As we continue our series  “The Great I AM”, let us encounter Jesus as "The Light of the World”, who shines into the darkness of our hearts and leads us on the path of truth and purpose.

John 6:35 (NKJV) - And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.”

In John 6:35, Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." Jesus offers us something far more fulfilling than physical food. While food satisfies our bodies, Jesus alone can fill the deepest hunger of our souls.

People are always searching for things that make them happy—whether it's food, achievements, relationships, or possessions. But these things only provide temporary satisfaction. Just like the crowds who sought Jesus for physical bread, many of us are tempted to chase after temporary comfort. Jesus invites us to experience something greater—Himself, the true Bread that satisfies our deepest longings.

Jesus not only satisfies but also saves. He gave His life for us on the cross, so that through faith in Him, we can receive eternal life. This invitation to come to Jesus and believe in Him is open to everyone. Jesus promises that whoever comes to Him, He will never cast out (John 6:37). No matter our past or struggles, He welcomes us.

Today, let's reflect on whether we are truly seeking Jesus or just what He can provide. Let’s choose to come to Him as our ultimate source of satisfaction, and not rely on the temporary pleasures of this world. He alone offers us a life that is full, meaningful, and eternal.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You are the Bread of Life. Help me to seek You above all else, knowing that only You can satisfy my heart. Thank You for Your sacrifice and for offering me eternal life. May I always come to You and trust in You. In Your name, Amen.

We are beginning our “The Great I AM” series with Jesus as "The Bread of Life,” discovering how He alone can satisfy the spiritual hunger of our souls.

#TheGreatIAm #GH2024  #GHsermonseries #GHGodisAble

John 17:1 (NKJV) - “Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven,…”

Today, let's reflect on a powerful moment from Jesus' life—His High Priestly Prayer in John 17. Before facing the cross, Jesus prayed for Himself, His disciples, and for all believers, including us today. This prayer shows Jesus’ desire to glorify the Father, protect His followers, sanctify them, and unite believers.

Jesus began by praying for His own glorification (John 17:1-5). He wanted to glorify the Father through His obedience, even in suffering. This reminds us that our purpose is to bring glory to God in all we do. Like Jesus, we should seek to honour God, even when life gets challenging (Philippians 2:8-11).

Jesus then prayed for His disciples' protection and sanctification (John 17:6-19). He knew they would face difficulties and prayed for God to protect them from the evil one and to set them apart by His truth. Today, we too need God's protection and to be changed by His Word. Spending time in the Bible keeps us strong and helps us live for God's purposes.

Finally, Jesus prayed for all believers to be united (John 17:20-26). He wanted His followers to be one, just as He and the Father are one, so that the world would see God’s love through them. Our unity as believers is essential—it shows the world who Jesus is. Let's work together in love, putting aside differences to fulfil His mission (Ephesians 4:1-6).

I trust that we will be able to say, as Jesus prayed: “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4).

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for praying for us. Help us to glorify You in everything we do, stay rooted in Your Word, and live in unity with other believers. May our lives reflect Your love to the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.

As we end  our series on “ Portraits of Prayer,” let us listen to God's word as Pastor Joel De Vera preaches on “Jesus' High Priestly Prayer” from John 17, revealing the depth of His intercession for us.

Matthew 6:9b (NKJV) - “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.”

In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus gives us a model for prayer, teaching us how to connect with God in a meaningful way. Prayer is not just about saying words but about the condition of our hearts. Jesus shows us how to approach God with humility, trust, and a desire to align our will with His.

When we pray, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name," we recognise God's holiness and our relationship with Him. Calling God “Father” reminds us that we are His children, and He deeply cares for us. We pray for His kingdom and will to be done, putting His purposes first before our own desires.

In asking for "daily bread," we express our trust that God will meet our daily needs. Jesus encourages us to depend on God every day, knowing He sees our needs before we even ask. When we ask for forgiveness, we also commit to forgiving others, showing the grace God has extended to us.

We also ask God to protect us from temptation and deliver us from evil. This reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles, and we need God’s strength to resist sin and stand firm in our faith.

This prayer is a guide for our own hearts today. In a world that can pull us in many directions, Jesus calls us back to simplicity: trust in God, seek His will, depend on Him, and live out grace.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us how to pray. Help us come to You with sincere hearts, seeking Your will above our own. Provide for our daily needs, forgive us, and give us the strength to forgive others. Lead us away from temptation and protect us from evil. In Jesus' name, Amen.

As we continue our series on "Portraits of Prayer," let us listen to God's word as Pastor Joel De Vera preaches on “Jesus' Model for Prayer”, focusing on the profound meaning of the Lord’s Prayer.

1 Chronicles 4:10 (NASB) - “Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!” And God granted him what he requested.”

In the middle of a long list of names in 1 Chronicles, we find the story of Jabez, a man who boldly prayed for God’s blessings. Jabez’s name meant "pain," but he didn’t allow his difficult start to define him. Instead, he sought God earnestly, asking for blessings, greater influence, and protection.

Jabez’s prayer is a reminder that we can come to God with bold requests, even when we feel stuck or defined by our circumstances. Sometimes, we feel like our past mistakes, labels, or situations hold us back. But Jabez shows us that we can ask God to rewrite our story. His prayer was not selfish; it was full of faith. He knew that all good things come from God, and he wanted his life to be a testimony of God’s goodness.

God delights in blessing His children. Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:7-8, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Like Jabez, we can come to God, not just for material blessings, but for His presence, guidance, and protection.

Today, consider what areas of your life need God’s blessing. Are there situations where you feel limited or defined by your past? Pray with boldness, trusting in His goodness and His ability to transform your circumstances. Ask God to bless you, expand your impact, and increase your capacity to serve in His kingdom. 

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness. Like Jabez, I come to You with my needs and desires. Help me to seek Your blessings with a heart that honors You. Expand my influence so that I can make a difference for Your kingdom. Guide me and protect me from harm, so that my life may reflect Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As we continue our series on "Portraits of Prayer," let us listen to God's word as Sis.Ethel De Vera expound on “Jabez's Prayer for Blessings,” focusing on seeking God's favor and expansion. Let us reflect on the powerful prayer, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory” (1 Chronicles 4:10).

Psalm 51:1a,3a (NKJV) - “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness;… For I acknowledge my transgressions,”

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by guilt, feeling distant from God due to your sins? It can be hard to approach God in prayer when we carry the weight of our transgressions. Psalm 51 is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, God is ready to forgive when we come to Him with a humble and repentant heart.

David's prayer in Psalm 51 came from a deep sense of guilt after committing adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrating the death of her husband, Uriah (2 Samuel 11-12). When confronted by the prophet Nathan, David didn't make excuses or blame others. Instead, he openly confessed, saying, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:13). In his prayer, David acknowledges his sin and pleads for God's mercy, knowing that only God can cleanse his heart and renew his spirit.

He cries out, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). David teaches us that true repentance is not just a mere admission of sin but also a desire to turn away from it.

In our time today, we might struggle with guilt and wonder if God will forgive us. But David's prayer reminds us that God's mercy is greater than our sins. As 1 John 1:9 assures us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." No sin is too great for God's forgiveness if we come to Him with a sincere heart.

I encourage you today to set aside a time for daily reflection and confession. Begin by acknowledging any known sins, asking God to reveal those hidden from your awareness. Confess these openly to God, and trust that He offers grace and restoration through Jesus Christ.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to You with a humble heart, acknowledging my sins and seeking Your forgiveness. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Thank You for Your endless mercy and love. Help me to walk in Your ways, restored and renewed by Your grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.