May 19
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PRAY LIKE ELIJAH AND LEAD OTHERS BACK INTO TRUTH
A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. 18 Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.
19 My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you strays from the truth and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that the one who has turned a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. – James 5:16-20
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In these passages from the letter of James, he tackles two things: the importance of praying like Elijah. Elijah was one of the greatest prophets of God who had the right heart. Because of his righteous life, he is able to pray powerful prayers. Elijah predicts a drought in 1 Kings 17:1-7 and then when Elijah prayed for rain, God sends him rain in verses 14-46. James gives the example of Elijah because this man prays with faith. How many Christians really pray with faith? Oftentimes, we pray like asking God to grant us something and yet not have that expectancy to be granted whatever we prayed for. Many of us get consumed by the desire to long for something and forget that it is in God’s preference that it be done. We need to be able to pray like Elijah did, never faltering, never doubting, but truly believing that the Lord will grant it. Earlier in his letter in chapter 4, James talks about not having something we desire because we haven’t asked and when we ask, we ask for pleasure.
James admonishes the believers to make sure that not anyone of them strays from truth which led someone to stray as well. Many people who have fallen out of faith was a result of witnessing someone who turned away from their own faith. James warns the believers to make sure that they are seeking truth all the time so that the enemy will not have a chance to entice them back to sin. If we are accountable to someone to make sure that we are growing in the faith, we must also strive to be responsible to grow our faith through suffering and endurance. He talks about this in the beginning of his first chapters.
On a positive note, in verse 20, James gives Christ’s promise of the consequence of leading back someone again to God: he is guaranteed salvation and a coverage of a multitude of his own sins. What a great result for those who lead the stray back into God’s fold! Wouldn’t you want to receive that promise yourself?
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REFLECTION
• Why is expectancy important when you pray?
Tag Archives: ILMA’s Vlog
EPAPHRAS, THE EARNEST BOND-SERVANT OF CHRIST ILMA’S VLOG
March 15
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EPAPHRAS, THE EARNEST BOND-SERVANT OF CHRIST
12 Epaphras, who is one of your own, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings, always striving earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and Demas does also. – Colossians 4:12-14
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Bible Gateway describes Epaphras as the man who was a giant in prayer and as Paul’s “fellow-servant” and “servant,” his “fellow-prisoner,” and a “faithful minister.” He was also Paul’s representative at Colossae where he had founded the church (Col. 1:7) and sought under Paul’s advice to combat prevalent heresies there. The apostle had affection for Epaphras, who ministered unto his need and the need of others.In this translation, he was referred to as a bond-servant. According to gotquestions.com, a bondservant is a slave. In some Bibles the word bondservant is the translation of the Greek word doulos, which means “one who is subservient to, and entirely at the disposal of, his master; a slave.”In Roman times, the term bondservant or slave could refer to someone who voluntarily served others. But it usually referred to one who was held in a permanent position of servitude. Under Roman law, a bondservant was considered the owner’s personal property. Slaves essentially had no rights and could even be killed with impunity by their owners. The Hebrew word for “bondservant,” ‘ebed, had a similar connotation.
Guzik comments that Paul called Epaphras a bondservant of Christ, using a phrase that he often applied to himself, but never to anyone else, except here and in Philippians 1:1 where he speaks of himself and Timothy together as bondservants of Jesus. Vaughn says that Epaphras was a bondservant, and prayer was an important area where he worked hard. Laboring fervently “is a free translation of echei polyn ponon, a phrase the key word of which (ponom) suggest heavy toil to the extent of pain.”
Paul commends Epaphras in this letter to the Colossian believers how blessed they are for having a minister who prays earnestly for their maturity and full assurance in Jesus Christ. He testifies to the deep concern that Epaphras have for his flock and those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. He also mentions greetings from Luke, the physician and Demas.
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REFLECTION
• Why should all true believers consider themselves as bond-servants of Christ?
• How different is it to be a servant of Christ than of the world or any man?
BUILT FROM THE CORNERSTONE ILMA’S VLOG
January 10
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BUILT FROM THE CORNERSTONE
17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; 18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. – Ephesians 2:17-22
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In this verse, we hear Paul talks about the teaching of Jesus on peace. According to a commentary, as they respond to the same gospel, the same peace that is preached to those far off (Gentiles) and those near (Jews). They enjoy the same access to God, access that comes by one Spirit to the Father. Not only are Jews and Gentiles saved by the same gospel, but they also have the same essential walk with God and access to Him. One group does not have a greater access than the other does. Paul refers to Christians of Gentile background. They should not regard themselves as “second-class citizens” in God’s kingdom in any regard. They are not only full citizens, but also full and equal members of God’s household. When conflict arises among Christian groups of different backgrounds, you can be sure that they forget that they were saved by the same gospel and that they have the same access to God. One or both groups usually feel they have superior access to God. Clarke comments that “This text is a plain proof of the Holy Trinity. Jews and Gentiles are to be presented unto God the FATHER; the SPIRIT of God works in their hearts, and prepares them for this presentation; and JESUS CHRIST himself introduces them.”
In verse 20 Paul uses one of the attributes of Jesus. He is the cornerstone in whom each part of his temple is fitted together so that they can be a dwelling or home of God. According to Wood “This corner stone “literally means at the tip of the angle. It refers to the capstone or binding stone that holds the whole structure together… often the royal name was inscribed on it. In the East it was considered to be even more important than the foundation.” Hebrews 13:15 says that the Church is a temple, holy and set apart to God. We serve there as priests, offering the spiritual sacrifices of our lips and hearts, our praises to God
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REFLECTION
• Why do Christians often forget the cornerstone that they have been built on?
DO NOT LET MY ENEMIES REJOICE OVER ME ILMA’S VLOG
November 1
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DO NOT LET MY ENEMIES REJOICE OVER ME
Lord, how long will You look on?
Rescue my soul from their ravages,
My only life from the lions.
18 I will give You thanks in the great congregation;
I will praise You among a mighty people.
19 Do not let those who are wrongfully my enemies rejoice over me;
Nor let those who hate me for no reason wink maliciously.
20 For they do not speak peace,
But they devise deceitful words against those who are quiet in the land.
21 They opened their mouth wide against me;
They said, “Aha, aha! Our eyes have seen it!”
22 You have seen it, LORD, do not keep silent;
Lord, do not be far from me.
23 Stir Yourself, and awake to my right
And to my cause, my God and my Lord.
24 Judge me, LORD my God, according to Your righteousness,
And do not let them rejoice over me. – Psalm 35:17-24
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In this psalm, we hear David asking God to vindicate him from his enemies It sounded like he was confronting God to take action and not have a passive stand on what is going on in his life. In verse 17, he mentions lions which probably represents the fears he was facing and how fierce his enemies were at eating him up with fear. In verse 18, he faithfully promises God that he will thank Him publicly and among His people. In verse 19, we hear David confidently requesting God to not allow his enemies to mock and make fun of him nor any of those who plot evil against him triumph over him. In verse 20, he exposes further what these evil people do, they destroy peace and seek conflict amongst those who are God’s people. Verse 21 further declares what was done to him, they have seen his weaknesses and exposed it. In verse 22, David kept pleading God not be silent anymore and to come to his rescue. In verses 23-24, he confidently call on God to defend him and to examine him according to His righteousness, reminding God to not allow the enemy to trample on him.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to come to God to defend us? Why can’t we fight on our own?
THE UPRIGHT SHALL RULE ILMA’S VLOG
May 8
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THE UPRIGHT SHALL RULE
Their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations,
Though they called lands by their own names.12 Man in his pomp will not remain;
He is like the beasts that perish.13 This is the path of those who have foolish confidence;
Yet after them people approve of their boasts.
14 Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; death shall be their shepherd,
And the upright shall rule over them in the morning.
Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell.
15 But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me.
16 Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases.
17 For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him.
18 For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed
And though you get praise when you do well for yourself—
19 His soul will go to the generation of his fathers, who will never again see light.
20 Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish.
– Psalm 49:11-20
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This psalm of one of the sons of Korah reminds us of man’s mortality and that nothing in life is permanent. No matter how much properties they own with their names on their land titles, they will still perish and cannot take any of their wealth after their deaths. Those who live righteous lives on the other hand will enjoy the promise of God’s redemption from the power of hell. The psalmist gives us words of wisdom to not concern ourselves of things of this world especially of accumulating earthly possessions for it will not matter in the end anyway. Let us boast of how we can live holy lives while we are still on earth rather than concern ourselves with riches that doesn’t have value in eternity.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord, the source of Eternal life.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I become attach to earthly things.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for reminding me of my mortality.
SUPPLICATION: May we gather heavenly treasures instead of worldly matters.
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REFLECTION
• Why does man get so wrapped up with worldly stuff when it doesn’t last forever?
LORD, WHY DO YOU CAST MY SOUL AWAY? ILMA’S VLOG
April 24
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LORD, WHY DO YOU CAST MY SOUL AWAY?
10 Do you work wonders for the dead? Do the departed rise up to praise you?
11 Is your steadfast love declared in the grave, or your faithfulness in Abaddon?
12 Are your wonders known in the darkness,
Or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?13 But I, O LORD, cry to you;
In the morning my prayer comes before you.14 O LORD, why do you cast my soul away?
Why do you hide your face from me? 15 Afflicted and close to death from my youth up,
I suffer your terrors; I am helpless. 16 Your wrath has swept over me;
Your dreadful assaults destroy me.17 They surround me like a flood all day long;
They close in on me together.18 You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me;
My companions have become darkness. – Psalm 88:10-18
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The ESV student bible notes on verses 10-12 “Do you work wonders for the dead?” If one were to die under God’s wrath, then he could not anticipate any experience of God’s wonders, or any chance to praise him. Darkness is the last word of the psalm. Yet the faithful know that there is no alternative but to keep seeking the Lord in prayer.
We can almost hear the lament and the loud emotions of the psalmist as we read this part of this song. He clearly knows the Lord very well as he mentions God’s steadfast love. Yet, we hear his desperate helplessness as his own friend and beloved have shunned him. I empathize so much with the psalmist as I recall a feeling of betrayal when our loved ones reject us and what we believe in. Despite the tone of desperation and hopelessness, we still hear his humble heart asking God assurance that he will be delivered and one day have peace instead of feeling overwhelmed and helpless. We clearly see the honesty in the turmoil he is going through as he lay down all his weaknesses and dejection to God.
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ADORATION: Praise the God who is full of Mercy and Compassion.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I give in to my feelings and emotions.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for giving us a heart that can empathize with others.
SUPPLICATION: May we be honest to God with all the hardships and suffering we go through.
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REFLECTION
• Do you think God honors those who are honest with their emotions? Why or why not?
TEACH ME YOUR WAYS THAT I MAY WALK IN TRUTH ILMA’S VLOG
April 16
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TEACH ME YOUR WAYS THAT I MAY WALK IN TRUTH
10 For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth;
Unite my heart to fear your name.
12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
And I will glorify your name forever.13 For great is your steadfast love toward me;
You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
14 O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life,
And they do not set you before them.15But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant,
And save the son of your maidservant.17 Show me a sign of your favor,
That those who hate me may see and be put to shame
Because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me. – Psalm 86:10-17
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David’s prayer manifests his wisdom and intimate relationship with the Lord in this psalm. He praises his Lord be declaring his Master’s wondrous deeds and how God is the only true God. His humble stance to ask the Lord to teach him is something that all Christians should emulate. He is full of steadfast love and David constantly pleads the Lord to keep him united to his God. A thankful attitude in verse 12 and counting his blessings on the ensuing verses is another evidence how his heart seeks and pursues God’s own heart always. No matter how the situation is, he can still get comfort and be at peace because in the past, the Lord had always helped and comforted him. He is sure that his God will never let him go without help and protection.
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ADORATION: Our God, is the best teacher to all of those who love him. Praise the Lord.
CONFESSION: Forgive me Lord, when I do not rely on your word for guidance.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for giving us access to Scriptures so easily when others don’t know about it.
SUPPLICATION: May all Christians walk in truth and love and in the Spirit.
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REFLECTION
• Why do Christians still not seek truth even when they are available to them?
MAKE HASTE TO HELP ME O LORD ILMA’S VLOG
April 10
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MAKE HASTE TO HELP ME O LORD
11 As for you, O LORD, you will not restrain your mercy from me;
Your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!
12 For evils have encompassed me beyond number;
My iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see;
They are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me.
13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me! O LORD, make haste to help me!
14 Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether
Who seek to snatch away my life;
Let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt!
15 Let those be appalled because of their shame who say to me, “Aha, Aha!”
16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;
May those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the LORD!”
17 As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God! – Psalm 40: 11-17
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“Make haste to help me, O Lord” seems like David is asking God to hurry up and rescue him. Some religious and legalistic people may seem that this is inappropriate for a servant of the Lord to command his Master and Lord. If you do not take this phrase out of context, you will see how much David knows his Master so well. He is confident that the Lord he serves is someone who made a lot of promises to him that he is sure to receive. It almost illustrates the relationship between a father and his child. His child knows that because his father loves him or her so much, he is able to ask anything from him that will be a deliverance from his enemies. He knows that the father will protect him. That is probably how God wants us all to come to him and ask confidently what he is willing to give us.
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ADORATION: Praise the Father, who is the greatest of all fathers.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I do not intimately relate with you.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for constantly being there for me, Lord.
SUPPLICATION: May we get intimate with our knowledge of our loving heavenly Father.
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REFLECTION
• What made David confident in asking God to urgently help him?
WHEN HE CALLS, I WILL ANSWER HIM ILMA’S VLOG
April 6
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WHEN HE CALLS, I WILL ANSWER HIM
9 Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place
The Most High, who is my refuge—10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
No plague come near your tent.11 For he will command his angels concerning you
To guard you in all your ways.12 On their hands they will bear you up,
Lest you strike your foot against a stone.13 You will tread on the lion and the adder;
The young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.16 With long life I will satisfy him
And show him my salvation.”– Psalm 91:9-16
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The psalmist enumerates what happens when we make God our refuge and fortress. First, there will be no evil befalling on you (v10). Second, no plague will come near you (v11). Third, he will command his angels to guard all your ways (v12). Fourth, you will crush all dangerous creatures including the serpent (v13). Fifth, you will be delivered as you hold on fast to God in love (v14). Sixth, God will answer him especially in times of trouble (v15). Seventh, God will rescue him and honor him (v16). Eight, he will have a satisfied long life and lastly, God will show him salvation. Wow! Isn’t this psalm full of promises to those who make the Lord their refuge and fortress? Why won’t some believers not exercise dependence and faith that God can be their sanctuary and stronghold?
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord who is my refuge and my fortress. He is my Deliverer.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I fail to automatically run to you instead of relying on myself.
THANKSGIVING: I am grateful for your strength, protection and provision.
SUPPLICATION: May all true believers of the Lord never forget to depend on him for all things especially for deliverance from troubles, calamities and challenges.
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REFLECTION
• How is making God your refuge and fortress the solution to all trials, sufferings, adversities and hardships? Why does God wants us to run to him?
How Long O Lord? ILMA’S VLOG
March 21
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HOW LONG, O LORD?
O God, the nations have come into your inheritance;
They have defiled your holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.
2 They have given the bodies of your servants to the birds of the heavens for food,
The flesh of your faithful to the beasts of the earth.
3 They have poured out their blood like water all around Jerusalem,
And there was no one to bury them.4 We have become a taunt to our neighbors,
Mocked and derided by those around us. 5 How long, O LORD?
Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire?
6 Pour out your anger on the nations that do not know you, and on the kingdoms
That do not call upon your name! 7 For they have devoured Jacob
And laid waste his habitation.8 Do not remember against us our former iniquities;
Let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low.
9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name;
Deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake!10 Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?” Let the avenging of the outpoured blood of your servants
Be known among the nations before our eyes! – Psalm 79:1-10
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According to ESV study bible, this is a community lament. It was occasioned by a great disaster, most likely the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon. It recounts the violence and unbelief of the Gentile conquerors and asks God how long he intends to allow such things.
The psalmist Asaph recalls how the conquerors defiled the Lord’s temple and how the Israelites have been mocked and laughed at because they haven’t been delivered by God. So, this lament is asking God how long will they be allowed to be trampled on by them.
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ADORATION: Bless the Lord who never leaves us or forsake us. He is steadfast in his love.
CONFESSION: Forgive me each time I get impatient when I don’t get answered prayers.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for your patience with me Lord.
SUPPLICATION: May the Lord hear our prayers and may we have the mind of Christ as we lay down our requests to him.
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REFLECTION
• How can we learn to endure suffering during this time of adversity?