Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. John 6 : 35; 51
Readings this week : 1 Kings 19 : 4 - 8; Ephesians 4 : 25 – 5 : 2 ;John 6 : 35, 41 - 51
Thought for this week
Over the last two weeks of the Olympics there have been many fine and amazing achievements. Risks being taken, people stretching themselves to the limits, and new levels being reached. Yet there have been many disappointments too. People being personally disappointed and berating themselves at their performance, their achievements. Hard times.
I imagine we are all disappointed with ourselves from time to time. We do not always live up to who we hope we will be. Maybe we have personal disappointments in our lives, or we know we have fallen short in the way we live our lives, and in living for Jesus.
Yet Jesus tells us He is the bread of Life. The one in whom we can never be disappointed, but who forgives, strengthens, helps us, sustains and fills us. The one we can completely rely on.
Jesus is the one who offers us forgiveness for our sins when we fall. He is the one who cleanses and heals us (1 John 1 : 9) and sets us free from disappointment in ourselves. He is the one who strengthens us to live for Him, and empowers us to be who He calls us to be.
Jesus the bread of Life, calls us to trust in Him, and receive from Him each day.
Rev Paul
Prayer for this week (Psalm 145:15-16, Isaiah 55:1-3, John 6:35)
Lord, the eyes of all look to You in hope; and You give them what they need. You open Your hand and satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
We, too, turn to You again, longing to be filled— to eat of the Bread of Life, to drink from Your life-giving streams, to taste Your goodness and live.
May the time we spend together in Your presence, nourish our hearts and minds; may it strengthen our relationship with You, and renew our commitment to live in this world as Your faithful disciples.
For You alone are God, the Source and Sustainer of life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
~ Christine Longhurst, re:Worship
People to pray for
For peace in our nation
For those on our Alpha course