“The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children.” – Romans 8:16

This week we have been spending time with my wife’s family. We have come together from Colorado, Washington, and Illinois. My wife’s side of the family, as well my side, make it a priority to get together on a regular basis. As we were all sitting together this week and talking, my 10-year-old son stopped and said, “I have a grandma on both sides and a great grandma on both sides…that’s really cool!” Actually, he has a grandpa on both sides and great grandpa on one side still living. He also has 4 aunts, 6 uncles, 10 cousins, and countless great aunts, great uncles, and second cousins who love him and one another very much. My children are starting to realize what a blessing and a privilege it is to have a large, loving family that makes it a priority to spend time together.

As the Church, the Bible makes it very clear that we are a family. We are God’s children and heirs to his Kingdom because of what Jesus Christ has accomplished for us. But, sadly, we often do not make it a priority to come together on a regular basis. Why? I believe a big reason for this is because we don’t see what a great blessing and privilege it is to belong to such an amazing family. We could all learn a lesson from my son; we have brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents, and children in the faith…that’s really cool!

Loving Father, we are so blessed to be a part of Your family. You have made us Your children, given us a beautiful family, and built for us the greatest home in all eternity. Please help us to understand the incredible blessing and privilege of our place in the family and fill us with a desire to spend time with one another.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon