Bible Devotions for Living

Do you thank and show appreciation to the Lord?

¹¹ While traveling to Jerusalem, He passed between Samaria and Galilee. ¹² As He entered a village, 10 men with serious skin diseases met Him. They stood at a distance ¹³ and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” ¹⁴ When He saw them, He told them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And while they were going, they were healed. ¹⁵ But one of them, seeing that he was healed, returned and, with a loud voice, gave glory to God. ¹⁶ He fell facedown at His feet, thanking Him. And he was a Samaritan. (Lk 17:11-16)

Jesus healed 10 men who had a serious skin disease (leprosy) but only one of them came back to thank Him. Look at Jesus’ response to that one:

¹⁷ Then Jesus said, “Were not 10 cleansed? Where are the nine? ¹⁸ Didn’t any return to give glory to God except this foreigner?” ¹⁹ And He told him, “Get up and go on your way. Your faith has made you well.” (Lk 17:11-19)

God notices when people take Him and His blessings for granted.

Does God feel appreciated by you?

You should be giving thanks to the Lord for the things He does in your life. It’s Scriptural and it is common courtesy. You thank people when they hold a door open for you so you should certainly be quick to thank the Lord for what He does in your life.

• Do you thank the Lord when a prayer is answered?
• Do you thank Him for the everyday blessings in your life like food, shelter, water, health, etc?
• Do you thank Him when He comforts you, helps you, or reminds you of His Word?

God wants us to notice and appreciate all the work He does in our lives and the countless gifts He gives us.

Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights … (Jms 1:17)

Don’t take Him and what He does for granted.

Make Gratitude a Habit

Live a life of thanksgiving to God since everyday is filled with His works in your life:

Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thes 5:18)

⁶ Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him … overflowing with gratitude. (Col 2:6-7)

… giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph 5:20)

Think about it

Do you think God feels appreciated by you or taken for granted?

Are you quick to thank people but slow to thank the Lord?

Do you thank the Lord for answering prayer and the blessings in your life?

Take time out right now to count the blessings in your life and thank Him.

Thank God for all His activity in your life. Notice and appreciate all the work He does in your life and the blessings He’s given you.

Evaluate your blessings regularly and thank Him for them.

And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Col 3:17)