A king's hiding place

He didn't think anyone would find out about what he did. He figured, it would be our little secret. Just between me and her. But he could still feel a cold breeze over his shoulder... someone, or something, was watching him when he did it. When he committed the action, and then the next action that followed. When he took that first glance, that was so much more than just a glance... it was just a look, no big deal. At least that was what he thought to himself.

All I did was look, and try to erase the evidence. But now with the news she brought forth, it was impossible. He shivered at the thought of what the future held. Just a glance. That was all...

There was a knock, knock at the door. He almost jumped, he was so deep in thought- like listening to music being interrupted by a loud clang. "Yes, who goes there?" he hesitantly replied.

"Sir Nathan, my lord," his doorman replied.

"Nathan...?" he replied.

"He says he has an urgent story to tell you."

He had no idea the spectrum of good or bad the story could bring, but he had to find out. "Let him in," he called out.

The giant door perched open, and Nathan walked in, a disappointed look on his face- more frustrated than saddened. "Hello King," Nathan greeted.

"Hello. What is this story I hear you have for me?"

Nathan sighed and corrected him. "It's much more than just a story.

"You see, there was a rich man and a poor man. The rich man had many animals, sheep and cattle. The poor man had one small lamb he was only able to buy on pure luck. This lamb grew up with the poor man's children, and he held this lamb in his arms like his own daughter. The rich man invited a traveler over for dinner, and prepared the poor man's little sheep instead of one of his many animals. He took the poor man's only property to his name, when he all as much sheep and cattle to last him his life."

The king was enraged. His heart beat fast with anger. He felt revenge heating the tips of his fingers. "Who is this man you speak of?! Where is he?!" He almost completely forgot about the guilt he was attempting to resolve before Nathan walked in.

That was, until Nathan replied:

"King, the rich man is in this very room." Nathan huffed and his face tightened. "You are he."

The king threw himself out of his chair. "What are these false claims you make!? Lying is forbidden in my kingdom and in the eyes of the Lord, especially to your king! What do you have to say for yourself?"


"My lord, listen. You are the rich man. You have a beautiful kingdom, and anything you'd like at the snap of your fingers. Everything is yours. But the one thing that wasn't fully yours, the one thing that Uriah could call his own. You had to take it away. You had to let your eyes dwell on the one thing that was his. You had to call upon his wife, to be yours. And then, to make matters worse, you had the negligence to attempt to erase the evidence. And when that didn't work, you decided to erase the person the evidence mattered to the most. You erased Uriah.

Well, you can't erase the Lord's will or consequences on you for what you've done. You killed Uriah with a sword. And now, the sword will never depart from your house- it will never leave your sight."

Tears blurred the king's vision as rapid thoughts blurred the king's focus. His heart beat at the pace his thoughts were circulating. What had he done?

"I have sinned against the Lord," the king choked.

_____________________________________________________

The king had been hunched over in the same position from the time Nathan had left. He couldn't believe he had been discovered.

Then he thought to himself, of course he had been. That chill he had felt over his shoulder wasn't anyone physically watching him. And it wasn't Nathan telling him this parable which he lived as reality. God was speaking, Himself, through this things.

His face buried in his hands. He could already feel the burden of the pain of his consequences he was to face. He realized he committed so many sins at once- theft, murder, deception. How could the Lord ever forgive him? He had to ask. But in a sense, he already knew the answer.

The king was very special in how he prayed, though. He often felt God in strumming his harp and found God by wording his heart into lines of poetry. He had to ask in this same way.

He didn't want a scribe to write this for him. This was between him and God only this time. He searched around for the nearest writing utensil, and the cleanest thing to write on. And he began.

"1 

Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
    blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity
    and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
    and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
    and justified when you judge.
5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
    sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
    you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
    let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins
    and blot out all my iniquity.

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
    so that sinners will turn back to you.
14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
    you who are God my Savior,
    and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
15 Open my lips, Lord,
    and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
    you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 My sacrifice, O God, is[b] a broken spirit;
    a broken and contrite heart
    you, God, will not despise.

18 May it please you to prosper Zion,
    to build up the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous,
    in burnt offerings offered whole;
    then bulls will be offered on your altar."

And at the bottom he wrote,

A Psalm of David. 

TO himself he thought,

"A prayer, question, light of hope beyond the walls of guilt and misery... of David"

Proverbs 4:23

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23

God values you. more than we'll ever be able to humanly understand. He never wants anything to happen or hurt you or your heart. He wants to protect it. He does.

You can certainly allow things to happen to your heart, though.

Guard your heart... from what you know is wrong. If you even have an inch of a feeling of this.. guard your heart. God cares about my heart so much, He believes it is so fragile...


Dear Lord, thank you for this verse and thank You for being the ultimate guarder of my heart. Amen

Songs of Solomon 8:4

"Do not awaken love before it's time."

Yep, I'm throwing another single-verse post at you. But I do it with purpose. This single verse by itself holds so much meaning and importance to me personally. It has helped me with previous relationships, and I know it will help me with future ones.

Valentine's day is coming. Some of us are dreading it, some of us are excited, and some of us just don't care. Usually each year I have been fine with this day, being single for each one that's passed by. But today I felt a little irkling inside, wanting someone to be with, to share not just valentines day but all of our days.

And as I get closer and better friends with guys around me, and in the process of watching friends date, I begin to want a valentine longer than just one day...

But God has called me to this verse through a very special mentor of mine. "Do not awaken love before it's time." Don't force love awake. Don't try to figure out who likes you (or who doesn't). Don't even spend your time worrying about it. I've learned and observed the most beautiful of loves happen naturally.

Even thinking about the verse literally, imagine waking up someone from sleep before their alarm went off. Imagine how YOU would feel. That's almost what rushing in to things too quickly with relationships is like, except much much worse.

This valentines day, if you are single, don't focus on the type of love you don't have. Focus on the types you do have. Especially God's.

*A side note: with many of these posts, I am often talking directly to myself; this is why I may seem harsh sometimes... but if you feel like it applies to you, great!

Dear Lord, I thank you so much for your warnings; you even give warnings on dating, with verses like this. Such a simple verse has truly helped and guided me. Thank you so much Lord! I pray that we could remember and cherish You and Your love on valentine's day. ♥Chrissy

Psalm 16:1

I prayed and asked for protection from God as I was squished in the back of a car between a toddler car seat and the car door. I was terrified, I was close to tears, and I was ripped away from my comfort. I felt like I couldn’t breathe with all the air blowing in my face through the car window, everything felt so fast; the driver was speeding. He asked me what kind of music I liked to listen to. He had put on the closest thing he had to my favorite style, which was not even close at all. I was deathly afraid, the music was shouting, blasting, and frightening. I thought to myself, “This is just a smidge of what hell would be like.” And I sat in the back seat squished; unable to breathe, begging my God to keep me safe. And He did.

“Keep me safe, my God,
    for in you I take refuge.”  -Psalm 16:1

That morning, the same day as this trip I had with this driver, I prayed to God, asking Him to lead me to where He wanted me to be. For an opportunity to be provided to me so that I may share my faith.

I still don’t know if I made the decision or if God had wanted me to be there. Why would He, it’s definitely not my scene, or lifestyle. I’ve been sheltered growing up, and that’s the last place you’d see me in. I went for the ambiance, to try something new, also the people who I was with wanted me to tag along. I cry now, thanking and praising my God for blessing me with safety. He is my refuge, He is my strength. He understands my worries and knows my prayers. I have never been so scared in my life, I sat in the back reciting my prayer, and for a moment I thought that if I, and everyone in the car got involved in an accident, due to the reckless driving, and I died, for a quick moment, I was okay with that, because I knew that my God would keep me safe either way--whether I lived and walked in His blessings surviving or near missing the accident or died and went to live with Him forever. And then I thought of all the people who I would let down, all who love me, all who will miss me.

But God definitely has a plan for me and that is why He blessed me with His shelter.

 Dear Lord,

Thank you a millions times, (yet it is not enough) for blessing me and all who were in the care. I know and have faith that Your word is true and holy and is a guide to teach us how to live. Thank you for this verse I have absolutely no doubt that you are my safe haven. God maybe I was right where you wanted me to be, to test me and teach me about Your refuge. Thank you for loving me and blessing me.

Amen.

Mer †

1 Timothy 4:12

1 Timothy 4:12

New International Version (NIV)

12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

I have gotten the question countless times, and I won't be surprised if I hear it again this weekend: why in the world would you ever volunteer with humans as dramatic, crazy, emotional, and trouble-making as jr highers?

This weekend I am counseling a group of amazing jr high girls at a camp called Ponderosa. We'll be heading up with the rest of our jr high group this Friday (SO excited!) and will be coming back down Sunday. This will be my first time leading a cabin by myself!

Anyway, back to the verse. So often times Jr highers get overlooked and undermined, and most importantly misunderstood. A lot of people don't realize that jr high is a critical time in a person's life. Not even the fact of "middle school" persay, but the ages ranging from 11-13 are just a very important time of beginning to figure out who YOU are, who you AREN'T, what you don't/do like, what you're skeptical about/ what you're sure about. If high schoolers were skeletons and children were cartilage, jr highers are the soft snail shell that can be grown out of, or stay hardened. (Did that metaphor make any sense at all?) What I'm trying to say is, jr highers are the in-between of having no independent thought and having almost only independent thoughts. If anyone needs a friend, mentor, or just PERSON in their life; they certainly need one in jr high.

Yet, being on jr high staff for 3 years now, I am really learning how much wonder and potential they have. It's not even potential. It's just THERE! If I could express anything to them critical about their age, it would be to never let anyone look down on them and their hearts or belief in Christ because they are in jr high. I see these kids constantly being curious and setting examples around them. I see them loving, reaching out, and wanting to know more about Christ. I want to be more like THEM! They are examples to me, in my life! I am an 18 year old in college and I want to follow their examples.

Lord, I thank You so much for involving me in the jr high ministry. I am completely blessed to have such amazing youngsters in my life. I love them so much. I pray that I could be a complete reflection of You to them, not just this weekend but everytime I see them. And I pray that I can be reflected to as well, that I would learn from them much more about You. I pray that the entire jr high staff would plant seeds of love, guidance, and directions straight to You. I also pray for complete protection, health, and safety this weekend as we travel there and back. We also pray that homesickness wouldn't be an issue. And as far as whatever happens with my mom tomorrow, I pray that my mom's condition wouldn't effect me ministering to these students. I thank You and love You. THank You for this amazing opportunity. I love You and lift up the entire jr high ministry to You. In Jesus name, Amen

♥Chrissy

Psalm 27

Today my mom went in for a scan/checkup on her brain as she battles brain cancer. They discovered something very small that they are not sure what it is, we find out what it is tomorrow. As my amazing coworkers at work saw me a little emotional, a friend told me this Psalm popped into her head to encourage me.

Psalm 27

salm 27

Of David.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked advance against me
    to devour[a] me,
it is my enemies and my foes
    who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
    my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
    even then I will be confident.

4 One thing I ask from the Lord,
    this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
    and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
    he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
    and set me high upon a rock.

6 Then my head will be exalted
    above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
    I will sing and make music to the Lord.

7 Hear my voice when I call, Lord;
    be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
    Your face, Lord, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
    do not turn your servant away in anger;
    you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
    God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
    the Lord will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, Lord;
    lead me in a straight path
    because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
    for false witnesses rise up against me,
    spouting malicious accusations.

13 I remain confident of this:
    I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.

All of these verses are beautiful and purposeful, but the two that stand out to me the most happen to be the first verse and the last verse. "The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?" This verse is so much easier to type than to grasp at times like these. I even noticed that in my car today, instead of praying or singing worship songs, I went ahead and played songs that didn't have anything to do with God. Why was turning to these songs my first reaction in this time? I can get so scared that I react in ways in which I am unsure of what to do.

But I already knew what I was supposed to do- turn to God. Not fear. Have hope, and ask God to heal my mother completely. Have faith, and trust in God. Not be afraid. I don't need to be when the Lord is ON OUR SIDE. With things like cancer, and any other kind of uncontrollable circumstance: it is easy to  wonder what God is doing... but the truth is... He is ALWAYS on our side. Even when we are completely denying Him, He still is CRAZYYY about us and wants us SO BADLY. We have nothing to fear, He is ALWAYS on our side!!

And the last verse. "Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." God strengthens our family, as we take heart and wait for the Lord. I've always LOVED the term "Take heart". It is so comforting to me. I just feel rest just thinking about the term. I will wait on the Lord, for He knows what is best for my family. I will Love Him, and I will take Heart in what You have for us Lord.

Thank You Lord for this passage. Thank YOu abundantly for the amazing progress my mom has had. Lord, I want to take this time to ask You something; for You call us to ask and petition. Lord, would You please completely heal my mom, and take anything dangerous or harmful out of her brain and body permanently? With Your power and healing ability, You can do it. You are the Holy Physician. Please Lord, would You heal my mother and grant her an extremely long and healthy life? I have no doubt that You can grant these requests LOrd. Thank You for comforting me and my family, for calling us to Your arms. We love You and pray for the absolute BEST for my mom, because that is the only thing You would give. We love You. Amen.

John 14:27

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

I came across this verse today and the first thing that popped into my head was a friend of mine who was blessed with a peace of mind and heart. I didn’t fully understand how he could have been so fine with his parents divorcing and that made me a little upset. He should have at least been upset with his dad with the way he was treating the rest of the family. But no. My friend said “I can’t really explain it any other way. God is giving me an unfathomable peace. I forgive my dad with a loving heart. And I feel really good about it.”

Two years later, his parents were officially divorced. My friend, his brother, and his mom moved out and found another place to live. God was watching over them and gave them so many people to help them through a difficult and altering time. One year after that, he shared his testimony and how that change had a big effect on his heart. If he didn’t choose to forgive his dad, He wouldn’t be the soft, lovable, kind heart man he is today. I bet you he would be angry, slanderous, rude; just qualities and characteristics that aren’t as attractive.

This verse, Jesus tells us He’s leaving but he is leaving us with a gift. It’s up to us to accept it, wouldn’t you want something that no one else, nothing else, could give? Something that would make your worries disappear. Peace is such a magnificent gift! Remember when you were in high school and you had to carry all your 10 pound text books around campus? My school had no lockers for the students to put their books and bags in, we had to carry them everywhere. Peace is a feeling where you have been lifted of the weight, all the stress and tension is gone. God can give us that exact feeling, with anything, whether it be big like forgiving someone, or small like a heavy textbook.

God Gives Us Peace!

Dear Lord,

Thank you so much for the example of my friend who didn’t let his worldly worries get the better of him. Thank you for giving us peace of mind and heart when we are struggling. Please show us how to accept that gift and to use our peace to lead others in Your direction. Thank you for loving us so much to even provide such a miraculous gift that world cannot give.

Amen.

Mer †