February 25
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ASSURANCE OF YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have in your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and that they would attain to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive arguments. 5 For even though I am absent in body, I am nevertheless with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your orderly manner and the stability of your faith in Christ.
– Colossians 2:1-5
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In this letter, Paul reminds the Colossians about how it is a struggle for him not be able to see them personally, but he still encourages them to continue in their faith. He tells them how important it is to be united and live-in harmony with one another in love. He brings them reminders of hope. Since Christ lives inside them, they will have the full assurance that all the mystery will slowly be revealed to them as they continue to abide in Jesus. In verse 3, he tells them that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge can only be found in the teaching of God’s truth. If they cling to their faith and stand on God’s promises, they will never be deceived by anyone teaching them false gospel or teachings. They will be sure that their faith will grow and they will be securely grounded on Jesus’ love and truth.
David Guzik comments that Paul wanted to encourage the Colossians because he was concerned about their enthusiasm. He knew that discouraged, downcast Christians are easy prey for the world, the flesh, and the devil. Barclay comments that Paul uses the word “paraklein”. Sometimes that word means to comfort, sometimes to exhort, but always at the back of it there is the idea of enabling a person to meet some difficult situation with confidence and gallantry.” Paul wanted these Christians to be fit for heroic action.
It is impossible to grow in one’s faith if there is no assurance coming from the truth that Jesus gave up his life so that we can be free from the sin that separated us from God. No other human can bring that kind of stability in once life. Jesus is the stable foundation where we can anchor our hope and our lives.
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REFLECTION
• How can your assurance in Christ be shown in your life for others to see Jesus?
Tag Archives: assurance
YOU ARE ALWAYS WITH ME Poem Devotional
January 19
I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
– Psalm 16:7-8 (NLT)
YOU ARE ALWAYS WITH ME
A poem and essay by ILMA
When I am happy and victorious, you are beaming with delight
When I am confused and downcast, you give me insight
When I am grieving over losing someone or something
Your faithfulness and your words are so comforting.
I will bless you Lord, for you guide me even at night
When I am tired and have no energy to resist and fight
You are always with me, not matter what
Thank you for all the favors you grant.
I have married a man who is there for me always. Even though there are times that my needs are not met according to my expectations, his consistency is astounding. It sometimes becomes a concern because I am so creative and spontaneous while he is so constant and a stickler for routines. His stability brings security in our relationship. My spontaneity brings life to it.
The bible tells us how faithful and stable God is to us. He is always there for us. We ought to bless the Lord who guides us constantly even at night. He is our fortress and we will not be shaken for he is always there.
PRAYER
Make me present in your presence Lord.
REFLECTION
Do you feel God’s presence?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com
GOD’S ASSURANCE Poem Devotional
January 2
He has commissioned us and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us. – 2 Corinthians 1:21-22(NLT)
GOD’S ASSURANCE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you experienced the holy presence of God?
He is in your heart as you accept him and give laud
His first installment of his promises is to place the Holy Spirit
He has put him there so you won’t be lost or drift.
He guarantees you a life full of blessings and hope
He will grant you victory and not just cope
Listen carefully to his Spirit inside you
He will ensure that your mind is renewed.
When you are in a relationship, what do you expect most from these people you relate with? Commitment and trust play highest in rank when it comes to relationship needs and expectations. When trust and commitment issues are breached, many relationships fail and fall out.
The bible tells us that God is a very assuring God. He guarantees everything he promises. He anoints us with his own Spirit by placing his own Spirit inside our hearts. What an awesome thing the cross did for all of us. It has allowed Jesus to be inside all believers and live in their hearts.
PRAYER
Help me not to grieve your Spirit, Lord.
REFLECTION
Why should we never take the Holy Spirit for granted?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com
AN ASSURING GOD Poem Devotional
December 22 The Power of God’s Word
But the angel reassured them, “Don’t be afraid”, he said, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” – Luke 2:10(NLT)
AN ASSURING GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When doubts and fears arise in life
Take refuge in God for assurance and insight?
If you feel overwhelmed and confused
Trust in your heavenly Father who always reassures.
He is faithful and gave you Jesus for your salvation
Do not give in to fear, doubts or apprehensions
An assuring God does not allow dread to thrive
He will be there to ensure that you win and survive.
What are you fearful of these days? Our world is full of confusion and so much chaos. The enemy infiltrates us through all sorts of noise and distractions to make us avoid relying and focusing on the Lord. Satan breeds doubt, fear, conflicts, illnesses, and many other negative feelings.
Do you know how many times the phrase “Fear not” or “Do not be afraid” appeared in the bible? It appeared 365 times. Isn’t God amazing to give us one reminder of it each day of the year?
When the angels appeared to the shepherds to tell them that the Son of God was born, they were reassured by the angel not to be afraid because this good news will bring great joy to all.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your assurance of your love.
REFLECTION
What are you still currently afraid of in your life?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com