Recognize

Who in your life has been an encouragement to you? Who in your life seems to always refresh your spirit whenever you come in contact with them?

Recognize

This week's devotions are written by my son, Bryant Forshee, Lead Student Pastor for Cross Church, Springdale, AR campus.

- Pastor Danny

"I am delighted to have Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus present, because these men have made up for your absence. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore recognize such people."

(1 Corinthians 16:17-18, CSB)

If I were to ask you who Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus were, would you be able to identify them off the top of your head? If not, that is totally okay, because they are not super well-known. These are three people mentioned at the end of 1 Corinthians 16. These three are not household names, even among Christians, but they get some special recognition from Paul at the end of his first letter to the Corinthian church. We know from 1 Corinthians 16 that these men refreshed Paul (other versions say "encouraged") and that Paul wanted the Corinthian church to recognize these people or to show appreciation for these people.

Who in your life has been an encouragement to you? Who in your life, either a brother or sister in Christ, seems to always refresh your spirit whenever you come in contact with them? Who in your life is someone that you value for their wisdom and their friendship? If you have someone in your mind, here is my next question for you: when was the last time you recognized or showed appreciation for that person?

I know in my life, there are very important people who absolutely refresh my spirit and deserve some recognition. The person that I think of first is my dad, Danny Forshee. My dad is a great example of steadfastness and encouragement. Another person that encourages me and deserves some recognition is Ben Watts. Ben and I have served in ministry together for around four years, and he loves Jesus, loves his family, and loves leading in worship. A third and final person that deserves recognition is Jameson Barker. Jameson and I served together at Prestonwood Baptist Church, and he is always intentional and caring for those he comes in contact with.

I know if you thought for two minutes about who in your life encourages or refreshes your spirit, you could come up with a few people! Take some time to reach out to that person and recognize them for what they do for you. Thank them for whatever they do for you and encourage them as much as they have been encouraging you.

Who in your life can you recognize or show appreciation to TODAY?