December 31
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THE GOOD SHEPHERD
A poem by ILMA
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep
All who came before me were thieves and robbers
Yet, the true sheep, unlike the others, did not listen to them
Yes, I am the gate and those who come in through me will be saved.
The true sheep will come and go freely and will find good pastures
While the thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy
A good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep and does not leave his flock
A hired hand runs when he sees a wolf coming and abandons the herd.
Because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd
And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock
The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money
He couldn’t care less and doesn’t really look after about the sheep.
“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me
Just as my Father knows me and I know the Father
So, I sacrifice my life for the sheep and I have other sheep, too,
They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.
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MEMORY VERSE
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so, the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. – John 10:11
Read: John 10:7-14
This chapter of John’s letter gives us an illustration of how Jesus cares for the sheep. He tells his listeners the importance of having a shepherd who cares for his flock and compares it to hired hands, who only does it for money.
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REFLECTION
• Do you recognize the good shepherd from the bad one?
• Why is it important for us Christians to be able to protect ourselves from evil?
Monthly Archives: December 2019
PRAY AND ASK USING JESUS’ NAME Poem Devotional
December 30
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PRAY AND ASK USING JESUS’ NAME
A poem by ILMA
“In a little while you won’t see me anymore, but later, you will see me again”
Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does he mean by that?”
I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me
But as you are mourning over me, the world will rejoice.” Jesus replied.
You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy
It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor
When her child is born, her anguish will become rejoicing
That is because she has brought a new baby into the world.
You have sorrow now, but I will see you again
Then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy
At that time, you won’t need to ask me for anything
If you ask the Father directly using my name, it will be given to you.
The Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe I came from him
Since I came from the Father into the world, now I will return to the Father.”
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
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MEMORY VERSE
At that time, you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. – John 16:27-28
Read: John 16:16-33
The name of Jesus is so powerful that when you ask God anything in his name, it will be granted to you. Some people don’t get the answers they want but it doesn’t mean that it wasn’t answered. It must be that they have missed looking at it in God’s perspective.
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REFLECTION
• Why is going directly to God using Jesus’ name very effective way to pray?
INFINITE VALUE OF KNOWING CHRIST AS SAVIOR Poem Devotional
December 29
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INFINITE VALUE OF KNOWING CHRIST AS SAVIOR
A poem by ILMA
Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord
I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith
We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us and not in human effort
Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own labors, I have even more!
I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin
a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees
These religious group demands the strictest obedience to the Jewish law
I harshly persecuted the church and as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.
I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless
Because of what Christ has done for us, everything else is worthless
Nothing compares to the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord
For his sake, I have discarded everything else, counting it all as trash.
I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law
Instead, I become righteous through faith in Christ and knowing him
I want to experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead
I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that I can be resurrected.
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MEMORY VERSE
I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. – Philippians 3:7-8
Read: Philippians 3:1-11
Before I was born again in Christ, I engaged in doing so much effort on my own flesh. I was misled by religion to think that I can contribute good works to add to my salvation. I didn’t live in grace and in knowing that the work is finished on the cross when Christ died.
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REFLECTION
• Why do some believers think that they can add to the finished work of the cross?
THINK MORE OF OTHERS Poem Devotional
December 28
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THINK MORE OF OTHERS
A poem by ILMA
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind
Regard one another as more important than yourselves
Do not merely look out for your own personal interests
Make sure that you look also after the interests of other people
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Jesus Christ
Although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God.
He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death
For this reason, God highly exalted Him, gave him the name above every name.
Do all things joyfully and without grumbling or disputing
This way, you will prove to be blameless and innocent children of God
When you do this, in the day of Christ you will have reason to bring God glory
I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.
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MEMORY VERSE
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 2:3-5
Read: Philippians 2:1-18
One of the marks of a true disciple is when one forgets the self and think highly of others more. Humility is another sign of a good Christian. Looking after other people’s interest is something that believers would do as well. All these attitudes show that they are Christlike.
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REFLECTION
• How can a Christian develop humility?
• How can we empty ourselves of arrogance and think more about others?
OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Poem Devotional
December 27
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OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
A poem by ILMA
On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place
Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm
It filled the house where they were sitting that looked like tongues of fire
It appeared and settled on each of them and all were filled with the Holy Spirit
They began speaking in other languages as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability
At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem
When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running and were bewildered
They were amazed to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.
“How can this be, these are Galileans speaking our own languages
They spoke Medes, Elamites, Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus
Some uttered the languages from the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia,
Others spoke languages from Egypt, Libya, Cretans, Rome and Arabs
We hear these believers speaking about the wonderful things God has done
They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each one.
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MEMORY VERSE
Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
– Acts 2:2-4
Read: Acts 2:1-13
The day of the Pentecost marks the time that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit came about to the believers. It was miraculous since they spoke languages they never knew before. It was the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise that when he resurrects, the Holy Spirit will come and dwell in their hearts.
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REFLECTION
• Have you experienced the Holy Spirit using you to speak in other languages?
JESUS PRAYS TO THE FATHER Poem Devotional
December 26
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JESUS PRAYS TO THE FATHER
A poem by ILMA
Father, it has come now. Adore your Son so he can give praise back to you
I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do
Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began
I have revealed you to the ones you gave me and they were for you always
You gave them to me, and they have kept your word by giving up their lives
Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, as you are the provider.
They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me
My prayer is not for the world, but for those who belong to you
All who are mine belong to you, and you have given me glory
Now I am departing from the world but they still live in this corruption
Protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just like us
During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me.
I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction
I have given them your word and the world hates them because they are foreigners
I’m not asking you to remove them from this world, but to keep them safe from evil Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.
Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world
I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.
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MEMORY VERSE
“My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. – John 17:9-10
Read: John 17:1-19
This chapter gives us a glimpse how Jesus, who was also God prayed to his Father. Let us emulate this humble stance of Jesus even though he had equality with the Father.
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REFLECTION
• What is Jesus’ character shown in this intimate prayer to God? Compare it to David’s way of praying in the Book of Psalms.
BEHOLD THE MESSIAH Poem Devotional
December 25
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BEHOLD THE MESSIAH
A poem by ILMA
At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon
He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah
The Messiah was to come and rescue the people of Israel
The Holy Spirit was upon him and revealed to him about the Savior.
Simeon prayed that he won’t die until he had seen the promised Messiah
That day the Holy Spirit led this righteous man to the Temple
When Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus, he was there
His prayer was answered so he took the Lord in his arms and praised God.
“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised.
I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people.
He is the promised Redeemer; he is a light to reveal God to the nations
He is the one that will deliver us; He is the glory of your people Israel!”
Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about their baby
Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother
“This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise
As a result, the hearts of many will be revealed and a sword will pierce your very soul.”
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MEMORY VERSE
That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So, when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God. – Luke 2:27-28
Read: Luke 2:25-35
What an honor it was for Simeon to be granted his prayer to die only when he beholds the Messiah. That day was a special day for him as he holds in his arms the Son of God. What a privilege that was! Imagine the surprise of Mary and Joseph as this man talks about the prophecy about their child.
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REFLECTION
• Why did God let Simeon see and hold the baby Jesus?
• Why did Simeon pray for his life to be taken after he has seen the Messiah?
PROOF OF LOVE Poem Devotional
December 24
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PROOF OF LOVE
A poem by ILMA
The Father will give you an Advocate, who will never leave you
He is the Holy Spirit, who leads all believers into all truth
The world cannot receive him, because it doesn’t recognize or look for him
But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you
I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you
Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me
Since I live, you also will live and you are in me, and I am in you
Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me.
And who claim they love me, my Father will love them
And I will love them and reveal myself to all those who believe me
All who love me will do what I say and follow all that I set for them to do
My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home in their hearts.
Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me for it shows they don’t know me
When the Advocate comes, that is, the Holy Spirit—he’ll teach you everything
He will remind you of everything I have told you and he will give you gifts
I am leaving you peace and the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.
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MEMORY VERSE
Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. – John 14:23
Read: John 14:15-27
When someone tells you that he or she loves you, do you believe right away? It takes a proof for us to believe their love for us, doesn’t it? In this exchange between Jesus and his disciples, he assures them of God’s great love to those who believe when he promised the Holy Spirit to live in them as soon as he dies on the cross and is resurrected. On the other hand, he expects all those who believe to obey him for that is the proof that we do love him
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REFLECTION
• How have you proven your love to your Lord and Savior? Is it evident in your life?
PROOF OF FAITH Poem Devotional
December 23
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PROOF OF FAITH Poem Devotional
A poem by ILMA
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled; trust in me, also trust God
There is more than enough room in my Father’s home
Why will I tell you that I’m going to make a place for you if it weren’t so?
Be patient, when everything is ready, I will come and get you
This way, you will always be with me wherever I am
Do you have an idea the way to where I am going?”
“We have no clue where you’re heading; how can we know the way?”
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father but by me.
“If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is”, Jesus said
From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”
Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied”
“Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father!
So why are you asking me to show him to you?
Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?
Anyone who believes in me will do the same as I’ve done, even greater works.
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MEMORY VERSE
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. – John 14:12
Read: John 14:1-14
In this exchange of Jesus with his disciples, he tells his followers what is awaiting them in the Father’s house and the promise of eternal life. It seems though that despite the many years that they have been with Jesus, they still do not understand many things. Jesus reminds them that his presence should make them know the Father already and that if they truly believe in him, they’ll follow his works and even do greater than him.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it that even though Jesus promised his disciples many eternal things, they still were wanting to see God the Father? Are they unbelieving?
SIN NO MORE Poem Devotional
December 22
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SIN NO MORE
A poem by ILMA
Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, but the next day he was back at the Temple
A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them
As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law brought a woman
Since she had been caught in the act of adultery, she was put in front of a crowd
“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery
The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” trying to trap Jesus
Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger
They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again
So, Jesus said, “But let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”
Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.
When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one
Beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd
Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers?
Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said.
And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more”
And the woman walked and repented and was freed.
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MEMORY VERSE
All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” – John 8:7
Read: John 8:1-11
In this story, we see how much compassion and mercy the Lord Jesus had for this woman caught in adultery. We also saw how these religious leaders wanted to punish her and stone her to death as that was the verdict on such sin. They were trying to trick Jesus if he was going to follow the law of Moses. In this scene, we witness that love is stronger than the law. When he challenged them to throw the stone if anyone is sinless, they all went away and left. There were many theories as to what Jesus was writing in the dust, probably their own sins.
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REFLECTION
• Why is compassion and forgiveness powerful for repentance to happen?