FIRST WORD 11.7.24 – “Suffering”

“And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5

This is one of my favorite verses. Is that strange? I learned it well through sharing it with people that I would visit in the hospital and nursing home over the years. It was a reminder for me, and hopefully for them, that the suffering we experience does count for something, that it can actually serve a purpose in our lives! In fact, God uses suffering to make us better people.

Think back to a few years ago for both Holy Cross and First Lutheran churches. Think of the challenges both churches have faced – I won’t name them, because those of you who lived through the challenges know what I’m talking about, and each of you experienced it in different ways.

Now fast forward to today. Look around you and see all the life and energy we’re seeing in worship and on this property, with all the other churches and ministries. It is incredible! To be honest, when I first looked at First Lutheran a two years ago, I glanced at the information and said to myself “just another aging and dying congregation that just wants a chaplain to nurse them until they die”. Sad, but that was my first impression when I looked at the little information I saw. Sorry!

I was wrong. And how! A year later I saw the congregation was still open for call and something inside (we say the Holy Spirit!) prompted me to take a deeper look. The NALC representative, Shelly Shultz, who was a classmate of mine, sent me your papers so I could take a deeper look. Boy, did I see some challenges! And suffering, too. True! I could see a lot of pain in between the lines. But more importantly, I also saw endurance, character, and HOPE! It was that which inspired me to reach out and apply.

The challenges, even the suffering, never ends. But when we do this in the name of Jesus, it has meaning, purpose, value. Nothing comes easy, except the grace of God in Christ Jesus. That’s freely given, but perhaps harder for us sometimes to accept. But it is that grace that is so pure, so rich, that we need. I believe it is through the hard times that we realize our need for God, begin to see his mighty hand at work in us and around us, that we are most able to receive that grace. Who needs a doctor when we’re not sick! Who needs grace, if we’re not sinners in trouble?

I don’t know what you are going through right now, but God does. Some of you may not have a worry in the world right now (that’s never true!). Some of you may be carrying a heavy burden, feel alone and are hurting. Cast your cares upon Jesus, take his yoke of grace upon you, let him carry you through the hard times. He’s there, always, and forever, for you.

That’s all because of God’s love for you and me. We are worth it! We are valued, precious in God’s eyes. Let God’s Holy Spirit pour out His love into your hearts this week. Be filled to overflowing with his grace.

In the name of Jesus,
Pastor Dan

Special Announcements:

• We have a special guest musician again this Sunday, Frank Eddie. He’s a local jazz musician who sings and plays guitar that has lived next to the church for over 50 years!
• Sign Up at the back of the church for the upcoming Holiday Lunches. They will be after worship on December 1^st (Thanksgiving); and December 22^nd (Christmas). Thank you to our wonderful kitchen volunteers.
• Join us for a special movie matinee of: “Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin” on Sunday, November 24 at 2:55 p.m. at the Regal Royal Palm Beach Theater. 1003 North SR 7 Royal Palm Beach, FL. PG-13. COST: $10.00 payable to Pastor Dan. FOUR TICKETS are left as of printing this 11.7.24. Sign up at the back of the church or contact Pastor Baker through the office. We’re renting out most of the theater for this showing.

Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran pastor and theologian who joined a deadly plot to assassinate Adolph Hitler and save millions of Jews during World War II. His story begs the question, how far will you go to stand up for what’s right?

• Mark your calendars:
  November 17^th – Dedication of Basketball Court and Farewell for Todd Parish
  November 24^th – Thanksgiving Potluck Lunch after Church (RSVP)
  November 24^th – Bonhoeffer Movie at 2:55 at Regal Royal Palm Beach Theater
  December 1^st – Christmas Decorating after worship
  December 22^nd – Church Christmas Program at 10:00 a.m.
  December 24^th – Christmas Eve Celebration Worship at 7:00 p.m.
  December 29^th – Special Service of Lessons and Carols