November 8
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SHOW DEEP LOVE FOR EACH OTHER
A poem by ILMA
Since Christ went through physical pain, you must have his same attitude
Be ready to suffer physically for Christ just like he did for you
When you decide to do this, you won’t spend your life chasing desires
But you will be anxious to do the will of the Lord Jesus Christ.
You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy
They love to do immoral things and lustful feasting and drunken wild parties
They worship idols and their lives are only about pleasing themselves
But they’ll have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone.
The end of the world is coming soon, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers
Most important of all, show deep love for each other, for love covers all sins
Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay
God has given each of you some spiritual gifts; use them to serve each other.
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MEMORY VERSE
The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. – 1 Peter 4:7-8
Love is the biggest command of the Lord for all. Christians are encouraged to show love deeply. Love is the only thing that covers a multitude of sins. It is important for us to be able to use the spiritual gifts that God gave us so that we can actually use these gifts to serve one another. In this chapter, we are warned because the end of days might be coming soon.
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REFLECTION
• How does love conquer all things?
• Why is showing deep love and affection for someone the only thing that really matters?
• Why is Christ the epitome of unconditional love?
• Why is the discipline to pray a very important component of a Christian life?
Tag Archives: poetyr
PAUL’S MEMORY OF HIS VISIT TO THESSALONICA Poem Devotional
September 30
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PAUL’S MEMORY OF HIS VISIT TO THESSALONICA
A poem by ILMA
We declare the Good News entrusted to us and approved by God
Our sole purpose in bringing the gospel in order to please God, not men
God alone examines the motives of our hearts so never used flattery
We never pretend to be your friends just to get your money.
Don’t you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you?
Night and day, we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to anyone
You are our witnesses—and so is God—that we were devout and honest and faultless And, you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children.
We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live to please the Lord
For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory, so always be full of gratitude
You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is
And this word continues to work in you, all of those who believe.
Dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own people
In this way, you imitated the believers in God’s churches in Judea
They failed to please God and work against all humanity
They try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles.
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MEMORY VERSE
For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. – 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Read: 1 Thessalonians 2:4-16
In this recollection of Paul of his visit to Thessalonica, we see how he reminded the people of all the hard work the apostles did and how they kept their integrity to bring the Good News. His main goal to reach them and bring the gospel as God wants them to do. He reminds them that the word of God should continue to touch them to please God.
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REFLECTION
• Do you ensure integrity when you preach the Good News to others?
WISE WORDS TO LIVE BY Poem Devotional
September 14
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WISE WORDS TO LIVE BY
A poem by ILMA
A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume
The day you die is better than the day you are born
Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties
After all, everyone die, so the living should take this to heart.
Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us
The wise person thinks a lot about death, while a fools think only of good times Better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool
A fool’s laughter is quickly gone, like thorns crackling in a fire.
Extortion turns wise people into fools and bribes corrupt the heart.
Finishing is better than starting and patience is better than pride.
Control your temper for anger and don’t dwell on the good old days
When you manage your emotion, you will benefit in life.
Wisdom and money can get you anything but only wisdom can save you
Accept the way God does things for who can straighten what he’s made crooked?
Enjoy prosperity when while you still can but realize that both come from God
Remember that nothing is certain in this life; everything is in the Lord’s hand.
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MEMORY VERSE
Wisdom and money can get you almost anything, but only wisdom can save your life.
-Ecclesiastes 7:12
Read: Ecclesiastes 7:1-14
Most people live their lives carelessly without much thoughts on things that they should care about. They get all wrapped up in the world’s system and standards that God’s truth and his words are not important to them.
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REFLECTION
• What wise words touches you in this chapter of Ecclesiastes?
• Why is it important for us to be in touch with truth instead of focusing and believing the lies surrounding us?
• What do you believe is the key to a successful and joyful life?
FRIENDS OF PAUL Poem Devotional
August 4
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FRIENDS OF PAUL
A poem by ILMA
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in Cenchrea
Welcome her in the Lord as one worthy of honor among God’s people
Help her in whatever she needs; she has been helpful to me and to many
Give my greetings to my co-workers in Christ’s ministry, Priscilla and Aquila
They once risked their lives for me and I am thankful to them
Also give my greetings to all Gentile churches and those home churches
Greet my dear friend Epenetus who was the first follower in the province of Asia Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit
Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me
They’re honored among the apostles and became followers before I did
Greet Ampliatus, Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys
Greet Apelles, a good man whom Christ approves and Herodin, my fellow Jew
Extend my greetings to the believers from the household of Aristobulus
Greet the Lord’s people from the household of Narcissus
Give my greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa, the Lord’s workers
Greet my dear Persis, who has worked so hard for the Lord
And also Rufus, whom the Lord picked out to be his very own
And especially his dear mother, who has been a mother to me
Greet all with a sacred kiss coming from Christ’s churches.
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MEMORY VERSE
Greet each other with a sacred kiss. All the churches of Christ send you their greetings. – Romans 16:16
Read: Romans 16
We see how much Paul loves the church and all those who became believers. He never took anyone for granted and he personally have a relationship with them.
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REFLECTION
• Do you go out of your way to bless and encourage and greet other believers?
• Why are friendships with other believers important in our spiritual growth?
PAUL BEFORE FESTUS AND AGRIPPA Poem Devotional
July 8
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PAUL BEFORE FESTUS AND AGRIPPA
A poem by ILMA
After two years went by in this way, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus
Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, so he left Paul in prison
Priests and Jewish leaders met with him and made their accusations against Paul
They asked Festus to transfer Paul to Jerusalem so they can assassinate him.
Since Paul was at Caesarea and he needs to return there, no need to transfer him
He urged those in authority to come with him so they can make their accusations
When Festus arrived in Caesarea and met with Paul, there were many charges
But not anyone of those who accused Paul could actually prove their claims.
Paul denied the charges and said he wasn’t guilty of any crime
Festus, wanting to please the Jews asked Paul if he is willing to go to Jerusalem
Paul resisted since the Roman court was there, no need to travel
He insisted to be brought to Caesar so he can be given the verdict.
Festus conferred with his advisers and then approved of Paul’s request
Days later, King Agrippa arrived with Bernice to pay their respects to Festus
When Festus told him about Paul and the plan to have Caesar see him
Agrippa was present when Festus asked the public what charges would it be.
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MEMORY VERSE
I pointed out to them that Roman law does not convict people without a trial. They must be given an opportunity to confront their accusers and defend themselves. – Acts 25:16
Read: Acts 25
What an interesting account this was regarding so many Jews angered by an innocent man like Paul. Just like Jesus, he was tried by many officials and rulers. Many of these rulers and officials didn’t have the integrity to stand up for what is true. Even though they sense the innocence of Paul, they couldn’t make a decision to release him. They were scared to be unpopular.
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REFLECTION
• Why did you think King Agrippa got interested in Paul’s case when he saw Festus?
SUFFERING GIVES US ENTRY TO GOD’S KINGDOM Poem Devotional
December 21________________________________________
They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. -Acts 14:22(NLT)
SUFFERING GIVES US ENTRY TO GOD’S KINGDOM
A poem and essay by ILMA
What are you tormented with these days?
Is it a relationship, offense or health issues that makes you dazed?
If you are a believer of Christ, you must embrace pain
There’s no need to avoid it, fix it or constantly complain.
There’s none like Christ who was abused to death
He was sinless, yet he endured for all our debts
If you want to enter God’s kingdom, you need to endure
If you can’t share his suffering, you’re not living in truth.
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Our world today likes to deaden pain or avoid confronting issues that makes one uncomfortable. We have become a world of “comfort” huggers. We won’t let go of anything we have been used to and relaxed with. As soon as trouble comes, we run away from it so very quickly. No wonder many of us don’t grow up. We have grown in age but not in wisdom.
I can’t tell you enough about the pain and abuse I have experienced in life, but don’t we all go through it? The bible tells us that as Christians, we need to follow Jesus’ example. He endured all suffering so we can all be saved. Shouldn’t we share in that suffering as well? That will give us the key to heaven.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me know what you are teaching me through adversities and trials.
REFLECTION
Why do people avoid suffering?
THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT Poem Devotional
October 4
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Now all of you can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. -Ephesians 2:18(NLT)
THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Through the Holy Spirit, we can come to the Lord
He made this possible when Christ died on the cross
All of you who believe in God have the Spirit inside you
In faith, he transforms you and make your life new.
Through the Holy Spirit, you can get revelations
Without his help, you will succumb to temptations
Through God’s Spirit, you are given authority
It is only by accepting him will you have victory.
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I have been guided and directed by the Holy Spirit since I accepted Jesus when I was seven years old. It may seem unreal to some people about how I was literally pulled out from many occasions of traumas and abuse by God’s Spirit. Even at that very young age, I was given instructions through my regular talking with Jesus. I believe that even when I didn’t read the bible until I was in my late twenties, the Holy Spirit kept watch over me and taught me how to thrive despite the circumstances surrounding me. He built me up and if not for his guidance, I will not be where I am today.
Paul speaks about our right standing with God through Jesus’ blood which allowed him to live inside us.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for welcoming us through your Spirit.
REFLECTION
Do you hear the Spirit’s voice when he tells you something? Relate an experience.
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
THE STRENGTH OF MY HEART Poem Devotional
March 1
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalm 73:26(NLT)
THE STRENGTH OF MY HEART
A poem and essay by ILMA
I am so weak and frail from past pains and rejection
Will you heal me now that I am full of affliction?
My health is compromised and my spirit is weak
Shower me with your strength but keep me meek.
You are the most high and you remain my strength
Without you, life is bleak and full of discontent
Keep me focused on you so I will endure
You are the only one that can make me secure.
Do you suffer from any health issues, lack of faith or lost hope? I have experienced all these challenges in life. How I survived all of my adversities is beyond comprehension. I am sure that God was the strength that kept my heart going and eventually my body, mind and feelings followed. One of God’s names is “Elohim” meaning “strength” or “power.” Do you ever wonder how you can withstand trials and sufferings? That is because God is the source of our strength.
Psalm 73:26 shows us that the psalmist got comfort from knowing that God remains the strength of his heart. He may have many challenges in life, but he knows that God will be his strength and that he belongs to him.
PRAYER
Lord, keep me secure in your strength. Let me lean on you always.
REFLECTION
How do you differentiate the concept of strength in God’s economy to how the world views it?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com