“the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’ 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”.    John 6 : 33 - 35

Readings this week : Deuteronomy 26 : 1 – 11; Psalm 100; Philippians 4 : 4 – 9; Revelation 14 : 14 – 18 ; John 6 : 25 – 35

Thought for the week :

I wonder how long a loaf of bread lasts in your house? After Jesus fed the five thousand (men, plus women and children) a crowd followed Him wanting more. Yet bread runs out. A loaf eventually needs replacing. Jesus challenges us to look to that which never runs out. That sustains. Brings life.

We may well ask what is sustainable these days. So many key aspects of life are under threat. Food. Water. Energy. The oceans. Businesses. Housing. Relationships. Marriage.

When the crowd followed Jesus He challenged them as to why they were searching for Him. What they were really looking for. What is truly life – bringing and life – giving.

Jesus has given us Himself, the bread of life. The one who truly sustains us, brings forgiveness and changes our hearts and perspectives. The one who gives true life, is completely reliable, promises to be with us, brings us into hope and freedom. Even new life. God Himself.

Bread, along with everything else, does run out. Yet Jesus offers us Himself, His love, His truth, His life in us. Jesus the bread of life offers to sustain you today. To bring all you need. How will you respond?

Rev Paul

Prayers for this week

Eternal God, you crown the year with your goodness and you give us the fruits of the earth in their season: grant that we may use them to your glory, for the relief of those in need and for our own well-being; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.

Creator God, you made the goodness of the land,

the riches of the sea and the rhythm of the seasons;

as we thank you for the harvest,

may we cherish and respect this planet and its peoples,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

People to pray for :

Those in the world who do not have enough to eat or clean water, and those who seek to help them

Our Foodbanks and those who use them

Those suffering from illness at this time