Pastor Ethan Boese
What Are You Thankful For This Thanksgiving?
That’s a loaded question. And here is my best attempt at a my top ten:
1. I am thankful for my wife.
2. I am thankful for my daughters.
3. I am thankful for my health.
4. I am thankful for the congregation I serve.
5. I am thankful for the strong leaders I work with in committees, council, and teachers.
6. I am thankful for the home my family lives in.
7. I am thankful for the landscape and wildlife in this area.
8. I am thankful for farmers and gardeners that keep Woodman’s Markets stocked.
9. I am thankful for police officers and those who keep the peace.
10. I am thankful for my catechism classes and the children in our school.
How would your list look? Would there be some similarities? Would it be vastly different? As Americans blessed with income, possessions, and family – it does not take a lot of work for us to fill a list like this.
There is one thing missing from my list. God’s Word. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Mark 13:31). We most certainly can look at the blessings we have and the world we live in and see God’s love. However, these things change. The family dynamic changes over time. Our health changes. For a pastor, the people and congregations you serve can change as well. Times of peace change into times of turmoil. And a time of plenty can change into a time of scarcity.
Not God’s Word. Not the wonderful things God reveals to us in his Word. Christ’s perfect life lived, and death died to pay for your sins; that will never change. Christ’s resurrection from the dead for your eternal life; that will never change. The love and care that your Savior has for you as expressed in this living and timeless Word; that will never change. The Holy Spirit working through that Word planting faith at every baptism, and strengthening faith with every devotion; that will never change.
What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? Whether your list looks like mine or is completely different we all give thanks to God for his Word. The Word that endures forever and ever. Amen.
Have a very blessed Thanksgiving!
~Pastor Boese
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
On the fourth Sunday of each month, Pastor Boese will invite children of all ages forward for the Children’s Message before the Hymn of the Day. Parents with young children may join them as they desire.
