Tag Archives: poetry

GENESIS 6 GOD’S REGRET & GRIEF OVER MAN’S WICKEDNESS

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November 3

GENESIS 6

When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them,

2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose. 3 Then the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not abide inman forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.” 4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown. 5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

6 And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. 7 So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. – Genesis 6:1-8

GENESIS 6 GOD’S REGRET & GRIEF OVER MAN’S WICKEDNESS

A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA

As humans grew after the fall of Adam and Eve, the curse continues

The Lord God regretted creating man for he progressed in wickedness

But He was also grieving over the image he placed on them that was defiled

Sin changed that make that God created and corrupted his mind and heart.

The Lord couldn’t bear living with man as he watched them wallow in sin

He created them so that he can walk with them, but they never did

Except for one man named Noah, who found favor in God’s eyes

The Lord decided to annihilate mankind and cleanse the world of evil.

In verses 7, we hear a God who regrets and grieves over his own creation. It is beyond my mind how a God who is in control can be affected by man’s wickedness. It only shows God’s righteousness and hatred for evil. Only someone who loves can grieve over the death of righteousness and the proliferation of evil. Can you imagine how you would feel if you created something and that thing tried to destroy your original purpose for making them? I think, we would go berserk and mad and destroy that thing we made, wouldn’t you?

REFLECTION

  • What are your thoughts on God’s decision to blot out mankind in this chapter?

GENESIS 5 FROM ENOCH TO NOAH

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November 2

GENESIS 5

18 When Jared had lived 162 years, he fathered Enoch. 19 Jared lived after he fathered Enoch 800 years and had other sons and daughters. 20 Thus all the days of Jared were 962 years, and he died. 21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. 22 Enoch walked with Godafter he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. 24 Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.25 When Methuselah had lived 187 years, he fathered Lamech. 26 Methuselah lived after he fathered Lamech 782 years and had other sons and daughters. 27 Thus all the days of Methuselah were 969 years, and he died.

28 When Lamech had lived 182 years, he fathered a son 29 and called his name Noah, saying, “Out of the ground that the Lord has cursed, this one shall bring us relieffrom our work and from the painful toil of our hands.” 30 Lamech lived after he fathered Noah 595 years and had other sons and daughters. 31 Thus all the days of Lamech were 777 years, and he died. 32 After Noah was 500 years old, Noah fathered Shem, Ham, and Japheth.  – Genesis 5:18-32

GENESIS 5 FROM ENOCH TO NOAH

A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA

As the earth was being filled by the Lord with humans

The world continues to bear the curse God placed on man

Until the Lord broke the pattern with Enoch whom he chose

Enoch began to walk with God and as God took him out of the world

It was from Enoch’s son Lamech that the Lord will bring about salvation

Noah was Enoch’s great grandson who will begin the new world God wanted.

This chapter is the genealogy of Adam to Noah. Even though we see names and number of years of these descendants of Adam, what is more important to focus on is the way God broke the patterns of long lives and dying. He took and snatched Enoch out from the world without him dying. Enoch is the seventh descendant from Adam. God’s perfect number is seven. Enoch walked closely with God amidst all the ungodly people around him and according to the book of Jude 14-16 he prophesied of the coming ten thousand of God’s holy people. He preached the judgment coming on the wicked.

REFLECTION

  • Why is it important for us to see how God’s hand was still in the midst of evil?

PSALM 55 WHEN FRIENDS BETRAY YOU

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October 11
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PSALM 55 WHEN FRIENDS BETRAY YOU
9 Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongues;
for I see violence and strife in the city.
10 Day and night they go around it on its walls,
and iniquity and trouble are within it;
11 ruin is in its midst; oppression and fraud
do not depart from its marketplace.
12 For it is not an enemy who taunts me— then I could bear it;
it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—
then I could hide from him.
13 But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend.
14 We used to take sweet counsel together;
within God’s house we walked in the throng.
15 Let death steal over them; let them go down to Sheol alive;
for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart. – Psalm 55:9-15
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
My Lord, I plead you to defend me from wicked schemes
Examine my heart so that I can clearly see and discern
Help me to accept that humans are all sinners
This way, I do not have to give in to offensive spirits
Do not let me live in the city of regret when people deceive me
Show me another perspective so I can live in victory
When friends betray me, let me be focused on you alone
Do not let people’s wicked ways steal my joy
Let those who taunt me bear the consequence of the mockery
Help me let go of unrealistic expectations from people
Only you alone, O lord are good and perfect
Teach me to trust others and not be let down easily
Change my mind so that I can see others as you see them.
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REFLECTION
• Why is betrayal of a friend more painful than when your trust is breached by anyone else?

PSALM 55 -GOD SAVES THOSE WHO CALL ON HIM

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April 27
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PSALM 55 -GOD SAVES THOSE WHO CALL ON HIM
12 For it is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it;
it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me, then I could hide from him.
13 But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend.
14 We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng.
15 Let death steal over them; let them go down to Sheol alive;
for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart.
16 But I call to God, and the LORD will save me.
17 Evening and morning and at noon
I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice.
18 He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage,
for many are arrayed against me.19 God will give ear and humble them,
he who is enthroned from of old, Selah because they do not change
and do not fear God. – Psalm 55:12-19
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BETRAYALS FROM A FRIEND by ILMA
When the enemy attacks or mocks me, it is anticipated
But when my closest friend does this, it is so unexpected
In true friendships, they commit to open up their hearts
All that you can give them, you will likely offer and share.
But if this friend deceives and betrays your trust, it hurts
It is as painful as a stab right through your already wounded heart
I cry out to God for comfort in this time of grief from this relationship
Lord, give me strength to forgive and move on to your next calling.
May you take pity on my soul that is so full of pain and sorrow
Pull me out of this pit that can easily lead and drag me to Sheol
Deliver and redeem me from this battlefield that is in my mind
Renew and restore my crushed spirit so it can once again trust.
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REFLECTION
• Why are betrayals between friends such a painful experience and process?
• What is the antidote to the deep hurt from betrayals from very close friends?

THOSE WHO SEEK THE LORD LACK NO GOOD THING ILMA’S VLOG

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May 25
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THOSE WHO SEEK THE LORD LACK NO GOOD THING
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
9 Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!
10 The young lions suffer want and hunger;
But those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.11 Come, O children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD. – Psalm 34:1-11
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This psalm enumerates the benefits of those who seek and fear the Lord. The psalmist never failed to forget to praise and bless the Lord at all times. He promised faithfulness in continually doing so with his mouth, making it a habit to speak to exalt the Almighty. When he sought the Lord, he answered and rescued him from all fears and troubles. What is amazing is the fact that the Lord assigns angels to encamp around those who seek him and those who revere him. They don’t lack any good thing. What amazing promises are given to those who stay faithful and incessantly give God glory! So, how come, many believers fail to continually seek the Lord, make him a priority and fear him?
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord for providing protection and keeping his promises to those who love him. Hallelujah to our Lord and Savior.
CONFESSION: Forgive me for forgetting to always be expectant that you are my Deliverer.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for your steadfast love despite my failure to be faithful to you.
SUPPLICATION: May all believers constantly be reminded of God’s promises and steadfast love. May they give the Lord all the glory and praise.
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REFLECTION
• Share a testimony when the promise of lacking nothing good came upon you?
• How do you feel about knowing that angels are encamped around Christians?

WORLDLY MATTERS DON’T MATTER ILMA’S VLOG

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May 7
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WORLDLY MATTERS DON’T MATTER
Hear this, all peoples! Give ear, all inhabitants of the world,
2 Both low and high, rich and poor together!
3 My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.
4 I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre.
5 Why should I fear in times of trouble,
When the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me,
6 Those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches?
7 Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life,
8 For the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice,
9 That he should live on forever and never see the pit.
10 For he sees that even the wise die; the fool and the stupid alike must perish
And leave their wealth to others. – Psalm 49:1-10
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This psalm written by the sons of Korah is a great reminder for all mankind, low and high, rich and poor alike. We can never boast of our possessions or be consumed by wanting to have riches. In verse 4, we hear the psalmist suggests the importance of listening to wisdom instead of living in fear. Just like the book of Ecclesiastes says in the first chapter, everything is meaningless; everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. The psalm talks about the fact that no one have guarantees in this life. They can never ransom another life. Both the poor and the wealthy, the wise and the fools all perish. The rich cannot bring their wealth when they die. Only dependence on God can bring them salvation. Eternal life is their only guarantee, so why depend on worldly matters instead of spiritual things?
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord Almighty, the God of our salvation!
CONFESSION: Forgive me Lord, when I focus on worldly things and boast about it.
THANKSGIVING: Remind me to boast only of my dependence on you.
SUPPLICATION: May all believers remember that only in God will they have eternity.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to remember that worldly matters won’t matter in eternity?

THE RIGHTEOUS WILL NEVER BE MOVED ILMA’S VLOG

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February 21
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THE RIGHTEOUS WILL NEVER BE MOVED
Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
Who greatly delights in his commandments!
2 His offspring will be mighty in the land; The generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
4 Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5 It is well with the man who deals generously and lends;
Who conducts his affairs with justice.6 For the righteous will never be moved;
He will be remembered forever.7 He is not afraid of bad news;
His heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.8 His heart is steady; he will not be afraid,
Until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.9 He has distributed freely;
He has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever;
His horn is exalted in honor.10 The wicked man sees it and is angry;
He gnashes his teeth and melts away; the desire of the wicked will perish!
-Psalm 112:1-10
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This psalm declares the fulfillment of God’s promise to those who are righteous. The psalm praises God for granting his people a reverence for him. We are not able to do that in our own strength because of our fallen nature, so God grants his chosen people to have that fear for him and delight in his commands. The psalm enumerates the blessings that the righteous receive. They become prosperous and unmovable. Their hearts are firm and trusting in the Lord always and thus, they triumph over their enemies. They are full of integrity and just in all their ways. God honors such faithfulness with much favors.
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ADORATION: Praise the Lord for being the Rock that we can all stand on.
CONFESSION: Forgive me whenever I rely on others people and things rather than on you.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for the foundation that you grant me in your truth.
SUPPLICATION: May all God’s people never fail to obey and trust him all the days of their lives. May they choose righteousness in all they do.
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REFLECTION
• How has God been faithful to provide your every need and requests when you stay faithful to trust and obey him? What happens when you don’t do so?

Hide Me from the Wicked ILMA’s blog

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February 18
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HIDE ME FROM THE WICKED
Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the throng of evildoers,
3 Who whet their tongues like swords, who aim bitter words like arrows,
4 Shooting from ambush at the blameless, shooting at him suddenly and without fear.
5 They hold fast to their evil purpose; they talk of laying snares secretly,
Thinking, “Who can see them?” 6They search out injustice,
Saying, “We have accomplished a diligent search.”
For the inward mind and heart of a man are deep.
7 But God shoots his arrow at them; they are wounded suddenly.
8 They are brought to ruin, with their own tongues turned against them;
All who see them will wag their heads.9 Then all mankind fears;
They tell what God has brought about and ponder what he has done.
10 Let the righteous one rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him!
Let all the upright in heart exult! – Psalm 64:1-10
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The ESV study bible says that this psalm is an individual lament that shares with Psalm 63, a confidence in God’s victory over those who brings trouble on the righteous. The psalm has two parts: a request for help against deadly schemes and confident expectation that God will fight on behalf of his faithful (vv7-10). God gives victory as instruction for mankind (v9) and to bring joy to the godly (v10).
As the psalm indicates, all of us should run to the Lord to hide from the wicked. He must be our refuge. We must not rely on our own selves but only approach the ultimate protector and deliverer, who can grant victory even at the most impossible attacks.
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ADORATION: Praise be to the only source of protection and honor, the Lord God Almighty.
CONFESSION: Forgive me Lord whenever I rely on my own strength to fight evil.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you that you are our refuge, strength, protector and deliverer.
SUPPLICATION: May the Lord constantly hide us from the wicked and all their evil ways.
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REFLECTION
• Do you run to God for protection when the enemy attacks you with lies and evil tactics or do you fight in your own strength?

O LORD DELIVER MY LIFE Poem Devotional

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February 16________________________________________
O LORD DELIVER MY LIFE
O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath.
2 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing; heal me, O LORD,
For my bones are troubled. 3 My soul also is greatly troubled.
But you, O LORD—how long? 4 Turn, O LORD, deliver my life;
Save me for the sake of your steadfast love.
5 For in death there is no remembrance of you;
In Sheol who will give you praise? 6 I am weary with my moaning;
Every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping.
7 My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of all my foes.
8 Depart from me, all you workers of evil,
For the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping. 9 The LORD has heard my plea;
The LORD accepts my prayer.10 All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled;
They shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment. -Psalm 6:1-10
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We hear King David’s penitent heart in this psalm. He pleads the Lord to correct him but not in anger. He asks for God’s grace to heal him as he acknowledges his sins and past mistakes. We hear the dependence of David to God in the midst of great trouble and physical ailments. What is amazing with this psalm is his humility to admit how weary and tired he was. It illustrates a picture of a king who bows down to a greater eternal King. We see in this psalm how David is intimate with the Lord and isn’t afraid to admit his need for God’s deliverance for him. He is full of hope that the Lord will deliver him. What a heart that really seeks God’s heart!
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ADORATION: Praise to you Lord, full of grace and mercy. You are my deliverer and Savior.
CONFESSION: Forgive me each time I fail to repent and confess my sins.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for never being stingy to reveal yourself to me.
SUPPLICATION: May all believers have a heart like David, who is humble, repentant and pursues God’s heart.
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REFLECTION
• How do you relate with David’s circumstance in this psalm?
• How can he be depressed, tired, sick and yet hopeful at the same time?

SING TO THE LORD A NEW SONG Poem Devotional

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February 15
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SING TO THE LORD A NEW SONG
Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song,
His praise in the assembly of the godly! 2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
Let the children of Zion rejoice in their King! 3 Let them praise his name with dancing,
Making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
4 For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.
5 Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands,
7 To execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the peoples,
8 To bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron,
9 To execute on them the judgment written!
This is honor for all his godly ones. Praise the LORD!- Psalm 149:1-9
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This is psalm inviting all the godly to rejoice, be glad and praise the Lord. It invites the children of Zion to rejoice in their king with dancing, making melody with tambourines and lyre. It is stressed in this psalm how the Lord is pleased when we sing to the Lord new songs. It is amazing how God has given us the gift of music so that he can be glorified. Sadly, in our world today, we use singing to glorify our own selves or sometimes the idols that we give more time for than the one who gave us all. Many Christians fail to sing to the Lord new songs because they are so busy with all worldly concerns and pleasing themselves.
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ADORATION: Sing a new song to the Holy, Eternal King Jesus. He is worthy! He is Mighty!
CONFESSION: Forgive me whenever I am not enthusiastically singing or rejoicing about your goodness, your omniscience and omnipotence.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you Lord that you gave us music to express our rejoicing for your glory.
SUPPLICATION: May all of God’s people exult him in songs of praises and hymns about his goodness and miracles.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think God wants us to sing new songs to him? What should our songs be about?