August 17
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You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes, he became poor, so that by his poverty, he could make you rich.
-2 Corinthians 8:9(NLT)
BY HIS POVERTY, WE WERE MADE RICH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Jesus Christ was born from a poor family
He could have been rich, but he chose poverty
We all know that he is the richest person
Yet he sacrificed comforts for our redemption.
By his poverty, we were made rich
By his death, he ransomed us from sin
Do you appreciate the sacrifice he made for you?
Do you praise him after he gave you a life that is new?
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In my late twenties, I read the story of St. Francis of Assisi. He came from a wealthy family and squandered his father’s money. Sounds almost like the story of the prodigal son. He enlisted in the army and later on became a captive for a year. It probably was during those times of captivity that he found his spiritual awakening. He had visions and later on he embraced poverty and begged for other poor people. He started preaching the gospel on the streets and later on had many followers. He founded the Franciscan order who embraced poverty to build God’s church and help the poor. Christ chose a life of discomfort rather than a life of prosperity to give us a rich life.
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PRAYER
Lord, forgive me when I complain from discomfort and inconvenience.
REFLECTION
How can poverty draw you closer to Jesus?
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