Title: The Power Of Gratitude: Remembering To Say Thank You

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Introduction:

Hey there, friends! Have you ever noticed how saying "thank you" doesn't always come naturally? We see this even in young children who often expect things without appreciating them. As adults, we might struggle with expressing gratitude, especially when it comes to thanking the Lord. Today, let's explore the story of the grateful leper from Luke 17 and discover the importance of cultivating a thankful heart.

I. Spiritually Leper: Difficulty in Expressing Gratitude

A. Thankfulness is not a natural response.

B. Reflecting on scenarios where we often forget to thank the Lord.

C. James 1:17 reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes from above.

II. The Story of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19)

A. Ten lepers encounter Jesus on their journey.

B. They cry out for mercy, and Jesus instructs them to show themselves to the priests.

C. As they obeyed, all ten were cleansed, but only one returns to express gratitude.

III. Point #1: Remembering our Past and Being Thankful

A. The grateful leper remembers his life in the leper's camp, isolated and deemed unclean.

B. He recognizes the transformation Jesus brought to his life.

C. Gratitude is rooted in remembering where we came from.

IV. Point #2: Recognizing Jesus as the Source of Change

A. All ten lepers called out to Jesus for healing.

B. Only one returns to give thanks, acknowledging Jesus' role in their transformation.

C. Giving credit where credit is due—every good and perfect gift is from above.

V. Point #3: The Ungratefulness of the Nine

A. Jesus notices the absence of the other nine lepers.

B. Though He didn't explicitly ask them to return, their lack of gratitude is evident.

C. Unfinished business—taking time to express gratitude to God.

VI. Point #4: The Power of Appreciation and Opening Doors to Blessings

A. The one grateful leper receives not only physical healing but also spiritual healing.

B. Gratitude paves the way for more blessings in our lives.

C. Checking our gratitude as a key to experiencing God's continued blessings.

VII. Point #5: The Story of John's Life Transformation

A. Share a personal story of John, who experienced a life-changing encounter with God.

B. John reflects on his past, filled with struggles and brokenness.

C. He recognizes the incredible transformation and blessings that God has brought into his life.

D. Expressing deep gratitude for God's love, forgiveness, and restoration.

VIII. Point #6: Embracing a Lifestyle of Gratitude

A. Encouragement to develop a habit of thankfulness in our daily lives.

B. Practical tips for expressing gratitude to God, including prayer, journaling, and acts of kindness.

C. The impact of gratitude on our spiritual growth, relationships, and overall well-being.

Conclusion:

Today, my friends, let's take a moment to examine our own hearts. Are we truly grateful for the goodness of God in our lives? Like the grateful leper, may we remember our past, recognize Jesus as the source of transformation, and express gratitude to Him. Let us not be among the ungrateful nine but instead cultivate a spirit of thankfulness that opens doors to more blessings from above.

Remember, it is God's will for us to give thanks. So, let us commit to saying "thank you" to the Lord in all circumstances and for every good gift He bestows upon us. As we do so, we will experience the joy and peace that come from a heart overflowing with gratitude.

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Introduction:

Hey there, friends! Have you ever noticed how saying "thank you" doesn't always come naturally? We see this even in young children who often expect things without appreciating them. As adults, we might struggle with expressing gratitude, especially when it comes to thanking the Lord. Today, let's explore the story of the grateful leper from Luke 17 and discover the importance of cultivating a thankful heart.

I. Spiritually Leper: Difficulty in Expressing Gratitude

Saying "thank you" can be a challenge for many of us. We live in a society that often fosters a sense of entitlement. We're accustomed to instant gratification and take things for granted. Thankfulness is not a natural response; it must be learned and nurtured. Even as mature Christians, we may find ourselves struggling to express gratitude to the Lord.

Take a moment to think about scenarios in your own life where you forget to say "thank you" to God. Perhaps it's when you fill up your gas tank, enjoy your favorite music on the radio, or experience a peaceful night's sleep. These everyday blessings often go unnoticed and unappreciated. But James 1:17 reminds us that every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, in whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

II. The Story of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19)

Let's turn our attention to the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19. These individuals were afflicted with a dreadful disease that isolated them from society. When they saw Jesus passing by, they cried out, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" Moved with compassion, Jesus instructed them to go and show themselves to the priests. As they obeyed His command, they were miraculously cleansed.