Good Morning South Flint Nazarenes and Friends,

I am blessed today and as our ensemble sang yesterday, "Every Day is Thanksgiving." God has helped this pastor realize what a blessed man he is. I have experienced so many of the blessings of God that all I can say to you on this Monday morning is, I AM BLESSED. I was reading the story of the 10 lepers in Luke Chapter 17. As I read that story I wonder what happened to the 9. They should have all broke into a men's chorus and sang Psalms 103 joyously. It says, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases." But before we judge these men too harshly, what about our "Gratitude Quotient?" How often do we praise God for His goodness? Too many times this pastor thinks we're quick to pray but slow to praise. The story goes on to say that one leper returned, fell down on his face at Jesus feet, and gave glory to God. Among the Masai Tribe of Eastern Africa, there is a customary way of giving thanks to someone. The person who wants to give thanks will go up to the person who has done them a kindness and stick their face in the dirt and say, "I put my head in the dust before you." That is the way the people of this tribe show gratitude. That speaks to me that thanksgiving often promotes humility. We are not to forget all God's benefits but keep them ever before us.

In closing, Thursday will bring the Detroit Lions, turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, more food that we should probably eat, and family and friends. But just remember, in the story only the faithful 10% inherited Christ's true riches. Jesus always meets our turning back with fresh blessings and wonderful forgiveness.

May God's grace and the joy of Jesus be yours this Thanksgiving Season.

Till next time, Pastor Don

JOKE OF THE WEEK:

A YOUNG NUN WHO WORKED FOR A LOCAL HOME HEALTH CARE AGENCY WAS OUT MAKING HER ROUNDS WHEN SHE RAN OUT OF GAS. AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT, THERE WAS A GAS STATION JUST ONE BLOCK AWAY. SHE WALKED TO THE STATION TO BORROW A CAN SO SHE COULD GET SOME GAS TO START HER CAR.

THE ATTENDANT REGRETFULLY TOLD HER THAT THE ONLY GAS CAN HE OWNED HAD JUST BEEN LOANED OUT BUT SHE COULD WAIT IF SHE WANTED. SINCE THE NUN WAS ON HER WAY TO SEE A PATIENT AND WAS RUNNING LATE, SHE DECIDED TO WALK BACK TO HER CAR.

AFTER LOOKING THROUGH HER CAR FOR SOMETHING TO CARRY TO THE STATION TO FILL WITH GAS, SHE SPOTTED A BEDPAN SHE WAS TAKING TO A PATIENT. ALWAYS RESOURCEFUL, SHE CARRIED IT TO THE STATION, FILLED IT WITH SOME GAS, AND CARRIED IT BACK TO THE CAR.

AS SHE WAS POURING THE GAS INTO THE TANK OF HER CAR, TWO MEN WATCHED HER FROM ACROSS THE STREET. ONE OF THEM TURNED TO THE OTHER AND SAID: "I KNOW THAT THEY SAY JESUS TURNED WATER INTO WINE, BUT IF THAT CAR STARTS, I'M GOING TO CHURCH EVERY SUNDAY FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE."

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