By: Francis D Edwards
Hebrews 13:8:
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Jesus has always been at work and He is still at work today."
Luke 17:11-19:
"And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole."
Outcasts
In Bible times you were an outcast if you had a skin disease. When Jesus went through Samaria He went by ten lepers who stood afar off. They were obedient to the law and kept their distance from other people.
They knew Jesus could heal them and they cried out for mercy. Jesus told them to show themselves to the priest so he could declare them clean and they were healed as they went. Obedience always brings blessing.
Give thanksgiving to God
All ten were healed but only one returned with thanksgiving to Jesus. This Samaritan knew he had been in the presence of God. He knew Jesus had the authority and power to give new life. He wasn't focused on the old, but the new.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:
"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
Thanksgiving
The others were thankful, but they didn't give thanksgiving to God. We need to rejoice and give thanksgiving to God when He blesses us. Prayer is not complaining and we should never be complaining to God or others.
Thankfulness is an attitude. We should give thanks in all things not necessarily for all things. All things are not from God. If something steals, kills, or destroys it is from Satan, not God. Jesus came that we might have life and life more abundant. God is a giver not a taker.
In closing
Don't give Satan the glory by continually counting and speaking your problems. God is always faithful. The battle is the Lord's so turn it over to Him. Then give Him all the glory and thanksgiving for your victory.
Prayer
Dear Father, I know that being thankful is not enough. I want to always give thanksgiving for all good things to You because You are my source. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.
Confession
I am like that one leper and I always give thanksgiving to You Father. Thank You Father for all You have done and all You will do for me. I confess this in the name of Jesus.
Question
Do you give thanksgiving to God or are you merely thankful?
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