There’s so many things that come to mind when I think about appreciation. I think about certain people. I think about certain situations that went my way and certain situations that didn’t. I think about the freedoms that I get to enjoy in this country. The list really goes on and on. Appreciation stirs up different feelings and scenarios for all of us. But one thing is for sure, appreciation leads to dedication. We are dedicated to that which we appreciate.
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son (John 1:14 NLT). This is amazing! Jesus Is The Word of God and He literally came to the earth to put on humanity so that we would be able to put on His righteousness. My appreciation for this cannot really be put into adequate words. You see, had He not done what He did, you and I would certainly be in a major dilemma. We would be carrying around guilt, shame and burdens that we absolutely could not get rid of. These weights would be holding us captive and would have dominion over us. But God!! Oh, I love a “but God” moment! But God took on the fragility of a human being in a broken world, defeated it completely and then gave us the victory! But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12 NLT). Let this truth sink in.
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection (Psalms 91:4 NLT). This is no ordinary gift. Nobody that I’ve ever heard of can make this claim to you. His Words aren’t just statements. They are promises for your life. Let the Words in the pages become promises in your heart. You are covered! This is to be appreciated beyond measure. Nothing anyone could do for you can compete with what Jesus has already done and is still doing. He can sympathize with our humanity because He was human. He never condemns, He only makes better. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most (Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT). We don’t have to wait for an invite. If we belong to Him, He says “come boldly to the throne.” He wants to be involved with your everyday life. I’m appreciative of this most exclusive right as a child of The Most High. Where else would I go to find anything I really need in this life?
I hope that in some simple ways my life proclaims the appreciation I have for the glorious gift of Jesus. I want His ways to be my ways, His thoughts to be my thoughts and His mercy for me to be shown to others by me. I have a long way to go. We’re all a work in progress. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23 NKJV.) I just want to point people to The One that holds all the answers. I want my conversations to proclaim Him. I pray that His life of dedication to us causes appreciation in us.
Today’s guest writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.
