May 16
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ARTAXERXES AND DARIUS ON THE TEMPLE REBUILT
A poem by ILMA
When Cyrus allowed the Israelites to come back to Jerusalem
The king wanted the Israelites to rebuilt the Lord’s temple
Opposition from the enemies of Judah and Benjamin arose
They convinced Artaxerxes that Israelites are rebellious.
Rehum and Shimshai prompted this opposition to stop building
And the king agreed to put a stop to the restoration of the temple
So, the work on the Temple of God in Jerusalem was halted
Haggai and Zechariah however prophesied that they will resume again.
Tattenai, the governor questioned the resuming of the project
But since the Lord was watching over them, Darius was sent a report
He inquired about the validity of the directive from Cyrus’ time
King Darius issued orders to search in the Babylonian archives.
The king found a scroll that stated the declaration of Cyrus about the Temple
He wrote a decree quickly that they will resume the work and extend all help
The project was completed on March 12 during the sixth year of Darius
The Temple of God was then dedicated with great joy by the Israelites.
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MEMORY VERSE
But because their God was watching over them, the leaders of the Jews were not prevented from building until a repost was sent to Darius an he returned his.
– Ezra 5:5
Read: Ezra 4-6
The story of the rebuilding of the Temple is quite interesting since it was the king from a foreign country who ordered the Temple to be rebuilt. We clearly see the hand of God in all of these.
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REFLECTION
• What have you allowed to die to ruins in your life that the Lord wants you to restore and rebuild so He can be glorified?
Tag Archives: ILMA’s Poem Devotional
ZEDEKIAH’S HARD HEART DESTROYS JERUSALEM Poem Devotional
May 14
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ZEDEKIAH’S HARD HEART DESTROYS JERUSALEM
A poem by ILMA
Zedekiah was 21 years old when he became king and reigned 11 years
He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and refused to humble himself
Even when the prophet Jeremiah spoke to him directly from the Lord
He continued to be a hard and stubborn man, refusing to turn to God.
Likewise, all the leaders of the priests and the people became unfaithful
They followed all the pagan practices of the surrounding nations
They desecrated the Temple of the Lord that had been consecrated
God repeatedly sent his prophets to warn them but they didn’t listen.
The people of God mocked these messengers and despised their words
They scoffed at the prophets until the Lord’s anger could not be restrained
So, the Lord brought the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar against them
The Babylonians killed Judah’s young men, chasing them to the Temple.
Nebuchadnezzar took home to Babylon all the articles used in the Temple
Then his army burned the Temple of God and tore Jerusalem walls down
The few who survived were taken as exiles to Babylon and became servants
So, Jeremiah’s prophecy was fulfilled and the land enjoyed Sabbath rest.
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MEMORY VERSE
The Lord, the God of their ancestors, repeatedly sent his prophets to warn them, for he had compassion on his people and his Temple. But the people mocked these messengers of God and despised their words. – 2 Chronicles 36:15-16
Read: 2 Chronicles 36
It is a sad thing to watch God’s people turn their backs on Him after the many times they have been delivered from enemies. Their hardened hearts and stubbornness led God to destroy Jerusalem. Though they were warned, they never listened.
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REFLECTION
• What causes people’s hearts to be hardened?
• Why can we sometimes become deaf to warnings from God’s Spirit?
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?
THE CRUCIFIXION Poem Devotional
May 6
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THE CRUCIFIXION
A poem by ILMA
Along the way, they came across a man named Simon from Cyrene
He was forced by the soldiers to carry the cross for Jesus
They went out to Golgotha which means “place of the skull”
The soldiers gave Jesus wine mixed with bitter gall.
When Jesus tasted the wine with gall, he refused to drink it
After they have nailed him to the cross, the soldiers gambled
They betted on his clothes by throwing dice while they kept guard
As Jesus was hung there, a singed was fastened above Jesus’ head.
The sign announced the charge against Jesus saying “King of the Jews”
Two criminals were crucified beside him, one on his right and one on the left
People passing by shouted abuse and shaking their heads in mockery
“Look at you now, you said you’ll destroy and rebuild the Temple in 3 days.”
The leading priests, the teachers of religious law and the elders taunted him too
They scoffed “But he can’t save himself! If he comes down, we will believe him
Even the two criminals beside him also joined in the mockery with the people
At noon, darkness fell across the whole land at three o’clock.
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MEMORY VERSE
A sing was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” – Matthew 27:37
Read: Matthew 27:32-45
The main focus of a believer’s life is this crucifixion, which symbolized the greatest love of God to mankind, giving us his only begotten Son just so we can be reconciled with him. He paid for the penalty of our sin so he can bridge that gap that was created when we sinned.
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REFLECTION
• Can you think of anything that would be close to the brutality that Jesus bore so we could be reconciled with the Father? Explain.
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?
AHAZ RULES IN JUDAH Poem Devotional
April 23
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AHAZ RULES IN JUDAH
A poem by ILMA
Ahaz, son of Jotham began to rule over Judah in the 17th year of Pekah’s reign
He was twenty years old when he became king and ruled for sixteen years
He did not do what was pleasing in the sigh of the Lord, as his ancestors did
Instead, he followed the example of kings of Israel, and sacrificed his own son.
He sacrificed his son in the fire and followed the pagan practices
He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the pagan shrines
Then Rezin of Aram and Pekah of Israel came up to attack Jerusalem
These two kings, Rezin and Pekah besieged Ahaz but could not conquer him.
At that time, the king of Edom recovered the town of Elath for Edom
He drove out the people of Judah and sent Edomites to live there
King Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser of Assyria to rescue him
He told the Assyrian king that he will be his servant and vassal.
Ahaz took the silver and gold from the Temple of the Lord
He gave it as payment to the Assyrian king, so King Rezin was killed
When he died, he was buried with his ancestors in the city of David
Then his son Hezekiah became the next king to rule Judah.
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MEMORY VERSE
He did not do what was pleasing in the sight of the Lord his God, as his ancestor David had done. – 2 Kings 16:2
Read: 2 Kings 16
Many of these kings did what was evil in the Lord’s sight. Sometimes it is hard to understand how the Lord allows evil to prevail. But many times we suffer the consequences of our decisions.
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REFLECTION
• What led Ahaz to go the Assyrian King for help?
• Why do you think this king continued to do evil in the Lord while his father Jotham did what was pleasing to God?
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
SPIRIT IS WILLING BUT BODY’S WEAK Poem Devotional
December 27________________________________________
Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak! – Matthew 26:41 (NLT)
SPIRIT IS WILLING BUT BODY’S WEAK
A poem and essay by ILMA
When we want to overcome evil
The more we will be tempted by the devil
Watch out and constantly pray
That is the greatest and only way.
The spirit may be wanting and willing
The body is easily tempted and feeble.
Pray long and hard and focus on Jesus Christ
Give him praise for he brings peace, joy and life.
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How many times do people make a new year’s resolution and end up unsuccessful even in less than two months? The spirit is willing, but our nature is very weak. We easily succumb to our cravings and desires. We do things out of our own effort and expect to be blessed by the Lord.
I used to rely on my strength in so many ways. I read a lot of self-help books when I wasn’t born again. I patted myself on the back or rewarded my own efforts. What an ungodly thing to do. It was boasting and an exercise of pride. But I didn’t know that when I was doing all these works of the flesh. One day the Lord revealed to me that the only thing we can boast is how much we love and how much we pray.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to never boast about what I can do.
REFLECTION
How can one overcome a weak body and mind and strengthen one’s spirit?
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