Daily Devotional

Just Because

By Overseer Christopher J. Harris
This week's topic: A Love For God

If asked, most people would probably name some tangible items and results that they can physically see that is the source of their thanksgiving and worship towards God. There would be a litany of their most recent experiences covering everything from getting the parking space closest to the front entrance of a store or finally receiving that phone call that they’ve been waiting on or maybe even catching THE sale that they’ve been anticipating for weeks. While these situations (and others) are commendable and probably worth saving energy, frustration, and money, they should probably not be priorities in our time of prayer or even in exhibition of God’s love. Our worship and dedication towards God should at some point simply be because He IS – who He is.

Although I miss it many times, I work hard at being a great husband and father. It is constantly in the forefront of my mind, heart, calendar, and approach. I make decisions based around how things will impact my family. I work on my weekly calendar to consider my family. There are financial resources and investments that are done because of my family. Regardless of my fatherly labor, my wife and children are not interested in always listing what Daddy has done. They simply want to BE WITH me. They want to give me the CREDIT for being Daddy, the physical reason why they exist, have the characteristics that they have, are called what they are called, and so on. They recognize that it is because of Daddy that they even exist and are present in the world. There are some natural characteristics that they admire about their daddy. Regardless of what daddy does, they love him and want to be around him…just because.

If my spouse and children (and probably yours too) have this passion to give me the CREDIT due me, imagine how much more we should honor the Father in a way that gives Him the CREDIT that is due Him.

Psalms 29: 1-2 says, “Ascribe to the Lord, O mighty ones, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.”

To ascribe literally means to refer to the source or to lay to the account of a person. It is to give something or someone the credit that they are due. God is due the CREDIT for…well…just because.

There are a number of significant attributes that are given to describe God and His nature.

At this juncture, I am sure that many would ask the important question, “How do we give God the credit He’s due?”

1. Practice sitting in His Presence without a List (Thankfulness)

The natural tendency is to bring to God a long list of our cares and concerns. And while there is a season and space for that in our walk with God, imagine how much more amazing your relationship with Him is and would be if you are able to simply enjoy being in His presence without having to run down today’s worries and frustrations. Actually, sitting in His presence, without a list, may make your list shorter. There are ideas, thoughts, and perspectives that God will provide in His presence that otherwise you might not get the benefit of having.

2. Positively submit to His Power with Love (Trust)

For many people submitting to God is tough stuff. And because it’s a burden for them, their approach and attitude is sour about their submission. But when real trust exist, there is a love and gladness that comes with your submission.

3. Proclaim stories of His Personality without Limitations (Testimonies)

Without any excuses or limitations, share with God, and others, stories and pictures that describe God for who He is. When you share these stories and pictures, you’ll be amazed at how creative, powerful, and amazing God is. Your testimony displays His testament.

Today, give God the credit not only for what He’s done for you, but WHO He is TO you.

Scripture of the Day: “Ascribe to the Lord, O mighty ones, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.” - Psalms 29: 1-2

Christopher J. Harris, a native of Palatka, FL, is Chief of Staff/Director of Church Operations of the historic mega-church Fellowship Church of Chicago. He is also Overseer of Youth for Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International. Harris currently resides in Chicago with his wife and children. http://www.ChristopherJHarris.com…

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