Have you "shown" your gratitude lately?
John F. Kennedy said, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." Yes, the proof is in the pudding: Not the having of a thankful heart, but rather, the doing of a thankful heart!
While many are happy to talk about their appreciation for another, very few will actually demonstrate their thankfulness through kind deeds, gifts and generous giving. Even Jesus had a situation where he healed ten lepers, but only one turned back to thank Him.
Let's look at LUKE 17:11-19:
"On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And
as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance
and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he
saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they
went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed,
turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus'
feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not
ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to
God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your
faith has made you well.” (ESV)
In verse 19, the King James Version actually says... "thy faith hath made thee whole." Friend, all ten of these lepers were cleansed but only one was made WHOLE! The one who turned back and gave thanks was restored to complete health. He was the one that Jesus noticed and praised for his faith in the power of God.
So often, we forget to show our gratitude toward those who have helped us, encouraged us, prayed for us and taught us in our journey of faith. Never-the-less, the Lord has set up a heavenly system through which He measures the attitude of our heart. In fact, God's divine litmus test for our faith is in direct correlation to our attitude of gratitude. And... our attitude of gratitude is clearly defined by our giving. Likewise, our faith is revealed by our actions. Clearly, the message of Luke 17 is that Jesus is seeking those who will demonstrate their gratitude by turning back and showing their appreciation.
In verse 19, the King James Version actually says... "thy faith hath made thee whole." Friend, all ten of these lepers were cleansed but only one was made WHOLE! The one who turned back and gave thanks was restored to complete health. He was the one that Jesus noticed and praised for his faith in the power of God.
So often, we forget to show our gratitude toward those who have helped us, encouraged us, prayed for us and taught us in our journey of faith. Never-the-less, the Lord has set up a heavenly system through which He measures the attitude of our heart. In fact, God's divine litmus test for our faith is in direct correlation to our attitude of gratitude. And... our attitude of gratitude is clearly defined by our giving. Likewise, our faith is revealed by our actions. Clearly, the message of Luke 17 is that Jesus is seeking those who will demonstrate their gratitude by turning back and showing their appreciation.
If you are a child of God, always remember to tithe to your local church. Ten percent of your income is God's - not yours. God says He will rebuke the devils devouring schemes when you are a faithful tither and He promises to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings - so many blessings that you will not have room enough to contain them all.
But... if you really want to see wholeness and favor... if you really want to make all of heaven take note... if you really want to see God do multiplication in your finances - GIVE ABOVE AND BEYOND THE TITHE! Practice giving to those in need. Practice philanthropy. Practice turning back and showing gratitude toward those who have sown into your life.
One way that you can show gratitude for the things the Lord has done for you is by supporting a ministry who is continually working to bring healing and hope to people - just like you!
Did you know that this ministry is delivering help, hope and healing by sharing God's love around the world on a daily basis? We are busy reaching people by:
*Going into the prisons
*Teaching marriage classes and conferences
*Ministering freedom to those who are addicted to alcohol, drugs or other substance
*Helping individuals break free from a generational curse
*Supporting orphans in India and Pakistan
*Producing and airing radio and television teachings (we DO NOT get paid to do radio & TV - it actually cost us money to spread the gospel this way)
*Developing, publishing and distributing materials that disciple the body of Christ
...
Friend, not everyone can "go". Not everyone can dedicate their life to full-time ministry. Not everyone is gifted to teach. Not everyone is patient enough or brave enough to minister to those who are less fortunate or even in prison. By the grace of God, I have been called to "do" these things but it is only by your financial support, prayers, and words of encouragement that the fuel supply for my vision is made complete. A hand clap is just not enough. Action is needed by friends, followers, family and former students who believe in the work of the Lord through this ministry.
...
Friend, not everyone can "go". Not everyone can dedicate their life to full-time ministry. Not everyone is gifted to teach. Not everyone is patient enough or brave enough to minister to those who are less fortunate or even in prison. By the grace of God, I have been called to "do" these things but it is only by your financial support, prayers, and words of encouragement that the fuel supply for my vision is made complete. A hand clap is just not enough. Action is needed by friends, followers, family and former students who believe in the work of the Lord through this ministry.
Has this ministry been beneficial to YOU in any way? Have you been taught the importance of forgiveness; been encouraged in your faith; or, maybe you even became a born-again believer through the anointing of this ministry? Did I visit you in prison - whether literal or spiritual? Has your faith or knowledge of the Word grown in any way as a result of my teachings? Perhaps your marriage or family has been restored. Or, maybe your heart is being healed as a result of the teachings of this ministry. Are you a better wife, mom, husband or father because of the teachings of this ministry? Did I speak at a conference you attended and something that I taught made a huge impact upon your life? Have I ever mentored you in any way? Maybe you know someone who would benefit from the voice, hands and feet of this ministry? Would you be willing to sow into a ministry that you'd like to see help your family or your friends? Would you sow into this ministry because you want to see others reap the benefits of wholeness in Christ? Maybe, you would give to this ministry just because you believe in the calling upon my life - you have witnessed my faithfulness throughout the years?
God "is" bringing salvation through our work! He is restoring
marriages and families! He is freeing those who are addicted! He is encouraging
the broken-hearted! He is strengthening the Body of Christ! And... He is using
YOU to empower ME to spread the good news!
Will YOU commit to just $5.00 as a one time gift or monthly way of saying, "THANK YOU, Deborah. Press On, Deborah! I am behind you, Deborah!" A monthly or one time gift of any size is a HUGE blessing! Or, maybe you can give more? Whatever the Lord lays upon your heart to do, know that your turning back and saying THANK YOU is noticed by the Lord and greatly appreciated by me.
Will YOU commit to just $5.00 as a one time gift or monthly way of saying, "THANK YOU, Deborah. Press On, Deborah! I am behind you, Deborah!" A monthly or one time gift of any size is a HUGE blessing! Or, maybe you can give more? Whatever the Lord lays upon your heart to do, know that your turning back and saying THANK YOU is noticed by the Lord and greatly appreciated by me.
Thank you for making a difference in the lives of others AND thank you for encouraging ME as I continue to press on with Kingdom purposes and vision. 100% of your giving goes to support the ministry. Your gift(s) are tax deductible.
2 Corinthians 9:6
"But this I say, He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully."
God's rewards are great for those who connect their giving to their worship!
Don't miss your blessing!
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