May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us.
1 Kings 8:57 NIV
Not Abandoned
Canada began as a place of tiny settlements, many of which grew into great cities. But not every settlement is destined to grow forever. Several towns were started and, in many cases, thrived for a while, before the inhabitants gave up and went to seek their fortune elsewhere. If you’re moved by images of abandoned theatres, barns and television sets, you should put Bounty on your bucket list. According to Abandoned Playgrounds, Bounty lost its village status in 1997 because so many people had left.
***
A recent survey of Canadian Christians, sponsored by the Canadian Bible Society and Cardus, shows that many who call themselves Christians believe that all sacred texts, from all religions, basically teach the same thing. This is completely false, of course. Only the Bible gives the redemptive story about Jesus and His sacrifice on the Cross that provides redemption by grace to all who repent and trust Him. Even in the earliest days of God’s redemptive plan, the nations around Israel recognized that their God was unique. He was the God who spoke and who made His presence manifest among His people. King Solomon prays a prayer that testifies to God’s abiding presence. In his prayer for the dedication of God’s Temple, in 1 Kings 8:57 he prays, “May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us.” Solomon knew that God had never left them or forsaken them. He is the same God today, and through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of all who love Jesus, He is with us still.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley