September 9
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THE INJUSTICES OF LIFE
A poem by ILMA
I noticed that under the sun there is evil and corruption in the courtroom “In due season God will judge everyone, both good and bad, for all their deeds.”
I also thought about how God proves to people that they are like animals
For people and animals share the same fate, both breathe and both must die.
So, people have no real advantage over the animals; how meaningless
Both go to the same place—they came from dust and they return to dust
For who can prove that the human spirit goes up and animals goes down
So, I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work.
That is our lot in life; no one can bring us back to see what happens after we die
Again, I observed all the oppression that takes place under the sun
I saw the tears of the oppressed, with no one to comfort them
The oppressors have great power, and their victims are helpless.
So I concluded that the dead are better off than the living
But most fortunate of all are those who are not yet born
For they have not seen all the evil that is done under the sun
Then I saw most people want success because they envy others.
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MEMORY VERSE
Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind. – Ecclesiastes 4:4
Read: Ecclesiastes 3:16- 4:6
As long as we are alive, we will be witnesses to the many injustices in this world. This chapter of Ecclesiastes tells us how meaningless life can be and how chasing success is futile and worthless.
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REFLECTION
• Why do people chase success in this life?
• Why do you think God allows injustices to happen even in the lives of good people?
• What should be the focus of a believer’s life?
Tag Archives: oppression
FOR THE WEAK AND NEEDY Poem Devotional
Nov 10
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He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them, He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious to him. – Psalm 72:13-14(NLT)
FOR THE WEAK AND NEEDY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you struggling with a weakness in your life?
Find solace in knowing you’ll be rescued by Christ
Have your needs stayed unmet by your loved ones?
You will only feel complete when you seek God’s Son.
The Lord will redeem you from violence and oppression
Only through him, will you be freed and find salvation
You are the apple of his eyes and is very precious to him
Rejoice and be glad that you will be rescued from sin.
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Our world caters more to the strong and marginalize the weak and the needy. In some underdeveloped countries, needs are minimized and forgotten. In faced paced places, nobody even cares if someone else is in need. The important thing for them is to work hard for their money and power. To each his own has become the norm and nobody goes out of their way to find out how they can help someone out.
In Jesus’ time, he always had time for the weak and the needy and those who were mistreated or judged by the public. He feels pity for them and he promised that he will rescue them because they are precious to him.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to extend compassion to the weak and needy.
REFLECTION
Why does God have a special place in his heart for the weak and needy?
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
TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE Poem Devotional
July 27________________________________________
He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. – John 1:10-12 (NLT)
TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Christ came so we can be redeemed
He wanted us to be freed from sin
He didn’t come from the rich and wealthy
Instead he came from a humble and poor family.
He came to his own people but they rejected him
He was oppressed and tortured to the extreme
But to all who believed him and accepted him
He gave them the right to become God’s children.
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Do you remember how it felt when someone oppressed and rejected you? My life’s theme for the first half of my life is rejection, abuse and discrimination. It was a challenge to go through life with such pressing circumstances. The only reason why I am still alive and kicking is because I chose to believe in God and allow him to take care of all my trials and tribulations.
Christ was never given respect especially in his own hometown. They rejected him and didn’t accept and believe in him, yet he promised those who believe that they are God’s children. To those who believe, he fulfills all his promises.
PRAYER
Lord, give me a faith like Abraham’s.
REFLECTION
What promises of God are you looking forward to?
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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
HEIRS TO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN Poem Devotional
April 19
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God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of heaven is theirs.
– Matthew 5:10 (NLT)
HEIRS TO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you being discriminated for believing in Jesus?
Are you marginalized because you are righteous?
Are your silenced to proclaim the Good News?
Are you stopped from giving testimony and being a witness?
Those who are persecuted for doing right will be blessed
Even if they are at the bottom now, they will be raised
They are promised a legacy to the kingdom of heaven
The Father will bring a breakthrough to make it even.
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Have you ever been discriminated or misunderstood because of your faith in Jesus? It is a form of oppression that can be very subtle or obvious. I am currently experiencing a form of persecution because of my love for the Lord and my desire to follow his word and live a righteous life. I am surrounded by people who are either religious, atheists or lost believers who only select what is convenient for them to practice. It is a very challenging battle. When they catch me at my most vulnerable time, I can get pulled down by the spirit of the enemy. The bible promises the kingdom of heaven to those who are persecuted to do what is right.
PRAYER
Lord, give me strength when I am persecuted.
REFLECTION
How should we respond to persecution or oppression to do good?
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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