Words Of Encouragement For Your Day (Tuesday 10/04/2011

Today's Devotional Is Written By A Young Woman That Lives In The Realm Of Just Because: Tracy A. Dixon
Just Because Means So Much More

Matthew 6:2-4

2 ''So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 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

This past weekend I surprised the parents of my godsons with a kid free Friday night.........just because. They didn't have any big plans or even need a babysitter. It was truly a just because blessing- - -no strings attached, no tit for tat, and no payment required/requested/needed. I had just purposed in my heart to be a blessing to them, despite my own situation.

 

How many times can we say we honestly bless people just because? No recognition, no strings, no hidden agendas. I have a friend Joakima Williams that makes beautiful tags and albums for people. Just last week, with her own funds, she mailed out 35 amazing KIMA KREATIONS friendship tags to 35 women she simply wanted to bring a smile to their face. She didn't ask for anything in return, and by the time we were opening our packages, she was already working on another just because blessing. All gifts are great, but its something about a just because gift. It truly lets you know the heart of a person, and it shows you that they were really thinking about you. A gift on a birthday or anniversary is nice, but you know the person had a reason to do it.

 

Now switch it to our Heavenly Father. When was the last time He was given a just because praise? A just because Thank You. A just because offering, sacrifice or worship. How often do we go to God with a demand on our praise? "God if you do this, I will praise you like I have lost my mind". "God when you heal my body, I am going to give you all the glory". But when do we mature to the place we can give Him a just because of who you are praise. "God if you don't do anything, I praise you". "If you decide not to heal me, you are still worthy to be praised". Its great to praise Him on Sunday morning, when you get the promotion and when the bills are paid, but I believe it does something to His ego when you worship Him with a just because spirit. Have you prompted Heaven with your praise.  Today let God know your heart loves Him for who He is and not what He does.