Can It Be?
Recently I wrote and released a new song called Majesty and Mercy. You can hear the whole song on my YouTube channel or on a streaming site of your choice. This week, I want to use the words of this song for our devotions.
Listen to verse 1:
Can it be that you have loved me?
Can it be that you have rescued me from my sin and shame?
Can it be that I'm forgiven?
Can it be I stand before you now without the blame?
The key thought here is simply "can it be?" Each line asks that question - is it too good to be true, the message of the gospel?
The Wonder We Must Never Lose
I think if we have lost our sense of wonder at the message of the gospel, perhaps we need to rethink things. We should always be marvelling at the fact that God loves us, rescues us from sin and shame, forgives us, and allows us to stand before Him without any blame.
There's an old Charles Wesley hymn with the same message. It starts with the words "and can it be that I should gain an interest in my Saviour's blood?" and goes on to ask things like "amazing love, how can it be that thou my God should die for me?"
Of course, the answer to all these questions is a resounding yes! God does love us, and He does offer us forgiveness and rescue from our sin. Ultimately, He gave His only Son for us on the cross, so that instead of us having to earn these things by our perfect performance , we can receive them as a free gift.
Resting in What Christ Has Purchased
There's no need for doubt - Christ has purchased our redemption, and with our faith in Him, we receive these wonderful benefits from the hand of God.
But still, we stand awestruck at this amazing love that He has for us.
Today, go to God in prayer, and ask in amazement - how can it be that you love me so?
Then hear His answer: "My child, my love is even greater and deeper than you can ever imagine. There's no need to doubt. Rest in my grace and mercy today."
Familiarity is the enemy of gratitude - when we stop noticing the gifts around us, we stop being thankful for them. Ask God to open your eyes today to the beauty and blessing that surrounds you.
Derek Wilson encourages us to allow God to stir our hearts to gratitude – in worship, and in many small things.
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Gratitude to God is not just good manners - it opens the door to deeper blessing. Derek Wilson encourages us to go to God today and say a heartfelt thank you for what He has done for us.
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A desperate mother in a remote Siberian village teaches us an important lesson on prayer today.
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Watching how some patients treated hospital staff with contempt, I made a choice to honour those who cared for me. Today, show kindness and gratitude to someone who serves you.
Modern medical technology saved my life, but I never forgot that God deserves the ultimate glory for my healing. Today, remember to thank God for every good gift in your life.
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A challenging verse about Jesus revealing the Father leads to different theological interpretations between Calvinists and Wesleyans. Today, focus on the truth that unites all Christians - Jesus saves through His shed blood.
The gospel message of God's love, forgiveness, and rescue from sin should never lose its power to leave us in wonder. Pause today and let the truth of what God has done for you sink in afresh..