A Daily Devotional with Pastor Doug Crouse April 8, 2018 Appreciate or Depreciate Scripture Reading – 1 Corinthians 16:18 (NLT) "They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well." 

There are two kinds of people in life as it touches your personal relationships: those who walk into a room and leave you deflated, and those who walk into the same room and types of situations and leave you with a lift, lighter and glad for the interaction. In today's text Paul compliments those who are known as people who refresh the hearts and lives of others. And we note here that they do not live like this only with a select group of their friends, but rather their ability to lift the hearts of others goes right across the board.

I have one such friend who just in a greeting can jokingly say, 'Thanks a lot, I really depreciate it', and with that wry smile fired over at you, comes a refreshing wave of God's goodness and grace.

It does each of us well to look into the mirror of God's Word, and especially our own hearts and honestly ask ourselves the question, 'Am I one who by my conduct, attitude and words causes a condition or person to, 'Appreciate or Depreciate'. Do I put air into their balloon, or are they deflated after my contact?' Certainly in the material world people appreciate it when something of value appreciates rather than loses value. It is apparent that in the spiritual world that God if you will allow me to say, appreciates it when we are appreciating others by His Spirit.

And Paul makes a blanket statement that when we know someone who lives and loves like this to one and all that we too must show our appreciation and commend and encourage such behaviors to rise up.

Most certainly as unbelievers come into contact with these kinds of believers in the church of Jesus Christ, many more will be won to the glory of God, Who in Christ Jesus desires the utmost appreciation and value to come into everyone's life. 

Prayer My Father in heaven, the love, acceptance and appreciation You have given me in Jesus Christ continually is building me up for Your glory. Forgive me when I have deflated others, and Holy Spirit fill me, in order that I may refresh others in Jesus I pray. 

Memory Verse:  Proverbs 11:25 NLT “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed."