Text:Acts 20:28-35; Job 23:2-10
Today we begin to think about and celebrate one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving. I love this time with the weather, hunting, family, food, and more. I am challenged but the fat that I need to be nice grateful and give thanks in all things as the scripture teaches us. Giving thanks is much more than just saying thank you. We will spend the next several weeks discussing these ideas and truths found in the Bible.
today is appreciation. What do you thing of Ethan you hear the word appreciation? It means to recognize and enjoy the good qualities of someone or something; increase in value. The opposite is depreciation which deals with taking away value. So let me ask you a question, what do you do most, depreciate or appreciate this around you? I am trying to be more mindful that my words and actions would bring peace and healing to the hearer not tear us down. Always speaking Truth but edify the hearer.
You and I are special. We are created in the image of God, Gen 1:26, 27; Ps 139:14. God has saved us and all who have faith, Eph 2:8, 9. God then calls us His precious children, John 1:12; I John 3:1. We know that nothing can separate us from the love of God, Rom 8:38, 39. God also then gives us purpose for this life and well as eternity, Rom 8:28. If we are that special to God, should we not appreciate those around us in the body of Christ? If God loved the world enough to give His life as a ransom for sin, should we not appreciate and bring value to the world?
We also have an obligation to look at every situation and see the value it brings to us. Tribulations brings value, Rom 5:1-5. We grow through tribulations and eventually rise with patience, experience, hope, and courage. Trials also bring value, James 1:1-12. Trials bring patience, perfection or completeness in Christ, and wisdom. These all appreciate us as the children of God and add value making us more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.
So, remember over the next several weeks to add value to others in the way we communicate, Eph 4:29 and in the way we esteem or appreciate others Phil 2:3. Be the Light.