From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Fri, Jan 3, 2025 at 5:41 AM

Subject: 1-3-25 THOUGHTS

1-3-25   THOUGHTS

A familiar story with a most powerful punch-line!  “Where are the nine?”  Are we looking for ourselves here?  To have leprosy and be healed of it would have been a most marvelous thing.  Gratitude is one of man’s best characteristics.  Here, we place the passion with which we cry for help beside a selfish relief that no longer needs help.  The Samaritan had the right response.  The other nine took care of the self.  Celebration is not the same as gratitude!  We must consider the SOURCE OF OUR BLESSINGS!  Gratitude is more than vocal.  Leprosy was often a type of sin.  Jesus has healed OUR SIN!  Is our faith making us whole?  Being healed from sin requires a “Christ-Centered” life lived gratefully and joyfully!  Gal 2:20 comes to mind.  “...and the life that I now live in the flesh...”

Luke 17:11-19    And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.  12  And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:  13  And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.  14  And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. 15  And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16  And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. 17  And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed?   but where are the nine?  18  There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. 19  And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

My Prayer:
We first, Father, thank You for love and grace and mercy in Christ Jesus.  Teach us to live with gratitude.  May we know the blessings of  love, and joy and thankful living.  May we transfer those blessings to others, for they come from You.  Guide our day, our  week, our year, our eternity!  May we ever lift You up with thankful hearts.  Glory be to our Awesome God! 

 In Christ’s name,    Amen.