Leprosy is a bacterial infection that affects every part of the body. It attacks the nerves so sufferers lose feeling. Over time, it eats at the skin and bones, leaving a diminished quality of life. Nowadays, there is medication to cure the disease, but in the time of Jesus, leprosy was a death sentence. Additionally, lepers could not visit the synagogue, go to the market, or even be around others.
It is no surprise, then, that in the story of the 10 Lepers, these men stood at a distance and called out to Jesus for healing. They didn't dare come closer for fear of violating the Laws of Moses, which specified that they were unclean and could not come close to others (Leviticus 13:45-46). Nevertheless, Jesus didn't hesitate to help these men, telling them to go show themselves to the priest as was customary when a leper was healed. That way, the priest would perform the required cleansing rites. Jesus also intended this act to be a "public testimony" to the priest and likely others. He had said so when He healed another leper in Matthew 8:4 NLT.
Back to the ten former lepers. They all set off to find the priest as Jesus had instructed, except for one who did something different. Luke 17:15 - One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying and praising and honoring God with a loud voice; and he lay face downward at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him [over and over]. He was a Samaritan (AMP). That man lauded the Lord for his healing and did so loud enough for others to hear.
He understood something that his peers didn't - it is crucial to worship God for what He's done. Notice that he is recorded as praising God loudly meaning that others could hear his thanksgiving. That means He publicly worshiped the Lord. And given the times, people likely came out of their homes or stopped as he went by to understand why he was shouting. In this way, the man was testifying to what God had done for him. Letting others know how God had freed him from a crippling life of bondage that would have led to a painful death. This man was not a Jew and would have been considered a Gentile, yet he understood the assignment. Although it was important to have the priest acknowledge he'd been healed, he couldn't do that before adequately acknowledging his God for all to see and hear.
Do you understand the assignment? Do you realize that God must get the glory first and that you need to honor Him publicly? When last did you stand as a witness of His power and presence in your life by giving testimony on what He'd done for you?
So many of us have experienced God's blessings but have failed to publicly glorify Him. We forget why King David danced like a madman in public when the Ark entered Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15). Part of his joy likely stemmed from the fact that he and the priests brought the presence of God into the City of Zion without anyone dying as had happened on their previous attempt (1 Chronicles 13). Follow His example and make a joyful noise for the Lord. Dance and wave your hands in glee for what He's done for you. If you are reading this message, you are blessed because there are those who no longer can. If you can see, you are blessed and should praise God because sadly, many are blind. If you can turn on your faucet and watch the water flow out, give God the glory because there are countless people who do not enjoy such luxury, even in what we consider developed countries.
What are you going to praise God for today? How loud can you get? What testimony have you been sitting on that needs to be shared? Keep in mind what happened to the one leper who came back with praises. Luke 17:19 - Jesus said to him, “Get up and go [on your way]. Your faith [your personal trust in Me and your confidence in God’s power] has restored you to health.” (AMP). The former leper who rejoiced loudly and testified received complete and permanent healing. He went from being a leper to becoming one of the healthiest people on earth. His miracle was multiplied in his favor.
Acknowledge the Lord for His goodness loudly. Let others know how great He has been to you or to those you care about. Then watch that thing He did for you expand to His glory and your blessing.
PS: Write down a praise report and be prepared to share it in the last 10 minutes of fellowship. In the meantime, visit the Testimony Thread - Let's share our testimonies to His glory... See what God has done for others and thank Him loudly!
I also want to drop a testimony.
I recently prayed that the Lord would strengthen my faith and I am very happy to say He has been faithful.
He gently guided me through scripture, random sermons that would pop up, and more in order to teach me how to hold onto His promises in the face of severe challenges.
I am grateful for His mercy and that He answered my prayer. I am grateful that He has been so intentional with me and has gently led me.
Lord, I thank You for teaching me. Lord, I thank You for reminding me of all the evidence I have of who You are and the fact that You alone are God. Thank You for continuing to arm me in Your word and giving the capacity to resist satan and fix my face like flint to Your glory.
I thank You, my King!!!
From sis FJ -
I want to testify to God's goodness and His ability to prodvide for our needs even when last-minute. I received favor with God and man, concerning the grants and scholarships that cover the cost of my education.
I was running out of time. My tuition deadline was approaching, and I didn't have enough to cover the cost. So I reached out to my local delegates and was granted and exemption to apply late for their scholarship. I even took a while to complete the application, yet they kept in contact with me. Finally I submitted the application and soon heard back from them. They awarded me the exact amount that I needed for next semester! I accepted the scholarship award.
But later, I receieved and notification that my scholarship was cancelled. I called around and eventually found out that that notification was a fluke, and the scholarship still remains as part of my financial aid award. So thank God for preserving the good work that He started for me!
From M22 - I want to thank Abba for my little sister's admission as I have done so in the testimony thread. It's been a long time coming and I bless his name for showing up for her even when she least expected. I praise his name and thank him for showing up for her. I know he's actively working in her life and her health and I hold on to his word in Jeremiah 29:11. Thank you Abba.
From M22 - Thank you Abba for sis @FFJ j I pray that you will continue to bless, expand and her. I pray that your word over her life will come to pass. I pray that you bless her, her family, her business and ministry. I pray that you continue to increase her anointing and I pray that P&P will continue to experience increase IJMN amen.
From M22 - Abba Father, as we move into the Month of November, I pray that you help the fruits of the spirit according to your word in Galatians 5:22-23 take root in our heart and help us reap abundant harvests ijmn amen. We bless you Abba for January to October and we pray that this month of November will be far joyous than we can imagine. Breakthrough, testimonies, promotions, open doors, broken chains and so much more IJMN amen.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, thank You for another opportunity to gather in Your name. Thank You for teaching us to publicly acknowledge You for what You have done and to praise You loudly.
I call on You to help us to live our lives this way. And as we follow the example of the one leper, may we also experience the expansion of our miracle the way He did.
Father, cover us in Your grace this week. May Your gracious hand rest upon us and may we experience Your blessings and miracles.
All by Your grace and to Your glory, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 -Thank you Abba for me and my siblings. Thank you for being our father, our mother, safe haven, sanctuary. Thank you for speaking for us where we have no voice, for helping us where we have no help. I pray Abba that you cultivate the fruits of the spirit within us all. I pray that you grant us supernatural clarity and discernment and help us to seek you above everything else ijmn amen. We pray for your provision in Philippians 4:19. IJMN amen.
From M22 - Abba I pray for people stuck in abusive situations. Abba I know it's not your will for anyone to experience such horror. Abba please touch the hearts and minds of individuals, churches, advocates, organizations to rescue people in these situations and I pray that you direct them to communities where they are loved, provided for, where their feelings are validated and where the sense of safety and trust is fully restored IJMN amen.
From M22 - Abba, I pray for people struggling with trauma and mental health issues. I pray that you do far beyond what no therapist or counsellor can do in their lives. I pray Abba that you hold their hand through the healing process. Even when they relapse and feel like they are not getting better, please lift them up and strengthen them. I pray that you break every effects of generational trauma , childhood trauma and interpersonal trauma in their lives. IJMN amen.
LAST 10 MINUTES
The devil is on a warpath with God's children. It doesn't want us to testify about what God has done. It wants us to think that doing so is showing off or that it will hurt someone's feelings. And so, instead of honoring God, we wrongly focus on humans. That's the same mistake the 9 lepers did. Yes, they were following Jesus' instruction to go show themselves to the priest but they were so worried about getting that done and satisfying the Laws of Moses, instead of focusing on God Almighty and what He wanted.
The devil wants us to close our mouths and not testify because our testimonies are a weapon that defeats it. Revelation 12:11 - They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
Can you share a testimony to God's glory right now? Can you testify to what He's done in your life? How about you use this opportunity to praise Him for what He did?
Some have shared their testimonies already in this thread. If you are yet to, now is the time. And if you want to just worship Him, go right ahead. We've got 10 minutes so let's honor our God.
From sis FJ - Oh God, in the name of Jesus, I come against the camp of the wicked. Lord, "You who formed the eyes can see, and You who formed the ears can hear". Remember that they gather to plot how to deprive justice from the innocent and to pervert Your righteous laws. They are the corrupt leaders who steal resources for themselves, at the detriment of their country and its people.
I come against these wicked ones, and I "execute against them the judgement You have written". Your word says, "they will surely gather together, but not by Me; whoever gathers together against you will fall for your sake" (Isaiah 54:15).
Thank You God. By defeating wickedness in the high places, You are helping Your people, and bringing justice to widows, orphans, and those who cannot speak up for themselves. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
From M22 - Abba, I pray for people in the waiting season waiting on you to show up for them. I know you Abba you always show up in grand style and I trust you Abba according to your word in Isaiah 40:31 that they will not wait in vain. I pray that you wipe away their tears and help them experience your peace in Phillipians 4:7 IJMN amen.
From sis FJ - Abba I thank You for this P&P community, our other fellowships, and all those in our God-ordained orbit. Lord, I plead the blood of Jesus over their lives, that You be merciful towards them. Concerning their lives, I come against every evil convenant/agremeent that is causing trouble in their lives. I declare "every covenant of death is annulled". Lord of Hosts, please surround them with angels who will guard them so "their feet do not strike a stone" (psalm 91). Amen, in Jesus name, thank You God for accepting my intercession for them.
From M22 - Abba, I pray for people in the waiting season waiting on you to show up for them. I know you Abba you always show up in grand style and I trust you Abba according to your word in Isaiah 40:31 that they will not wait in vain. I pray that you wipe away their tears and help them experience your peace in Phillipians 4:7 IJMN amen.
From CMC -
From M22 - Abba I pray for everyone struggling with their health. I pray that your healing power radiates every cell, organ, system, blood vessels within their body. Abba , you said our body is your temple and so I stand on your word that every affliction within their bodies is uprooted IJMN amen. Divine healer, I pray that you touch the hearts and minds of the medical staff to do what's neccesary to facilitate your permanent healing in their lives IJMN amen.
From M22 - Abba, I pray that you settle every war, conflict and chaos in this world. The devil thrives in chaos but you Abba are sovereign and you thwart his plans everytime he tries. Abba I pray that your peace in Phillipians 4:7 touches the hearts and minds of every conflicting parties so they can reach a peaceful agreement and end every conflict. I pray Abba for people that havin e lost a loved one or loved ones in this conflicts , that you comfort and console them through this thought period. Abba Father, I know you hear their cries and I trust that you are actively working to restore peace IJMN amen.
Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy. Kindly help us all to publicly acknowledge You for all that You do. Your word tells us that we are the witnesses that You are God (Isaiah 43:12). Thank You so much for that privilege. To be able to confidently testify to Your greatness and might. Hallelujah! Help us Lord, to never forget the one leper who returned to testify publicly to what You had done for Him. Help us to not hold back our praises. Help us, Lord, and take all the glory! IJN, Amen!
From M22 - Thank you Abba for bringing us together to worship despite our challenges and unforeseen circumstances. Knowing that we can rest in your comfort and authority is enough assurance that we will experience your peace always. I bless you Abba for everyone offline and online. IJMN amen.
PRAYER TIME
Father, we come before You with prayers. Not for ourselves but for people all over the world. Guide us that we may pray aright and give You glory in the process.
Hear and answer these prayers for others, IJMN, Amen.
Thank You for Your goodness and mercy, Lord.
Thank You for the blessing of Your word.
Thank You for Christ and the fact that His name alone shakes the earth and terrifies hell.
Thank You that when we pronounce Your word and call on the name of Jesus, we see things happen in the physical and in the spiritual.
Thank You for being the Almighty God who is so giving, He gives power to His children.
Hallelujah!
Thank You for Jesus Christ who is the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation (Revelation 3:14)
Thank You for everything Father!!
From sis FJ - Thank You God, for taking care of us as your sheep
When I remember His promises, I shout, HALLELUJAH!!!!
Thank You, God.
I have seen You heal. I have seen You save people from death. I have seen You reach into the darkness to pull people into the light.
I have seen You shift mankind and the systems of man to favor Your own.
I have seen You work miracles.
Who is like Thee, my Lord?
The answer is simple - NOBODY!!!!!
Glory be to God!
From CMC - Hi Family!
Happy to be here and give Glory to God today!!!
Thank You Almighty Redeemer for freeing my loved ones and I from the shackles the devil wanted to keep us locked in.
Father, I rejoice in You for You have set the captives free. Thank You for putting the enemy and all its plans to shame.
Thank You for giving me cause to glorify You over and over.
I cannot forget where You brought me from. I cannot forget what You have allowed me to see of Your might and power.
My Lord, You are more than credible. You are more than able. You are over-capable.
I praise You, God!
From UNCG - Glory to God! I’m happy to acknowledge His goodness and grace in this fellowship today, and thank Him for His mercy with you today!
God, I thank You for the beauty of fall. The changing leaves and the way they glow as the sunshine hits them.
Thank You for the privilege to enjoy such a thing. There are many who don't have that luxury but in Your mercy, You have afforded it to me and I am forever grateful.
Thank You for making the world and giving me a place in it.
Glory be to You, my King!
PRAISE TIME
Father, we are gathered to praise You. Thank You for this opportunity. I call on You to remind those gathered of the things You've done that they should praise for.
May these minutes of worship rise as a sweet-smelling incense that pleases You.
Hosannah in the highest!
From ND22 - Can you just pray I get peace?
From AC - Good morning Peppers and thank you @FFJ for today’s message.
I am currently at the hospital waiting to has surgery in 30 mins (4th surgery in 3 months, previous one was last Thursday) and I was going to wait until this final surgery (in Jesus name, I’m claiming it!) before I posted a praise report but I read this message last night and felt moved by the Spirit to publicly praise God at this very moment, for this victory because He has blessed me with miracles and healing and He deserves all praise, in all seasons!
Right now I feel at peace trusting that our Abba, the Almighty, the All Knowing and faithful God, will come through for me, as He’s done over and over again.
Two weeks ago I suffered another uterine hemorrhage and in the ER a suspicious mass was found during imaging. The radiographer was alarmed and angry that my doctor had missed this finding during a previous exam, and while I appreciate her concern, her reaction left me extremely scared and distressed because I didn’t have an answer to what the mass was. I was admitted that night where I received blood transfusions…and y’all our sister@FJJ so graciously prayed over me and with me late that night, uplifting me and encouraging me for 2 hours. I can never thank you enough sis ❤️ God bless you.
Fast forward… On Thursday I underwent surgery , and they sent the tissue they removed for testing and the I received the pathology report yesterday which was clear, no malignancy! Glory Hallelujah! Praise God! No I am ready for this final surgery and put this all to rest.
Thank You Lord for the healing victory I have received through Christ! All honour and glory belong to You! In the mighty name of Jesus, I give you all praise. Amen, Amen.
From CD - With God as my lead, I have 100% survived everything I have faced AND walked away better than I was before each time, Hallelujah!!
ALTAR CALL
Although nine missed out on having their miraculous healing multiplied, thank goodness the lepers asked Jesus for healing in the first place. Imagine if they hadn't?
Like the lepers, you too have the opportunity to reach out to Jesus for help with all the challenges you face. And all you have to do is submit to Him.
This is part of the reason why I lift an altar call, asking people to give their lives to Jesus Christ. I do this because I'm learning that many of us have not been introduced to this concept, some believing that it refers to a baptism or Christening. However, giving one's life to Jesus is an act of commitment and submission whereby you choose to make Jesus, and therefore, His Father - God, the only authority over your life.
If you haven't considered submitting to the authority of the Lord, please permit me to say - today is the day. The Lord wants you to choose Him. Please tell the Lord you want Him. Ask Him to change you for His purpose and your good.
So many of us are afraid of choosing the Lord and worry about the consequences. You don't want to give up the shows, the websites, the music, the way you speak, etc. However, have you considered the consequences of not choosing Him?
Maybe you think this message doesn't apply to you because you were born a Christian. You regularly go to church. You don't lie or steal and believe you are a good person.
That was me a few years ago and none of that stood in the way when satan tried to completely destroy me. I had to cry out and submit to Christ in order for Heaven itself to wrestle me out of the devil's clutches. This might sound dramatic but believe me, it was. I have shared more than one testimony of how the devil tried to kill me but for the gracious hand of God upon my life. I know what it means to be a Christian versus what it means to be a born-again Christian, and I pray you will choose to be the latter.
I pray that today will be the day you truly choose Jesus and start to walk with God's hand firmly upon you for your good. The day you decide to be intentional in developing a tight relationship with Him. Come back to your Creator. He wants you back. And if you want the sort of relationship where God speaks to you and grants unimaginable access to His grace, mercy, power and more, please say the following prayer. But, only if you mean it.
Lord Jesus I am a sinner. I confess my sins right now to you. And I believe that you are the son of God. I believe that you came , you died, your rose again, and you paid the price for my sins. Today, I accept the new life, today I accept the Holy Spirit. Come dwell in me, make Your home in me. I will never be the same again. In Jesus's name, Amen.
God bless you! I believe the Lord will visit you in a unique way. If you'd like to learn more about the new life you have signed up for, please look at this document - How to have a stronger relationship with YHWH God!
And when you see the Lord show up in your life, be sure to publicly testify about how good He was to you or yours.
From EC - Amen and good morning ladies!
From JS - Good morning. Thank you for your prayers last week.
Praise report: I have a new nephew!! My sister was going to have an abortion and mom, dad, aunts uncles, me and prayed she wouldn't and now he's here!!!
Thank you Lord for his precious life and with your wisdom heavenly Father, may we guide him. In Jesus name, AMEN.
From M22- Thank you Abba for another beautiful fellowship day. I give you all the glory, honor and praise. Thank you Abba that like that last leper we can come back to testify to your sovereignty. IJMN amen.
Thank you Abba for your grace! Thank you for today's word sis @FFJ . Today's word is indeed powerful and thought-provoking. Only one healed leper came back to thank God. I pray that we never forget to give God his due praise when what we have been praying for comes to reality. I pray that our miracles don't overwhelm us so much we forget the miracle giver IJMN amen.
From BI - Abba, I have returned like that one leper, to say thank You for all You do for me. Thank You for Your love that nothing can ever separate me from. Thank You Lord for Your light that penetrates the darkest places. Thank You for Your mercy which renews every morning. Without You, I am nothing. No words can adequately convey my thanks. I am infinitely grateful my King of kings.
Thank you for today's word sis @FFJ. I certainly do not thank God enough especially for everyday things such as breath, food, shelter and clothing. I thank God for P&P and our fellowship brothers and sisters. May Abba's praise never cease from our lips. In all things, may we give thanks to Him who has chosen us to be His children. May His Holy Name be glorified forever Amen.