HEAVEN REJOICES

barrie visit 2011 168

May 7
________________________________________
In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are right and haven’t strayed away.
-Luke 15:7(NLT)
HEAVEN REJOICES
A poem and essay by ILMA
When a sinner repents and returns to the Father
Heaven rejoices because each person matters
God rejoices when one sinner returns to him
It is all He longs for; He wants us free from sin.
There is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner repenting
Than over ninety-nine others who are right and not straying
Remember that you are very precious to your Lord and Savior
He sent his own Son so you can be free and an overcomer.
________________________________________
If you are a parent, you will understand how God feels when one his children repents and comes back to him. When my son was around two years old and he disobeyed something I asked him not to do, I taught him to apologize right away and not let it stay long inside him. He eventually got the habit of apologizing quickly but sometimes I felt it was just an automatic act he does out of fear of the consequences rather than out of love.
The bible says that heaven rejoices over one lost repentant sinner than over ninety-nine who have never gone astray. He longs for us to love him back the way he loves us.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to listen to your voice when I go astray.
REFLECTION
Why does God values so much those who are repentant?
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

FOR THE LOST Poem Devotional

winter 2013 landscapes 001

December 11________________________________________
For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. –Luke 19:10(NLT)
FOR THE LOST
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you confused, bewildered or perplexed?
Do you keep on running and find it hard to rest?
Rejoice! The Son of Man came to save the lost
This is the reason why Jesus died on the cross.
Do not be afraid to admit that you are weak
It is in your weakness that he convicts and speaks
Christ died to save us from sin; no need for denial
He wants us to run to him in our suffering and trials.
________________________________________
How often do people admit that they are lost or confused? The world dictates that we hide our weaknesses and confusion. In God’s economy, we are encouraged to acknowledge or admit it. It is called humility to be able to recognize both one’s weakness or strength and use the knowledge to encourage or lead others to God. The enemy on the other hand wants to ensure that we deny it and keep on living in the lies so that there is more mix-up. It is a wide open door for the enemy to thrive when we are very proud to admit that we are vulnerable, weak and confused. The bible says that the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost and no need to deny it.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to remember that you came for the lost.
REFLECTION
Share an instance when God was present in your confusion and agony.
________________________________________
For more darkness in our lives. 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.ARTSTUDIO@gmail.com