October 16
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PREACH THE WORD AND FINISH THE RACE
A poem by ILMA
I plead you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus who’ll judge us someday
He will come to hold accountable all the living and the dead on the last day
So, preach the word of the Lord and always be ready
Patiently correct, rebuke and encourage one another with good teaching.
There will come a time when people will stop listening to the truth
They will be more concerned with their own desires and reject the word
They will look for teachers who will tell them what they want to hear
They will close their hearts to sound teaching and chase after myths.
Make sure you keep your mind clear and pure in every situation
Do not be afraid of suffering if it is for the cause of the Lord
Work at telling others the Good News and continue to spread it
Fully carry out the ministry God has given you with the help of the Spirit.
Fight the good fight; never give up and remain faithful
Press on to finish the race for there will be a reward for you
The crown of righteousness which will be handed to you by the Lord
It will be there for you to receive when he returns and judge us all.
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MEMORY VERSE
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. – 2 Timothy 4:2
Read: 2 Timothy 4
In this letter of Paul to Timothy, he urges all the believers to spread the gospel. It is sad to see many Christians that do not actually live this mandate out. We are supposed to be responsible for each other’s growth with good teaching and live with each other in love.
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REFLECTION
• Do you actually preach the Good News? Who have you brought to the Lord by preaching the gospel to them?
Tag Archives: Christian poem
PROMOTE RIGHT LIVING Poem Devotional
October 14
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PROMOTE RIGHT LIVING
A poem by ILMA
Promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching
Teach the older men to exercise self-control and live wisely
Let them ensure that they are worthy of respect
They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.
Teach the older women to live in a way that honors God
They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers
Instead, they should teach others what is good
These older women must train the younger women to love their family.
Tell these young wives to live wisely and be pure and work in their homes
Instruct them to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands
In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely
Let them be an example to them by doing good works of every kind.
Let all you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching
Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticize
Then those who oppose will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about
You have the authority to correct them so don’t let anyone neglect what you say.
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MEMORY VERSE
Promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. – Titus 2:1
Read: Titus 2: 1-15
Paul gave very specific examples to Titus how Christians should adhere to a life worthy of respect. He also told how men and women should exercise self control and live wisely. But some believers may have forgotten these wise instructions to promote right living. We need to be reminded of these guidelines and follow it so we can live pure and holy lives.
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REFLECTION
• Why is right living a better teacher than actual preaching?
• Why is integrity and seriousness of teaching very important in the live of believers?
GOD-APPROVED WORKER Poem Devotional
October 13
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GOD-APPROVED WORKER
A poem by ILMA
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval
Be a good worker, don’t be ashamed and correctly explain the truth
Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior
This is not eddying the Lord and this kind of talk spreads like cancer.
God’s truth stands firm like a foundation for God knows all his people
Those who belong to the LORD do their best to turn away from evil
In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver
Some are made of wood and clay; expensive utensils are for special occasions.
While cheap ones are for everyday use, if you keep holy, you’ll be like a special utensil Your life will be clean, and you’ll be ready for the Master’s use you for every good work
Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts, instead, pursue righteous living
Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
Don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights
A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone
He must be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people
He must gently instruct those who oppose the truth.
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MEMORY VERSE
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
– 2 Timothy 2:15
Read: 2 Timothy 2:15-26
This letter of Paul to Timothy gives us a recommendation of how to be a good worker according to God. It is interesting when we don’t follow such guidelines to live in truth.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for us to keep holy and pursue righteous living?
• What happens when we involve ourselves with foolish arguments?
• Why do you think God chooses people who don’t engage in quarrels?¬
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?