Believing the right things will help us behave the right way.

Luke 17:12–19

As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

At the root of our lack of self-control is our lust for more.

What if our lack of gratitude is feeding our lust for more?

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Malchus’ ear

John 18:11

“Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

Luke 22:51

But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

Malchus’ ear

Galatians 5:22–23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

So here is your assignment this week:

1.    Gratitude Report--Every day, at dinner or in a text, express something you are grateful for.

2.    Identify Malchus’ Ear and call it out.

“We are not joyful and then become grateful. We’re grateful and that makes us joyful.”

-- Brennan Manning