In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. – Colossians 3:11 (NLT)             

CHRIST IS ALL THAT MATTERS

A poem by ILMA

It doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor

It doesn’t count what religion or from what culture

Whether you are educated or uncivilized

Christ is all that matters in our daily lives.

In this new life, Christ will bring light

We can enjoy wisdom and insight

All prejudices and discrimination will vanish

Discrimination and prejudices are rampant in our society. They lead to all forms of conflict and oppression. It is sad to watch people suffer, especially the innocent ones who are directly affected by these injustices. In God’s economy, bigotry does not exist. Everyone is treated equally. No one is higher or better than someone. He created us all differently but by the same token.

The bible says that when we become Christians, all the prejudices will be replaced by love. There will be no distinctions that will create injustice. There’ll be respect and acceptance of each other’s differences. In God’s eyes, we are all equally given gifts with different degrees according to his own purpose.

PRAYER

Lord, let me not participate in any injustice.

REFLECTION

Why do we need to seek and focus only on God?

An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin. Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.-Proverbs 29:22-23 (NLT)             

AVOID THE ANGRY

A poem by ILMA

When you bump into an angry person

Run fast to avoid conflict and confusion

Where there is a dispute or fight

There an angry person is in sight.

Beware when you are provoked to anger

This means that your spirit is in danger

Avoid all people who are angry and proud

Have you ever been in a relationship with an angry person? It is very stressful to be around angry people. There are two types of anger; the implosive and the explosive. The first type are quiet and looks like they are in control, but they give sarcastic remarks, insults or put downs. The second type is easy to spot because they are loud and like time bombs.

The bible cautions us from people who start fights, those who are hot-tempered and proud.  They often lead to other sins. They have no dignity and integrity. All they want is to attract attention and impatiently want to get their way. These kinds of people end up humiliated in the end. We are summoned to be humble so we can bring honor to God.

PRAYER

Lord, do not lead me to angry people.

REFLECTION

Why do we need to avoid angry and proud people?

And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.

                                                              -Jude 22-23 (NLT)             

RESCUE WITH CAUTION

A poem by ILMA

When you see others whose faith is wavering

Be merciful and cautious when you are helping

Show by example instead of preaching

Speak only God’s word so it’s not confusing.

Be lenient and have patience to understand

They need the truth, not a reproachful reprimand

Hate what they do but not the person

Do you have someone that needs guidance in their faith walk? Be careful, they are very sensitive and vulnerable to judgment. If you start preaching to those who are new to God’s words and truth, ensure that your own actions do not contradict what you say. The conflict in your actions and words can totally confuse them or lead them farther away from God.

The bible tells us to show mercy to those who have wavering faith. Rescue them with caution, hating only the sins that pollute their lives. Like babies, they need all the gentleness and patience they can get, so they can grow spiritually.

PRAYER

Lord, show me how to be an example of faith.

REFLECTION

What precaution should we take in helping others in their faith?

I also tell you this, if two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there amongst them. – Matthew 18:19-20 (NLT)             

THE POWER OF AGREEMENT

A poem by ILMA

When making requests and formulating blessings

Two or three who agree will be echoing

Agreement between believers

It guarantees a reply from God much sooner.

Do not take for granted the power of agreement

It brings positive results and gets you out of confinement

Jesus promised his presence where believers gather

When we get into a business relationship with someone or get married, we usually sign a contract or an agreement. The agreement signifies the boundaries that need to be executed in order to have a thriving business or marriage. The moment someone breaches the contract, the relationship is at risk.

The bible tells us that agreement between two or three followers of Christ will bear power over things they agree upon. Notice that it did not say one, but two or three. I am sure God will be there if you ask alone, but if there is more than one person, God is present. Each request in his name is granted.

PRAYER

Lord, let me pray with other believers.

REFLECTION

Why do you think God wants us to gather together and agree?