Daily Scripture:'I call to you God, because I am sure of an answer' (Psalm 17, v6-7)Daily Reflection:What are we sure of in life? – death and taxes are the “negative” answer! For Christians, those who follow Jesus’ teachings and His way of life, there are only “positives” – Christians are sure of God’s rich blessings, sure of Heaven, and sure of the joy that comes from being God’s friend. That doesn’t mean that life’s sufferings are absent for Christians. When sufferings come, as they surely will for all of us, Christians know that God has the answer, and will work it out in their lives – because of faith. To have faith, is to “be sure of what we hope for and certain of what we cannot see” (Hebrews, Chapter 11 v 1). Vicki Young
Daily Scripture:‘We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish’ Matthew 14.17 (Feeding the Five Thousand, continued)Daily Reflection:Understandably, the disciples’ response to Jesus telling them to find food for the crowds is to point out that what he asks is impossible. The resources are quite obviously inadequate for the current need. Yet Jesus takes these ‘inadequate’ offerings, blesses them, and satisfies the hunger of the crowds.Jesus has been teaching about the unbelievable potential of very small things: the seed that grows to be a tree; the tiny amount of yeast needed to transform a large amount of flour. Now he demonstrates this in action. Nothing we offer to God however small - our time, our money, our gifts, our talents - is too small for God to use. It is not about the size of the gift, but the heart of the giver.Rev Rosemary Kobus van Wengen
Daily ScriptureJesus said ‘You give them something to eat’ <span style="font-size: 1rem;">Matthew 14.16. (The Feeding of the Five Thousand)</span>Daily Reflection All day Jesus had been ministering to the needs of the huge crowds who flocked to him for healing. As evening began to fall his disciples urged him to send the people home, as they had been there all day and must be hungry. They must have been aghast when Jesus told them it was their responsibility to find food for all these people! In the event they tracked down a few loaves and a couple of fish, from which, blessed by Jesus, the whole crowd was fed. When we pray, as we must, for those in need - for the hungry, the homeless, the lonely and the oppressed - we must ourselves be prepared to be used by God to bring about what we pray for. We should not underestimate what God can do through us.Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen
Daily Scripture:The Lord is my shepherd;therefore can I lack nothing.He makes me lie down in green pasturesand leads me beside still waters.He shall refresh my souland guide me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23 1-3)Daily Reflection:“Forest Bathing” is a new way of describing “going for a walk in the woods”! - with one small difference and that is to do so mindfully - to take in the sights & sounds, the smells & textures in the present moment - to take time to stop, breathe and relax. The sound of water has also been proven to calm the mind and refresh our soul. Our blood pressure falls, our breathing slows and our mind clears, leaving us with a sense of calm. It is in these moments, when we are surrounded by nature that we feel connected to the great majesty of God’s creation. Taking the time to study the smallest of flowers to the tallest of trees, and doing so mindfully & prayerfully, is when we get to understand just how much God loves us.Lyn Hayes ALM
