“And the Lord sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, there were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. The rich man had exceeding may flocks and herds; but the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up; and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. And there came a traveler unto the rich man, and he spared to take his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man’s lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the Lord liveth, the man hath done this thing shall surely die; and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man.” 2 Samuel 12: 1-7
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7: 14
Today’s Christian daily devotional
Candice peeked down the window of her third story bedroom. The lace curtains whisked in the breeze, masking her pretty face with its rhythmic movement.
She watched her husband’s Mercedes pull slowly out of the their gated community. As soon as it did, she headed towards her marble bathroom.
Candy’s heart pounded like an excited thirteen year old girl. Catching herself giggle, she dropped her makeup brush. Those nerves couldn’t hide her excitement!
This was Mrs. Brooks first session with her new personal trainer. Although Andre’s credentials were impressive, that was far from the deciding factor for her.
The minute Candice saw Andre’s advertisement for at-home fitness sessions; she was quick to sign up. Andre’s face and body were flawless, the middle aged woman could feel her metabolism pick up heat at the very thought of him. Mrs. Brooks was determined to be the first housewife in her neighborhood to lay claim to this gorgeous trainer.
Everything about today was meticulously planned out. From scheduling her workout session around her husband’s absence, to making sure her six year old was occupied with a play-date, to the perfect yoga pants that showed off every asset Candice had to offer.
Mrs. Brooks was proud of her cunning ways. Taking a step back from her mirror, she searched her reflection to ensure she didn’t look ‘too done’.
The last thing she wanted was to be like the other housewives on her block—they wore their desperation as thick as their Prada perfume.
Candice saw herself as a cut above them. This was despite the fact that her actions implied she cut from the very same fabric. The only difference between her and the other wives’ was a decade of youth in her favor. But in a quick ten years, she would be just like them.
Candice tilted her chin while dabbing her most subtle fragrance behind her ears. Dashing a bit between her breasts for good measure, she brushed out her perfectly coiffed hair in attempt to tone it down another notch.
Gucci, her toy poodle started barking like mad. The tiny dog ran back and forth in the large foyer; it’s rhinestone collar jangling loudly.
Candy’s heart suspended for a moment. She knew what was coming next. Any second the doorbell would ring and Mrs. Brooks would be standing face to face with the man who had been the subject of a thousand fantasies…
Not wanting her brain to stop her body, she quickly skipped down the grand staircase as the doorbell sounded.
“Hello.” Candice puffed, breathless for more reasons than one.
“I’m Andre’.” The stunning stranger smiled while extending his right hand.
Candice instinctively grabbed it while quickly glancing at his left hand. A simple wedding band gleamed back at her. The sight of it stung her eyes for a second.
“Well this just adds fun to the game.” Candice thought sheepishly to herself. She backed away from the door, allowing Andre’ to enter her lair.
“He’s mine now.”
How many men had fallen for Mrs. Brooks’ seductive traps? Andre’ was just another simple and weak-minded notch on her designer belt.
Of course Candy noticed the way Andre’ checked out her amazing figure. Swiveling her hips, she smiled triumphantly to herself.
“It’s only a matter of time…”
2 Samuel 12:1-7 recounts the discovery of David’s affair with Bathsheba. David was the powerful King of Israel. He was wealthy beyond measure and had numerous wives and concubines of his very own.
But, David didn’t have much interest in what was already his. He lusted for the wife of his good friend, Uriah. This lust got so out of control that David actually arranged for the death of his loyal friend, Uriah.
In 2 Samuel 12: 1-7, the prophet Nathan confronts David with the truth and severity of his actions. Sometimes, when we are caught up in our own emotions, we can use some pretty creative justifications to simply go ahead and do what we want to do.
The Bible lays out the laws of right and wrong pretty clear. For those who want to justify their sin, the Bible isn’t a place that offers much comfort. But, in the end facing the truth is the only thing that will really set anyone free.
Look in the mirror. Can you see behind the job title, clothes or makeup? Will you dare to see yourself as God sees you?
Are you proud of the decisions that have made you the person you are today? If not, there’s something you can do about it! God offers a way out. It’s called repentance.
Repent today to avoid regret tomorrow. Neither is fun, but one will lead to life the other, death.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I bow my head in shame. Where do I start? My whole life has been a string of justifications to do what I want to do.
When I find a Bible verse that can be twisted, I twist it to make sure that I feel better about my bad choices. If the Bible does not support what I want, I simply quote a ‘wise’ and worldly man that had no interest in serving God as a way around my favorite sin.
This is dishonoring you and your name. Lord, have mercy on a heart that is so wicked! I cast out the spirit of being double-minded in Jesus’ name.
For years I have used a hodge-podge of wisdom to lead and justify my actions. But, the proof is in the fruit. My life is full of weeds, not fruit, Lord.
Lord, today when I look in the mirror, help me to see beyond the surface. Show me my soul. Give me the strength to face the truth of who I am so I can repent of the ways I am displeasing to you.
Lord, I will not hide from you anymore. There is no place to go but up, because I am at the end of my rope, Lord.
You are my only hope. You are the only one who can save me from myself. In Jesus’ name, please do this today and every day so I can be free to be who you want me to be. Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: 2 Samuel 12: 1-7, 2 Chronicles 7: 14
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan
