January 12
________________________________________
GOD’S BLESSINGS ON MAN’S EFFORTS
Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
Eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
– Psalm 127:1-5
________________________________________
A special group of psalms comprising Psalms 120—134 are called Songs of Ascents or also called Pilgrim Songs. The city of Jerusalem is situated on a high hill, that’s why they are called such as they sing these psalms as they were climbing up the hill. The theme of each Song of Ascent offers much encouragement for those who seek to worship God. Psalm 127’s theme is “God’s blessings on Man’s Efforts.” This is a good reminder for all of us. Without God’s blessings, all our efforts will be in vain. Without acknowledging that he is the source of everything, we will be distracted to focus on our efforts instead of on God who gives us all things.
________________________________________
ADORATION: Praise be to the God who is the source of all things. All blessings and favor come from Him, who is creator of all things.
CONFESSION: Whenever I forget to acknowledge your work in all that I do and all that I have, forgive me Lord.
THANKSGIVING: What a pleasure to receive your gifts and favors despite my sinfulness, Lord. I burst with a grateful heart that lifts up your name forever.
SUPPLICATION: May all of your creation be reminded of the generosity that you so bestow on all those who are faithful to you. May the acknowledgment of such kindness motivate us to give generously to one another as well.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do you think that all efforts are in vain without God’s blessings?
• What happens when we remove God in the equation of our lives?
Tag Archives: spokenw word
SUPPLIER OF NEEDS Poem Devotional
October 13
________________________________________
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:19(NLT)
SUPPLIER OF NEEDS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you desperately looking for someone to satisfy your needs?
There is not a person who can actually supply you with this
Only our heavenly Father can satisfy and give us provision
He gave us his only Son to share his riches and give us redemption
Through Christ Jesus, we can be assured of all blessings
It is through him that we can be alleviated from sufferings
God is the one who can generously supply all our needs
He is fountain of goodness and the source of all things.
________________________________________
When I got married, I had this notion at the back of my mind that my husband is going to supply all my needs. Several years later, I got more frustrated each day because he couldn’t supply and meet my needs. When I started reading and studying God’s word, I finally had to give up this worldly and romantic notion that my spouse can fill all those needs. After all, he is as broken as I am himself.
The bible tells us that God is the only one who can supply all our needs. It is unrealistic to expect from people we love what only God can supply.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to only expect from you.
REFLECTION
What happens to relationships when we have very unrealistic expectations from those we are in relationship with?
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