BITS and PIECES
A random collection of news and views compiled by Frank McClelland for the Toronto Free Presbyterian Church.
246th Edition – June 8, 2025
CELL CAUTION
We live in an amazing technological world. I remember as a young boy when a basic telephone was a novelty. Then television came about 1950 with a tiny black and white screen dwarfed by the mammoth ones of today. Colour TV was the next step. Then came the computer, followed by the smartphone. Now we go to the Swiss Chalet and have our dinner served by a robot!
In such a restaurant it is interesting to watch the many who seem addicted to their cell phones. Don’t get me wrong, cell phones are amazing and you can get necessary information from them at a finger touch. One of the features is to remind you daily how much time you spend on your phone.
Therein lies the danger. Some folks are so addicted to their phones that it seems they cannot do without them. The phone therefore becomes an idol in their lives. Check how much time you spend on your phone to see if you have passed from using it wisely to crossing the line of idolatry.
Remember, if there is one thing in the Old Testament that God hates it is idolatry in its various forms. By all means use your cell phone but don’t let it become an idol that leads you away from the Lord.
A knife is a tool and, like all tools, it has two uses – good and bad. It can be used to butter your bread, but it can also be used to stab someone. The cell phone is also a tool which can be good and useful. But beware! It can lead you astray through overuse.
“KING OF KINGS”
Last week we reported on the king’s short visit to Canada to read the throne speech for the new government – the first time that has happened in fifty years. His effort to strengthen Canada’s sovereignty is much appreciated. The adulation of the people got me to thinking about the speech of Scottish preacher, Andrew Melville (1545–1622).
Addressing personally King James VI of Scotland (also known as James I of England) Melville said,
“Sir, there are two kings and two kingdoms in Scotland. There is James the head of this commonwealth, and there is Christ Jesus the King of the Church, whose subject James the Sixth is, and of whose kingdom he is not a king, nor a lord, nor a head, but a member.”
This far-reaching statement helps us appreciate the difference between the genuine Christian and the worldling today. Ever wonder why you think so much differently from the world at large in lifestyle, entertainment, politics etc.?
It is because of the “two kingdoms.” As Christians we belong to the kingdom of heaven and live according to the law of God. Things that are good and proper we love but ungodly things that the world lusts after we abhor. When we try to follow the world’s ways we are not happy.
Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer, is the “KING OF KINGS” [Revelation 19:16]. When we follow Him and His ways then we are blessed indeed. Read the story of the kings of Israel and Judah and you will find that those, like King Josiah, who did “that which was right in the sight of the Lord” [II Kings 22:2] were blessed. It doesn’t mean they had no difficulties but they could call upon the Lord in such a time and He would help. The “ungodly are not so” [Psalm 1:4] and heap upon themselves unnecessary woes.
“LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED”
Last Tuesday, at the minister’s monthly Zoom prayer meeting, the new moderator, Rev. John Wagner, directed our attention to one of the sweetest portions of the Bible. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me” [John 14:1].
The disciples were very troubled. Jesus had just told them of His impending death, which they did not really understand. Then brash Peter said he would die for Christ only to be told that in a few hours he would deny Him. Jesus turned His disciples’ gaze towards the “mansions” in heaven. The upward look gets rid of earthly troubles. It is the same for us.
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”
