Let’s Talk To Jesus

[This reflection by Dazz Jones was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 14/Jan/2024]

I don’t know about you but in the hustle and bustle of daily life, I find it’s not long before I begin to feel a little disconnected from God. However, the heartening and unchanging truth is that each one of us has the extraordinary opportunity to know Jesus personally and engage in heartfelt conversations with God every single day!

The very heart of the good news is the idea that we are not merely spectators in a distant relationship with ‘God on high’, but that we are his adopted children! So we are invited into an intimate and personal connection with Jesus. The writers of the Bible remind us that He is not a distant figure but a friend who walks beside us, understanding our joy, sorrow, and everything in between.

In prayer, we open a direct line of communication with Him, the Saviour and one through whom the universe was created. It’s an incredible opportunity to be able to open up our thoughts, concerns and feelings and invite Jesus in. In those moments of prayer, we can experience the profound reality of a God who listens, cares, and responds. It can be a transformative experience that changes our lives. It would empower us to face challenges with faith, find comfort in times of despair, and celebrate the blessings that surround us.

I am reminded by the Essential Jesus reading for Sunday 14th Jan, (which is the account of the temple being built and the people of God celebrating!) that being able to ‘commune with God’ is something I may just take for granted sometimes. The people of God were so excited to finally have a place to meet God in that they sacrificed so many of their livestock that the people forgot to count them. I wonder if the equivalent would be something like us giving away our homes, cars or life savings to charity in God’s name (I’m just guessing here … ) but I don’t know if I’ve ever felt excited enough to even approach that level of excitement.

As we move forward this year may God remind us that we are welcome to know Him and encourage us to pursue that goal with great gusto!

Are you joining us for the Essential Jesus reading plan? If you‘d like to you can do so here.

Resources:

Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.

Bible dates: Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.

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Last week’s reflection: Walking in His Footsteps by Dazz Jones
 

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For Ever and Ever?

[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during January 2024]

The generations which came before us have, for better or worse, shaped the world that we now live in. We would not be where we are now if it had not been for the way in which they acted. Many aspects of modern secular society such as schools, hospitals, employment welfare have their origins in the activities of God-fearing people of a previous generation. Conversely, there are events in our history whose outcomes have been less beneficial.

In a similar way, our actions now will affect those who follow us, and that places us in a dilemma. Should we act with regard to the prospects for generations to come or should we focus on more immediate considerations, given that experience shows that the long term rarely turns out as expected. Environmentalists, for example, are likely support one point of view whereas, it could be argued, politicians act in another.

Since no one knows the future, who can tell someone else what is to come? Ecclesiastes 8 v7 [NIVUK]

As Christians, we believe that God created the earth and therefore we have a special responsibility to look after it. On the other hand, we also believe that this earth is not everlasting; there will come a time when it will get a hot restart (to use a computing expression).

See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. Isaiah 65 v17 [NIVUK]

Jesus will come back; when he does so the established cycle of life on earth will come to an end. The early disciples thought that Jesus would return within their lifetimes but they were disappointed. Under the heading of ‘Predictions and claims for the Second Coming’,[1] Wikipedia lists no less than 48 well-publicised predictions about the date of Christ’s return. Despite their initial credibility they have all proved to be wrong.

Speculating about specific dates is futile; Jesus said that even he did not know when it would be.[2] Rather, he told us to pay attention to the events around us and to be prepared.

Contrary to popular opinion, generation after generation will not continue ad-infinitum. We do not know how many more generations there will be but, whether they be many or few, they will live in the context of what we do now.

How can we best prepare those generations who follow us? There is a clue in the question that Moses posed to the people that he was leading:

In the future, when your son asks you, “What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the Lord our God has commanded you?” Deuteronomy 6 v20 [NIVUK]

What would your answer be?

References:
[1] Wikipedia, January 2024
[2] Matthew 24 v36

Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.

Bible dates: Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.

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HBC main site
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Last week’s reflection: Looking Four-ward
 

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Contributor: Steve Humphreys
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Walking in His Footsteps

[This reflection by Dazz Jones was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 07/Jan/2024]

I’ve found it helpful to have that extra reason and accountability to get into God’s word and its been really fun so far to be following the theme of looking at Jesus.

I hope some of you might be discovering things about Him for the first time! Or that like me, if you’ve been reading the bible for what feels like “a long time” which can make it difficult to find ‘new’ things that we’ll be reminded of something we’ve forgotten or be reminded of things we’ve become too familiar with.

The struggle with the Bible being as old as it is, means that sometimes it’s hard to contextualise the stories to our own lives as it can feel a bit detached from our current reality. The thing I’m particularly enjoying at the moment is the reminder that Jesus was a real human being. Now, I don’t think I’d forgotten that fact, but I do feel particularly aware of it at the moment, as we read about Him specifically and as we look forward to reading more about His interactions with people.

The truth that he was a living breathing human being with thoughts, feelings and opinions about things is really significant for me right now. When I feel anxious, I can know that Jesus felt that too, if I feel excited he can relate to that. When people frustrate me or intrigue me and I read about Jesus interacting with people, I know that he would have been having thoughts, feelings and opinions about them too. Yet he always chooses to show people love and compassion; I get the impression that He would always find the best in anyone and pursue that wholeheartedly.

As difficult as that can be I think it’s the greatest of goals. Jesus asked us simply to Love God and Love others, and I think one of the best ways we can Love God is by loving others. Jesus showed us the way whilst he lived here among us and I’m excited to rediscover the significance of his living, breathing example over these next 90(ish) days.

Resources:

Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.

Bible dates: Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.

~~~~~~~~~
HBC logo Horley Baptist Church online
HBC main site
Confidential prayer link

Link to Recent Reflections
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Link to Index of Bible Passages
 
Last week’s reflection: Baptisms & Blessings by Martin Shorey
 

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Contributor: Dazz Jones
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Looking Four-ward

[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during January 2024]

Year change
It is that time of year again, the old calendar is discarded, three becomes four.

Do you look back at the year just gone and recall the disappointments, missed opportunities and sub-optimal decisions? All those new year resolutions that turned out to be nothing more than short-lived intentions; maybe you can recycle them yet again for this year. Do you identify with the Psalmist when he wrote:

We live our lives beneath your wrath, ending our years with a groan. Psalm 90 v9 [NLT]

Perhaps you can look back at the past year, content with the satisfaction that comes from having ticked all the boxes. There will be more boxes to tick this year but you anticipate them with confidence. You share the Psalmist’s gratitude for the blessings of the past year.

You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. Psalm 65 v11 [NLT]

Starting a new year is reminiscent of starting a new exercise book at school. What we will write about is largely outside our control but the way in which we write is up to us. We start with a tidy page, straight lines, clear script, no smudges or corrections. Contrast that with the final pages of the book: illegible scrawl, lackadaisical spelling, symptoms of indifference. A new year, like a new book, gives us the opportunity to make a fresh start.

Do you recall that predictable verdict at the end of each school term – ‘Could try harder’? So easy for a teacher to write, so difficult for a pupil to achieve, but often written with more than a grain of truth. Having dismissed new year’s resolutions as passing fads, nevertheless perhaps there are some areas of our lives where we could try harder.

Are there any activities in the church or local community which would benefit from an extra volunteer? Would the time spent watching TV be better spent in Bible study? Could an entertainment subscription actually achieve more of lasting value if it were to be invested in the foodbank? Such lifestyle changes can be hard but there will be a reward for the effort.

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14 v23 [NIVUK]

As we embark on a new cycle of summer and winter, springtime and harvest, we can say, with respect, with sincerity and with confidence that God only knows what opportunities and challenges await us. These well-known words from an Old Testament prophet were written many years ago but they have a special relevance for a new year.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29 v11 [NIVUK]

Resources:

Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.

Bible dates: Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.

~~~~~~~~~
HBC logo Horley Baptist Church online
HBC main site
Confidential prayer link

Link to Recent Reflections

Link to Index of Bible Passages

Preceding reflection: Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway?
 

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Contributor: Steve Humphreys
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Baptisms & Blessings

[This reflection by Martin Shorey was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 31/Dec/2023]

This year, 2023, has been a whirlwind of baptisms, a total of 31 to be precise (if we include Reese’s rather mucky baptism in the River Mole). When I gauge our church’s success, I don’t tend to focus on the number of attendees or even the conversions. My measure of achievement lies in the count of baptisms – those individuals who have not only embraced Christ but have also walked with us, overcoming the often daunting hurdle of publicly declaring their faith through baptism.

Upon scrutinising the 2023 statistics, it’s evident that we are thriving. However, as I delve deeper, I find myself discounting many of those baptisms. Perhaps they were already Christians before coming to us, or they attended baptismal classes elsewhere, or found faith through alternative means like YouTube. I catch myself yearning for someone whom we plucked from the streets, guided through Alpha, witnessed surrendering to Jesus, and subsequently baptised – someone we can proudly say, ‘we did that!’ Someone whose transformation is a testament to our diligence, courage and discipleship rigour.

Yet, in the midst of these aspirations, I felt God nudging me to reconsider my perspective. Isn’t every heart turning to Jesus a miraculous event? While we do play a role in the process, we cannot single-handedly make someone a Christian, change a heart, or instil belief in Jesus. The source of their conversion, whether it be in Iran, another church, through the internet, or via dreams, should be secondary to the fact that God has entrusted us with these individuals. God knows that at HBC, they will find welcome, love, nurture, and discipleship – isn’t that an amazing privilege!

This realisation shifts my focus from wanting credit for the conversions to gratitude for being part of these people’s lives at all! It doesn’t diminish the importance of our missional activities and discipleship processes in 2024, but it underscores that this is God’s mission, unfolding in His way. I simply implore, “God, please don’t exclude us from what you are doing in Horley!”

Resources:

Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.

Bible dates: Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.

~~~~~~~~~
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HBC main site
Confidential prayer link

Link to Recent Reflections
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Link to Index of Bible Passages
 
Last week’s reflection: Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen by David Makanjuola
 

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Contributor: Martin Shorey
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Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen

[This reflection by David Makanjuola was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 24/Dec/2023]

As Christmas approaches, a lot of our time is sometimes taken up with frenzied activity. Cards to write and send (brings to mind Chris’s comment in ‘Yours’ 2 weeks ago when she said that you get to a certain age where if you don’t send a card at Christmas, people begin to wonder whether you’re still alive), presents to buy, food to get in for the Christmas meal … The list goes on.

There are many though, for whom this year (and perhaps for quite a while), the joy has been taken out of Christmas. Loss of a loved one, loss of a job, eviction from a house, strained relationships, financial difficulties, and other major life issues mean that it is difficult to get through the day, let alone with a smile on one’s face. It isn’t always possible to find someone to share these problems with, in large part because it is hard for people to truly understand what we are going through. Some of you might remember words from the Negro Spiritual song which goes:

“Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen … ”

One of my friends once told me when I was going through a particularly difficult time that “if anyone tells you they know what you’re going through, believe me, they don’t”. His words rang true to me at the time, but looking back now, I don’t think he was right.
The next line in the Negro spiritual song says:

“Nobody knows but Jesus.”

You often hear people say that we should try not to miss the true meaning of Christmas. I am not sure we will all agree on exactly what that is, but can I offer one worth considering?

God looked down and saw the mess we had made of the world He blessed us with. He decided, out of the love He has for us, to sort things out. He chose, curiously, to do this by ‘moving into the neighbourhood’, walking where we walked, experiencing what we went through first hand and then taking on himself the punishment that was due to us for all the wrong we had done. What God did at Christmas was to ensure that when we are going through tough times in life and feel there is no one who will understand, we can know that there is someone who truly knows what we are going through and who will walk with us and guide us through that valley, renewing our hope and restoring our joy.

Jesus has made it possible for us to be able to sing that song with meaning.

Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen,
Nobody knows but Jesus.
Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen,
Glory Hallelujah

May I wish you all a Happy Christmas.

Resources:

Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.

Bible dates: Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.

~~~~~~~~~
HBC logo Horley Baptist Church online
HBC main site
Confidential prayer link

Link to Recent Reflections
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Link to Index of Bible Passages
 
Last week’s reflection: Christ IN us the Hope of Glory! by Dennis Ginter

 

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Contributor: David Makanjuola
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