LIKE A MOTHER Poem Devotional

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May 11                                                                                  The Power of God’s Word

I will comfort you there in Jerusalem as a mother comforts her child.

  • Isaiah66:13(NLT)     

LIKE A MOTHER

A poem by ILMA

Who can ever provide a love that is unconditional?

Women are gifted with instincts that are maternal

A mother provides all she can to protect her family

She will do everything to bring them up righteously.

Like a mother, God comforts his children daily

He gives them hope and loves them completely

He promises his beloved children great riches

His faithfulness endures forever which brings fullness.

Motherhood is one of the hardest roles a person could ever handle. I think God gave mothers special gifts and the power to press on in life.  From the time of conception, it is amazing how mothers are given the strength to handle the changes in their bodies and their emotions. When women are pregnant, they go through major hormonal changes in their bodies, which often times are hard to deal with. If you are a woman, you probably know what I am talking about. The cravings, the mood swings, the heightened sensitivities to different things.  God has equipped women to have emotional strength to bear difficulties. How awesome is our God who designed women to have the capacity to nurture and care. The bible tells us that God is like a mother who constantly comforts her child.

PRAYER

Lord, make me more caring and nurturing.

REFLECTION

Why do you think God likens himself to a mother?

 

GOD ANSWERS Poem Devotional

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May 8 The Power of God’s Word
I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayer. –Isaiah 65:24(NLT)

A poem by ILMA
Pray whenever you have a need
It will be answered when you heed
Call upon the Lord when you are in pain
He will hear your prayers; it will not be in vain.
Even before you ask, he knows already what you’ll say
He loves you so much and he will always find a way
While you are still requesting in prayer
He has already granted and answered.
How often do you pray? The prophet Daniel is a perfect example of the power of prayer. In chapter 9:4-19, he confessed and pleaded God to forgive the sins of Israel. He used the word “we” even though he has not sinned. Unlike the Pharisees who prayed lifting themselves up and putting down other sinners in Luke 18:11, Daniel’s heart cried out for his people. He wasn’t righteous like the Pharisee. He interceded for Israel and believed that God will have mercy as he has shown the prophet Jeremiah. Daniel quoted scriptures and believed it.
The bible tells us that God answers prayer while we are still praying. Sometimes we don’t hear or see the answers because we don’t want the answers.
PRAYER
Lord, grant me a humble heart that prays always.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God wants us to pray?

LIVING GODLY LIVES Poem Devotional

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May 7                                                                                  The Power of God’s Word
Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. –1 Timothy 3:12(NLT)

A poem by ILMA
The moment you accept Christ as your savior
Let your actions reflect righteous behavior
Every believer who wants to live a godly life
Be ready to avoid all forms of strife
It is easy to give in to temptation and sin
It takes grace and trust to be redeemed
Each person who wants to serve the Lord
Press on the challenges to bring him laud.
There are many challenges a Christian face. One of them is persecutions or discrimination. Most unbelievers test you or question your faith and beliefs. In fact, the more you follow Christ, the more the enemy would want to steal your peace, joy and your heart.
When I chose Christ as my Lord and Savior, I wasn’t exempt from suffering. The difference between a believer and an unbeliever lies in knowing that one is not alone when they go through challenges and trials. As they humbly admit their weakness, Christ strengthens them.
The bible tells us that persecution will be part of a godly life. Just as Christ suffered when he was on earth, those who claim to be his followers must face these challenges that are inevitable when they embrace righteousness living.
PRAYER
Lord, bring me strength to face challenges.
REFLECTION
Why do you think suffering is inevitable in a Christian’s life?

NOTHING WITHOUT GOD Poem Devotional

downtown orangeville 001May 6                                                                             The Power of God’s Word
I can do nothing on my own, I judge as God tells me. Therefore, my judgment is just, because I carry out the will of the one who sent me, not my own will.
– John 5:30 (NLT)
NOTHING WITHOUT GOD
A poem by ILMA
Whenever you do things separate from God’s will
You make yourself vulnerable for the enemy to steal
God made humans so they can love him back
He doesn’t want people to be isolated and have a lack.
Christ didn’t do anything separate from God’s plans
He obeyed and did all his Father’s commands
The son carried out the will of the Father
He was a perfect example to his sisters and brothers.
Do you consult God when you make a decision or do something? There are many reasons why we fail or succeed in life. We will never be able to comprehend why we fall short of something or why someone else succeeds and we don’t. Has it ever occurred to you that it might be because you didn’t have the humility to ask God? It might be because you have been taking credit for something that God needs to be praised for.
The bible tells us that we can do nothing on our own. Even Christ who was divine had the humility to do nothing without God’s consent.
PRAYER
Lord, grant me a hunger to align my will with yours.
REFLECTION
Why is humility important in life?

BUILD OTHERS UP IN THE LORD Poem Devotional

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May 5                                                                                    The Power of God’s Word

We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.  –Romans 15:1-2(NLT)     

BUILD OTHERS UP IN THE LORD

A poem by ILMA

To think only of one’s own self is not pleasing to God

Catering to your flesh does not bring him laud

Christ wants us to help others do what is right

He expects us to build each other up to stay in the light.

Reflect a life in pursuit of righteousness

This will bring others to follow that goodness

It encourages hope, faith, joy and compassion

It clearly manifests a life full of love and passion.

A lot of believers have turned their backs to the church simply because they see so much conflict in how people live their lives and what they believe in. Somehow, some Christians have separated their beliefs from how they live. This is not how God wants us to be. James 1:22 says that we don’t just listen to God’s word, but must do what it says.

The bible talks more about others than self. It says that we must not just please ourselves but do what is right and build others up in the Lord. We are asked to encourage and build one another in God’s love and in following his commands.

PRAYER

Lord, help me be an example of love and righteousness.

REFLECTION

Why is it important to encourage one another in Christ?

 

 

SEEKING GOD’S APPROVAL Poem Devotional

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May 1                                                                       The Power of God’s Word
And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. –Psalm 90:17(NLT)

A poem by ILMA
Do you find yourself fixated on pleasing someone?
Do you try to search for happiness from everyone?
Do you consult God for every little plan you make?
Do you just do things for your own sake?
May the Lord show you his approval and consent
In all you do, seek his guidance and his presence
Whenever you confer with him, he gives you insight
If you ask in faith, you will bring him joy and delight.
I was raised to be very independent and was surrounded by people who were self-reliant. Identifying and discussing problems and issues in our families were taboo. The authorities in my life made it a point that all issues are dismissed and never talked about. I grew up making my own decisions without consulting anyone and I took pride in doing so. Each time I make the right one, I pat myself on the back for it, as if it was an achievement.
The bible tells us to align all our plans, choices and decisions with God. We will be blessed and anointed if we seek God’s consent rather than other people’s viewpoint. When we seek God first, he will grant our efforts and make it successful.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to seek your counsel always.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to get God’s approval?

JOYFUL HEARTS SEEK PEACE Poem Devotional

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April 29                                                                         The Power of God’s Word
Deceit fills the hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace.–Proverbs 12:20 (NLT)
JOYFUL HEARTS SEEK PEACE
A poem by ILMA
What is in your heart these days?
Does it seek God and all his ways?
Do you find joy in your daily life?
Do you choose truth and stay in the light?
Deceit fills the hearts that are plotting evil
They are prisoners of their own desires and of the devil
Joyful hearts dwell on peace and love
They constantly seek the father up above.
In a world of corruption, we can be deceived by its standards and dictates. No wonder we live in so much confusion and turmoil. It is a difficult feat to seek God amidst all the distractions and noise around us. How can we protect ourselves from all the challenges we face in our world today and stay pure for God? Sadly, many of us view this life as the meaning of our existence. Most of us believe the lie that we are made for this world and not for God.
The bible tells us that we can distinguish a heart that seeks God from a heart that seeks the world. Deceit fills the hearts that are plotting evil while joy fills the hearts of those who plan for peace. Peaceful hearts embrace love and joy.
PRAYER
Lord, guide me to constantly choose peace.
REFLECTION
Is your heart joyful or full of deception?

STEER CLEAR OF ANGER Poem devotional

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April 26 The Power of God’s Word
Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul. –Proverbs 22:24-25 (NLT)
A poem by ILMA
Do you associate with angry people?
Be wary for your spiritual progress will detour.
Steer clear of anger and quarrelsome beings
Your soul will be endangered by their bickering.
Have nothing to do with anyone who thrives on conflict
They will constantly keep you on edge and rob you of peace
Resentment, arrogance and judgment are all anger’s signs
They may be calm on the outside but imploding on the inside.
If I had known what the bible says about anger in my younger days, I would have steered away from it. It took me many years to realize that I was an angry person myself. Anger was something I absorbed from my own family and from someone I lived with. It was a stronghold in my family. The two types of anger are implosions and explosions. I was both exposed to the two types. For over 3 decades I was implosive and explosive for a couple of years. I can see through an angry person easily after being one for many years. The bible tells us to steer clear from anger and angry people or you will endanger your soul.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to stay away from conflicts.
REFLECTION
When does anger becomes sin? How can you avoid anger?

GOD SEES WHAT THE WICKED DOES Poem Devotional

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April 22                                                                                    The Power of God’s Word

The Righteous One knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked; he will bring disaster on them.         –Proverbs 21:12 (NLT)     

 

A poem by ILMA

Do you often wonder why God allows evil to happen?

Why do people’s hearts continually harden?

How can we help those who are experiencing violence?

Are we bold enough to expose their insolence?

God sees the evil things the wicked does

He watches over those who obey and trusts

He may allow wickedness to take place

God will bring justice and that is what his word says.

Evil lurks in our society. A lot of people have lost faith in God because of the prevalence of wickedness. People question why God would allow such things to happen especially to the weak and vulnerable. I’ve had my share of blaming God for the many sufferings I’ve experienced in life until I studied his word. He revealed to me that after all the pain I went through, he was there to protect me and later on bring justice to my abusers.  He also taught me to forgive so I can be free. The bible tells us that God is a god of justice. We may not be able to comprehend why bad things happen, but God is always watching and promised to bring justice.

PRAYER

Lord, teach me how to trust you.

REFLECTION

Why is faith essential especially in times of crisis?

 

 

 

THE FUTILITY OF PLEASURE Poem Devotional

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April 21                                                                                    The Power of God’s Word

Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even find great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors.     –Ecclesiastes 2:10 (NLT)     

THE FUTILITY OF PLEASURE

A poem by ILMA

What pleasures do you constantly chase?

Do you run after your own cravings or follow what God says?

Are you relentless in the pursuit of your aspirations?

Do you reward yourself instantly or do you delay gratification?

Seeking pleasure is futile and pointless

It defies your purpose in life which is to be selfless

All pleasures want to satisfy the self

It aims only to serve one’s own flesh.

King Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes late in his life when he had chased almost every worldly pursuit imaginable. Later on, he realized that everything is meaningless unless we fear and worship God and obey his commands.  It reminds me so much of my life when I pursued goals, ambitions, achievements just so I can be proud of myself. I rewarded myself for working very hard. I boasted of every little progress I made.  I took pleasure in rewarding myself for all the hard work I put into it.

King Solomon warned us in Ecclesiastes 2:10 that we must be careful not to be consumed by worldly pleasures and be in constant pursuit of gaining it.

PRAYER

Lord, protect me from selfishness and greed.

REFLECTION

Do you think seeking pleasures is a form of idolatry? Why or why not?