July 3
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1 PETER 2
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into
salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” – 1 Peter 2:1-6
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1 PETER 2 – LONG FOR THE SPIRITUAL MILK
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
As newborn infants of the Lord, let us depend on him alone
He made us all in his image and treated us as his own
He created us for his own purpose and his delight
Let us all be faithful and only serve Jesus Christ.
Long for the spiritual milk that only comes from his word
Let go of all hatred and deception offered by this corrupt world
Like newborn babies, feed only on the milk from his truth
This is the only way you will move forward and spiritually grow.
The Lord God used the stone that the builders rejected
It was his Son, Jesus who was the cornerstone and foundation
Through him alone will we be acceptable to God the Father
We are the living stones being build up as a house that is spiritual.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think Peter compares us to infants who need their mother’s milk for them to grow and mature?
• What happens when we skip the stages of our spiritual development and get stuck in a certain stage?
Tag Archives: ILMA ARTS STUDIO
1 PETER 1 – THE WORD OF THE LORD REMAINS FOREVER
July 2
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1 PETER 1
22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 24 for
“All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls,25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.
– 1 Peter 1:22-25
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1 PETER 1 – THE WORD OF THE LORD REMAINS FOREVER
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Brethren, cleanse your soul and obey God’s commandments
Keep yourself unstained by the world’s corruption
The Lord has set you apart from the ungodly
Wear your new nature in Christ constantly.
You have been given new life when the Son of God died
See to it that you put on your new nature in Christ
Abide in his word so that you may live forever
It is his word that will give you life eternal.
All things in this world comes to an end
But the word of the Lord will never bend
It is the light that leads you out of darkness
It is what gives us life and makes us righteous.
Since you have been born again, be thankful
If it were not for the word, you won’t be fruitful
Feed on it so that you can spiritually mature
If you take it for granted, you will be insecure.
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REFLECTION
• Why does Peter describe the word as eternal in these following verses?
• How has the word of God changed your life?
• Why is it important for Christians to feed on the word on a regular basis?
1 PETER 1 MOTIVATION TO LIVE HOLY LIVES
July 1
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1 PETER 1
17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
– 1 Peter 1:17-21
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1 PETER 1 MOTIVATION TO LIVE HOLY LIVES
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
The Lord God gave us his only begotten Son that we might be saved
How precious is it that the Lord manifested his love through Christ
He ransomed us sinners not with material wealth or things that perish
But he offered his most precious Son so we can be freed from sin.
It is the most valuable ransom anyone could ever pay
Only the blood of Jesus appeased God’s wrath on us
It is more costly than all the gold and silver in the world
He sacrificed his life so that we can live by his truth and word.
Though he was God, Jesus chose to live a humble life
This is the reason why we need to live pure and faithful lives
Because he loved us first, a God who is holy and pure
Let us therefore allow his Spirit to cleanse us so we can defeat our foes.
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REFLECTION
• According to these verses, why do we need to live holy lives?
• Can humans ever be pure or unblemished? Why or why not?
• What is the most important reason you can think of that will motivate us to follow Jesus Christ’s humble and obedient life?
• Why is it easy to lose sight of the importance of living for the Lord even though we think we have committed our lives to him?
1 PETER – A CALL TO HOLY LIVING
June 30
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1 PETER
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
– 1 Peter1:10-16
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1 PETER – A CALL TO HOLY LIVING
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Prophecies of the salvation from Jesus was given to prophets
It was declared to people of their time and future ones to come
They predicted the passion that Jesus Christ was to suffer to save us
They also spoke about the grace that God sent through his Son Jesus
When Jesus died on the cross and resurrected, we were set free
We are all therefore called to live free lives by being godly and holy.
Prepare your minds to be renewed and transformed by his word
To make God first in your priorities will make you triumph over the world
Be faithful, earnest and committed to serve the Lord Jesus Christ
Do not follow the systems of this world that is fallen and corrupt
Instead, follow the statutes that the Lord God gave to your ancestors
It is for your own protection that these laws were made by your Creator.
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REFLECTION
• What does holy living really mean according to the bible?
• Why do some people think that it is impossible to be holy?
• How can we live godly and holy lives in this corrupt world we live in?
1 PETER 1- BORN AGAIN TO A LIVING HOPE
June 29
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1 PETER 1
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. – 1 Peter 1:1-9
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1 PETER 1- BORN AGAIN TO A LIVING HOPE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Those who are chosen by Christ are sanctified and given the Holy Spirit
It is the presence of God in them who gave them gifts when they believed
May all those who are elect be able to live the new lives they were given
It is the Lord who granted them a bounty of undeserved favors & blessings
Because of the sacrifice on the cross of Jesus and his resurrection
We are assured of eternal life even though we meet endless tribulations.
Even though you haven’t really laid eyes on Jesus Christ, you love him
This also is a gift from the Lord so we can receive all that the Spirit gives
While we were still sinners, he committed to save us and have life eternal
We were promised a life where we will be able to praise God forever
We have been born again to a living hope so we can rejoice with joy
Let the testing of your faith be more precious than silver or gold.
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REFLECTION
• What does it mean to be born again to a living hope?
JUDE – A CALL TO BUILD UP YOUR FAITH
June 28
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JUDE
20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. 24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. – Jude 20-25
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JUDE – A CALL TO BUILD UP YOUR FAITH
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When you committed to serve the Lord God and Jesus Christ
You were called to build up your faith and put on your new life
Though you live in this corrupt world, God has set you apart
Live in that steadfast love and work in building up your faith
Acknowledge your sins, confess and repent so you are on track
The devil is always waiting at the door to hinder your path
Depend always on God alone and smash all idols that come
Commune with the body of Christ and manifest faith that works.
Show compassion to those who are doubtful and being deceived
Rebuke them in love and gentleness and exude God’s mercy on them
Remember that you are your brother’s keeper, lead them back to the truth
Though it is the Holy Spirit’s work, you are called to be a vessel for God
Live a life of integrity and devotion to the truth and the word
Your faithfulness should manifest in how you live in this world
Be the light and salt of the earth so that his kingdom will come
Work on growing your faith to shine God’s unwavering love.
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REFLECTION
• What does it mean to build up your faith?
• Why is it necessary to watch where you are going in terms of spiritual maturity?
• How should we deal with the weak in faith according to these verses?
JUDE – WARNING TO THE GRUMBLERS AND UNGODLY
June 27
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JUDE
14 It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” 16 These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage. 17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.
– Jude 14-18
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JUDE – WARNING TO THE GRUMBLERS AND UNGODLY
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
This is a message to all those who defy and reject God’s authority
In their rebellion to God, they hate the righteous with such bigotry
They treat others with harshness and prejudice when they don’t get their way
The mantra of the ungodly is to make others’ lives hard and miserable.
They hate anything that exudes God’s love and his sovereignty
They will not give up their idols, reputation, wealth and luxuries
When evil is at the heart of a person, they cannot stop grumbling
They find every reason to complain and nothing ever satisfy them.
The Lord hates the proud, evildoers, deceivers and troublemakers
This is why he sent Jesus and also a Helper and a Comforter
To all those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, he promises salvation
To all those who reject the Son of God, they will receive condemnation.
When discontent and whining preoccupy your mind and heart
It is a manifestation of lawlessness, unbelief arrogance and pride
Be warned all you wicked people for the day of judgment is coming
The Lord himself will come down to make you accountable for all you’ve done.
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REFLECTION
• What is the root of grumbling, discontent, pride, prejudice and favoritism?
JUDE – THE FATE OF BLASPHEMERS
June 26
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JUDE
8 Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. 9 But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” 10 But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively. 11 Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion. 12 These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; 13 wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever. – Jude 8-13
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JUDE – THE FATE OF BLASPHEMERS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
All those who do not know and serve the Lord
All they care about are the things of this world
They love to rely on their dreams and desires
They reject authority and blaspheme Jesus Christ
Because of their defiance and rejection of the Lord
God left them on their own cravings and love for the world.
Like animals, who do not know reason and follow their own instincts
These godless people will be punished and live in utter darkness
Because they don’t know God, they are easily swept by deceptions
They are fruitless and are superficial and blinded by delusions
They will forever live in shame and always wandering about
There is no stability in the way of the wicked for they reject God.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think Jude warns us about blasphemy in these verses?
• What are some examples of blasphemy in our present days?
JUDE – A CALL TO DEFEND THE TRUTH THAT YOU RECEIVED
June 25
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JUDE
1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James. To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.5 Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day— 7 just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. – Jude 1-7
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JUDE – A CALL TO DEFEND THE TRUTH THAT YOU RECEIVED
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
To all who have been called to serve the Lord Jesus Christ
May the grace of God and his blessings be doubly showered in your life
Remember the first time you have committed to receive God’s call?
You were diligent to follow him and persistent to respond to what is asked
The Lord renewed you and transformed your life when you heard the truth
Let us listen and act on his word so it will immediately take root.
Watch out for the many false teachings creeping into the body of Christ
Be ready to defend the truth that you received when you committed your life
The truth is the only thing that will set you free and keep you faithful to the Lord
Seek it first so that his kingdom will come and you can overcome this world
Expose any teaching that deviates from the gospel that you have first heard
Pursue your growth in your faith so you will have the confidence to defend it.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think some Christians cannot even defend their faith?
3 JOHN ON CONFRONTING EVIL AND WICKEDNESS
June 24
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3 JOHN
9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.13 I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name. – 3 John 9-15
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3 JOHN ON CONFRONTING EVIL AND WICKEDNESS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Those who belong to the Lord, do not imitate evil
They expose the wickedness that is spearheaded by the devil
No matter how cunningly they disguise their unrighteousness
The Spirit will guide the saints to discern their wickedness
Because God is our protector, he will not forsake his people
The Lord wants us to confront the acts of those who are wicked
Whoever does good has the Spirit of God in them
While those who make a habit of sin doesn’t know him.
Do not comply with the wrong that you have witnessed
Doing so will only open doors to evil and fire up more wickedness
Just as God hates unrighteousness, we also should hate it
If we tolerate ungodly deeds, we become corrupted as well
It is not loving to allow your sisters and brothers to continue doing bad
What is loving is to rebuke and exhort them in gentleness and love
We are our brother’s keeper, so we ought to care for their welfare
If we love the Lord, we also have to love our sisters and brothers.
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REFLECTION
• What happens when we tolerate or do not confront evil among the saints?