When Suffering Lasts …

This past weekend, the final point of my message, “Your Pain is NOT Fruitless,” was “Remember, the pit only lasts for a bit.” (You can find the entire message here.) The point being that difficult/hard times in life come in seasons. The key to dealing with these seasons is to remember that they are only a season and “seasons” don’t last forever.

 I was talking to a pastor friend about the message, and he said, “Sometimes it doesn’t seem like it will ever end.” As I thought about his words, it occurred to me that for some dear people, the “season” of suffering or struggle (the “time in the pit” from the message) will last for the rest of this earthly life. From our human perspective, that sure seems like forever. I realized that for all of us we will reach a point in life (sooner or later) when, at least some portion of the struggles we face, will be with us until we die. What do we do then? What do we do when the season doesn’t end?

 Perhaps the most important thing we can do is maintain our perspective. If you think in terms of micro (small scale) and macro (large scale), our entire life is filled with micro-seasons … good times and bad times that happen for a variety of reasons. These good and bad micro-seasons come and go. However, our entire life is itself a micro-season that will eventually come to an end, and we will move into another macro-season which is Heaven. Some of life’s suffering will not cease during this lifetime. That is in keeping with our understanding that all healing in this life is temporary. Only the ultimate healing in Heaven will be complete and last forever. 

 Another critical thing to remember when a season of struggle goes on and on (or doesn’t end in this lifetime) it the Biblical concept of gratitude. Rejoice always! ¹⁷ Pray constantly. ¹⁸ Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) One of the reasons the Bible teaches us to be people of gratitude is the fact that life gets heavier and heavier. What I mean is that this is a sinful and fallen world. Over the course of our lifetimes (no matter how long that may be), there is an accumulation of hurts, painful memories, and illnesses (among other things) that take a toll on our hearts and minds. God’s WORD instructs us to practice gratitude because giving thanks is powerful. Thanksgiving has the power to cut through the ugly parts of life to help us see our blessings. When we recognize our blessings, that awareness alone can create a micro-season of joy and peace. Gratitude is powerful, and we MUST practice it in the hard times, so we are skilled “givers of thanks” when the times are more difficult.

 When we practice gratitude, we can realize the truth of 2 Corinthians 1. This powerful section of scripture (that speaks of the struggles and heartaches of the Apostle Paul) reminds us that when we struggle, God, himself is there to comfort us and help us through our hurts. Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. ⁴ He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4) In fact, even as He helps us through the painful times on our lives, He is also preparing us to help others. The efficiency and single-mindedness of our God is incredible. He doesn’t waste anything … especially our pain.

 That brings me to my final thought. When we move through this life with its mountain-tops and deep valleys, our God reminds us that HE has a purpose for us, our lives and even our struggles. At the heart of who we are is the reality that we are children of God. His love never leaves us. And His purpose for us is always good, even if what we are enduring is terrible. Never forget: You are God’s masterpiece! He created you and re-created you with purpose … for now (whatever the circumstances) and eternity!We may not always see His goal, but we can trust His love for us. Look at how great a love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children. And we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it didn’t know Him. ² Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed.  We know that when He appears, we will be like Him because we will see Him as He is. (1 John 3:1, 2)

Here is a beautiful song by Matthew West named “Mended.”

And one of my all-time favorites, MercyMe singing, “Flawless.”

 

 

 

The WORD for Today is 1 Corinthians 1.

The WORD for Today is 1 Corinthians 1. In this chapter, Paul is talking about wisdom and foolishness. In particular, he talks about how the wisdom of this world is foolishness in reality. And how the world views as foolishness our faith in God and His grace and His plan of salvation. But in verse 18, Paul goes even farther. The message of the cross of Jesus isn’t just wisdom. It is power!

The word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the power of God to us who are being saved. 1 Corinthians 1:18

Think about that for a moment. The message of the cross is not just wisdom; it is real power. In my life and your life, the word of the cross brings forgiveness! Our most profound, darkest sin and shame erased through the message of the cross! Can you imagine, you get a fresh start every day! Wow!

The message of the cross also brings love! Not the fickle love of this world or our culture … love that is here today and gone tomorrow. The love we find in the message of the cross is a love that NEVER changes and NEVER goes away. It is UNCONDITIONAL, CONSTANT, FEARLESS and FAITHFUL. That kind of love is powerful. So powerful that it not only comforts us (since God will never stop loving us) but it changes us! It works in our hearts and minds and transforms and renews us.

The message of the cross also brings hope! If our sins are erased, and God loves us with such an outrageous love, what can defeat us? You and I (purely by God’s grace) are His children and heirs of eternity. No matter what we face, He is with us. No matter how many days we have in this life, God has prepared a place for us in eternity. No matter how hard life may be right now, God is working everything (even the bad stuff) together for our good.

January 30, 2018 – The WORD for Today is 2 Peter 1.

The entire book of 2 Peter is only three chapters long, but what a book! I had a hard time not highlighting the whole chapter. However, one section, tucked away in the midst of the chapter jumped out at me this morning.

In verses 12-15, Peter is talking about his encouragement of the people to remain “in the truth” of the Gospel and God’s WORD. He makes the point that he will continue as long as he “is in this bodily tent,” which means as long as he is alive. Then, in verse 15 he says these words, “And I will also make every effort so that you are able to recall these things at any time after my departure.” With the word “departure” he is speaking of his death. That’s what jumped out at me. While Peter is determined to bless and encourage the faith of the people he loves while he’s alive, he is also thinking about his legacy. What he will leave behind after he dies and his focus is to make sure that his life, example, and teaching prepare his loved ones to know Jesus!

What legacy are you leaving for your loved ones?

I am not sure there is a more important question for those who believe! Our legacy of faith, by the power of the Holy Spirit, not only impacts our loved ones, but it touches the lives of people we never know. So, let’s work on our legacy today … in words, actions, and attitudes that introduce people to Jesus!

And just in case you were thinking that this “legacy stuff” us just for old people like me, you can NEVER begin working on your legacy too soon. Imagine our world and the impact of the Gospel if our children and grandchildren learn the power of their lives and love (combined with the power of the Holy Spirit) to bring hope to our world and introduce people to Jesus!

By the way, I am reading the Bible each day using the You Version Bible app which you can find in all the different platform app stores.  If you use this app, please send me a friend request. Just search for Bill Tucker in San Antonio and click on the “Add Friend” button. I’d love to share this Bible reading adventure with you. When you use the You Version Bible app, you can also choose from MANY different translations (including the CSB which we are using at Concordia during 2018), and you can even have the Scripture read to you in a variety of different voices!
Parents, there is also a You Version Bible app for kids!
These apps are beautiful resources, and they are absolutely FREE.

If you are looking for the WORD for Today schedule of Bible Reading, you will find them here … WORD for Today schedule of Bible Readings.

How can we help?

Beloved Concordia Family and Friends,

Hurricane Harvey has wreaked havoc on the Coastal Bend area of Texas.  The remnants of the storm have been referred to as an “800-year flood event.” (Think about that.  800 years ago, it was 1217 AD!)  There are so many that have been and are being impacted by this storm.

While we, here in San Antonio, sit in relative safety, it is heavy on my heart to encourage all of us to help and use our blessings to bless those so powerfully afflicted.  When I say, “help,” I am thinking of three specific ways.

Immediate ways to help

Pray.  

1. Pray for those who are in danger, those who are stranded, and the hundreds, if not thousands, of first responders and citizens who are working tirelessly to provide rescue and relief.
2. Pray for this storm to move on!  I know that the forecasts say that it isn’t going to happen, but … God is able.
3. Pray for those who will see and hear of all the needs associated with this storm.  Pray that our response will be unprecedented as we move into action and demonstrate the heart of Jesus as we love our neighbors.

Give.

Your donations will help to provide the funds necessary to begin the recovery process and provide for basic needs.  There are many ways to give, but here are a couple of simple and powerful ways:

1. • Make a donation to Concordia.  We have established the J2e3 Disaster Relief Fund for this purpose.  100% of the funds collected will be passed along to those in need in the Coastal Bend and Houston areas for Hurricane Harvey relief. CLICK HERE.
   • Make your donation to the Disaster Relief Fund of the Texas District.  The district has also pledged that 100% of the funds collected will be applied to the needs here in Texas.  CLICK HERE.

Please be aware that most agencies that receive gifts for disaster relief keep a percentage of what is received for administrative costs. 

How to help in the weeks ahead

Sign up.

Other than first responders and local volunteers, no one is able to enter the most affected areas at this point.  We are coordinating with congregations and agencies in the Coastal Bend and Houston areas to be ready when our physical assistance will be welcomed and possible.  At this point, there are two types of needs …

1. People who are willing to help with preparations here in San Antonio.  You don’t have to leave San Antonio to provide wonderful help by preparing supply kits to distribute to the affected areas.
2. People who are able, when the opportunity presents itself, to consider making the trip to these areas to provide the physical help that is needed.

So that we are able to act quickly, please consider signing up by clicking this link and letting us know some basic information so we can be in touch with you.

I am grateful for your generosity in time and treasure as we step up to this opportunity and help meet the needs of our brothers and sisters.  Thank you for shining like stars in the universe as we hold out the WORD of Life!

Sincerely,

Pastor Bill Tucker

Hurricane Harvey and the weekend of 8/27/2017

Beloved Concordia Family,

We have some CRAZY weather in store for this weekend!  I wanted to share a few details of our plans for the weekend at Concordia.

Hurricane Harvey Update As I’m sure you’re aware, Hurricane Harvey is expected to make landfall around Corpus Christi early tomorrow morning as a Category 3 storm.  Because of the slow-moving nature of this storm, flooding across the Coastal Bend and even in San Antonio is possible and, in many places, expected, along with widespread power outages.  I wanted to share with you some updates on the preparations we are making at Concordia for this weekend.

Safety First First and foremost, I want you to stay safe!  Do not risk trying to travel through low-water crossings or driving in severe weather to get anywhere, including Concordia.  At home, make sure you’re prepared for power outages with plenty of water, non-perishable food items, along with batteries for flashlights and radios.   Make sure also to unplug all small appliances to protect them from power surges.  My prayer is that everyone takes the proper precautions necessary to ride out this storm so that everyone is safe.

Worship and Streaming We will have worship this weekend at our regularly scheduled times:  Saturday at 6 pm, Sunday at 8, 9:30, and 11 am, and Vespers at 5 pm on Sunday.  We have already made plans for our services to continue, even if we do not have power.  If you are not able or are not planning to join us this weekend on campus, please stream our Sunday morning services at Concordia.cc.  You will also be able to stream the services via Facebook Live, if you prefer.

In the very worst-case scenario, you can always watch a previous worship service at ConcordiaOnline.cc.

Sunday School and Adult Bible Class Move-Up Sunday, when we move children up to the next grade level of their Sunday School class, was scheduled for this weekend, but has been postponed.  We will update you soon on the new date for Move-Up Sunday.  Sunday School and Adult Bible Class will be held as long as we have power and there are not issues with standing water in buildings.

School and Child Care As of now, our school and child care centers will be open on Monday.  Depending on the weather and the flooding this weekend, this may change.  We will post any updates or changes on our website and will send them to local TV and radio stations.  Our school administration will also be sending out email updates to parents. 

Pastoral Emergencies If you have a pastoral emergency, you will be able to reach someone by calling the church office at 479-1477.

Updates  Please check Concordia.cc or our social media pages on Facebook and Twitter for continued updates.  You can also sign up to receive instant updates by texting “Concordia” to 51555.

Pray!  Please join me in prayer that God would protect everyone through this storm.  As Hurricane Harvey approaches the Texas Gulf Coast, its potential for damage and destruction is HUGE!

Heavenly Father, Your Word reminds us that, even in the midst of storms, we are always in Your care.  We pray that, as Hurricane Harvey approaches land, You would protect the people and property of this region and that, as You see fit, You would turn this storm in a way that minimizes damage.  

 To those who are frightened, give peace.  To those who ride out the storm, grant safety.  To those who evacuate, provide not only a place to stay, but preserve for them a place to return.  

Be with the police officers, the firefighters, the EMS personnel, the governing officials, the health care professionals, the refinery workers, and any others who, by virtue of their vocations, are called to remain in the adversely affected areas.  We thank You for their willingness to serve and we pray that You would protect them.  

 Thank you, kind Father.  We know that, even when a powerful storm strikes, You are bigger and stronger than any storm.  Help us to always remember that Your Son, Jesus, is with us through EVERY storm.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

 

Just a couple more weeks in our Summer Sermon Series … Genesis!

This weekend we continue our look into Genesis and Joseph’s life in Chapter 40.  After being thrown into a cistern, Joseph eventually winds up in prison in Egypt.  But even in prison, Joseph seeks to serve God by helping others.  During our worst times, do we seek to help others, or are we only focused on ourselves?

The weekend’s message is titled, “Two Dreamers.”  It is based on Genesis 40:1-8.

Some time later, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their master, the king of Egypt. ² Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, ³ and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same prison where Joseph was confined. ⁴ The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them. After they had been in custody for some time, ⁵ each of the two men – the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were being held in prison – had a dream the same night, and each dream had a meaning of its own. ⁶ When Joseph came to them the next morning, he saw that they were dejected. ⁷ So he asked Pharaoh’s officials who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why do you look so sad today?” ⁸ “We both had dreams,” they answered, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.”  Genesis 40:1-8

I can’t wait to see you this weekend!  May God bless you and keep you.

Pastor Bill

Who will be greatest?

In my daily Bible reading (using the Word for Today schedule), I was looking at Matthew 20 this morning.  Beginning in verse 20, James and John’s mother goes to Jesus with a request for her sons.  They want positions of power in Jesus’ kingdom.  Jesus tells the sons and the mother that they have no idea what they are asking, but that they will, in fact, share in His “cup” of suffering.   When the rest of the disciples hear about this request, they are angry … because they want those same positions of power.  That’s when Jesus makes a statement that we all need to take to heart.

Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. ²⁶ It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, ²⁷ and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, ²⁸ even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 

My question today (of myself and you) is, “Where is your heart?”  What I mean is that we all have places and situation where we have power and authority.  How do we handle those opportunities?  The temptation to “lord it over” others and exercise authority for our own benefit is powerful. 

 But I love the words of Jesus, “It shall not be so among you.”  We are of a different spirit and mentality through Christ.  Our first instinct should be to serve those around us (like Jesus), rather than desiring to be served.  That takes some practice.  But it helps to remember, Ephesians 2:10. We have been re-created in Christ as a divine masterpiece!  In fact, God has planned our re-created life around good works that serve others and model the grace and love of Jesus.

 So, let’s take up Jesus’ challenge.  Let’s seek real greatness through service and servant-hearted leadership.  Let’s show the world that we follow the King through our loving kindness to others.

“Super Moon!”

“Super moon!”  Scientists tell us that this is the best view of the moon we will have between now and 2034!  That is quite a while.  I hope you have had the chance to enjoy this rare spectacle, but if not, here are some great pictures taken by friends and one from the internet.

What really caught my attention with regard the “Super Moon” is the is that the moon is really no different today than it was in 1948 (the last time it appeared this big) or than it will be in 2034 (the next time it will appear this big).  It is actually the coincidence of a full moon with the closest approach that the moon makes to the Earth in its orbit.  The technical term is the perigee-syzygy of the Earth–Moon–Sun system.  So in short, it really isn’t about the moon at all!

The reason why that is so interesting to me is that it reminds me of the way that we have a tendency to misconstrue things.  Especially when it comes to faith.  We often think of Jesus as coming closer to us at particular times and being more distant at others.  As if the circumstances in our lives, behavior, heartaches, or struggles could “move” God closer or further away.  That simply isn’t true!  Jesus doesn’t change.  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) On top of that, Jesus’ last word before He ascended into heaven was, “I am with you always.”  (Matthew 29:20)  That means that He isn’t moving back and forth, He is right there … next to you … right where you need Him.

So when we feel like God/Jesus is far away, what is really going on?  Well, sometimes our ability to perceive the spiritual truth is clouded by the physical and emotional realities around us.  Sometimes, we have allowed our hearts and minds to be filled with other thoughts and priorities and have drifted (in our perception) away from God.  Sometimes we just aren’t listening.

So what can we d0?  I would suggest three things.  1)  Pray.  Just because you feel like there is a distance between you and God, don’t stop praying.  Keep it up!  And in addition to telling God what you need, be sure and allow some quiet moments to listen.  2)  BE IN THE WORD!  God makes the promise that wherever His WORD is, He Sprit is there, also.  Read the Bible.  If you want to know where God is at this very moment … FOR SURE … He is waiting for you in the pages of Scripture.  Not as a story to read, but as a living and active friend and leader and “lover of your soul.”  Finally, 3) Trust. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5, 6)  Don’t let your short term struggles distract you from the truth.  The one who called you to faith will NEVER abandon you.  Trust that.  Believe that.  Write it down and read it over and over again!  God loves you with an unconditional and everlasting love.