Generosity + Thankfulness ?

Instead of thankfulness  I focus on what I don’t have  I expect more from others  I take things for granted

Luke 17: Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. 15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him— and he was a Samaritan.

17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

Why does Jesus want our thanks??

… he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

What’s so Great About Gratitude? 1.Happier 2.More well-liked by others 3.Healthier 4.More productive 5.Has a higher EQ 6.More optimistic 7.Less materialistic 8.More spiritual 9.Less self-centered 10.Has higher self-esteem.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

“Thanksgiving to God for all His blessings should be one of the most distinctive marks of the believer in Jesus Christ” (Billy Graham) The foremost quality of a trusting disciple is gratefulness.” (Brennan Manning) “Thanksgiving is the evidence of our acceptance of whatever He gives. Thanksgiving is our Yes! to His grace.” (Ann Voscamp)

Learning to be thankful 1.Notice the good 2.Respond generously

Turn your eyes upon Jesus Look full in His wonderful face And the things of earth will go strangely dim In the light of His glory and grace

Homework For the rest of Lent, try one of these for five minutes every day: Keep a gratitude journal Start your prayer time giving God thanks and praise before asking for anything

Rest in My presence, allowing Me to take charge of this day. Walk purposefully with Me, letting Me direct your course one step at a time. Thank Me for each blessing along the way; this brings joy to both you and Me. A grateful heart protects you from negative thinking. Thankfulness enables you to see the abundance I shower upon you daily. Your prayers and petitions are winged to heaven’s throne room when they are permeated with thanksgiving. In everything give thanks, for this is My will for you.