February 17
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THE KING OF GLORY
The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness there of the world and those who dwell therein,
2 For he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
7 Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory?
The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!
9 Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is this King of glory?
The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory! – Psalm 24:1-10
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The psalm addresses the Israelites and to glorify the only true king who has delivered them and granted them victory in battles. They acknowledge the source and the creator of all things who wants all of his people to be pure for him and to hate evil, just as he does. The word hosts is a translation of the Hebrew word sabaoth, meaning “armies”—a reference to the angelic armies of heaven. Thus, another way of saying “LORD of hosts” is “God of the armies of heaven.” This is the only psalm declaring God as king of glory. The Hebrew word for glory (kavod) is sometimes used figuratively to mean “heavy” or “dense.” When we speak of a “weighty” person, someone who is honorable and worthy.
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ADORATION: We praise you, the Lord of Hosts, the King of glory. We lift up our heads to give you praise and honor.
CONFESSION: Forgive me each time I fail to hate evil and compromise my purity.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for all creation and all your provision to fill my needs.
SUPPLICATION: May all men bring you the glory that is only Yours alone. May all peoples come to their knees and bow down only to the King of Glory.
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REFLECTION
• Why is the stance of looking up to the Lord in praise essential for all Christians?
Tag Archives: God
GOD IS IN CONTROL Poem Devotional
May 26________________________________________
We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall. -Proverbs 16:33(NLT)
GOD IS IN CONTROL
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you think you have it all
You are in for a great fall
You may take the lead in many things
Only God knows each and everything.
You may plan where to go and what to do
God’s in control, he knows best for you
Do not be obsessed with your own will
The Lord alone can determine and see.
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I lived many years of ungodliness in my youth up until my fifties. I lived by the world’s standards, making my own plans and seeking after success and achievements. I even took a job in the theatre that gave me much control over the performances as a stage manager. I plan, I disciplined myself, trained and made sure I was knowledgeable. I was a perfectionist and a planner and took so much pride in running things for the performance oriented job.
My personal life was also lived like a micro-manager. I planned my day, my career, the roles I played and my future. Because I didn’t grow up in a loving environment and everyone controlled me, I became fastidious and took control of ever aspect of my life. I lived a very independent and self-sufficient life, never relying on anyone for help. God opened my eyes and heart that he wanted me to relinquish control to him.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to let go of control and let your will be done.
REFLECTION
Why do you think humans love to take control?
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
THE WORD OF LIFE Poem Devotional
December 13
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He is the word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father and then he was revealed to us. – 1 John 1:1-2(NLT)
THE WORD OF LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
In the beginning, the Word already existed
The Word was with God and together they created
The Word gave life to everything he made
And his life brought light to all of humankind.
The Father manifested himself in the Word
This is to show his love for the entire world
The Word became life and in him we will have eternity
The Word of Life is Jesus himself who brings us victory.
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I’d like to quote a part of John Mark Hicks commentary on 1 John 1:1-4. This is such an astounding claim that John interrupts his sentence in order to elaborate what he means by the “Word of Life.” When Word becomes flesh (what we saw, heard, and touched), “eternal life” was revealed. The incarnation is the revelation of God’s own life within the creation as a creature.
When I read 1 John’s book, it was such a deep truth that I had to pray to the Lord to reveal to me what it really means. The apostle John witnesses to the personified Christ who gave us life.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me always remember that you alone can give eternal life.
REFLECTION
How have you testified to the Word 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
OBEDIENCE IS PROOF Poem Devotional
June 22________________________________________
All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me.
– John 14:23-24 (NLT)
OBEDIENCE IS PROOF
A poem and essay by ILMA
The best proof of your love for the Father is obedience
He loves it when you rely on him for providence
When you obey him, you are submitting to his will
When you agree to whatever he says, you’ll overcome sin.
Anyone who doesn’t love God doesn’t obey
They live in darkness and do not pray
All those who are obedient to his word get much blessings
God’s Spirit dwells in them so they are not prone to sinning.
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Obedience is key to a fruitful and blessed life. We are given many stories in the bible of people whom God used because they were obedient. Abraham obeyed the Lord to leave his native land Ur to the promised land and he became father of all nations. Mary obeyed the calling to bear Jesus’ despite her confusion at first. She became the mother of Jesus and was blessed among all women. Rahab, who despite being a prostitute followed the call to help the Israelites to conquer Jericho. Her family became part of the lineage of Jesus. The bible says that obedience is proof that you love the Lord and disobedience leads to destruction.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to be able to constantly heed your words.
REFLECTION
What happens when people constantly disobey God?
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
I’LL PUT MY HOPE IN GOD poem devotional
March 8________________________________________
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again-my Savior and my God. -Psalm 43:5(NLT)
I’LL PUT MY HOPE IN GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever I feel down and discouraged
I will put my hope in God so I’ll have the courage
When things seem bleak and hopeless
I will look beyond feeling frustrated and helpless.
Why is my heart so sad when my mind can’t fathom?
I need to praise the Lord with complete abandon
I will put my hope in Christ for he is full of grace
I will focus on my God so I will continue to be amazed.
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Was there ever a time in your life when you were frustrated, desperate, helpless and hopeless? I am sure at some point you were in this predicament. There were many dark periods in over 5 decades of my life. I even came to a point when I argued and battled with the Lord over many things I did not understand. I manipulated and made vows and deals with him just so I can have my way. I was a controlling woman who’d do anything to get her wishes and dreams fulfilled. I thank God that he delivered me from this desperation, manipulation and rebellion that enslaved me. I will put my hope in my God and I will completely trust him.
PRAYER
Lord, teach us humility and obedience when we get discouraged.
REFLECTION
What do you do or who do you run to when you feel helpless?
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