Half of Americans claim relation to the Pilgrims.  But, few could relate to the illness and starvation that claimed half of them before the first Thanksgiving.  Most of us overstuff with food, family and friends and atone for it by shopping like crazy the next day.  Soon we forget what we were thankful for.

Jesus healed ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19).  Lepers seemingly had little to be thankful for.  Their bodies rotted away unto death -- no banquets, separated from family and friends.  They warned others,

"Stay away, we are unclean!"   But, to Jesus they cried, "Jesus,

Master, have mercy on us."  Jesus heard their cry.  He told them to show themselves to the priests.  On the way, they were healed.  Now, they had many reasons to be thankful.  No longer living-dead, they were acceptable in the community and temple.

Only one came back to thank Jesus.  Luke 17:16-19 says, [the former leper] fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.  Then Jesus answered, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?  Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?"  And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."

The leper was healed, forgiven, and given eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.  So are we.  It does not get any better than that!

However, a Baytown survey says less that one in ten of us are in church on an average Sunday.  As long as we have physical health, do we neglect spiritual health?

God wants you in a thankful lifestyle.  Call it ThanksLiving.  "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come."  Give Him all thanks and praise, Amen.

Pastor Raymond Van Buskirk, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Baytown,TX www.rlcbaytown.org

1200 E.Lobit St

Baytown, TX 77520