A SINGING HEART!

“Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ So when He saw them, He said to them, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.’ And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.” Luke 17:12-17. (NKJV).

“Mama, why did only one return to thank Jesus?" Janie said. "What about the others?”

She'd read the Bible story to her little daughter before she tucked her into bed. Innocent eyes stared, desiring an answer. 

Help me, Lord.

“I wish I knew, sweetie. We take the gifts the Lord Jesus gives us as if we deserve them--food and health and loving care. When we don't get what we think we deserve, we grumble.

“Tell you what,” she said. “Why don’t you and I thank Him more. Not just for the big things but for the little things, too.” She looked at her daughter. “Will you help me remember to give thanks?” A big smile accompanied her nod.

"Thank you, Janie." 

Janie threw her arms around her neck. "Thank you, Mama. I love you."

"I'm so thankful you do. Love you more."

"Thank you for loving me and teaching me about Jesus."

"You're so welcome, my darling girl."

"Mama?" 

"Yes."

"You make my heart sing. Does Jesus' heart sing when we thank Him?"

"Absolutely." She blinked back tears as she kissed her daughter's forehead. "Absolutely."

Kingdom Thinking. Give thanks. The Scriptures tell us this should be a way of life. The Lord Jesus gave His life to pay for all my sins so I can be with Him forever. That's enough of a reason to give thanks. He loves me and promises never to leave me. He offers the same to you. Won’t you be the one who returns to thank Him?