Matthew McKinnon's Blog

Praise Gathering in Glasgow: A Night of Worship and Community

Last weekend was an exciting weekend in Glasgow, as 5000 gathered over two nights at The Royal Concert Hall for the 41st Annual Praise Gathering Event. Five hundred singers in the Adult Choir and 100 children in the Junior Choir, coming together from 250 churches. Truly a night to be remembered!

It was a special time worshiping God our Father, and his son Jesus Christ with Christians from around Scotland and other guests from far and wide. The singing of the choirs was inspirational, as was the singing and music of ‘Celtic Worship’ with their music rooted in a traditional Scottish style. The Searchlight Theatre Company also gave a powerful portrayal of the story of the Glasgow pastor the Rev. John Harper, who gave his life for others during the sinking of the Titanic on April 15th 1912.

I am reading Timothy Keller’s book ‘Encounters with Jesus’ at present and smiled last night when I read – ‘You experience something profound and then you come down off the mountaintop or out of the concert hall or wherever you were and you try to convey it to somebody else. But your words can’t begin to do it justice. Certainly all Christians will feel like that when they want to describe their experiences of God ‘. That seemed to sum up how I felt about our night at Praise Gathering!

The finale of the choir was a hymn based on the words of Revelation 19.1 (‘After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:
“Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments’) and was a strong and powerful reminder of this world’s endtime scenario. How good to know that the judge of all the earth is the author of Salvation, which is freely given to all who come to God in repentance and faith, and acknowledge the risen Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, as the Rev. Kenny Borthwick made clear in his talk. So many inspiring and encouraging words throughout the programme. I loved the singing of ‘When I survey the wondrous Cross’ by Naomi Stirat of Celtic Worship’, sung in a Scottish accent with such clarity and resolve against a backdrop of some fine music. Absolutely beautiful, and greatly challenging. Here are the words:

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride

See from His head His hands His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did e’re such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown

Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were a offering far too small
Love so amazing so divine
Demands my soul my life my all

Love so amazing so divine
Demands my soul my life my all.

Something quite different was also happening here in Glasgow in this last month. If you are a subscriber, you will perhaps remember that last July I told of my experience in the Glasgow QEUH hospital after having suffered a stroke. You may also recall I had agreed to join the Phoenix Trial. Well one year + down the line I was asked to take part in an intervew on the telephone and later on camera for a review they were doing of this fascinating project.

The project now has 2000 patients participating and the plan is to increase this to 4000 over the next year or so.

The trial for me involved having a mouth swab taken to determine my DNA which was then passed to the US. Within a few days the laboratory there sent a copy of my genes back to the researchers in Glasgow. My medicine was then matched to suit my genes, with a view to maximise the medicines beneficial results. I have been on that medicine everyday since, and have also carefully followed my excercise routine as set out by the physio team. So here’s a few pictures of my miniscule contribution to what seems to me to be an outstanding and interesting development.

Leading Consultant Stefanie Lip and her assistant

It was nice to be asked to participate in this trial, and one year + down the line, to just say how it has been for me thus far. I pray this research will bless many patients now and in the future, as the research study continues.

If you like reading about science and the complexities of the human body, and its amazing design, I would recommend David Galloway’s book ‘Design Disected’ which I found to be such a fascinating and informative read.

Well today in Glasgow it was 27 degrees C, so with the car air conditioner on, we headed to the Clyde coast at Largs, and were refreshed by a lovely soft breeze, and some ice cream at the famous ‘Nardinis’!

As I finish Psalm 139 is worth a read, and is very relevant to some of today’s thoughts!

May God bless you wherever you are.

Matthew

Finding a safe place!

DSCN9552 — Beautiful Inverary Castle – Looks like a safe haven?

Well since times immemorial humankind have sought shelter and safety in times of trouble, from cold, rain, snow and storm, from wild animals, and from fellow humans, who seem to be continuously fighting and shedding blood. Early on caves and caverns and holes in the ground served their purpose, and then all other kinds of structures suitable for their environment, often built with amazing ingenuity. Such structures can be seen here in Scotland at so many interesting sites. These including brochs and towers and island fortresses, and attract many archaeologists, tourists and visitors every year. These can easily be researched on line. Here are a few photos from Skara Brae in Orkney.

Of course in later eras 2000 to 3000 castles were built in Scotland, and whilst many now are just ruins, around 1500 are still standing and it would take a lifetime it seems to visit them all! But here are some photos of some magnificent ones we have visited, which in their time provided a place of safety for their residents.

Balmoral Castle – King and Queen’s summer residence.

Finding a safe place during WWll in Glasgow however looked nothing like the photos shown above. We were fortunate however to have two air raid shelters next to our newly built block of flats, and I remember being carried down to one after the sirens sounded. A rectangular reinforced building with three or four rooms with concrete benches on either side and a long corridor with one end door. A stray bomb did go off at the other end of our road killing a number of people so that encouraged more folks to make use of the shelters. Here are a couple of photos of one old shelter the same as the one used by us, still standing today, but modified with front door and window, I guess to use as storage space. Probably been standing for 85-88 years, without it would seem, any maintenance.

This blog has partly been inspired by a first hand report from Ukraine at our church recently, telling us of the war situation there and its devastating effect on the Christian community and the population at large. It was good to hear that amidst the chaos and tradgedy caused by bombs, drones and missiles bringing death and destruction, the church was playing an important role in bringing shelter, relief and succour in Jesus’ Name. We are also receiving at church regular reports from Lebanon with the same stories of tragedies, suffering and loss, where again the church is playing its role in relief and counselling efforts to help the bereaved, injured, homeless and traumatised people. I guess we could write screeds on the Middle East, and Sudan (currently the world’s worst humanitarian crisis) that we seldom hear about. I was in Sudan as Tearfund’s representative during the civil war, so know something of the horrors of such situations. And so we could go on, and on. At Tearfund we sometimes spoke of supporter fatigue, where people would give money but didn’t want to know the details. I would recommend Tearfund if you have a heart to give, they do a great job and have a Glasgow Office. Just go on line and click Tearfund

Donor fatigue of course is understandable, for we all receive so many requests for help, whilst having difficulties and problems of our own. Thankfully we have been saved from warfare on these shores for over eighty years, and have had no need to find shelter from bombs and missiles, and by God’s grace, long may that continue. However isn’t it true we have many other battles going on in our hearts and minds, that we wish we could find shelter from? Family, finance and fear? Health, heartache and hopelessness? And I guess many more. Sadly in our society today the place for shelter too often is sought, by running to alcohol, and drugs. Then there is the proverbial ‘head in the sand’ approach, which keeps pressing on with life, ignoring all difficulties until they eventually catch up with us!

For me the answer is found in a person, God’s own Son the Lord Jesus Christ who promises life in all its fulness. including peace and forgiveness as we respond to His call to come. ‘Come to me all you who are burdened and heavy laden, and I will give you rest’. Before he returned to his Father he also said to those who loved and followed Him, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.‘

When storms of life do come. its good to have a pilot aboard. At church recently we were looking at Psalm 46, it was a favourite of my dad’s, it starts like this:

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

A popular hymn these days uses these words from the lips of Solomon The name of the LORD is a fortified tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe. Prov.18.10 Plenty versions of this hymn to choose from on You Tube, check it out!

With that I’ll sign off, summer is anticipated here and seedlings in the greenhouse are now being planted out. I wish you God’s blessing wherever you are, and whatever season you are in. Its always good to hear from you. Matthew

Sunny days are here again!

My last blog finished with thoughts of Easter, and the children’s egg hunt and Church Service in the local park, but these had to be cancelled due to a storm sweeping in from the Atlantic, bringing strong winds and torrential rain. The children however were well compensated with their egg hunt taking place on the church premises, followed by a moving Easter morning service. You can hear the sermon here – https://greenviewchurch.co.uk/sermons/from-buried-to-believing-john-19v38-20v10/#

However as the month progressed the weather dramatically improved, and it was great to be out and about again, and also to spend time in the garden. In fact during this last week the temperature also dramatically improved. Yesterday we had a beautiful day at Culzean Castle and Country Park with no need of the legendary Scottish kagoule! The sea was as calm as a millpond! Check out some of the photos.

On the way home we stopped off for a picnic at another local beauty spot, can you guess where, from the photos?

It was also nice in April to be back in ‘Suga Town’ (Greenock) again. It always brings back so many memories of half a lifetime spent in the sugar business. You can’t really go there without visiting Lyle Hill, and reflecting on the history of this town, once famed for its fourteen sugar refineries, and of course the company of world wide fame and renown founded in 1921 by Henry Tate and Greenock entrepreneur Abram Lyle, ‘Tate and Lyle Limited. Better stop there or I’ll go on and on. 🙂 Here are some photos from Lyle Hill.

The reason for my interest in Greenock last month was the fact that I had been invited to speak at a Christian Men’s Fellowshp in town one Thursday morning. I really enjoyed being there and meeting so many retired Christian men with a host of talent and life experiences. There was plenty time for chat as the gathering started wth tea and a bite to eat. This was followed by every man bringing a Bible verse that meant something special to them, then there was a duet from two brothers who sang beautifully, followed by a resident poet, who it was said made up a new poem for every meeting, this time around the theme of Artemis II and their bypass of the moon. There was some communal singing too. The father of a friend, who has spent a lifetime in Christian service, recalled his conversion at the Billy Graham campaign in Kelvin Hall in 1955, and that I sang in the choir in these days! I even met a couple of men with a connection to the sugar business! This was an hour and a half well spent, sharing with other life long followers of Jesus, and despite the passing years, and various difficulties associated with old age, there was a love and care shown for each other, and a reminder, that it was said of Jesus, ‘Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end’.

An added bonus was that my wife and I had two nights staying wth my son and his wife at Skelmorlie.

I’ll finish with the words of the old hymn the brothers sang that day! ……… My Lord has garments so wondrous fine, and myrrh their texture fills;
Its fragrance reached to this heart of mine with joy my being thrills.
Out of the ivory palaces, into a world of woe,
Only His great eternal love made my Saviour go.

In garments glorious He will come, to open wide the door;
And I shall enter my heav’nly home, to dwell forevermore.

So wherever you are, I wish you God’s blessing.

Matthew

Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery but today is a Gift, that’s why it is called “the present”!

Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.Your faithfulness continues through all generations;

I came across an old chap on social media this week who was quoting the above saying, it was new to me so really made me laugh. I decided to use the words in this month’s blog! The photos above are a personal picture of ‘yesterday, today and the future’ illustrating our growing family over a period of 127 years. I’m sure many could show a similar set of photos representing their family! And doesn’t holding a new baby often cause one to exclaim, ‘I wonder what the future holds for this child?’

History – Libraries of course hold volumes of books that have been written on the history of our changing world over the last century. That however pales into insigificance, volume-wise, when we consider the advent of the computer. According to ChatGPT (Intelligent Design) humanity now produces more information in a single day than was produced in an entire century in the past. Total recorded information is estimated to double every few years, and covers every subject imaginable. Our recent visit to the Transport museum and this month’s visit to the Kelvingrove Art Galleries and Museum could be considered by some to be a waste of time, as you can find it all on the internet. But nothing I believe beats things that stimulate our five senses; touch, taste, hearing, sight and smell.

Now here are some photos of our recent visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, a visit we always find to be a great way to spend an afternoon, and admission is free! Most of the exhibits I enjoy, but find the work of artists, and sculptors particularly amazing. Too many photos to show, but here is a sample.

But when the sunshines!…..well, my wife and I like to get out together at least one day a week, over and above things like cutting the grass, tidying the garden and getting the greenhouse ready for the expected new season. The following photos are of our recent activities including photos taken during our visit to the beautiful Greenbank NTS (National Trust for Scotland) Gardens.

Reflection: I’ve been mentioning something of the wonders of our computer age and the advancement of AI, but as you get older it’s difficult to cope at times with all these ‘newfangled ideas’ that are constantly being pushed forward, especially in the world of technology. Of course we recognise the many many blessings they have brought in terms of medicine, transport, mobility, home comforts and ease of communication with family and friends. Yes we are truly blessed.

It’s apparent however that human hearts haven’t changed, as we watch and listen to our daily news bulletins. Do you ever feel just like switching the TV off? Wars and more wars, cheating public figures, in politics, business, and the entertainment world, and to be truthful in every other aspect of life. We also witness the daily toll of people from all backgrounds coming before our courts, and our prison system groaning under overload capacity. Oh, and then there is you and me, who get things terribly wrong far too often!

A surreal painting depicting a crucifixion scene with a figure on the cross, set against a dark sky and distorted landscape.

The most famous painting in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery is by far Salvador Dali’s painting entitled ‘Christ of St John of the Cross’ where he dramatically contrasts the Jesus of Galilee, with Jesus the man on a cross. Why, we may well ask, did Jesus who taught the multitudes around the shores of Galilee and beyond, end his life in agony, humiliation, shame and mockery on a cross? All he taught regarding the things of God, and the coming Kingdom were so often accompanied by his miracles. You will remember how he fed the hungry, healed the sick, made the lame to walk, gave sight to the blind, calmed the sea and raised the dead. A reading of John’s Gospel provides the answer to the ‘why’ question, and as we approach Easter I’m sure you would be blessed if you read it for yourself. John finishes his writing of that Gospel with these words ‘Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.‘ At our Church in Glasgow we have been studying John’s Gospel together at our morning services for many weeks, why not listen to one? I recommend last week’s talk which you can hear by logging on to the website. – http://www.greenviewchurch.co.uk

On Sunday we read the Biblical account of Jesus’ death by crucifixion on a Friday all those years ago, but as Jesus followers we remember His promise of the third day, and love to say, ‘Ah, but Sunday’s coming’! …. for on the third day he arose from the grave. So we look forward to Easter Sunday just a few days away and hope you can enjoy the celebration at a Church where you are?

As Easter fast approaches I will finish with the words of a hymn that always touches my heart, you can hear it being sung on You Tube. It goes like this:

Up Calvary’s mountain, one dreadful morn,
Walked Christ my Saviour, weary and worn;
Facing for sinners death on the cross,
That He might save them from endless loss.

Refrain
Blessed Redeemer! Precious Redeemer!
Seems I now see Him on Calvary’s tree;
Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading,
Blind and unheeding-dying for me!

“Father forgive them!” thus did He pray,
E’en while His lifeblood flowed fast away;
Praying for sinners while in such woe
No one but Jesus ever loved so.

Refrain
O how I love Him, Savior and Friend,
How can my praises ever find end!
Through years unnumbered on heaven’s shore,
My tongue shall praise Him forevermore.

Best wishes for Easter wherever you are, and I’m always happy to hear from you

Matthew

Valentine’s Weekend: Faith, Nature, and Community.

So what comes to mind when you think ‘ah February‘? It would be easy to talk about the cold and damp, or the frost and icy weather, or the cost of living, especially relative to food and heating bills, or even the argy-bargy of the children and politicians! 🙂

At our church we always taught the children to sing “this is the day that the Lord has made we will rejoice and be glad in it”. You might say ‘easier sung that done‘, and we all get that. But nonetheless I’ve found from experience that the words of the other old hymn are true – ‘Trust in the Lord and don’t despair he is a friend so true, no matter what your troubles are Jesus will see you through. Sing while the day is bright, sing in the darkest night, every day all the way let us sing sing, sing!”

We certainly have lots of good things to sing about, and compared with so many others we are truly blessed! Here’s a few photos of what we did on St Valentine’s day/weekend.

Largs and Skelmorlie walks were also very much among our activities last weekend, these locations are less than an hours drive from Glasgow, so we tend to take them for granted, but they are beautiful. Some photos from our weekend visit follow.

Earlier in the month we had a trip to Glasgow’s Transport Museum, but ran out of time looking at the exhibits. Here are a few photos.

On the top right hand photo of this set you will see the horse drawn trams my father told me about, yes, they were still around when he was a boy at the turn of the last century. In the bottom row of cars L > R my first new car an Austin Mini, then a Ford 8 like the one I used for driving lessons and lastly the Hillman Imp that was manufactured in Scotland. On February 14th I also like to remember Voyager 1 and the famous Pale Blue Dot picture taken on Feb.14th 1990 before moving into Interstellar space. What a project, and what an achievement!

This made me smile this week. We have come a very long way since my father’s day and the horse drawn trams, and in such a short time! I checked out on line the Voyager 1 current details. Here are some facts; Launched on 5 September 1977, it is now 15,997,084,950 miles from earth and travelling at 32,210mph and tho’ it will not pass the nearest star, it will come within 1.6 light years of star AC+79 3888 in approximately 40,000 years! (I can’t personally verify the figures 😊) The speed of light is 186,000 miles per second!

Does that all sound a bit like Science Fiction? Whatever, but it looks like it will take some time to confirm these stats!!

But one certain thing I do hope for as a Christian is the return of our Lord, Jesus Christ, just as He promised. To his disciples who were saddened as he spoke of his imminent return to God his Father he said “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

This is a lovely picture of a wedding in Jesus’ time, when the Bridegroom comes for his bride after he has prepared a place for her. as we have elsewhere in the New Testament. Jesus himself illustrates it so well in one of the most solemn parables he ever spoke. It reads like this: Matthew 25:1-13.

THE PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS

At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
“Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
“‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
“Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
“But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Now you will have heard the sceptic commenting on this at times when things expected have been delayed, by saying ‘it’s about as likely as the 2nd coming’. But don’t be deceived, Jesus is giving a serious warning. The Apostle Peter in 2 Peter 3:4 says: ‘In the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation’. Peter then goes on to remind them that, ‘a day with the Lord is like a thousand years, and a 1000 years as one day’.

In an earlier blog I commented that scientists in 2024 reset the Doomsday Clock at 90 seconds to midnight. In the current global situation, I notice many of the signs Jesus said would precede his coming, are currently happening, along with many other Bible prophecies, so I would suggest to all my readers that Jesus’ warning be taken very seriously.

Therefore keep watch for you do not know the day or the hour! Perhaps today?

This is the great hope of the Christian!

With that thought, I’ll sign off, until the next time DV (Deo Volente)

Hope you enjoyed the blog, as always I’m glad to hear from you wherever you are. Wishing you every blessing.

Matthew

The Year 2025 as seen through my camera lens!

Now that the Christmas and New Year festivities have passed, I have made time to review my photographs taken during 2025, which is something I like to do, before all its memories quickly disappear into my photograph archives! Well they say, photos at times speak louder than words, so this blog will be with less words on the photos, I’ll let them speak for themselves! Here are some winter photos to start ….

< A night in Glasgow attending
the ‘Messiah’ >

Wintertime and winter days have their own special memories

The garden is a real pleasure at any time of the year, but Springtime for us means ‘Spring cleaning’ in home and garden. …….

and of course a Spring Holiday to the Isle of Tiree. First the journey ….

Now a quick look at Tiree …….

Those who subscribe to this blog will know that day trips are often a common feature. Here are just some from 2025.

Lastly I’ll show you some more weather shots, which are always a topic of conversation when we meet with others here in Scotland.

Well I find it difficult to choose the pbotographs to display in this type of blog, as some are chosen more for the memory they invoke, than for their photo quality, but I hope you enjoyed my photos as much as I did in putting them together. I finished with photos of the sky during day and night, as I always think it displays in such a powerful way the Glory and Majesty of God. The new 1.5 hr. documentary film released in December 2025 that I watched before Christmas, called ‘Universe designed’ is one I reall;y enjoyed, so no doubt that influenced my choice! (Available on You Tube, Amazon Premier and Netflix)

Of course at Christmas we remember the Glory of God revealed at the coming of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, and recently at Church we have been enjoying a study in John’s Gospel looking at the life and work of the amazing JESUS! Again, you can log-on to greenviewchurch.co.uk then just click on sermons to listen to the latest or past sermons.

In writing about the amazing JESUS I was reading in the Bible at the book of Colossians this week and came across this famed passage in Paul’s letter, which illustrates how amazing He is! It reads – ‘The Son (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation — if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel’.

I’m so happy to know that although I was once alienated from God and an enemy in my mind because of my evil behaviour, I have now been reconciled by faith in Jesus Christ and His dying love for me. So this amazing Jesus is just a childlike prayer away, spoken from the heart: ‘Sorry dear Lord Jesus for my sin. Thank you for dying for me, Please forgive my sins and come into my heart and life as my Saviour and Lord. Amen’. ….. now you are reconciled! Praise Him.

Wherever you are I wish you God’s blessing as we look forward to 2026

Matthew

Transitioning to Winter: Embracing Cold and Cheer

1st November and some flowers are still blooming!

This blog, for one reason or another, has taken a while to complete, so please bear with me as I give a resume of thoughts and photos from early November!

November – I always associate with cold, frost, and fog, and sometimes even snow, but this November it was interesting to see some flowers still in the garden, and trees in the p`ark with many leaves. Here are some photos taken on the first day of the month.

Autumn – Early November

When British Summer Time ended however, we were quick to see many changes. The sun is now low in the sky by 4pm, the shadows have lengthend, beaches are deserted, and dark nights are truly upon us. As temperatures in Scotland dropped below zero, and snow appeared on Ben Lomond and in the Highlands, and Christmas lights and decorations appeared in the shopping centres, we knew it was time for scarves and woolly hats, and time to switch on our electric blanket!

Nice to come home to a warm house on a frosty night

But just when I think it’s cold outside, I always remember our visit to NY. Alesund in the Artic Circle, for there the sun disappears at the end of October and only reappears again in early March – Whew, now that is something! It’s then that I appreciate how well off we are!

December: Now we are officially into the winter season, Christmas is just a few days ahead in our calendars, so families are busy getting ready. Special shopping expeditions for gifts; Christmas decorations, party jumpers and dresses, Christmas crackers, special food to purchase and prepare, all these and more are being organised and enacted.

Children are getting ready for their parts in Nativity plays, in schools and churches. My own church has a series of special events throughout the month that we are looking forward to.

Meanwhile, I’m trying to find a quiet corner to read on my Kindle this new book by John Lennox which I’m finding quite fascinating. It’s first and foremost a commentary on the last book of the Bible, the book of Revelation, which I am enjoying reading. However in his introduction he has also some interesting thoughts on this whole AI business, which he has written about in more depth elsewhere. See the interview about this book here, between John Lennox and Sean McDowell – https://youtu.be/mAfRswipXiE?si=5O9nLXn2BjSpb0j6

When it comes to change, surely AI (artificial intelligence) is the phenomena that is catching everyone’s attention these days. The reality is that in almost every field of human existence, AI is being used to create machines to do all kinds of work, which until recently was always done by people. Earlier this month it was reported here, that Dr Ricardo Hanel – a neurosurgeon in Florida used newly developed technology to carry out the first transatlantic surgery on a human body 4000 miles away in Dundee, Scotland. (G. Fraser – BBC Scotland) We have also recently been hearing that machines are being used for reading and examining x-ray and MRI scans, sometimes with a higher level of accuracy than humans. There are huge benefits envisaged in the development of AI, but also huge dangers, unemployment just being one of the many concerns John Lennox raises, especially in less developed countries.

I was interested to read in JL’s book, of some people’s ideas in the Western world that computer technology has replaced religion as the most credible hope of saving humanity in the future. They are said to predict that it is only a matter of time until science solves the problem of death, and eventually we will develop a race of super happy and intelligent transhumans. All this says John against the scientific ‘Doomsday Clock’ set in 1947 at 7 minutes to midnight, but moved in 2024 to 90 seconds to midnight!

So would you like to volunteer to be one of the first to be chosen to become one of the new super intelligent transhumans? To become God like? In this scenario, mankind is once again dreaming, just as Adam and Eve did when tempted in the Garden of Eden – Bible – Genesis chapter 3.

Whatever you think, take heart, for as John Lennox reminds us, the Bible tell us that these questions and much more, were resolved almost 2000 years ago. Yes, its Christmas again and as we stop and reflect on the reason for the season, we are reminded that Christmas is good news to all people. This is real trustworthy news. News so powerfully encapsulated in the words of the apostle John when he wrote “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16,17.

This message is still changing the lives of countless thousands all around the world today, as they come in repentance and faith to Jesus, and find forgiveness for sin, and accept the eternal life he freely offers, as they receive Jesus as Saviour and Lord. All over the world men and women are becoming one through faith in our Lord Jesus! I’ll finish with an incident that happened in my childhood.

Just after WWII when prisoners of war were allowed out of their prison camps here in Scotland, we had many German prisoners of war who attended our evening service at Greenview Church in Glasgow. At Christmas a large group of them stood together and sang in German ‘Still the night, Holy the night ……. Men we had thought of as enemies singing ‘Still the night, Holy the night, Son of God, love’s pure light, Love is smiling from thy face, Strikes for us now the hour of grace, Saviour since thou art born’. Wow!

Forgiveness can be hard at times, but you may remember that when Jesus taught his disciples to pray He included these words ‘and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us‘. Let’s consider puting these words into action this Christmas and on into 2026.

We sang this carol ‘Still the Night’ at our Senior’s Christmas Celebration last week. It’s sung in German as we recalled that memorable night in church all these years ago. The words are in English on the screen, so sit back and watch and listen, and let the wonder of the Christmas story touch your heart again, as it did mine. Watch on You Tube – (click the link and then the blue link)

https://youtu.be/PlV9Yuau8xM?si=sV798kF-otQTzeRJ

Before the end of the month I plan to show some of my favourite photos from 2025, but in the meantime I wish all my readers A Very Happy Christmas and God’s blessing in 2026.

Matthew

An Autumn Break in the Trossachs

It was lovely to have a few days in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park late in September, and although it was at the start of the Autumn season, the weather was more like a good day in summer here in Scotland!

We were staying in a beautiful little cottage at Gartmore, just a one hour’s drive from Glasgow, so this opened up to us some of our favourite haunts, and no surprise then, when I say we took lots of photos.

After a good night’s rest we headed for the ‘three loch forest drive,’ which you enter at the summit of the ‘Duke’s Pass’. It is a restricted area and to gain access there is a £3.00 charge at the entrance barrier. Speed is restricted to 10mph so it is a beautiful relaxed drive, with lots of stopping places, and walks and seats, and a picnic area with toilet facilities. We like to go in August when the heather is out, but the changing colours in the Autumn, in the trees and hedgerows made us think that September too, was also a great choice! So here’s a few pics from our Forest Drive.

As we left the forest drive trail we were very near to Loch Katrine so we had a walk and seat by the side of the loch, and before dinner took some sunset photos at the Lake of Menteith. Here’s some more photos.

On our final day we had an early morning visit to Kinlochard, and in the afternoon a drive over the hill to Callendar and the Woollen Mill there. Now some final photos!

At the Woollen Mill we smiled when we noticed they were selling bags of food to allow the tourists to feed the Highland cows! There is always someone with a novel idea for making a bob or two 🙂

Well it was nice to be away for a few days, without listening to the news bulletins, with their daily dose of bad news. and being able to eat out in the relaxed ‘Faerie Tree Restaurant’ in Aberfoyle in the early evening. Time then for a good read and another cup of tea before bed.

At that time I was reading Justin Brierley’s book ‘The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God: Why New Atheism grew Old, and Secular Thinkers are considering Christianity again”. Early in the book he was quoting from the poem by Matthew Arnold – “the interesting thing about the sea of Faith is there’s no reason why it can’t come back in. The sea doesn’t only withdraw you know, it’s the point of tides.”

This is not the place for a book review, but I would recommend it, as it covers a wide range of topics which the writer believes points to a firm foundation for belief and faith in God.

Today I’ll close with a lovely Christian hymn speaking about the God of Creation.

Hope you enjoy the photos and this beautiful video.

So I wish you God’s blessing wherever you are, thanks for coming on to the blog, and I hope you’ll come again. You may like to subscribe.

Matthew

The Harvest is past, the Summer’s ended – 2025

It’s lovely to sit in the morning quietness and watch the sunbeams start to creep across the garden. To see the birds activity, and often to watch the resident squirrel do his morning inspection! Today being the 31st of August, this was the last morning of Summer in 2025 here in Scotland.

Tomorrow we enter Autumn, and ‘dead on cue’ the forecast is for rain and strong winds, so we can expect a ‘windfall’ of apples from our apple tree.

Tonight I’ve been looking back on this year’s summer and enjoying photos of places, flowers and the greenhouse etc. I hope you enjoy them. Firstly, the trip we made recently to the beautiful Isle of Bute on the Clyde Coast, which I promised in my last blog.

Now some other summer photos!

So the harvest is past, the summer ended ……….

I started my blog by saying ‘It’s lovely to sit in the morning quietness ….’ and it was there I had the thought for this blog’s heading. Many moons ago as a teenager I had sat in a church service and heard the preacher speak on a verse from Jeremiah 8:20. the full quotation was ‘The harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not saved” Jeremiah the Prophet of God who wrote them, warned his people to repent of their sins, but his message went unheeded, He therefore lived through a time of war, when the nation was attacked, and many were killed and many others taken captive. They had looked to others for help, but it had not come. His plaintive cry was “Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night for the slain of my people”. This was written in the seventh century BC.

I guess at times we all feel like weeping for people around the world who suffer in so many different and tragic ways. The statistics are mind blowing. Last year (2024) – 233,000 people are estimated to have been killed in armed conflicts. One Christian organisation that report on Christian persecution says 1 in 7 Christians are persecuted world-wide – 4,476 were murdered last year, 7,679 Churches and properties were attacked and 4,744 Christians imprisoned. Tearfund one of the UK’s leading charities, in their Autumn report speaks of an unprecedented increase in crisis. When we worked in Africa with this organisation, it was not uncommon for those around the table to say ‘If only we could stop the arms race for one year, thnk of what could be done with the money saved’.

So whilst people all around the world, men and women, boys and girls cry out to be saved, from war, famine. drought, persecution, abuse and poverty, Governments continue to increase military defence expenditure. In 2023/24 the UK budgeted £53 .9 billion and then budgeted £56.9 billion for 24/25 with a promised 2.2 billion uplift for 25/26. Worldwide in 2024 the figure is estimated to be US$2.718 trillion! That is $2,718,000.000,000 Wow!

Do you get the feeling that something is wrong with humankind? I’m reminded of the famous quote of G. K. Chesterton the author, philosopher and Christian apologist of the last century who responded to a newspaper article on this subject. He said, “Dear Sir. What’s wrong with the world? I am”. Yours G. K. Chesterton.

The preacher of my youth wasn’t slow to remind us that when we point the finger at others, four fingers point back at ourselves. For we are all far from perfect. Yes we are all children of Adam, and we might not say ‘Scotland first’, but act like it’s ‘me first’. You see it on social media regularly, ‘if someone annoys you, or doesn’t like you, the advice is ‘dump them’.

The Christian gospel is so counter cultural. We read in the book of Romans ‘… God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) and again, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him”. So the message is clear we ALL need to be saved from the consequences of our sins, and the only Saviour is Jesus Christ God’s Son.

Yes, like the leaders of our world past and present, we too will give an account. We don’t all automatially go to heaven, but are in danger of eternal separation from God (which the Bible calls hell) unless we turn from our sin and receive the free offer of Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Summer is past, time is moving on .. would you like to be sure that you will be in heaven? then act now … for it is written:

For he (God) says,
“In the time of my favour I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you.”
I tell you, now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation.

Always happy to hear from you. I hope this short reflection will lead you to commit your life to Jesus Christ if you have not already done so.

Wishing you God’s blessing wherever you are – Matthew

THE WAYSIDE PULPIT

WAYSIDE PULPIT – ISLE OF CUMBRAE – SCOTLAND

The weekend before last, was exactly three months since I had my stroke, so in celebration of my recovery to date, we enjoyed a long weekend with family at their beautiful home in Skelmorlie on the Clyde Coast.

On our first full day we decided to take a trip to the Isle of Cumbrae, (‘the big Cumbrae’) so with our picnic packed in the car we set off on our day trip. The weather was cloudy with some sunny spells, but the cool day was perfect for us. Here are some photographs.

Most of the afternoon was spent driving very slowly around the island, giving way to the many holiday cyclists. and we were enjoying the flowers, birds and the amazing scenery. We stopped at a quiet spot for our picnic lunch and I had a walk on the deserted beach. Later at the Fintry Bay cafe we enjoyed the obligitary ice ceam! Mmmm!

As we moved on from there I noticed a parking space next to a path that led out a promotory that I had never noticed before, so as my wife sat in the car I went to investigate. Soon I came across a fine wooden bench and this captivating view, shown above. I stood there for a while with a mild wind blowing in my face, listening to the waves against the rocks and watching the sun break through the clouds, reflecting beautifully on the water. The glory and majesty of God in creation was clearly displayed before me, I paused to praise Him, and thought that just three months earlier I had wondered if my opportunites for getting out and about like this had passed as far as I was concerned! As I turned to return to the car I spotted the ‘wayside pulpit’, the message struck me with force, it seemed to have been put there just for me.

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the LORD on high is mighty. …. Psalm 93.4

followed by the quote …….

“God is always greater than all of our troubles”

I then went back to the car for my wife and we enjoyed sitting on that bench, thinking on the goodness of God during our long life together, and also in answering the recent prayers of so many friends, near and far.

On Thursday this week I attended our Church prayer time. If you live locally we would love to see you. My Christian friend who was leading read the first three verses of Psalm 5:

Psalm 5
For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.
Listen to my words, LORD,
consider my lament.
Hear my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly.

We then listened to the late Chuck Girard singing these verses from psalm 5, which I really enjoyed as he sang with such pathos. But here it is beautifully sung by the Maranatha singers.

So today in our troubled world, and doesn’t trouble confront us all at times? it is good to know Jesus as our Lord and King. Notice the Psalmist David speaks of God in this personal way, my King and my God. He does the same in Psalm 23, when he says ‘the Lord is my Shepherd! Notice too, the Psalmist’s words ‘In the morning you hear my voice’, this man it seems, practised a regular talk with God, and he ‘looked up‘ expectantly waiting on his King and God to answer his prayer.

Wherever you are, and whatever your troubles, may you find that the words of the psalmist David encourage you to get to know God personally through faith in Jesus Christ his Son. So then, come to Him in prayer, in repentance and faith, then pour out your heart to Him and look up, to await His answer.

Next time I’ll tell you about our latest visit to the Isle of Bute. Meantime I wish you well wherever you are.

Matthew

Positive Care Experience at QEUH: A Patient’s Perspective

QUEEN ELIZABETH UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL GLASGOW – In my last blog, I was telling you something about our holiday to the island of Tiree and our day trip to Loch Katrine, and then finished up by telling you of my hospital experience after having had a stroke. There have been many reports regarding problems at the QEUH since it was opened 10 years ago at a cost of around £575 million pounds, along with negative reports of the NHS in Scotland generally. I thought I would just like to add my ‘tuppence worth’ as a ‘stroke patient’ who last had a stay in hospital approximately 75 years ago!

It was around 3am when I had my stroke, and my wife was quick to dial 999, and the ambulance arrived within 10-15 minutes. A quick assessment and soon I was on my way to QEUH Stroke Unit where I received immediate attention. A few scans later I was given a cocktail of pills and transferred to a ward. The following morning after a visit from two physiotherapists I was moved to the stroke rehabilitation centre.

During my stay there I was impressed by what I observed, and blessed by the empathy and care of the nursing staff, and all the associate professionals along with, caterers, cleaners, and porters. I was truly well looked after, but not “molly coddled” and was encouraged to do for myself, the things I was able to do. The Physio / Occupational Therapy team were excellent, and had access to a well equipped gym and ‘mock up’ kitchen. There was also an arts class, and film night(s) which were great in helping people to take their mind off their current problems. Visitors were allowed and welcomed throughout the day, and some patients were allowed out to walk or in wheelchairs to enjoy the sunny weather. In my mind I was scoring this 10 out of 10!

During my stay, and since coming home I have been blessed with many visitors, including visits from two new great grandsons, but unfortunately don’t have pictures of them all. Here is a selection of smiling faces who came to encourage and pray.

While in hospital I was asked if I would like to take part in some research programmes, so after some discussion signed up for ‘The Pheonix trial’, which sounded really interesting. The study seeks to discover how our genes respond to different medication and if tailoring medicine to each individuals genes could lead to better outcomes, and save money by not providing medicines that are not giving the results intended. You can read more about it here – phoenix.gla.ac.uk

The local Stroke ‘Physio Team’ have also been excellent since I came home, so I have and am, being well cared for.

Well life has slowed down a bit, but we have been enjoying the garden, and some local trips and walks in beautiful weather, since I last blogged, so here are some pics.

In this blog I tell something of the trials and joys of life, and of the many loving and helpful people we meet along life’s journey. Not just family and personal friends, although they all so kindly gathered around to help in a multitude of ways, far beyond the call of duty, but also of so many others, whom until recently I had never met. It was moving to watch the nursing care given to other patients, for example, the 90 year old man being given a shave, and after shave lotion rubbed into his face, and made to feel comfortable. Later to see the equipment that was available to lift him out of bed into a wheel chair, where he was wrapped up for a walk to the hospital garden. Wow! I wonder how things might change for the sick, weak and those feeling emotional and vulnerable, also between doctors and patients, as and when the ‘Assisted Dying’ bill becomes law.

As a Christian, I believe that life is a gift from God, and that he created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, and so love and compassion for others is readily expressed in so many ways within society. But recent bills in the Houses of Parliament regarding the killing of the unborn child and the assisted dying bill I feel strongly opposed to. Surely we need to listen to the pleas for the unborn child, and provide more palliative care for the dying..

So does God care about you? Absolutely! Before Jesus Himself was betrayed, or heard the mob cry ‘away with Him we will not have this man to reign over us‘, before he heard the judge say ‘I find no fault in him‘, but was nonetheless handed over to be crucified, He spoke these words.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:1-6

I came to Jesus as a child, but it is never too late to come. Have you come?

Here is a prayer you could pray – Dear Heavenly Father, I confess that I am a sinner, and believe that your Son the Lord Jesus Christ died for my sins on the cross. I believe that you God raised him from the dead. I now repent of my sin and receive Jesus into my life, and confess Him as my Saviour and Lord. Amen

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God. John the Apostle says – Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. John 1:12, 13.

A song to sing along.

If you have been supporting me in prayer, or have sent a card or message, then a huge thank you, and if you are one of my subscribers again a big thank you for following along life’s road with me.

Wherever you are I trust this finds you well, I’m always glad to hear from you

Matthew

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