Recognition is one of the most sought after rewards for most people. Recognitions like certificates, plaques, public presentations, and “pats on the back” make us feel special and important. We need to be careful that we are not seeking recognition from people for doing the good God expects from us.

In Matthew 6:1 Jesus tells the people who gathered to listen to him, and tells us, “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.” In the following verses, Jesus writes about being subtle when giving to the poor, praying, and fasting. After each he says, when we do, “Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”

God’s recognition and reward is the one that matters, and is so much better than we could receive from people.

Dear Lord, it is tempting for us to seek other people’s recognition when we do good; It can sometimes even be a status symbol. Help us remember that it is your recognition that matters, and you will provide the joy and satisfaction for doing good. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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When we are not entertaining ourselves, most of our time in life is spent trying to improve conditions for ourselves, and our loved one’s; More education, better job, business, house, more money, getting fit, healthy, investing, etc. These are all good things in the right context, but Why are we really here?

I believe the bible tells us that we are here not just to live our lives for ourselves and then die. We are here for a larger reason, to glorify God.

God says through Isaiah in Isaiah 43:7, “Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.”

God made us, in his image, breathed life into us, and loves us. He wants us to use the free will he gave us to acknowledge and honor him, to do great things and give Him thanks and credit, and to show his love to others so that they may come to believe in and glorify Him also.

In addition to us giving God the glory, we are sent by Jesus to bring help, hope, care and the message of salvation to others.

In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus says, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

In Matthew 5:16 Jesus says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

And in Matthew 28:19, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,”

Ultimately, I believe that God puts the dreams and desires in our hearts, and he will help us achieve these things. What he asks is that we use them to shine the light of our success on Him. By doing so, we will be giving others the opportunity to come to Him as well.

Dear Lord, what a magnificent plan you have made here for us. Thank you for putting dreams and desires in our hearts and helping us fulfill them. Help us also to remember that our success is intended for your glory, and to share with others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Some people say that reading books written by successful people is like having that person as a mentor. Although you cannot have a conversation with them, you can learn a great deal by reading the ideas that they took the time to assemble. Based on this, reading Proverbs is like having Solomon, who was granted great wisdom by God, as a mentor.

I particularly like the clarity and applicability of Chapter 27 to our modern lives. Verse 21 is something to consider, “Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised.”

Hopefully we all will have the opportunity to be congratulated and applauded for doing something excellent. When it happens, it is our opportunity to pass the test and humbly say “thank you”, and also share the credit with others who helped. This test is like other tests we are given in life, but feels much better than dealing with a tragedy or failure. It may not be as easy as it may appear. Being praised regularly easily can become a burden for some people to maintain their humility. Remember this is another blessing from God that can be used to bring him glory and not just inflate our egos.

Dear Lord, thank you for the wisdom of Solomon, recorded for our benefit in the book of Proverbs. Help us use it to improve our lives to be of better service to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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I continually am amazed at the information that is available on the internet. So many things that we used to have to search for to understand, or we just had to accept the information was not available. Now we have maps, pictures, reference material, training courses, phone books, news, connection with longtime friends, video conversations…just amazing. Unfortunately, this amazing technology also creates new opportunities for deception and temptation.

In The Living Bible translation of Matthew 6:22-23 Jesus says, “If your eye is pure, there will be sunshine in your soul. But if your eye is clouded with evil thoughts and desires, you are in deep spiritual darkness.”

As I read this I could visualize those links on many internet sites sometimes referred as “click bait,” teasing you to look at the latest gossip, scandal, lewd photos and behavior. What a waste of our thoughts, and a “clouding of our eyes” these things are. As tempting as some of these headlines may be, we need to take a second and determine if our reasons for reading the story or looking at the pictures is right.

What a great image it is, however, to have “sunshine in our soul” as the verse says; The result of keeping our eyes and thoughts on all the great things God has provided.

Dear Lord, the blessings and opportunities you provide for us with modern technology are amazing. Help us keep our focus on the amazing benefits which provide “sunshine in our souls.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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You have probably heard the, tongue in cheek, expression, “What ever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” Jokingly referring to the fact that working very hard, and enduring extreme difficulties makes us stronger. This is often used in situations of physical challenge and endurance.

However, for the emotional and spiritual difficulties in life, what truly makes us strong and capable of enduring struggles is the love of God working in us.

In Ephesians 3:16,17 Paul writes, “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.” He goes on in verse 19, “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”

When we trust in God, and work to get closer to him, our strength to endure adversity will grow, and bring us the peace and “fullness of life” that a relationship with God provides.

Dear Lord, You are the source of strength in our lives. Through you we are able to endure all things life may bring. Help see this truth and draw closer to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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