May 13
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JOSIAH: HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT KING
A poem by ILMA
Despite having an evil father in Amon, you pleased the Lord your God
Though you were only eight years old when you were put in the throne
You never turned away from doing right and stayed humble and pure
During the 8th year of your reign you began to seek your ancestor David’s God.
On your 12th year of reign, you started to purify Judah and Jerusalem
You began destroying all pagan shrines, Asherah poles and carved idols
You ordered the demolishing of Baal’s altar and incense altars broken down
You also demanded to smash the cast images; had bones of the pagan priests burned.
When Hilkiah discovered the original scroll that Moses has written the laws of God’s
You summoned all your advisers and inquired about the words written in the scroll
The prophet Hildah, the wife of Shallum, keeper of the Temple wardrobe was consulted
She talked of God’s anger towards the people for turning to Baal and other pagan idols.
Because you were sorry and humbled yourself to God for the people’s sins
He blessed you with such glorious kingship and the best Passover festivals
No other kings can compare to your Festivals in all of the history of Israel
You were greatly blessed with bringing an end to idolatry that happened.
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MEMORY VERSE
He pledged to obey the Lord by keeping his commands, laws and decrees with all his heart and soul. He promised to obey all the terms of the covenant that were written in the scroll. – 2 Chronicles 34:31
Read: 2 Chronicles 34
So far, from all the many readings I have encountered of Israel’s kings, I think Josiah is one of the humblest and obedient kings Israel would have had. He followed King David’s footsteps. Despite the sins of his father and ancestors, the Lord blessed him.
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REFLECTION
• Why is obedience and humility very important in being victorious and blessed in the life of a Christian?
Tag Archives: Christian poem
THE RICH MAN Poem Devotional
May 10
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THE RICH MAN
A poem by ILMA
A religious leader asked Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life
The Lord enumerated commandments like not committing adultery
He included the commands not to murder, steal or testify falsely
Jesus also reminded the rich man of the command to honor his parents.
The man said that he has obeyed all these commands since he was young
Then Jesus told him that there is still one thing he hasn’t done
He hasn’t sold his possessions and given the money to the poor
He told him treasures in heaven will await him if he followed.
But when the man heard this, he became very sad, for he was wealthy
Jesus tells us “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for the rich
They will have a harder time to enter the Kingdom of the Lord.
Those who heard what Jesus said asked “Who then can be saved?”
Jesus replied, “What’s impossible for people is possible with God”
He assured those who has given up their loved one for the kingdom
They will all be repaid many times and they will have eternal life.
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MEMORY VERSE
In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God. – Mark 10:25
Read: Mark 10:17-31
This encounter of Jesus with a rich man as he was on his way to Jerusalem narrates the priorities man puts on riches. He was going to follow all the commands as long as he keeps his wealth intact. Don’t we all conditionally follow God sometimes?
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REFLECTION
• What was this rich man missing in the lesson that Jesus was teaching him?
• Would you do all you can to have eternal life?
• What compromises do we walk into by holding on to things that gives us pleasure?
ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA Poem Devotional
May 9
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ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA
A poem by ILMA
A certain couple named Ananias and Sapphira sold some property
The man brought part of the money but not all of it to the apostles
With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest and Peter reproved him
Peter asked Ananias why he allowed Satan to fill his heart.
Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit and kept some money for himself
Since the property was his to sell and the money to give away
He didn’t have to lie but when he did, he was lying to God as well
As soon as Ananias heard Peter’s rebuke, he fell on the floor and died.
Everyone who witnessed this was terrified, they carried Ananias and buried him
Three hours later, Sapphira, not knowing what happened, came in
Peter asked her how much they received for the property they sold
And she replied with the same lie that Ananias, her husband gave.
Peter said “How could the two of you test the Spirit of the Lord?”
He said that her husband just died after lying about their gain
Instantly, she fell on the floor as well, like Ananias and died
Great fear gripped all those who heard what have happened.
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MEMORY VERSE
He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest. – Acts 5:2
Read: Acts 5
A lot of people take lightly the sin of lying. We do not realize how grieved the Holy Spirit is when we lie. It is an insult to God’s all-knowing and all-seeing characteristics. Most people think it is alright to lie. The world even uses euphemisms calling them “white lies.”
A lie is a lie and it is a sin that grieves the Holy Spirit.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think “death” was the punishment for the lies that Ananias and Sapphira purposefully planned to tell Peter?
JEZEBEL’S MANIPULATION AND CONTROL Poem Devotional
May 8
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JEZEBEL’S MANIPULATION AND CONTROL
A poem by ILMA
When Jezebel married Ahab, he convinced him to worship her god Baal
Neighboring vineyard owner Naboth refused to sell his own property to Ahab
The king wanted to buy his land to use it as his garden but the man declined
He sulked and didn’t eat for days, so Jezebel stepped up and reminded him of his
She later used her evil schemes by sending a letter with Ahab’s signature on it
The elders and all those informed became convinced that Naboth did evil
She gave instructions to fast and put Naboth in public view and humiliation
She twisted truth and told he cursed God and the king and he was exposed.
As a result of the lie that says Naboth cursed God and King Ahab
He was dragged outside the town and stoned to death
The Lord instructed Elijah to confront Ahab at Naboth’s vineyard
Because you and Jezebel have done this, dogs will lick your blood.
Then Elijah set out to kill all of Baal’s prophets to stop all the evil
When Jezebel heard what he did, she sent a message to Elijah he will be killed
Elijah fled to Sinai, fearful for his life as he knew that he was the remaining prophet
God, however, assured him to go back the same way and anoint Hazael to be king.
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MEMORY VERSE
Seize all the prophets of Baal. Don’t let a single one escape. So, the people seized them all and Elijah took them down to the Kishon Valley and killed them there. – 1 Kings 18:40
Read: 1 Kings 18,19,21
Jezebel is depicted here as a very controlling, manipulative and wicked person. She killed many prophets of God and ensured that King Ahab will never share his power. How can we watch out for possible entry of Jezebel spirit to come to destroy us?
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REFLECTION
• Why did Elijah kill the prophets of Baal? Is it the same mandate for believers to destroy all their idols?
• How can the Jezebel spirit manifest itself in the body of Christ?
EARLY YEARS OF ASA’S REIGN Poem Devotional
May 4
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EARLY YEARS OF ASA’S REIGN
A poem by ILMA
When Abijah died, his son Asa became the next king
There was peace in the land for ten straight years
Asa did what was pleasing and good in God’s sight
He removed the foreign altars and pagan shrines.
Asa smashed the sacred pils and cut down the Asherah poles
He commanded the people of Judah to seek the Lord
He instructed them to obey God’s laws and his commands
He also removed the incense altars from every town of Judah.
King Asa’s kingdom enjoyed a period of peace
Because of that, he built up the fortified towns of Judah.
No one made war against him at this time
For the Lord was giving him rest from his enemies.
He told the people of Judah to build towns and fortify them
He reminded them that since they sought the Lord, he gave them peace
So they went ahead with these projects and brought them to completion
He had an army of 580.000 warriors from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.
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MEMORY VERSE
He commanded the people of Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors and to obey his law and his commands. – 2 Chronicles 14:4
Read: 2 Chronicles 14
It is refreshing to hear of a good king in those days. We see the reward of following the Lord and leading the people into obedience to God
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REFLECTION
• What did King Asa achieve as a result of the peace they received from being obedient and faithful to the Lord?
• Why is it important to follow the Lord’s instruction?
JESUS CALLS LEVI (MATTHEW) Poem Devotional
May 3
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JESUS CALLS LEVI (MATTHEW)
A poem by ILMA
As Jesus left the town, he saw Levi, the tax collector sitting at his booth
“Follow me and be my disciple” Jesus said to him so he got up
He left everything he had and followed Jesus immediately
Later, Jesus was the guest of honor at a banquet he hosted.
Then the Pharisees and teachers of the law complained bitterly
“Why do you eat and drink with such scum as Levi?” they asked Jesus
Christ replied, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor-sick people do”
“I have come to call those who acknowledge their sins and repent.
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MEMORY VERSE
Healthy people don’t need a doctor-sick people do. I have come to call not those who think thy are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.
– Luke 5:31-32
Read: Luke 5:27-32
I heard one preacher describe what a church is. He said that the church is like a hospital and all the members represent the patients who are sick, not one is totally healed or they won’t be in the hospital anymore. When I heard him say this, an image comes to mind. A picture of people waiting to be given care and attention, waiting to get healed and get back to their normal lives, recuperating and getting stronger.
Isn’t it wonderful that Jesus called those who are not perfect to be his disciples? In fact, he chose messed up and sick people like Levi. His desire to follow him and turn his back on sin was truly Spirit led. ________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do we go to church and think that everyone in it has it altogether?
• How can we give compassion as Jesus did to those who are sinners and weak?
• How can we guard ourselves from giving a verdict to someone we don’t really know what’s going on in their hearts?
• How do we set other people up for failure when we have unrealistic expectations from them?
JESUS, THE ONLY WAY TO THE FATHER Poem Devotional
May 2
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JESUS, THE ONLY WAY TO THE FATHER
A poem by ILMA
Don’t let your hearts be troubled; trust in God and also in the Son
Jesus assures that there is enough room in his Father’s home
He said that he is preparing a place for those who believe him
When everything is ready, he will come back to get all who believe.
Thomas, one of his disciples said, “We have no clue where you’re going”
He added “How can we know where we are going if we don’t know the way?”
Jesus told him, “I am the way the truth and the life
It is only through me that you will come to the Father.”
Philip said “Lord, show us the Father and we’ll be satisfied”
And he said, “Haven’t I been with you this long and still not see me?”
Jesus said to them, “Don’t you believe I am in the Father and He’s in me?”
He told them to believe that the Father and he are one and believe it.
Anyone who believes in the Son will follow what he has done
They’ll be doing greater works than Him for He will be with the Father
If they ask anything in Jesus’ name, He will do it to bring the Father glory
So he urges all of us to ask in his mighty name and it will be done.
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MEMORY VERSE
I am the way the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
– John 14:6
Read: John 14
Are you not excited as a Christian to know that Jesus is preparing a room for you in His Father’s house? What an exciting promise to look forward to compared to all the things we are going through in this world. Let’s believe that Jesus is the only way to the Father.
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REFLECTION
• What makes Jesus different from other gods in the world?
• How do you visualize the room that Jesus is preparing for you?
• If Jesus is the way, how come, some Christians are not totally sold out on this?
LOVE GOD’S COMMANDS Poem Devotional
December 30________________________________________
Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.
-Psalm 119:165(NLT)
LOVE GOD’S COMMANDS
A poem and essay by ILMA
There’s a secret to peace and victory
It comes form loving God’s command and authority
When you constantly seek the Lord and obey
You will have strength and peace along the way.
God loves those who live in obedience and wisdom
He blesses them with joy and constant freedom
Love all of God’s instructions and your life will be good
He ensures protection to all those who obey and are faithful.
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So many people in the world today live in a spirit of rebellion and pride. True believers who love to follow the laws of God are a novelty these days. Laws are usually made so that the laws who were made to and the law-making body will both be protected under such boundaries. God created many boundaries that we need to honor and respect. When we do not respect such boundaries or laws, we eventually get in trouble if not right at the instance that we defy it.
We were all created in God’s image and when God made all these commands for us to follow, it is for our own good. The bible says that if we want to live in peace and stay out of trouble, we need to follow and love his commands or instructions. It protects us from stumbling.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me a love for your instructions.
REFLECTION
What happens when we don’t obey God’s laws?
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
REBUKE AND DISCIPLINE PURIFY HEART Poem Devotional
December 29________________________________________
Physical punishment cleanses away evil, such discipline purifies the heart.
-Proverbs 20:30(NLT)
REBUKE AND DISCIPLINE PURIFY HEART
A poem and essay by ILMA
When we are faithful believers of Christ
We will not avoid rebuke and correction in life
Physical punishment cleanses away evil
Discipline purifies and wards off the devil.
Do not be afraid when you are rebuked by truth
Because God loves you, he wants you to choose good
Don’t fear pain and suffering, it will make you endure
Jesus went through pain so you can be made new.
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Matthew Henry’s concise commentary on Proverbs 20:30 says that “Severe rebukes sometimes do a great deal of good. But such is the corruption of nature, that men are loth to be rebuked for their sins. If God uses severe afflictions, to purify our hearts and fit us for his service, we have cause to be very thankful.”
It is a wonder how our world has become a world of comfort. It avoids all forms of hardships, trials and sufferings. Not many people want to be corrected or told what to do or referred to face the truth. Discipline has become a novelty in our society. Very few people are responsible for the consequences of their own actions. Freedom has been twisted in its meaning.
The bible reminds us that rebuke, physical punishment and discipline are all very important processes that we need to go through in order to grow.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to face rebuke and correction from you.
REFLECTION
Why do you think people are scared of suffering and discipline?
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
WHY QUESTION GOD’S WAYS? Poem Devotional
December 28________________________________________
The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?
– Proverbs 20:24(NLT)
WHY QUESTION GOD’S WAYS?
A poem and essay by ILMA
Didn’t the Lord create all humans?
He knows what’s best for all men
How come people want to understand everything?
When we do, it only leads us to rebellion and sin.
Why try to understand when God knows best?
Isn’t it better to trust him and never ask or guess?
When we question God’s ways, we don’t trust him
If we leave all things to him, we grow up and avoid sin.
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I love to ask the “why” questions since I was a little girl. I think God made me a very inquisitive person and for the longest time, I used this curiosity. Sometimes it did me good to know what I wanted to know but many times, it also got me in trouble. I am a very analytical and deductive thinker. Sometimes it takes me hours to ponder on something. I go around in circles going back and forth on something that catches my curiosity. It can be a rewarding thing to get answers but sometimes it can be an obsession to find answers as well.
When things don’t go well in my life, I ask God many questions but in the process. One day he revealed to me that I don’t have to have to have answers all the time.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to trust you more and more.
REFLECTION
How can curiosity be a bad thing sometimes?
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