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Monitoring Recognition to Succeed
Row after row, rack after rack—hearts and flowers, sunsets and rainbows, tulips and cherry blossoms. Ironically, most of these greeting cards share the same message.
While picking out birthday cards recently, I wandered through the aisle filled with cards for every occasion. As I randomly opened them, I searched for the perfect message. To my surprise, many conveyed the same sentiment: Sorry for my belated message, but I wanted you to know you’ve been on my mind… or I don’t tell you often enough how much you mean to me… or I wish I could express how special you are…
Curious, I started opening other cards—from condolences to thank-you notes to congratulations—and there it was again: I wish I could have told you sooner… Even Mother’s Day greetings offered peace-offering messages for everything left unsaid throughout the year.
The sheer volume of these cards told me one thing: many people regret not taking the time to express appreciation and gratitude to others. And isn’t that true for most of us?
Recognizing God’s Blessings
What about God? He has blessed, loved, and cared for us in countless ways—physically, financially, emotionally, and spiritually—every single day. Yet, how often do we pause to acknowledge Him? Often, we keep returning to Him, asking for more, yet neglecting to recognize what He has already done.
Monitoring for Progress
We all desire love and belonging, and so do the people we are responsible for—our children, family, co-workers, friends, and even those who challenge us. Just as we set goals for family, career, health, and relationships, we must also monitor our spiritual growth. Staying on track requires continuous evaluation to ensure our faith remains strong and our lives align with God’s will.
Recognizing God for True Success
Two of the most powerful words we can say are “thank you,” whether to others or to God. Gratitude can take many forms: I see you… I appreciate you… You make a difference… When we say, I couldn’t have done this without you, we express love and recognition. Similarly, the prayers that God cherishes most are those of thanksgiving and praise. Acknowledging His presence and work in our lives glorifies Him.
We can only succeed when God is with us:
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so, you will be My disciples. As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.” (John 15:7-9, NKJV)
Monitoring Ourselves to Align with His Will
To succeed in God’s way, not our own, we need to focus on who we are rather than just what we do. Some aspects of our being to monitor and pray for include:
- Be with Him
- Be loving
- Be forgiving
- Be kind
- Be patient
- Be gentle
- Be recognized as His follower by the fruits we bear (Let others see Jesus in us)
Learning from the Four Living Creatures
To be effective in monitoring ourselves and others—whether as leaders, teachers, or followers—we can learn from the four living creatures in Revelation.
“And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.” (Revelation 4:6, NKJV)
These creatures were full of eyes, symbolizing the ability to see challenges, needs, and spiritual conditions. The problem today is that many people are spiritually blind. When God abides in us, we attain godly insight.
The creatures also had six wings:
- Two to cover the face (humility and reverence)
- Two to cover the feet (submission to God’s guidance)
- Two to fly (swift action in His service)
Additionally, they resembled different beings:
- A lion (royal power and courage)
- A calf (strength and servanthood)
- A man (compassion and understanding)
- An eagle (spiritual vision and divine power)
These characteristics remind us to walk in God’s ways, recognizing His role in our accomplishments and in those who have helped us. That is true success in God’s eyes—and that is godly succession.
Join Us and Grow Spiritually for Succession
We warmly invite you to our Spring 2025 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC)—a time of worship, fellowship, and deepening our faith. Bring your family and friends as we explore how to create a Christ-centered life at home, work, and beyond. Save the date, and we look forward to seeing you!
Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50 PM to 8:10 PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00 AM to 8:10 PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Complimentary lunch and dinner will be served.
Please find our church location below:
True Jesus Church
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
Google Maps
In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org
