August 5
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PAUL’S WARNING ON TROUBLEMAKERS
A poem by ILMA
Watch out for people who cause troubles and divisions
They upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to truth
Stay away from them for such people are not serving Jesus
They are actually serving their own personal interests.
By smooth talk and glowing words, they deceive innocent people
Be wise in doing right and stay innocent of any wrong
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet
May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you always.
Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong as the Good News says
This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles
A plan kept secret from the beginning of time but now made known to them
This is so that all Gentiles might believe and obey our Lord Jesus Christ.
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MEMORY VERSE
Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. 18 Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words, they deceive innocent people. – Romans 16:17-18
Read: Romans 16:17-27
Paul addresses the issue of deceivers in the church. If we don’t know the truth, how can we know if we are told a lie and being deceived? It took me six years to discover the believers who were masquerading as the real deal. It became clear as the Holy Spirit showed me the lies and the lack of integrity of such people. We are told by Paul not to have anything to do with these troublemakers and deceivers.
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REFLECTION
• How can we easily recognize deception?
• Why are we cautioned to stay away from troublemakers and conflict makers?
• What do we do when we see someone deceiving another believer?
• Why is division very destructive in the body of Christ?
Tag Archives: division
TO QUARREL IS TO SIN Poem Devotional
July 23________________________________________
Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin. – Proverbs 17:19(NLT)
TO QUARREL IS TO SIN
A poem and essay by ILMA
When one is inclined towards conflict
That person is actually embracing sin
Anyone who loves to quarrel loves evil
They only listen to the lies of the devil.
When someone engages you in a fight
Don’t get into the trap, run for your life
Pursue peace and avoid fights of any kind
This will make you lead a conflict-free life.
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I lived a good number of life amidst passive conflict. What I mean by this is that there was not any loud screaming or arguing, it was more emotional provocation and belittling that I experienced growing up. As a result of living with these challenges, I learned to react to conflicts defensively. I became obsessed to prove myself right to almost everyone. Thus, I learned to thrive in it. When I became a born again Christian, the Lord dealt with the sin of conflict in my life. He convicted me of all that caused me to choose to fight rather than to pursue peace. He brought me to those moments when I cradled the wounds of the traumas and abuses from those closest to me.
Romans 12:18 tells us that if it is possible, as far as it depends on us, we must live at peace with everyone. Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin.
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PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from the tendency to argue or fight.
REFLECTION
Why do you think the love of conflict is considered a sin?
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
DIVISION DESTROYS Poem Devotional
June 26
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Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A family splintered by feuding will fall apart.– Luke 11:17(NLT)
DIVISION DESTROYS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Where there is a disagreement and fighting
Follows shattered vision and victorious living
Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed
A family splintered by feuding will not bloom.
Let go of divisions and embrace peace
Be grateful that you are not bound but free
Division destroys all kinds of relationships
Do not let it be a hindrance to growing friendships.
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When there is a sign of disorder, there usually is division that caused it. Many relationships can be challenged by disagreements and lack of respect and communication. Many things can cause breakdowns in a church, an organization or company, marriages, family or friendships. Division usually is one of the major causes of many broken relationships and communities.
My first husband and I were very divided in terms of our beliefs, culture and traditions, way of thinking and preferences over many issues. It completely destroyed my ideals and my vision of what a marriage should be. I thank the Lord for delivering me from this ungodly and destructive relationship. The Lord allowed my wrong choice to happen so that I can learn to let go of things that will take me away from him.
Where there is division, love cannot thrive and faith won’t grow. Agreement is essential in walking in love.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to be able to agree with all your truth.
REFLECTION
Why is an agreement essential in any relationship or partnership?
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
WHEN THERE IS DIVISION Poem Devotional
August 31
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If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth and their own sins condemn them. -Titus 3:10-11(NLT)
WHEN THERE IS DIVISION
A poem and essay by ILMA
When there is division among the body of Christ
It needs to be addressed or it will lead to more fights
The person causing division have turned away from truth
Someone needs to warn them and get to its root.
When someone creates division amongst others
They are stirring up their sisters and brothers
Turn away from them when they continue to divide
Have nothing more to do with people who don’t abide.
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I have experienced a few sisters in Christ who creates division in our church. It is sad to watch that those who are the leaders are the ones who stir up troubles. No wonder we are not able to receive a revival in our church. It is a discouraging thing to watch especially when the act is so subtly done. The newly committed Christians will probably miss what’s going on, but to those who are spiritually mature, it won’t be unnoticed. I did gently confront them but they pretended it didn’t happen. As this verse say, have nothing more to do with them after you have warned them. These people have already stayed away from truth.
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PRAYER
Lord, stir the hearts of those who creates division especially in your church.
REFLECTION
Why should we gently confront people who divide?
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
SYMPTOMS OF JEALOUSY Poem Devotional
May 3________________________________________
For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. -James 3:16(NLT)
SYMPTOMS OF JEALOUSY
A poem and essay by ILMA
When there is insecurity in someone’s heart
That’s an opening for the enemy to start
Longing to have something others possess produces envy
It breeds contempt, anger, bitterness and folly.
Wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition
There you will find disorder, chaos and division
Whenever there is discontent and comparison
There’ll be unkind and evil things beyond reason.
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Baker’s Evangelical dictionary defines “envy” as the sin of jealousy over the blessings and achievements of others, especially the spiritual advancement that is being done for God’s kingdom. Envy certainly leads to disorder and all kinds of evil, affecting one’s physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. Unchecked, it slowly leads to a detrimental and regretful way of life ( Proverbs 27:4 ), and eventually, to estrangement from God ( Roman 1:28-32 ). Envy manifests the treacherousness of sin and human wickedness apart from God’s redeeming grace. If you are a believer, it is wise to avoid the company of such envious, godless people ( Proverbs 24:1 ). Envy is listed among the sins of the flesh that must be conquered through the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 2:1 ). Where there is jealousy and selfish ambition, you will find chaos, stagnation and proliferation of other sins.
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PRAYER
Lord, heal the hearts of those who are in bondage of the spirit of envy.
REFLECTION
Why do you think the bible instructs us to stay away from envious people?
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