May 17
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EZRA ARRIVES IN JERUSALEM
A poem by ILMA
Many years later, during Artaxerxes reign, there was a man named Ezra
He was the son or Seraiah from the lineage of Aaron, the high priest
Ezra was a scribe who was well versed in the Law of Moses
God has given to the people of Israel this scribe from Babylon.
King Artaxerxes of Persia gave everything Ezra asked for
Because Ezra had the blessing and the hand of God on him
Some of the people of Israel including some priests and Levites
The singers, gatekeepers, and Temple Servants came with Ezra.
It was the seventh years of King Artaxerxes when Ezra and company came
He arrived in Jerusalem in August of that year and left Babylon in April
Ezra was determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord
He came to Jerusalem to ensure those decrees are taught and followed.
The king wrote a decree to allow Ezra and others to come to Jerusalem
Ezra was given silver and gold from Babylon to use as offering and donations
He instructed Ezra to use his wisdom to appoint magistrates and judges
Anyone who refuses to obey the law will be punished immediately.
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MEMORY VERSE
This Ezra was a scribe who was well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given to the people of Israel. – Ezra 7:6
Read: Ezra 7
What a man Ezra was. Because of how the Lord’s hand was on him, he had a decree written by the king honoring his wisdom. His counsel was sought by the king himself to choose the magistrates and judges who know God’s laws to govern all the people of the province. What an honor given to this man of God.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the King of Persia chose Ezra to ensure that the people who governed his province be knowledgeable of God’s laws?
Tag Archives: poetry
ARTAXERXES AND DARIUS ON THE TEMPLE REBUILT Poem Devotional
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?
KING CYRUS OF PERSIA Poem Devotional
May 15
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KING CYRUS OF PERSIA
A poem by ILMA
The Lord fulfilled Jeremiah’s prophecy in the first year of Cyrus of Persia
He stirred the heart of Cyrus and the king put a proclamation in writing
Cyrus said that the God of heaven gave him all kingdoms of the earth
He declared that God appointed him to build a Temple in Jerusalem.
He told the Israelites that any of God’s people may go back for this task
He even blessed all the exiles from Persia that God be with them
The King Cyrus directed them that wherever the Jewish remnant is
That the neighbors contribute toward their expenses by giving supplies.
He directed all the people to take part in the Temple building
Silver and gold, supplies for the journey and livestock must be given
Then God stirred the hearts of the priests and Levites and the leaders
They all wanted to rebuild the Temple of the Lord and go to Jerusalem.
Cyrus himself brought out the articles that Nebuchadnezzar had taken
He directed Mithredath to count these items and present them to Sheshbazzar
There were 5400 articles of gold and silver that were brought to Jerusalem
In early autumn, when the Israelites had settled, they began the Temple work.
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MEMORY VERSE
In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the Lord fulfilled the prophecy he had given through Jeremiah. – Ezra 1:1
Read: Ezra 1, 2, 3
Jeremiah 25:11-12 said that the Jews would suffer 70 years of Babylonian domination. Jeremiah also said Babylon would be punished after the 70 years. Cyrus, a leader of Persians and Medes, conquered Babylon and brought an end to its empire. Cyrus later offered the captive Jews the freedom to return to their homeland. This was all fuilfilled.________________________________________
REFLECTION
• What was the character of King Cyrus according to these chapters?
• What can we emulate from his traits as a king?
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?
JOSIAH: HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT KING Poem Devotional
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?
UZZIAH’S REIGN Poem Devotional
May 11
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UZZIAH’S REIGN
A poem by ILMA
All of Judah crowned Uzziah as king in place of his father
He was sixteen when he became king and reigned 52 years
After his father Amaziah’s death, he restored the town of Elath
He did what was pleasing to the Lord and his mother was Jecoliah.
Uzziah sought God during the days of Zechariah
The prophet taught him how to fear God
As long as the king sought the Lord’s guidance
King Uzziah was promised success and victory.
Uzziah declared war on the Phillistines
He broke down walls of Gath, Jabneh and Ashdod
Then he built new towns in Ashdod and in parts of Philistia
God helped him in his wars against Phillistia and the Meunites.
Uzziah built fortified towns and constructed forts in the wilderness
He dug many water cisterns for he kept great herds of livestock
He was also a man who loved the soil and had many farms and vineyards
He also had an army of well-trained warriors ready to get into battle.
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MEMORY VERSE
He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight just as his father Amaziah had done. – 2 Chronicles 26:4
Read: 2 Chronicles 26
We see what the rewards of doing what was pleasing in the Lord in this story of Uzziah. He was able to have victory and did many things for the people of Israel. He was successful in his fortifying towns and taking care of his land and vineyard and livestock.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to fear the Lord?
• What were the blessings that Uzziah received for doing what was pleasing to the Lord?
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?
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.