One of Ten #121

Luke 17:12 And as He entered a certain village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; 13 and they raised their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" 14 And when He saw them, He said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And it came about that as they were going, they were cleansed. 15 Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, 16 and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan. 17 And Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine-- where are they? 18 "Was no one found who turned back to give glory to God, except this foreigner?" 19 And He said to him, "Rise, and go your way; your faith has made you well." (NAS)

Are you thankful? Do you take the time to thank someone for their kindness to you? Jesus entered a village and met ten lepers who were begging for Him to heal their leprosy. Their plea was for Jesus to show them mercy. They had a dreaded terminal illness with physical and social implications. They were separated from family and friends; made to walk the streets declaring themselves to be ‘unclean’ and were total outcasts from society. No wonder they begged for healing.

Jesus gave them their desire and healed them all. As they were going to the priest one of them noticed he was healed and returned glorifying God and fell on his face thanking Jesus for the miracle of life. How sad that only one out of ten returned with a thankful heart. As we celebrate Thanksgiving Day ask yourself if you would have been that one; or would you have gone on your way and not returned to fall before Jesus and thank Him for a new beginning in life.

You can thank God right now for giving you life and life more abundant. Thanksgiving Day as you celebrate the multitude of blessings God has given to you; be the one who returns to God and show your gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving Day to you.

______________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings and Happy Thanksgiving!

As I drink my coffee this morning at Starbucks I think how great it would be to have the opportunity to sit down with you and share a cup. Reflecting on that which I am most thankful for my mind turns to people who have been a part of my life. From my Christian parents who took me to church and told me about Jesus to the many encouragers who have made a profound impact on my life. For all of you I call family the thankfulness of my heart goes out this morning. For those of who who are friends and a part of a great support system I give a big THANK YOU for being there so many times.

Years have come and gone and Thanksgiving Day means more and more. I wish we could all have Thanksgiving every day and maybe we would have a more loving and compatible world in which to live. Please tell someone thanks for what they have meant to you. God has made us relational beings in order to reflect the image of God who so loves us all.

The Encourager now is sent to 13 countries in our world; 27 states and almost 1000 people. It is my heart's desire to encourage one and all with the Word of God.

Sandy and I had a wonderful retreat last weekend in Avondale, AZ. The pictures are from the retreat. The attendees were all volunteer missionaries throughout the state of Arizona. We were personally encouraged by what we heard from these wonderful people who share their lives in difficult places. They serve the inner cities, the Indian Reservations, the homeless, small churches, college students, Internationals, and endless other places. I am grateful for each of them and their sacrificial dedication to telling others about Jesus.

May God bless you and your family on this very special Thanksgiving Day with family and friends, and my you share the love of God with them. ~ DGW

(The photos are of the The Mission Service Corp volunteers and Clint & Carol Smith, MSC Arizona Coordinators.)