Thanksgiving

First off, an apology for not getting last week's readings out. We are going to switch the posting schedule and just post on Wednesdays. The Wednesday post will include the readings for the Sunday and the devotion.

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Readings for November 23

Philippians 4:4-9

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ⁵ Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; ⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁹ What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (ESV)

Luke 17:11-19

On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. ¹² And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance ¹³ and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” ¹⁴ When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. ¹⁵ Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; ¹⁶ and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. ¹⁷ Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? ¹⁸ Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” ¹⁹ And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

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Devotion - Luke 17:11-19

As Jesus traveled toward Jerusalem, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance and cried out for mercy. Their disease isolated them from family, worship, and community. Yet Jesus saw them, spoke His Word, and sent them to the priests—and as they went, they were healed.

One of them, realizing what Jesus had done, stopped in his tracks. Instead of continuing on his way, he turned back. With a loud voice he praised God, and he fell at Jesus’ feet in gratitude. Surprisingly, this man was a Samaritan—someone considered an outsider.

The thankful leper recognized that his healing came from Jesus, and thanksgiving became his act of worship. Jesus had given all ten men a restored body, but only one returned to receive something even greater: the assurance of salvation. “Your faith has made you well.”

When we pause to notice God’s goodness—His daily provision, His forgiveness, His love—we, too, are drawn back to Jesus’ feet. There we find not only the gifts He gives, but the Giver Himself.

Questions

• When has God shown you mercy that you may have forgotten to thank Him for?

• How can gratitude become a daily expression of your faith this week?

Prayer

Gracious Lord, You hear our cries for mercy and bless us far beyond what we deserve. Forgive us for the times we take Your goodness for granted. Teach us to live each day in thankfulness, returning to You with praise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.