Posts Tagged: ‘1 Thessalonians’

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

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

Finding Strength in Gratitude

[This reflection by Dazz Jones was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 04/Aug/2024]

Life is challenging and that can feel overwhelming! Stress, responsibilities, financial concerns, and relationship struggles can weigh us down and make things feel difficult. Then don’t we love to complain about it, It’s the British prerogative! However, amid these difficulties, cultivating an “attitude of gratitude” can provide us with the strength to persevere. (more…)

Contributor: Dazz Jones

What Comes After Pentecost?

[This reflection by Michael Goble was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 02/Jun/2024]

Martin’s article last week reminded me that the previous week had been about the Jewish Feast or Festival of Pentecost. I had been ill that day and not been at church to be reminded of that. That also made me think of an excellent article by Helen Ruffhead in which she told how a number of Jewish Festivals related to our Christian faith. At Pentecost when the Jews celebrated the revelation of God’s word to Moses, God revealed His Holy Spirit and the Christian church was born. So how do all these Jewish Feasts or Festivals have meaning for us as Christians? (more…)

Contributor: Michael Goble

A Surprise Event

[This reflection by Michael Goble was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 07/Apr/2024]

The granddaughter of our next door neighbours is a trainee film director and she arranged to make a film at her grandparent’s home just before Easter. As that would be the film set, we were happy to agree to her request for two days to use two rooms in our house, the conservatory and the dining room. It was a surprise when we discovered how much was involved. (more…)

Contributor: Michael Goble