[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during June 2026]
And when the south wind blows, you say, “It’s going to be hot,” and it is.
Luke 12 v55 [NIVUK]
In the northern hemisphere the longest daily period of daylight hours has passed and, although we may not notice it yet, the evenings are starting their slow transition to winter darkness.
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[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during May 2026]
So their entreaty ascended fervently to heaven.
3 Maccabees 5:9 [NRSVA]
It is perhaps unusual for us to quote from the books of the Apocrypha but those words give us an appropriate context for our thoughts this week as we consider prayers of supplication.
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[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during April 2026]
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
1 John 4 v18 [ESVUK]
During a recent conversation around the parable of the prodigal son,[1] the focus turned to the feelings of the younger son after he recognised his plight. He had lost everything – his wealth, his friends, his self-respect, even the very means of providing for himself.
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[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during April 2026]
Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Isaiah 55 v1 [ESVUK]
In the UK the 21st April has been designated as National Tea Day. Whether your preference is the scent of Earl Grey or the real taste of Yorkshire, this date gives us an excuse for an extra ‘cuppa’. A cup of tea is an excellent aid when reading the Scriptures so it is particularly disappointing that there is no mention of tea, as we know it, in the Bible.
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[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during April 2026]
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy’. But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Matthew 5 v43-44 [ESVUK]
These words come from Matthew’s account of the teachings of Jesus collectively known as the Sermon on the Mount. He was speaking in the context of a nation under occupation at a time when there was no shortage of enemies and persecution.
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[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during January 2026]
For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.
Luke 12 v30 [ESVUK]
Are there situations when we think matters are too small or mundane to pray about? Are we hesitant about bothering God with minor problems such as the regular occurrences of everyday life? Even Jesus advised his disciples against being worried about their daily needs.
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