July 6
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1 PETER 2
13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. – 1 Peter 2:13-17
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1 PETER 2 WHEN YOU SUBMIT TO AUTHORITY AND DO GOOD
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When you committed to the Lord God as your Master
He expects you to submit to everyone who is your leader
It doesn’t matter if they are not following the Lord
He gave those leaders in your life so you’ll be ruled
This is God’s will, that you submit to your superiors
Never question why he allowed those people to lead you
Even if you think that they are not worth respecting
It is your duty to obey authority and not be dishonoring.
Do not abuse the freedom you were given when you were saved
Instead, use the freedom to be exemplary as you live for Christ
Do good without criticizing others and your deeds will guide them
It will pave the way for the ungodly to reflect and examine their lives
Fear the Lord your God and honor your king and leaders
Pray for them so that they will hear the truth of the gospel
By submitting to authorities placed in your life, you follow God’s will
When you do good to others, you fulfill the royal law and stay free. ________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do you think we need to submit to authority even if they are corrupt and leading us wrongly?
• Why is “freedom” according to the world very different from God’s view of freedom?
• Why do you think it is important to obey authority according to these verses?
Category Archives: Poem devotionals
1 PETER 2 INTO GOD’S MARVELOUS LIGHT
July 5
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1 PETER 2
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. – 1 Peter 2:9-12
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1 PETER 2 INTO GOD’S MARVELOUS LIGHT
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When the Lord chose you to be his own
You became a royal priesthood and a holy nation
You are therefore called to step into his marvelous light
Let go of all the darkness that you once were so delighted in.
The Lord God pulled you out of the mire and gave you new life
This is how much his steadfast love is and he wants you to stay in the light
In the past, you were savages who only followed your own desires
He redeemed you and gave you abilities when you believed in Christ.
Keep your life free from the passions of your flesh so you can be cleansed
Instead, offer your entire life to Jesus and he will purify and make you fresh
Make your life glow amidst the darkness of the systems of this world
Be faithful to be holy and obedient to Christ and his holy word.
Your desires and passions wage war inside your soul
Let the Lord Jesus Christ be the one in control
Live your life unstained from the corruption of the world
Keep your eyes on Jesus and seek constantly his word.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to take into heart that we stay in his marvelous light?
• What makes us go back to darkness so easily?
1 PETER 2 – HONOR IS GIVEN TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE
July 4
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1 PETER 2
7 So the honor is for you who believe,
but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”8 and
“A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.”
They stumble because they disobey the word,
as they were destined to do. – 1 Peter 2:7-8
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1 PETER 2 HONOR IS GIVEN TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
If you believe in the stone that the builders rejected
You will be given honor by God even if you feel dejected
Even if you do not have anything in the world except your faith in God
You are richer than the wealthiest on earth despite their silver and gold.
Fear not if you are persecuted and mocked by the wicked and rebellious
Jesus himself went through all the ridicule and all the rejection and abuses
It doesn’t matter if you do not have people liking you and looking up to you
The honor you received from God when you believed is what truly counts.
To those who believe and lean on the cornerstone that God approved
You will have the assurance of eternal life and be saved and bear much fruit
To those who reject Jesus Christ, he will be a rock of offense to them
They will suffer, stumble and be crushed because they have despised Christ.
If one disobeys the word of the Lord, they will fall and fail
To the wicked, they do not understand the value of having faith
But to the righteous, Jesus is their foundation and he’s precious to them
Rejoice, all who are living stones that will be built and anchored on Jesus.
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REFLECTION
• Share an experience you have had or know regarding the fate of those who reject the Lord Jesus Christ.
• What is the consequence of disobeying the word according to these verses?
1 PETER 2 – LONG FOR THE SPIRITUAL MILK
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?
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?