Posts Tagged: ‘1 Samuel’

A Domestic Dilemma

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

About two months ago[1] we considered the impact that the news of Israel’s defeat by the Philistines in 1070BC had had on Eli, the high priest at that time. Israel’s most important religious artefact had been captured and two of Eli’s sons had perished in the battle. Their deaths were a punishment for the disreputable way in which they had discharged their responsibilities as priests.
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Contributor: Steve Humphreys
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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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Bad News, Good News

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

And behold, the Cushite came, and the Cushite said, “Good news for my lord the king! For the Lord has delivered you this day from the hand of all who rose up against you.”
2 Samuel 18 v31 [ESVUK]

We live in an age of instant news, some reports can be verified whilst other material seems to be speculative. What should we believe? Do we have time to check what we hear?
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Contributor: Steve Humphreys
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I Have Prayed For You

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

Our title comes from the words of Jesus as recorded by the gospel-writer Luke. At the end of his last supper together with his disciples, Jesus spoke to them about the difficulties ahead. In particular, he addressed Simon Peter.

Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.
Luke 22 v31-32 [NIVUK]

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Contributor: Steve Humphreys
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Are You Listening?

[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…)

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Contributor: Steve Humphreys
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