July 21
________________________________________
2 PETER 2
4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; 5 if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6 if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked 8 (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); 9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority.
– 2 Peter 2:4-10
________________________________________
2 PETER 2 GOD RESCUES THE GODLY & PUNISHES EVILDOERS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
The Lord God abhors all forms of wickedness and evil
It doesn’t matter who you are if you follow the devil
Even angels who rebelled were kicked out of heaven
No one is excused if they decide to rebel and be wicked.
Remember how God punished evil in Noah’s days?
He annihilated the wicked but preserved Noah
The Lord cannot tolerate evil, he has to punish it
But he rescues those who are righteous and holy.
Even though they encounter trials, he delivers them
The Lord is faithful to fulfill his promises to his people
He never forsakes the righteous, he provides relief to them
But the evildoers, he punishes and puts a stop to their deeds.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why should the righteous never be afraid of evil and wickedness according to these verses?
• How should believers deal with evil when they experience it?
Monthly Archives: July 2023
2 PETER 2 WATCH OUT FOR FALSE PROPHETS AND TEACHERS!
July 20
________________________________________
2 PETER 2
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 And in their greed, they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. – 2 Peter 2:1-3
________________________________________
2 PETER 2 WATCH OUT FOR FALSE PROPHETS AND TEACHERS!
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
As a true servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, we need to be vigilant
Many deceivers have inched their way into the body of Christ
They are disguised as sheep but they are wolves in sheep’s clothing
Arm yourselves with the armor of God and be discerning.
They operate cunningly so we ought to stay awake constantly
Let us meditate on God’s word so we can expose their tactics
Strengthen your faith by dying to your cravings and desires
Starve the flesh and you won’t easily be seduced to believe their lies.
These deceivers are waiting all the time to devour the people of God
They won’t stop until we are actually tempted and trapped
If you know the truth, you will not fall into their deceptions
The Lord protects us by the truth that comes from Scriptures.
Never be afraid of people who cunningly twist the truth; be watchful
Be equipped to expose them by growing our faith and being faithful
When we are complacent and lazy to grow in the knowledge of God
We are in trouble of being prey to all their tactics and fall.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How can we detect false teachings easily?
• What is the importance of knowing the true doctrines when one is a believer? What happens when we do not truly grasp true doctrines?
• What have God given us to equip us to discern heresies and false teachings?
2 PETER 1 PROPHECY COMES FROM GOD
July 19
________________________________________
2 PETER 1
12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
– 2 Peter 1:12-15
________________________________________
2 PETER 1 PROPHECY COMES FROM GOD
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Do not forget that Jesus was the fulfillment of the promise of God
It is his coming to us as human that proved God’s steadfast love for us
Remember that there were many witnesses that saw with their own eyes
It was Jesus coming in the flesh that made all the prophecies realized
There is no way any man can claim true prophecies
Only the Lord is the true source of such foresights
He reveals in the Scriptures and inspires men his plans
As people of God, let’s rely on his promises in his word
It is the light that shines through this darkness in this world
Let us not believe false prophets but only God’s word.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How do we know if someone is truly prophesying according to these verses?
2 PETER 1 BE DELIGENT TO CONFIRM YOUR CALLING
July 18
________________________________________
2 PETER 1
8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
– 2 Peter 1:8-11
________________________________________
2 PETER 1 BE DELIGENT TO CONFIRM YOUR CALLING
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When you were called and chosen by God, you were given knowledge and truth
You were given gifts so you can understand God’s love and bear fruits
As a believer, you are able to say yes to his call and invitation
Be diligent to respond to such call from the Lord without hesitation.
Receive the grace and gifts that were given to you and don’t take it for granted
Do your best to serve the Lord not just in words, but also in action
Deepen your knowledge of the Lord by feeding on his word day and night
It is the only way that you can be the salt of the earth and shine God’s light.
Exercise the gift of self-control and guard your mouth for you represent God
You are an ambassador for Christ so make sure that you are walking in love
Be faithful as God is always loyal and devoted; Do not waver or falter
Those who doubt will not receive anything from our heavenly Father.
Endure all trials and hardships so you will lack nothing
Be strong in the Lord for he has given you everything
Be faithful to the one who made heaven and earth and repent
When you endure trials of all kinds, you will be richly provided.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How is diligence an important ingredient in our spiritual maturity as Christians?
• What happens to lazy Christians and why is this not pleasing to God?
• Why do we need to constantly exercise self-control? What happens if we don’t?
2 PETER 1 BECOME PARTAKERS OF GOD’S DIVINE NATURE
July 17
________________________________________
2 PETER 1
Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. – 2 Peter 1:1-7
________________________________________
2 PETER 1 BECOME PARTAKERS OF GOD’S DIVINE NATURE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
The Lord Jesus Christ calls all his children to partake of his divine nature
Since the beginning of time, God has patterned us in is own image
He has put his own imprint on each one of us, men and women alike
We were all made for him so, let us not deviate from our purpose and make.
When Jesus Christ sacrificed his own life and died for us on the cross
He enabled us to be reconciled with God so don’t think of it as a loss
We gained access to God’s mercy and grace through the blood of Jesus
Do not take it for granted; without the cross, we would still be lost.
To be a partaker of his divine nature, Christ made it possible for us to be holy
The Holy Spirit’s presence in each of the lives of the saints, makes us godly
Because of the Spirit’s gifts, we are able to have knowledge and self-control
Only when we walk in the Spirit will it be possible for us to love one another.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How can we actively partake of God’s divine nature according to these verses?
• Can someone who doesn’t know the Lord Jesus Christ become partakers of his divine nature? Why or why not?
1 PETER 5 HUMBLE YOURSELVES AND CAST YOUR CARES ON GOD
July 16
________________________________________
1 PETER 5
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ. – 1 Peter 5:6-14
________________________________________
1 PETER 5 HUMBLE YOURSELVES AND CAST YOUR CARES ON GOD
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Remember to always be meek and obedient to Christ
When you do, he will exalt you eventually in your life
Do not be afraid or worry about things you have no control over
Hand it to God and he will take care of it; do not be a worrier.
Grow your faith and be steadfast under trials and adversities
Stand firm and hold on fast to God so you will have victory
Stay humble and close to the Lord for this is your shield against the devil
Obey the Lord’s precepts and you will triumph over your weaknesses and evil.
Do not be surprised when you experience many trials for God is with you
He will never allow you to face these challenges without equipping you
Build up the communion of saints so you will be strong and mature
The body of Christ is his bride and he wants them to stay holy and pure.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How is the act of dependence on God one of the best shields against the enemy’s tactics?
• Do you think worrying is an act of mistrust against God? Why or why not?
1 PETER 5 CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH HUMILITY
July 15
________________________________________
1 PETER 5
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” – 1 Peter 5:1-5
________________________________________
1 PETER 5 CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH HUMILITY
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
As children of God, we are commanded to follow Christ’s example
Though he was God, he didn’t claim it for himself when he became human
He sacrificed his own life so that we can go against sin and all the world system
The world wants us to boast of all the things we can do or accomplish
But the kingdom of God is opposite to all of the world’s dictates
Therefore, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
All you chosen by God who belong to him, be obedient to follow him
He wants all his children to be like Jesus, humble and subservient
Wear humility at all times so that you will do what is right
Do not forget the sacrifice on the cross that we received from Christ
Submit to all authority over you as you would submit to the Lord
Rebuke one another in gentleness and love so you can triumph over the world.
To all the elders and those given authority by God, exhort and rebuke your flock
You were given responsibility to teach and lead the people of God
Make sure you exercise your authority with humility and genuine love
Because you will be accountable to God for how you lead his flock
Live holy lives so that you will be an example for others to follow
This way, you are ensuring that they’re in the right path and don’t fall out.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why is humility a very important trait that we ought always to wear as Christians?
1 PETER 4 BE READY TO FACE TRIALS WHEN IT COMES
July 14
________________________________________
1 PETER 4
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 9 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. – 1 Peter 4:12-19
________________________________________
1 PETER 4 BE READY TO FACE TRIALS WHEN IT COMES
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Have you been used to being without trials? Do you love comforts in life?
When we love a good and easy life, we are not actually living for Christ
We become slaves of the systems of this world when we fear adversities
As a servant of Christ, we are asked to embrace suffering and not avoid it.
When you meet various kinds of trials, do not lose faith or get disheartened
These challenges are tests for your faith to grow and be strengthened
Be ready to face trials when it comes especially if it is for Christ
Trials that come from prejudices about your faith test your endurance.
To suffer because of your sinfulness is a consequence of that sin
But to undergo oppression and partiality because of your faith is true suffering
Let us rejoice when we face adversities and different kinds of challenges
It will grow our faith and make us strong to be witnesses for the Lord Jesus.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do you think many people avoid suffering and love very comfortable life?
• Do you think comfort seeking can become an idol? Why or why not?
• Why do you think God allows suffering in our lives?
1 PETER 4 LOVE COVERS A MULTITUDE OF SINS
July 13
________________________________________
1 PETER 4
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
– 1 Peter 4:7-11
________________________________________
1 PETER 4 LOVE COVERS A MULTITUDE OF SINS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
We have witnessed signs of the end of days, let us be fervent in our prayers
Let the peace of Christ envelope us so we will have self-control and be sober
If we walk in love, we will exude kindness, patience and compassion
We will easily forgive others and not be giving way to temptations
As we embrace the path to love, we will begin to be a light to others
Because love covers a multitude of sins, it stops all fights and quarrels.
When we do anything for love, it leads us to a place of joy and peace
It shuts the door to Satan when he attempts to lure or devour us
The devil enslaves all those who love to argue and to fight
He traps people by making them fear many different things
But if we love, he can never have a chance to entice us
Love shuts the door to fear and all of the devil’s tactics.
Let us all therefore choose the path that leads to righteousness
Love is the most powerful weapon against all unrighteousness
When we love, we defeat all the ploys of the enemy
When we cave in to fear, we are defeated in the battlefield
Perfect love removes all fears and keeps us close to the Lord
Those who live in fear do not know God and is living for this world.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How can love cover a multitude of sins? How is God glorified when we love?
1 PETER 4 WHEN WE SUFFER IN THE FLESH
July 12
________________________________________
1 PETER 4
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
– 1 Peter 4:1-6
________________________________________
1 PETER 4 WHEN WE SUFFER IN THE FLESH
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When our forefathers sinned, we inherited our inclination to sin
It became our nature to follow the cravings of our flesh
But because of God’s steadfast love, he sent us Jesus Christ
He suffered in the flesh so we can be cleansed from our sins.
When Christ suffered and died on the cross, he crushed Satan
We can therefore have victory over evil because of that
When we suffer in the flesh, we triumph over sin
The Spirit of the Lord leads us to overcome our cravings.
When we do not give in to the pleasures that we so easily have
We are actually starving our flesh and it will eventually die
When the flesh dies, it is easier to follow the Spirit’s lead
Do not be afraid to suffer for the sake of our beloved Lord.
Because of the new life we received when Jesus died
We are no longer slaves to our passions and desires
We are given the Spirit to help us overcome temptations
Let us thank the Lord our God for his mercy and redemption.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why shouldn’t we be afraid of suffering for Christ according to these verses?