November 13
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MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN THYATIRA
A poem by ILMA
This is the message of the Son of God to the church in Thyatira
“I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith
I recognize your service, and your patient endurance
And I can see your constant improvement in all these things.
“But I have this complaint against you. You are tolerating Jezebel
This woman calls herself a prophet—to lead my servants astray
She teaches them to commit sexual sin and to eat food offered to idols
I gave her time to repent, but she doesn’t want to stop being unfaithful.
I will ask nothing more except to hold tightly to what you have until I come
To all who obey me to the very end, victory will be given to you
They will rule the nations with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots
I will also give them the morning star and the same authority God gave me.
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MEMORY VERSE
“But I have this complaint against you. You are permitting that woman—that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet—to lead my servants astray. She teaches them to commit sexual sin and to eat food offered to idols. – Revelation 2:20
Read: Revelation 2:18-29
This message to the church in Thyatira is very relevant to our present-day churches. Sexual immorality, control, division, jealousy, and idolatry are just some of the many sins that the Jezebel spirit propagates in the body of Christ. If you actually examine and reflect on the health of the churches in the current times, you will easily spot the fact that many churches tolerate the Jezebel spirit.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the Lord prohibits us from allowing the Jezebel spirit to thrive in the body of Christ?
• Why is God so concerned that we stay uncompromised? Why can’t we tolerate the Jezebel spirit? What happens if we allow it to stay in the church?
Tag Archives: ILMA BARAYUGA-DOHERTY
MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN PERGAMUM Poem Devotional
November 12
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MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN PERGAMUM
A poem by ILMA
This is the message to the Pergamum church
It came from the one with the two-edged sword
“I know that you live in the city where Satan has his throne
And yet, you have remained loyal to me, your Lord
You refused to deny me even when Antipas, my witness was killed
He was martyred among you there in Satan’s city but you stayed faithful.
“But I have a few complaints against you in your church
You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam,
You were taught how to trip up the people of Israel
You were told to eat food offered to idols and to commit sexual sin
You you have among you who follow those evil teachings.
“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit, repent of your sins.
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MEMORY VERSE
“But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel. He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin.
– Revelation 2:14
Read: Revelation 2:12-17
Jesus had a complaint against the church in Pergamum. This message speaks of the strength of this church, which is loyalty. They were loyal to the Lord in the midst of someone being killed because of his faith in Jesus. The Lord does not tolerate hypocrisy and sins either, so this church was confronted with wrong things they listen to and their sins. He does not tolerate false teachings and defiling the Lord’s commands. Even though they were faithful, they were allowing these false teachings and sins to thrive.
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REFLECTION
• Why are we challenged to confront false teachings and sin?
• What happens when we don’t recognize wrong teachings in our church?
• Why can’t we cover up sins with some of our strengths?
LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA Poem Devotional
November 11
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LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA
A poem by ILMA
This letter is addressed to the angel of the church of Smyrna
It comes from the Lord, the First and the Last, who was dead but now alive
The Lord knows about your pain, suffering and your poverty
Your church is assured that despite all of these trials, you are really wealthy
Your church recognizes those who claim they are Jews but are from Satan
Do not be afraid when blasphemy of those against you are constant
The devil is about to throw some of you in jail to test you
You will suffer for ten days, but don’t worry, it won’t last long
Stay on guard and remain faithful, don’t give up
You will receive the crown of life if you are faithful
Anyone with wisdom must listen to God’s Spirit
Whoever is victorious won’t be harmed by the devil.
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MEMORY VERSE
Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life. – Revelation 2:8
Read: Revelation 2:8-11
The church of Smyrna is one of the seven churches in the book of Revelation whom God favored. There were only two churches among the seven that pleased the Lord. The church of Smyrna was singled out to be one of these two churches that the Lord approved. Because of their longsuffering and wisdom to discern those who are counterfeits, the Lord promised them the crown of life if they continue to be faithful.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think longsuffering is something that the Lord wants for all his people to have?
• What is the promise of God to those who remain faithful even when facing death and all kinds of suffering for him?
• What’s the condition present day churches compared to the church of Smyrna?
LETTER TO THE CHURCH OF EPHESUS Poem Devotional
November 10
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LETTER TO THE CHURCH OF EPHESUS
A poem by ILMA
This letter is to the angel of the church in Ephesus
This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars
The one who walks among the seven gold lampstands
God knew all you did, especially their patient endurance
You do not let wickedness thrive or tolerate evil people
You examine the claims of those who claim they are apostles
You have discovered they are liars and have patiently suffered without quitting
But God has this one complaint against you; they don’t love God as they did before.
Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first
If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place
Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying
To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in God’s paradise.
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MEMORY VERSE
But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!
– Revelations 2:4
Read: Revelations 2:1-7
This letter is for the people of God whose love has turned sour on him. When Christians grow in years of becoming a believer, there is a big tendency to take for granted their initial feeling of love for Jesus. Passion and fire gets lost over time as we grow complacent and used to loving someone.
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REFLECTION
• How can we prevent losing the passion we once had for our loved ones?
• Why is living on fire for the one you love important in a relationship?
• Why do you think did God filed this complaint of not having passion to this church of Ephesus?
• Why wasn’t their good works enough for the Lord Jesus Christ?
• Why did the Lord remind this church how they lost their ardor for him important?
SHOW DEEP LOVE FOR EACH OTHER poem devotional
November 8
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SHOW DEEP LOVE FOR EACH OTHER
A poem by ILMA
Since Christ went through physical pain, you must have his same attitude
Be ready to suffer physically for Christ just like he did for you
When you decide to do this, you won’t spend your life chasing desires
But you will be anxious to do the will of the Lord Jesus Christ.
You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy
They love to do immoral things and lustful feasting and drunken wild parties
They worship idols and their lives are only about pleasing themselves
But they’ll have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone.
The end of the world is coming soon, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers
Most important of all, show deep love for each other, for love covers all sins
Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay
God has given each of you some spiritual gifts; use them to serve each other.
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MEMORY VERSE
The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. – 1 Peter 4:7-8
Love is the biggest command of the Lord for all. Christians are encouraged to show love deeply. Love is the only thing that covers a multitude of sins. It is important for us to be able to use the spiritual gifts that God gave us so that we can actually use these gifts to serve one another. In this chapter, we are warned because the end of days might be coming soon.
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REFLECTION
• How does love conquer all things?
• Why is showing deep love and affection for someone the only thing that really matters?
• Why is Christ the epitome of unconditional love?
• Why is the discipline to pray a very important component of a Christian life?
SUFFERING FOR DOING GOOD Poem Devotional
November 7
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SUFFERING FOR DOING GOOD
A poem by ILMA
Who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good?
But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you
So, don’t worry or be afraid of threats but worship Christ as Lord of your life
And if someone asks about your hope, always be ready to explain it.
Do this in a gentle and respectful way and keep your conscience clear
Then if people talk against you, they’ll be ashamed when they see your good life Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, than to suffer for doing wrong!
Christ suffered for our sins once for all time, he never sinned, but he died for us all.
Don’t be afraid to do things for the Lord for that is the right thing to do
Do not give in to your evil desire, instead, listen to the Spirit of the Lord
Make a sacrifice and follow the example of the Lord when he died for us
Carry your own cross like Jesus did and always do what is right and good.
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MEMORY VERSE
But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So, don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. – 1 Peter 3:14
Read: 1 Peter 3:13-22
There are heroes that the world give recognition. Some people look up to them because of what they have achieved but in God’s economy, those who are real heroes are those who suffer for doing good. They are the ones who constantly want to obey the will of God and go through suffering just to be able to do what is right.
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REFLECTION
• Have you ever suffered because you made the right decision?
• Why are we asked to be sacrificial in showing our love for others?
• How can we avoid looking at the negative side of suffering?
TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD Poem Devotional
November 6
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TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD
A poem by ILMA
All believers must be of one mind and sympathize with each other
Love each other, be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude
Don’t repay evil for evil and when people insult you, don’t do the same
Instead, pay them back with a blessing, that’s according to.
Keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies
If you want to enjoy life and see happy days and pursue peace
God watches over those who do right and he hears their prayers
But the LORD turns his face against those who do evil.
Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good?
But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you
It is better to suffer for doing good, to suffer for doing wrong!
Christ died for us to bring you safely home to God.
He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.
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MEMORY VERSE
For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. – 1 Peter 3:10-11
Read: 1 Peter 3:8-22
In this chapter, we are cautioned on many things so we can enjoy life. One of the most important things we learn from this chapter is to keep our tongues from evil and our lips from telling lies. It guarantees a life of peace and a reward of salvation from God.
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REFLECTION
• Why is having one mind among believers important in the kingdom of God?
• Why would it be good to suffer for good?
• What is the reward of suffering for righteousness?
• What reward awaits those who turn from evil and do good?
• Why shouldn’t a Christian take revenge?
CORNERSTONE AND LIVING STONE Poem Devotional
November 5
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CORNERSTONE AND LIVING STONE
A poem by ILMA
Christ is the living cornerstone of God’s temple
Though he was chosen by God, the people rejected him
We are the living stone building into his spiritual temple
Through Christ’s sacrifice, we can please the Father.
So, get rid of all evil behavior and stop all your deception
Do not let hypocrisy, jealousy or unkind speech in your heart
Like newborn babies, you must crave spiritual milk to grow
By growing, you will experience salvation into it’s fullest.
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone
He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall
They stumble because they do not obey God’s word,
So, they meet the fate that was planned for them.
But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people
You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession
As a result, you can show others the goodness of God,
He called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
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MEMORY VERSE
You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. – 1 Peter 2:4
Read: 1 Peter 2:1-10
It is only in Jesus that we can have growth. We need to remember that we are royal priesthood like him if we are believers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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REFLECTION
• Why is Jesus considered the cornerstone that the builders rejected?
• Shouldn’t be Christians expected to be rejected as Jesus was?
• Why are we believers considered royal priesthood?
GOD’S WORD REMAINS FOREVER Poem Devotional
November 4
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GOD’S WORD REMAINS FOREVER
A poem by ILMA
Be ready, renew your minds and exercise self-control
Be hopeful and expectant for Jesus’ second coming
Live as obedient children of your heavenly Father
He was holy so he expected you to be holy as well.
Remember that God plays no favorites, he treats you all equally
Live in reverent fear of God since you are just temporary residents
Through Christ you have come to trust in God and was cleansed from sin
So, love each other deeply and sincerely with all your heart.
You’ve been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end
Your new life will last forever because the word of God says
“People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field
The flowers fade but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
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MEMORY VERSE
As the Scriptures say, “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. But the word of the Lord remains forever.”
– 1 Peter 1:24-25
Read: 1 Peter 1:13-25
One of the only things that lasts forever in this world is the word of God. Everything else in this world is temporary and changing. We need to be able to get ourselves strong in the word so we can overcome this world. God also wants us to be holy as he is so that we can receive all the promises of God.
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REFLECTION
• How can you exercise self-control?
• Why is it a good thing to be investing time reading the word of God if you are a believer?
• What happens when we don’t follow the truth that only comes in the word of God?
• How can loving one another deeply make us grow as Christians?
JOY IN TRIALS Poem Devotionals
November 3
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JOY IN TRIALS
A poem by ILMA
When you encounter trials, don’t be discouraged
Instead, look at the upside of it and take courage
These trials will show your faith is genuine
It will test how you are going to endure.
Such trials will make you strong like being tested on fire
It will bring much praise and glory when Christ is revealed
When you love Christ even though you’ve never seen him
The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your soul.
This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know
They prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you
They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you
This Good News has been preached by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.
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MEMORY VERSE
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. – 1 Peter 1:6
Read: 1 Peter 1:6-12
When we encounter adversities in life, we often become discouraged or hopeless or desperate. But there is actually an upside to trials. They grow us. We learn to endure and become able to have patience to suffer long. When our faith grows, we become almost perfect, needing nothing. It gives us a chance to be refined through the fire just like how gold and silver are put to the test in fire.
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REFLECTION
• How can one have the ability to look at the bright side to challenges and trials in life?
• Why are such trials important for our maturity as Christians?
• Why do worldly people see trials as a bad thing? What are they missing when they look at it this way?
• How can we train ourselves to see trials as a test that we need to pass?