'Jesus replied “ I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again.Who ever believes in me will never be thirsty.”' John 6:35 (NLT) Why, when there is food in the house, do we really ‘crave’ to eat what we do not not have! Often when we get what ever it is we ‘fancy’ to eat we realise it isn’t quite what we really wanted. Deep within us there can be a dissatisfaction that we cannot fill, there always seems to be something missing, yet there is a hunger and a thirst. Then along comes Jesus with these incredible words: “I am the bread of life.” Jesus is what we are ‘craving’ deep within, he is the one finally and forever that can satisfy our deepest needs and longings. Come to Jesus afresh today, feast on Him. He has come to satisfy the deep hunger  within us and to bring His peace to our restless hearts. In him we have everything we need. Prayer of  St Augustine: You have made us for yourself, O God, and our hearts are res...

"This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls." Hebrews 6 :19 (NLT) Often the first thing we loose when times are hard and we are worried and discouraged is ‘Hope’.  We cannot connect with it , cannot find it, and when others speak of it we still remain ‘hopeless’.  It feels like hope has ‘shrivelled’ up and we are ‘floating ’ anchor less. Then along come those who reflect the love of God and we see ‘Hope’ in their eyes. Before long we remember that Hope is a person, Jesus himself! In these testing times we can ‘bring’ Jesus to others through a helping hand, a word of encouragement, by listening, loving and speaking truth, ‘pulling’ our faith over others in prayer. Jesus longs to continue ministering His Hope through people like you and me. May our gracious God give you His hope as you reach out as a bringer of hope to those  He lays on your heart today. Prayer: Father, may we trust in you alone. Be this day our source of hope, p...

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" Psalm 42:1-2 (NIVUK) Many of us will find this time of social distancing very difficult. I'm looking at you, extroverts... Even though we can use technology to communicate and stay in touch, there's still a sense of loss by not being together in the same room. And this is exactly what the Sons of Korah feel as they express their longing for God. It is also interesting to note how they respond to this sense of loss: they burst out in praise. "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God." The great comfort we can take from this psalm is that, because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross and His victory over death, there is nothing that can isolate us from our loving Father in heaven. God's love for us is not d...

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever." Psalm 73:26 (NIVUK) My son, Ruben (not the child in the picture), likes to play Spiderman. It goes like this: I lift him up as he "climbs a wall," then he "swings" across the room to the opposite wall. He doesn't yet understand that my arms can't play this game indefinitely, but he knows that he can't play this game without me. So I am getting an enforced shoulder/arm exercise a couple of times per day. I see something of this in today's reading. Asaph, the author of this psalm, is fully aware of his own frailty, his own shortcomings. He knows that God is the strength of his heart. He knows that most things will be impossible if not for God's power. And he declares this as a reminder to himself and to us. May we remember today that God is the strength of our hearts and our portion for ever. So why don't we ask Him whose arms never tire ...

"When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy." Psalm 94:18-19 (NIVUK) I have often felt overwhelmed in my life. Being pulled in different directions often makes me feel disconnected, angry, stressed out. When I have a lot to deal with, I tend not to deal with it very well. However, there has always been (and still is) one thing that would draw me back to sanity: a call from my mum. She always listens graciously, prays fervently and calms any kind of nerves. She can make me smile when no one else can. And that's what I think of when I read the above verses. When I can honestly say to God that I'm struggling, He does not turn me away, but loves me as I am. When I am fearful about the uncertainty of the future, He consoles me and brings me back to a joyful place. Just like my mum - even better than my mum - God shows us love when we turn to Him. Thank you, Fat...

"They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits' end. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress." Psalm 107:27-28 (NIVUK) Psalm 107 goes through a whole list of bad things that happened to people. Some were lost in the desert, some were lost at sea, some were suffering in chains, some were in a drought-stricken land. But the unofficial refrain of this Psalm echoes through all of it: "Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress." (v. 6, 13, 19, 28) It is comforting to know that, when we come to our wits' end, it is not the end of the story. When we don't know what to do, there is Someone who does. When we don't know what to say, or how to pray, there is Someone who does. When the whole world seems like it's going up in flames and we don't know how to fix it, there is Someone who does. And so we are encouraged to cry out t...

"Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always." Psalm 105:1-4 (NIVUK) God has never changed. He is still the same Lord who created the world, and He will be the same Lord at the end of all time. He will always be worthy of praise. His glory and honour will never decrease. And we need to recognise that, especially when we don't feel like it. When we praise God - intentionally proclaiming who God is - in all circumstances, we recognise His sovereignty. That is the kind of praise that does not deny our circumstances, but recognise that God is bigger, better, stronger, more loving, more caring, more able to help and support than our circumstances make us want to believe. So let us today be intentional about praising God; recognising w...

"The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God." Psalm 104:21 (NIVUK) There's so much one can relate to by reading the Psalms at such a time as this. I found this verse (Psalm 104:21) particularly interesting and encouraging. When I think of lions I think of royalty, power, strength - all the things one would expect to get through a crisis. This verse, however, reminds me that even the lions rely on God for all their needs. So should we. It is not by our own power and strength that we'll get through this. However, relying on God will give us the power and strength we need to get through this together. He is gracious and kind. He is ever present. He is God with us. Prayer: Lord God, all of nature turn to you for their needs. So do we. Help us in our time of trouble and give us the peace that surpasses all understanding; the peace that comes from you. To your glory and for your name's sake. Amen.

It’s time for Worship at Home! Join in at 10am. Here are the details for this Sunday, 22nd March Service Sheet Click here for this Sunday's service sheet Livestream Reading 1 Thessalonians 2:17, 3:1-3 Reflection Dan Wells Prayers We are encouraged to join with churches across the country praying for those who are sick or anxious, and to pray for those who are working in healthcare and emergency services Worship Playlist Click here to listen on YouTube Lion and the Lamb – Bethel Music Highlands (Song of ascent) – Hillsong UNITED Way Maker – Leeland It is well with my soul – Audrey Assad Build my life – Housefires

From Monday 23rd March, we will be publishing Daily Encouragements (Monday to Saturday) from Holy Trinity Richmond. Click the 'Subscribe' link at the top of the page to receive these by email.