We are enjoying a beautiful early spring here in Lancaster County Flowers are blooming, trees are budding, and the temperatures have been warm and above normal for this time of the year. It is always a wonder to see how after the dark dreary days of winter, life springs up into beauty. I think George Beverly Shea also felt that way about God's creation, but he expressed that he had an even greater wonder of wonders that filled his soul - the wonder that God loves him. "Bev" has always been one of my very favorite male vocalists. He celebrated his 100th birthday on February 1, 2009. He has often been described as "America's beloved Gospel singer" and is considered "the first international singing 'star' of the gospel world," as a consequence of his solos at Billy Graham Crusades and his exposure on radio, records, and television. According to the Guinness Book of Records Shea holds the world record for singing in person to the most people ever, with an estimated cumulative live audience of 220 million people. He was taught to play the violin by his father, and the piano and organ by his mother. But it was his deep resonant baritone voice that brought early recognition and provided many opportunities for him to sing in his father's church and later around the world as he teamed with Billy Graham. Shea himself has said that he became a Christian at the age of five or six, but made a re-dedication to Christ when he was 18. There are many hymns that have been his trademarks over the years and we have shared many of them on this blog numerous times. But I think this one, which is so simple and to the point, is one of the most profound. Shea wrote both the lyrics and music for it and it was copyrighted originally in 1956. As you sing it this week, I pray that you might be again filled by the wonder that the Creator of the universe loves you. May that truth and wonder thrill your soul.
(1) There's the wonder at sunset at evening
The wondrous sunrise I see
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is the wonder that God loves me
The wonder of it all
The wonder of it all
Just to think that God loves me
Oh the wonder of it all
The wonder of it all
Just to think that God loves me
(2) There's the wonder of spring time and harvest
The sky, the stars, the sun
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is the wonder that's only begun
The wonder of it all
The wonder of it all
Just to think that God loves me
Oh the wonder of it all
The wonder of it all
Just to think that God loves me
You can listen to "Bev" Shea sing it here. LISTEN
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