Heartlight Articles - Special Features

The Lord Is Faithful

tomnorvell@mac.com (Tom Norvell) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing (Psalm 145:13-16 NIV).

A man and a woman stand in the front of a church building and promise to love one another “until death separates us.” Troubles come. The joy fades. Temptation gets the best of them. One of them gives in. “I could not help it. It just happened.” They file for divorce. What happened to faithfulness?

The job offer comes with the promise of a hefty salary, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to advance. The economy slides into a slump, a recession, and things change. First come the rumors of about layoffs. Then, come the layoffs. The perks are gone. The retirement is gone. The security is gone. The future is dark. What happened to faithfulness?

The church felt like home. It seemed to be a good fit. People were coming. Numbers were increasing. People were being encouraged. Plans were being made. Life was good. Then, something changed. Plans were changed. Promises were broken. Hearts were broken. Relationships were broken. What happened to faithfulness?

There was a day when a man’s word was his bond. A handshake was good enough. A promise was kept. Vows were sacred. How elected figures talked in public was how they lived in private. When politicians made promises they tried to keep them. Something changed. What happened to the faithfulness?

Does faithfulness still exist?

Has faithfulness disappeared?

Perhaps we are looking for faithfulness in the wrong place? As Psalm 145:13-16 indicates, it is the Lord who is faithful. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. His dominion endures. He is faithful. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. He satisfies the desires of every living thing.

If the political speeches leave you empty, if personal integrity seems to be missing, and if you are weary of the endless contracts and paper work required to provide proof that the person with whom you are doing business will keep a promise causes you to ask what happened to faithfulness, then look to the Lord. Look to the Lord, He is faithful. Look to the Lord, He will keep His word. Look to the Lord, His Kingdom will last and His dominion will endure. You can trust Him. You can depend on Him. You can rest in Him. You can rely on Him. He will not betray you, forget you, or reject you. He is faithful. The Lord is faithful.

Tom Norvell is the author of "A Norvell Note." He ministers at the Hermitage Church of Christ in Hermitage, Tennessee.

Website: A Norvell Note

A Matter of Perspective

sherrill@cox-internet.com (Bill Sherrill) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Point of view has so much to do with the interpretation of an incident. I have just returned from 3,000 miles of driving though some of the most beautiful scenery one could imagine. We traveled through Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Eastern New York. The colors of fall were absolutely gorgeous!

We stood in awe amid the brilliant maples while listening to the roar of plummeting waterfalls. I wondered how anyone could choose to live in a zone where there was no changing of seasons. But, that is a point of view.

I was filling my gas tank at a station in Dansville, New York, and commented to the owner about how wonderful it must be to have this kind of beauty every year. His response was, "I don't see the colors that way. I know when the trees begin to change it is only a few days before another long, cold, hard winter!" It was a matter of perspective.

Those deprived of opportunities often pursue them with a passion, while those on whom such things are lavished may despise them. That which is common is never as enticing as that which is rare or just out of reach. The old saying is far too true, "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence."

I wonder if this is not also the explanation for many who find it so difficult to be active in the gatherings of the church? In many of the missions with whom I correspond, they report instances of people walking many miles just to be able to meet with fellow Christians. Sadly, here where transportation is the best in the world and few of us ever wonder where our next meal is coming from, we are reluctant to meet. In fact, it seems that many only come out of habit or guilt. Somewhere they have been taught their motivation is that they must go to church and take communion or go to hell. So, they manage to make the morning service, not because they look forward to the fellowship with other believers, but to be absolved for one more week. It is a matter of perspective.

Every year the Sherrill/Lynn families meet at a retreat center in Arkansas called Wyldewood for Thanksgiving. It is the high point of the year for many of us. We anticipate with joy the occasion of togetherness with family. It is a matter of perspective.

I wish with all my heart that the family of God would burn with that same anticipation! I wonder if some will find it burdensome to think of an eternity with all those boring church people in heaven? I guess it is a matter of perspective!

Bill is a long time minister in Nacogdoches, Texas who loves world missions. His passion for ministry has led him all over the world. In addition to his work as a minister, he is also a licensed professional counselor. Bill's family is also involved in ministry and service to the world and community.

Website: Bill Sherrill's Thought for the Week

Here I Am, Please Send Someone Else

mbarres@dnet.net (Mike Barres) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Do you ever feel inadequate? Have you ever felt like God wanted you to do something, but didn't feel like you were qualified to do it? Join the club. You are in good company. Moses and Gideon felt the same way.

God spoke to Moses through a burning bush. Think about it. First of all it's God speaking. You would think that he would just automatically believe that what He says is right and true. The Lord also gave him some miraculous signs to demonstrate Himself to him -- He turned a rod in to a snake and back again. He also made a healthy hand leprous and then healthy again. You would think that would be enough. Not for Moses:

Then Moses said to the LORD, "O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue" (Exodus 4:10 NKJV).

Moses felt so inadequate. He really wanted to say to God, "Send someone else." His words came out this way:

O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send (Exodus 4:13).

God was a bit angry with him, but told him that Aaron would be along to help. God is so patient with us as we struggle with our inadequacy and fear.

God was looking for someone to deliver the people of Israel again, years later, and chose Gideon.

And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him, and said to him, "The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor!" (Judges 6:12).

God wanted Gideon to know that He was sending him out with power:

Then the LORD turned to him and said, "Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?" (Judges 6:14).

Gideon didn't feel like He was the guy. He felt he had reasons not to be God's mighty leader.

O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house (Judges 6:15).

Gideon was so unsure and insecure that he had God make a fleece wet, then dry, and so on. God was so patient with Gideon to help him with his insecurity.

God does use unlikely people. Look at the 12 that Jesus picked to be His apostles. Look at other leaders throughout Scripture. All of this should be comforting to you and me. If we feel inadequate, that is good, because we will be totally dependent on God and God will get all the glory for what He is able to do through folks like us.

Praise Him!

Mike is a pastor and writer for a number of online publications.

The Lord Is Great!

tomnorvell@mac.com (Tom Norvell) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness (Psalm 145:1-7 NIV).

In this psalm of praise, David is overcome by the greatness of God. Can you imagine Him standing on a mountaintop singing or shouting, with his hands raised high above His head? Or, perhaps he is alone in his home, on his knees or face down on the floor. Or perhaps he is in the forest surrounded by the beauty of creation. He burst into praise:

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.

In his praise he expresses why he is in such awe of God. It is because no one can fathom His greatness. It is because He has done mighty and wonderful and powerful and awesome works. It is because there is glorious splendor in His majesty. It is because He has done great deeds. It is because He has demonstrated abundant goodness. It is because He is righteous.

As he dwells on the greatness of God he makes promises to God:

I will exalt you, ... I will praise your name for ever and ever ... Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever ... I will meditate on your wonderful works ... I will proclaim your great deeds.

Then he talks about what others will do when they become aware of God's greatness:

One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and they will tell of the power of your awesome works, and they will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

Let David's action and attitude be ours. Let's praise God for His greatness. Let's walk through the forest and take in the beauty of this season. Notice the magnificent colors of the season. Examine the detail that is found in each fallen leaf. Enjoy the breeze at it brushes your face. Marvel at the vision of His majesty. Praise Him for all the greatness you can see and all the greatness you have experienced. Tell your children of His greatness and tell them to tell their children.

Let this week be a time of celebrating the greatness of God, for He is great and most worthy of praise.

Tom Norvell is the author of "A Norvell Note." He ministers at the Hermitage Church of Christ in Hermitage, Tennessee.

Website: A Norvell Note

The Least I Can Do?

rob@woodfinprinting.com (Rob Woodfin) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"

He answered, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."

Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:25-37 TNIV).

Have you noticed how cavalierly the name of God is invoked when those He created disagree with one another over issues of moral import? How is it, I wonder, that anyone could muster up the courage to sneak into Heaven and swipe Jehovah's signature stamp?

Having never obtained a passport, I rely on my intuition that Americans have become the world champs at this stratagem. It underlines our foreign policy debates and permeates our domestic politics as well. Both political parties have learned how to play this game. But, I believe the Lord deserves a position of honor a little higher than our bumpers.

Yes, there are critical issues at stake in most elections. And once again our airwaves and email were replete with affirmations that the choices were simple. But let's look beyond easy answers for a moment and consider the principle objectives.

Why not start with probably the toughest one: abortion. The epilogue to this epidemic would seem to be electing candidates who will work to repeal Roe v. Wade and then the problem is solved. Seems easy enough, but it probably ain't so. Christian ethicist Shaun Casey points out that the day after such a Supreme Court ruling, 15 states would immediately exercise their prerogative to legalize it under their state jurisdiction and another 20 would at least consider it before passing legislation one way or the other. And even if all 50 states outlawed abortion, the problem does not go away. If that were so, there would have been no need for legislation or lawsuits in the first place.

The solution to this or any of our pivotal moral issues is not found on buttons and banners. Nor is it realized by what we feel is righteous indignation, but is too often perceived as religious bullying and bigotry. And when have you ever truly breathed a sigh of relief when government came to the rescue? "The Great Society" didn't fix poverty any more than "No Child Left Behind" fixed education. While we may want to see our laws changed, such a change would not quickly fix the moral confusion that plagues our culture.

Whenever we take an "all or nothing" approach to a problem, it sure seems as if "nothing" wins 99% of the time. The reason we often fail to consider the incremental alternatives is because they require that each of us put forth a personally involved effort. We have and will prevent the abortion of far more babies by offering a safety net for mothers-to-be than we ever will by winning legal or political battles. So, do you and does your church support such ministry? That kind of ministry rarely gets done over coffee and caustic conversation -- whether that partisan conversation is angry or gloating.

Here's another example. The challenges faced in our schools are innumerable. That was true before the Department of Education was created in 1979, and has continued to be the case even afterwards. Schools achieving the most success are quite often not the ones receiving the most money. They all need and receive funding, but the ones meeting challenges most effectively sure appear to be the ones where parents and the community are most involved. Ask most school principals which they would prefer, a government full of officials from their own political party or a strong PTO with community support and involvement; I think the latter would win by a landslide.

Voting for the ideal is a well-intentioned, but often fanciful notion that can divide friends, churches, and communities. And if all we do to address any given issue is campaign and vote for a candidate, have we really solved anything even if "we win"? Rather than merely electing someone to take care of sordid situations while we dispassionately "pass by on the other side," shouldn't we consider the divine strategy of reaching out to our neighbors with our own hands? Radical!

Maybe our slogan might be, "It's the least we can do."

Editor's Note:
We believe in the sanctity of life from conception. Any country that allows infanticide -- through abortion or abuse -- or geriatricide or any kind of selective murder wounds its soul. The point in this article, however, is that we need to resist the temptation of abdicating our discipleship to politicians and spend more time and effort personally ministering to the lost and broken around us.

Rob Woodfin is a printer and former community newspaper editor. Visit Rob's blog, Peculiar Perspective."He is an elder at the Church of Christ in Kimball, Tennessee. You can email rob at rob@woodfinprinting.com

Website: Peculiar Perspective

A Prayer for My Words

tomnorvell@mac.com (Tom Norvell) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Psalmist writes:

Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips (Psalm 141:3 NIV).
Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips (NLT).
Help me to guard my words whenever I say something (CEV).

Father, put a guard over my mouth when I am about to say something I should not say. Whether it is a word that is untrue, a word that is negative, a word that is critical, or a word that discourages, Lord, stop the words before they come out of my mouth. Close the door of my lips and prevent the words from leaving my mouth.

Father, take control of what I say. Help me think before I speak. Help me pause before I speak. Help me consider my audience before I speak. Some things are inappropriate for some to hear. Some things are inappropriate for all to hear. Some things do not need to leave my mouth. Father, guard my lips and control what I say.

Father, help me guard my words when I say something. Help me make sure that the words I speak are worth hearing. If they are not, let me be silent. Being quiet may be better than being foolish. Being silent may be better than being critical, judgmental, or destructive.

Father, sometimes there are words of encouragement that need to pass through my lips, let them through. Sometimes there are words of hope that need to be spoken, let me speak them. Sometimes there are words of exhortation that need to be shared, please don't let me remain quiet during those moments.

Father, there are times when someone needs to hear that I love them, let me say those words. There are times when someone needs to hear that I appreciate them, let me say those words. There are times when someone needs to hear something hopeful, let me say those words.

Father, there are times when I am afraid to speak. Please remove the fear that prevents me from speaking on behalf of the weak, the oppressed and the helpless. Please remove the fear that keeps me quiet when a child is neglected, abused, or ignored. Please remove the fear that prevents me from speaking when someone needs to hear of Your love for them. Help me never to miss an opportunity to speak for You.

Father, there are times when I need to speak, and times when I need to be quiet. Give me the wisdom to know the difference and the courage to respond accordingly.

Father, guard my lips. Open them when they need to be opened and allow the words that need to pass through them to pass. Close them when they need to be closed and prevent any word that might do damage to another soul from passing through.

Help me to guard my words whenever I say something.

I promise you that on the day of judgment, everyone will have to account for every careless word they have spoken (Matthew 12:36 CEV).

Tom Norvell is the author of "A Norvell Note." He ministers at the Hermitage Church of Christ in Hermitage, Tennessee.

Website: A Norvell Note

If the Lord Kept Records

tomnorvell@mac.com (Tom Norvell) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;
O Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.

If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins,
O Lord, who could stand?

But with you there is forgiveness;
therefore you are feared.

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.

My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.

O Israel, put your hope in the LORD,
for with the LORD is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.

He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins. (Psalm 130:1-8 NIV).

Here's a thought for you to ponder as you go through your day: What if the Lord kept a record of our sins?

The Psalmist says if the Lord did keep a record of sins, no one can stand (vs. 2). "Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy" (Vs. 1-2).

How would you respond? "Oh my! I'm in trouble!" "Tell me it's not true!" "I knew all that talk about grace and mercy was too good to be true." "I am ruined. I am a man of unclean lips among a people of unclean lips" (Isaiah 6:5).

It is a horrible thought, isn't it? Every sin you've ever committed would be kept on file. All kinds of questions race through your mind. Is the file locked? Who has the key? Would it be possible to have the key? There is no hope. I am doomed!

Then, in verse 4 our fears are relieved when he says, "But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared" (NIV). "As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit, and that's why you're worshiped" (The Message). "But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you" (The New Living Version).

From fear to respect.

From anxiety to relief.

From dread to hope.

From sorrow to joy.

From the worst news possible to the best news possible.

"With you there is forgiveness."

Thank You, Lord, for being a God who offers forgiveness.

Tom Norvell is the author of "A Norvell Note." He ministers at the Hermitage Church of Christ in Hermitage, Tennessee.

Website: A Norvell Note