May 7
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PSALM 31 BE GRACIOUS TO ME IN TIMES OF GRIEF
6 I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols,
but I trust in the LORD.
7 I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love,
because you have seen my affliction;
you have known the distress of my soul,
8 and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy;
you have set my feet in a broad place.
9 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress;
my eye is wasted from grief;
my soul and my body also.
10 For my life is spent with sorrow,
and my years with sighing;
my strength fails because of my iniquity,
and my bones waste away. – Psalm 31:7-10
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A PLEA FOR GRACE by ILMA
My Lord, please hear my distressed soul
Be gracious to your servant who is in much sorrow
Please keep away all the idolaters from my life
They suck the energy out and snuff off your light
Set me free from those whose only concern is “self”
Change their hearts and reveal yourself to them
Let them know that their wickedness destroys
Grant me grace to overcome the enemy’s ploys
I trust you completely and stand on your steadfast love
I praise you and honor your name my Lord and my God
Replace my sorrow with the joy that only comes from you
Give me a heart that endures all things and forgives
Shower me with your wisdom and grant me patience.
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REFLECTION
• Why are prayers important especially when you are going through grief and sorrow and suffering?
Tag Archives: ILMA ARTS STUIDO
ON KNOWLEDGE, LOVE & THE ONE TRUE GOD ILMA’S VLOG
July 24
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ON KNOWLEDGE, LOVE & THE ONE TRUE GOD
Now concerning food sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes one conceited, but love edifies people. 2 If anyone thinks that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; 3 but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.
4 Therefore, concerning the eating of food sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. 5 For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, 6 yet for us there is only one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him. – 1 Corinthians 8:1-6
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In this letter Paul addresses the question whether food sacrificed to idols can be consumed by believers. It is interesting how Paul began this letter with the principle of knowledge and love. In the beginning of this letter, he differentiates the effects of the two principles: knowledge makes a person conceited or arrogant, but the one who operates in love builds up others. Paul further warns the believers to watch out if anyone is assuming that he knows anything because the more he claims he knows, the more he doesn’t really understand. If anyone loves God, he or she is surely going to be acknowledged by God himself.
After Paul explains the principles of knowledge and love, he begins to answer their query on the eating of food sacrificed to idols. He explains that idols have no value at all and that there is only one true God. He further explains that despite the many idols that many have been worshiping, there is only one God. This one true God, is the source of all things and the only reason why they are still alive. He is the reason why all things are created and it is only through him that anything is possible.
For those who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ, it is impossible to have knowledge and wisdom. Without Jesus, there can never be true love. The love that the world knows is not the perfect love that God the Father offers. Proverbs 1:7 says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Paul answers the question on eating food offered to idols by giving them a glimpse of the true character of God, full of wisdom and love.
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REFLECTION
• How can a Christian bring knowledge to those who don’t know the Lord?
CHURCH AS PILLAR AND SUPPORT OF THE TRUTH
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April 4
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CHURCH AS PILLAR AND SUPPORT OF THE TRUTH
14 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; 15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one should act in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 16 Beyond question, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. – 1 Timothy 3:13-16
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, his purpose is to ensure that there isn’t time wasted in giving of the instructions to the Gentile believers as to how one should act in the household of God. Paul calls the family of believers as the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
What a clear picture he paints in this letter of the body of believers who are the support or the ground that the truth of God’s word rest. What a big responsibility we have as Christians towards seeking and bringing truth into the world! How can a believer bring the gospel if he has no hunger for the law and the word of God? How can Christians preach the Good News if their lives do not manifest the life that comes only from the living word of God?
In verse 16, Paul discusses the mystery of godliness. Believers do not have a clue what godliness is until the Lord Jesus Christ became flesh and showed us what it is to be godly.
The previous guidelines stated in the earlier verses before this passage was laid down in detail so that there will be no confusion or chaos in the body of Christ. Paul clearly stated how Christians must live their lives blameless and pure, especially those in leadership position, as it may encourage or hinder the spiritual growth of other believers in that church.
How many churches are keeping this important role that all the body of believers must safeguard against corruption and the false teachings and doctrines that may have infiltrated the assembly of God’s people? It is a sad fate to watch many so-called Christians who do not even follow God’s order, law and discipline or submit to authorities that God has given them to follow. When we are mixed up with world systems, we are compromising the sanctification given to us through the Holy Spirit to live holy and pure lives.
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REFLECTION
• How can the church fail in being the pillar and support of truth?
THEY HAVE AFFLICTED ME FROM MY YOUTH Poem Devotional
February 2
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THEY HAVE AFFLICTED ME FROM MY YOUTH
“Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth”—let Israel now say—
2 “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth, yet they have not prevailed against me.
3 The plowers plowed upon my back; they made long their furrows.”
4 The LORD is righteous; he has cut the cords of the wicked.
5 May all who hate Zion be put to shame and turned backward!
6 Let them be like the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up,
7 With which the reaper does not fill his hand
Nor the binder of sheaves his arms,8 nor do those who pass by say,
“The blessing of the LORD be upon you!
We bless you in the name of the LORD!” – Psalm 129:1-8
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This psalm is a song of ascents or a pilgrim song which reflects what God’s people have endured and how God has sustained them. Verse 2 “afflicted me from my youth” indicates the longsuffering and “yet they have not prevailed against me” shows that because God has been faithful to walk alongside with them, they have endured. The psalm shows the trust that the Israelites have for the Lord, knowing that he will defend them from all those who hate them or plan evil against them. Because of their dependence and faith on the Lord, we can see how they can ask the Lord such protection and know in their hearts that they will be heard and that they will be blessed just like how a child believes that their own parents would grant them their requests.
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ADORATION: Lord, you are magnificently omniscient and omnipotent. You are a great Father to all your children, providing and protecting all your loved ones.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I do not endure the trials that come my way and when I become proud and forget that it is you who defends me.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for all the opportunities you give me to constantly rely on you.
SUPPLICATION: May all your people bear all their trials and sufferings knowing that you have them covered and that you are in control. May we learn to let go of taking things into our own hands.
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REFLECTION
• How can we deepen our dependency on God in this very “self” focused world?
PAUL’S WARNING ON TROUBLEMAKERS Poem Devotional
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?
FUTURE GLORY Poem Devotional
July 21
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FUTURE GLORY
A poem by ILMA
What we suffer now is incomparable to the glory He’ll reveal to us
For all creation is eagerly waiting to know who his children really are
Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse
But with eager hope, creation looks forward when we join him.
We believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit
We long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering
We eagerly hope when God will give us our full rights as adopted children
We were given this hope when we were saved and believed in Jesus.
The Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses and tells us what to pray for
He shows us to pray with groanings that cannot be expressed in words
And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is say
For the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s ways.
God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love him
God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like Christ
And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself
And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.
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MEMORY VERSE
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. – Romans 8:28
Read: Romans 8:18-30
When we become Christians, we have hope that the promise of God for a future glory is going to happen. Unlike unbelievers, we can see that God causes everything, even the bad things to work for God’s glory. How loving our heavenly Father is, he gave us his son so that we can have right standing with him where Jesus is the oldest and all believers have the same right as him.
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REFLECTION
• What should we remember when we encounter hardships and trials in life?
PAUL ROCKS JERUSALEM Poem Devotional
July 2
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PAUL ROCKS JERUSALEM
A poem by ILMA
Some believers from Caesarea packed their things and left for Jerusalem
They went to the home of Mnason, who is from Cyprus and one of the early believers
When they arrived, the brothers and sisters welcomed them warmly
The next day, Paul met with James and all the church elders were present.
After greeting them, Paul gave a detailed account of what they’ve accomplished
He reminded them that God’s Spirit was constantly with them as they preached
The leaders confronted Paul telling him that in Jerusalem they heard his teaching
That Paul was making the Jewish custom of circumcision removed from their practice.
They instructed Paul to go with four men who have completed their vow
They should ritually shave their heads and go through purification
Paul went to the Temple the next day with the four men
He announced publicly the date when their vows would end.
The seven days were almost ended when some Jews from Asia roused a mob
They grabbed Paul and started yelling “This is the man who preaches against the law.”
The whole city was rocked by these accusations and a great riot followed.
The Roman regiment came to stop the uproar and the crowds beating on Paul.
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MEMORY VERSE
The whole city was rocked by these accusations and a great riot followed. Paul was grabbed and dragged out of the Temple and immediately the gates were closed behind him. – Acts 21:30
Read: Acts 21:15-32
This story of Paul arriving at Jerusalem and being questioned by the elders about him dissolving the law concerning circumcision almost reminds me of Jesus’ trial. They were both publicly questioned and because of people’s bondage to the law, they wanted to kill Paul, just like they did with Jesus as well.
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REFLECTION
• Why do people get into legalism? Why do you think Paul was persecuted like Jesus?
JESUS CALLS LEVI (MATTHEW) Poem Devotional
May 3
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JESUS CALLS LEVI (MATTHEW)
A poem by ILMA
As Jesus left the town, he saw Levi, the tax collector sitting at his booth
“Follow me and be my disciple” Jesus said to him so he got up
He left everything he had and followed Jesus immediately
Later, Jesus was the guest of honor at a banquet he hosted.
Then the Pharisees and teachers of the law complained bitterly
“Why do you eat and drink with such scum as Levi?” they asked Jesus
Christ replied, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor-sick people do”
“I have come to call those who acknowledge their sins and repent.
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MEMORY VERSE
Healthy people don’t need a doctor-sick people do. I have come to call not those who think thy are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.
– Luke 5:31-32
Read: Luke 5:27-32
I heard one preacher describe what a church is. He said that the church is like a hospital and all the members represent the patients who are sick, not one is totally healed or they won’t be in the hospital anymore. When I heard him say this, an image comes to mind. A picture of people waiting to be given care and attention, waiting to get healed and get back to their normal lives, recuperating and getting stronger.
Isn’t it wonderful that Jesus called those who are not perfect to be his disciples? In fact, he chose messed up and sick people like Levi. His desire to follow him and turn his back on sin was truly Spirit led. ________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do we go to church and think that everyone in it has it altogether?
• How can we give compassion as Jesus did to those who are sinners and weak?
• How can we guard ourselves from giving a verdict to someone we don’t really know what’s going on in their hearts?
• How do we set other people up for failure when we have unrealistic expectations from them?
SUFFERING’S LESSON Poem Devotional
October 17________________________________________
My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
– Psalm 119:71(NLT)
SUFFERING’S LESSON
A poem and essay by ILMA
When I went through much suffering
I learned many ways of enduring
It wasn’t pleasant during the experience
But later on, it made me strong and resilient.
God convicted me to heed his commands
I began to learn to cope with life’s demands
I realized Jesus died a horrible death for me
My pain is no comparison to what he did.
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Human tendency is to avoid pain. We want to ensure that we are comfortable and safe. When we get in trouble, the flight or fight mode kicks in so we can survive. When I was about young girl, there was an earthquake in the Philippines that killed many people in a building that collapsed. It was early morning when it happened so many people died because they were asleep when it happened. I watched on television how the victims where being pulled out from the ruins of the building. After seeing those dead people on the news, I began getting nightmares. Many years later, I still fear disasters especially earthquakes. Several painful events ensued after that disaster. Many years later, the Lord convicted me and assured me from his word that he was always with me and that he died for all those who are in pain and oppressed.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me discern what to learn when I suffer.
REFLECTION
How can suffering make us resilient and strong?
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’S NO SHEPHERD Poem Devotional
February 20
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Household gods give worthless advice, fortune-tellers predict only lies, and interpreters of dreams pronounce falsehoods that give no comfort. So my people are wandering like lost sheep, they are attacked because they have no shepherd. – Zechariah 10:2(NLT)
WHEN THERE’S NO SHEPHERD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When there is no one leading a flock
It is easy to get lost and be stuck
Like a sheep without a shepherd
We can become very helpless.
If one ever goes astray from God’s fold
He will look for him and leave them all
When you feel lost and start wandering
Your beloved Jesus will always be rescuing.
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Hundreds of sheep followed their leader off a cliff in eastern Turkey, plunging to their deaths this week while shepherds looked on in dismay. Four hundred sheep fell 15 metres to their deaths in a ravine in Van province near Iran but broke the fall of another 1,100 animals who survived. Shepherds from a nearby village neglected the flock while eating breakfast, leaving the sheep to roam free. The loss to local farmers was estimated at $74,000. One sheep wandered off a cliff and 1,499 others just followed along. This shows how dumb sheep are. Another trait they have is that they are directionless. This is why they need a shepherd because they have no clue where they are going. The bible says that when we don’t have a shepherd to watch us, we will stray.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me never lose focus on you shepherding me.
REFLECTION
What happens to believers who have no one to lead them?
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