One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people? John 6 : 8 - 9

Readings this week :  2 Kings 4 : 42 – end; Ephesians 3 : 14 - end; John 6 : 1 - 21

Thought for this week

As Jesus comes to feed the five thousand he is already surrounded by the huge range of human challenges and needs. People are coming to Him for healing and for hope. They are gathering in great numbers for comfort, to hear His voice, to listen to His teaching, to receive from Jesus hope of rescue, and a glimpse of a better future.

How extraordinary that Jesus somehow manages to meet all these needs. He deals with people individually through countless healing miracles. He meets the needs of the crowd by the miracle of the loaves and fish, not only physically feeding so many, but assuring them of the Lord’s Presence with them, gathering them as His people, sharing with them His hope for each of their lives. Later He even walks on water to meet the disciples in their boat.

Our lives are full of hurdles, difficulties, needs and seeming impossibilities. Jesus somehow turns all of these into opportunities, into new horizons, into hope.

With Jesus all things are possible, and more than this, from needs and challenges Jesus brings hope and new life. What do we need to bring to Him today? How do we need to trust in Him more, in His power and love?

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

Prayer of Affirmation

This world would deny you, Lord,
and rely on human wisdom
in their search for answers
to questions they have yet to ask,
but we will praise you,
and exalt your name,
for we know that you are Alpha,
the beginning of all things,
and Omega,
the end,
and all that is between.
We have known your healing.
We have known your provision,
We have known your victory.
Our sorrow has turned into dancing
and our tears to songs of joy.
We shall praise you ever more. Amen

~ written by John Birch, and posted on Faith and Worship. http://www.faithandworship.com/

People to pray for

Nathaniel in Cambodia

Safety for the Olympics

Relief organisations across the world