Be Healed, But Return Thanks!

Luke 17:12-19 (NIV) 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? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." Today's message is very clear—I am returning to give praise to God! Until last week, I had suffered for the two previous weeks from severe, ongoing shoulder and arm pains. I was so very stiff and uncomfortable that I wasn't able to be in the same position for more than a few minutes without squirming and desperately trying to reposition myself to find a position of comfort. Our band practiced Monday and Tuesday evening for about an hour. I had struggled to hold my left arm in an upright position to play my harp as I normally play. At the end of the hour on Monday, the guys from the band laid hands on me and offered a prayer of healing. I was reminded of today's verse as I heard Jonny pray for me. I want to make sure that I recognize and publicize God's healing powers, and that I also am not ashamed or too busy to return thanks to our God who cares for me. I have no aches or pains in the same area that gave me so much trouble for two consecutive weeks. Hallelujah, and Praise God! Dear Friend, how about you? Do you have a need for healing in your life? Suffering comes in many forms. You may suffer emotionally, physically, or spiritually. Whatever you suffer from today, our God is an awesome God who loves you, provides for you, and will heal you, especially when you come to him in faith as His child. When you receive your healing, be like the one who returned to Jesus to give thanks. For He alone is worthy to receive all glory and all honor and all thanksgiving. Blessings to You, Dave Henry