Grateful heart

‘Thanksgiving, and show of gratitude command God’s help faster than prayers’ – Lawrence Achudume

What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?

I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.

I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. Psalm 116:12-14

The story of Mary Magdalene quickly came to my mind, a woman out of whom Jesus cast out seven demons but that is not my story now. After her deliverance, Mary became one of Jesus key disciples, one of the most loyal followers of Jesus throughout His ministry.

Mary was there at cruxfiction (John 19:25), resurrection and ascension (John 20:1). Mary cared for Jesus’ need out of her own personal wealth and ability. She was among a team of women who were part of Jesus ministry including Mary, the Mother of Jesus (Luke 8:1-4).  She never left Jesus through the agony of trial and cruxfiction; she stayed close to the cross and wanted to see exactly where Jesus will be buried.

After dawn, Mary was at the tomb to anoint His body, upon arrival, the women were surprised to find that Jesus body was missing. As the other women went to the disciple, Mary stayed back to be sure of what had happened. She was not an alarmist; she stayed back weeping (Luke 24:1-10).

Jesus honoured Mary by being the first to see Him after the resurrection and she recognised Jesus when He called her name (John 20:15-16, 18). Mary was over joyed and didn’t want to let Jesus go, Jesus told her to go and tell His disciples He has risen and He is alive. She obeyed though they didn’t believe her report. I am sure Mary was in the upper room when the Holy Ghost came upon the disciples (Acts 1&2).

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

And Jesus answering said, were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?

There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. Luke 17:15-18

Just like the leper, who came back, fell at Jesus’ feet to show gratitude, Mary dedicated the rest of her life to serve the Messiah as a gratitude to the One Who delivered her from a life of spiritual bondage and social servitude. Not everyone could stay for the cruxfiction, even those among the five thousand who ate His fish and bread could not stay but grateful Mary did. When Jesus rose from the grave on the third day, He could have appeared to any of the disciples but chose to first appear to Mary, the Mary, who has shown Him more gratitude.

He honoured her loyalty and faithfulness with His first appearance after resurrection.

There is a great reward in showing gratitude; stop complaining and have a thankful heart and your tank will be full. Always be grateful in little things and let your testimony be:

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:7-8. People of grateful heart are joyful people.

Apostle Lawrence Achudume, Victory Life Bible Church, Km 9, Olabisi Onabanjo Way, Opp. OGTV, Ajebo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, 08072929295
victory2life@yahoo.com