June 1
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1 JOHN 1
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. – 1 John 1:5-10
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1 JOHN 1 IF WE WALK IN THE LIGHT
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
God is light and darkness is exposed by him
The world is dark, full of corruption and sin
If we serve the Lord our God, we will have his light
If we walk in his light, we will surely have life.
To walk in God’s light is to walk in love
Without loving others, we cannot say we love God
If we say we love God but hate a brother
We are lying because we are still in darkness.
To walk in the light is to confess one’s own sinfulness
To deny that you never sin is just outright foolishness
When we lie to ourselves, we do not have the truth in us
If we confess and repent of our sins, we’ll be freed from darkness.
If we walk in the light, we do not conform with the world
If we really love the Lord, we will meditate and be guided by his word
To walk in the light means to please God by following his laws
To rebel and disobey his precepts means we are still in the dark.
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REFLECTION
• What hinders a Christian from walking in the light?
• Why is it a lie to say you love God and hate another person?
Monthly Archives: May 2023
1 JOHN WHERE JOY IS COMPLETE
May 31
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1 JOHN
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
– 1 John 1:1-4
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1 JOHN WHERE JOY IS COMPLETE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Before anything else existed in the world, darkness loomed
The Lord God was already there even before this gloom
God exuded light was light himself, that covered all this darkness
He was also life that triumphed over death and sadness.
The Father, Son and Spirit began all forms of fellowship
The three Gods in one is perfect unity in a relationship
Perfect love is the essence and very nature of God
He planted that love in every creature alike, woman and man.
All humans were made so that they can relate with God
But sin entered paradise and destroyed this perfect love
Because of sin, it became impossible for man to have perfect joy
So, because of his great love for us, God sent his only Son.
There is no other love that can complete any human being
Only the one true love from above can satisfy our cravings
Without God’s presence in our lives, our joy will not be complete
Fellowship with the Father, Son and Spirit is the relationship we need.
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REFLECTION
• How is it that joy will never be complete if we don’t have a relationship with God?
• Why is it important that we are aware of this need for fellowship with God?
JAMES 5 WHEN YOU BRING BACK A SINNER FROM WANDERING
May 30
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JAMES 5
19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. – James 5:19-20
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JAMES 5 WHEN YOU BRING BACK A SINNER FROM WANDERING
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Do you know of anyone who has turned their backs to God?
Count it as an opportunity to gain rewards from the Lord
If someone who used to have faith gave it up
They must have met trials that broke that trust.
Pray that the Spirit will guide you how to bring them back
Without prayers and guidance, you won’t succeed to do that
No one can do what only the Spirit can, to lead back the lost
You will only be an instrument to regain the trust they once had.
When you bring back a sinner from wandering, you are being faithful
All believers are called to declare the love of God and his gospel
To do it in your own understanding will be unwise and harmful
To win back the wandering sinners, you need godly wisdom.
Blessed are they who care enough to bring back those derailed
Remember that Jesus died for all the lost and broken-hearted
If you are instrumental for the prodigal saint’s return
You will cover a multitude of sins for yourself as well.
Beloved, let us make it a concern of ours to lead those who are astray
Remember how the good shepherd left the ninety-nine for one lost sheep?
If the Lord God chose them to be part of his sheepfold, but lost track
Isn’t it our responsibility to have compassion for them and lead them back?
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REFLECTION
• How come many of us fear to lead back a sinner who has wandered away from their faith even though James talk about the great rewards we will gain from doing so?
JAMES 5 POWER OF THE RIGHTEOUS PERSON’S PRAYER
May 29
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JAMES 5
16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit. – James 5:16-18
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JAMES 5 POWER OF THE RIGHTEOUS PERSON’S PRAYER
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
The Lord calls us to be accountable to each other
He wants us to confess our sins to one another
Sharing our burdens and weaknesses show humility
It exudes an attitude of love and God-dependency
If we keep our sins and adversities to ourselves
We live independently from God’s church and his saints
Let us build up the body of Christ by sharing our troubles
This way, we can pray for one another’s illnesses and trials
Do not be afraid to share your struggles with your brother
Confess your sins to each other so you can grow and mature.
When a righteous person humbly asks for favor
The Lord listens to his requests because of his fervor
When the prophet Elijah pleaded for drought and rain
The Lord answered according to his faith as he prayed
Those who serve the Lord must ask in faith without doubting
For the one who doubts is like the waves of the sea which are unstable
When you pray, believe that you’ve already received it and it will be yours
Make sure you have no grudge on others when you pray to your Savior
Any bitterness and resentment or jealousy will block your prayer
Cleanse your hearts and do not be double-minded and God will answer.
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REFLECTION
• When have you prayed for something that God has granted?
• Why do you think some prayers are not answered?
JAMES 5 THE NECESSITY OF PRAYER
May 28
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JAMES 5
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. – James 5:13-15
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JAMES 5 THE NECESSITY OF PRAYER
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When we lift our hearts to the Lord in prayer
He hears us, and with empathy, considers them
When we humble ourselves and ask for God’s help
There is nothing else that would make him delighted
How often must we pray and depend on the Lord?
Just as frequently as we breathe in air; we need to do it much
When we receive a gift or a favor from our heavenly Father
It is necessary to thank him and honor him in prayer
When we constantly go to the Lord for nourishment
We grow our faith and deepen our relationship.
To miss out on praying is almost endangering our souls
It is like cutting the cord between us and our Lord
To neglect to pray is almost a defiance against our Maker
It shows our ingratitude and disrespect to our heavenly Father
As we live in this corrupt world, there’ll always be a reason to pray
We plead to God when we are burdened and going through trials
We cry out to him when we are suffering and undergoing changes
We beg the Lord to deliver us from much evil and tough challenges
We ask him for healing when we are sick and with infirmities
We thank him for each blessing that we receive from him.
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REFLECTION
• In Ephesian 6:18, Paul tells us to pray at all times and in all situations. Do you think Christians really follow this? Why or why not?
JAMES 5 SAY YES OR NO AND NOTHING VAGUE
May 27
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JAMES 5
12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. – James 5:12
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JAMES 5 SAY YES OR NO AND NOTHING VAGUE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
The Lord our God is a God of accuracy and precision
On the other hand, the devil is the god of confusion
We were given laws by God so we can walk in love
The evil one steals our peace and brings doom.
From the mouth of God comes only what is true
There is nothing vague or unclear in his words
The devil twists truth to entice people to sin
Be wary of his tricks and don’t let him win.
Let your “yes” or “no” be clear; do not be vague
If you are in-between, it’s from the evil one
When you say “yes” but actually meant “no”
You are lying and not stating what is really true.
We were made in God’s image and likeness
The devil wants to twists that image and accuse us
Let us therefore be vigilant to follow our Maker
We were not designed to participate and do what’s evil.
Do not swear or make vows that you cannot keep
Instead, say “If the Lord wills, I will do this or that”
When you are asked, give a firm and concise answer
When you are vague, you are either lying or hiding something.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think James warns us about vows and oaths and being clear with our yes and no? What happens if we make vows or become unclear with our words?
JAMES 5 BLESSED ARE THE STEADFAST
May 26
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JAMES 5
11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. – James 5:11
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JAMES 5 BLESSED ARE THE STEADFAST
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
The Lord is a God who is steadfast in his love
He is committed to be your Father up above
Because we were made in God’s own likeness
We are also able to love much and be righteous.
Remember how Job responded to all adversities?
He still persisted and grew in endurance
He never broke his commitment to God
Even amidst all trials and everything that he lost.
If you remain faithful to the Lord
You will be able to conquer this world
He has blessed you with a loving heart
He expects you to stay true and never depart.
Do not give up when trials come your way
If you depend on the Lord, you will be brave
He equips you with courage and endurance
Press on because he always provides assurance.
Those who continue to be steadfast and firm
They will receive the crown of life promised by him
Hold on to your faith and stay committed to serving God
You will be blessed in your life; you will be able to stay true.
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REFLECTION
• How can the saints remain steadfast in their faith amidst this corrupt world system?
• Why is steadfastness a novelty nowadays even in the lives of believers?
JAMES 5 WHEN WE GRUMBLE
May 25
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JAMES 5
9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. – James 5:9-10
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JAMES 5 WHEN WE GRUMBLE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
The moment one decides to grumble
One is likely to see something crumble
It may be a relationship that will slowly collapse
Or it can build anger and also so much mistrust.
As we continue to complain about things not going our way
We are taking control and not trusting that God is our provider
When we declare our discontent, bitter roots get deeper
The more we grumble, the more unwell and hopeless we’ll be.
When we are anxious and complaining, we begin to resent
If we start dwelling on things we don’t have, we will get spent
On the other hand, if we count all that we have been given
We change our perspective and become more contented.
Christ suffered and endured the torment and rejection from man
If we claim to be Christians, we ought to embrace suffering and pain
Grumbling is the opposite of patience and endurance
To grumble is to be entitled; to endure is to be humble.
When we grumble, we are going to be accountable to the Judge
Grumbling is being ungrateful and it questions the fairness of God
Be thankful instead of complaining, no one wants to be with a whiner
Appreciate what the Lord has given you and bring your request in prayer.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think James cautions us from grumbling in these following verses?
• What might be the aftermath of grumbling?
JAMES BE PATIENT AND ESTABLISH YOUR HEARTS
May 24
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JAMES 5
7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. – James 5:7-8
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JAMES BE PATIENT AND ESTABLISH YOUR HEARTS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
God is full of steadfastness and mercy
Because we are made in God’s image, we can be patient
When we deal with difficult people and challenging conditions
We can be assured that if we trust God, he’ll deliver us from those situations.
As you follow God’s laws and walk in obedience to it
Rest assured that you will be guided and led by his Spirit
The result of such submission to his precepts
Will bring fruits of the Spirit, one of which is patience.
Like the gardener who work hard to sow his seeds
He does not give up easily but continue to persevere
He patiently waits for the rain to come so they will grow
He is delighted as each of the crops mature to yield fruits.
Establish your hearts and keep it grounded on his truth
When you do, you will be strong and continue to mature
Hide his words in your heart and you will have wisdom
The Lord will make you endure and continue to live in freedom.
Remain steadfast in your trials and all the suffering
The Lord promised the crown of life to those who love him
If you remain anchored on his promises and precepts
You will grow and mature into the person he made you to be.
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REFLECTION
• If patience is a fruit of the spirit, can humans fabricate it?
• How is the world’s concept of patience different from God’s view of it?
JAMES 5 WARNING TO THE WEALTHY & SELF-INDULGENT
May 23
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JAMES 5
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. 2 Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. 4 Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. 5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.
– James 5:1-6
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JAMES 5 WARNING TO THE WEALTHY & SELF-INDULGENT
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Do you gather wealth and possessions so you can spoil yourself?
Do you not know that these earthly things will rot and disintegrate?
The mansions and properties you have cannot be taken when you die
All the collections of things you own are meaningless after life.
You have constantly satisfied your desires and cravings
You didn’t concern yourself with other people who are needy
All you ever think about is gaining more things for your own pleasure
Your greed has become your obsession and you constantly want more.
You treat your servants unjustly and kept them from a decent life
You discriminate the poor and deal with them with much bias
The Lord warns all those who continually fatten themselves
God loathes all the those who are wicked and self-indulgent.
It is an abomination to the Lord to glorify one’s own self
What a shameful thing it is to even think you can possess
i
Man is a creature and God is a creator, you own nothing
Therefore, be warned, all you who love money and riches.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think James warns the rich in the following verses?
• What are the dangers of being wealthy according to these verses?