November 22, 2021
Dear friends,
It’s such a common expression that, like many turns of phrase, it so easily loses its meaning. “Thank God!” gets bandied about like cheap slang. And yet, there is something ironic about how regularly it gets used. In fact, perhaps it should be used more often.
“Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15). Paul can’t find the words to express the glory of God’s gift of grace. It is surpassing. It is beyond measure. It can’t be described, much less can we adequately thank God for it. How could we even begin to show gratitude for the gift of his Son? For the forgiveness of sins? For reconciliation with our heavenly Father? For rescue from death, the grave, and hell? For eternal life? For perfection and holiness?
How can we even begin to show gratitude for the daily blessings of God? For food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband or wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, self-control, good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbors, and all the rest – how could we even begin?
Thank God that he gives it all to us as a gift! Thank God that we have nothing to repay! Thank God that the expression of thanks that God treasures most of all is simply receiving his gifts, putting them to use, and asking for more!
Thank God that when trouble comes and we think we have little to be thankful for, even then God is being gracious to us. Thank God for his discipline and correction! Thank God for showing us our sin! Thank God for loving us enough to call us to repentance! Thank God for his fatherly attention!
“What shall I render to the LORD
for all his benefits to me?
I will offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving
And call on the name of the LORD” (Ps. 116:12, 17).
God bless and keep you,
Pr. Buchs
COMING EVENTS:
Thanksgiving Eve service – Wednesday, November 24 @ 7pm
Christmas Decorating – Saturday, November 27
Budget/Election Meeting – Sunday, December 5 @ 11:30am
Family Night – Wednesday, December 8 @ 5:30pm
Elders/Council – Thursday, December 9 @ 6/7pm