November 21
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ON FAVORING OTHERS
A poem by ILMA
How can you claim to have faith in Jesus if you favor some people over others?
Suppose someone comes dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry
Then another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes
If you give special attention to the rich and give the poor discrimination.
Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith?
They’re the ones who will get the Kingdom he vowed to those who love him?
But some dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who repress you and drag you to court Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?
It is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures saying
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you favor some people over others
Then, you are committing a sin and is guilty of breaking the law
For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as the one who broke it.
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MEMORY VERSE
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. – James 2:8
Read: James 2:1-12
It is interesting how the book of James talks about how we must treat everyone equal and not favor someone over another. How many characters in the bible have been a victim of favoritism? Jacob favored his son Joseph which drove all his other sons to plot to kill him. Rachel favored Jacob and sinned by convincing her own son to steal his brother’s birthright. When we favor someone over another, we are inviting jealousy and other sins.
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REFLECTION
• Why is having favoritism or discrimination a very lethal practice in our world?
• Have you ever experienced to be a favorite? What did it do to the other people around you?
• Have you ever been discriminated or marginalized in your workplace, in your own family or another country you have moved to?
• What causes people to favor someone over others?
Tag Archives: poetry
LISTENING AND DOING GOD’S WORD Poem Devotional
November 20
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LISTENING AND DOING GOD’S WORD
A poem by ILMA
Let’s all be fast to listen, slow to declare and to get angry
Human anger does not bring about the righteousness God wants
Remove all wickedness and dirt in your lives, take in meekly God’s word
He has planted it in your hearts, for it will definitely save your souls.
We are not just to listen to God’s word, but must put into action what it says
When we don’t do the word, we are deceived and are only fooling ourselves
It’s like looking at our faces in the mirror, walking away and forgetting our looks
If we meditate on the word and remember to do it, we will be blessed
When we claim we are religious but don’t bridle our tongue, we are fools
When we are careless with our words, our religion is worthless
Pure and authentic religion in God’s view is very different
It is caring for orphans, widows and staying uncorrupted by the world.
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MEMORY VERSE
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. – James 1:22-23
Read: James 1:19-27
It is a misnomer among believers to think that hearing the word of God and believing him is enough. Putting into action what Scripture says is the true sign of an authentic believer. Many different Christians who do not follow the word poses confusion and judgment from unbelievers and causes other believers to fall away or unbelievers to be repulsed. According to God, pure religion is living holy and blameless lives and helping the vulnerable and abandoned.
REFLECTION
• How can we remove true faith from religion?
• Why do you think God’s view of religion is very different from the world’s?
• What can hinder us from doing the word of God?
• Why is faith not good enough without action?
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?
THE WORTHY ONE Poem Devotional
November 18
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THE WORTHY ONE
A poem by ILMA
I saw a scroll in the right hand of the one sitting on the throne
Writings were on and outside and inside and was sealed with seven seals
An angel shouted loudly “Who is worthy to break the seals and open it?”
No one in heaven or on earth or under it was able to open and read it.
Then I started weeping for no one was found worthy to open the scroll
One of the twenty-four elders told me to stop weeping for one is worthy
The Lion of the tribe of Judah, David’s heir has won the victory
He is the only one worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.
Then I saw a lamb as if it was slaughtered but is now standing
It is standing right between the throne and the four living beings
He had seven horns and seven eyes which represent the sevenfold Spirit
These sevenfold Spirit is sent out into each and every part of the earth.
He took the scroll, and the living beings and elders fell down before the Lamb
As they played their harps, they sang a new song with these words:
“You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it
For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed many.”
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MEMORY VERSE
Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.” – Revelation 5:5
Read: Revelation 5
In this glorious scene that John explicitly described, we can have a glimpse of the glory of the Lamb of God, who took away all our sins and is not seated on the throne where all the beings and elders bowed down to praise and give him glory.
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REFLECTION
• How often do you reflect on the illustration of that time when Jesus will come again and we will see all his splendor, glory and power and all will bow down to Him?
WORSHIP IN HEAVEN Poem Devotional
November 17
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WORSHIP IN HEAVEN
A poem by ILMA
Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven
The same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast
It said “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.”
Instantly I was in the Spirit, and saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it.
The one sitting on it was as brilliant as jasper and carnelian
From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder
And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames
This is the sevenfold Spirit of God; in the throne was a shiny sea of crystal.
Around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes
The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second, an ox
The third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight
Each of these living beings had six wings, and kept on saying
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—
the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”
“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory, honor and power
For you created all things, and they exist for you created what you pleased.”
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MEMORY VERSE
And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it.
– Revelations 4:2
Read: Revelation 4
This account of John the apostle gave us a vivid picture of what worship in heaven looked like. What a sight! It clearly gave us an illustration of the things we will witness in heaven, how everything will give praise, glory and honor to the Almighty and one and only God.
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REFLECTION
• After the picture of true worship in heaven was described here in Revelation, how can you be constantly expectant of this hope of the glory to come?
MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN LAODICEA Poem Devotional
November 16
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MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN LAODICEA
A poem by ILMA
This is the message from the one who is the Amen
He’s the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation
“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold
I wish that you were one or the other but you are like lukewarm water
You are neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth
You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing
You don’t realize that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked.”
So, I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire
Then you will be rich; buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed
I correct and discipline everyone I love; be diligent and turn from your indifference.
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MEMORY VERSE
But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! – Revelation 3:14
Read: Revelation 3:14-22
This message to the church in Laodicea is a warning to all of us who have turned lukewarm or indifferent towards God. It is not easy to stay faithful when we are surrounded with so much temptations. That is why the bible have warned us again and again about the importance of guarding our hearts and our minds. Another caution in this letter is for us all to learn to live holy lives. God wants us to be pure and ensure that we are all anchored on the love of God and all the things that he wants us to do. We need to be able to go through the refining of fire so that we can mature and grow in our faith
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REFLECTION
• How can we ensure that we don’t get lukewarm in our faith?
• Why are trials important in our growth as a believer?
• What is importance of God’s discipline in our lives?
LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA Poem Devotional
November 15
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LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA
A poem by ILMA
This is the message from the one who is holy and true,
The one who has the key of David, your Savior and Lord
What he opens, no one can close; what he closes, no one can open
“I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close.
You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me
Look, I will force those who belong to Satan’s synagogue
Those liars who say they are Jews and yet they are not
They will acknowledge that you are the ones I love.
“Because you have obeyed my command to persevere,
I will protect you from the great time of testing
Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown
All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God.
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MEMORY VERSE
“Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown. – Revelation 3:10-11
Read: Revelation 3:7-11
The church in Philadelphia is one of the two of the seven churches whom God has no complaints about. This is a good church because they have obeyed God’s commands despite having little strength. This is a good reminder that there are still other believers who can be faithful and that the Lord’s promises will come true for these people.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the church in Philadelphia continued to be faithful to the Lord despite the weaknesses of their church?
• What does perseverance play in becoming a true servant of God?
• Why is faithfulness and obedience important to those who obey the Lord?
LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN SARDIS Poem Devotional
November 14
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LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN SARDIS
A poem by ILMA
“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Sardis
This is from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and seven stars
“I know all that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead
Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead.
I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God
Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly
Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you
And when I do, it will be suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.
“Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.
All who are victorious will be clothed in white.
I will never erase their names from the Book of Life.
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MEMORY VERSE
Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.
– Revelation 3:3
Read: Revelation 3:1-6
The message to the church in Sardis is practically about how most of its members are spiritually dead and have forgotten how they first heard and believed God when they first believed. Some members of this church are pure and uncorrupted. God promised them victory for staying faithful and their names will be in the Book of Life.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to keep a pure heart and remember how you first gave your life to Jesus?
• What are the symptoms of a spiritually dead person?
• Why do you think the message for all of the body of Christ is a warning to repent and return to God?
• What reward is awaiting those who are faithful?
MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN THYATIRA Poem Devotional
November 13
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MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN THYATIRA
A poem by ILMA
This is the message of the Son of God to the church in Thyatira
“I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith
I recognize your service, and your patient endurance
And I can see your constant improvement in all these things.
“But I have this complaint against you. You are tolerating Jezebel
This woman calls herself a prophet—to lead my servants astray
She teaches them to commit sexual sin and to eat food offered to idols
I gave her time to repent, but she doesn’t want to stop being unfaithful.
I will ask nothing more except to hold tightly to what you have until I come
To all who obey me to the very end, victory will be given to you
They will rule the nations with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots
I will also give them the morning star and the same authority God gave me.
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MEMORY VERSE
“But I have this complaint against you. You are permitting that woman—that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet—to lead my servants astray. She teaches them to commit sexual sin and to eat food offered to idols. – Revelation 2:20
Read: Revelation 2:18-29
This message to the church in Thyatira is very relevant to our present-day churches. Sexual immorality, control, division, jealousy, and idolatry are just some of the many sins that the Jezebel spirit propagates in the body of Christ. If you actually examine and reflect on the health of the churches in the current times, you will easily spot the fact that many churches tolerate the Jezebel spirit.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the Lord prohibits us from allowing the Jezebel spirit to thrive in the body of Christ?
• Why is God so concerned that we stay uncompromised? Why can’t we tolerate the Jezebel spirit? What happens if we allow it to stay in the church?
MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN PERGAMUM Poem Devotional
November 12
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MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN PERGAMUM
A poem by ILMA
This is the message to the Pergamum church
It came from the one with the two-edged sword
“I know that you live in the city where Satan has his throne
And yet, you have remained loyal to me, your Lord
You refused to deny me even when Antipas, my witness was killed
He was martyred among you there in Satan’s city but you stayed faithful.
“But I have a few complaints against you in your church
You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam,
You were taught how to trip up the people of Israel
You were told to eat food offered to idols and to commit sexual sin
You you have among you who follow those evil teachings.
“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit, repent of your sins.
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MEMORY VERSE
“But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel. He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin.
– Revelation 2:14
Read: Revelation 2:12-17
Jesus had a complaint against the church in Pergamum. This message speaks of the strength of this church, which is loyalty. They were loyal to the Lord in the midst of someone being killed because of his faith in Jesus. The Lord does not tolerate hypocrisy and sins either, so this church was confronted with wrong things they listen to and their sins. He does not tolerate false teachings and defiling the Lord’s commands. Even though they were faithful, they were allowing these false teachings and sins to thrive.
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REFLECTION
• Why are we challenged to confront false teachings and sin?
• What happens when we don’t recognize wrong teachings in our church?
• Why can’t we cover up sins with some of our strengths?