Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1

It was a close call.

In October, some National Health Service hospitals in England said they were afraid the Bibles that had been placed in the patients' rooms might be spreading germs.

That fear was based on a study produced by Nottingham University Hospitals that said Bibles can cause a cross-infection if they are not properly cleaned.

The suggestion was made that the hospital should ban the Bibles. That idea was ultimately rejected. Instead, the hospital has elected to put the Scriptures in protective plastic covers that can be easily cleaned when the patients are switched.

The only exception to the rule will be those rooms where the person is being treated for some form of incredibly contagious "bug," which doesn't get wiped out by the hydrogen peroxide used to clean the rooms.

In such places Bibles will be used once and then they will be replaced by another when a new patient arrives.

Now I don't know if the decision is a good one or if it's overreacting.

It doesn't make much difference. The bottom line is this: the Word of the Lord will continue to be honored in these hospitals, and the Holy Spirit will keep telling hurting people of Jesus' Words, His miracles, His sacrifice, suffering, death, and resurrection.

As Jenny Leggott, director of Nursing, said, "Most people would prefer Bibles to remain in bedside areas as they provide "an important and familiar source of comfort for patients during their stay in the hospital."

Nurse Leggott is correct. The Bible is a source of comfort for those who are sick in body and sinners who are sick in soul.

This, according to my calculations, includes everybody.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, You have told us we are to search the Scriptures for they contain the Savior's story and the words of eternal life. We give thanks for the Bible and pray that all who are ill in body and in soul may be turned to hear the wonders of Your love and Jesus' compassion. In His Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Jeremiah 20, 35-36    Colossians 4

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