https://www.facebook.com/groups/muchgrace/

(Matthew 8:1) “When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. And a leper came up to Him and bowed down before Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You are able to make me clean (well).” Jesus reached out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one [about this]; but go, show yourself to the priest [for inspection] and present the offering that Moses commanded, as a testimony (evidence) to them [of your healing].”

I love how the Message Bible translates the final verse: “Don’t talk about this all over town. Just quietly present your healed body to the priest, along with the appropriate expressions of thanks to God. Your cleansed and grateful life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done.”

St Francis of Assisi must have taken this Scripture to heart, for he’s recorded as proclaiming: “The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today.”

When you’re being loved by someone, neither of you will constantly keep bringing up the gifts and blessings they’ve bestowed on you. Your relational security is in the fact that you (truly, madly, deeply) share the love—and in this mutually loving relationship, all that’s ever required by the giver at the time is a heartfelt acknowledgement of the gift.

As I read the Bible, it seems that being grateful and expressing my thankfulness holds terrific sway with our Heavenly Father, GOD—even when I have no idea that He’s stepped in and saved me from myself once again (and again, and again, and again and again….).

Holy Spirit, please touch the heart of whoever is reading this. Draw them into Your presence and show them that You continue to speak and answer prayers today. Amen. 

Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve those who are sick amongst us—such as Barbara and Ian fighting cancer. We also pray for a quick and complete healing for Keiron, Jay and Liliana. Please grant your healing power to those who minister to all the sick among us so they may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care. We pray this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.