If you were knee deep in debt, having trouble paying your bills, getting past due notices from creditors, or worried about losing your home or car, would you be appreciative of someone who came alongside to help?

Of course you would and so would I. Well, that is exactly what Jesus Christ did for us. When we were sinking in the debt of sin and unable to pay the dues, Jesus came to the rescue. Do you appreciate what He has done for you?

Now before you answer hastily let's think about the word appreciation.  The word can mean an expression of gratitude, a rise in currency, and an increase in value of assets.

In America we hear much about appreciation. We have special days of appreciation to recognize many people. There is Boss' Appreciation Day, Secretary's Appreciation day, Pastor's Appreciation Day, Teacher Appreciation Day, Father's Day, Mother's Day, Grandparent's day; Independence Day, Memorial Day, even a Systems Administrator Appreciation Day is celebrated on Friday, July 28, and on and on the list could go.

We set aside these special days to acknowledge needed assistance given and helpful contributions made.

Often we write an appreciation card or letter. Appreciation letters are among the most important forms of correspondence. They can form or strengthen positive business and personal relationships; praise someone for an outstanding performance or job well done; encourage or motivate someone to reach even greater accomplishments. They may be written to thank someone for their needed assistance or helpful contribution. Sometimes they acknowledge receipt of a resume, invitation, report, or another important document.

We write them to express our gratitude, to say "thanks".

For the past few weeks I have been thinking about all that is happening as many are facing dilemmas as the economy slumps and costs of living rise. It  has reminded me of my bankrupt condition when Jesus found me. Christ paid my sin debt for me and has swallowed up death in victory to save me. Now as I wait for Him to return, I know that He is coming back for me and I rejoice in that truth and in His great salvation.

Christ has made wealthy all of us who have put their trust in Him. He has caused our worth to appreciate greatly. My assets have gone up! And all those things refer to appreciation.

I had to stop and ask myself, do I appreciate God? Do I show Him by communicating with Him regularly, and by setting aside His day each week to make my appreciation known?

I want to challenge you to read Romans chapter 8 and then show Christ the appreciation due Him. Then for a greater blessing sign up and study the Bible Institute course on Romans. There are fourteen lessons taught by Dr. Manford Gutzke and the course number is 31800.