BITS and PIECES
A random collection of news and views compiled by Frank McClelland for the Toronto Free Presbyterian Church.
223rd Edition – December 29, 2024
WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY NEW YEAR
It seems like only yesterday that we were wrestling with the potential problems of passing from the 1900s into 2000. Those problems, mostly computer-based, did not materialize, but it is amazing to think that was now a quarter of a century ago.
Entering 2025, we want to wish you all a happy New Year, and that the Lord will be with you each step of the way. We know not what the future holds, but it is comforting to know that He holds our future in His hands. This is an opportune time to examine our lives. Mistakes have been made, sins have been committed, in the past year. Let us determine that the baggage of 2024 will not follow us into the New Year. May it be a year of quickening and revival.
HOW TO HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR
This is the time when we wish one another a happy New Year. It brings the question – what is true happiness? All of us want to attain happiness, but it is not all laughter and smiles. The face is a poor barometer of how we feel. The clown’s painted-on smile, may be hiding a very sorrowful heart.
True happiness is when our needs are met, and we can look on every side without uncomfortable feelings. We can look back with no guilty fears, present with no anxious discontent, and forward with no fearful dread. The Christian can be happy despite poverty, sickness or public calamities.
Happiness is not found in RANK or GREATNESS. The Emperor Antonine said. “Imperial power” carries with it “an ocean of miseries.” Nor is it found in RICHES. They bring care in getting, keeping, using and disposing. The richest are often the most miserable of people. Happiness is not found in LEARNING. The heart craves as well as the head. It is not found in IDLENESS. The idle are probably the most miserable of all. Nor is it found in PLEASURE which has no lasting satisfaction as a child’s excitement at a new toy is soon forgotten.
Solomon, one of the richest of men in every way said, “all is vanity and vexation of spirit” [Ecclesiastes 2:11].
The Psalmist gives us the pathway to true happiness. “Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord” [Psalm 144:15]. The Christian’s conscience is at peace. He has peace with God, and the peace of God. Let us thank God for this incalculable gift.
HEZEKIAH’S NEW YEAR
The name Hezekiah goes down in history as one of Judah’s greatest kings. He ascended the throne at 25. For him, and the province of Judah, it was a New Year. We can learn from his godly example. [II Chronicles 29}
He Opened the Doors of the Temple.
They were closed by his wicked father, Ahaz.
Worse, the peoples’ backs were turned to God [v6]. Are the doors of our heart closed to the Lord, shutting in the stagnant air and dust of depravity? Have they been damaged by iniquitous practices and broken by sin?
Let us follow Hezekiah’s example and open up those doors. Jesus is standing outside waiting to be admitted [Revelation 3:20].
He Cleansed the Temple. In Hezekiah’s day there were many problems for him to solve, political, military and social. But his priority was to get the Temple operating again. He did a thorough job starting inside, and getting rid of the dust and dirt of disuse.
At the king’s command they cleansed it piece by piece, and reported to him when the work was finished [v18].
Perhaps we have been a little careless in our Christian walk and slackened off in our devotion to the Lord. As we start this New Year may we do a thorough job in opening the doors of our hearts, getting rid of the dust of disuse, and be vessels “unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master’s use.”
He Commenced the Services. There were sacrifices to be made [v20]. To be an out-and-out Christian may be costly but worth it. Incense, illustrating prayer, is to be offered [v11]. Hezekiah had many things to do but prayer was his priority. It must be ours as well. There were lamps to be lit [v7]. Is our lamp burning low? Get it trimmed. There were thank offerings to be brought. Is our tithe right before God? There was praise to be offered [v27], and a fresh vision of the Lamb that was slain on our behalf. Thus, it will be for us too, a happy New Year.
