August 19
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ONE BODY WITH MANY PARTS
A poem by ILMA
The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body
So it is with the body of Christ; some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles
Some are slaves, and some are free; but we’ve all been baptized into one body
by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit though it has different parts.
If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,”
That does not make it any less a part of the body but contributes to the whole
And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,”
Would it diminish its role make it any less a part of the body?
If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear?
But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants
How strange a body would be if it had only one part!
The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.
Some parts of the body that seem weakest are actually the most necessary
The parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care
God placed the body so we care more for those parts that have less dignity
All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
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MEMORY VERSE
All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. – 1 Corinthians 12:27
Read: Corinthians 12:12-27
This illustration of the body of Christ in this message of Paul to the Corinthians is a good reminder how all those who committed to Christ is part of one big church, which is the body of Christ. Some Christians isolate themselves from the other parts of the body when in fact, we are all members of this one body and we all need to live in harmony and not comparing each one of us from the rest. We all have a role to play.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to know role and purpose you are made to function in his body?
• Why should we not isolate ourselves from the other parts of the body?
Tag Archives: BODY OF CHRIST
THOSE WHO BELONG TO GOD Poem Devotional
May 18
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Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God. -1 John 3:10 (NLT)
THOSE WHO BELONG TO GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you dedicated your life to Christ?
Do you purposely chose to live in the light?
Anyone who does not live righteously
They don’t belong to God truthfully.
Those who belong to God obey his words
They do not live in the system of the world
They love other believers and inspire others
They faithfully serve Christ and one another.
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Can you easily spot an authentic Christian? What makes them apart from the rest of the crowd? The first sign of a true believer is someone with a calm and gentle nature. They are very positive and cheerful. You will find that they are very encouraging and generous with their resources, time and attention. They are patient and very understanding. They treat everyone equally and are not judgmental. They easily forgive and don’t get envious of others. They do not make a habit of sinning. They are humble and accept correction from the Holy Spirit. They are not perfect but their dependence on God is truly amazing. They love to be amongst their sisters and brothers, the body of Christ. The bible says that anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.
PRAYER
Lord, please change me to a truly authentic Christian.
REFLECTION
How do you reflect Christ in your attitude and actions?
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For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com
FULL & COMPLETE BY CHRIST Poem Devotional
October 9 The Power of God’s Word
And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself. – Ephesians 1:23 (NLT)
FULL & COMPLETE BY CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you feel empty and incomplete in your life?
Have you accepted and committed to Christ?
If you believe that Christ came to save you
You will be part of his church which renews.
You will have a new life and die to your old self
You will give up self-effort and seek God for help
You will be made full and complete by Christ
He will fill you with his Spirit and you’ll gain insight.
For many years of my life, I chased dreams, ambitions and approval from others. I felt incomplete and empty despite all these efforts. When I gave up rebellion, disobedience and self effort, Christ revealed to me the toxic gospels that I believed in before. The word of God changed my view and led me to the truth that only Christ can make us complete. I stopped relying on myself. Instead, I focused on Christ’s mercy and grace.
When we believe in Christ, we become part of his body. He fills us with his spirit that makes us full and complete. We stop performing and start following and living in love. We become dependent on him.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to focus on you always.
REFLECTION
What things and dreams keep you from focusing on Christ?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com