October 30
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COME CLOSE TO GOD
A poem by ILMA
What is the source of quarrels or fights among you people?
Doesn’t it come from those evil desires at war within you?
You want what others have, so you plan to get it at all cost
You become envious, so you scheme and obsess to have it.
Yet you don’t have what you want since you don’t ask the Lord
Or when you ask, you don’t get since it is only for your own pleasure
Don’t you know that following the world makes you an enemy of God?
So why do you compromise your relationship with your Lord and Savior?
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble
So, be submissive to God and resist the devil
The enemy will flee from you, and you become the victor
Come close to God and he will definitely come close to you.
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MEMORY VERSE
So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. – James 4:7-8
Read: James 4:1-10
It is interesting to know that many Christians use the excuse that God is everywhere and think that they need not make any effort to come close to him. They follow the world’s system and think that God will not be offended with that. In fact, James calls us adulterers and enemies of God when we abide by the ways of the world because that is not what his will is for us. In this chapter, James also explains the source of our conflicts which is from our human desires and cravings.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think God hates the proud?
• Why is obedience to his will the pre-requisite for victory over sin?
• Why does God expect us to come close to him so he can come close to us? Why not just chase us?
Monthly Archives: October 2019
TRUE WISDOM FROM ABOVE Poem Devotional
October 28
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TRUE WISDOM FROM ABOVE
A poem by ILMA
True wisdom comes only from one source, our Creator
Though the world claims knowledge, it isn’t true wisdom
When you live an honorable life, you understand God’s ways
Your actions become the result of humility from His righteousness.
If you are jealous and ambitious, don’t cover up truth by boasting and lying
Envy and selfishness are not from God, they are earthly and demonic
Where jealousy and selfish ambition thrives, there’s chaos and all kinds of evil
Where there is ambition and envy, you will find competition and division.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure and good
It is always sincere and full of compassion for people
It is peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others
It shows no favoritism and is always sincere and pursues peace.
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MEMORY VERSE
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. – James 3:17
Read: James 3:13-18
The world views wisdom differently from God. Godly wisdom focuses on what is righteous and good and what’s good for others and what is glorifying to God. Worldly wisdom on the other hand focuses on satisfying selfish desires and cravings. It does not consider others. It only looks after their own selfish needs, goals and pleasures while God’s wisdom is all inclusive. It focuses on the welfare of humankind.
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REFLECTION
• What have you done to protect yourself from the world systems and beliefs?
• Why is true wisdom a scarcity now in our world?
• What should we do when we encounter envy and jealousy in the body of Christ?
• How can we grow in true wisdom?
LIFE AND DEATH IN THE TONGUE Poem Devotional
October 28
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LIFE AND DEATH IN THE TONGUE
A poem by ILMA
Be careful what comes out of your mouth for the tongue is evil
It may utter praise and good things, but it can be a tool of the devil
What we say can be used to encourage someone immensely
But it can also be used to destroy or discourage someone intentionally.
We may tame all kinds of animals but no one can tame the tongue
It is like a rudder that directs a huge ship to go where it wants to go
The tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches and spread out
It is a tiny spark that can set a great forest on fire and have it destroyed.
The tongue is restless and evil, full of deadly poison
Sometimes it praises and worship the heavenly Father
Other times it curses those made in God’s image
So, blessing and cursing can come out of the same mouth.
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MEMORY VERSE
No one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.
– James 3:8
Read: James 3:1-12
The book of James certainly stresses the importance of recognizing how evil our tongues are. It can bring life or death to someone. As this book says, it is not possible to tame it as it is evil. Some hypocrites may want to claim that they have never sinned with their tongues, but according to this book, it is inevitable for us to escape the wickedness that is in the tongue. Hence, the bible tells us time and time again to guard our mouth.
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REFLECTION
• If we can’t tame the tongue, how can we gain control over it instead of it controlling our lives?
• What is the antidote to negative thinking and speaking?
• Share any experience you had about the evil and good of the tongue?
FAITH AND GOOD DEEDS Poem Devotional
October 27
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FAITH AND GOOD DEEDS
A poem by ILMA
Faith is feeling certain of something even if we don’t see it
If we don’t show it by our actions, then it is no good
Undemonstrated faith doesn’t save anyone
For faith alone without works is dead and useless.
Would you just ignore someone who asks you for help?
You can’t just say to them “Have a good day and goodbye”
It doesn’t do anyone good if it doesn’t produce deeds
For faith is manifested by things that is done by the believer.
Abraham was shown to be right by his willingness to sacrifice his son
His faith and his actions when he offered Isaac worked together
His actions made his faith complete because it proved it
We are made right with God not only by faith but by actions.
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MEMORY VERSE
Faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
– James 2:17
Read: James 2:14-24
There are some Christians who claim they believe in God and yet they never showed any signs of it. As a believer, we are expected to manifest our trust in the Lord by our good deeds. We are instructed by God to love one another and by doing so, we actually show that we love him. When we don’t couple our faith with good deeds, we are being hypocritical.
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REFLECTION
• Why do we need to show by our actions our trust in God?
• How can faith in action convince an unbeliever to turn to God?
• Why do we need to grow our faith as Christians?
• Why do you think faith is very essential in a Christian’s life?
• What have you done to grow your faith?
DOING THE WORD Poem Devotional
October 26
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DOING THE WORD
A poem by ILMA
The word of God is not just to be read, memorized or studied
It is like spiritual food to be followed in order for us to be nourished
If you only listen to it and don’t obey or incorporate it in your life
It’s as if you’re looking at your face in a mirror and forgot what you looked like.
If you meditate on the perfect law that sets you free and do as it says
You will be blessed and experience the transforming power of the law
If you claim to be religious but have not done what God says
Then you are only fooling yourself since it won’t change your ways.
Pure and authentic religion in God’s eyes means caring for others
It is giving aide especially to those who are poor and vulnerable
Taking care of the orphans, widows, the oppressed and the weak
This is what God considers pure and undefiled religion
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MEMORY VERSE
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. – James 1:22
Read: James 1:22-27
It is sad to see many Christians live shallow lives that do not honor and obey the truth that comes from Scriptures. Many religions have not done their part to actually ensure that the members of their congregation are actually growing and following God’s commands. Sometimes, the trouble even lies in the leadership themselves where they have twisted the true meaning of pure and undefiled religion. They are more concerned with the organization rather than the vision that God has mandated us all, to preach the Good News and make disciples of all nations.
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REFLECTION
• Why does the book of James require us to “do’ the word of God instead of just reading and studying it? What happens if just read or study it without applying it?
• Why is it dangerous for believers to just follow religious rituals and doctrines?
WISE TEACHINGS FROM JAMES Poem Devotional
October 25
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WISE TEACHINGS FROM JAMES
A poem by ILMA
Many people find it hard to see the upside of trouble
As believers, we are instructed to be joyful when trials come
We can consider it an opportunity to let our faith grow
When faith grows, endurance follows then we will be whole.
If you want wisdom, ask the Lord and be sure you only have faith in him
Don’t waver like the waves of the sea that’s tossed by the wind
Don’t expect to receive anything if you are loyal to this world
That would displease the Lord who wants you to be faithful.
Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry
Anger doesn’t allow you to have the righteousness God wants
Rid yourself of all wickedness and accept God’s word
It has power to save you from the corruption of this world.
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MEMORY VERSE
For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. – James 1:3-4
Read: James 1:1-18
The book of James is one of my favorites in the bible. When I was newly born again, it was this book that made me walk into the freedom that God has given me as a new creation in Christ. It was very straightforward and practical but allowed me to grow in my understanding of the importance of
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think being quick to listen is beneficial for us Christians instead of speaking quickly?
• What happens if you allow anger to become habitual?
• Why is studying and accepting God’s word essential in a believer’s life?
• Have you ever felt joy from having much trials?
• Why is unbelief and wavering an obstacle to answered prayers?
BITTER ROOTS Poem Devotional
October 24
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BITTER ROOTS
A poem by ILMA
Do your best to pursue a peaceful and pure life
Look after one another so you’ll receive God’s grace
Watch out for bitter roots that are poisonous
They corrupt many and they destroy relationships.
Remember how Esau traded his birthright for a single meal?
Make sure you don’t follow his immoral and godless ways
Afterward, when he wanted his blessings, he was rejected
It was too late for repentance though he begged with bitter tears.
When bitterness dwells in your heart, it can create havoc
Make your heart right by confessing and repenting and staying pure
Grant forgiveness to others as God has forgiven each of your sins
Let the Holy Spirit show you the roots of bitterness in your hearts.
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MEMORY VERSE
Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
– Hebrews 12:15
Read: Hebrews 12:14-20; Ruth 1:1-21
One story in the bible that gives us a picture of bitterness is in the book of Ruth. Naomi who was married to Elimelech was moved from Bethlehem to Moab, a pagan country. Her husband died and after ten years, she lost both her two sons who had Moabite women for their wives. When she decided to go back to Bethlehem, she found out that she was bitter and blaming God for all the tragedy she experienced. It made her discouraged and see God responsible for all the losses in her life.
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REFLECTION
• How can we easily be tricked by bitterness?
• What are the symptoms of a bitter heart?
• Why do we need to ask the Holy Spirit to bring us to the root of bitterness?
DIVINE DISCIPLINE Poem Devotional
October 23
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DIVINE DISCIPLINE
A poem by ILMA
Since we are surrounded by such witnesses to the life of faith
Let us strip off the weight that slows us down, especially what trips us up
And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us
We do this by focusing on Jesus, the champion who perfects our faith.
Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, ignoring its shame
Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne in heaven
Think of all the hostility he endured from these wicked and sinful people
Then you won’t become weary and give up when you encounter troubles.
After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin
Don’t forget the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children
“My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, let him correct you
For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and corrects all his children.”
As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God treats you as his own Who has ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?
If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children
it means that you are illegitimate and do not belong to him at all.
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MEMORY VERSE
“My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” – Hebrews 12:5-6
Read: Hebrews 12:1-8
Most parents discipline their children because they don’t want them to be waylaid. Just as any parent would want to care and protect their children, what more of God. This is why he disciplines and corrects us so our lives will go well.
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REFLECTION
• Why do parents nowadays have fear of disciplining their own children?
• What fruits do you reap when you teach and correct your children early?
IT WAS BY FAITH Poem Devotional
October 22
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IT WAS BY FAITH
A poem by ILMA
It was by faith that Sarah was able to have a child at a very old age
Though she was barren, she believed God will keep his promise for a child
It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God tested him
Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again.
It was by faith that Isaac promised blessings to his sons, Jacob and Esau
It was by faith that Joseph at his deathbed said that the Israelites would leave Egypt
It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months when he was born
They knew God gave them an unusual child so they hid him from being killed.
It was by faith that Moses chose to share the oppression of God’s people
Instead of enjoying pleasures, he thought it better to suffer for Christ’s sake
It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger
He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.
It was by faith that Moses commanded the people of Israel to keep the Passover
It was by faith that the Israelites went walked through the Red Sea as on dry ground
It was by faith that the Israelites crushed Jericho’s wall when they walked around it
It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed when her all died
For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies so they can carry out their plan.
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MEMORY VERSE
It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. – Hebrews 12:17
Read: Hebrews 12:11-31
There were so many examples of faith in the bible. These people were ordinary people made extraordinary by the faith that they exhibited. That is why God built on their trust in him and used them to make his promises come true.
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REFLECTION
• What leap of faith have you jumped into that made you experienced God’s favor?
FAITH IS ESSENTIAL IN A BELIEVER’S LIFE Poem Devotional
October 21
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FAITH IS ESSENTIAL IN A BELIEVER’S LIFE
A poem by ILMA
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for
It is the mark of things that we cannot see
Through faith, a person can earn a good reputation
By faith we know that at God’s words, the world was created.
It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying
he disappeared, because God took him for he is one who pleased God
It is impossible to please God without believing him
Anyone who wants to come to him must believe and have faith
God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
It was by faith that Noah built a boat to be saved from the flood
He obeyed God, who warned him about things to come
By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world
So he received the righteousness that comes by faith.
It was by faith that Abraham obeyed God and left his home
He went without knowing where he was going but faithfully followed
And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith
He lived tents, moved around and yet continued to hope for God’s promises.
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MEMORY VERSE
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. – Hebrews 11:1
Read: Hebrews 11:1-9
Faith is a very important component of the Christian life. Without it, you cannot be a committed believer. Many of the people that God chose in the bible all lived by faith and by doing so, the promises of God were all fulfilled in their lives.
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REFLECTION
• How much faith do you have right now? Would you consider yourself grown up in terms of your trust and hope in God?