NOT BY GOOD WORKS Poem Devotional

barrie visit 2011 355

February 27________________________________________
And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is-free and undeserved. -Romans 11:6(NLT)
NOT BY GOOD WORKS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Not by good works are you saved
It is by seeking God’s word and being brave
Since it is through God’s kindness you receive grace
Why not boast of his grace to all of the human race.
Not by good works can we be accepted
God’s grace can help us overcome being dejected
Enjoy this gift even if you really don’t deserve it
Your acceptance will open your heart to God’s spirit.
________________________________________
Some Christians still do works of the flesh. For many years, I thought that I could do the work of changing myself. I educated myself with self-help books, oblivious to the fact that some of these worldly advice had actually drawn me further away from God. The only time I realized this was when I began to study God’s word. I realized that self-effort and self-reliance wasn’t how God designed me to be. Proverbs 3:5 tells us to trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not depend on your own understanding. Ephesians 2:8-9 says that God saved you by his grace when you believed. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done. It is free and undeserved.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, remind me to never stop looking at the cross.
REFLECTION
How can you rely more on God’s grace instead on your own effort?
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

BREATH THAT BRINGS FAITH ALIVE

IMG_8747

December 10                                                                    The Power of God’s Word
Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. – James 2:26(NLT)
BREATH THAT BRINGS FAITH ALIVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you believe in God like Abraham did?
He was God’s friend when he believed
Abraham was ready to do anything for the Lord
He was willing to give his son to bring God laud.
Faith alone will not totally glorify God
It will fire it up but does not show true love
Good works will be the breath that brings faith alive
It is when we put faith in action that brings light and life.
We come to Christ through faith but he has commanded us to love one another and it is best shown in acts of kindness. The book of James boldly challenges believers to show their faith through works. He says that faith without good deeds is dead. He poses questions for practical application of our faith in James 2:15-16. Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Goodbye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”- but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to show acts of kindness to others.
REFLECTION
Why do we need to do good works?
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