Thanks – a Lot!

[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during July 2025]

Thanksgiving is not simply an event; it is a lifestyle of returning, rejoicing and remembering the goodness of God.
Rev Alfred Kaire [1]

As Christians we live with an anticipation of God’s blessings but how often do we thank him in advance? With the exception of the traditional mealtime grace – “For what are about to receive …” – we are usually content to look back and give thanks for the blessings that we have received but neglect to to thank him for those blessings that we are yet to recognise.
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Contributor: Steve Humphreys
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Holiday Conversations

[This reflection by Dennis Ginter was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 13/Jul/2025]

We have recently enjoyed a week of beautiful weather and familiar surroundings in Dorset! While sitting at an outside table overlooking the water, the three of us started talking about church stuff – as you do. On the Sunday, Chris and I visited a large church in Christchurch which friends had recommended. They called it a ‘Spirit-filled’ church.
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Contributor: Dennis Ginter
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Stirred, not Shaken

[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during July 2025]

Martin opened Sunday’s message in ‘Yours’[1] with the line “God Provides – Then and Now”. I wonder how many other people first read it – as I did – as “God Provides, Now and Then”? Such mis-readings can start a train of thought which can be the inspiration for a reflection. Other triggers may be a Bible verse, a line from a hymn, a portion of a sermon or even some secular event. The original thought may, or may not, make it into the final text – very often the reflection evolves along a course somewhat different from that initially anticipated.
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Contributor: Steve Humphreys
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God Provides – Then and Now

[This reflection by Martin Shorey was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 06/Jul/2025]

He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
1 Thessalonians 5 v24

I love reading stories of how God has provided for people in need. The Bible is full of such moments, of course – but I find it especially encouraging to hear about more recent examples.

One that has always stayed with me is the remarkable story of George Müller, who cared for thousands of orphans in the 19th century. Time and again, he trusted God to provide food, clothing, and education – and God did.
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Contributor: Martin Shorey
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Controversy in the Archives

[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during July 2025]

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against each other.
Colossians 3 v12-13 [NIVUK]

During the past few days I have had the ‘pleasure’ of revisiting my domestic archives. Hidden amongst the bills and receipts from some thirty years ago were many memories, some pleasing, some embarrassing. One surprise was the high cost of call-based telephone charges in the 1990s compared with today’s simpler subscriptions.
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Contributor: Steve Humphreys
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No Mystical Powers Here

[This reflection by Dazz Jones was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 29/Jun/2025]

In church, people sometimes talk to me as if I have mystical powers – or as though I’m God’s favourite, just because I’m one of the pastors. Other times, they take on a different tone or demeanour when they speak to me, compared to how they talk with others. They might try to sound more profound or, for lack of a better word, more spiritual.
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Contributor: Dazz Jones
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