June 7
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CAN ANY GOOD THING COME OUT OF NAZARETH?
43 The next day He purposed to go into Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.” 50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And He said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” – John 1:43-51
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Here are some facts that may have led him to think this way. Nazareth lay in the hills twelve miles southwest of the Sea of Galilee: a fertile land. It was small. Steep ravines and ancient terraces on the northern slope confined the oval-shaped settlement. Excavations show just how small it actually was – but every bit of space was used effectively. It was built on porous rock, so as well as the buildings above the surface there were underground cisterns for water, vats for oil, and silos for grain. There was a single, ancient spring for water. It was a conservative town, clinging to traditional Jewish culture in a world that had been radically affected by Greek thought and culture. The people of Nazareth were essentially farmers, Nazareth would have had a population of around two to four hundred in antiquity, so everyone knew everyone else. Could you blame Nathaneal for asking Philip what good can come out of Nazareth? This only shows that before knowing Jesus, people can’t think out of the box. We don’t know the mind of God. Interestingly, God chose his Son to come from a humble family, a small town and yet, he is the King of all kings. As soon as he talked to Jesus, light immediately shone on his dark and blinded mind and saw Jesus in the Spirit. This is what happens when we become exposed to the Light and Life that only comes from Jesus Christ. We begin to see.
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REFLECTION
• What limited thoughts and beliefs are you saved from when you met Christ?
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THE FIRST FOLLOWERS OF JESUS ILMA’S VLOG
June 6
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THE FIRST FOLLOWERS OF JESUS
37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So, they came and saw where He was staying; and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He found first his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which translated means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter). – John 1: 37-42
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Peter Pan’s original soundtrack begins with “Following the leader, the leader, the leader. We’re following the leader wherever he may go.” These lyrics remind me of this account of the first followers of Jesus during his public life. Prior to this, we see John the Baptist witnessing to the Messiah. According to verse 40, Andrew and Simon who were brothers must have been hearing all the prophecies of John the Baptist. They must have been listening to John about the Messiah who was going to save people from their sins. They must have been waiting for the day of the Savior’s coming. Matthew 4:18 tells us what these brothers did for a living. They were fishermen.
Andrew must have been following John the Baptist for a while before Jesus came. He must have been listening to all John’s preaching about the coming of the promised Messiah and was hopeful that one day, he too will be witness to the salvation promised to his ancestors. As soon as John testified to Jesus, Andrew’s first impulse was to look for his brother Simon and immediately gave him the news that they have found the Messiah. He brought his brother to Jesus and there Jesus changed Simon’s name to Cephas which translates to Peter.
What a privilege it was to be Jesus’ first followers! Wouldn’t you want to be one of those who saw with their own eyes the actual Son of God? As soon as they heard, they immediately believed and followed. Isn’t that what is expected of all those who want to be His disciples? Following the leader, the leader…where ever he may go.
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REFLECTION
• Share an account when you first heard of Jesus and decided to follow him?
• What have you observed with the circumstances surrounding the first disciples?
• How did they come to know about Jesus? What was their first response to it?
TESTIFYING TO THE SON OF GOD ILMA’S VLOG
June 5
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TESTIFYING TO THE SON OF GOD
29 The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is He on behalf of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’ 31 I did not recognize Him, but so that He might be manifested to Israel, I came baptizing in water.” 32 John testified saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him. 33 I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.” 35 Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” – John 1:29-36
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Luke 1:57-80 gives an account of the whole story of John, the Baptist, a relative of Jesus. Luke 1:80 says that John, the child became strong in the spirit and lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel. His life centered on waiting for Jesus’ coming. In Matthew 11:11, John was declared as the greatest man who had ever lived.
While John was baptizing by the river, Jesus came and immediately acknowledges Jesus as the Lamb of God, the one who is above and before him. John declares right away as he remembered the revelation given to him by the Holy Spirit. It was revealed to him that he will recognize the Messiah for the Spirit will descend upon him. As he was baptizing others, Jesus came to the river and John witnessed with his own eyes, the Son of God who was promised long ago by prophets before him.
Interestingly, John was born six months before Jesus in the account in Luke 1:39-45 as Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, John’s mother. Even in his mother’s womb, John leaped as he heard of Jesus’ conception in Mary’s womb. He was the precursor of Jesus and all his life was focused on preparing for the Lamb of God. He acknowledges a Man who ranked higher than himself and who pre-existed him though he was born before him. John declares the divinity of Jesus and his life came about to be the evidence of Jesus coming down as human to save mankind. John was in God’s plan to bring people to repent of their sins and be saved by Jesus.
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REFLECTION
• Have you witnessed Jesus’ divinity in your own life? Did you testify for Christ?
THE VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS ILMA’S VLOG
June 4
________________________________________THE VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS
19 This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 And he confessed and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 They asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” And he *said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 Then they said to him, “Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am A VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE LORD,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25 They asked him, and said to him, “Why then are you baptizing, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them saying, “I baptize in water, but among you stands One whom you do not know. 27 It is He who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” 28 These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. – John1:19-28 (NASB)
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In this account, we hear the testimony of John the Baptizer, who was being questioned by the priests and Levites from Jerusalem about his identity. Because John had a big following and people came to him to be baptized, the religious leaders started to investigate whether he was a prophet or Elijah. He replied that he was just a messenger preparing the way for the Lord’s coming. So, the Pharisees investigated and probed and questioned him. They were asking why he baptized if he is not Christ, Elijah or a prophet. So, he gave them an answer which prophesied that someone greater than him will come and he isn’t even worthy of his presence.
We clearly see that these revelations to John the Baptizer was clearly from the Holy Spirit. The humility of this man is so evident in this exchange with the Pharisees and the religious leaders. He never claims any credit for anything even though many people think that he is full of wisdom and knowledge and anointing. How many of us believers are this humble to always point to Jesus instead of taking credit for things that we think we have accomplished on our own? Do we witness for Jesus and point to him when we get credited for truth that isn’t ours?
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REFLECTION
• How can we develop humility and the habit of pointing to Jesus always?
• What is so worth emulating in John’s character in this bible passages?
THE WORD MADE FLESH ILMA’S VLOG
June 3
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THE WORD MADE FLESH
14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’” 16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. – John 1:14-18 (NASB)
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In this part of chapter one of John’s gospel, He tells us how Jesus became human and lived among us. He announces how he himself was with Christ and was a witness to the fullness of his glory, abounding in grace and truth. He mentions that even though Christ came after him, in every way, Jesus was before him. As John 1:1-2 mentions, Jesus which is the Word already existed, even before creation was made. He acknowledges Jesus’ divinity in verse 15 and focuses on what Christ’s coming to the world did for us. We received the gift of grace upon grace.
Matthew Henry says in his commentary that all fullness dwells in him, from which alone fallen sinners have, and shall receive, by faith, all that renders them wise, strong, holy, useful and happy. Our receivings by Christ are all summed up in this one word, grace, a gift so great, so rich, so invaluable; the good will of God towards us, and the good work of God in us.
Verse 17 mentions that importance of the Law which was given to Moses but grace and truth came about through Jesus Christ. It is when Jesus became flesh that we got a glimpse of God and we are given the Holy Spirit to dwell in us when he died for us on the cross. Jesus was the only way we will be able to come close to the Father and only through him can we be empowered by His own Spirit.
How easy it is for us humans to take credit for anything we are able to accomplish and forget that everything that we have is a gift from God through Jesus Christ. If we don’t believe in Him, we are nothing. We also receive truth when Christ came because by dying on the cross for us, we are given the gift of counsel of God’s truth through the Holy Spirit who lives in the hearts of all believers.
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REFLECTION
• What is the meaning of grace and truth in your life as a Christian?
• How has the world twisted these gifts and made us focus on works of the flesh?
THE WITNESS TO THE LIGHT ILMA’S VLOG
June 2
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THE WITNESS TO THE LIGHT
6 There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.– John 1:6-13
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John introduces himself in this chapter as a witness to the Light. The Light he refers to here is Jesus as he previously mentioned in John 1:4. The main purpose of the witness to the Light which is John himself so that many will believe in Jesus Christ. John humbly dismisses his importance in verse 8 and points to Jesus. He explains in verse 9 that no man can enlighten another man but only the true Light does. Verse 10 explains how Jesus became human and lived among men, among the world that He created together with his Father and yet humankind does not recognize Him. Verse 11 tells us the irony of being rejected by your own creation. They did not accept Him. Verse 12 is a promise to those who will receive Him- they become God’s children, even to those who believe in His name. In verse 13, we are given the revelation that we didn’t choose him out of our own will but that he chose us. It means that nothing we do is of our own will, but God is the only one who decides which ones belong to Him. He also gives them the Holy Spirit to dwell in their hearts so that they do not do succumb to their natural tendencies but to submit to the will of God.
Do we even get close to witnesses to the Light just like John did? Does our lives manifest evidences of the Light that Jesus shone on this dark world? It is human nature to live in darkness and to follow his natural inclination to selfish ambitions and cravings. John gives us a reminder that if we do not become a witness to Jesus, the world will continue to live in the darkness that it was before Jesus shone his light on sinful mankind. Do we live for ourselves or do we stay faithful to the purpose of our lives which is to shine for Jesus?
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REFLECTION
• How can we be a testament to unbelievers?
• Why is it important to remember that we are just witnesses and not the Light itself? What happens when we forget this?
THE DEITY OF JESUS CHRIST ILMA’S VLOG
June 1
________________________________________THE DEITY OF JESUS CHRIST
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. – John 1:1-5 (NASB)
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John’s writing approach is very different from Matthew, Mark and Luke (synoptic gospels-covering the same miracles, parables and events in Jesus’ life) because his gospel emphasizes Jesus’ divinity and identity.
In chapter one, we are given a revelation of the divinity of Jesus Christ from the start. Jesus is called the Word describing that the Word was with God at the start of creation. The Word and Jesus are interchangeable. In Genesis 1, everything was created by God uttering the phrase “Let there be…” and so it did. He just said the word and it was done. In the second verse, we get the revelation that Jesus was with God. Interesting that John revealed that Word was Jesus and God used words to create everything. Verse 3 states that Jesus was the reason why everything came into being and that apart from Christ, nothing becomes anything. Verse 4 reiterates the preceding verse because only in Christ will we have life because he is the light of men. Verse 5 visualizes the light that Jesus brings to this dark world but men do not want to stay in it.
Observe the way John wrote the opening verses of this first chapter. There is not much fanfare and historical background description as the three other gospels were written. John goes straight to how Jesus was already there even before God created everything. He brings us all to the purpose of our creation. Paul says the same thing in Romans 12:36 – For “from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” It reveals to us the divinity of Jesus. He is supreme over all beings and things and He was the reason for God’s creation. Shouldn’t Jesus be essence of our existence? Could we continue to live without intentionality of bringing Him glory after knowing that everything was created for Him?
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think Jesus was called Word? Why did God use the Word to create?
• Have you intentionally lived your Christian life to bring Jesus glory?
THE MIGHTY ONE SPEAKS AND SUMMONS THE EARTH ILMA’S VLOG
May 31
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THE MIGHTY ONE SPEAKS AND SUMMONS THE EARTH
The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth
From the rising of the sun to its setting.
2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.
3 Our God comes; he does not keep silence;
Before him is a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest.
4 He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
5 “Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge!
7 “Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you.
I am God, your God.8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you;
Your burnt offerings are continually before me.
9 I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds.
10 For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.
12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine.
– Psalm 50:1-12
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This psalm talks about the day when God will summon all of his creation. He calls to both the heavens above and the earth, that all will give an account to him. He is the only judge who sees all things and we will all be answerable for all the things we did here on earth and if those who made a commitment to him have followed through what they have vowed to do. In this psalm, the psalmist focuses on God’s might and power. He made all things and knows everything. He owns everything and we are all but part of his creation. He can do to us whatever he pleases.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord who is Supreme over all creation. He is the Maker of us all.
CONFESSION: Forgive me if I fail to bring you praise each day of my life.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for your creativity and your provision to all of us.
SUPPLICATION: May we remember to always obey God because he values faithfulness.
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REFLECTION
• Will you be able to account for all you did when judgment day comes?
AS FAR AS THE EAST IS FROM THE WEST ILMA’S VLOG
May 30
________________________________________AS FAR AS THE EAST IS FROM THE WEST
As far as the east is from the west,
So far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
So the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass; He flourishes like a flower of the field
16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children,
18 To those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.
19 The LORD has established his throne in the heavens,
And his kingdom rules over all. 20 Bless the LORD, O you his angels,
You mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!
21 Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will!
22 Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!– Psalm 103:12-22
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In this song, the psalmist describes how God’s mercy is so vast, as far as the east is from the west. He acts like a real true and caring father to all his children. He is compassionate to all who fear him. The psalm also speaks of God everlasting unconditional love for all his children. He knows all who love and fear him and he honors those who obey his commandments. The psalmist admonishes us all to praise the Lord and prays a blessing to all those who does his will and do the work of the Lord to bring everyone the gospel and make his kingdom come here on earth.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord for his generous mercy and grace. Hallelujah.
CONFESSION: Forgive me Lord when I do not heed your word and will.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for all that you have given to all of your beloved children.
SUPPLICATION: May all those who serve the Lord remember to walk in spirit and truth.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think God’s mercy is described “as far as the east is from the west?”
THE LORD IS SLOW TO ANGER ILMA’S VLOG
May 29
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THE LORD IS SLOW TO ANGER
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,3 who forgives all your iniquity,
Who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,5 who satisfies you with good
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.6 The LORD works righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.7 He made known his ways to Moses,
His acts to the people of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.9 He will not always chide,
Nor will he keep his anger forever.10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
Nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him. – Psalm 103:1-11
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The psalm praises the Lord for his holy name and for all the things he gives us. He forgives our sins, heals our diseases and rescues us from darkness. He grants all our needs and renews us especially when we are cast down or oppressed. He is merciful and gracious. What is good to remember is how God is slow to anger and how he abounds in patience. He doesn’t deal with us according to our sins, or else, we won’t be here right now. He is always after our good and ensures that we have all that we need so we can walk in his righteousness. Sadly, many of us, even those who claim that they are believers, do not choose righteousness or even consult the Lord. We have gotten so far away from God as we busy ourselves with things of this world. We haven’t paid back God’s faithfulness with the same devotion and fervor that he extends to us.
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ADORATION: Praise God’s holy name. His steadfast love endures forever
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I am quick to anger instead of being quick to listen and slow to speak.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for being slow to anger and being gracious and merciful to us.
SUPPLICATION: May all believers have a hunger to know God’s character deeper.
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REFLECTION
• How is knowing God’s character important to live a righteous and holy life?