SIMPLE TRUTHS â—½ ENCOURAGEMENT
Can I Have Many?
by Marcy Lytle
I suppose one of the first words a toddler learns to say and says on repeat is, “More.” And it’s so cute when they also do the sign language for “More” putting their small hands together. But for some reason, the 2-year old in our family says, “Can I have many?” It’s so cute to hear him ask, when he’s eating a bite of cookie his mom has broken off, and he knows there’s more to be enjoyed!
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Yesterday at church, we sang the lyrics to a pretty song that say this:
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Our sins they were many. His mercy is more.
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This began my mind thinking about how so true this is. I can’t even begin to name all the things I do and have done that are contrary to what I know to do. I can’t even begin to list the many thoughts I think about myself and others that are not right, true or noble or good! So when we sang those lyrics, I was so grateful for God’s mercy to me and his daily grace extended that is more than enough to cover my many wrongdoings.
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​But when Camp asks, “Can I have many?” he’s asking for more of a good thing! He’s had one taste of a cookie and wants the whole thing. I’ve broken off a tiny piece of my bread and he wants the entire piece. Or when he’s offered a puff, he wants many in a cup!
Those lyrics to that song mention our many sins and his mercy that is more, but guess what else? He removes the guilt of our many sins and offers us mercy that covers them all, and then he gives us MANY blessings besides!
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I don’t know what you’re hoping to find under the tree this year, or what you wish would change for the better, or what you’ve tasted a little of and want more…but we have a Father that delights in the many! So ask Him,
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Can I have many?
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Praying for a child that’s lost his/her way? Psalm 40:3 says this, “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.”
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Thinking what you desire is too much to ask? Psalm 40:5 says this, “Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.”
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Wondering if you dare ask God such a big request? Psalm 104:24 says this, “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”
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Thinking you aren’t worthy of a yes your prayers? 2 Corinthians 1:20 says this, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.”
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So yes, while our sins are many, his mercy is more, and we can ask, “Can I have many?” when we taste that God is good in our lives, and his answer is yes…as he shares with us the sweetness from his table.