Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks Luke 17:11-19

Many pastors have preached on this passage seeking to draw people into a giving back relationship with the Lord and those around us.

We can get so preoccupied with the issues going on around us that we fail to stop and recognize that the Lord is at work in our lives.

This thanksgiving slow down and give thanks to the Lord.

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, I felt that we should take some time to consider our hearts.

In the gospel of Luke Jesus tells us that as he continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, crying out, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!"

He looked at them and said, "Go show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, their leprosy disappeared.

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting. "Praise God, I’m healed!" He fell face down on the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. this man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, "Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Does only this foreigner return to give glory to God?" And Jesus said to the man, "Stand up and go. Your faith has made you well."

Luke 17:11-19

Every one of us has needs. Your needs may be physical, financial, emotional, family, and spiritual. We all tend to seek God’s provision for those needs. We pray for healing, strength, provisions and peace.

We see God work in our lives through answered prayers. These may include:

• Restoration of health

• Financial help

• Unforeseen provision

• Restored relationship

• Promotion at work

But are you truly thankful for these answered prayers?

There is a deeper truth than just the answered prayer. First of all it’s important to realize that Jesus has taken a personal interest in you, to the point that he even gave his life for you. Jesus provided a very specific answer to a very specific need. You needed a savior. Fortunately for us, Jesus doesn’t leave us the way He found us. "If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed."

This year I hope you go to a new level of thanksgiving. Don’t just give thanks for what has been given, but be thankful for the One who gave it. We encourage you to invite your friends and family members to attend our special thanksgiving eve service at 7:00 Nov. 22.

What have you been given today?