May 18
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JAMES 4
What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions
– James 4:1-3
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JAMES 4 PASSIONS AT WAR WITHIN YOU
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Wanting something you do not have can lead to troubles
It distracts you from contentment and leads to quarrels
Expectations from yourself and from others become unrealistic
As you obsess and not have it, you can go ballistic.
When you see something you fancy, it can lead to cravings
These desires can make one incessantly obsessing
It may even lead to plotting to destroy someone
Desires can draw you to conflicts and consume you.
Ask the Lord when you need something
But ask according to his will and not your longings
The Lord meets your needs, not your wants
He grants only what is good for you and not the bad.
When you ask God for something, do it in faith
Having doubts means that you do not totally trust
Meditate on the word, renew your mind and you will please God
If you follow your passions and you will take the wrong path.
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REFLECTION
• Share an instance in your life that caused quarrels and fights with someone. Was James right when he said that it comes from passions at war within you?
• The word “passion” is defined by the dictionary as an object of desire or deep interest. What does James say about desire in James 1:14-15?
Category Archives: Poem devotionals
JAMES 3 EARTHLY WISDOM AGAINST WISDOM FROM ABOVE
May 17
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JAMES 3
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. – James 3:13-18
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JAMES 3 EARTHLY WISDOM AGAINST WISDOM FROM ABOVE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Beloved saints, examine what you know and understand
Does it come from the Lord or is it from the world?
Is your knowledge coming from above or is it earthly?
Does it promote peace or does it bring chaos and disorder?
Watch out that your heart isn’t full of jealousy and ambition
These selfish goals bring about much lies and deception
This is not wisdom that come from the Lord but is demonic
It is guided by selfishness and gains for one’s own cravings.
The wisdom that comes from above is pure and true
It is not self-serving or driven by its own nature
It is not arrogant or harsh but is open to reason
It exudes unbiased and respectful opinions.
True wisdom brings about peace and mercy
It does not show any judgment or impartialities
It is not corrupt or focuses on selfish ambitions
Peace and good fruits result from wisdom from above.
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REFLECTION
• How do you know if a person has true wisdom or just human knowledge?
• How can one develop true wisdom from above and let go of earthly ones?
JAMES 3 THE TONGUE IS A FIRE & UNTAMABLE
May 16
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JAMES 3
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. – James 3:5-12
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JAMES 3 THE TONGUE IS A FIRE & UNTAMABLE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
The tongue though a very small member of our body is a fire
It is deadly for it can set ablaze a whole wide forest and spread
It can affect our entire lives and may drag us into hell itself
Because it cannot be tamed unlike other creatures, it is very deadly.
One person’s tongue may speak out a gossip to someone
Before you know it, like fire it has reached the ears of everyone
From that tongue can come out lies that originated from the devil
The reputation of one person can be destroyed by this restless evil.
It is also from what we say that we can build up another human being
From that same mouth, we can also utter and destroy a person’s standing
Such blessings and cursing must not come from the same mouth
A firm believer in Christ will not yield to words that are filthy and foul.
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REFLECTION
• How can a believer prevent the tongue from being poisonous if according to these verses, it is a world of unrighteousness and a restless evil?
• Share an experience where the tongue has gotten you in trouble and what were the aftermath of that.
JAMES 3 WE ALL STUMBLE IN WHAT WE SAY
May 15
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JAMES 3
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. – James 3:1-5
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JAMES 3 WE ALL STUMBLE IN WHAT WE SAY
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
My brothers and sisters, let us remember that our nature is sinful
For if we forget this truth, we will easily be tempted and stumble
No one can claim that he or she is a perfect person who doesn’t fail
We are under the curse of sin and in many ways, we can easily fall.
Do not be envious of those who teach, for they are judged by others harder
Since they have received such gifts to teach, more is expected from them
Standards are raised for teachers as they must sample what they teach
A life of integrity is expected from those who guide others towards the truth.
No one is exempt in stumbling especially when the tongue pronounces
It is a small member of our body, but boasts of things it accomplishes
The tongue declares encouragement but also can bring forth death
With it, we can build up a person and with it we can also destroy them.
Let us ask the Spirit of the Lord to constantly guide us as we serve God
Let’s surrender our tongues to the true God who alone leads to the right path
Let the tongue boast only of the magnificence of the Lord to all people
May our mouth be guarded and speak only what is true and lovely.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think James likens the tongue to a rudder and to the mouths of horses in verses 3 and 4?
• How is it possible for us humans to tame our tongues if it’s inevitable that we stumble in what we say as verse 2 says?
JAMES 2 JUSTIFIED BY WORKS AND NOT BY FAITH ALONE
May 14
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JAMES 2
18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. – James 2:18-26
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JAMES 2 JUSTIFIED BY WORKS AND NOT BY FAITH ALONE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
As you hold your faith in Jesus, the glorious Savior, you ought to walk in love
When someone says that they believe in the Lord but isn’t loving, it is a lie
How can you prove your love to someone if there is no involvement?
Will the other person truly experience your love without commitment?
True faith is always accompanied by thoughtful and sincere compassion
Saying you have faith is not good enough to prove your faithful dedication.
Just as Abraham proved his faith to God by offering his son Isaac on the altar
Believers are expected to manifest their faith through works of kindness
To declare one’s faith without acting on it is purely lip service
The Lord desires our praise and God wants only true worshippers
If you claim you have faith, let it be justified by actions as well
Otherwise, your claims are insubstantial to qualify as faith that saves.
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REFLECTION
• Can faith without works be considered faith at all? Why or why not?
• Who are other biblical characters who manifested their faith aside from Abraham and Rahab as mentioned here?
• Why do you think works is important to accompany faith?
JAMES 2 FAITH WITHOUT COMPASSION IS POINTLESS
May 13
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JAMES 2
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead -James 2:14-17
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JAMES 2 FAITH WITHOUT COMPASSION IS POINTLESS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
To believe in the Lord Jesus Christ means that you love and care for others
Because he cares for the weak, the poor, the broken hearted and the vulnerable
One who claims they are Jesus’ followers ought to manifest love and compassion
To say that you are a believer and not show your love for others is a delusion
If Jesus sampled to us his sacrificial love by dying on the cross for us
Why couldn’t we show the same consideration for the body of Christ?
What good is it to live a contented life when people around you are in anguish?
Didn’t the Lord choose the poor in the world and love them lavishly?
Weren’t the poor in spirit heirs to God’s kingdom and received salvation?
Love those who are needy and marginalized and aide them in their situations.
What is the point of claiming you are a Christian when you don’t show love?
What good will spoken words do when they aren’t accompanied by works?
To continue to believe you have faith but have not shown love is hypocrisy
When our only concern is our own comfort and pleasure, we are ungodly
Let our faith be accompanied by concern, understanding and love for others
If someone is in need of something, let’s be quick to give aide to one another
Faith without compassion is pointless; actions are louder than words
Without words, we can still manifest our faith by showing kindness and love
Faith accompanied by love and compassion is genuine and true
Faith without works shows a false understanding of the Lord our God.
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REFLECTION
• What is James challenging Christians in the following verses?
• How is true faith different from faith as shown in this wise book of James?
JAMES 2 MERCY WINS OVER JUDGMENT
May 12
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JAMES 2
8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. 11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. – James 2:8-13
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JAMES 2 MERCY WINS OVER JUDGMENT
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
To judge others based on one’s own standard is ungodly
The Lord is a fair God and equally treats us all graciously
As long as we live by the royal law of loving him first and then others
We will show mercy and be fair to our sisters and brothers
If you judge others, you will be judged by that same measure you used
So, let us all show mercy instead of passing judgments quickly.
If we serve the Lord our God, we will keep the whole law he gave
We cannot choose or select certain ones and disobey some of it
If we fail to do one of those precepts, we are convicted as lawless
We ought to follow all the laws; missing out on one makes us outlaws
If God is love, let us then give mercy generously and give up judging
For we will not be given mercy when we show discrimination and bias.
When we show compassion and thoughtfulness to one another
We will be able to let go of all prejudices and impartialities
However, if, we continue to exercise judgment and favouritism
We will ruin all our blessings and favor from our Lord and Savior
Let us be compassionate and generous showing God’s image in us
Mercy wins over judgment, do not fail to give such kindness.
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REFLECTION
• Why is disobedience to only one law equivalent to transgressing as verse 10 says?
JAMES 2 ON PREJUDICE & PARTIALITY
May 11
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JAMES 2
My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called? – James 2:1-7
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JAMES 2 ON PREJUDICE & PARTIALITY
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When the Lord made us into his likeness, he had no favorites
To some he gave certain gifts and to others he gave other abilities
The Lord doesn’t care about material riches and possessions of man
He is only concerned with spiritual riches and how loving and fair we are.
If we serve the Lord our God, we must not have biases as well
To show prejudice on some as compared to others is hostile
We evoke judgment when we show partiality towards someone
How can we treat others with respect and discriminate another human?
When we set standards towards others because we have preferences
We fail to see the beautiful creation that God has made in our differences
To discriminate someone because they do not live up to your ideals
Manifests a world view that isn’t lined up with God’s justice and equality.
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REFLECTION
• Share an experience where you have been prejudiced or shown partiality. What was going through your mind and heart as you were shown such discrimination?
• What did James mean when he said you become judges with evil thoughts?
JAMES 1 PURE AND UNSTAINDED RELIGION ACCORDING TO GOD
May 10
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JAMES 1
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. – James 1:26-27
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JAMES 1 PURE AND UNSTAINDED RELIGION ACCORDING TO GOD
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Many religions have their own gods and their ways to reach a certain place
Some think that they can reach that place through works or following a path
Some beliefs even say that they go through many lives to reach perfection
Others think that if they can do a lot of good, they maintain their reputation
Another religion has a points system where they get merits or demerits
Some groups of people think that they have to seclude themselves from the rest
So many different kinds of beliefs have plagued mankind for many years
They have no understanding of what is pure and unstained according to God.
Religion that is pure and unstained according to God is to visit the afflicted
He also commands his elect to keep themselves from being corrupted
When we commit to loving God, we are also charged to love one another
Pure religion is a path where we show compassion to our sisters and brothers
Jesus Christ died for us not for a religion but for us to depend on his kingship
The Lord requires his people to stay holy for he himself is holy and majestic.
We believe in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; three in one God
Those who are in the communion of saints ought to be united in a bond
The chosen people of God are expected to live in unison with the Trinity
Just as the Father, Son and Spirit are all united in love and harmony
Pure religion according to God involves relationship in love
It is not a bunch of rules and rituals, but the body of Christ all in one.
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REFLECTION
• What is the biggest difference in the concept of religion as to how the world view it and how God sees it?
• Why do you think compassion and purity is the biggest requirement in God’s perspective of pure religion?
JAMES 1 BE DOERS OF THE WORD & NOT HEARERS ONLY
May 9
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JAMES 1
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
– James 1:22-25
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JAMES 1 BE DOERS OF THE WORD & NOT HEARERS ONLY
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
The Lord loves his people and guides them closely
He gave his word so they can follow it regularly
When we hear the word of God and fail to do it
We will be easily snared by all the devil’s tactics
Scripture is given to us so we can have wisdom
Following it will keep us from sin’s bondage.
When we do not heed God’s word, we are easy targets to sin
Only those who please the Lord with all their hearts will win
To love God and also one another is the law of liberty
This is the mirror by which a believer is to constantly see
By keeping it, one will not just be a hearer but a doer as well
God will outpour all his blessings and in them, he will dwell.
To hear the word and not do it, we become hypocrites
Our righteousness will be compromised and so will also be our faith
So, let us closely listen to the convictions that we hear in Scripture
By meditating on it regularly and taking it seriously, our faith deepens
By doing what we heard proclaimed to us, we become pleasing to the Lord
We ought to keep our covenant with God, or we will be ruled by the world.
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REFLECTION
• What are the responsibilities of a true believer according to these verses?
• What is the right thing to do when you closely witness hypocrisy in your church?