Recognition

Recognition

1 Timothy 5: ¹⁷ The elders who do good work as leaders should be considered worthy of receiving double pay, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. ¹⁸ For the scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox when you are using it to thresh grain” and “Workers should be given their pay.” ¹⁹ Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or more witnesses. ²⁰ Rebuke publicly all those who commit sins, so that the rest may be afraid.

 

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After working hard for a long period of time, the project was finished. At the convention, the project was accepted well and people flocked to our booth. It felt great to get recognized when they gave our team an award.

 

• I felt good being recognized for my hard work.
• I felt appreciated for what I was doing.
• I felt honored.

 

Paul suggests recognition to Timothy. Recognize elders who do a good work as a leader, preaching and teaching. Unlike most leaders, this one stands out amongst the people as a true leader. Paul warns Timothy that some people may get jealous and present false accusations against the recognized elder. He suggests their sin be brought in front of everyone in a public rebuke.

 

My Observations

• Pastors, preachers and teachers who dedicate themselves to serving the LORD should be supported for doing so.
• GOD recognizes people who serve HIM without needing to be paid.
• GOD wants me to lead with integrity and not be concerned about being paid for it.

 

Recognition is great! I mean, it feels good to be appreciated and honored especially when unexpected. But what happens when no one sees what you and I do? GOD sees those who work from the heart.

 

HE is more impressed when I serve HIM in secret than when I seek to be recognized in front of many. HE also wants leaders to recognize other leaders who have dedicated himself or herself to serving the LORD and are doing it well. You will know them by their fruit. I gladly recognize those who serve the LORD with all their heart!

 

Challenge

• What is the writer recommending?
• Have you ever received recognition?
• How did it feel?
• Will you recognize those who have served the LORD with all of his or her heart today?

Welcomed and Recognized

Welcomed and Recognized

1 Corinthians 16: ¹⁹ The churches in the province of Asia send you their greetings; Aquila and Priscilla and the church that meets in their house send warm Christian greetings. ²⁰ All the believers here send greetings.

Greet one another with the kiss of peace.

²¹ With my own hand I write this: Greetings from Paul.

²² Whoever does not love the Lord—a curse on him!

Marana tha—Our Lord, come!

²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

²⁴ My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.

 

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“Come in! Grab a plate and sit anywhere!” were words that made me feel welcome. I wasn’t sure about this group. I had played some words of doubt in my mind. “What if I don’t know anyone there?” And “What will I say?” And “What if I am alone, will I stand out as an embarrassment?” I went to the gathering despite my shy thoughts.

 

• I had been laughed at in the past.
• I had been places where I wasn’t welcome and was made to feel less than the other guests.
• I had gone places alone and was left alone by other people.

 

Paul completes his letter with a warm greeting. He sent a greeting from many people and reminded everyone to do the same. Greeting means welcomed and recognized. One important recognition he sent in his greeting was that of JESUS.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to be intentional with making people feel welcome.
• GOD wants me to send words of peace to those I meet.
• GOD wants me to recognize when another human is in proximity to me, even if it is with a smile.

 

Feeling welcome and recognized makes me relax for a moment. I mean the world has me ready for a fight and I gather information for combat. BUT GOD wants peace. HE wants me to receive peace and give it whenever I can.

 

Greeting doesn’t need to be robotic like a large grocery store chain. It can be heartfelt and loving, especially when the purpose is to provide the love of JESUS. I greet all who read this and send my love to you in CHRIST JESUS.

 

Challenge

• How do you feel when reading the words of greeting from the writer?
• How do you make people feel welcome and recognized?
• Will you be genuine with your desire to greet people for the purpose of spreading the love of JESUS today?

Greetings and Gratitude

 

Greetings and Gratitude

Romans 16: ³ I send greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in the service of Christ Jesus; ⁴ they risked their lives for me. I am grateful to them—not only I, but all the Gentile churches as well. ⁵ Greetings also to the church that meets in their house.

 

Greetings to my dear friend Epaenetus, who was the first in the province of Asia to believe in Christ.

 

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“Why are you always smiling?” someone asked me in a mildly grumpy tone. I had to tell the truth. “I smile because of you.” I learned from someone, that a smile warms the heart and provides a nice entrance to any room. After a while, my team could feel how thankful I was, just by my smile.

 

• There have been people who greeted me with thanksgiving.
• There have been people who seemed grateful for me and made me feel good.
• There have been people who have worked hard for me and I needed to show my gratitude towards them.

 

Paul shows his gratitude in his greeting. This strange breech of protocol has Paul greeting people in the middle of the letter versus at the beginning. With few words, Paul greets Priscilla and Aquilla and tells everyone about their strong faith in the LORD. He also mentions Epaenetus, a bold person who was first to believe in JESUS in the province of Asia.

 

• GOD wants me to greet people with thanksgiving.
• GOD wants me to value what people have done for the LORD.
• GOD wants me to mention people to others and explain their service to the LORD.

 

Genuine people I have met seem to shy away from bragging. I mean, they are too busy being genuine, that they have no time to speak for themselves. GOD wants me to mention these people to others, in a thankful way. HE also wants me to mention their dedication to the LORD so they can be encouraged. I am grateful to all who believe and wonder if GOD sees them. HE does see you.

 

• Are you grateful for someone?
• Does your heart bubble over with joy when you see “that” person?
• Will you mention how grateful you are to those who are serving the LORD today?

Recognition

Recognition

John 12: ¹² The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, ¹³ took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out:

“Hosanna!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
The King of Israel!”

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“Want to attend this event?” was a question posed to me by a co-worker. “Sure” I said, not knowing what the event was. When we arrived, there was a red carpet for us to walk on. People took pictures of me as I was walking into the entrance. “Who do they think I am?” I thought to myself. When I got in, there were stars and professional football players. It was one of the athlete’s birthday and he put on a star studded event.

• I have seen people who get a lot of attention.
• I have been in a position where people recognized me.
• I have attended events where only those who had “special” access could get in.

JESUS came into town after performing many miracles that were seen by huge crowds. There could be no denial, this was and is THE KING. People recognized HIM and made sure no mud would get on HIS feet. There were also some who waved the branches in celebration!

• JESUS wants me to recognize HIM as my Savior.
• JESUS wants me to make HIM the celebrity of my life.
• JESUS wants me to get excited about HIS presence, each and every day.

Focusing in on JESUS is something that should be done daily. But sometimes work, or worries or winsome things distract me from celebrating GOD. HE wants me to shout HIS name and say “Thank YOU!” JESUS deserves my praise. I am glad to give it to HIM.

• What celebrities are you following?
• Do you know more about them than you do about JESUS?
• Will you reduce your elevation of other humans and elevate JESUS to GOD of your life today?

Recognition

Luke 8: ²⁶ Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. ²⁷ And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. ²⁸ When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” ²⁹ For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.

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When the top executive walked in, I stopped my conversation with the “hired help” and immediately tried to think of something clever to say. “The project I’m working on is going great” were the first words I could think of. He ignored me and walked past. The admin I was talking to turned away from me as well.

• There were times when I got confused by those who had titles.
• There were times when I felt turned around by people who were put in “power.”
• There were times when I felt lost around those who were supposedly “in charge.”

A certain man who had demons cried out “What have I to do with YOU, JESUS, SON of the MOST HIGH GOD? I beg YOU, do not torment me!” The demons inside the man recognized JESUS’s authority and begged for mercy.

• GOD wants me to recognize JESUS as my savior.
• GOD wants me to know that JESUS has risen from the murder and has all authority.
• GOD wants me to bow before JESUS who is the SON of the MOST HIGH GOD.

Sometimes I don’t give JESUS enough credit for who HE really is. I mean I complain to HIM and whine that I am not comfortable enough, but that may not be the right train of thought. JESUS is the SON of the MOST HIGH GOD. HE has all authority under HIM and my faith is generated from belief in HIM. No circumstance, situation or state of affairs can stop HIS love for me!

• Do you believe in JESUS?
• Do you really believe that HE is the SON of the MOST HIGH GOD?
• Will you recognize HIS power and authority over huge and small circumstances in your life and turn the solution over to HIM today?

All Eyes on Who?

Psalm 71: ⁵ For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord,
    my confidence since my youth.
⁶ From birth I have relied on you;
    you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.
    I will ever praise you.
⁷ I have become a sign to many;
    you are my strong refuge.
⁸ My mouth is filled with your praise,
    declaring your splendor all day long.

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Gleaming smiles caught my attention from the two girls looking in my direction. My friend and I were riding a crowded bus home after a long tiring day at school. I decided to show my chivalry by giving one of the onlookers my seat and my friend did the same. The one who stared the most opened her mouth and asked me a question. “Hey boy…” I got excited! “What’s your friend’s name?”

• In the past I wanted to be noticed.
• In the past I wanted to get accolades
• In the past I wanted to receive high honor awards.

I didn’t want to be on TV, I just wanted to be noticed. I got tired of being overlooked and wanted some recognition. I combed my hair, changed my clothes and added humor to my language. I was not to be ignored. Then it happened, I was the center of attention. But what was my message, more of me. There has to something more to my life than pointing to my accomplishments.

• When I point my life to GOD there is no failure.
• When I point my life to GOD there is no embarrassment.
• When I point my life to GOD there is no calamity.

When I accept GOD’s plan and HIS sovereign will, I can never say “look at me” or “look at what I did.” I must give credit to GOD and keep my praise of HIM even rather than up and down. I will praise HIM in high times and in low. Instead of pointing to me, I will point to HIM with praise, no matter what’s going on.

• Are you trying to hide?
• Do you feel embarrassed about something?
• Can you stop pointing at yourself for a minute and point people to GOD?
• Will you accept where HE has you and view “praise” as the prize rather than your future rescue story?
• Will you stop trying to feel special and know you ‘are’ special to GOD?

Recognizing Where Talent Comes From

1 Kings 10: ⁴ When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, ⁵ the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the Lord, she was overwhelmed.

⁶ She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. ⁷ But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. ⁸ How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 

⁹ Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.”

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As the fancy cars pulled up, I marveled over the list of names who paraded in the caravan.  The CEO and top officers met with Wall Street and the media was there in full. I sat there with my eyes opened wide as their smooth answers flowed from their lips. Someone mentioned, “Millions of dollars are sitting on that stage right now.”

I then got intimidated.  How was I going to ever reach that?  My career seemed hopeless so I went back to my cubicle and pouted.

• When I think I am responsible for reaching the top, I can get intimidated.
• When I set my goal on being at the top with my own skills, I can get intimidated.
• When I look at others with envy, I can get intimidated.

Sometimes I see the rich and famous and wonder, “How did this person get where they are?” “I mean they can’t think their way out of a wet paper bag” is usually my envious insult. “And besides, they aren’t even using the money to glorify GOD” is my added judgment. BUT GOD wants me to act different.

• GOD wants me to praise HIM for someone else’s talent.
• GOD wants me to be excited to see how HE raises people up to places only HE can reach.
• GOD wants me to recognize the talent HE has given me and be excited about where HE has me.

“Get rid of the envy and strap on the excitement” is what GOD says to me. Being excited about life rids me of complaints and generates enthusiasm, encouragement and euphoria!

• Are you complaining?
• Do you have a negative view on life?
• Can you praise GOD for someone else’s talent?
• Do you recognize the talent HE has given you?
• Can you accept where GOD has you?

Yes HE sees

Hebrews 6: ¹⁰ God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

¹¹ We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.

¹² We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

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We were all working hard for what seemed to be an eternity. When we finally finished the project I got on stage and recognized my team for all their hard work. Everyone clapped and cheered then I left the stage only to find a person with a very long face.

My assistant approached me and said “you forgot to mention her.” That was like a dagger to her.

• Sometimes I doubt GOD sees what I try to do for HIM.
• Sometimes I think GOD is only out to punish me instead of recognizing my efforts to serve HIM.
• Sometimes I feel GOD forgets about me and allows others who want to be, as evil as they want to be, to get away with their antics.

When I think GOD doesn’t care I get tempted to act like those who don’t love HIM. I consider not serving others and focus on getting all I can for me. BUT GOD says “HE sees me.”

• GOD sees when I serve someone in secret.
• GOD sees when I simply smile at someone who is having a bad day.
• GOD sees when I encourage people to continue through their difficulty.
• GOD sees when I forgive those who are difficult to forgive.
• GOD sees

Yes HE sees the large things I attempt to do but HE definitely sees the tiny things I do for HIM.  HE jumps for joy when I stay in the race and focus “just a little” on HIM. HE loves when I imitate those who have faith and patience and can’t wait to give me what HE promised me!

• Are you tired of serving and not being recognized?
• Do you feel GOD isn’t hearing you?
• Can you take a moment to hear GOD sees you and is excited about what you are doing?
• Won’t you encourage someone else to continue on their journey with HIM?

I’m giving! Please tell the news!

Matthew 6: ³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

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As I developed my business plan, “giving” was going to be one of my headlines in the press release. People feel good about a business that gives and I wanted my business to grow so I developed a plan that would get that crowd of generous people.

I could just see the headlines, “He gave a boatload!” This of course would be followed by applause and excessive back patting.

• Giving with the wrong intent does not move GOD.
• Giving with the motive of getting something here on earth does not move GOD.
• Giving with the loudest bragging only brings attention to me and does not move GOD.

Anytime I’m giving in public I draw all the fanfare towards me when it really should be going to GOD. HE truly loves when I give in secret because many things change.

• When I give in secret my motive is pure.
• When I give in secret, the more I give the more GOD rewards me in heaven.
• When I give in secret the recipient and others praise GOD and not me.

Unfortunately I like the praise and honor from humans but when I take a moment to stop bragging GOD says “well done” “thank you for serving one of MINE.”

• Do you like the recognition for your efforts?
• Can you do the things you do only for GOD instead of being recognized?
• Is there someone you can give to in secret?