Once upon a time there was a king who ruled a vast domain. He was the wealthiest person in the world: thousands of horses, dozens of homes, access to anything his heart desired. There was nothing anyone could give him that he did not already possess.

One day at the door of the throne room a young boy asked to enter that he might give something to the king. With amused looks, the guards moved to allow him to pass. One led the boy into the king's presence and announced with a smirk on his face, "Lord, this child has come to present you with a present." "You may proceed," the king said, extending his hand toward the boy.

The boy took two steps forward, cleared his throat, and began to sing a song of his own creation. He was slightly off-key, but the words spoke praise and thanksgiving to the king for the mercy and generosity the king had shown the boy's family during the recent death of the boy's mother.

When the boy was done, the king who owned everything, with tears on his face, descended from the throne, hugged the child, and said, "Thank you for that beautiful gift. You have brought great joy to my heart."²

Suggested prayer: Dear God, I praise you for your great love and faithfulness. You demonstrate it to me, not because of anything I have done, but because of who I am in you. Thank you for your forgiveness and for allowing me to have a personal relationship with you. You alone are worthy of praise, gratitude, and thanksgiving forever. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus' name, amen.

1. Psalm 63:3-4 (NLT).

2. www.sermoncentral.com

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.