BITS and PIECES

A random collection of news and views compiled by Frank McClelland for the Toronto Free Presbyterian Church.

239th Edition  – April 20, 2025

HAPPY EASTER

     The English word “Easter” appears only once in the Bible [Acts 12:4].  It is the Greek word ‘pascha’ which literally means ‘passover.’  The English translation is unfortunate because it comes from Eostre – the Germanic goddess of dawn or spring.  It is also linked to ‘Astarte’ or ‘Astaroth’ – the Chaldean goddess of love and fertility.  It is somewhat akin to the days of our week all of which are rooted in paganism.

     Easter is not like Christmas, which is held on the same day each year, but moves annually, being tied to the lunisolar calendar (solar year plus moon phase).

      For Christians, Easter is a good time to reflect on the glorious resurrection of Christ from the dead. May you have a happy Easter.

GOOD ADVICE

     The sporting world was excited in the past week when Northern Irish golfer, Rory McIlroy, finally completed the Grand Slam of golf by winning the illustrious Masters tournament, after eleven frustrating years of trying. He had already won the British Open, the US Open, and the PGA Championship, but the final leg eluded him so much that he wondered if he was never destined to win it.

     When he finally was able to put on the coveted green jacket (the mark of a Masters winner) he said to his four-year old daughter, Poppy, “Never give up on your dreams.  Keep coming back, keep working hard and, if you put your mind to it, you can do anything.” 

     Golf is only a game, albeit an enjoyable one for those who play it.  McIlroy’s advice, however, is good for a Christian in the serious game of life. 

     Of King Hezekiah it is recorded, “In every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered” [II Chronicles 31:21].  Let us all give of our best to the Master [Colossians 3:23].

THREE LITTLE WORDS

     Not the three that romantics love to hear, “I love you,” but three found in Zephaniah [3:5].  It is mostly a sombre book of judgments but it contains a bright shaft of spiritual sunlight.  Regarding God it says, “He faileth not.”

     “He faileth not” in His love.”I have loved thee with an everlasting love” [Jeremiah 31:3].

     “He faileth not” in His Presence. “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” [Heb. 13:5]

     “He faileth not” in His Provision. “My God shall supply all your need” [Phil. 4:19]

     “He faileth not” in His Promises. “Not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord spake concerning you”. [Joshua 23:14].

DON’T LET GO!

      When you’ve had a lot of trouble,

      And your faith is running low,

      When you feel you’ve hit the

      Bottom and the devil says “Let go,”

      Well, I may not be a prophet, yet

      I’ll give you my advice: Don’t give up

      Your faith in Jesus,

      Don’t let go at any price.

 

      Anyone can wear a smile when

      They’ve all they want and more,

      When their cup is overflowing

      And success is at their door.

      But it takes a lot of courage when

      You’ve tried to do your best,

      And the breaks have gone against

      You, yet you haven’t failed the test.

 

      Life is filled with many burdens, and

      Our faith is often tried,

      But remember, we are pilgrims and the

      Lord is still our guide.

      Sure, we’ll find a lot of sorrow,

      Disappointments, care and woe,

      But our God will never fail us –

      Keep your chin up, don’t let go. 

 

      Don’t let go your testimony or the

      crown which you have won,

      For the faithful there’s a mansion

      When this pilgrimage is done.

      Let us claim God’s every promise as

      We travel here below,

      Just a glimpse of Him in glory

      Will be worth it, don’t. let go.

[Walt Huntley]