June 10
________________________________________
1 JOHN 3
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so, we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
– 1 John 3:1-3
________________________________________
1 JOHN 3 WHY THE WORLD DOES NOT KNOW US
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When God chose you to belong to him, he gave you his Spirit
The Spirit is unseen and does not belong to this earthly empire
Things that we see are those that belong to this world
God’s realm is unseen and revealed only in his word
The Lord only reveals himself to those whom he loves
Therefore, those who are not his, do not know God.
The works of the flesh keeps us in lust and constant craving
While the Spirit’s work is to keep us obeying and believing
The world lives only for himself and satisfying the self
While the Spirit guides and directs us saints, to be selfless
Those who belong to this world continue to desire and lust
Those who belong to Christ, live to obey him and trust.
So, to all God’s children, do not be discouraged
Only those who know God will truly comprehend
They do understand us because they don’t know him
They do not care what the Lord commands, they live in sin
Therefore, do not fret when you are misunderstood
Christ himself was misconstrued and also rejected.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why should true believers never fret or be anxious when they are misunderstood or rejected according to these verses?
• What goes on in our hearts when we get offended and defend ourselves?
Monthly Archives: June 2023
1 JOHN 2 ABIDING IN GOD BRINGS CONFIDENCE
June 9
________________________________________
1 JOHN 2
28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.
– 1 John 2:28-29
________________________________________
1 JOHN 2 ABIDING IN GOD BRINGS CONFIDENCE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Do you doubt or fear that your knowledge isn’t sufficient?
Are you obsessed to appear intelligent, good or efficient
Do you cringe at the thought that you will be shamed by others?
Are you always cautious and careful to impress one another?
We can all get caught up by the standards we set on ourselves
Because of world systems, we often think we need to look our best always
We get accustomed to get approval from those whom we look up to
We often compare ourselves with others and often feel like a failure.
God made humans in his own image and also “perfect” in many ways
But because of the fall, we often listen to accusations and Satan’s lies
The enemy constantly want us to doubt ourselves and our abilities
He steals the gifts that God gave us and marinates us in so much fears.
God gave us not a spirit of fear but of power, love and self-discipline
We may only have the confidence if we walk in the God’s Spirit he instilled
If we abide in him and all his commandments, we will have confidence
Only the truth exposes all kinds of fear that is caused by believing lies.
When you abide in God, all systems of the world become obvious
Strongholds set by the devil can no longer enslave or have a hold on us
The word of the Lord is the source of hope, love and courage
Keep close to it and you will surely break all kinds of bondage.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why is human knowledge not a true source of confidence?
• Where do we get confidence according to these following verses?
1 JOHN 2 GOD’S ANOINTING PROTECTS US FROM DECEPTION
June 8
________________________________________
1 JOHN 2
26 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. – 1 John 2:26-27
________________________________________
1 JOHN 2 GOD’S ANOINTING PROTECTS US FROM DECEPTION
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When God chose you, he equipped you with his truth
Because he loves you, he will protect you from what’s untrue
When you accepted the Lord by believing in him
You were anointed with the Holy Spirit’s indwelling.
Remember that the word of God will keep you in his light
Read it, reflect on it and obey what it says and you will have life
The truth that comes from his word exposes deceptions
Meditate and do what it says so you won’t have any misconceptions.
The Holy Spirit is your teacher and counselor, rely on him constantly
While you walk in the Spirit, you will have watchfulness continually
Even if the enemy plots evil and attacks you, you will be protected
Do not fear for your anointing is powerful and Satan will be defeated.
Be mindful how the devil works, he is cunning and sneaky
If you are always feeding on God’s word, you will see it easily
Abide in his anointing and you will walk in righteousness
If you fail to follow his commands and will, you will be in darkness.
All God’s children are called to pray in faith with no doubting
For the one who doubts is a double-minded person
He is like the wave of the sea that is tossed and blown
He is double-minded and has no stability and loyalty.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Based on these following verses, do you think unbelievers have protection over deception? Why or why not?
1 JOHN 2 LET WHAT YOU HEARD FROM THE BEGINNING ABIDE IN YOU
June 7
________________________________________
1 JOHN 2
23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. 24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life. – 1 John 2:23-25
________________________________________
1 JOHN 2 LET WHAT YOU HEARD FROM THE BEGINNING ABIDE IN YOU
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and the Word was God
The Word is the Lord and he already existed in the beginning of time
God the Father created the world from its foundation
The Son and the Spirit were with him when he began creation.
The Lord made everything exist by his own breath
He uttered the words “Let there be…” and it was made
The world was created for the pleasure of God and the Son
Each creation was made through him, with him, in him and for him.
God the Father wants to reconcile the world to himself after the fall
This is why he gave his only begotten Son so we might be rescued
He brought us the Son, who already existed before time
He did this so that we might see his glory even if we haven’t actually seen him.
The Father gave his Son who is the Word, that he may be present among us
He made manifest himself in Jesus when he took the form of a human
Therefore, whoever have heard and believed that Jesus is the Son of God
The Father will also abide in that person who accepted his begotten Son.
Let what you have heard from the beginning abide in you
Confess that Jesus is Lord and that he came in the flesh to save
If you believe in Jesus Christ, you also believe in the Father
If you do, you’ll be granted the crown of life and live with him forever.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• What do you think John was referring to in the phare “what you have heard from the beginning”? Why are we supposed to abide in what we have heard?
1 JOHN 2 THE LAST HOUR WARNING
June 6
________________________________________
1 JOHN 2
18 Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore, we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. 20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. 21 I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. 22 Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. 2 – 1 John 2:18-22
________________________________________
1 JOHN 2 THE LAST HOUR WARNING
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Look around you and be wary of evil things in plenty
The last hour has come when the devil plots to destroy in bounty
As a warning to al of us, let us open our eyes to the antichrists
Do not let them deceive you with their subtle form of lies
To all those who belong to the Lord, equip yourself with the word
Meditate on it day and night so you can overcome this world.
Corruption and wickedness abound among us all
It is the result of the devil’s plot to have mankind fall
God has separated those who belong to him from the world
You will know the antichrist because they lie and twist the word
If you hunger for the truth, you will be delivered from deception
If you fail to follow the laws of God, you will fall into temptation.
To all God’s people: be soldiers for Christ and wear your armor
We do not fight with flesh and blood but against rulers and cosmic powers
Fasten the belt of truth and put on the breastplate of righteousness
Wear the helmet of salvation and be ready to share the gospel of peace
Keep alert and persevere and grow your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
Pray at all times on every occasion that you may have eternal life.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How should a Christian prepare for the last hour since it has already come?
1 JOHN 2 DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD OR THE THINGS IN IT
June 5
________________________________________
1 JOHN 2
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. – 1 John 2:15-17
________________________________________
1 JOHN 2 DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD OR THE THINGS IN IT
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
The Lord created all things and designed humans in his image for his own delight
God gave man a paradise to live in where they are provided for all their needs
He gave humans authority over many creatures and have dominion over them
When the devil tempted Adam and Eve, the order of God’s creation was destroyed
Humans handed over to Satan the key to rule and man’s nature became sinful
The devil had access to all that was given to man and began to plot their fall.
After the fall, all that are in the world became under the devil’s control
He is now prince of the world and rules over all that is temporal
The kingdom of God on the other hand is unseen and spiritual, it is eternal
All desires of the flesh, the eyes, and the pride of life are not from the Father
Therefore, if someone loves worldly things, they cannot please the Lord
Do not love the world or the things in it, or you put enmity against God.
When you conform to the systems that is in world, you are spiritually unfaithful
The Lord commanded to make him first in all things so that you won’t be sinful
If you follow the laws and the will of God, you will not love earthly things
To submit to God in all things is to kill the flesh and give up all cravings
If you love the world and everything in it, the devil rules your heart
If you love God, you will follow his precepts and you’ll never depart.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• What are some of the world systems that are unseen? Which among these systems have the enemy crippled your walk with God?
• Why is it difficult to clearly see how the world systems work?
1 JOHN 2 GOD’S ASSURANCE TO OUR LEVEL OF MATURITY
June 4
________________________________________
1 JOHN 2
12 I am writing to you, little children,
because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake.
13 I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, children,
because you know the Father.
14 I write to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men, because you are strong,
and the word of God abides in you,
and you have overcome the evil one. – 1 John 2:12-14
________________________________________
1 JOHN 2 GOD’S ASSURANCE TO OUR LEVEL OF MATURITY
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Our heavenly Father is full of mercy and is very compassionate
He sees your heart, mind and soul in all its stages of maturity
If God has chosen you to belong to him, he assures you of his guidance
He holds your hands as you allow him to lead you out of ignorance
His word and his precepts lovingly provide you with wisdom
If you abide in them, you can live in contentment, joy and freedom.
To all his children, the Lord assures you of his mercy and forgiveness
He wants you to know that he will always lead you to righteousness
To all fathers, God knows all your experiences that made you wiser
He is rewarding you with restful days ahead after much trials
To all young men, the Lord gives his protection and strength
The youth will have work for God’s kingdom to come and extend.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Children refers to the new believers, fathers are those who have longer relationship with the Lord and young men are those who are in that stage where they are equipped with gifts and calling to serve God, which stage are you now? Explain.
1 JOHN 2 TO LIVE IN DARKNESS VS. TO LIVE IN THE LIGHT
June 3
________________________________________
1 JOHN 2
7 Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. 8 At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. 9 Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. 10 Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. 11 But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. – 1 John 2:7-11
________________________________________
1 JOHN 2 TO LIVE IN DARKNESS VS. TO LIVE IN THE LIGHT
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Anyone who does not know God cannot know love
God is love and if you know him, you will follow his laws
A person who is corrupted by the systems of this world is in darkness
One cannot be a servant of God if he continues to rebel and be lawless
As children of the light, we ought to walk in love
We cannot serve God and also walk in the dark.
To live in darkness is to reject the truth and the word
To live in darkness is to love what is offered by the world
To live in darkness is the absence of the presence of God
To live in darkness is to choose the bad over the right and good
To live in darkness is to constantly waver and doubt the Lord
To live in darkness is to be self-centered and not seek the truth.
Those who claim to be servants of the Lord choose to abide in his word
As they obey the precepts of God, the learn to overcome the world
As they live in the light, they begin to eradicate the fear of anything
They only fear God and wouldn’t compromise their lives by sinning
If you live in the light, there is much peace, joy and contentment
If you live in the dark, there is chaos, sorrow and resentment.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How do you gauge whether someone lives in the dark or in the light?
1 JOHN 2 PROOF THAT YOU KNOW GOD
June 2
________________________________________
1 JOHN 2
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. – 1 John 2:1-6
________________________________________
1 JOHN 2 PROOF THAT YOU KNOW GOD
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When Adam and Eve passed on their original sin to mankind
They were under a curse which resulted from God’s wrath
But because of his steadfast love, he gave us a solution
He sent his only begotten Son to be our sins’ propitiation.
Through Christ sacrifice on the cross, God’s wrath was appeased
Man can now be reconciled with God for Jesus brought us peace
If we believe in Jesus Christ, we are required to follow him
He came into this world not with riches but in poverty.
As a follower of Jesus, we must keep his word
We ought not to love or be friends with the world
The proof that you know God is when you follow his laws
If you are lawless and call yourself a believer, you lie.
To merely say that you know Christ is not sufficient
Lip service isn’t enough, God wants your obedience
If you keep his commandments, you can truly say you know him
You don’t know him when you continue to follow your cravings.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How is obedience the ultimate manifestation of a true servant of God?
• Why would we be under God’s wrath when we disobey his laws?