God Keep Our Land

Acts 17:26-28 – From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. "For in him we live and move and have our being."

I opened my Bible and read for a while; this always fills my spirit and starts my day with the Lord. Then I went to the front door of the house, opened it, and looked across to the parkette. There stood a new flag pole with a brand new Canadian flag, gently waving in the breeze with its big red maple leaf. This filled my spirit with pride to be a Canadian. It brought to mind my country and the day we celebrate today: "Canada Day."

God has given us our different countries in which to live. In today's scripture, Paul, speaking of God's superintendence of all people and nations, says: "He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us." What a mighty God we serve!

In Canada, some of us have come to this land, and some of us have been born here. As in many countries, it is often a struggle for us to be one in spirit, no matter what our origin may have been. At the same time, think of the common bond of faith in Christ that unites the readers of the Daily devotional in the one Spirit. Daily reaches Singapore, Ireland, Korea, South Africa, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Romania, Australia, Brazil, Japan, France and the Philippines, as well as the United States and Canada. If that common bond can occur across boundaries and oceans, it can surely happen within our countries too.

No matter whether we are native-born or chosen citizens of our countries, God has provided a country for each of us. As Christians, it matters less where we live or what our origin may have been. Let the world see us as we are, true to our country and to our God. We are blessed by Him for what He has given to each one of us. We can all be proud of our countries, the lands where God has led each one of us. In Canada, God has given us a country filled with pines and maples, tall mountains, mighty rivers and great lakes. We have such a diversified and glorious country. There is a line in the Canadian national anthem that every Daily reader can make into their own prayer: "God keep our land glorious and free." God bless our country and all who dwell within. And God bless Canada!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the land you have chosen for each one of us to live in. May we live in harmony and in accordance with your will, that we may receive your blessings. Amen.

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