LESSONS FROM THE LEPER WHO RETURNED TO GIVE THANKS

7 LESSONS FROM THE LEPER THAT RETURNED TO GIVE THANKS ( LUKE 17 vs 11 - 19)

1. He was still on the Journey when he discovered he was healed. He hadn't gotten to the destination Jesus sent them to, but he turned back mid way. DON'T WAIT FOR THE PROCESS TO BE COMPLETE BEFORE YOU START YOUR THANKSGIVING.

2. Jesus called him a stranger. Apparently, the others weren't . They were a little familiar with the person and works of Jesus. They didn't return to give thanks. DON'T ALLOW FAMILIARITY TO MURDER YOUR THANKSGIVING. Never allow the blessings of God to be so familiar you that you feel entitled to what you should be grateful about.

3. He was the only One that returned to give Thanks. Jesus asked, where are the nine? Just maybe if you look around, You will discover GRATEFUL PEOPLE AREN'T ALWAYS IN THE MAJORITY. Be that One Person that will return to give thanks.

4. This leper could have thanked the person or persons that positioned him there to see Jesus or maybe the person or persons that told him about Jesus but He knew where his THANKS should go to. DON'T GIVE MAN THE THANKS THAT SHOULD GO TO GOD.

5. This leper returned with a loud voice . He couldn't keep quiet. HONOR GOD WITH YOUR EXUBERANT PRAISE AND EXTRAVAGANT WORSHIP. Why bother about those who weren't there when God picked you from the dust and helped you. When he healed you, forgave you, delivered you, helped your family, cleared your confusion. Now, its Thanksgiving time and you are seeking their approval to dance, sing or shout. Come on, they don't know your story.

6. When he was looking for help, he cried from a distance but when he returned with his Thanks, he was right there at the feet of the Master. THANKSGIVING BROUGHT HIM CLOSER TO JESUS. There is certainly something about our Gratitude to God that breeds intimacy in the Spirit.

7. Jesus said 'Thy Faith has made thee whole'. He was healed and not whole but Thanksgiving perfected it. THANKSGIVING IS A PERFECTER. When we return with THANKSGIVING, whatsoever that is missing is fully restored. Nothing Missing; Nothing Broken!

LESSONS ON MARRIAGE

1. *EVERYONE YOU MARRY HAS A WEAKNESS*

Only God has no weakness. Every rose flower has its own thorn. If you focus too much on your spouse’s weakness, you can’t get the best out of his/her strength.

2. *EVERYONE YOU MARRY HAS A DARK HISTORY*

No one is an angel, therefore, avoid digging one’s past. What matters is the present life of your partner. Old things are passed away. Try to forgive and forget. The past can’t be changed. So focus on the present and the future!

3. *EVERY MARRIAGE HAS IT’S OWN CHALLENGES*

Marriage is not bed of roses. Every shining marriage has gone through its own test of hot and excruciating fire. True love is proved in time of challenge. Fight for your marriage! Make up your mind to stay with your spouse in time of needs. Remember this is the vow you made on your wedding day!

4. *EVERY MARRIAGE HAS DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SUCCESS*

Don’t compare your marriage with anyone! We can never be equal, some will be far in front and others far behind. To avoid marriage stresses, be patient, work hard and with time, your marriage dreams shall come true.

5. *TO MARRY IS TO DECLARE A WAR*

When you marry, you must declare a war against enemies of marriage. Some of the enemies of marriage are: Ignorance, Rumours,  Prayerlessness, Unforgiveness, Adultery, Third Party Influence, Stinginess, Stubbornness, Lack Of Love, Rudeness, Wife battery, Laziness, winning, nagging, PRIDE,  Divorce etc. Be ready to fight to maintain your marriage zone.

6. *THERE IS NO PERFECT MARRIAGE*

There is no ready made marriage anywhere. Marriage is hard work, volunteer yourself and perfect it daily. Marriage is like a MOTOR CAR with a gear oil, gear box, etc If these parts are not properly maintained, the car will break down somewhere along the road and expose the occupant to unhealthy circumstances. – Many of us are careless about our marriage… Are you? If you are, please pay attention to your marriage.

7. *GOD CANNOT GIVE YOU THE COMPLETE PERSON YOU DESIRE*

God gives you, her or him in form of raw materials in order for you to mold what you desire. You may desire a woman who can pray for 1 hour but your wife can only pray for 30 minutes. With your love, prayer and encouragement, she can improve.

8. *TO MARRY IS TO TAKE A RISK*

You cannot predict what will happen after marriage, as situation may change, so, leave a room for adjustment. Pregnancy may not come in the next 4 years. You may get married to her because she's slim but she becomes a little fat after a child. He may lose his beautiful job for years that you have to take the financial responsibility of the family until he gets a new job. But with God by your side, you will smile at long last.

9. *MARRIAGE IS NOT A CONTRACT, IT IS PERMANENT*

Marriage needs total commitment, love is the glue that makes a couple stick together. Divorce starts in the mind. Never think of divorce! Never threaten your spouse with divorce. Choose to remain married! God hates divorce, though it’s permitted only in extreme cases.

10. *EVERY MARRIAGE HAS A PRICE TO PAY*

Marriage is like a bank account. It is the money you deposit into your bank account that you can withdrawn. If you don’t deposit love, peace and care into your marriage, you are not a candidate of a blissful home. There is no free love in marriage, You cannot love without giving and sacrificing.

*May God grant us the grace and wisdom to succeed in it.