A Norvell Note

Vol. 17 No. 50 | December 14, 2015

This is my sincere plea to my Christian brothers and sisters: Just be like Jesus.

This is not a request for infallibility, not a demand for flawless living, and certainly not a naive expectation of perfection. Of course we are human. Yes, we make mistakes…we have in the past and we will again.

My plea is for those who claim to be followers, not government official, not politicians, not sports figures, not superstars of the entertainment industry. My plea is for those who claim to follow Jesus. If you claim to follow Him, follow Him. Please do your best to be like Him.
The conversations taking place, the attitudes being displayed, actions being advocated by my brothers and sisters have brought to mind the words and the sentiment of this prayer of old hymn.

Oh! to Be Like Thee

Thomas O. Chisholm, pub.1897
Copyright: Creative Commons Public Domain

Oh! to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer,
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.

Oh! to be like Thee, full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wand’ring sinner to find.

Oh! to be like Thee, lowly in spirit,
Holy and harmless, patient and brave;
Meekly enduring cruel reproaches,
Willing to suffer, others to save.

Oh! to be like Thee, Lord, I am coming,
Now to receive th’ anointing divine;
All that I am and have I am bringing,
Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine.

Oh! to be like Thee, while I am pleading,
Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love,
Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling,
Fit me for life and Heaven above.

Refrain: Oh! to be like Thee, oh! to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

Just be like Jesus. When you air your opinions publicly, just be like Jesus. When you engage in your heated debates about what is wrong with the world, just be like Jesus. Before you demand your rights and express your frustrations over being mistreated, just be like Jesus. When you are in the presence of children, and when you are teaching them how to get on in the world, just be like Jesus. To my preaching friends, when you position yourself as a spokesperson for God, just be like Jesus. When you proclaim what you will or will not do as a citizen of your country, just be like Jesus. When you are with your family, just be like Jesus. When you are with your friends, just be like Jesus. When you are tired and want to give up on the human race, just be like Jesus.

There was a time when, “There were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘we would like to see Jesus.’” Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. (John 12:20-22, NIV)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, this is the plea I make, and possibly the plea being made many who are not within our circle: “We would like to see Jesus.”

Oh! to be like Thee, oh! to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

This week: I just want to be like Jesus.

Tom

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

Vol. 17 No. 49 | December 7, 2015

Louie Giglio says, “Jesus has enough, is enough, and will be enough.” At first glance will probably say, “Amen. I agree with that.” But, back up and read it again. Do you really agree with that?

“Jesus has enough.” Sure He does. He’s the Son of God. He was with God in the beginning. He has all power. He has all wisdom. He has all knowledge. There are several places where
in His own world He claimed to be the Son of God. Some of the religious people of His day had trouble with that claim, but their disbelief did not distract Him from His mission. There is even one place in the Bible where He is described as “…being in very nature God…” (Philippians 2) So, sure I agree that Jesus has enough.

“Jesus is enough.” Hmmm. That may be a little more difficult. Can you really say that Jesus is enough? Do you trust Him enough to not need anything or anyone else?
Maybe you can relate to these words from Larry Crab.

“God, I don’t know how to come to you. I need to know you, to sense your presence, to feel your love, more than anything else. But, I don’t know what to do. Every path I follow leads back to me. I must find the way to you! I know you’re all I have. But I don’t know you well enough for you to be all I need. Please let me find you.” [Larry Crabb, The Importance of Finding God, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, 1993, p. 25.]

On one occasion Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14) Of course you know Jesus should be enough, and you wish He was, but sometimes you find it difficult to say that He is.

“Jesus will be enough.” It’s not a huge leap of understanding to realize that if it is sometimes difficult to consistently believe that Jesus is enough now, it may also be difficult to stay convinced that He will be enough in the future. It may be difficult to believe that He will be all I need. But you keep telling yourself that He is enough and that He will be all you need. Deep down you know it. There are no doubts, but then life turns against you, the breaks go to the other guy, or the other lady gets the job, or the other couple’s kid gets the scholarship. When then? Will Jesus be enough then?

“Jesus has enough, is enough, and will be enough.” That is true for Louie Giglio. It can be true for you. It won’t always be easy. There will be times when your confidence will waver, when your faith will grow weak, and when your trust will fail.

Confidence like that of Louie Giglio is the result of being challenged and overcoming the challenge. It comes by learning from you failures. It comes by taking note of the doors that God opens, the strength He provides, the wisdom you gain. It comes as a result of seeing God work in your friends, in your family, and even in the lives of those dislike and may disagree with. You can have a faith like that. You can believe that, “Jesus has enough, is enough, and will be enough.” Then, you will be able to help others believe that, “Jesus has enough, is enough, and will be enough.”

Tom

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

Vol. 17 No. 48 | November 30, 2015

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make church goers…people attend church on a semi-regular basis…do not expect too much of them. Just be nice to them when y see them on Sunday morning.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make nice people…people who are sweet and kind and…people who leave nice tips when they get good service in restaurants…they vote in every election and keep their homes and lawns neat and clean.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make church members…they participate in everything that is scheduled at the church building, give their ten percent consistently, and even take notes when on the preacher’s sermons.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make good parents…the world needs more good parents.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make politically correct and socially conscious citizens…people who care about abused cats, dogs, horses, world peace, the environment and taking care the homeless.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make people who are not afraid to offend their neighbors, quotes the Bible verse that says, “God helps those who help themselves,” and would prefer most of the refugees stayed out of our country.

No, wait. I think we may have missed something. I think we may have read that passage wrong. This is what Jesus really said.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples (a follower of Jesus) of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20, NIV)

We may have missed it, but we can still get it right. Let’s try.

Tom

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

Vol. 17 No. 47 | November 23, 2015

Maybe it was because it was a beautiful and cool fall-early winter afternoon. Maybe it because it was Friday afternoon. Maybe it was because the sun was going down and casting long shadows from the evergreens, the oaks, and the maples. Maybe it was the music I was listening. Maybe it was just a fluke. Maybe it was my age and where I am in life. Whatever the reason, this afternoon walk was a time of reflection on the week that was ending, the people I had interacted with, the sermon I was formulating for Sunday, and the next article I would write.

The combination of the angel of the setting sun and the shadows being cast by the trees across the hills the open fields, the ponds, and the path where I was walking was too much for this amateur photographer to resist from my thoughts and snapping a few quick shots from my phone. The old club house, pro shop, tennis court, and pool house are gone. The difference in the landscape is amazing. The leaves that two weeks ago were spectacular in color have mostly turned brown, blown away, leaving the trees embarrassingly bare. From the shadows in the distance down the hill a deer stood motionless to make sure I did not move in her direction.

Having reached the end of my outward walk I was on the way back when I stopped to get this one shot across the water with the sun to my back. Focused on the pond and the hillside in the distance I did not notice until that snapshot included my shadow long and stretched thin in the foreground of the picture. It captured the afternoon perfectly. “What a long shadow I am casting this afternoon!” I thought.

As Jesus walked the earth His shadow, His presence, brought good news to the poor, freedom to the imprisoned, restored sight to the blind, and release for the oppressed. He brought life to lifeless, hope to the hopeless, and joy to the joyless. His shadow, His presence, fell upon the angry, the hurting, the lonely, the sinful, the broken, and the forgotten. His shadow, His presence, was significant and make a difference in the life of all who will allow it.

That image coupled with those thoughts, nudged my pondering from an image of a shadow on the ground to the shadow of my life. What kind of shadow have I cast with the life I have lived? What kind of shadow do I cast with the life I am living now? As the light of the Son shines over me does my shadow impact another life for the better? Is the life I am living providing a moment of beauty, a moment of peace, a moment of encouragement, a moment of joy for those whose lives I am touching? Or, it is just a shadow?

I wondered about my shadow, my presence. What impact is my shadow, my presence, having on those around me? Do those upon whom my shadow falls, sense a peace in me that passes understanding? Do those upon whom my shadow falls feel a presence that will bring refreshment to their souls? Are those upon whom my shadow falls aware of the presence of God?

Today my shadow will be cast across more lives than I can fathom. Yours will too. May the shadow we cast bring good news to the poor, freedom to the imprisoned, restored sight to the blind, and release for the oppressed. May the shadow we cast this week offer life to lifeless, hope to the hopeless, and joy to the joyless. May the shadow we cast, may our presence, fall upon the angry, the hurting, the lonely, the sinful, the broken, and the forgotten in a way that is significant make a difference in their lives.

Tom

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

 

Vol. 17 No. 46 | November 16, 2015

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:5-7)

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)

“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)

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:17–18)

Let There Be Peace On Earth

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
With peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.
(Jill Jackson / Mark Miller – 1955)

The Prayer of Saint Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace; 
Where there is hatred, let me sow love; 
Where there is injury, pardon; 
Where there is doubt, faith; 
Where there is despair, hope; 
Where there is darkness, light; 
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console; 
To be understood, as to understand; 
To be loved, as to love; 
For it is in giving that we receive, 
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, 
And it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. 
Amen.
(St. Frances of Assisi)

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Lord, make us instruments of Your peace.

Tom

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

Vol. 17 No. 45 | November 9, 2015

Psalm 108 begins with, “My heart is steadfast, O God;” My response: “No. It is not!”

How can I say my heart is steadfast? Steadfast means, “resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.” That is not my heart.

My heart is far from “resolutely firm.” My heart wavers constantly. Oh, sure there is a part of my heart that constantly longs to know God and express my love for Him. But, that longing is easily distracted by life’s demands, life’s problems, life’s temptations, life’s struggles, and life’s pleasures. How easy it is to say “I love You, Lord” one moment and in the next moment express something completely different.

The heart regarded as the center of a person’s thoughts and emotions, especially love or compassion. How can I say my heart is steadfast? Oh sure, my heart’s desire is to love people, all people and help them know and understand the love the Father has for them, but how quickly I forget to, or choose not to, express that love to the person who has annoyed me, interrupted me, criticized me, betrayed me, or simply ignored me. How quickly I fail to show compassion to the  person who disagrees with my point of view or disappoints me.

My heart is far from dutifully firm. Oh, I dutifully obey the rules.  I dutifully fulfill my expected role(s). I dutifully perform my assigned tasks. I dutifully keep my commitments. But my heart seems far from dutifully firm. Another person’s actions or lack of action can result in a heart that easily gets discouraged.

My heart is far from unwavering. Oh, I have my moments or seasons when my heart stays constantly focused where it should be…seeking the Lord. And there are times when though my heart suddenly veers off track due to some unexpected interruption or some intentional departure of my own. But, to be unwavering consistently enough where I could say, “My heart is unwavering” is a stretch.

When I read the words of the Psalmist I am a bit envious and at times disappointed in my resolve because must admit that I do not always “sing and make music with all my soul.” I do not always “praise you, Lord, among the nations.” Or “sing of you among the peoples.”

But then I read verse 4: “For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” And verse 11: “Is it not you, God, you who have rejected us.”And verse 13: “With God we will gain the victory.”

After the complete reading I understand better than even though my heart is not always “steadfast,” the Lord is steady. When I am wavering He is fighting with me and for me. When I am not dutifully firm, God is solid and standing with me and for me and will help me stand firm.

The only excuse I have for not having a steadfast heart is my weakness as a human being. The only hope I have for ever having a steadfast heart is You, O God, who will “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.” And who will ‘“Save us and help us with your right hand.”

I long for my heart to be steadfast, O God.

Tom

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

Vol. 17 No. 44 | November 2, 2015

As I write this I am sitting in a coffee shop while outside the areas around me are being flooded by downpours of rain and heavy storms are pounding the region. There are reports of streets flooding, intersections closed, and wind damage. Parents are concerned about their children and their schools. Commuters are looking for alternate routes to get home and to work. Flood and tornado victims are evaluating the damages and dealing the with the shock of yet another unexpected weather system. As I sit here I am reminded of the reality that there is absolutely nothing I can do about any of it.

Around the world today, and on any given day, the threat of terrorism creates fear and paralyzes communities. Even in areas that would normally be considered low risk for terrorists attacks are reminded daily that nobody is safe. Major power brokers keep other major power brokers constantly on alert with threats of the use of nuclear weapons. As I listen to the warnings I am reminded of the reality that there is very little, if anything, that I can do about any of it.

Our cities are filled with growing homeless populations, deteriorating neighborhoods, and staggering numbers of children left to manage life for themselves. Statical studies on the rate of marriages that end in divorce seems to be growing with little indication of slowing down. Families are in crisis. Husbands and wives often work at least one job, sometimes two or more doing all they can to get their bills paid and reduce their level of debt. I read and hear those stats and realize how limited I am at making even a small dent in the trends.

People get sick. I can do nothing about it. People die. I can do nothing about it. People are abused, violated and murdered. I can do nothing about it. Churches split. I co do nothing about it. Children go to bed hungry and alone tonight. I can do nothing to alleviate that massive numbers. Families will lose their retirement because of unwise investments or gambling addictions. I can do nothing to prevent it. Women and children will fill shelters tonight because of abusive husbands and fathers. I feel helpless.

When I see more things that I cannot control than things that I can control, I reflect on portions of Psalm 31 (especially verse 14-15) where David reminds us of his desperate situation and where he turned for comfort.

Psalm 31 (NIV)

1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.
3 Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me,
for you are my refuge.
5 Into your hands I commit my spirit;
deliver me, Lord, my faithful God….
9 Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress;
my eyes grow weak with sorrow,
my soul and body with grief.
10 My life is consumed by anguish
and my years by groaning;
my strength fails because of my affliction,
and my bones grow weak….
12 I am forgotten as though I were dead;
I have become like broken pottery….
14 But I trust in you, Lord;
I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in your hands;
deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
from those who pursue me….
19 How abundant are the good things
that you have stored up for those who fear you,
that you bestow in the sight of all,
on those who take refuge in you.
20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them
from all human intrigues;
you keep them safe in your dwelling
from accusing tongues….
23 Love the Lord, all his faithful people!
The Lord preserves those who are true to him,
but the proud he pays back in full.
24 Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the Lord.

Those words remind me that it is not necessary for me to be in control, because God is in control. He may or may not do things the way or as quickly as I might prefer, but that is His choice. It is His world. He did create it. We are His people. He did create us. He can do as He chooses. My life reflects that His default choice is for my good, not for my harm. Most of the time I can rest easy with that thought.

A second thought that comes to mind in times when it seems I have no control, is that the only thing I really need to control is me. My thoughts. My words. My actions. My life. My attitude. And of those things the only one that I ultimately can actually is my attitude. Other people or things might alter my thinking. My words can be misinterpreted. My actions can be limited or mis understood. My life can be altered or taken from me. But my attitude is mine to choose regardless of my circumstances and the world around me. My attitude can and does determine how I perceive the thoughts, words, actions and life of those around me.

Consider Paul’s words in Philippians 4: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (4-9, NIV)

I cannot control everything, but I can control my attitude. That’s where I’ll start.

Tom

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

Vol. 17 No. 43 | October 26, 2015

Ten years older she was always there. When a bigger kid on the school bus did what today would be considered bullying, she came to my rescue. When our mother died as a young woman she accepted the role as the matriarch of our family at a very early age. Although physical stature would provide no evidence to prove it, Genia was my big sister.

To her husband for over fifty years she was his wife. Devoted to him and his family she stood by him, with him and times when it was necessary she stood for him. She loved him, honored him, served him, and was loved, honored and served by him. Together they provided assurance that marriages can last, that faithfulness is not old fashioned, and genuine servanthood is possible.

To her two children she was their mother. She loved them unconditionally, taught them, talked to them, guided them, comforted them, cared for them, showed them how to live and helped them understand what it means to be a parent. They loved her, listened to her, followed her guidance, appreciated her comfort and care, and learned about life from her.

To three she was their grandmother. She loved them with an everlasting love. She praised them. As she did with her two children she talked when she need to talk and listened when she needed to listen, prayed constantly, and reminded them often how proud she was of them.

To a seemingly endless number of people she was their Bible teacher. Through Sunday School classes, private conversations, cards and letters, email and even texting she shared the Word and messages of hope and encouragement. Along with being a Bible teacher she was a faithful and passionate prayer warrior. It would interesting to know how many times in her seven-two years she promised someone, “Well, I will be praying for you.” When she promised it, she would do it.

To some she was a writer. She published a few articles and poems and I suspect wrote much more that none of us have ever read. She did not make a big deal out of and she preferred that others not make a big deal about it either. Not surprising!

To those who worked with her she was known as a hard worker, a reliable worker, and a trusted employee. If she said she would do it, she did it, or explained why she could not. If she accepted the job the work got done.

To more people than can be counted she was known as friend. She had life-long friends. Not just acquaintances! New friends became real friends. She was genuine. She was authentic. She was open. She was honest. She was real. She was spiritual. She was fun.

To some she was a cousin, or a niece, or a sister-in-law, or a mother-in-law, or a neighbor, or a church member. The list of descriptive words that could be attached to all those titles would include all those already used plus: devoted, intelligent, responsible, and caring. She was known for her deep and passionate love for the people she called family.

To my own children, and the children of my two brothers, she was a substitute grandmother. We celebrated many Christmas in her home. When my two children were born she was the first person I called. When she could she attended their graduations and weddings. Most of us celebrated very few birthdays without receiving a card from her. At Christmas time she would ship us a package containing her sweet treat specialties: fudge, peanut butter fudge, and divinity. Sometimes I shared it with my children and few special friends.

Genia was all these things to all these people. Genia was known for her laughter, for her generosity, for her kindness, for her wisdom, for her faith and her faithfulness, for her loving nature, and for her passion to know God. As I grew up I watched her as she matured as a wife and mother, then a grandmother. I listened as she talked about our parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins and neighbors and friends of our family. I was the recipient of her prayers and encouraging words.

In some ways, I suppose some would say she stepped in as a substitute mother for me during my teenage years, but mostly she was my big sister. My big sister who has always been there. My big sister who has always assured me that I am loved. My big sister who I could call, or write, or text, or email anytime I needed and share whatever was in my heart. My big sister who often, more often than seems possible, who understood my frustrations with life and people and church because she shared those same frustrations with life and people and church.

Genia was many things to many people, but she was my big sister. In the quiet of the funeral home chapel I stood by her casket shortly before her memorial service and told her, “I know you are now in a much better place and I am glad for you, but I sure am going to miss you.” I do. And I will. She was my big sister.

Tom

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

Vol. 17 No. 42 | October 19, 2015

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 with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. (Romans 8:26–27, NIV84)

Aren’t you glad that you have the Spirit to help you in your weakness? On those days when fatigue has robbed you of the strength to function the Spirit helps you do what needs to be done. During those nights when your mind is so active that sleep escapes you the Spirit calms your spirit and allows you to rest. During those seasons of life when confusion and frustration characterize you more than any other words the Spirit helps function in ways you cannot understand, and often do not realize.

Aren’t you glad that when you don’t know what to pray that you have the Spirit to intercede for us? When your marriage is facing a crisis unlike any you have ever imagined the Spirit intercedes for you with groans that you cannot express with words. When your child is hurting and you are completely helpless to relieve their pain the Spirit intercedes for you with groans that expresses your feelings that your words are incapable of doing. When the members of your medical team explain that there is nothing more they can do the Spirit intercedes for you to express the agony that words are incapable of expressing.

Aren’t you glad that when you are having trouble understanding the will of God the Spirit intercedes for you to help you understand His will? When you are years into your profession but unclear if this is what you were placed here on earth to do, the Spirit intercedes for us in accordance with God’s will. When life changes faster than we can comprehend the Spirit intercedes for us in accordance with God’s will. When we search the Word for answers, constantly approach God’s throne seeking wisdom, and wait in patient expectation for God to reveal His plan the Spirit intercedes for us in accordance with God’s will.

There are times in life when search for answers and find none. There are times in life when decisions confound us. There are times in life when people frustrate us. There are times in life when the future frightens us. There are times in life when the past haunts us. There are times when we simple do not know what direction to turn. There are times in life when we want to quit. There are times in life when nothing makes sense. There are times in life when we realize we are blessed beyond anything we could have ever imagined and cannot understand.

During all those times take comfort in knowing that, “…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.”

Tom

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

 

Vol. 17 No. 41 | October 12, 2015

You wake up one morning and step outside and realize it is Spring.
The air is clear.
The temperature is warmer.
There is a sweet fragrance in the air.
The birds are letting you know they have a new song to sing.

You wake up one morning and step outside and realize it is Summer.
The air is thick.
The temperature is hot.
The humidity is high.
The grass has a crunch, you begin to sweat and think, “This is a bummer.”

You wake up one morning and step outside and realize it is Fall.
The air is fresh.
The temperature is cool.
The humidity is low.
The breeze stirs the leaves that are turning colors and it is time for football.

You wake up one morning and step outside and realize it is Winter.
The air is cold.
The temperature is low.
There is ice in the forecast.
You bundle up snug, rush to your car, and think about chili for dinner.

God woke up the mornings, the seasons, and days.
The days are all different.
The mornings are all new.
The seasons are all unique.
He designed each to be special and cause us to marvel His ways.

With the world in full motion, in the fullness of time He came here to dwell.
To bring us new life.
To bring us new truth.
To bring us a new way.
So His Kingdom has come to bring us hope, and life, and show all is well.

His Kingdom is as diverse as the seasons, all colors, all races, all ages, all people, is inclusive, is welcoming, is open to all.

With God’s love for differences in all He has created being so obvious, maybe we would do well to develop a love for differences as well. That just makes good sense.

Tom

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