April 19, 2023

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:9-10

Yesterday I got the chance to hang out with my dad. It wasn’t really anything spectacular; we went to the movie, bought some snacks, and then him and mom came over for dinner afterwards. But that little bit of time reminded me about a prayer I prayed when I was 18 years old. Back then my father nearly died in a motorcycle accident. He had severe brain damage, spent many weeks in a coma, and no one was sure if he would ever wake up. I remember praying during that time for God to rescue my father. I earnestly asked God for just one more day with him. And here we are all these years later catching a movie together! But it also made me think of my wife’s father who we lost in a car accident this past fall. We also prayed for him but never had that same miraculous healing.

In all my years of ministry I have never figured out why God chooses healing for some and not for others. But one thing I have learned through all those situations is to appreciate the time we have with the people we love. I often share that relationships are really the only thing we get to take with us into eternity; they are really the only thing that truly matters here on earth. So, I encourage you today to look at your life and look at your schedule to see how you can make it a priority to spend time with those you love, those who need your attention, and, most importantly, those who need to hear about Jesus.

Loving heavenly Father, give us your heart for people. Let us see the eternal importance of every relationship you have blessed us with. Then give us the wisdom to prioritize accordingly.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon