"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15 The death of God's earthly saints is precious in His sight because they have become heavenly saints and reached their heavenly goal, leaving their earthly troubles behind them. "After death the wicked cease from troubling the godly, and there the …
Category: Biography
The biblical Book of Psalms
Some things are hidden in plain sight. Such is my copy of the 1650 Scottish metrical version of the biblical Book of Psalms. It sits beside my chair and is one of the most influential books of the Bible, simply because I use it every day. Many Christians overlook the Psalms. The advantage of a …
Influential books in my life
A few years ago, on 1 Jan 2022 to be precise, I began a series of blogposts entitled Christian books and my Christian friends. However, it grew so long and complicated that I never found the opportunity to begin to publish it. I have now decided that I can begin the same project with books …
VE Day
I have posted this at 3 pm. Exactly 80 years ago today, on 8 May 1945, at 15:00 British Summer Time, the British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill announced Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender, ending the Second World War in Europe. This date is known as VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day. Some veterans are …
What is a Christian Voice?
I have often said that we need a Christian Voice in public life. However, my experience is that very few people know what this means, including Christians. I am 70 years old today and I have been involved latterly in Christian politics for almost 20 years. Many Christians in the UK do not know what Christian …
The Finishing Line
Today, I remember my late brother's birthday. He passed away a few years ago, beating me in our race towards heaven. The life of the godly is a long-distance race. The finishing line is in heaven. The apostle Paul speaks about it in Heb 12:1-2. The point he makes is that racers keep their eye …
The Book of Job
I reached a milestone today. I have completed the last chapter of my translation of the Book of Job. I am also scheduled to complete the last chapter of my commentary on the Westminster Confession of Faith, composed during my weekly Zoom discussions of each successive section, begun during the 2020-2021 coronavirus pandemic lockdown. I …
What is it about Strathnairn?
The Scottish Tories have elected a new leader. After the dithering under the former leader Douglas Ross, the new leadership campaign and election got underway. The result was declared today with Russell Findlay MSP announced as the winner. His credentials as a former investigative journalist were noted in the media, with the BBC report saying …
The Book of books – the Christian Bible
Today is my good lady's birthday and I wondered what blogpost to write. The solution came this evening at the family worship with the family and our grandchildren. As usual, we read the Bible and sang a Psalm in course – reaching Ps 131, which appropriately spoke about well-behaved children. The Bible always has something …
My spiritual diary
Do you keep a diary? What big events have taken place in your life over the past year? This month witnesses the 45th anniversary of my graduation as a medical doctor from Glasgow University and my 40th wedding anniversary. This year witnesses the 40th anniversary of my licensing to preach the everlasting Gospel of the …