Monthly Archives: December 2014

THE ANOINTED ONE Poem Devotional

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December 31                                                                    The Power of God’s Word
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see and that the oppressed will be set free. – Luke 4:18 (NLT)
THE ANOINTED ONE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Because of God’s love for humankind
He has brought Christ for us to find
The Spirit of God is upon Him
He was anointed for us to be redeemed.
He came so we can hear the Good News
He brought us spiritual gifts that we can use
He makes the blind see and the oppressed free
He loves you so much that he wants you to see.
Anointing is a ceremony conferring divine or holy office upon a priest or monarch by smearing or rubbing with oil. David was anointed (1 Samuel 16:13) before he became king. What does an anointing do? In Isaiah 11:2, we are shown that the Spirit of the Lord rests on the anointed giving him wisdom, understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord. That is what anointing does. It brings his power in us through his Spirit.
Christ is the anointed one. He brings Good News to the poor, release captives, let the blind see and the oppressed free.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your anointing.
REFLECTION
What gifts are you anointed with?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

FELLOWSHIP WEAKENS DARKNESS Poem Devotional

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December 30                                                                         The Power of God’s Word
But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son cleanses us from sin.
– 1 John 1:7 (NLT)
FELLOWSHIP WEAKENS DARKNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are there areas of your life that still need needs light?
Come and gather as believers so you won’t lose sight
Where two or three people are gathered in Jesus’ name
He is there to forgive and erase your shame.
If we are living in the light, we will have fellowship
It helps us mature and grow when we have kinship
It paves the way to the truth and keeps us away from evil
It diminishes opportunities and shuts the door to the devil.
Who are your friends? The old adage “Friends of the same feathers, flock together” was probably coined from Proverbs 13:20 which says “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.”
The bible tells us that if we are living in the light, then we have fellowship with each other and Jesus’ blood will cleanse us from sin. Proverbs 18:1-2 cautions us from isolating ourselves from our sisters and brothers. It makes us self-centered and focused only on our own understanding and opinion. We were made for others not just for ourselves.
PRAYER
Lord, bring me godly people to fellowship with.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to choose your friends?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

SINNERS DIE BY THE SWORD Poem Devotional

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December 29                                                                     The Power of God’s Word
But all the sinners will die by the sword – all those who say, “Nothing bad will happen to us.”– Amos 9:10 (NLT)
SINNERS DIE BY THE SWORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you have any sins that you need to confess?
You need to repent so you will press on and progress
He knows your sins and you can’t hide from Him
He will forgive you if you declare your sins.
All those who stay in sin will die by the sword
You will suffer if you live by the rules of this world
The sword of God is manifested in his own Word
It will pierce your heart if you turn from the Lord.
There are many people who have no conscience. They do whatever pleases them and have no qualms whatsoever. They think they can get away with turning their backs on God. They fool themselves thinking that they can be without God’s guidance. They suffer the consequences of their rebellion and find themselves without peace, without contentment, bitter, resentful, without blessings. These are only some of the “dying” that sinners can experience. They may not literally be dead, but they do not realize that they straying from God is spiritual death. The Lord told the prophet Amos that all sinners will die by the sword.
PRAYER
Lord, save me from sin.
REFLECTION
What forms of “dying” have you encountered in life?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.co

A TRUE FRIEND Poem Devotional

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December 28                                                                         The Power of God’s Word
They visit me as if they were my friends, but all the while they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere. – Psalm 41:6 (NLT)
A TRUE FRIEND
A poem and essay by ILMA
Can you trust your friends with anything?
Are they honest and full of integrity?
Can they keep secrets faithfully?
Are they encouraging and trustworthy?
A true friend never gossips about you
Through thick or thin, they will see you through
They can keep secrets and never betray
They will treasure in their hearts what you say.
Have you ever experienced betrayal from a friend? It is one of the most hurtful experiences one can ever have. I used to have many friends back in my country of origin in the Philippines. When I moved to Canada, it was a novelty to have as much friends as I used to have. I guess it is the culture that makes it difficult to have more relationships because of the varying seasons. I noticed though that all the many friends I had were not all true friends. They spread rumors about me as soon as I turn my back.
The bible talks about what true friends are. They are loyal and will never gather gossip and spread it everywhere when you turn your back. A true friend knows and respect boundaries. They never talk ill of their friend.
PRAYER
Thank you for friends Lord.
REFLECTION
How can you maintain true friendships?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

FAITH EXPRESSED IN LOVE Poem Devotional

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December 26                                                                         The Power of God’s Word
For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love. – Galatians 5:6 (NLT)
FAITH EXPRESSED IN LOVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you express your faith in loving ways?
When you believe, you need to show care
Faith without love is pretending
Love is the expression of believing.
For when we place our faith in Christ
We are no longer bound by the regulations
Faith expressed in love brings us close to light
Love will always bring you close to salvation.
Do you know why a lot of people have lost their faith? So many Christians walk only in faith and not by expressing them in loving ways. James specifically challenges believers not just to be hearers of the word, but also doers. He also poses questions regarding our responsibility to those who need our help, those who are poor and vulnerable.
Paul talks about the importance of faith expressed in love in his letter to the Galatians. He urged them to free themselves from the law, because as soon as Christ died on the cross, the only thing we are bound to follow is the law of love. It is through the expression of love that we can actually manifest our faith in Christ.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your sacrifice on the cross.
REFLECTION
How do you manifest your faith to others?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

VIRGIN BIRTH Poem Devotional

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December 25                                                                          The Power of God’s Word
This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.
– Matthew 1:18 (NLT)
VIRGIN BIRTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
What makes Jesus different from humans?
His mother Mary followed God’s command
His virgin birth proves he is the son of God
She didn’t question God and was given laud.
Her purity and obedience made her worthy of praise
Mary was chosen because she was pure and chaste
The Holy Spirit conceived Jesus in her womb
Rejoice that Christ was born to save us from doom.
If an unbeliever questions you how you can prove that Jesus was the son of God, how would you answer it? I had a therapist who actually claimed that Jesus was only a teacher and just like any other human being.
The bible tells us that the fact that Jesus was born of a virgin and was conceived by the Holy Spirit makes him totally superior than any human. Another proof that he is a God is that he fulfilled the Scriptures prophecy long before he was born. It says that he will come from the lineage of David and that he will be born of humble origins.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to give you praise.
REFLECTION
How can you continually believe the Messiah amidst trials and suffering?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST

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December 24                                                         The Power of God’s Word
After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. – Luke 2:17-19(NLT)
THE BIRTH OF CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
The coming of a baby to a family
Is a day to celebrate kinship and ancestry
When Jesus was born in a manger
We were given hope to be out of danger.
The birth of a baby, a mother will always delight
These memories are kept deep inside her heart
All who heard Jesus’ birth was astonished
Mary treasured these moments that she lavished.
The birth of a child is one of the most magical moments a woman and a father can experience. You can’t stop looking in amazement because you can’t fathom that this baby came from you. I am sure, it is also the same experience for the father. It makes the parents leap for joy after waiting nine months to behold the product of their love come to life.
When Jesus was born, the shepherds couldn’t stop telling everyone the amazement they beheld, but Mary was quietly enjoying the precious moment of her child being born. She locked it in her heart.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for Jesus.
REFLECTION
How can you lock in your heart the birth of Christ?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

WRAPPED IN STRIPS OF CLOTH

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December 23                                                                  The Power of God’s Word
The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David. And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.-Luke 2:11-12 (NLT)
WRAPPED IN STRIPS OF CLOTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Why did Jesus come wrapped in strips of cloth?
Why did kings come to give respect and pay him tribute?
Why did God choose a manger for him to be born?
He could have chosen a palace comfortable for his Son.
The strips of cloth cannot be bought
They symbolize humility that has to be sought
A baby wrapped snugly in strips of rag
Shows perfect humility and perfect love.
A manger is a long open box or trough for horses or cattle to eat from. Why did God choose a manger for Jesus to be born in? Is Jesus food that animals need to feed on? What a sense of humor God has. He brought Jesus into this world on a manger. Does that mean we have to feed on Jesus? Isn’t Jesus the food for our soul and spirit? The bible describes how the Savior, the Messiah was wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger. God chose Jesus to come as a baby in a feeding through.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to feed on Jesus.
REFLECTION
What vulnerabilities do you struggle with that needs to be given up to God?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

AN ASSURING GOD Poem Devotional

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December 22                                                                    The Power of God’s Word
But the angel reassured them, “Don’t be afraid”, he said, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” – Luke 2:10(NLT)
AN ASSURING GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When doubts and fears arise in life
Take refuge in God for assurance and insight?
If you feel overwhelmed and confused
Trust in your heavenly Father who always reassures.
He is faithful and gave you Jesus for your salvation
Do not give in to fear, doubts or apprehensions
An assuring God does not allow dread to thrive
He will be there to ensure that you win and survive.
What are you fearful of these days? Our world is full of confusion and so much chaos. The enemy infiltrates us through all sorts of noise and distractions to make us avoid relying and focusing on the Lord. Satan breeds doubt, fear, conflicts, illnesses, and many other negative feelings.
Do you know how many times the phrase “Fear not” or “Do not be afraid” appeared in the bible? It appeared 365 times. Isn’t God amazing to give us one reminder of it each day of the year?
When the angels appeared to the shepherds to tell them that the Son of God was born, they were reassured by the angel not to be afraid because this good news will bring great joy to all.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your assurance of your love.
REFLECTION
What are you still currently afraid of in your life?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

WHAT GOD REQUIRES Poem Devotional

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December 21                                                                   The Power of God’s Word
O, people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
– Micah 6:8 (NLT)
WHAT GOD REQUIRES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know what the Lord wants for you?
Do you follow his will in all that you do?
God requires you to do what is right
It will give you victory in this life.
He wants us to love mercy
He exampled how to walk humbly
He requires us to be blameless
It will lead us to uprightness.
Many people live their lives without even knowing what is required of them to have a successful life. So, they go around in circles without a direction. They chase the wind and live futile lives.
The bible says that God requires us to do what is good and what is right. He also wants us to love mercy and to walk humbly. Jesus lived a life that God required. What does it mean to do all these things that God asks from us? Do you wonder why he wants us to follow these guidelines?
Just like you follow requirements to pass a course, we are also expected to be able to go through all that is needed to maximize our potentials and receive the promises of God’s salvation.
PRAYER
Lord, guide me daily.
REFLECTION
What among God’s requirements are you struggling with?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com