THIS WEEK: GRATEFUL — EVEN HERE, EVEN NOW, EVEN IN THIS
Lord, Open My Eyes to Recognize You
Luke 17:11–19 • Leviticus 14:2–3 • Hebrews 4:14
Recognize the One Who Blesses
A message from Pastor Kirby to begin today's gratitude journey.
If the video does not play in your browser, open it directly.
Lord, Open My Eyes to Recognize You
Today's Word: Gratitude begins when we recognize the presence of God in what we've already received.
We have heard the story of the ten lepers many times. Jesus healed ten men, but only one returned to give thanks. And often, we quickly conclude that the other nine were ungrateful.
But let's look again.
When the men cried out for mercy, Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priests. Under the Law of Moses, priests examined those who had been cleansed from leprosy. The remarkable thing is that all ten responded to Jesus' instruction. And as they went, they were cleansed.
Yet one of them—a Samaritan—recognized what had happened, returned, praised God, and fell at Jesus' feet in thanksgiving.
Scripture does not tell us everything the other nine were thinking, and it does not explicitly identify all nine as Jewish. But it does invite us to consider how easily we can carry out a religious responsibility while overlooking an opportunity to recognize Jesus' presence.
Sometimes we attend worship, say our prayers, serve others, and move through our daily routines without pausing to see the grace surrounding us. We receive an answer and hurry on to the next request. We become so familiar with God's goodness that we call His blessings ordinary.
Hebrews 4:14 calls Jesus our great High Priest. The man who returned gives us a vivid picture of directing our praise and thanksgiving to Jesus Himself.
Before you ask God for something more today, take time to recognize what He has already done—and, more importantly, recognize Him for who He is.
Heart Check
Am I so focused on what I am doing for God that I overlook what God is doing around me?
What answered prayer, relationship, or moment of grace needs a fresh “thank You”?
Today's Challenge
Write down three moments of God's goodness from the past week. Thank Him for each one, then share one with someone who needs encouragement.
Today's Prayer
Father, in the precious name of Yeshua, forgive me for the moments I failed to recognize Your presence. Forgive me for taking Your goodness for granted and allowing familiarity to dull my appreciation of Your grace.
Open my spiritual eyes. Help me recognize You in the ordinary, in my relationships, in answered prayers, and even in unexpected circumstances. Teach me to see beyond the blessing and recognize the One who blesses. Today I choose to return to You with thanksgiving. In Yeshua's name, Amen.
Today's Declaration: I will not become so occupied with the blessing that I overlook the presence of the Blesser.
Don't Miss Who's Right in Front of You
Scripture: Luke 17:15–16
Ever been so focused on what's next that you missed something good happening right now? Maybe a friend always checks on you, a parent keeps showing up, or someone makes a sacrifice you don't even notice.
In Luke 17, ten men followed Jesus' instruction and were healed. One returned to praise God and thank Jesus personally. His response reminds us not to rush past the moment without recognizing the One who made it possible.
God's goodness doesn't always look dramatic. Sometimes it's encouragement on a difficult day, strength you didn't know you had, or people who walk alongside you.
Think About It
What good thing have you become so used to that you no longer appreciate it?
Today's Challenge
Put your phone down for five minutes. Think of three blessings and text one person: “I'm grateful for you because…”
Teen Prayer
Jesus, help me notice Your goodness and appreciate the people You have placed in my life. Give me a thankful heart and the courage to show it. Amen.
Remember: Don't just notice the blessing. Recognize the One who blesses.
Open My Eyes to Recognize You!
Pastor Kirby and the Ekklesia Daily Kids learn how ten men obeyed Jesus, experienced healing, and one returned to give thanks. Follow all four classroom scenes below.
Today's Bible Truth
Jesus wants us to recognize Him and thank Him.
Memory Verse: Luke 17:15 — “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God.” (KJV)
Talk About It
Why do you think the man returned to Jesus?
What is one way you can recognize Jesus' goodness today?
How can you show someone else you're grateful?
Kids' Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank You for loving me and helping me every day. Open my eyes to see Your goodness. Help me remember to thank You and appreciate others. Amen!