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?
Category Archives: Poem devotionals
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?
3 JOHN MAY ALL GO WELL WITH WORKERS FOR TRUTH
June 23
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3 JOHN
1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.5 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth. – 3 John 1-8
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3 JOHN MAY ALL GO WELL WITH WORKERS FOR TRUTH
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When you heard the gospel of salvation, you witnessed truth
Continue to believe and walk in the path that leads to good
Even though you are surrounded by many evildoers and deceivers
It is with thankfulness that we hold and stand on God’s promises
As you serve the Lord Jesus Christ, you will encounter persecutions
It is part of the journey of all those who will receive God’s salvation
Do not forget that fellow workers for truth are vessels used by God
They are ambassadors for Christ, treat them with respect and love.
Partner with those who continue to spread the gospel of truth
Bless them with all your support so they can reach their goals
Send them off with much love, grace and blessings as they press on
Pray for their health to be well as they travel on rough roads
Give them your love and understanding so they’ll be encouraged
Never turn your back on all those who ask help for the sake of the gospel
As agents of truth, we ought to be generous and supportive of their work
Without them, darkness, deceptions and lies will continue to go on.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to support the workers for truth?
• Why do we need to bless and pray for them?
2 JOHN WARNING ON WICKED WORKS
June 22
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2 JOHN
8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. 9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works. 12 Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.13 The children of your elect sister greet you. – 2 John 8-13
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2 JOHN WARNING ON WICKED WORKS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
If you abide in the Lord Jesus Christ, he will dwell in you
Remember his promise to those who love him? So, be renewed!
Be careful of many different lies that have been propagated by antichrists
They will cunningly and subtly deceive people with many different lies
Be strong in the Lord and grow your faith; hunger for his word
Let us stand on his promises so we can overcome this world.
Watch out for the wolves in sheep’s clothing among you
They may present themselves as believers but they are not
They believe a different teaching and do not truly believe in Jesus
Do not have anything to do with these people, they are sons of demons
Make sure you do not receive them in your homes or even greet them
It is unfaithfulness to the Lord if you show hospitality or give a welcome.
You will displease the Lord when you yoke with these evildoers
They are not worthy of your time because they are Christ’s foes
Do not believe every sprit who claims they are from God
Many false prophets have gone out into this world
Be prepared to expose their tactics and schemes
Do not comply with any of their activities or deeds.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think we are warned not to participate in any acts of wickedness?
2 JOHN TRUE LOVE IS FOLLOWING GOD’S COMMANDMENTS
June 21
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2 JOHN
6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.
– 2 John 6-7
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2 JOHN TRUE LOVE IS FOLLOWING GOD’S COMMANDMENTS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
After you committed to be a servant of Christ
You are expected to follow the path to life
To walk in righteousness is to abide in God
To abide in the Lord is to follow his laws.
When a servant of the Lord doesn’t walk in love
It doesn’t truly show that he is with God
To walk in fear and make a habit of sin is a disgrace
To walk in love and obedience comes from God’s grace.
Many deceivers are out there in the world among us
Do not believe their sneaky and cunning deceptions
Instead, grow your faith and love for God’s word
It is the only way you will overcome the systems of this world.
Those antichrists deny that Jesus came down on the flesh
They will trick many into thinking that God’s Son is Jesus
Be faithful in obeying God’s will and his commandments
This is the only way you can be saved and have life everlasting.
Do not believe a different gospel than what you have heard
Jesus is the Son of God whom God our Father have sent
If anyone else claims a different gospel, turn your backs to them
Have nothing to do with anyone who deceives and spread lies.
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REFLECTION
• Why is obedience to God’s commandments the true manifestation of one’s love for the Lord?
2 JOHN THE COMMANDMENT FROM THE BEGINNING
June 20
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2 JOHN
1 The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, 2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love. 4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. 5 And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. – 2 John 1-4
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2 JOHN THE COMMANDMENT FROM THE BEGINNING
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
To all who are chosen by the Lord, you are given his Spirit
It is by his Spirit that you become aware of God’s love and mercy
Because you are elect, you are given revelation in his word
By his guidance, you are led to the light and can triumph over the world
God loved you first and that’s why we learn how to love others
It is his command that we also give such love to one another
Those who do not love others, does not love God as well
So, let us follow Jesus so we can ensure God is pleased.
To the church who is the body of Jesus Christ
You are his bride whom he loves so much
He gave his life for you so that you can be free
Therefore, remember to abide and stay close to him
From the beginning of time, he created us for love
Let us not forget that to walk in love is to abide in God
The grace, mercy and love of God is with you if you love
Blessings and favor are poured on you when you obey his command.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it so important for God for us to love another? Why can’t we just love him instead?
1 JOHN 4 TRUE MANIFESTATION OF LOVE
June 19
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1 JOHN 4
19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. – 1 John 4:19-21
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1 JOHN 4 TRUE MANIFESTATION OF LOVE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
God is love and all who loves God exudes his character
To love God is to follow his will and his commandments
The reason why we can love is because he loved us first
We can never boast that love comes solely from us
You cannot say you love God and hate a brother
That will be lying to yourself and to others
If you cannot love someone whom you see in the flesh
How can you love God whom you can’t see physically
Will you believe someone who claims they love when they can’t show it?
That is only lip service which do not mean anything for it is just hypocrisy
The true manifestation of love is to walk in his Spirit
The Holy Spirit will lead you to give praise to Jesus Christ
He will teach you how to live out of your flesh which is sinful
He will lead you out of darkness and tendencies to do things hateful
To say you love God would mean that you will commune with the saints
You will be a hypocrite if you live life on your own and stay alone and isolated
The Lord God commanded us to love one another because we love him
God sees your heart so if you don’t genuinely love your brother, you will sin
So, let us love one another just as how God loves us
If we love ourselves, we also ought to love our brothers.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it a challenge to love God according to these following verses?
• Share some experiences that make it difficult to love your sisters or brothers in Christ.
1 JOHN 4 PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT FEAR
June 18
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1 JOHN 4
17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. – 1 John 4: 17-18
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1 JOHN 4 PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT FEAR
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
The love that the world offers is temporary and transactional
The love that we have from the Lord is infinite and unconditional
If you take the worldly love that is given to you by someone
Hold on to it while it lasts, for soon it will be gone.
Fear is the opposite of love for it makes you enslaved
Fear is the absence of trust and can make one in bondage
If fear consumes you, you will never feel joy or freedom
Fear makes you on edge and exhausted and without wisdom.
The love that God the Father has for his children lasts infinitely
It gives you such assurance and contentment that is limitless
The steadfast love of the Lord is so satisfying and fulfilling
It makes one feel accepted as he is so gracious and forgiving.
The love that the Lord has for us is perfect and complete
He gives it to us and we ought to receive it without working for it
He made us all into his own image and likeness
He knows that if we accept his gift, we will be righteous.
If we love, we are made perfect by it because he loved us first
Let us cast all our fears and enter into the greatest kind of love
He gave us his only Son to die so we can be redeemed and renewed
Let us not live in fear, but let our minds and hearts be lived for Jesus.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think people fear so many things? What does that reveal according to these verses?
1 JOHN 4 ABIDE IN LOVE AND GOD WILL ABIDE IN YOU
June 17
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1 JOHN 4
13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
– 1 John 4:13-16.
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1 JOHN 4 ABIDE IN LOVE AND GOD WILL ABIDE IN YOU
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
The moment you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ
You are given his Holy Spirit to give you new life
The proof that you have his Spirit is when you confess Jesus
You declare that God sent his only Son to be our Savior
As you continually abide in his word and in his will
The Holy Spirit pours out his fruits in your spirit
You learn to love, to be patient and gentle
You have an abundance of joy, peace and kindness.
The proof that God is in you is when you show love
Anyone who does not love is not from God
All those who disobey and continue with their sins
They are not abiding in him and they don’t have his presence
Abide in love and God will abide in you
If you don’t put on your new self, you won’t be renewed
Confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God
Testify that God sent his Son to save us.
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REFLECTION
• Some people claim that they know God but actually only heard of him. What is the proof that you know God according to these following verses?
• How is the act of love a proof that God lives in you?
• Share your insight about Christians claiming they love God but hate others?