Thank You #258

Luke 17:11-17 11 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?

Ray Boltz recorded a song a few years ago with these words. “Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave.” The song reveals a person’s gratitude for the many influential people in their life that brought them to the Lord.

The question is, “who do your show your gratitude to with a big thank you when you remember what they have done in your life?” Maybe as the song says you had a Sunday school teacher, a missionary, a parent, a friend, a co-worker, or maybe even a stranger that gave to you. They likely were not famous. The experience you had as you received encouragement, growth, caring, and support from them may have seemed small to most, but to you it made all the difference in the world.

Have you said, “Thank You?” Jesus encountered ten extremely needy men. They all had the dreaded disease of leprosy. They were doomed to an extremely painful death. Jesus healed them all. Only one of them returned to say thank you.

It was at that point that Jesus asked the question. “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” What a tragedy to receive such an incredible blessing and not be grateful.

Who in your life today needs a word from you? Maybe a simple ‘thank you’ would mean a lot. Try it today. Maybe an email, letter, card, phone call or a one to one engagement would give encouragement to “the one who gave to the Lord.”

_________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

Home at last. Sandy and I were gone 21 nights and 22 days on our vacation. We had a wonderful time visiting family and friends. God allowed me to preach at First Baptist Church of Eldon, MO; Second Baptist Church of Lebanon, MO; Calvary Church in Conway, AR and Sandy and I both shared with a Sunday school class at First Baptist Church of Conway, AR. What a blessing. 

Saturday morning I will be sharing a devotional with our Men's Ministry at First Baptist Church of Tempe. Sunday July 21 and 28 I will be preaching at Northpointe Baptist Church in Chandler AZ. I would appreciate your prayers for the preparation and preaching.

Our vacation included seeing so many old friends. It was not only good to see them, but in most cases their children and grandchildren. My own grandchildren were missed. Sandy and I both had a bit of withdrawal symptoms. Texting is a great thing. We received pictures and did some face-time. See Johnny and Justin's picture. Justin is wanting big brother to share his cotton candy. I finally caught a fish. In fact I caught 6 in AR on the Red River. So it was small!!  (see pics)

We had a mostly problem free trip except on our way home our travel trailer blew a tire. It caused major damage to the undercarriage. There is a gapping hole in the floor. The refrigerator and the furnace are both damaged. We are working with insurance adjusters this week to see what it will take to fix it. I carry a 1000.00 dollar deductible on it so that is the extent of our financial damage. We had planned a camping trip with the grandkids next week which we had to cancel. That was a disappointment. 

One of the highlights of my trip was to spend a lengthy period of time with Sandy. We were 5 days in the truck riding and talking. She is such a joy to me after almost 47 years of marriage. 

Thanks to all of you who made this such a great vacation. To all of you who are family; thanks for making us feel so at home back in MO. To all you friends; thanks for letting us come back into your life and feel so loved. 

This was a truly wonderful, blessed time. God bless you all. Love you dearly.  ~ DGW