Nothing moves us to gratitude quite like personal blessing.
When God steps into our individual stories – showing us that he has provided for our needs, showing us the difference between wants and needs – suddenly thankfulness flows more freely. It’s like the difference between hearing about rain and feeling it on your skin. When blessing gets personal, it gets real. But here’s the challenge: can we learn to be just as grateful for the blessings others receive? Can we celebrate God’s goodness even when we’re not the primary beneficiary?
True maturity in gratitude means rejoicing in all of God’s works, not just the ones that directly benefit us.
Philippians 4:19 tells us, “God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” When we, or others are blessed, God is the ultimate provider. And while we may confuse wants and necessities, or not be aware of the blessings being bestowed, we can trust Him to meet all of our needs.
Scotty Inman recently released his latest single, Man On The Middle Cross, a heartfelt song that delves into themes of redemption, grace, and salvation. Featuring the powerful vocals of Jason Crabb and Charlotte Ritchie, the song has meaningful lyrics, reflecting the central Christian message of finding hope through Jesus.
Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” NASB. In Man On The Middle Cross, Inman speaks to the universal longing for salvation and the realization that human efforts alone cannot secure a place in heaven. The lyrics highlight the importance of faith in Christ, with lines that emphasize grace and the sacrifice of Jesus as the only way to find redemption. The chorus, in particular, underscores this message, as Inman sings:
“My only prayer, my only plea / The only hope for a sinner like me / There was a price I couldn’t pay / But Jesus did and HE’s the only way.”
This especially reflects the verse in Ephesians which teaches that salvation is a gift from God, available through faith and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The verse and the song together affirm that our hope and redemption lie not in our own merit but solely in the grace extended by Jesus—the “man on the middle cross.”
The collaboration with Jason Crabb and Charlotte Ritchie brings an added dimension to the song, as both artists are celebrated in gospel and Christian music for their passionate and soulful singing. Scotty Inman has expressed his admiration for Ritchie’s talent, noting the significant role her voice plays in enhancing the song’s impact. In his words:
“I’ve always been a huge fan of Charlotte Ritchie. I love her voice. I love her spirit. We asked her, ‘Would you sing the third part on this?’ And she said, ‘Absolutely.’ And it was the right touch on that song to have her singing it. And of course, anytime you get Jason Crabb on a song, it just goes to another level.”
The lyrics of Man On The Middle Cross convey a humble acknowledgment of human imperfections and a celebration of divine grace. The song opens with verses that reflect on the different ways people hope to reach heaven, while also recognizing the insufficiency of simply “doing good.” Inman’s lyrics confess that despite our best efforts, we all carry “baggage” and imperfections, and that without Christ, we could never be “good enough.” He sings:
“Lots of folks got lots of ways Hoping to make it through those pearly gates Just do some good, live like they should Trusting that’s all it’s gonna take
But I know me, all my baggage, all my stuff I’ll never be good enough”
The lyrics reminder the listener of the Biblical truth of salvation through Jesus.
God isn’t interested in hollow thank-yous. When we’ve experienced His goodness, He expects more than just words – He looks for transformation.
Think of gratitude like a seed that should grow into something visible and tangible. If we’re truly thankful for God’s mercy, it should show in how we treat others. If we’re grateful for His forgiveness, it should be evident in our willingness to forgive. Real gratitude isn’t just a feeling or a phrase – it’s a force that shapes our character and influences our choices.
Hebrews 12:28 tells us, “Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let’s show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe…” NASB.
Shouldn’t we approach God with reverence and awe, serving Him acceptably? Should we not also pray for our leaders and those in authority so that we may lead peaceful and Godly lives?
One year after a devastating accident during a firefighter training exercise, Jordan LeFevre of The LeFevre Quartet is sharing his story of faith and perseverance. LeFevre began serving as a part-time firefighter and quartermaster for White County, GA (USA) in 2017 and was promoted to fire chief in 2022. He had the accident the following year. The incident, which left him with multiple hip fractures, has become a powerful testimony of finding purpose through adversity.
LeFevre sees divine timing in what could have been an even more tragic situation.
“I’m so fortunate,” he reflects, noting that if it had been a real emergency call, the outcome could have been far worse due to the potential presence of fire beneath the floor. The recovery period became a time of deep spiritual reflection for LeFevre.
“It took putting me in the hospital bed for a little while and sitting me at the house to truly realize God’s plan for my life and where it’s heading,” he shares. The extended recovery time allowed him to analyze his life’s direction and purpose in ways he might not have otherwise.
Today, LeFevre has made remarkable progress in his recovery. He has retired as fire chief, but The LeFevre Quartet continues their ministry with their latest release, “Things We Cannot Change,” a fitting title that echoes the themes of acceptance and faith that LeFevre has experienced firsthand through his journey.
His story serves as a powerful reminder of how challenging circumstances can lead to unexpected blessings and deeper spiritual insights.
Even with all the blessings surrounding us, gratitude often feels like an afterthought. Think about your day yesterday – how many times did you pause to acknowledge a blessing? Our ancestors in Eden lived in constant gratitude, their every breath a song of praise to their Creator. Heaven itself rings with endless thanksgiving. Yet here we are, surrounded by daily miracles – sunrise and sunset, breath in our lungs, food on our tables – and we struggle to muster a word of thanks.
This resistance to gratitude isn’t just a bad habit; it’s a symptom of how far we’ve wandered from our original design. When we find it hard to be thankful, it’s a wake-up call, reminding us that we need to realign our hearts with God’s intent for us.
As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
