Monthly Archives: December 2014

GOD’S GLORY FILLS THE EARTH

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December 20                                                                      The Power of God’s Word
For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord. – Habakkuk 2:14 (NLT)
GOD’S GLORY FILLS THE EARTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
I watched the waves move back and forth
I heard its splashing sound that goes to and fro
I gazed at my feet buried in the sand
Water ran through my fingers as I touched it with my hands.
I was refreshed as the water kept flowing
Like the water, God keeps on reaching and touching
He fills whole earth with his magnificence
We can be the ripples that will spread his radiance.
I love the sea. It always rejuvenates me when I feel the sand in my feet as I walk through the beach. My grandfather was a fisherman and a farmer. My “lolo” as we dearly call our grandpa in the Filipino language is the light in my dark life as a child. He was the symbol of creativity, hope, peace and love in my early childhood life.
The bible tells us that the water fills the sea and the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord. He also said in his word that his glory and power will reach all the ends of the earth.
PRAYER
Lord, allow me to be the ripple for your glory.
REFLECTION
What have you done to spread the Good News to the world?
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

SOAR LIKE EAGLES Poem Devotional

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December 19                                                                    The Power of God’s Word
Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
– Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)
SOAR LIKE EAGLES
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you feel vulnerable and weary
It is time to trust God to get victory
Those who have faith in him will find strength
They will walk and they will not faint.
The Lord works best when you are weak
Be sure to run to him and be meek
You will soar high on wings like eagles
You will experience triumph over the devil.
Eagles can climb to up to 3000 m (10,000 ft.) in the air. They can soar for hours using these currents. When cruising, they can fly about 65 km/hr. They can reach speeds of up to 160 km/hr (100 mph) when diving.
The bible speaks of the promise of the Lord to those who trust in him. He will renew their strength and let them soar like eagles. They will not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. This shows God’s faithfulness to his people. He will restore and ensure that those who believe will never be defeated and will come out stronger than before they started. They soar like eagles, the epitome of strength and endurance.
PRAYER
Lord, renew me when I am weak.
REFLECTION
Why do we need to rely on the Lord for strength?
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

SECRET TO SUCCESS IN EVERYTHING Poem Devotional

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December 18                                                                      The Power of God’s Word
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. – Joshua 1:8(NLT)

SECRET TO SUCCESS IN EVERYTHING
A poem and essay by ILMA
There is a secret to succeed in all you do
Open the book of instruction to know the truth
You will find treasures in each word you read
It quenches your hunger and makes you see.
It is the secret to triumph over everything in life
It instructs you to love each other and embrace the light
Without the Scriptures, there will be chaos and defeat
It is the main ingredient to be able to succeed and reap.
Society puts so much emphasis on wealth and power as an indication of success. It disregards the other manifestations of success such as in relationships, spiritual growth, managing resources, financial management, time management, having a job they enjoy and many more.
The bible tells us that the secret to prosperity and success in all we do is to study the bible continually, meditating on it day and night so we can be sure to obey it. Just like a manual for any appliance, it is our handbook for living. It contains all instructions to make our lives a success.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your book of instruction.
REFLECTION
What new instructions have you discovered from the bible lately?
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

PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS (PUSH) Poem Devotional

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December 17                                                                The Power of God’s Word
I will not stop praying for her until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a burning torch. – Isaiah 62:1 (NLT)
PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS (PUSH)
A poem and essay by ILMA
Is there someone you love who needs to return to Jesus?
Are they bombarded with conflicts and pressing issues?
Pray that their hearts will recognize their need for the Lord
Pray that they give up rebellion and seek God’s word.
Pray that your life will be a reflection of Christ’s life
Pray that amidst all darkness, they will see the light
Never cease praying until something good happens
The Lord hears the plea of those whose hearts are open.
We get so wrapped up in the “busy”ness of life that we only pray when something overwhelms us such as an illness, relational conflicts, financial difficulties, death of a loved one, etc. We do not realize that prayer can do so much to us. It can bring miracles in our lives.
The bible shows us how powerful prayer is when Daniel plead to God to save Israel in chapter 9 and how the Lord answered his prayer while he was still saying it. Isaiah intercedes for Israel too in chapter 62. He continually prayed until the Lord grants his promise about rebuilding Israel. Like Daniel and Isaiah, we can continually pray until something happens.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me how to pray.
REFLECTION
What have you been continually praying for lately?
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

EXEMPLARY LIFE Poem Devotional

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crawford lake 2013 048December 16                                                                        The Power of God’s Word
Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith and your purity. – 1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)
EXEMPLARY LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you living your new life as Jesus did?
Are you exuding love in all your deeds?
Be an example to all believers by your faith
Be a witness to Christ; it can change their fate.
Do you speak the truth by declaring God’s word?
Store it in your hearts and use it like a sword
Keep your hearts pure and walk in love
It brings glory and it magnifies God.
It is challenging to go through our lives without having someone to follow. That is why the bible tells us to fellowship with other believers because isolation is not an option in the Christian walk (Proverbs 18:1-2). We were all made to be in loving relationships.
The bible tells us to live exemplary lives. What we say, how we live, how we love, how much we believe and how pure we keep our hearts for Jesus affect all who we come in contact with. We can create confusion and misguide other believers if don’t live what we believe. We open doors to the enemy when we live a life lacking integrity.
PRAYER
Lord, let me follow your life.
REFLECTION
Why is integrity essential in our walk as believers?
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

A CONSISTENT GOD Poem Devotional

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December 15                                                                 The Power of God’s Word
But you are always the same, you will live forever. The children of your people will live in security. Their children’s children will thrive in your presence.
– Psalm 102:27-28 (NLT)
A CONSISTENT GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When everyone else around shows inconsistency
Be glad that you can turn to God who loves you faithfully
His character never fluctuates; his love never changes
He is always the same, stable and very consistent.
You can count on God always
Seek his word and know what he says
You and your children’s children will live securely
He will take care of all needs, bringing them prosperity.
I used to walk on eggshells when I was in a relationship with a very troubled man. I never knew when he was going to explode. He was a very controlling person, always telling me what needs to be done. I always felt manipulated into doing something I wouldn’t normally do. It was a very tiring and depressing time of my life when I was with him. I became insecure and confused.
The bible tells us that God is a consistent God who is always the same and will live forever. With him, you will have no chance to be confused or insecure. His children will always be provided with all their needs and will thrive in his presence.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being consistent.
REFLECTION
Why do we need to follow God’s consistency?
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

SPEAK THE TRUTH Poem Devotional

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December 14                                            The Power of God’s Word
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.
– Proverbs 12:22 (NLT)
SPEAK THE TRUTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Lies can be exposed when one know the truth
It is vital to seek God’s word to have the Spirit’s fruit
If we constantly seek to please the Lord
He will ensure our protection from fraud.
The Lord detests those who tell lies
It opens up the door for the enemy to entice
Speak the truth by declaring God’s word
It will cut the lies perpetuated in the world.
Can you detect when someone is lying? One can never know a person’s intention or motives when they say something. There is a way to know if someone lies to you. The spirit of God tells you. This is called the fruit of discernment or knowledge given to those who have been walking with the Lord. The world calls it a “hunch”, “intuition” or “gut feeling.” Because they do not know God and his word, they have a different term for it. You can also observe the actions of the person telling the lie. They can’t look at you in the eye.
The bible says the God detests lying lips but he delights in those who tell the truth. The only way we can speak the truth is if we know the word of God.
PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from liars.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God hates liars?
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

WEALTH SLIPS FROM SINNERS Poem Devotional

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December 13                                                            The Power of God’s Word
God gives wisdom, knowledge and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him. – Ecclesiastes 2:26 (NLT)
WEALTH SLIPS FROM SINNERS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you seek the truth and abide in God’s word?
Are you ruled by the standards of this world?
God gives wisdom, knowledge and joy to the godly
He takes care of them and gives them prosperity.
If a sinner becomes rich and wealthy
God takes it away and gives it to the needy
Their possessions last only momentarily
He gives it to the righteous to alleviate their poverty.
One of the causes of poverty is selfishness. When we do not give, we do not reap so much as well. God wants a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). This verse says that God provides for all our needs and if we give generously from our hearts, He will give us an overflow and still have plenty leftover to share with others.
In Ecclesiastes, God promised a reward to those who please him: wisdom, knowledge and joy. He warns sinners who accrue riches. Their wealth will slip away from them because he will give them to those who are faithful to him.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to seek you and be generous to others.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God strips sinful wealthy people of their wealth?
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

UNCOMPROMISED LIFE Poem Devotional

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December 12                                                                   The Power of God’s Word
Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil and they walk only in his paths.
– Psalm 119:2-3 (NLT)
UNCOMPROMISED LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Joyful are those who obey the Lord
They will never stop giving him applaud
Their lives reflect only God’s faithfulness
They don’t compromise with evil but choose righteousness.
When evil tempts them, they are unwavering
When challenges arise, they keep on hoping
They walk on the road that God prepared for them
They look forward to the promise that they will be redeemed.
Do you ever compromise with evil? Many people do. Sometimes they don’t even realize it. What does a compromised life look like? Are you depressed, negative, moody, angry, lazy, irresponsible, dishonest or fearful? These are only some of the symptoms of a life that is compromised.
The bible says that those who are true believers of Christ have joyful hearts and are obedient to God. They do not negotiate with the devil. They don’t have anything to do with evil ways. Pleasing the Lord is their business. They will press on when there are obstacles presented and look forward to the promises that God gave them.
PRAYER
Lord, guard me from evil.
REFLECTION
What parts of your life are still compromised? Have you asked God to break it?
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

CLEANSED THROUGH FAITH Poem Devotional

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canadablooms 019 (2)December 11                                                                    The Power of God’s Word
He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith. – Acts 15:9 (NLT)
CLEANSED THROUGH FAITH
A poem and essay by ILMA
God created each one of us uniquely
Yet, the Heavenly Father loves us all equally
He made no distinction between us
He wants his children to completely trust.
The Lord cleansed our hearts through faith
When God transforms us, we change our fate
Our whole being is washed by believing
Rely on him and you will keep on growing.
What is the purpose of cleaning? We clean our houses so we can have order, peace and harmony. We clean our bodies to be more acceptable to others and ourselves. We clean our minds so that we can think better and become wiser. We clean our hearts so we can stay focused on God and open doors for the enemy to infiltrate our lives. We detoxify our bodies so that we can be healthier.
God created us in his image. He gives us equal promises to be fulfilled in our lives if we believe. The cleansing agent in our spiritual growth is faith in the Lord. Without it, we won’t be redeemed. Without believing, we are not covered by the blood of Jesus. We will still be covered in sin, without the cross.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the blood of Jesus that purifies me.
REFLECTION
What do you do to clean your hearts, mind and bodies?
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