[A ‘Tuesday Challenge’ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during November 2024]
In many parts of the USA the Friday after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday. The official date for Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday of November, which means that, in theory, Black Friday 2024 is 29th November but the particular activities that gave the day its fame are rarely confined to just that date. (more…)
[A ‘Tuesday Challenge’ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during November 2024]
‘Trust but verify’ is an expression that came to prominence in the mid 1980s, particularly in relation to the discussions between the leaders of the USA and the USSR about limiting the proliferation of nuclear armaments. The expression itself is alleged to be based on an old Russian proverb but that cannot be verified! Does the concept of trust but verify have a spiritual application? (more…)
[A ‘Tuesday Challenge’ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during November 2024]
Peace, perfect peace in this dark world of sin?
Even as our thoughts turn to the Armistice of November 1918 and we honour the sacrifice and ordeals of those who have suffered in the service of their country since then, we are reminded that ‘the war to end all wars’ did not achieve that result. (more…)
[A ‘Tuesday Challenge’ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during November 2024]
The 5th of November is one of those dates which seem to have a more than average frequency in a catalogue of world events. Even if we ignore the current headline-grabbing squabble amongst some dissident former colonialists,[1] events occurring on the 5th November have had a disproportionate effect on history. (more…)
[A ‘Tuesday Challenge’ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during October 2024]
“Speak oft with thy Lord”[1]
Three weeks ago our reflection about whole-life worship concluded with a verse that included the words above.
Note how the opening line above recommends speaking with our Lord. So many times we are tempted to speak to God, making our prayers a monologue rather than a two-way conversation. Do we offer him time to respond or even get a word in edgeways? (more…)
[A ‘Tuesday Challenge’ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during October 2024]
As often happens when preparing these reflections, it starts with a question: “Where do I begin …” Fortunately, the actress Julie Andrews is able to offer some advice:
Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start [1]
For us as Christians (and for everybody else but few admit it) that takes us to the earliest verses of the Bible. (more…)