Tag Archives: rebellion

PSALM 2 THE FUTILITY OF DEFYING THE ALMIGHTY GOD ILMA’S POEM DEVOTIONAL

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August 2
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Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, 3 “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” 4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” 7 I will tell of the decree:
The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. – Psalm 2:1-12
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Why would people even attempt to defy a God who is Almighty?
Many rulers who don’t know God think they have a chance to fight him
They come together thinking that the more they are, the better their chances
But he who sits in the heavens laughs at their futile efforts to rebel against him
The Lord will confront them and make them tremble as he manifests his wrath on them
He does what pleases him and can annihilate anyone; it is him who made them all.
When God elects and anoints his rulers, no one can question his choices
He knows what he is doing, he is the potter and we are just vessels
So, let us all serve the Lord with fear and rejoice that he gave us his Son
Seek the kingdom that is eternal and follow the way that leads us to God
You do not want to provoke the Lord to get angry or you will die
Abide only in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved and have life.
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REFLECTION
• What do you think causes people to defy and rebel against God?
• Why is it futile to fight God? What chances does anyone have if they rebel?

REBELLIOUSNESS Poem Devotional

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September 12________________________________________
All day long I opened my arms to a rebellious people. But they follow their own evil paths and their own crooked schemes. – Isaiah 65:2 (NLT)
REBELLIOUSNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you oftentimes question and defy things in life?
Have you purposely disobeyed a command of Christ?
The rebellious spirit wants you to go against the Lord
Fight against being bound by it through God’s word.
Do you know that God always waits on you to obey?
He has your welfare look after, that is his way
Do not follow evil paths and crooked plans
You’ll invite trouble if you resist his commands.
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Why are people inclined to rebel instead of obey? Do you notice how children in their innocence still have that tendency to not follow? The spirit of rebelliousness is an aftermath of the first original sin. After the fall of Adam and Eve, we naturally tend to go against rules or laws. The whole theme of the old testament is the rebelliousness of the Israelites against a God who had a good plan for them. This is why it took them forty years to go on a journey to the promised land when it was just an eleven-day travel. Don’t we rebel at some point in our lives? I was freed from this spirit when I became born again. The word of God led me to obey because it was the antidote for it.
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PRAYER
Thank you Lord that you are always there to welcome me back when I turn against your will.
REFLECTION
What consequences have you suffered through rebellion?
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

WHEN YOU REJECT THE WORD Poem Devotional

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September 2________________________________________
It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles.
– Acts 13:46(NLT)
WHEN YOU REJECT THE WORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you first heard the word of God
Did you heed it or did you turn your back?
It’s essential the word is preached to believers
But when they reject the word, they’re rebelling.
Once you defy Scriptures, you are losing out in life
It is the only way we will be led to God’s glorious light
The word is the only food we have for our spirit
We will be struggling and lost without it.
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There were many years of my life when I didn’t know the word of God. I wasn’t raised in a Christ believing family. And yet, the Holy Spirit has taught me that I have a friend in Jesus. No one talked to me about the Lord but something inside me told me that there is someone who watches over me. I believed and was faithful to keep my relationship with the Lord even when I really didn’t know his word. When I was in my late twenties, I began to read Scriptures. It was amazing what I discovered. Yet, I didn’t really follow what it said. When I finally studied and obeyed it, it transformed me.
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PRAYER
Lord, show me who to share the word with.
REFLECTION
Why do you think people would reject the word of God?
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

GOD DETESTS LAWLESSNESS Poem Devotional

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September 1________________________________________
God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law. – Proverbs 28:9(NLT)
GOD DETESTS LAWLESSNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you pray to the Lord
Make sure that you are obeying his word
God detests those who ignores his commands
He cannot hear the prayers of those who demands.
Those who follow his law diligently
They will know how to walk in victory
The Lord hears the prayers of those who are faithful
Stay in his word and in his will so you will be fruitful.
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“Lawless” is defined as someone who do not follow or abide the law. Laws are made so that there will be order and peace in a community or a place. Those whom the law is made for is usually the one who will receive the most benefit of if the rule is followed. When laws are breached or broken, chaos usually is the result. Without order and obedience to an authority, anarchy is not far from happening.
God honors those who are obedient and living in his will. When I lived in rebellion and disobedience in my twenties up until my fifties, I reaped disorder and confusion. So much pain and bitterness became part much of my life. When I became born again, the Lord convicted me of this rebellion. He showed me why my prayers weren’t answered then. I was ignoring his law. Thanks be to God that he granted me the grace to obey.
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PRAYER
Lord, please let me never disobey you.
REFLECTION
What should you do before you pray and expect God to answer you?

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

REFUSING TO DO RIGHT Poem Devotional

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May 12________________________________________
You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. -Genesis 4:7(NLT)
REFUSING TO DO RIGHT
A poem and essay by ILMA
We are always given choices to make
Do you think long or choose in haste?
When you refuse to do what is right
You endanger your own life.
When you choose to do wrong
Sin will easily crouch at your door
It will control you and keep you in slavery
Do what’s right and you will have victory.
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Why is it easy to do what is wrong? Our human nature is bent on it. Because of the fall in the Garden of Eden, we are prone to do that is wrong and it takes only God’s grace and mercy to do the right thing. Because of our sin nature, it is not second nature for us to do good. That is why it is important for us to have a close relationship with the Lord. It gives us strength and wisdom to choose what God wants for us. It straightens our bent nature.
The bible says that you will be accepted if you do what’s right. If you refuse to do so, the you will be very vulnerable and become easy prey to the devil. Sin will easily take over to control you.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you so much for letting me be protected.
REFLECTION
How can we easily say “yes” to God?
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

WINNING US BACK Poem Devotional

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April 23________________________________________
But then I will win her back once again. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there. -Hosea 2:14(NLT)
WINNING US BACK
A poem and essay by ILMA
The Lord loves us unconditionally
Even when we behave lawlessly
He forgives us our sins when we repent
He comforts our hearts when we lament.
He wins us back when we rebel and disobey
He lets the Spirit convict us when we go astray
He speaks to us wisely and gives us discernment
If we depend on him, he will give us enlightenment.
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When I lost someone’s love because of a wrong decision I made, I began to pursue to win back his trust. I asked for forgiveness and became accountable for what I did. Forgiveness can be granted easily, but sometimes, trust may take a while to happen. If the person repeatedly changed his behavior, then the other party may start to build the trust again and the relationship may be repaired. But if the offending partner do not follow through his or her word, there may be consequences that will ensue from the lack of accountability.
The bible tells us an account of God’s great love for Israel. Despite his people’s unfaithfulness, he still wins her back and brings her to a place where they initially became lovers. He shows how much he grants us grace and mercy despite all our sins.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for loving me unconditionally.
REFLECTION
How do you respond to God’s winning you back when you turn your back on him?
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 REBELLIOUS SINS OF YOUTH Poem Devotional

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November 25
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Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love. For you are merciful O Lord. -Psalm 25:7(NLT)
THE REBELLIOUS SINS OF YOUTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you been a rebellious youth?
It is foolish to be lawless, it is uncouth
When you commit to the Lord
Seek his counsel in his word.
Ask forgiveness for sins when you were young
He will give you mercy and correct your wrong
He faithfully loves you and will be merciful
Confess and repent and don’t be a fool.
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In this psalm, King David pleads the Lord not to remember those days that he was rebellious. It is amazing how confidently he asks the Lord just like a child would ask his father or mother for something. David is after God’s heart. He opens his heart to God with so much honesty. This is probably why God gave him so much favor. He seeks God in everything he does and consults him, especially when it comes to dealing with his enemies. He talks to God and reminds him of his character and promises and God loves that. He wants us to run to him for little or big things. David knew his weaknesses especially in his youth but he wasn’t hesitant to ask God favor for he knows how God’s unfailing love is.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me always remember to open up my heart to you.
REFLECTION
Why do you think rebellion is something God despises?
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

CHAINS OF MISERY Poem Devotional

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July 10
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Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom, imprisoned in iron chains of misery. They rebelled against the words of God, scorning the counsel of the Most High.
-Psalm 107:10-11(NLT)
CHAINS OF MISERY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you have sins that are unconfessed
There will be no peace and you’ll be walled by darkness
Those who rebel against God’s word and counsel
Will find life hard and will be constantly bitter.
The chains of misery will keep you in bondage
Surrender to God and you will be at an advantage
Break those shackles and you will experience healing
No longer will you be bound by the misery of sinning.
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A painting by a Filipino national artist named Juan Luna stirred me so deeply that it paved the way for me to become an artist myself. As I stood before this monumental work entitled “Spoliarium” which was about 30 feet by 40 feet, I cried for 2 hours and felt all the pain and suffering those dying slaves were experiencing on that scene. It was in a dungeon cell where dying men were imprisoned. I actually felt and smelled blood as I was viewing the painting. I think it stirred me so much because I was in chains of misery myself from a sinful life.
The bible tells us that if we don’t confess our sins and turn to God, we will be in total darkness.
PRAYER
Lord, please remind me to confess my sins and repent always.
REFLECTION
Share an experience of gloom and darkness as a result of unconfessed sins.
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

DON’T TEST THE LORD YOUR GOD Poem Devotional

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June 8
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Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.”
-Matthew 4:7(NLT)
DON’T TEST THE LORD YOUR GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you rebel against authority and force your demands
You are actually testing and questioning the Lord and his commands
When you are selfish, arrogant and think you know everything
You are challenging the Lord for a fight over something.
Don’t test the Lord your God for he knows what’s best for you
His thoughts are not your thoughts because he knows the truth
Whenever you don’t believe in his goodness and his character
You are asking for a fight that you will surely end up as the loser.
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The book of Matthew chapter 4 narrates the temptation of Jesus by the devil during his forty days of fasting. The devil used all kinds of tricks to entice Jesus to prove that he is the Son of God. The devil tempted Jesus to turn stone to bread, then to give Jesus the glory of his worldly kingdom if Jesus will worship him, then ask Jesus to jump off the cliff so he can be saved by God’s angels from falling. All of Jesus’ response started with “The Scriptures say” and in the end he says “Don’t test the Lord your God.”
We can test the Lord by unbelief, asking him to prove himself, slandering his character and grieving his spirit.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me when I allow the enemy to use me to test you.
REFLECTION
When have you ever tested the Lord your God?
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

BENT TOWARDS REBELLION Poem Devotional

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June 4

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Even in the womb, Jacob struggled with his brother; when he became a man, he even fought with God. -Hosea 12:3(NLT)
BENT TOWARDS REBELLION
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you ever done something lawless?
We all have the tendency to say “no” instead of “yes”
Have you ever argued with God to get your way?
We think we can manipulate him and get him swayed.
Why is it easy to be selfish rather than selfless?
It only leads us to ruin and a life that is pointless
Seek God so you can overcome pride and rebellion
He’s the only one who can change you and bring salvation.
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Jacob’s story in the bible is a clear example of a bent towards rebellion. He was tricked by his father-in-law to marry Laban first before he actually married Rachel for many years. Then his two wives were always fighting over which one could bear him more children. In Genesis 34 his daughter, Dinah, went out “to see the daughters of the land” and ended up in fornication. Two of his sons used the occasion to kill a whole city of men, thus causing Jacob to fear for his family’s safety. Jacob’s sons were less than shining examples of godliness. Then Jacob had a favorite son Joseph which he openly showed to his other sons and caused them to plot to kill their brother because of Jacob’s favoritism.
PRAYER
Lord, help me overcome my natural tendency to rebel.
REFLECTION
What can we do to fight our bent towards rebellion?
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