Appreciation: Expressing thanks, praise, or commendation, particularly in recognition of someone’s accomplishments or efforts. Gratefully acknowledging what someone “does” (Colossians 3:15b, 1 Corinthians 11:2).
Do you have special friends in Christ that have gone out of their way to encourage you during a difficult time or helped you grow in your faith? You know that person, the one that has impacted your life like no other? Would you show your appreciation for them this week? Reach out to them with a note, dinner, a small gift, whatever you decide, but just let them know you appreciate them and tell them why you appreciate them?
What about that special person in your life that may be an unbeliever? Maybe a co-worker or a neighbor but they have impacted your life positively. Would you take or make the opportunity to reflect Christ and show your appreciation to them!
THREE SOURCES OF LIGHT – Help Us Experience Appreciation
Light Source #1: Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12)
Light Source #2: God’s Word is a lamp and a light, so walk in the light of frequent experiences of doing His Word. Psalm 119: 105
Light Source #3: God’s people are sources of light so walk in real fellowship.
Walking in the Light: Experiencing God’s Love and Giving It Away
(Appreciation)
Wouldn’t it touch your heart and bolster your mood to walk to your mailbox one day and receive a letter, card or gift from one of your friends? What would it do to your heart to begin reading words of “thank you”, “you mean so much to me”, or “you helped me”? Take this opportunity to share with someone what he/she has meant to you!
Light Source #1: Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12)
What has your experience been with Jesus? Do you even know that He appreciates you? I know this can be so hard to even fathom but He does!
One of my bucket list items is to have a special date with Jesus. I want to go to an awesome Christian concert and worship my Lord, then I want to spend the night somewhere that has a beautiful view so I can sit and reflect on God and the beauty He created. I want to use this time to just love on God and be loved on. I want to show my appreciation to Him and praise Him for all that He has done in my life.
Sure I could do this anywhere but this is something I have been wanting to do for a long time. I don’t want it to be just ordinary. I want it to be extra special.
What about you? Can you spend some extra special time with the Lord and tell Him what you appreciate about Him? Tell Him what it means to you that He saved you! Praise Him for a time that He made Himself known to you in such a way that you will never forget. Thank Him for creating you the way He did. Whatever is on your heart that you appreciate about the Lord, tell Him about it!
Light Source #2: God’s Word is a lamp and a light, so walk in the light of frequent experiences of doing His Word. Psalm 119: 105
One of my favorite verses is Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
This verse just floors me every time I read it! ,,,”THE LORD rejoice OVER ME”. Really?? Yes, really!! He takes great delight IN ME??? THE Lord??? Wow!
If He can rejoice over me….then I can certainly rejoice over others! Share the love God lavished on you by rejoicing over someone and what they have done. Delight in them!
Think about the word “delight” a minute. What comes to mind?
Now imagine what it would be like to have someone ‘delight’ in you the way you just thought of? Would you go ahead and show that same “delight” to someone else? I know YOU will be blessed by giving appreciation in this way away!
Ephesians 5:19
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.
Definitions:
Psalms: song of praise
Hymns: praise or celebrate (something)
Spiritual song: T he term spiritual songs can have a wider meaning. A “spiritual song” could refer to any song with a spiritual theme, such as a modern praise chorus or a song of personal testimony. A spiritual song might express the joy of one’s salvation, revel in the grace of Christ, exalt the greatness and power of God-in short, a spiritual song can communicate a wide variety of sacred themes. A spiritual song could also be what Scripture elsewhere calls a “new song.” From Psalms to Revelation, the Bible encourages us to “sing a new song to the Lord” ( Psalm 96:1 ; 144:9 ; Isaiah 42:10 ; Revelation 5:9 ; 14:3 ). Psalm 40:3 says, “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.”
A new song is one that arises from the spirit of a person whose heart overflows with adoration for God.
Light Source #3: God’s people are sources of light so walk in real fellowship.
Walking in the Light: Experiencing God’s Love and Giving It Away
What will you do with Ephesians 5:19–speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit? Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord? Will you choose to speak to others in this manner? Will you choose to lift up a friend, co-worker, church family member, husband, child, teacher, cashier etc …with words of appreciation this week as God leads?
“Oh Father, may we not miss opportunities to speak to one another with words that uplift – words that put delight in the heart. Words of encouragement and appreciation. May all those we encounter each day provide us an opportunity to “sing a song of praise ” to them by sharing our appreciation for what they do and the effort they invest in living this life well.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”