October 11
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ON FALSE TEACHINGS AND TRUE RICHES
A poem by ILMA
Let’s encourage everyone to obey all truth and God’s teachings
Some people may oppose these teachings, but these truths are from Christ
These teachings endorse peace, love and a godly life
Anyone who teaches otherwise is haughty and lacks understanding
Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the words’ definitions
This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions
These people always cause trouble, corruptions for they have turned against truth
To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become well-off
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth
After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world
So, we can’t take anything with us when we leave it
If we have enough food and clothing, let us be content
People who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by cravings
It is their foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil
And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith.
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MEMORY VERSE
But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. – 1 Timothy 6:9
Read: 1 Timothy 6:2-10
Once a person becomes a true believer of Jesus Christ, he or she will familiarize themselves with the truth that only comes from God’s word. They are able to detect lies from truth and thus they learn what true riches are in God’s economy. In this letter of Paul to Timothy, he stressed the source of our ruin and destruction, our cravings and human desires.
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REFLECTION
• What makes people plunge into ruin and destruction?
• Why do you think “love of money” and not money in itself is the root of all evil?
Category Archives: Poem devotionals
ON FALSE TEACHERS AND GOOD SERVANTS Poem Devotional
October 10
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ON FALSE TEACHERS AND GOOD SERVANTS
A poem by ILMA
The Holy Spirit tells us that in the end times, some will turn away from true faith
They will follow misleading spirits and teachings that comes from demons
These people are frauds and liars and their consciences are dead
They’ll say it’s wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods
Since everything God created is good, we shouldn’t reject any of it
We need to receive everything from God with thanksgiving
We know that it is made acceptable by truth and prayer.
To be a servant of Christ Jesus one must be nourished by good teaching
Don’t waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales
Instead, train yourself to be godly and instead of physical training
Training for godliness promises more benefit in this life and in the life to come
Let’s work hard and continue to struggle for our hope is in the living God
He is the Savior of all people and most particularly all believers
Be an example to all believers in what you say and in the way you live
Stay true to what’s right for the sake of your salvation and those who hear you.
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MEMORY VERSE
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times, some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. – 1 Timothy 4:1
Read: 1 Timothy 4:1-16
In this letter of Paul to Timothy, we are warned of the false teachings that will happen during the end times and it also gives us a clear guideline of how to be a good servant of God.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for us to live holy and pure lives as Christians?
• Why is spiritual training more important than physical training?
• How can we stay true to what is right?
REQUIREMENTS FOR CHURCH LEADERS Poem Devotional
October 10
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REQUIREMENTS FOR CHURCH LEADERS
A poem by ILMA
If someone desires to be a church leader, he seeks a moral position
A church leader must be someone whose life is blameless
He must be faithful to his spouse and must exercise self-control
Living wisely and having a good reputation teaching are requirements as well.
A church leader must enjoy having guests in his or her home
He cannot be a heavy drinker or be violent to anyone
He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money
He must manage his own family well and have respectful and obedient children.
If a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
A church leader mustn’t be a new believer, because he might become proud and fall
People outside church must speak well of him so he won’t fall into the devil’s trap.
In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity
They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money
They must be committed to the mystery of the faith
And they also must live with a clear conscience.
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MEMORY VERSE
If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.
– 1 Timothy 3:1
Read: 1 Timothy 3:1-13
It is sad that some churches have compromised their spiritual growth. Some churches fail to refer to the requirements laid by the Lord in the bible regarding church leaders’ selection.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to re-think if you are wanting to be a church leader?
• Why do we need to be very careful in selecting leaders of a congregation if we are members of the board or appointees?
• Why do you think Paul requires blameless living for church leaders?
INSTRUCTION FOR WORSHIP Poem Devotional
October 8
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INSTRUCTION FOR WORSHIP
A poem by ILMA
I ask you all to pray for all people and ask God to help them
Intervene for other people’s behalf and give thanks for these people
Include in your prayers all authority such as kings so there’ll be peace
When we have quiet lives, we can live godly and dignified lives.
God is pleased when we pray since he wants us all to be saved
The Lord desires for all of us to understand the truth
For there is only one God and one Mediator who brings God and humanity
It is God’s only son, Christ Jesus who is the only one who is the go-between.
This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time
In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God
He wants them all to be free from anger and controversy
And I want women to wear decent clothing and not draw attention to themselves.
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MEMORY VERSE
This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. – 2 Timothy 2:3-4
Read: 2 Timothy 2:1-15
Paul’s letter to Timothy was full of instructions about how the demeanor of men and women should be during worship. It is sad to watch many churches now not following these instructions. We are summoned to pray for all people and intercede for them, how many Christians actually do these? We get all wrapped up in our busy lives that we can barely prioritize our worship for God. We fail to pray for our leaders; instead, we get consumed by whining and watching what they are doing wrong. We are told to live holy lives that honor the Lord.
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REFLECTION
• How would you assess the kind of worship you do for the Lord?
• Do you make God your priority in life?
• What can you do as a Christian to make prayer as your lifestyle?
WARNING AGAINST FALSE TEACHINGS Poem Devotional
October 7
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WARNING AGAINST FALSE TEACHINGS
A poem by ILMA
Stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth
Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussions
These things only lead to meaningless speculations
It doesn’t help people to live a life of faith in God.
A true believer is filled with love that comes from a pure heart
They possess a clear conscience, and genuine faith
But some people have missed this whole point
They spend their time in meaningless discussions.
They want to be known as teachers of the law of God
Though confident, they’re clueless about what they’re talking about
We know that the law is good when used correctly
For the law wasn’t intended for people who do what’s right.
It is for people who are lawless and rebellious
They are for those who are ungodly and sinful,
Also, they are for those people who consider nothing sacred
They’re for those who are defile God’s teaching.
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MEMORY VERSE
Stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. – 1 Timothy 1:3
Read: 1 Timothy 1:1-11
In this letter of Paul, we are cautioned about false teachings. The only way we are going to find out false teachings is if we study carefully the word of God. We are to avoid endless discussion of myths and worldly pursuits and human reasoning. We are to caution our hearts and never defile God’s teachings.
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REFLECTION
• What do you do as a Christian if you find false teachings in the church that you belong to?
• Why are we cautioned not to engage in meaningless discussions?
THE LORD PROTECTS Poem Devotional
October 6
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THE LORD PROTECTS
A poem by ILMA
Pray that the gospel will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes
Pray too that we’ll be rescued from wicked people for everyone’s a believer
But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from evil
May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding of his love.
Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow God’s word
For you know that you ought to imitate Christ in all you do
We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to anyone
We made sure that we are not dumping our load to God’s people.
Yet we hear that some believers are living idle lives, refusing to work
They meddle in other people’s affair and not respect others
We command such people and urge them in Christ’s name to settle down
They need to work for their own living and never get tired of doing good.
Take note of those who refuse to obey what we caution in this letter
Stay away from those who are lawless, so they will be humbled
Don’t think of them as enemies but warn them as you would a loved one
Treat them kindly and be patient with those who are in bondage and blind.
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MEMORY VERSE
Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.
– 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3
Read: 2 Thessalonians –3:1-14
It is easy to say that we are Christians but it is in our actions and our lives that we truly declare that we are true followers of Christ. In this chapter, we are cautioned not to be a burden to others and do our own work instead of depending on other’s kindness or generosity. We need to be able to work for our own living and never get tired of doing good.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it good for us to take care of ourselves and not meddle in other’s affairs?
BLESSED ARE THOSE PERSECUTED Poem Devotional
October 5
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BLESSED ARE THOSE PERSECUTED
A poem by ILMA
Thank the Lord when your faith when it is flourishing
Especially when your love for others is growing
Hold on to your faith when you experience hardships
It will give your faith a chance to grow and endure.
When you are persecuted for your faith, don’t be hopeless
God will use this persecution to show his justice
In this justice, he will pay back those who persecute you
And so, in this way, you are worthy of his kingdom.
God will provide rest for all who are persecuted for his sake
In the end, Jesus will appear from heaven with his angels
He will bring judgment on those who don’t know God
Including all those who refuse to obey his word.
Keep praying that God to enable you to live worthy of his call
Ask God to give you power to accomplish the good he prompts you to do
So that the name of the Lord will be honored by the way you live
Then you will yourself be honored along with him.
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MEMORY VERSE
And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. – 2 Thessalonians 1:7
Read: 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12
When you experience persecution, you are instructed by Paul to be hopeful so that you can focus on the final reward of Christ in the end, to be with him. He brings justice to those who are being oppressed for his sake.
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REFLECTION
• Have you ever been persecuted for Jesus? How did he give you hope to look forward to his promises?
• What can you do to keep on living a life worthy of God’s call?
WISE WORDS FOR BELIEVERS Poem Devotional
October 4
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WISE WORDS FOR BELIEVERS
A poem by ILMA
To all believers, honor those who lead you and do the work of God
They work earnestly among you to give you spiritual guidance
Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of what they’re doing
Live peacefully with each other; we urge you to warn those who are lazy.
Encourage those who are shy and take tender care of those who are weak
Be patient with everyone and see no one pays evil for evil and be good to all
Always be joyful; never stop praying and be thankful in all situations
God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus is to let the Spirit live in you.
Do not stifle the Holy Spirit and don’t mock prophecies, but test what’s said
Hold on to what is good and stay away from every kind of wickedness
May the God of peace make you holy and pure in every way
May your soul, body and spirit be kept faultless until Christ comes again.
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MEMORY VERSE
See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. – 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24
In this chapter, Paul reminds us of some wise words for believers. He tells them to honor those who work for God’s ministry. Peace is something that is always stressed in most of his teachings but loving others and paying attention to those who needs tender loving care like the weak and those who are shy. Being joyful and always praying and being thankful is also emphasized. But caution is spoken about how not to hinder the Spirit of God and ensuring that we test what his prophecy says.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think Paul tells us not to avenge but to be good to all instead?
• What stifles the Holy Spirit?
• How can you test if the spirit is from the Lord or not?
• How can encouragement help those who are shy and weak?
BE PREPARED FOR THE LORD’S RETURN Poem Devotional
October 3
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BE PREPARED FOR THE LORD’S RETURN
A poem by ILMA
The day of the Lord’s coming will be unexpected, like a thief in the night
It may come when people think everything is peaceful, secure and quiet
Disaster will suddenly fall on them as a pregnant woman’s labor pain begins
Then there will be nowhere to go, all those who don’t belong to him will see.
But all believers need not worry because you aren’t in the dark about these things
You will not be surprised when the Lord comes in the middle of the night like a thief
For you are all children of the light and of the day, you don’t belong to darkness
So, be on your guard, be mindful, stay alert and not asleep like the others.
Be vigilant and clearheaded; night is the time when people sleep and some are drunk
Let us all who live in the light be lucid, protected by the armor of faith and love
Wear the full armor of God and have the confidence that comes from being saved
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
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MEMORY VERSE
So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.
– 1 Thessalonians 5:5
Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
It is interesting how many people react to the second coming of the Lord in various ways. Humans are very visual that we don’t to get ready for the Lord’s coming in a physical way. We cannot fathom how and when all these things are actually happening. There are some people preparing how to survive such disasters in the end times and yet neglect the real preparation that is actually expected of us. The preparation is to be holy and pure so that when the Lord comes like a thief in the night, we are prepared because we are obeying all his commands. Sadly, we, humans are very literal and limited in our understanding about it. What we need to be concerned is how to stay pure and right in God’s eyes.
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REFLECTION
• Do you have apprehensions about the second coming of Christ? If so, why do you think you have such concerns?
• What are the ways you have been preparing for the Lord’s return?
HOPE IN THE LORD’S RETURN Poem Devotional
October 3
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HOPE IN THE LORD’S RETURN
A poem by ILMA
Dear fellow believers, we want you to know what happens to believers who died
We are telling you this so you won’t grieve like people who have no hope
Since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again
We also believe that God brings back the believers who have died when Jesus returns.
The Lord says: “We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout,
The voice of the archangel will be heard with the trumpet call of God
Then all the believers who have died will rise from their graves.
Then, together with them, we who are still alive here on earth
We will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air
Then we will be triumphant that we will eventually be with the Lord forever
So let us all encourage each other constantly of this hope when Christ returns.
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MEMORY VERSE
We want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. – 1 Thessalonians 1:13
Read: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
This chapter focuses on the rapture which is the second coming of Jesus. The book of Matthew describes the coming of Jesus this way in Chapter 24:40 “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. Paul presents the rapture in a more hopeful and a high expectancy of the picture of what will actually happens when Jesus Christ comes back again to save us all. It gives hope to those who have already lost their love ones to the grave if they are believers.
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REFLECTION
• How can believers be comforted by Paul’s reminder of what happens in the rapture?
• How can you encourage believers who just lost a loved one?