Monthly Archives: June 2025

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June 21

1 CORINTHIANS 1

26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”– 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

1 CORINTHIANS BOAST ONLY UNTO THE LORD

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

If you are weak, poor and are struggling in life

Be thankful because Jesus died for the weak

Those who think they are powerful and wise

God shames those believe in themselves

All things were made by God, no man can boast

If you want to brag, do it only unto the Lord.

As humans, we tend to brag about what we own or what we have accomplished or achieved. We think that anything we do is our own undertaking. We live in a world system that has standards that are based on performance. When we perform, we automatically think that we did it. Our human minds do not automatically fathom that God is behind all things. We do not understand God’s sovereignty and authority. We think we have control over things but the bible tells us that things occur because God allows it to happen for a reason. It may be because God wants us to acknowledge him or he wants us to learn a lesson so we can grow in knowing him and his design for the whole humanity.

Paul debunks the concept of the world of power and strength and presents to the Corinthian church that God chose what is foolish in the viewpoint of the world to be wise and to shame those who think they are wise in their own eyes. He wants the believers to focus their eyes on the sovereignty of God and never to boast about their abilities.

REFLECTION

·       Why do you think we should only boast unto the Lord?

1 CORINTHIANS THE CROSS OF CHRIST FROM DIFFERENT VIEWS

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June 20

1 CORINTHIANS 1

20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. – 1 Corinthians 1:20-25

1 CORINTHIANS THE CROSS OF CHRIST FROM DIFFERENT VIEWS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

To the world, the cross is foolishness and does not make sense

But to the believer, it is all that matters; it is their strength

According to the world, it is irrational to sacrifice and suffer

But Jesus died on the cross so we can handle adversities and trials.

The most asked questions by unbelievers to Christians are these: “Why did your God die on the cross and suffer?” and “Why does God allow suffering in this world?” The world cannot understand the concept of suffering because the system of the world focuses on the “self” and what is comfortable. It does not understand “true love.” It knows transactional relationships which is all about what one could get or have if they get into affairs and contacts with others. It doesn’t understand the concept of “sacrifice.” It opposes anything that is uncomfortable or unfamiliar and hard. Many false religions cater to the comfortable and the easy path. These religions do not have a true and sovereign God who made all things and have authority over everything on earth and beyond.

In this letter, Paul boldly presents the radical concept of God preferring the weak against those who think they are intelligent, knowledgeable and wise according to this world. True wisdom comes from knowing Christ and acknowledging that God is the Maker and Owner of everything we see on earth and also all things unseen. When we believe in Jesus, we learn to discern the true meaning of the cross. We begin to accept suffering and pain.

REFLECTION

  • What do you think of Christians who are comfort seekers and avoid pain, trials and sufferings?

1 CORINTHIANS AN APPEAL FOR UNITY

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June 19

1 CORINTHIANS

10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. 12 What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. 16 (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

                                                                          – 1 Corinthians 1:10-19

1 CORINTHIANS AN APPEAL FOR UNITY

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As believers, let us set aside all kinds of quarrels and arguments

There is no room for believers to insist on their own preferences

Accept one another as different from you with love and respect

Be genuinely interested in others and do not make it about yourself

Just as the Father, Son and Spirit are united and one in three

Let all believers aim for unity with their brothers and sisters.

In this letter, Paul confronts the Corinthian church about quarrels and divisions happening among them. He calls out all those reported to him who get into quarrels, fights and divisions. He asks them to aim for unity instead of highlighting their differences and judging one another who doesn’t fit into their predilections. He sounds like scolding little children in this letter. He didn’t want them to be shallow with competitive spirits that work against unity and harmony. He also attacks those who think they are wise and presents to them that God destroys the wisdom of the world and prefers the weak.

REFLECTION

  • How can we as Christians go against what the world considers as wise?

1 CORINTHIANS CALLED INTO FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS

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June 18

1 CORINTHIANS 1

Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes,

2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— 6 even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— 7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. – 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

1 CORINTHIANS CALLED INTO FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When God chose you to be his child

You were called into fellowship with Christ

He grants you grace and much gifts

Peace will permeate your spirit

You will have the desire to serve Jesus

The Spirit lives in you to guide and correct you.

How do you know that you are chosen by God? It is not hard to see because you will be changed in many ways. You will no longer crave for the things of this world but your desires will be transformed into pleasing the Lord. You will begin to be thankful for little and big things that you receive and no longer think you made it happen to get these blessings.

Paul opens this letter to the Corinthian believers to exhort them and make them see how blessed they are for being elected by God himself. They are to fellowship with Jesus. What does that look like? It means that they will be constantly aware of his presence and that they will desire to follow him now instead of their own nature.

REFLECTION

  • How does it look like for you to have fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ?

ROMANS 16 BE WARY OF SMOOTH TALKERS & FLATERERS

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June 17

ROMANS 16

17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you. – Romans 16:17-23

ROMANS 16 BE WARY OF SMOOTH TALKERS & FLATERERS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Watch out for those who flatter you

They may be doing so for a reason

Flattery is a form of deception

It is also a way of manipulation

Steer clear of those who stirs up fights

They are only obstacles to your growth.

Paul warns the believers to watch out for those who stir up conflicts and put up hindrances to what the gospel has taught them. He exposes these people who are smooth talkers and uses flatteries. He clearly identifies them as not belonging to God’s kingdom. They are not serving God but they serve their own flesh. They try to deceive you with smooth talk and flatteries and if you are not aware of their tactics, you will fall victim to their lies and deceptions.

He reminds them also not to worry much because the God of peace will soon crush Satan. One of God’s traits is that he is a God of peace, which is a good reminder that there is nothing that isn’t under his control. We only need to rely and depend on him and we will be calm. There is no room for worry or anxiety when we have God on our side.

REFLECTION

·       What do you think is behind smooth talking and flatteries?

·       Why should we avoid those who create conflicts and divisions?

ROMANS 15 PLEA FOR PRAYERS

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June 15

ROMANS 15

22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.– Romans 15:22-33

ROMANS 15 PLEA FOR PRAYERS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

By prayers and supplications, God hears us

Let us therefore not fail to do so

Pray especially for the ministers of God

So that they can be led to spread God’s word.

Paul writes to the church in Rome telling them his need for their prayers so that his trip to Spain via Rome would lead him to unbelievers in Judea. He also mentions the importance of prayer in his letter to the Ephesians. He says that all believers need to pray at all times without ceasing. It is very humble of him to ask prayers from the saints in Rome.

How many Christians actually pray without ceasing? If we are only honest, many would admit that we don’t pray much at all. Prayers make us acknowledge our God-dependence.

REFLECTION

  • What does prayer do to our lives as Christians?

ROMANS 15 FULFILL CHRIST’S MINISTRY

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June 14

ROMANS 15

14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; 20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, 21 but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.”– Romans 15:14-21

ROMANS 15 FULFILL CHRIST’S MINISTRY

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

If you have heard the gospel, go and preach it

Remember that you’ve been told to spread it

The good news must be heard by many

Make it your goal to fulfill Christ’s ministry.

Paul commends the church of their goodness. In this letter, he instructs them to be a minister of Christ to the Gentiles in the priestly service of God’s gospel. By doing so, the offerings of the Gentiles can be acceptable and consecrated by the Holy Spirit.

In the Old Testament, the offerings were coursed through the priests who were the only ones authorized to handle offerings to God. In the same manner, the believers act like priests to the Gentiles because their offerings cannot go straight to God. It has to pass through the believers since they are consecrated and set apart by God to act like priests to them. In verse 20, Paul recommends believers to aim to preach the gospel to those who haven’t heard it in order that we fulfill Christ’s ministry.

REFLECTION

  • What are you currently doing as a believer in order to fulfill Christ’s ministry?

ROMANS 15 A PRAYER FOR JOY & PEACE

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June 13

ROMANS 15

8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.”10 And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” 12 And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.”13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

                                                                 – Romans 15:8-13

ROMANS 15 A PRAYER FOR JOY & PEACE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Because Jesus came to save the whole world

May your joy be complete and may you glorify God

Rejoice in the salvation that came to you through Christ

He will rule the earth and every knee will bow in his name.

Paul exudes his love for the church in this letter. He prays for the church of Christ that they continue to recognize the sacrifice that Christ did for all of them. His prayer is full of love and joy. One can almost hear the Holy Spirit speaking through Paul’s writing.

Spurgeon comments that “Christ did not receive us because we were perfect, because he could see no fault in us, or because he hoped to gain somewhat at our hands. Ah, no! But, in loving condescension covering our faults, and seeking our good, he welcomed us to his heart; so, in the same way, and with the same purpose, let us receive one another.”

Paul couldn’t stop emphasizing the importance of unity in the body of believers. Because the Gentiles and the Jews have disputed on many things, Paul exhorts them to give up their quarrels and focus on accepting that the Gentiles are also promised salvation just like the Jews were. He gives them hope that unity will soon come because the Holy Spirit will bring it on to them.

REFLECTION

  • Why is it important for us to pray for peace and joy?

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June 12

ROMANS 15

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

                                                                                  – Romans 15:1-7

ROMANS 15 THE STRONG IS TO HELP THE WEAK

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As you serve the Lord Jesus Christ, you cannot live for yourself

He chose you so that you will be humble and selfless

The strength he gave you is not for your own self-indulgence

It is to help the weak in their weaknesses and bring them confidence

The strong has an obligation to help the weak in their helplessness

Their strength is not for showing off their power and abilities

Strength is present when we are weak because God is in us

Weakness makes us depend on God in the midst of adversities.

In our world today, the strong are considered powerful and the weak are identified as powerless. Because the system of the world caters to self indulgence, it is easy to marginalize those who are weak and put the strong on pedestals. It is very different in God’s economy because the strong have bigger responsibilities other than gloating on their strength. God requires the strong to aid those who are vulnerable and weak.

Paul explains explicitly why God requires the strong to help the weak. It is to balance and equalize the conditions that people are in. God is a God of equality. In God’s kingdom, there are no power struggles, only unconditional love. Each one is required to love one another as God loved us all. This brings God the glory he requires from all of his creation.

REFLECTION

  • How is the concept of “strength” twisted in the world system?

ROMANS 14 BE CONSIDERATE

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June 11

ROMANS 14

20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. – Romans 14:20-23

ROMANS 14 BE CONSIDERATE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When someone has a different view other than yours

Do not be quick to judge or quarrel over that difference

In the body of Christ, we are considerate of other people

We do not highlight conflicts that will create division

Instead, we do our best to accommodate our differences

We do not want to cause our brothers to stumble and fall.

In this letter, Paul addresses the church regarding using their liberty among their brothers so that they do not become a hindrance to their faith growth. He explains that the freedom that they have in Christ must not be used for their own conveniences if it aggravates another brother.  He pleads them to be considerate of their fellow believer’s preferences and not be legalistic and judgmental about their own preference.

In verse 20, he lays down the basis of consideration for others. They must not continue to eat anything that exacerbates another believer. They must take into account their brother’s preference and not judge them or provoke them into creating contentions and divisions. It is a trivial matter to argue about what to eat and what not to eat.

The whole point of this letter is how a believer uses his freedom to ensure that their brothers are built up in their faith. The Jews created a lot of laws within the laws that and have all these rules about what to eat and what not to eat. Paul is simply saying that legalism has no room in the Christian faith. Consideration is loving but legalism is not.

REFLECTION

  • What’s happening in a believer’s heart if he isn’t being considerate?