Week Seven 11.23.14 Give Thanks in the Spirit

Week Seven 11.23.14  

Give Thanks in the Spirit

Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers and one says “thank you

Luke 17:12 As Jesus 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.”

Questions:

1.      For what am I thankful today to be like the Samaritan who returned to Jesus right away to give him thanks and was praising God with a loud voice as soon as he realized he was being healed? 

2.      On the other hand, have I been like the other nine who continued on their way to the temple (as Jesus instructed them to show the priest according to their tradition and command in Leviticus). Perhaps they were more focused on doing their religious thing for their own sakes instead of praising God and going straight to the author of their faith and blessing. The Samaritan humbled himself and Jesus said, “Your faith has saved you (made you whole) so go on your way.

3.      When I sing or pray or attend small or large group is my heart in my mouth or my mouth in my heart? Do I come before God by giving thanks, thereby activating my spirit to change my heart into a thankful and good heart for God to dwell in? Or do I go through the motions without filling my mouth and heart with praise?

4.      Can I join Mary and the Psalmist and together with the members of the body of Christ give thanks in the spirit?

5.      Perhaps I want to be thankful and give thanks and be full of the spirit and speak in tongues but I just don’t know how?

1 Thess 5:16-23 16 Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always); 17 Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; 18 Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. 19 Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit;…23 be sanctified in spirit soul and body

46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47  and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

Acts 10:46 46 For they heard them talking in [unknown] tongues (languages) and extolling and magnifying God.

 (the disciples were giving thanks in the spirit just as Jesus said the Father seeks those who worship him in spirit and in truth-John 4:22-23)

Ps 34:2My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.

3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,  and let us exalt his name together!