God – Matthew McKinnon's Blog

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

Oh, to be in Scotland now that April’s here!

**Sitting in the garden, with sunshine and a blue sky is something special in April.**

Well, I know the famous poem by Robert Browning that many of us learned at school says, ‘Oh, to be in England’, so forgive me for stealing his strap line. However April has been a special month this year here in Scotland in 2025, with temperatures reaching 22.8 degrees C in the North, this against a seasonal average of around 13 degrees! This enabled us to get out and about, as is our want, and also to get many jobs done in the garden. Here are some garden photos.

Our outings to the local park, and to Loch Lomond, were all taken in the sunshine, which was a real bonus after the winter months. I hope the following photos encourage you to visit Scotland 🙂

We also had a lovely weekend with our family at Skelmorlie, near to Largs. Here are some photos taken there on the Clyde Coast.

In April we have also been enjoying our fellowship with friends at our Church in Pollokshaws, Glasgow, with participation in some of the many events that take place from week to week. You can see our programme and listen to our services at greenviewchurch.co.uk and on You Tube.

As I write this I am well aware of the fact that this is ‘Good Friday’, surely amongst the most significant and solemn dates in the Christian calendar. On this day we remember that Jesus Christ God’s Son finished the work His Father had given Him to do. The Apostle Peter writes to believers about it in his first letter recorded in the Bible at chapter 2:22-25 Writing about Jesus’ death Peter says, “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. ”When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

But Sunday’s coming, surely the most joyous date in the Christian calendar for all who love Jesus! Perhaps we will sing one of my favourite hymns this Sunday morning! If you live in or around Glasgow, why not come and join with us as we celebrate? Details in the leaflet shown above.

Here are the words of one of my favourite Easter victory hymns :-

Low in the grave He lay, Jesus, my Saviour – Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord. Vainly they watch His bed, Jesus my Saviour – Vainly they seal the dead Jesus, my Lord. Death cannot keep his prey, Jesus my Saviour, He tore the bars away Jesus my Lord. Chorus (sung after each of the above stanzas) : Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o’er His foes; – He arose a victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever with His saints to reign; He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

So this is Scotland in April, it has been a great month, and I look forward to celebrating Christ’s resurrection this coming Sunday. I hope you are able to do that too, wherever you are.

Greetings from Glasgow – Matthew

Memorable Moments: A Year Through My Lens

If you are a subscriber to my blog you will know that every year at this time I like to look back on the year’s photographs, and set out some of my favourites, sometimes because I love the photo and at other times just for the special memory, and other memories they invoke! In these three photos below I hope you catch what I mean.

The above are not great photos, in the first two the boat was moving and I was ‘happed up’ with a life jacket. On this cool sunny day without a breath of wind, sailing off the coast of Tiree I felt it was one of these ‘time stands still’ moments when you feel over awed by the breath-taking beauty of it all! Since then, when I look at this photo I think of a similar moment on a boat on the sea of Galilee, just after dawn, when the boatman cut the engine and we floated in quietness on the still blue sea, when the sky and sea seemed to merge. Not surprisingly thoughts of the man who walked on these waters came to mind, and a chorus we sang as kids. Yea, beautiful. I know many of you will have had similar moments when confronted by the beauty of God’s creation.

The Chorus: By blue Galilee Jesus walked of old; By blue Galilee wondrous things He told. Saviour, still my teacher be, showing wondrous things to me, as of old by Galilee blue Galilee.

Now here is a selection of other photos that give us pleasure as my wife and I look over them together

A January walk in the park with Grand daughter, and greatgrand children

There is always a sense of excitement and activity as winter draws to a close and Spring is on the near horizon. Garden tools checked, greenhouse cleaned again, seeds bought, saved seeds checked, propagators and greenhouse cleaned, tube heater check along with it’s timer control. Finally glass cleaned and floor disinfected. I’m smiling, it’s all go now!

Late Spring and Summer we try to get out and about, and we are spoiled for choice, some of these places you may have seen before.

Now for some summer photographs:-

Autumn and Winter photos :-

Many in our world today look ahead with fear and trepidation, which is not surprising considering our news bulletins filled with stories of war, doom and disaster, and considering the war, sorrows and turmoil of the world in 2024.

This reminded me of the poem read by King George Vl in his speech to the nation in 1939 just at the start of the 2nd World War. It was a poem written by Minnie Louise Haskins. Here are the words of the first verse.

Quote: And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year; “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown”. And he replied: “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than a light and safer than a known way“. So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And he led me towards the hills and the breaking of the day in the lone East. Unquote.

A poem said to be a favourite with the late Queen Elizabeth ll, who is credited as the person who handed it to her dad.

Personally, I have recently been reading words from the book af Acts regarding what the Apostle Peter said to the religious leaders of his day just after the resurrection of Jesus, you can read the whole story in the book of Acts chapter 4. He said
“Jesus is the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.’
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11-12.

These words were behind the inspiration for a new Christian song written and composed by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, which has become one of the favourites of this century. So if you feel the world is becoming increasingly chaotic, and you are in danger of giving up hope, have a read of the words, and check out the song om You Tube and you’ll see why it has become so popular. And may you find new hope and purpose in life, by coming to know this Jesus of whom it speaks.

In Christ alone, my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live, I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand

I wish all my readers God’s blessing in 2025

June in Scotland: Snow, Sun, and Christian Events | 2024

Our picnic spot in the Trossachs – June 2024

June is the start of summer here in Scotland, so we should expect warm sunny weather, but in fact during the early days of June we had snow falling in the Cairngorm mountains and temperatures dropping to -10c! On the 20/21st of the month we enjoy the longest day of the year! Here in Glasgow the sun rose at 4.31am and set at 22.06pm – giving 17hrs 35 minutes of daylight. Nautical twilight continued until 3.29am when Civil twilight begins, so it never gets completely dark. I really enjoy these long summer days.

I’ll not talk about Scotland’s football team and their sad exit from the Euros, or the announcement of a General Election on 4th July as the TV and Internet have comprehensive coverage of these big and at times controversial events. You can also click on the internet at Scotlandwelcomesyou.com/June to get a flavour of things taking place around Scotland. Many charities organise events, everything from mountain climbing, cycling, walking plus fun events for all age groups. Other outdoor events are organised by our friends for food, fellowship and chat in spite of the unpredictable weather. Below are some photos of events attended by us and others.

The weekend commencing Saturday 31May/2 June was a big weekend in Ayrshire for the Christian Community as the ‘Keswick Ayrshire’ convention took place in Kilmarnock. This attracted large crowds of Christians from across the denominations, and many Christian charities who highlighted their activities in Scotland and around the world. The main speaker was the Rev Tommy Macneil from the Isle of Lewis, click on the link to hear him speak, it’s well worth the listen. https://youtu.be/hnMuB7_kUAY?si=4y2QkG1jVr724LiB

The other big Christian events in Glasgow, which I mentioned in my May blog were the visit of Franklin Graham of the Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation to the OVO Hydro, and Praise Gathering in Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall. It was a joy and blessing to be at both of these events. They gave new meaning to the old Glasgow motto ‘Let Glasgow flourish by the preaching of your Word and the praising of your Name’. Here are some pics.

It was a great evening with the presentation well suited to this generation, but the message was the same as his father preached in the Kelvin Hall for 6 weeks away back in 1955! I sang in the choir then, and in the picture below I see myself and family and friends from our own choir who were committed to sing with many many others.

The Leadership of ‘Praise Gathering’ which has been going on now for more than thirty years, kindly moved their event from the evening to the afternoon on Saturday 22nd so as not to clash with the BGEA ‘God Loves You Tour’ evening event. It’s always encouraging to hear the 400 strong choir, drawn from Churches across the denominations, singing God’s Praise in the heart of Glasgow, accompanied by a Youth Choir and an invited guest all the way from New York! Log on to http://www.praisegathering.org.uk to enjoy the choir.

Praise Gathering
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

The month may have started cold, but it finished strongly and warmly with the good news of Jesus being preached at both these events by Franklin Graham and Rev. Kenny Borthwick. Franklin read from Luke’s Gospel chapter 18:35-43 The story of a blind beggar sitting by the roadside, probably something he did everyday – sigh! Read the story for yourself I’m sure you will be filled with pathos for this blind man. Then something extraordinary happens, first he hears the commotion and learns that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by, and he calls out to Him ‘Jesus thou Son of David have mercy on me’. The people around him tell him to be quiet, but he calls all the more ‘Jesus thou Son of David have mercy on me‘. Amidst all that commotion and noise Jesus heard that poor man’s cry, He stops, and says call him! He asks him the question ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The man answers ‘Lord that I might receive my sight’! And Jesus granted his request and restored his sight!

Don’t we too feel at times blind to the meaning and purpose of life? Have you ever asked yourself the question ‘Is there not more to life than this’? Going about in our daily routines, sometimes bored, sometimes tired, but even at times when we feel we have everything, have achieved our goals, does not that same question still pop up ‘Is there not more to life than this’? Well this same Jesus who loved you unto death on a cross, dying for your sins and mine, and who was raised to life, promises ‘Life in all its fulness’ to all who call on Him. Jesus is passing by, so whilst there is still time we can call out to him ‘Jesus thou Son of David have mercy on me‘! I did many years ago and can testify that fulness of life is to be found in Jesus Christ.

It’s election week here in the UK, so some big choices to be made, but none more important than the choice to call out to Jesus and receive the gift of eternal life, and life in all its fulness!

Matthew

PS: next time I hope to tell you a bit more about that trip to the Trossachs and also give you an update on the garden.

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