If you’re like me, you are sometimes given to periods of discouragement. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and focus on the empty side of the glass, losing sight of the full side.
This post, then, is a reminder to all of us to keep in view what God has done for us and what He has given us . . . and to give thanks.
I’ll begin with a story of Jesus . . . taking special note of His question, “Where are the other nine?” . . . followed by Paul’s continuous reminders to be thankful.
Those of us who have been touched by Jesus Christ are cleansed lepers. Let’s not be among the nine.
Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him – and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Luke 17:11-18
Neither should there be abusive language, obscenity or vulgar talk, but rather the giving of thanks. Eph. 5:4
Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Eph. 5:20
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil. 4:6
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Col. 3:17
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:18
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone. 1Tim. 2:1
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. 1Tim. 4:4
P.S. For you pastors who will use this post and title for your sermon tonight or Sunday, we all would appreciate it if you told your congregation that your sermon was inspired by this blog. 
Frank, It seems to me Jesus is the only one who has had an original thought. The rest of us thought processes have been influenced by Him and others. I just don’t think any of us can lay claim to any thoughts as being exclusively “ours”.
Denise: I don’t think anyone would dispute that everything ultimately comes from God. The issue others are talking about is pretending that what we’ve gotten from others is in fact “our” original idea without giving credit to the person(s) who inspired it. This is why many authors endnote and footnote their books.
Grattitude may not be the fuel of life, but it is its lubricant. Judge you, which can be omitted and life still function well? Methinks, neither.
Thanks for the reminder Frank! I needed to hear this today.
Thank you for this reminder! It comes at a timely moment for me.
Thanks, Frank! This was right on time, just when I needed it!
Blessings Frank,
Just like to thank the Lord for the work that He is doing through you, leading people to Him.(The Truth). Keep up the great work. Hope one day we can meet, I am in Australia, God willing.
Love
Pat
Frank, I love this! Thanks so much for sharing. Just sitting here reflecting on how awesome it is that Jesus asked this question… I love asking questions, often to dig a little deeper and discover other things that didn’t lie on the surface… I love his question “where are the other nine?”
Thanks again. =]
Hi Frank
Well said brother and good reminder.
Blessings In Christ
“Thank you” for the reminder to be aware and notice all there is to be thankful for. This made me think of the debate many have, both christians and non-christians, over how publicly and visibly thankful believers should be in our society. Though we shouldn’t be trite, obnoxious, insincere, or a show boat, I believe that when you are truly in touch with where your blessings, abilities, and answers come from…it’s very difficult to stay quiet about it. Keep giving HIM thanksgiving and praise…
A friend got an adjunct teaching position at a college where I have applied several times. Instead of being happy for her–and being grateful for the classes I already have–I’m jealous and kind of down in the dumps. In truth, I only need one or two more classes, and this is not my target school.
Last night the Lord reminded me that I need to trust Him and wait on Him. If I do get an offer from my target school, it won’t come until pretty much the last minute.
This blog reminds me that while I am waiting, I need to be thankful, not just for classes, but for all the amazing gifts God has given me, now and in the past.
Thank you for the reminder. I needed this.
I have to remain vigilant to always be thankful. This coming Sunday I am actually using the story of the feeding of the 5 thousand. It is interesting to note that Jesus did not ask for more fish or bread. He just thanked God for what he had.
Thanks, Frank!
Hey Frank, love this post. The story of the ten lepers fascinates me, specifically the dots that are connected between faith and thankfulness. Of course the picture the “Samaritan” paints of the makeup and character of the body of Christ is quite stunning as well, as you have pointed out many times. I’ve touched on this several times on our blog — http://firstlifethenchange.com/one-in-ten-a-story-of-gratitude/.
Thanks, as always for sharing your insights.
How easy it is sometimes to focus on the things of this world that are truly meaningless and get discouraged. I am so thankful for my brothers and sisters in Christ to be a reminder of the riches of His indwelling life. Thanks for sharing this reminder brother!
Thanks for the reminder! Just spoke to the kids at VBS about the lepers yesterday. So glad God looked at my heart and loved me anyway, despite my “leprosy.”
Great post Frank. I chuckled at your p.s. but appreciated it. A few months ago I was visiting a church and the pastor preached a sermon from one of your posts almost word for word, and it ticked me off that he never mentioned where he got it from. I’ve heard other preachers do the same thing with other authors. I think the idea is that if it’s a blog you don’t have to give credit. This irritates me so I’m glad you mentioned it. One thing I really like about your books is the large amount of footnotes you use to give credit to other people. Keep it up.
Thanks Tom. It happens a lot actually (congregants are smart and they have a way of letting us know). But this is the first time I’ve ever mentioned it. I don’t care about it for myself as people take my stuff frequently, and I’m glad (and honored) they are finding it that useful. But it’s not good for the person who doesn’t give credit, therefore, I thought I’d mention it in a humorous way for their sake. Thx. for “getting it.” It means a lot.
I can remember many times a pastor doing this. I can’t figure out for the life of me why they would not give credit. I’m taking notes and eating up their words only to read a book and discover he ripped off the author. Doesn’t this dishonor their witness and the life of Christ that they stand for? I get it … just hate the things it infers about them …