November 1
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THE VIRTUE OF PATIENCE
A poem by ILMA
All of us believers are commanded to be patient as we wait for Christ’s return
Just like the farmer who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and spring
They enthusiastically look forward to the seeds to bear fruits and ripen
We be hopeful and endure all that we go through until Jesus comes again.
Don’t complain about each other or you will be judge
Since the heavenly Judge will standing at the door!
Learn from the story of Job, a man of great endurance
Despite all of the things he lost, his patience and faith remained.
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MEMORY VERSE
Be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen.
– James 5:7
Read: James 5:7-12
In the bible, the quality or virtue of patience is presented as either forbearance or endurance. In the former sense it is a quality of self-restraint or of not giving way to anger, even in the face of provocation; it is attributed to both God and man and is closely related to mercy and compassion. Patience is a novelty in my life. Though the Lord has given me endurance, I still find it hard at times to be patient after I have suffered long. It is interesting that I am struggling with one and yet able to endure. I think that I need to focus more on the return of Jesus with expectancy and not let all the challenges and trials in life become the focus of my life. I need to look up to Jesus so that everything I do will be for his glory.
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REFLECTION
• Why is patience a novelty in our world today?
• What makes people endure hardships?
• How is not giving in to anger closely related to mercy and compassion?
• How can we be patient even in the face of provocation?
• Do you think impatience is a form of anger? Why or why not?
Tag Archives: endurance
COMFORT BRINGS ENDURANCE Poem Devotional
September 19________________________________________
For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. – 2 Corinthians 1:6(NLT)
COMFORT BRINGS ENDURANCE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When we go through pain and misery
You may want be alone or long for company
Don’t feel discouraged, reach out to others
Comfort brings strength and patient endurance.
Don’t hesitate to give others comfort
In doing so, you are going to go forth
By being generous to others who need you
It manifests Christ’s presence and a life renewed.
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I grew up in the Philippines where there is much openness and hospitality. It is a good thing and yet it can be an issue with boundaries. Filipinos have an open door policy with friends, neighbors and relatives. Anyone can just drop in your doorstep and regardless of what one is doing, they welcome these visitors and guests. You don’t need an appointment or notification to go visit someone. Filipinos are also very good at comforting others especially the sick, the grieving and those who are going through adversities. When I came to Canada, it was totally different. I learned boundaries because not all people have open door policy. I became more respectful of giving hospitality and comfort. I learned to adjust to the difference in culture and traditions.
The bible says that when we are comforted, we will also receive comforting. It helps us endure our suffering.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to be sensitive when I give comfort to others.
REFLECTION
Why do some people feel uncomfortable receiving comfort from others?
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
REWARD OF SUFFERING Poem Devotional
October 29
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Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life. – Revelations 2:10(NLT)
REWARD OF SUFFERING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you cringe when you have difficulties?
Be warned when the enemy attack your frailties
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer
You always have the Spirit, who is your helper.
When you encounter tests and suffering
Be joyful for it help you to be constantly growing
Remain faithful to the Lord despite all of these anguish
You will enjoy the life eternal and you will be lavished.
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Many people in our society today do not know how to deal with suffering. We react at the onset of something that is uncomfortable or anything that will pose a challenge or threat to our status quo. We like to get our way and what we want instantly. This is why we don’t have the wisdom or strength to endure pain or suffering. The book of James tells us that we have to be joyful when we encounter suffering because our faith has a chance to grow and we gain strength and endurance which will make us perfect and needing nothing (James 1:2-4). Revelations tells us to focus on the crown of life when suffering.
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PRAYER
Thank you Lord for all the endurance you have granted me.
REFLECTION
How can we change our worldly perspective on suffering?
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
ENDURANCE LEADS TO SALVATION Poem Devotional
May 17________________________________________
But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. – Matthew 24:13-14(NLT)
ENDURANCE LEADS TO SALVATION
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you encounter much trouble and suffering
Be thankful! Your faith will surely be growing
The one who endures to the end will be protected
Those who easily give up will not be included.
Endurance is a manifestation of being faithful
It also shows that you are diligent and hopeful
Jesus endured all kinds of violence and cruelty
He wants us to embrace challenges courageously.
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Endurance is defined as a noun as the fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way. As an adjective, it is denoting or relating to a race or other sporting event that takes place over a long distance or otherwise demands great physical stamina. Endurance is an important ingredient in overcoming obstacles or winning a competition. James 1:2-3 tells us that the testing of our faith produces endurance. In other words, if we easily give up at the first trial or testing, we won’t finish the race to God’s kingdom. It is also a pre-requisite in order for us to be saved. When we endure and persevere, we show strength in our character.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to focus on you instead of the circumstance when my faith is being tested.
REFLECTION
How can we develop endurance in our character?
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
ROAD TO FULFILLED DREAMS Poem Devotional
October 21
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Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character.
– Psalm 105:19(NLT)
ROAD TO FULFILLED DREAMS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you going through tests and trials in your life?
Do you have things that are not going right?
Sometimes we experience tests to build character
It brings out the best when we are tried by our Maker
Do not stop until you get right to your dream
It pays to be patient rather than being grim
Don’t be afraid of suffering for it makes you strong
It will make your dreams come true not for very long.
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The story of Joseph in Genesis 37 is a good testimony about how the Lord tested Joseph’s character. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he often tended his father’s flocks. He worked for his half brothers, the son’s of his father’s wives. Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. So one day, Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph, a beautiful robe. He dreamed about bundles of grain that bowed low before his. Another dream was that the sun, moon and eleven stars bowed low before him. When he told his brothers, the more they hated him and they plotted to kill him. Joseph was sold as a slave to the Egyptians, but later made ruler of Egypt. A dream fulfilled.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never give up when I am faced with trials?
REFLECTION
How can character be built out of suffering and trials?
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
ENDURANCE LEADS TO PERFECTION Poem Devotional
October 19 ________________________________________
For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete needing nothing. – James 1:3-4(NLT)
ENDURANCE LEADS TO PERFECTION
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you being challenged to press against all odds?
Your strength and patience is being stretched by God
Don’t give up, don’t hinder it while it is progressing
It will make you perfect, complete and needing nothing.
Don’t resist while pressures against you builds up
Press on and continue to focus on God’s only Son
Wait a little longer and you will reap a harvest
Don’t worry, stay faithful and you’ll be blessed.
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Back in my early 40’s, I was a member of a cycling club and was the only woman in a group of over fifty members. I needed to practice on my own daily, at least 30 kilometers per day to keep up with the boys. I also had to ensure that I slowly pace myself up to a certain speed so I can catch up with all these strong men during our weekend bike marathons with distance goal of 200 kilometers in a span of 2-3 hours. When we reach that height of the climb, I almost want to give up, but I press on and I did it. The bible encourages us to keep on enduring so we can reach perfection.
PRAYER
Lord, give me strength to endure even when I can’t understand.
REFLECTION
What is the most challenging test that God allowed in your life?
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
PROMISE OF THE CROWN OF LIFE
September 30
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God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12(NLT)
PROMISE OF THE CROWN OF LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you experiencing challenges and troubles?
If you endure them, it will bring you out of the rubbles
God blesses those who faithfully bear difficulties
Give up anxiety and surrender to Him all your worries.
The Lord promised the crown of life to those who love him
Are you holding on to his promise so you can conquer sin?
Have patience to suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ
You will be showered with and overflow of blessings in life.
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A crown is a traditional headwear worn by a monarch or by a deity, for whom the crown traditionally represents power, legitimacy, victory, triumph, honor, and glory, as well as immortality, righteousness, and resurrection. Crowns worn by rulers often contain jewels.
In the Christian tradition of European cultures, when a new monarch assumes the throne in a coronation ceremony, the crown is placed on the new monarch’s head by a religious official. It was a new experience for me when I became a Canadian citizen and pledge allegiance to the queen.
The bible promised all Christians the crown of life, a crown more important than any worldly crown. Continue to patiently endure so you will reap this promise.
PRAYER
Help me to endure so that I can receive your crown of life.
REFLECTION
What can hinder us from receiving the crown of life?
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
ON ENDURING HARDSHIPS
July 6
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If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.
-2 Timothy 2:12(NLT)
ON ENDURING HARDSHIPS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you going through difficult times now?
Don’t worry; continue to believe and never doubt
If we endure hardship, we will reign with Christ
If we deny it, we will lose reason to live in this life.
Remember that Jesus experienced the worst suffering
Just look up the cross and keep on remembering
Hardships can stretch our character and discipline
It gives us the power to overcome sin and win.
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There is a misnomer in our society today that we should have a trouble-free life. Many people are in pursuit of happiness and getting what they want. I used to chase these same things before God changed my heart. I endured hardship in a way that God didn’t want me to. I used my talents and skills to overcome adversities and never really relied on God’s grace and mercy. I proved to others that I am a survivor and took pride in it. It was the worldly way to endure hardships. But when I was saved, God showed me that all the things I went through had a purpose. It was to bring me strength and character so I could contribute to build up his kingdom and to spread the good news about his redemption through Jesus Christ.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to remember that you died for me.
REFLECTION
What do you usually do when you encounter difficulties?
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
UPSIDE OF SUFFERING Poem Devotional
November 27 The Power of God’s Word
I am glad when I suffer for you in my body for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continued for his body, the church. –Colossians 1:26 (NLT)
UPSIDE OF SUFFERING
A poem and essay by ILMA
What do you do when you are continually abused and people put you down?
Do you react by being angry, withdraw or do you succumb?
Believers are called to embrace suffering, just like Christ
We are called to participate in his body without a fight.
We don’t need to endure when there is no resistance
The test is in the trials; that is the source of patience
The upside of suffering is going through the finish
Focus on the kingdom and you’ll be able to put up with the anguish.
Human suffering is part of life. The “world” has bombarded society with the avoidance of suffering. We live in a “microwave age” where everything is about quick self-gratification. Society has put so much premium on getting quick fixes and fast results in almost everything.
Paul teaches the Colossians to look at the upside of suffering. He invites believers to be glad when they suffer in their bodies. It is a privilege to partake in Christ’s suffering. By dying to our wants and desires, we are participating in the suffering that Christ endured in order to pay in full our debts and free us from sin.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to endure quietly.
REFLECTION
What challenges are you enduring for Christ?
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