienced the same issue. They knew Jesus. They had seen and heard enough to know who He was, but at times, especially when following Him became more of a challenge, they had difficulty letting what they knew to be true was true and could be trusted. Since reading these words I suspect you have some knowledge and some belief that Jesus was who He said He was, did what He did, and is capable of doing what He said He could do. The problem for us is the same as the disciples we have trouble allowing what we know to be true to sustain us when following Him becomes a challenge.

The blind man could only see after Jesus put His hands on the mans’s eyes. He could see partially, but not total vision until Jesus touched his eyes. The disciples were only able to see clearly after spending more time with Jesus, after watching Him, after listening to Him, and after He filled them with His Spirit. When Jesus fills us with His Spirit will we be able to see Him clearly, understand His ways, and follow Him completely. Not before. Until then it will be as if we see people who look like trees walking around.

Are you seeing Jesus clearly? Would you like to see Him clearly? Here’s a suggestion: Beg Jesus to touch you.

Tom

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

Vol. 18 No. 07 | February 15, 2016

The title of this article is probably not something you would expect from a Christian writer, so let me state upfront I am not advocating that you become skilled in ways to make God angry. I do, however, want to point out that there are several places in the gospels where it seemed that some of the people Jesus came to teach and to save had that as their goal. Obviously they were not trying to make Him angry, but their stubborn hearts and fear of losing control of their businesses prevented them from receiving for who He was.

In this particular story from Mark chapter 3 Jesus did want most of us on this side of the cross assume would bring them joy and cause them to be impressed. But it did not.

“Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, (italics mine) said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.” (Mark 3:1-6, NIV)

Did you see what happened? It’s the Sabbath, the day of rest. The day devoted to God. Instead of having their minds and hearts focused on God’s mercy and love, they were focused on how to trap Jesus in breaking the law. So, they wait and they watch. Then, they pounce. Unlike other occasions when they spoke to Him directly or mumbled under their breath, this time they remained silent. Instead of rejoicing with the man who had been healed, they remained silent. Instead of praising God for a miraculous healing, they remained silent. Instead of being thrilled with the display of God’s power, they remained silent.

Because of their silence and unbelief, Jesus was angry and deeply distressed. Because they refused to rejoice, Jesus was angry and deeply distressed. Because they refused to acknowledge Him as the Lord, the Messiah, the Son of God, Jesus was angry and deeply distressed. Why wouldn’t He be? How could He help but be disappointed?

That was then. What about now? Do you suppose we ever anger, distress or disappoint Jesus by not recognizing His greatness? Do you suppose we ever anger, distress or disappoint Jesus by our failure to rejoice over the wonders He performs in our midst? Do you suppose we ever anger, distress or disappoint Jesus by being silent when we should be rejoicing and praising Him?

That sunrise you saw this morning and were too sleepy and were more concerned about getting your first cup of coffee than you were about taking just a brief moment and saying, “Thank You Lord for that sunrise.” As the snow was falling were so frustrated about another day of delays and cancellations that you failed to praise Him for the sheer beauty of a pure fresh fallen snow. (I know…easy for me to say we’ve been in 70-80 degree weather all week.)

Instead of making God angry, please Him by praising Him with your words and actions. Instead of making God angry, please Him by rejoicing with others when you see them healed, restored, reconciled, refreshed, and refueled. Instead of making God angry, please Him by honoring Him with your good works, your kind and gentle heart, and loving ways to all people.

Tom

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

Vol. 18 No. 06 | February 8, 2016

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

6 While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, 7 a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. 9 “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”
10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

Lessons we can learn from this story.

1. There is never a wrong time to approach Jesus. This woman did not care what was going on. She was determined to get to Jesus. She did cared that she was not supposed to interrupt the conversation. She was on a mission to anoint Jesus. She would not be stopped. Jesus did not stop her. Are you feeling the need to move toward Jesus? There is not a wrong time, go to Him.
2. Some things are more important than money. The disciples were a lot like many of us are in that we allow money and other pragmatic things get in the way of the things that are really important. We de-emphasize expressing emotions and feeling. We call it weakness. Jesus did know consider it weak. His words: “She had done a beautiful ting to me.” Feel like expressing your feelings to Jesus. He welcomes that. Go ahead.
3. Just because some people think you are foolish does not mean you are foolish. We do not like to be criticized. Too often withhold our feelings and fail to express our love for the Lord or for another human being because we are afraid of being made fun of, criticized or rejected. What Jesus thinks about you is more important than what anyone else thinks. If someone tries to stop you, let Him handle them.
4. Jesus always welcomes a sincere heart. Your words may not eloquent, but He does not care. Your may not be able to get through your speech without tears, but that’s okay He can wipe your tears away for you. Your past is ugly, messy, shady, and you feel unacceptable. He is the Master of accepting the ugly, messy, shady and unacceptable. He looks beyond all that straight into your heart. Is your heart telling you to approach Jesus? He is ready to receive you.
5. This story needs to be told everywhere. “Wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Tell this story. Better yet, live this story. Be this story. Jesus will welcome you and may tell your story too.

Tom

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

Vol. 18 No. 05 | February 1, 2016

Jesus told a story about a father and two sons (no, this is not the story of the prodigal son; it is a different father and two sons story of Luke 15), but there are some similarities, and the group of people He was hoping to reach with the stories is likely the same. Jesus came to save all people. Not just the Jews. Not just the Gentiles. Not just Americans. All people. However, one group He was especially interested in was His own people. Even though, as John tells us, “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him,…” (John 1:11-12a) throughout his ministry He attempted to get them to believe that He was who He said that He was.

This story of the two sons is located in a section of Scripture as Jesus moves closer to the cross. Reading through the story again makes it seem that as the cross nears the intensity with which He pleads for the Pharisees and Teachers of the law to wake up, listen, and accept Him as their true King. It seems as if He tells story after story hoping they will open their eyes and really see Him. The story of the two sons goes like this:

28 “Tell me what you think of this story: A man had two sons. He went up to the first and said, ‘Son, go out for the day and work in the vineyard.’

29 “The son answered, ‘I don’t want to.’ Later on he thought better of it and went.

30 “The father gave the same command to the second son. He answered, ‘Sure, glad to.’ But he never went.

31-32 “Which of the two sons did what the father asked?”

They said, “The first.”

Jesus said, “Yes, and I tell you that crooks and whores are going to precede you into God’s kingdom. John came to you showing you the right road. You turned up your noses at him, but the crooks and whores believed him. Even when you saw their changed lives, you didn’t care enough to change and believe him. (Matthew 21:28-32, The Message)

It is easy for us, knowing the whole story as many of us do, to call them foolish, and blind, and ignorant. “How could be so dull? How could they be so stubborn?” Before we start showing stones, remember we DO know the whole story. We know what happens next. We know that even though He is tried, convicted, beaten, crucified and died, the story did not end there. We know that He rose. We know that He is alive! From our perspective it makes no sense that they missed Him.

So, what is our excuse? We have the whole story written down for us in our own language, in transactions and paraphrases and interpretations that are easy to read and easy to understand. We can listen to it being read. We can hear it from pulpits. We can watch it on video…recorded and live. We have no excuse, yet some us, not them, will still miss Him.

Why? Because He is not the kind of king we want any more than He was the kind of king they wanted. We want a king that accepts us as we are and does what we want when we want Him to do it. We do not want a king that tells us how to live, how to treat people, and how to express our love to Him. We too often want a king that responds to our requests and demands more, instead of us giving allegiance to Him. So, we miss Him.

You may not have heard Him, obeyed Him the first time, or followed Him the first time He called out to you. He is still calling. Like the brother in the story, you can change you mind and follow Him now. Don’t miss Him by waiting for or hoping for a better king or a different king. Some will miss Him. Some will follow Him. You can. As long as you are able to read these words you can. Please, please, please don’t miss Him.

Tom

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

 

Vol. 18 No. 04 | January 25, 2016

Once Jesus was talking to His disciples and began to explain to them that He about to enter a time when He was going suffer, be rejected, killed and then rise on the third day. From the disciple’s perspective He as gaining influence and power so they could not imagine things turning in that direction, so Peter speaks up tells Him, “Never, Lord! That shall never happen to you!” (Matthew 16:21-22)

When I read that I cannot help but think of the times when the Lord has spoken to me through His word, or after praying I sense His leading me in a direction I prefer not to go, or when I see a person behave in a particular way that seems beneath me, and I responded with, “Never, Lord!”

Like the time years ago when it seemed pretty obvious that the Lord was leading me into full time ministry. “Never, Lord! Do you realize what that might cost me?” Then, I went into full time ministry.

Like the time several years after having been in full-time ministry for a while when it seemed clear that transitioning to preaching seemed to be God’s plan for me, “Never, Lord! Do you realize how difficult that will be for me?” Then, I started preaching.

There were the times before I was married when I would see a husband behave in a manner toward his wife that did not seem appropriate and I would say, “Never, Lord! I won’t ever treat my wife that way.” Then, I got married.

There were those times before we had children when I would watch parents and proudly announce, “Never, Lord! I won’t ever be that kind of a Dad.” Or, “My child will never act like that!” Then, we had children.

I can remember times when the decisions and direction of the church where I happened be serving went against what I thought was best and I would say, “Never, Lord! This is not what You want, is it?”

It is one thing simply to remember those times, but it is even more significant when you read what Jesus said to Peter after his emphatic, “Never, Lord!”

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Matthew 16:23, NIV)

If I understand what Jesus is saying to Peter, and to me when I say, “Never, Lord!” it is a pretty serious comment. “You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Ouch! I just thought I was expressing my opinion. I never thought that I might be a stumbling block to Jesus. Never meant to be, nor do I want to be.

The second part of the statement may be even more convicting, and probably more accurate. Although my intentions are to have in mind the “concerns of God” there  is no doubt my interests are more often than not “human concerns.” More specifically, my concerns. I want what I want. So, I pray…

Father, forgive me for all the times I have been more interested in human concerns…my concerns…than I have been in Your concerns. I repent of my selfishness. I will try to do better in the future.

Tom

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

 

Vol. 18 No. 03 | January 18, 2016

Suppose someone moved to your community and they are looking for a church. They ask around and someone directs them to your church. They Google your church name, find the link, pull it up, check it out, then call the office number. When you answer the phone they ask, “Hi, I’m new to the community and I am searching for a church. I have heard some good things about your church and I have spent some time on your website. I see your meeting time and have found your location. I’ve had some experience with church but I’m a little nervous about finding a new church. I’m thinking about coming to your meeting on Sunday, but I have a couple of questions Are you a church I can trust? Are you the church I read about in the Bible?”

How would you respond?

Would you say, “We meet every Sunday, sing without instruments, have preaching, say prayers in the name of Jesus, partake of the Lord’s Supper weekly, and take of a collection.”

Would you say, “We believe in the autonomy of every local congregation. Our leadership structure is predominately male leadership consisting of elders (also called shepherd, or bishops), deacons, and in some cases ministry leaders.”

Would you say, “We have ministries and classes for all ages. Groups for senior citizens, young adults, college students, high school and middle school student, and children’s ministries. We offer support groups for the grieving, the divorced, alcoholics, and for those suffering from other addictive behaviors.”

Would you say, “We read from the King James Bible, or the New King James Bible, or the American Standard Bible, or the New International Version, or the original Greek New Testament.”

Would you say, “We believe in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God given to us by God as an expression of His love for us and instructions on how to live a healthy, holy, and productive life. We believe in Jesus as the Son of God and that is our goal to live according to the teachings of the Scripture, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the lifestyle of Jesus Christ. And it is our desire to share the love of God and the message of Jesus with as many people as possible. And we believe the best way to share that love of God is by loving one another and serving the world. We believe that if we adhere to these teachings, and follow the lifestyle of Jesus as closely as possible lives will be changed, souls will be saved, people who have lost a vision for life will regain it, people have been crippled by sin and addictions and the schemes of the Devil will learn to walk freely and vibrantly again, those who have had their lives ruined by sin and destructive behaviors will be restored to life abundantly, and the good news of Jesus will bring hope and joy and peace to all people.”

Once, while in prison, John the Baptist, heard stories about the man known as the Anointed One’s teachings and healing. Matthew 11 records his confusion, his question, and Jesus’ response.

Quite frankly, John is perplexed. He has been awaiting the Anointed, but he believes that person will be a great political ruler, a king, or a military hero. Jesus seems to be all about healing people and insisting that the poor and the meek are blessed.

So John sent his followers 3 to question Jesus.

John’s Followers: Are You the One we have been expecting as Savior for so long? Are You the One Scripture promised would come? Or should we expect someone else?

Jesus: 4 Go back and tell John the things you have heard and the things you have seen. 5 Tell him you have seen the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers cured, the deaf hear, the dead raised, and the good news preached to the poor. 6 Blessed are those who understand what is afoot and stay on My narrow path. (Matthew 11, The Voice)

Tom

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

Vol. 18 No. 02 | January 11, 2016

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.’Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.’” (Matthew 6:1-4 ESV)

Jesus introduced a new concept to his followers when He instructed them to do their good deeds and kind acts in secret instead of making a who of it. He followed up this discussion with similar discussions on prayer, and fasting. His message is simple: when you do these things do them quietly and without drawing attention to yourself.

Apparently that was a problem for religious people in Jesus’ day. Jesus criticized them for the way they loved to show-off with their acts worship. When they gave they enjoyed people around knowing how generous they were. When the prayed they loved to perform as if on stage using flowery and pious language, being long and repetitious, and making sure they were recognized for their godliness. When they fasted they made sure everyone knew the sacrificial act of worship they were engaged in. Long faces. There was possibly moaning and groaning about the lack of food.

Jesus says to His disciples, “This is not the way we do things.” The same wisdom should still apply.

As disciples of Jesus, when we do good things, just do them. It is not necessary to call attention to it. It is not necessary to get credit. It is not necessary to hear a “Thank you.” It is not necessary to be repaid. If you intended to do a good thing, do not ruin it by letting everyone around you know what you did. It is enough for the Lord to be praised for the good you do.

When you pray, especially in public, be quiet about it. When you pray use your simple everyday language. It is not necessary to develop a holy sounding speech pattern. If you say a prayer before your meal in a public, don’t announce to all the others in the restaurant, just say your prayer. You are talking to God, if others hear you, so be it. If they do not, so be it.

And when you fast, do not tell anyone. Do not announce it in your Sunday School class or small group. Do not ask them to pray for you because you are fasting. Wash your face. Take a shower. Keep a pleasant look on your face. If someone notices you not eating and asks you about it, just give them a polite, “I’m just not eating today” and be done with it.

For Jesus, and for Jesus people, it is not about the show. It is about going about the life quietly, simply, and without drawing attention to what you do. It is not necessary to announce, “Hey everyone I’m about to do something that looks like Jesus. Watch me!” Just be like Jesus. Let the show end.

Tom

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

Vol. 18 No. 01 | January 4, 2016

Early in the chapter Paul wrote, “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. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4, NIV)

At the end of the chapter he writes, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:15-17, NIV)

These thoughts surface from this text.

There is an appropriate posture we take once Jesus Christ raises us from death. Our hearts and minds are set (corrected, fine-tuned) to focus on things above. We stop giving so much of our attention to the things of this world and the things of the earth. We look up toward Jesus. We “fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2, NIV)

Once the position of heart and mind is adjusted we, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” Peace rules your heart. Peace controls your heart. Peace. Real lasting and often peace that passes understanding leads us wherever we go. Peace — a peace that changes lives and goes against the grain. What an opportunity we have to go into the world and be messengers of peace. Because we have been raised with Christ, we have that opportunity.
We “let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” When the message of Christ dwells in us can we help but share it, teach it, sing with gratitude? The answer is no we cannot.

Since we have been raised by Christ with Christ we do,“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Imagine living in a way where you are thrilled about your life. Because of our relationship with Christ we have the opportunity to live with energy. Because of our relationship with Christ we have the opportunity to live with gratitude. Because of our relationship with Christ we have the opportunity to live robustly.

Today you have an opportunity to make a difference in the world around you. That opportunity exists because you have been brought from death to lift by Jesus Christ. Let this be the beginning of not just a new year but a new way of living.

Tom

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

Vol. 17 No. 52 | December 28, 2015

Within a few days we will say farewell and goodby to another year. As we end a year and welcome a new one many will spend at least some time developing plans and making resolutions for the coming year. There will be news stories about the first baby born in the hospitals. There will likely be stories about to the first couples to be married. And sadly some news programs will report the first death of the new year. Over the next week we will be experiencing and talking about all kinds of firsts that occur as the first days of the new year pass.

Instead of focusing on the first things, I would like to spend the space of this last A Norvell Note of 2015 to think about the last thing. What is the last thing you will talk about this year? It is a fairly common tendency among families and friends to share some of the most important and meaningful information during the last few minutes of our time together. We may chit chat throughout the visit. We may spend much of our time on trivialities until we are ready to walk out the door.

Parents will often end their visit with their children with words like, “Be careful.” “Call us when you get home.” “Do you have enough cash?” In our family we have always tried to say, “I love you” before we leave, even if it is for a trip to the grocery store.

So, these are the words I want to leave you with as the year comes to an end.

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:3, NIV)

This is my desire for you. That you know the only true God, and Jesus Christ. My goal for A Norvell Note is to help you know Jesus. It is not my desire to tell you about heaven or how wonderful it will be. It is not my desire to tell you about how important it is for you go to and be involved in a church or spiritual community. It is not my goal to help you get it right with how you worship. It is my desire to help you know Jesus.

I know of no more important question that I can ask you than these: Do you know Jesus? Do you understand that Jesus came to earth, lived on earth, died, and rose again so that you could be forgiven of all your sins? Do you know that if you know Jesus, you have eternal life, because He is eternal life.

The year’s end is near. Do you know Jesus? What are your last words?

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2015. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 51 December 21, 2015

As the clock continues to tick toward Christmas Eve and Christmas Day you may be feeling the pressure of finding that perfect gift that special person in your life. You have been thinking about it all year. You’ve checked websites. You’ve looked catalogs. You’ve walked

malls and shopping centers and department stores. You’ve dropped hint and you’ve asked friends and family members and people close to them to keep their ears open in case she casually mentions something she wants. Nothing!

You want it to be something special. You want it to be something that she will remember. You want it to be something meaningful. You want it be something she will really appreciate. You want it be something that will last. “What can I give?”

Finally someone suggests, “Maybe what you need to give her is not something you will find in a store. Maybe what she wants the most is not something you can buy. Maybe what she wants and long for from you is not a thing. Maybe the best thing you can give her is you.”

“That’s it!”

Your mind goes into high gear. “Why didn’t I think of this?” Now your options seem limitless. You can make something with your hands. You can write something. You can paint something. You take her on a trip. You can go out for an especially nice restaurant. You can write her a romantic letter. The common thread in all these is you. The best gift you can give her and the gift she desires most is you.

For centuries God expressed is love to His people. Time after time the people He loved rejected His attempts to love them. One by one His people rejected His messengers and His message. When He had exhausted every other means to demonstrate His love He sent His Son. He sent His one and only Son into the world. As in previous attempts His own people did not accept His love. His effort did not end there. He was determined to a gift to His  people would be remember, a gift that would last, a gift that was meaningful, and gift that would be remembered. So, He gave Himself to die on a cross.

God’s attempt to give the perfect gift was successful…at least for some. For two centuries some of those for whom He died have responded with love, appreciation, gratitude, and have lived and died to demonstrate their love for Him. Some have rejected His love. Some have ignored His gift. He gave the perfect gift.

Once you determine the perfect gift for your loved one all you can do is give it. Whether or not they accept it or appreciate it is up to them. You have done your part.

God knew long beforehand that some would received His perfect gift with gratitude and He knew that some would reject it. That did not deter Him. He gave the perfect gift. You do the same. Give the gift. Give it freely. Give it graciously. Give it lovingly. And enjoy watching them receive it. You gave the perfect gift.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2015. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.