August 5
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1 TIMOTHY 4
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. – 1 Timothy 4
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1 TIMOTHY 4 WHEN SOMEONE DEPART FROM THEIR FAITH
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
At the last days there will be people who will depart from their faith
They will have deceitful spirits for they have neglected God’s word
Instead, they dwell on worldly things and teachings of demons
Thus, they open up the door for the enemy to overcome them
When someone depart from the truth they already heard
They will reject the truth and believe in false doctrines and myths
Because they rely on their own understanding, they’ll be deceived
They will make up their self-made philosophies because they don’t believe.
Let all the people of God grow in the knowledge of God and his truth
The only way we can be protected is to allow Scriptures to take root
We’ll have a strong foundation of faith only if we seek God first
There is no assurance in self-made principles, it will eventually die
When someone who have heard the gospel choose to reject it
They are also rejecting Christ and they will reap their own lies
Let us give thanks to the Lord who gave us everything
Lean on him alone and don’t believe in false teachings.
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REFLECTION
• What awaits Christians when they lead back in faith their sisters and brothers in Christ who begin to believe in myths and false teachings and wanders from the truth according to James 5:19?
• What is our responsibility to the communion of saints in terms of our faith?
Tag Archives: Christian devotional
1 TIMOTHY 3 THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD
August 3
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1 TIMOTHY 3
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. – 1 Timothy 3:8-13
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1 TIMOTHY 3 REQUIREMENTS & PROMISE FOR DEACON
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
If a man aspires to be a deacon in the church, he needs to be dignified
He cannot be someone who is of bad morals or dishonest
A deacon is expected to have integrity and be blameless
It is important that he is responsible and genuinely love others.
Since the deacon’s role is to distribute to the needs of the poor
He must be honest and have a sober-mind and be faithful
Their devotion to one wife is important as it shows his dedication
He must be able to discipline and manage his household and children.
Deacons must have self-control and not be addicted to anything
Addictions and bondage can hinder their task for helping and distributing
Their wives must also have the same blamelessness and faithfulness
Their wives must also serve the Lord or their house will be divided.
To all the deacons who serve well, they will gain a good standing
The assurance and confidence of their faith will keep on shining
If they do their tasks as they are serving the Lord Jesus Christ
They will grow in their faith and will gain eternal life.
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REFLECTION
• How did the roles of deacons come about as stated in Acts 6:1-7?
• Why is the role of deacons an essential part in the communion of saints?
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1 TIMOTHY 3 AN OVERSEER’S REQUIREMENTS
August 2
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1 TIMOTHY 3
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
– 1 Timothy 3:1-7
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1 TIMOTHY 3 AN OVERSEER’S REQUIREMENTS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When one aspires for the office of the overseer
He must have been led by the Holy Spirit
It is not an earthly position that you can apply for
It is God’s anointing that makes you a candidate.
An overseer’s position is one that is of great privilege
It is an honor to be selected to be one of God’s leaders
He must be self-controlled, respectable and blameless
He cannot be a drunkard, violent or a lover of money.
He must not be a new believer or he may not be well-grounded
Others must think highly of him so he can be one who can be emulated
He must be a one-woman man and be kind and loving to his wife
He must be hospitable and able to teach so he can exude God’s light.
He must be able to manage his household well so order is maintained
If he is a good manager at home, it will be so also in the communion of saints
He must be able to discipline his children and teach them to love the word
The preaching and teaching of the gospel must be his motive first and foremost.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think new converts cannot be an overseer according to these verses?
1 TIMOTHY 2 HOW TO LEAD A PEACEFUL, GODLY AND QUIET LIFE
July 31
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1 TIMOTHY 2
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
– 1 Timothy 2:1-7
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1 TIMOTHY 2 HOW TO LEAD A PEACEFUL, GODLY AND QUIET LIFE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
At the time you committed your life to Christ, he gave you his Spirit
Because of the Holy Spirit’s presence, you are able to follow Jesus
When he chose you to be one of his children, he gave you abilities
With gifts given to you by his Spirit, you have responsibilities
To lead a peaceful life, we need to pray at all times fervently
It is our duty to pray for others especially those who are in authority
Pursue peace and follow those in positions of authority
Pray for them to serve God who gave them such positions
Pray that you will seek the Lord and serve him with trembling
Live the word of God so you’ll stay holy and have blessings
Ask everything in prayer and in line with the truth
You will have a peaceful and quiet life if you do.
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REFLECTION
• Why are we called to pray for all people according to these verses?
• What is the importance of praying for leaders and rulers?
• How is peace a product of prayer?
1 TIMOTHY 1 HOLD ON TO FAITH AND A GOOD CONSCIENCE
July 30
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1 TIMOTHY 1
18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. – 1 Timothy 1:18-20
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1 TIMOTHY 1 HOLD ON TO FAITH AND A GOOD CONSCIENCE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
As we live on this earth, spiritual battles are certain to happen
Though we don’t see them, we will encounter them often
As we hold on fast to our faith, let us be mindful of such battles
We need to wear God’s armor at all times and be ready to face hurdles.
Because we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are protected
He will vindicate those who are faithful and they will be strengthened
Do not fail to grow your faith but always be steadfast instead
Hold on to a good conscience and depend on the Holy Spirit.
When the saints fail to cling to the gospel they already heard
They will be easily misled by heresies and their minds will be twisted
Because they allow themselves to be deceived with wrong teachings
They will bear no fruits from the Spirit and will fail in all their doings.
Put on all of God’s armor to stand firm against the wiles of the devil
Fasten the belt of truth so you won’t be deceived by wickedness and evil
Wear the breastplate of righteousness and the shoes of peace from the gospel
Have the shield of faith ready and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.
Love one another so that you won’t be corrupted by the enemy
Depend on the strength that comes only from Jesus Christ
Constantly examine your hearts and follow God’s precepts
Resist the urge that comes from your flesh and the devil will flee.
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REFLECTION
• Why do we need to hold on fast to our faith and a good conscience?
1 TIMOTHY 1 WHO THE LAW IS MADE FOR
July 28
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1 TIMOTHY 1
8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.
– 1 Timothy 1:8-11
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1 TIMOTHY 1 WHO THE LAW IS MADE FOR
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
God loved us all so he gave us precepts to follow
These laws were given to protect his own people
The law is good if only we use it properly
It is not made so we can abuse its authority.
The commandments of the Lord reflect his order
Following it will bring peace instead of chaos and disorder
Ignoring the directive that God gave us reflect lawlessness
It shows that we do not honor our God who is righteous.
The Lord made those laws to separate the godly from the ungodly
It exposes the sins that is so prevalent in the wicked and unbelieving
The faithful ones follow these commandments and keep them pure
The rebels do not heed these guidelines for they love their idols.
Let us never take for granted these commandments that God gave us
They are boundaries against all the tactics and ploys of the enemy
When we honor these precepts, we manifest our love for the Lord
When we disobey them, we show that we love the systems of this world.
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REFLECTION
• What were the sins that were emphasized on these verses by Paul as he instructs Timothy about who the law was made for?
• When does the law work for us and when does it not work? Why is this so?
1 TIMOTHY 1 WATCH OUT FOR MYTHS AND FALSE TEACHINGS
July 27
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1 TIMOTHY 1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.3 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. 5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.
– 1 Timothy 1:1-6
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1 TIMOTHY 1 WATCH OUT FOR MYTHS AND FALSE TEACHINGS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
As we serve our Lord Jesus Christ, we are all called to be watchful
Because we live in a corrupt world, let us all be mindful
The purpose of God’s commandments is to walk in love
It is a love that comes from a pure heart and a sincere faith.
Let us therefore keep ourselves strong by following God’s laws
It protects us from deceptions and tactics of the evil one
When we meditate on his words, we discern what is untrue
Let us all be faithful to renew our minds so we can stay pure.
Spread the gospel so that all the wickedness will be exposed
Do not tolerate or partake of any wicked act, but let it out in the open
When deception is hidden, it generates more and spread
Be courageous to confront and declare all that is right and true.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think Paul asks Timothy to stay in Ephesus and stand firm to watch for false teachers and doctrines who inches their way to the church?
• How can we easily detect myths and false teachings?
2 PETER 3 WHILE WAITING FOR NEW HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH
July 26
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2 PETER 3
11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. – 2 Peter 3:11-18
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2 PETER 3 WHILE WAITING FOR NEW HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Let us all live our lives in preparation for the coming of the Lord
We cannot be reckless and mindless, let us not follow the world
While waiting for the new heavens and new earth, let us stay holy
It is in keeping ourselves pure that we will share in God’s glory
Feed on the word of God and you will gain wisdom and understanding
Do not associate with lawless people or you will lose your stability
Grow in your faith you can live in the hope of what’s coming
The Lord promised to all who stay faithful the crown of life
We cannot be passive while we wait for these promises
Let us dwell on these hopeful events that will soon happen
Honor and praise the Lord who gives everlasting life
Do not dwell on what this world offers or you will die.
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REFLECTION
• What do we ought to do according to these verses while waiting for new heavens and new earth?
2 PETER 3 THE DAY OF THE LORD COMES LIKE A THIEF
July 25
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2 PETER 3
8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
– 2 Peter 3:8-10
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2 PETER 3 THE DAY OF THE LORD COMES LIKE A THIEF
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Be ready for the coming of the Lord, be watchful
He will come like a thief in the night without warning
Always examine your heart so that you are alert
Seek and meditate on his word always day and night.
Do not conform with the systems of this world
Be transformed instead by following his word
Always wear God’s armor so you can triumph over sin
Seek the Lord’s kingdom first and always run only on him.
Guard your heart and repent right away when you sin
Rely only on God and never on your own strength
Follow his precepts so that you can stay faithful
Do not give in to temptation or be resentful.
Give grace to others as you have received grace yourself
Genuinely love others as you would your own self
Serve the Lord your God with fear and trembling
Never avenge yourself for God is your vindicator.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think it is important to us to think of the coming of the Lord as a thief in the night?
• What is the best way we can do to prepare for his coming?