A Novell Note (by Tom Novell)

NORVELL NOTE by Tom Norvell
- http://www.anorvellnote.com



A Norvell Note
Vol. 14 No. 15 April 18, 2011
God Is Always Doing Something Good

Here’s a challenge for this week.

First, let your first thought of the day be this: God is always doing something good. Make it your first conscious thought. As soon as your eyes open, or even before, as soon as you hear the alarm and are struggling to figure out why it is going off so early, let your first thought be: God is always doing something good. If you have to, program your phone to send you a reminder as soon as you wake up that says: God is always doing something good.

Let that thought take root in your mind. God is always doing something good. As you get ready for work or school speak the words: God is always doing something good. As you eat your breakfast (especially if you get to the refrigerator and discover the milk went bad three days ago) say to yourself: God is always doing something good. As you drive or walk to work or school, or as you sit at your favorite coffee shop say: God is always doing something good. When you’re sitting in class taking a test, or getting the results of a test, say: God is always doing something good. As you sit in the doctor’s waiting room, in the hospital waiting room, or waiting to hear the results from the battery of tests you went through last week, say: God is always doing something good.

Second, look for that good thing God is doing. It may be as obvious as that pink Dogwood tree in full bloom in your front yard. Or, it may be as subtle as a receiving a text message from a friend. God is always doing something good. What is it? Where is it? Don’t question it. Don’t try to explain it. Don’t feel embarrassed by it. Don’t brag about it (you didn’t do it; God did). But, certainly don’t ignore it. Don’t let it go unnoticed. Take a moment to acknowledge it. It may be something as simple as pulling up to the gas pump to notice the prices did not go up over night. It may be something a significant as learning your going to be grandparents. (By the way…we are.)

Third, share it. This probably should be a no-brainer; but that’s not always true. Sharing what God does not always come naturally. You think about it. You see it. You appreciate it. But, sharing it is not always easy. By keeping these good things that the Lord is doing to your self, you are missing an opportunity to encourage someone who may need it. You are missing an opportunity to help them see God. You are missing an opportunity to bless them.

“He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:10-12, New International Version, ©2011)

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:13, New International Version, ©2011)

God is always doing something good. Look for it. See it. Share it. Glorify Him.



Tom


A Norvell Note © Copyright 2011. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

A NORVELL NOTE by Tom Norvell
- http://www.anorvellnote.com

A Norvell Note

Vol. 13 No. 09 March 1, 2010

Look At Your Life
Rudy Kalis, long-time sportscaster for WSMV-TV (Channel 4) in Nashville, Tennessee, recently visited our church as guest speaker for a community breakfast. He his talk with Proverbs 16:9, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” He then shared events from his life story that illustrates how this simple passage has been the tread that tied it all together. Rudy has a powerful and amazing story! Throughout his testimony he passionately challenged us with this repeated phrase: “Look at your own life.”

As Rudy shared his life the words from the Psalmist,

So my spirit grows faint within me;
my heart within me is dismayed.
I remember the days of long ago;
I meditate on all your works
and consider what your hands have done.
I spread out my hands to you;
my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.
Selah (Psalm 143:4-6, New International Version)

“I consider what your hands have done.”

What do you see when you look at your own life? Can you, like Rudy Kalis and the Psalmist, see what God’s hands have done? Are there times when you look back that you wonder how you got through the most difficult circumstances? Can you recall a time when darkness engulfed you, fear oppressed you, and doubt defined you, yet somehow God did something? Has there been a time when you were ready to quit, but didn’t? Have there been days, weeks, or months when you wondered if God was listening only to later realize not only was He listening He was orchestrating events and circumstances for your good?
Look at your life. Look closely. Look deep into your past and reflect on how God was with you, guiding you, comforting you, instructing you, and gently inviting you walk with Him. While you’re at it compare how things turned out when listened to and followed God’s lead verses those times when you did it your way. Hold on to those memories as you move forward into the future. When you come to a crossroad, look at your life, weigh your options, and remember what God’s hands have done.
Look at your life. Consider what God’s hands have done. Live knowing that God is still with you, guiding you, comforting you, instructing you, and gently inviting you to walk with Him. Then, walk with Him.
Tom
A Norvell Note Copyright 2010. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.
http://norvellsnotes.blogspot.com/

A NORVELL NOTE by Tom Norvell
- http://www.anorvellnote.com
A Norvell Note
Vol. 13 No. 08 February 22, 2010
Questions
Questions haunt us and taunt us. Questions about faith. Questions about life. Questions about death. Questions about what happens after death. Questions about love. Questions about the future. Questions about our past. Questions about God. Questions about Jesus. Questions about the Holy Spirit. Questions about forgiveness. Questions about anger. Questions about church. Questions about our identity. Questions about worship. Questions about relationships. Questions about salvation. Questions about our culture. Questions about how our culture impacts our faith. Questions about how much our faith and our life impacts, or should impact our culture. Questions about our view of the world. Questions about how the world views us. Questions about our world view. Questions of who, what, when, where, and why? Are you weary yet? So many questions!
Questions can wear us down and wear us out. Questions can discourage us. Questions can frustrate us. Questions can defeat us. Questioning for questioning sake is futile. However, when questions lead us to the discovery of truth, to finding a deeper understanding of God, and the development of a stronger faith, they prove worthwhile.
The important thing about questions, especially questions of the heart and soul, is that we go to the One who can answer our questions in a way that heals our hearts and refreshes our souls. Here are three examples:
Job had questions about his suffering. His friends had questions about Job. “Why is this happening?” “What have you done?” He requested an audience with God so that he could ask his questions. God answered him, not exactly in the manner he was expecting, and eventually Job gained a clearer image God.
The leading religious leaders in Jesus’ day questioned his motives, his authority, his motivation, and his authenticity. His disciples questioned his decisions and questioned His reasons for leaving. When He was crucified, they questioned their future. They saw the resurrected Lord, received instructions for the future, followed those instructions and changed the world. Those with hearing ears and seeing eyes met the Savior.
The wisest man who ever lived had questions. He sought answers to questions involving the meaning and purpose for what he called his “Meaningless life under the sun.” His life experiences and questions are recorded in his journal, Ecclesiastes. At the end of his writings he shared his findings:
“Not only was the Teacher wise, but also he imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.
The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one Shepherd. Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.
Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.
Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil.” (12:9-14, NIV)
Are questions hounding you? Are you going to bed with questions and waking up with more? Are you searching for answers? Are you tired of me asking you questions?
I have only one piece of advice. Take your questions to God. He can handle them. He will provide you with answers. His answers may not come in the form you plan for or expect, but He will answer. He is the source for the answers you are seeking.
Tom
A NORVELL NOTE by Tom Norvell
- http://www.anorvellnote.com

A follow-up thought for this week's A Norvell Note:
"We do not pray for the sake of praying, but for the sake of being heard. We do not pray in order to listen to ourselves praying but in order that God may hear us and answer us. Also, we do not pray in order to receive just any answer: it must be God's answer."
(Merton, Thomas. Thoughts in Solitude. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1999, p. 104.)

Tom
A Norvell Note Copyright 2010. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.
----------------

A NORVELL NOTE by Tom Norvell
- http://www.anorvellnote.com
A Norvell Note
Vol. 13 No. 07 February 15, 2010
A Right Judgment
One of the concerns Jesus expressed during His earthly ministry involved in seeing and hearing. He spoke on more than one occasion about having ears to hear and hearing correctly and about overcoming our spiritual blindness. In one particularly heated discussion on the correct understanding of who He was, He spoke these words:
"Now if a child can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing the whole man on the Sabbath? Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.
Is Jesus the Christ?
At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, "Isn't this the man they are trying to kill? (John 7:23-25, New International Version)
On another He spoke of the danger of judging others without first taking care of our own business.
"How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:4,5)
The truth found in these teachings from the Master is revealed in conflicting fashion in our daily encounters.
By mere appearances one might make an assumption about the couple that is far from accurate. There's something about them that might cause one to conclude that their relationship has been brief and riddled with trouble and strife and dysfunction. On closer examination one learns that they have been happily together in on form or another for decades. The smiles they exchange reveal that they continue to be deeply in love with each other.
By mere appearances one might draw the conclusion from the multiple tattoos and body piercings on the young man's body would indicate that he delves into the world of darkness, isolation and perhaps even demonology. On closer examination one would learn that he is a devoted follower of Jesus, he is one of the key leaders in the youth group of your church.
By mere appearances one might incorrectly judge that the expensive suits, high-powered and high-priced car, and well-manicured lawn at his home in the gated community would indicate selfishness, snobbery, and pride. On closer examination one discovers that he gives a significant portion of his income to the missions in his church, teaches a Bible Class and meets regularly with a group of Christian brothers in an accountability group.
By mere appearances one might assume that the man sitting down the pew from you on Sunday is coming primarily out of duty and wants very little to do with the body life of your church. On closer examination it is discovered he was formerly a beloved shepherd for many years, but is now caring for wife who suffers from Alchemizes Disease.
If we base our conjectures on mere appearances we likely to misjudge, falsely accuse, and make inaccurate assumptions about people we encounter and either erect or reinforce the walls that keep us separate. Jesus pleaded with those falsely accusing Him of blasphemy and plotting His death to stop judging by mere appearances. He pleads with us to be just as careful about how we judge.
This week take another look at that person you have all but written off as a loser, or a troublemaker, or a problem, or an obstacle to be overcome. Look beneath the surface. Look behind the public projection. Look beyond the weary eyes, and the strange colored hair. Look instead into the heart.

Tom
A Norvell Note Copyright 2010. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

A NORVELL NOTE by Tom Norvell
- http://www.anorvellnote.com
A Norvell Note
Vol. 13 No. 05 February 1, 2010
Created To Do Good Works
There seems to be a deep desire inside us, something calls us to do good things? As Paul points out in Romans 7 this desire to good is at war with the desire of the flesh to do evil. But, occasionally, especially during times of crisis and suffering the desire to do good wins out.
We have all heard and read stories from the great depression, and the Great War, of courageous individuals who, in spite of fear, misery, and desperation, performed heroic acts of kindness and compassion to relieve human suffering.
The events of and in the aftermath of 9/11 we were inspired by acts of bravery and sacrifice. The images of suffering and pain compelled us to be nicer, to be kinder, to be more compassionate to our fellow man. (Of course, in some it also produced an attitude of, "Let's go bomb them suckers!" But, that would be another discussion for another time.) We saw, we read, and we heard of men and women who risked, and some even sacrificed, their own lives so that others could live.
Many who are reading these traveled to southern Mississippi and Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina to clean, rebuild, and restore hope to the homeless, helpless, and hopeless.
We are experiencing it again as we see the images enormous loss of life and property created by the earthquake in Haiti. Thanks to our technical capabilities millions of dollars was donated immediately following the quake by text messaging the word "Haiti" to 90999. The entertainment community that is so often criticized for the self-indulgent and egocentric lifestyle raised $57 million dollars in only a few hours with the Hope For Haiti broadcast on most of the major networks. All over our community Christian artists have held concerts and special events with all donations going to help the people in Haiti. News reports have highlighted stories of small children who hear about the suffering children and want to give their allowance to help the children in Haiti.
In my own life there have been untold occasions where people have offered to help, insisted on helping, and come to my aid in lovingly creative ways. Where would I be now had it not been for those "do-gooders?"
Where did this desire to do good come from? Why do we have such heart pain when we witness a natural disaster, tragedy, and human suffering? What is it that causes the creative juices to flow as we search for ways to help?
The answer may be found in God's word.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)
God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That's why he sent Christ to make us what we are. (Ephesians 2:10, Contemporary English Version)
In contrast to the evil almost unimaginable stories of cruelty we hear about every day, the Lord reminds us that we were made to do good things. The battle rages! But the battle is not futile. We have not been defeated. We have not abandoned the good inside us for dark side. People long to do good things. God created us to do good things. And He has prepared these good things for us to long ago. He knew we wanted to do good things. He wants us to do good things.
So, here's the task for this week: what good thing are you going to do? When the good intention to do something good pops into your head, don't ignore it. Do it! When the impulse strikes, let it happen. When you feel God nudging you, trust the nudge, and follow it. Do something good! You were created to do good things.
Enjoy doing good things this week.

Tom
A Norvell Note Copyright 2010. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

A NORVELL NOTE by Tom Norvell
- http://www.anorvellnote.com



A Norvell Note


Vol. 12 No. 52 December 28, 2009


Let There Be Hope


The sun is breaking through the clouds as our group gradually awakens to our last few hours of our Christmas beach vacation. Like every other morning this the first thing I did when I opened my eyes this morning was to peek through the curtains of my room to see if the sun is visible and to make sure the ocean and the beach were still there. The clouds are a pleasant shade of blue gray, and behind them is the sun. The waves, though not nearly as unruly as other mornings, are there just as I hoped. Coming in and going out. Rising and falling. Shrinking and swelling. All according to the schedule of the One who made the sun, the ocean and the waves.


Like every other visit to the ocean, this one provided us with time for laughter, time for conversation, time for reflection, a place to relax, and an opportunity to reconnect. Reconnect with each other, reconnect with our soul, and reconnect with our Creator. Now there is dialogue about next year's gathering.


Spending time near the ocean can remind us God's presence. As we take in the beauty of the beach, witness the power of the wind and the waves, observe the consistent rhythm God's handiwork, and acknowledge the influence of family, it is difficult to ignore the wisdom of the architect. There is a healthy rhythm to life. There is an arrangement to His creation. There is a purpose in what He has done and is doing. A significant part of that purpose is that He wants us to have hope.


The moods and movements of the ocean reminds us that He is with us and that there is reason for hope in this life and in the life to come. There are other images. The change of seasons reminds us of life's cycles. As one season comes to an end, another begins. A fresh fallen snow covers the dull colors of winter with a white layer of hope. A spring rain clears the air and washes away the dust and pollen. The birth of a child, then later the spiritual rebirth of that child, brings us the hope of new life. The end of a year and the beginning of a new year allows us to put the past behind us and look forward to the new one.

God's Word reminds us that we have reason to have hope.


"But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine." (Psalm 33:18-19, NIV)


"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13, NIV)


"But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope." (Galatians 5:5, NIV)


As we pack our belongings and leave the ocean we will reflect on the week of blessings that God has so lavishly showered upon us during our family holiday vacation. We are reminded that He has once again kept His promise to reveal His love through people, through nature, and through His presence. As we discuss the possibility of another gathering next Christmas, we will look forward with hope to what He has will accomplish in future gatherings.


As we move through the last week of this year we will look back on the multitude of blessings we have received in our family, our friends, our faith community, in our workplace, in the opportunities we have had for recreation and relaxation. We look forward to what God does for us and through us in the coming year. He will continue to love us. He will continue to bless us. He will continue to give us reason to have hope. And, because of the hope He gives us, He will give us opportunities to share that hope with others. So, let there be hope.


Tom


A Norvell Note (c) Copyright 2009. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

A NORVELL NOTE by Tom Norvell
- http://www.anorvellnote.com



A Norvell Note


Vol. 12 No. 51 December 21, 2009


Let There Be Love


Though the title sounds little bit like a sappy love song (surely there is a song somewhere by that title), this is not intended to be an article about a sentimental wish for a strange and unexplainable queasy feeling accompanied by a quiver in our stomach and a flutter in our heart when that special person walks into the room. (Understand, there's nothing inherently wrong about that; it's just the focus of this article.) Instead this is a plea for the family of God, during this "Most wonderful time of the year" and all through the year, to do what He asked us to do: to demonstrate to the rest of the world that love one another.


Jesus was made His desires obvious in John 13:34-35. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another."


This is how it reads in The Message: "Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples-when they see the love you have for each other."


The New International Version says, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."


The New Living Translation reads, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."


Isn't it time we allowed God's love to be the mark that identifies us? Haven't we been known long enough for so many things other than how much we love each other?


We've been identified as the people of "Don'ts." We don't do this or and we don't do that. We've been identified as the people who do or do not do certain things in our worship settings. We've been identified as the people of limited acceptance. We decide to accept this person or that person based on the presence or absence sin in their life. We've been identified as the people who love the Bible and follow only the Bible...while sometimes neglecting the people the Bible teaches us to love.


We've been labeled as judgmental, intolerant, close-minded, bigoted, prejudiced, out of touch, old fashioned, fundamentalist, narrow-minded, critical, rigid, tight, tightwads, stingy, divisive, defensive, un-Christ-like, holier-than-thou, negative, joy-killers, rude, and the like.


Of course there are exceptions to these criticisms where we have shown love, compassion, tenderness, and gentleness. Thus, the plea! Let's change the image! Let's commit to doing whatever we can so that God's people become easier to spot, become the norm, and not the exception? Let's make this is more than a nice wish or a fleeting thought of, "Yeah, that would be nice, but..." This is a call for change. This is a challenge to you and to me. Let there be love.


Let there be so much love among us that those who would criticize and judge would have a difficult time finding fault in us (1 Peter 2:12). Let there be so much love between brothers and sisters in Christ that we'd stop being shocked when we see it. Let there be so much love between us that we stopped wasting time fussing and fighting about our differences and joined forces with each, and with the Lord to be the "light" and "salt" God wants us to be. Let there be so much love between the people of God that the world is able to recognize us quickly and distinctly simply because we love each other.


The purpose here is not so that the world will take notice, but for us to live the life in such a way that the world, when they see us and hear us simply recognize us a person reminds them of Jesus. Whether they respond favorably or not is not the concern. Let's just show them a true image! Let's really give them Jesus.


Still looking for the "perfect" present? How about this? Give them Jesus. Give them a living, breathing, flesh and blood visual image of Jesus. Let there be love.


Tom


A Norvell Note (c) Copyright 2009. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

A Norvell Note
A NORVELL NOTE by Tom Norvell
- http://www.anorvellnote.com

Vol. 12 No. 50 December 14, 2009


Let There Be Peace


As recorded in Luke 2, the shepherds received word of the birth of Jesus with these words:
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (13,14, NIV)
Peace on earth. How's that working at your house?
Christmas is just over a week away. Is it there peace in your world? You've been working for days trying to get all the decorations up. You're almost finished. Then, you remember that you're supposed to bake cookies for your children's class parties. So, the decorations will wait a little longer while you run to the store, buy the ingredients, come home, bake the cookies and somehow manage get the laundry done before you and your husband leave for his office party. You come home exhausted from the day but before you go to bed you have to make sure the children have their Sunday best clean and pressed and ready for church tomorrow morning.
The alarm goes off much sooner than you prefer, but out of bed you jump and within in minutes you have the kitchen in full gear as you prepare lunch for your church holiday potluck luncheon. As soon as the luncheon is over you stop by a couple of stores to grab a gift for Uncle Fred and another for Aunt Lucille. Then, you rush home so you can prepare snack foods for the small group meeting in your home. The group finally leaves and after the kids are tucked into their beds you head back downstairs to spend a few minutes with your husband who is frantically trying put the finishing touches on a presentation he has to be ready for by 9:00 in the morning. "I'll be up for a while," he says, as you head toward the kitchen to clean up the dishes that were left from breakfast. That's when you see the box of decorations waiting to be unwrapped, dusted and put on display. You do about half the box and get a call from the mother of one of your child's classmates saying they have a family emergency and ask if you can fill in as a chaperon for the party. "Sure. I'd be glad to," you say as you finish loading the dishwasher.
Peace on earth.
Your boss just walked in your office, closed the door, and sat down across from you. They plant's cutting back. We have to let thirty employees go. Your job is safe, but he tells you that you are the best person to inform those thirty faithful employees, that this week's paycheck will be their last. It's the week before Christmas.
Peace on earth.
You had gone to the doctor for a regular check up last week and everything seemed to go fine. At least that's what you thought. Then, you get a call from the doctor saying he needs to see you in his office as soon as possible to "talk about something he saw on one of the scans."
Peace on earth.
Is there a chance the angels were misinformed? Surely they meant to say, "Chaos on earth and good luck to all men."
No, they had it right. It was God's desire when His son came to be "with us" that peace would reign on earth and in our hearts. It wasn't a miscommunication or wishful thinking. It was an announcement of what can happen when we receive the Messiah. Peace on earth.
It doesn't mean there won't be chaos in your world. Sure, you can probably slow your pace, cut out a few things, stay at home more, miss a party, bake a few less cookies, make some adjustments in how your job manages you, and find a way to reduce your level of stress. But, face it: life is a full-time job. It's hard to say, "No." Not impossible, but hard.
However, even though your life during these last few hectic days before Christmas if full and overflowing with activity, peace on earth is possible.
It starts with taking a few minutes to listen to the earlier part of the announcement: "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10,11). That's the key.
Peace on earth. A Savior is born.
A savior is born. Peace on earth.
The Savior is with us. Let there be peace.


Tom


A Norvell Note Copyright 2009. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

A NORVELL NOTE by Tom Norvell
- http://www.anorvellnote.com

A Norvell Note
Vol. 12 No. 49 December 7, 2009
Let There Be Joy
This season provides an excellent opportunity for us to address a common problem for joy-seeking people: how do we deal with those who would rob us of our joy? So, these suggestions are offered from one who strives to be more joyful, longs to help bring joy to people, and wants to hold on to the joy that is found only in Jesus Christ.


First, commit to memory these words. Recite them. Sing them often. Listen to them regularly (even when it's not December).


Joy to the World, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.


Second, whether you are singing them, reading them, or listening to them, remember there is a reason for the joy: the Lord is come! The Lord came to be "with us." He came in the flesh.

Third, open your heart to the King. Let every heart prepare Him room. Open your heart to prepare room for the King. Let Him in. Welcome Him into your heart daily.

Fourth, sing. Let heaven and nature sing. Sing. Sing. Sing. Sing joy to the world. Sing the Lord is come. Sing let earth receive her King.

Fifth, if all else fails, sometimes the best thing you can to protect your joy is to avoid some people. Do not be unkind. Be respectful. But sometimes you just don't need to be around certain people. Stay away from them.

Let there be joy in your world. This is one verse of one song that could help you maintain your joy. There are many other songs and many other passages of Scripture that can bring us joy and when we meditate on them, have the power to protect us and enable us to bring joy to the world.

Let there be joy in the world.
Tom

A Norvell Note (c) Copyright 2009. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

NORVELL NOTE by Tom Norvell
- http://www.anorvellnote.com

A Norvell Note
Vol. 12 No. 47 November 23, 2009

A Thanksgiving Challenge


5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature?a? God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature?b? of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death-
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11, NIV)

It is Thanksgiving week. Here's a challenge that is almost sure to make this one of the most meaningful weeks of your life. There are three simple steps.
First, spend some time thinking about a person in your life who has been an example of unselfishness. A teacher. A parent. A friend. A church member. An aunt or an uncle. A cousin or a nephew. An elder or a deacon. This is not a person who has been nice to you. This is a person who has lived a sacrificial, genuinely spiritual, and godly life. This is the person you have tried to imitate. This is the person whose face comes to mind any time you hear the word "unselfish." This is the person you talk about anytime the conversation flows toward good people who have had profound influence in your life. Think about them and thank God for them.
Second, tell them. Call them. Take them to lunch. Show up at their front door. Write them a letter. Send them an email. Post it on Facebook and all your other social networks. You choose the method of communication. The how is not as important as the doing. Tell them. Tell them how much their example has meant to you. Be specific. Be gracious. Be genuine. Thank them.
Third, imitate them. Stop dreaming about it and start living it. Be the example to others that you have seen lived before you. Live like them in your home. Live like them in your workplace. Live like them in your classes. Live like them in your church. Everywhere you go, life like them.
It's Thanksgiving week. There's your challenge. You become the example of unselfishness. Then, enjoy it.
Tom

A Norvell Note Copyright 2009. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

A Norvell Note



Vol. 12 No. 27 July 6, 2009



We Need A Hero



The Nashville community, and football fans all over the country, was been shaken as the news that Steve McNair had been killed. As reporters conduct their interviews and cautiously share opinions and commentary reactions from friends, fellow players, and fans vary: "Shocked." "Stunned." "Can't believe it." "Disappointed." "Very sad." As the investigators sort through the details of the tragedy we are left once again with the empty sick feeling that comes when a hero falls.

In my early years Mickey Mantel and Roger Maris were two reasons I became a life-long fan of the New York Yankees. The first time I remember them losing a World Series I cried. In 1978 when John Havilcek ("Hondo") retired from the Boston Celtics I cried. The Celtics are still my favorite team. In 1991 when Magic Johnson announced he would retire from the NBA because he had HIV I wanted to cry as I explained to my son what that all meant. As I watch the reports on McNair's death I want to cry for all the young boys who are forced to deal with the loss of another hero. I want cry when I think of all the fans, young and hold, make and female, who are now forced to accept the reality that another hero is gone.

We need heroes. Some of you have heroes from the world of sports, some of you have heroes from the world of politics, some from the entertainment world, some of you have heroes from business world, and some of you have spiritual heroes. All of us have had plenty of reasons to feel disappointed in as one hero after another has passed from the scene...some leave with honor and some leave in disgrace. Some leave having accomplished their mission; some leave with their mission yet unfulfilled.

Hebrews 11 is filled with what some have called the "Heroes of Faith." Name after name is given with a brief description of the life they had lived and the reason for being included in the list: "These were all commended for their faith."

We need more heroes of the faith. We need men and women who are willing to stand for what is right, who are committed to living to please God, and who persevere to the very end. We need people who are willing to allow there lives to be looked at, examined, and followed because they are living a life that honors God and desire to show others how to live the life.

We need men and women who are willing to live and sacrifice and die for what they believe even though they may never receive their reward in this life or achieve the goal they set out to accomplish. "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." (Hebrews 11:39-40, NIV)

In a world where heroes can rise and fall much too quickly, we need heroes who last. We need people who will accept the challenge to live before others with character, holiness, purity, and righteousness. We need heroes who will live like Jesus, talk like Jesus, and love like Jesus. We need heroes who will not compromise their principles whether they are in the public eye or all alone.

Maybe God is calling you to be a hero for someone. Maybe there is a young lady who could use someone to show her how to love her husband, how to be a good mother, and how to balance a career and a family. Maybe you know a young man who needs a role model. He's never had a father figure. He's never seen an example of a man who loves his wife, tries to be a good dad, and keeps his job, recreation, and family in a healthy balance.

Will you be a hero? We need you.

Tom

A Norvell Note Copyright 2009. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.