And The Rest

[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during July 2026]

All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest.
Ecclesiastes 2 v23 [NIVUK]

We have all, at some time or another, had the experience of lying awake when we want to be in the land of Nod. Sleep eludes us, to be replaced by persistent worries or mental gymnastics beyond our daytime capabilities; our only consolation is that we are not sharing the experiences described by the Lord Chancellor in ‘Iolanthe’.[1] Even Job started to lose his patience:

I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.
Job 3 v26 [NIVUK]

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Contributor: Steve Humphreys
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Judging by Appearances

[This reflection by Helen Ruffhead was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 26/Jul/2026]

For the last 3 months I have been trying to sell my house, having found a retirement flat that was just right for me. Naively I thought it would sell easily, being a relatively cheap 3-bedroom house, with a garage, great location and in a good state of repair. Instead nearly twenty viewers have rejected it, some for valid reasons like the size of the rooms, but others because they disliked the old-fashioned décor. The estate agent even suggested that I should change the Thomas the Tank Engine lampshade in Michael’s room.
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Contributor: Helen Ruffhead
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Have You Completed Your Assignment?

[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during July 2026]

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matthew 7 v24 [NIVUK]

Last week we discussed the merits of hearing or not hearing, but there are other stages beyond hearing, including listening and responding. Listening implies more than just hearing; it requires a greater degree of attention. Our response can be prompt or delayed, and can be positive, negative or indifferent.
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Contributor: Steve Humphreys
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Holy Days

[This reflection by Martin Shorey was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 19/Jul/2026]

As you read this, our family will (hopefully!) have just arrived in Spain for a couple of weeks’ holiday. After what has been a busy few months at church, we’re looking forward to some sunshine, some family time, and perhaps even a chance to switch off for a while.
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Contributor: Martin Shorey
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Do You Have Difficulty Hearing?

[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during July 2026]

There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him.
Mark 7 v32 [NIVUK]

Being hard of hearing is not a pleasant experience. For those whose affliction is temporary the impediment to social interaction comes as an unexpected challenge. Conversation becomes difficult and we soon begin to feel that we are missing out on what is going on around us. Image, then, how disadvantaged the man brought to Jesus would have felt without the modern aids to hearing.
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Contributor: Steve Humphreys
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In God’s Hands

[This reflection by David Makanjuola was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 12/Jul/2026]

When Jesus was on earth, He often taught large groups of people. On one occasion, the crowd numbered over 5,000 people. He noticed that they were tired and hungry and asked his disciples to sort out food for them. His disciples couldn’t believe He had asked them to do this. How could they find enough food, and even if they did, how could they afford to buy the food to feed more than 5,000 people?
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Contributor: David Makanjuola
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