FAITH AND ENDURANCE Poem Devotional


November 19
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FAITH AND ENDURANCE
A poem by ILMA
When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it a chance for great joy
For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow
When your endurance is fully developed, you will be complete, needing nothing
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you
But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone
Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as anxious as the waves
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation
Then they’ll receive the crown of life that God has vowed to those who love him
And remember, don’t ever think “God is tempting me.”
God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else
Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away
These desires give birth to sinful actions and when it grows, it gives birth to death
Don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters
Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father
He created all the lights in the heavens, He never changes or casts a shadow
He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word and we are his prized treasure.
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MEMORY VERSE
For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing – James 1:3-4
Read: James 1:1-16
The world looks at suffering as something to avoid. In this book of James, we see how God looks at trials as something to be joyful about. When we have trials, we have a chance to endure and when it’s fully developed, we will be complete, needing nothing.
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REFLECTION
• How can believers learn to look at suffering the way God sees it?
• What can endurance bring to our lives according to James?

WISE TEACHINGS FROM JAMES Poem Devotional

October 25
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WISE TEACHINGS FROM JAMES
A poem by ILMA
Many people find it hard to see the upside of trouble
As believers, we are instructed to be joyful when trials come
We can consider it an opportunity to let our faith grow
When faith grows, endurance follows then we will be whole.
If you want wisdom, ask the Lord and be sure you only have faith in him
Don’t waver like the waves of the sea that’s tossed by the wind
Don’t expect to receive anything if you are loyal to this world
That would displease the Lord who wants you to be faithful.
Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry
Anger doesn’t allow you to have the righteousness God wants
Rid yourself of all wickedness and accept God’s word
It has power to save you from the corruption of this world.
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MEMORY VERSE
For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. – James 1:3-4
Read: James 1:1-18
The book of James is one of my favorites in the bible. When I was newly born again, it was this book that made me walk into the freedom that God has given me as a new creation in Christ. It was very straightforward and practical but allowed me to grow in my understanding of the importance of
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think being quick to listen is beneficial for us Christians instead of speaking quickly?
• What happens if you allow anger to become habitual?
• Why is studying and accepting God’s word essential in a believer’s life?
• Have you ever felt joy from having much trials?
• Why is unbelief and wavering an obstacle to answered prayers?

ENDURANCE LEADS TO PERFECTION Poem Devotional

port elgin camping 2012 224

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