Why Yes?

It's the day of the referendum. For me, it's time to vote yes. Why?

Because I don't like the rest of Britain? No. 

Because I'm a bit crazy and love taking risks? No.

Because I think than an independent Scotland will be a beautiful utopia? No. 

Because I think that oil will put meals on tables up and down the country? No. 

Because I've watched Braveheart too many times? No. (Well, a wee bit yes.)

Why then? 

Because I believe Scotland, as a nation, a country rich in many ways, should govern itself entirely? Yes.

Because, while acknowledging the good that came from the empire,  I'm not a fan of imperial Britain and much of what it has done? Yes. 

Because I think that although there may be difficulties, that ultimately independence will prove more fruitful in the long term with new opportunities for arts, business, politics, sports, education and health? Yes.

Because I think that an independent Scotland will have many Gospel opportunities as nominal Christian heritage is left behind? Yes.

Because I hope and pray that an independent Scotland will have a louder voice in the world for good than it does at present? Yes.

So, time to #voteyes. 

But I'm thankful and find comfort in that it is all entirely in the hands of the sovereign creator and sustainer of the entire universe. Whatever happens, God is faithful and just: the dependable rock in the midst of chaos and change. I pray that there will continue to be peace in our land. And I pray continually that the people of Scotland might be woken from slumber by the call of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and be a light to all nations. 

"The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it"

Psalm 24:1 (NIV)

Let's seek mercy and grace for Scotland from the true and living God, in whose hands our nation's future truly lies. 

SDG!

Rock of Ages

At Millport yesterday I was struck by how so much changes over years, but rocks I played on as a youngster haven't really changed at all.

I would spend hours clambering over these rocks on a great adventure. Sometimes I'd jump off them into the surrounding water, other times I'd just be looking into the water, hoping to see some crabs or other sea life. 

Yesterday I was back on the island with my own son, and yet the rocks still looked as they did when I was a kid. The same overall shape. Some of the same footholds that I'd used all those years previously to climb up higher. 

Guess that's why we can call God our rock. He doesn't change ever. He's constant. He's faithful. He's powerful. He's solid. He's continually dependable. 

But those Millport rocks aren't indestructible. One day they will break down, be destroyed. They don't stand on their own power. They too are subject, just like the rest of creation, to the mighty creator. He alone is indestructible. 

And yet it is in Christ's destruction that I can have any way of knowing him. He took my place of destruction that I might be lifted to stand firm on the true, solid rock. 

"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

Psalm 18:2

'Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood,
from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure;
save from wrath and make me pure.
Not the labors of my hands
can fulfill thy law’s commands;
could my zeal no respite know,
could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone;
thou must save, and thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to the cross I cling;
naked, come to thee for dress;
helpless, look to thee for grace;
foul, I to the fountain fly;
wash me, Savior, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
when mine eyes shall close in death,
when I soar to worlds unknown,
see thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee.'
Augustus Toplady


SDG!

A year old.

A year old today. Wowzers.

A year where we've been introduced to a whole new world filled with Aptimil, jumperoos, bath toys, Sudocrem, Snufflebabe, Mr Tumble, more tiredness than ever, more fun than ever, Calpol, Ella's kitchen, Lamaze, snug seats, endless bogies, and stair gates. Immense fun.

A beautiful child. A belter of a dude.

A phenomenal gift from God.

A day for giving thanks and praise to the glorious creator, sustainer and redeemer of all. The source of all life. The source of true life. The source of eternal life.

"For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen."

Romans 11:36

"Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.

Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."

Psalm 127

A house, a home, in the hand of the Lord.

A wee lad, a heritage, a reward.

A gargantuan blessing.

An ever increasing bundle of joy.

A year old today. Wowzers.





SDG!