Monthly Archives: January 2015

WICKEDNESS OBSTRUCTS BLESSINGS Poem Devotional

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January 31
Your wickedness has deprived you of these wonderful blessings. Your sin has robbed you of all these good things. –Jeremiah 5:25(NLT)
WICKEDNESS OBSTRUCTS BLESSINGS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you get tired and frustrated at life’s challenges?
When you get trial after trial yet nothing changes
Wickedness may be lurking behind all these poverty
Sin robs you of all harvest and prosperity.
Wickedness and evil deprive you of God’s blessings
It opens the door wide to the enemy
Repent, confess and ask God’s forgiveness
Then you will be amazed at how you’ll be blessed.
Do you struggle in life and go through difficulties and trials day after day? I used to live a turbulent life. Just before one difficulty is over, I have another one coming. It was unending. Sin thrived in my life during my early adult life. Denying the sins I was doing kept me from receiving God’s blessings. When my son was born right in my late twenties, God convicted me of these sins and I surrendered my life to him. He poured to me so many blessings after I sought him. It was unbelievably amazing. All my needs were met plus more to share with others.
The bible tells us that wickedness deprives us of blessings. Sin robs us of good things from God. Obedience and faithfulness opens the door to blessings from God.
PRAYER
Lord, keep me faithful and obedient to you.
REFLECTION
Share what blessings you received after giving up sin.
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

LIKE A LAMB Poem Devotional

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January 30
He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. –Isaiah 53:7 (NLT)
LIKE A LAMB
A poem and essay by ILMA
Jesus experienced all kinds of oppression
He never fought back to any of the abuse and aggressions
Like a lamb, he was quiet and never retaliated to his abusers
Instead, he prayed for all the wickedness of his accusers.
He was treated harshly and ridiculed by his torturers
Like a lamb to be slaughtered, he was silent before the shearers
He did not open his mouth to say a word or complain
He quietly suffered and fulfilled Scriptures as he endured the pain.
I had a friend who was a very patient and enduring person. He never answered back or fought for his rights. I couldn’t understand it at that time why never fought back to his abusers. I always had to retaliate and answer back any form of oppression or abuse done to me. I always wanted to get even and prove that I can fight for my rights. It wasn’t until I became a born again Christian that I realized that my friend was very Christ-like. The bible likens Jesus to a lamb. He was silent before the shearers.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to be quiet while I endure.
REFLECTION
Why is Christ likened to a lamb?
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

SIN IS BREAKING GOD’S LAW

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January 29
Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him.
– 1 John 3:4-5 (NLT)
SIN IS BREAKING GOD’S LAW
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know the laws of the Lord?
Are you following them or do you uphold?
Anyone who breaks his commands is sinning
For all sin is always against the law and contradicting.
Jesus became human to take away our sins
He wants us to conquer it and be free
Guard your mind and hearts from corruption
Live his word so you can receive salvation.
There are many Christians who justify their sins. They call it mistakes or blame it on a circumstance or someone. They do not take responsibility for what law they broke and they continue to hide it. When they do this, they open the door for the enemy to just barge in and tempt them to sin more. So, one sin leads to another and then another. The only way to break sin is by allowing the Holy Spirit to convict us, repent, confess the sin and ask forgiveness.
The bible tells us that everyone who sins is breaking God’s law. All sins are contrary to the commands of God. Jesus came so we can be freed from our sin nature.
PRAYER
Lord, convict me when I sin.
REFLECTION
What stops you from acknowledging your sins?
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

WORKINGS OF THE SPIRIT Poem Devotional

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January 28
But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative-that is, the Holy Spirit- he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. – John 14:26 (NLT)
WORKINGS OF THE SPIRIT
A poem and essay by ILMA
As soon as we believe that Christ is our Savior
We are anointed with power and valor
God expects his people to bring Good News to the poor
He sent them to free those who are oppressed by the cruel.
The Holy Spirit lives in the hearts of those anointed
He reveals the gifts to each one who are appointed
God’s people are used to release all those enslaved
His Spirit brings peace and Jesus assures that they are saved.
What does God’s Spirit do in our lives? The spirit is our teacher, our counselor, our helper and our guide. John 14:26 says he is our Helper and brings us to memory all things we need to learn. He also helps us in our weakness (Romans 8:26).
The bible says that God’s people are anointed by God’s Spirit to bring Good News to the poor, release the captives, let the blind see and let the oppressed free. Apparently, this is what is expected of all Christians.
PRAYER
Lord, remind me to use my anointing for your glory.
REFLECTION
What does the anointing of the Spirit do in our lives as Christians?
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

ANOINTING FROM GOD Poem Devotional

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January 27
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)
ANOINTING FROM GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
As we turn to God for help and blessing
He will give us the power through his anointing
The Lord has given us authority to bring Good News
He gave us his word so we can have our minds renewed.
God sent his people to proclaim that captives will be released
He gave them authority to heal all kinds of disease
God promised the broken and oppressed to be set free
If we rely on him and follow his words, we will be able to see.
There are many people who plan things in their lives on their own. They do not consult God’s word or seek his wisdom. We do not have an omniscient point of view like God, so we usually miss out on what’s best for us in making decisions and choices.
The bible says that the Spirit of God is on his people. They are anointed to bring the Good News, to set the captives free and let the blind see. Anointing is very essential in a believer’s life.
PRAYER
Lord, show me what you have anointed me with.
REFLECTION
Are you aware of your own anointing?
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

PLEASING THOUGHTS Poem Devotional

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January 26
May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.
– Psalm 104:34(NLT)

PLEASING THOUGHTS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Does your mind think of worldly things?
Does it dwell on God’s word or sin?
Let only pleasing thoughts occupy your mind
It will free you from sin and being blind.
Fill your mind only with things that are pure
They will protect you from the devil’s lure
Are your thoughts honorable and worthy of praise?
Are they about justice and what God says?
Do you find yourself drifting from many thoughts? What kind of thoughts fills your mind? I used to be an analytic person. The question “Why” had always been a part of my thinking. I am fascinated by how things work and finding the reasons why things happen the way they did. I took pleasure in dwelling on the cause and effect of things. I didn’t realize that my analytic mind enslaved me until much later in life. It is good to exercise and keep your minds healthy, but it is also important to filter what thoughts should get in it.
The bible tells us to think of thoughts that are pleasing to God. It also says that they must be lovely, pure, honorable, just, true and admirable. In other words, our minds should be aligned to how God thinks.
PRAYER
Lord, keep my mind focused on you alone.
REFLECTION
What thoughts constantly fill your mind?
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

PRAYER FOR MERCY Poem Devotional

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January 25
Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly. Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. – Psalm 86:3-4 (NLT)
PRAYER FOR MERCY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Lord, hear me as I cry out to you for help
Show me how to think more of others and less of myself?
Will you grant me happiness despite my situation?
Will you bring me wisdom in my frustration?
Be merciful, O Lord, for I am calling you constantly
Allow me to be patient and not expect results instantly
Melt my heart so I will always long to please you only
Keep me focused on your word so I can be healed swiftly.
Do you know how abounding in mercy the Lord is? The bible says that he forgives us infinitely and that he gives us mercy afresh each morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). The psalmist in Psalm 86 cries out to God for help and for favor. How often do you come on your knees and open up your troubles to the Lord. It is a humbling act when you come to him. The Lord wants you to be intimate with him. He wants every detail of your life. Even if he knows everything about you, he still expects you to ask him for help, forgiveness and mercy. He loves a contrite and pure heart. He wants us to depend on him for everything.
PRAYER
Lord, help me.
REFLECTION
Who do you run to for help>
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

ACCEPTANCE BRINGS GLORY TO GOD Poem Devotional

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January 24
Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. –Romans 15:7 (NLT)
ACCEPTANCE BRINGS GLORY TO GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you suffer from criticism and rejection?
Are you seeking approval from all your relations?
Do people constantly misunderstand your intentions?
Do not worry about human interpretations.
Accept others just as Christ has accepted you
It brings God glory when your mind is renewed
Forgive one another just as you are forgiven by the Father
He created us all different but he wants us to love one another.
Criticism and rejection are very harsh things to experience. I grew up in an environment where these experiences enslaved almost five decades of my life. Acceptance was hardly present in my growing years. I learned to cope with these painful events by doing my best to seek approval. You can imagine what havoc it brought to my life. Being an approval addict made me lose my identity.
The bible tells us to accept each other just as Christ has accepted us so that God will be glorified. In other words, when we don’t accept ourselves and others as God designed us to be, we are questioning God’s creation. We are dishonoring what God made by trying to change the way he did that person. Acceptance is a manifestation of love. Without it, criticism and rejection thrive and results in conflicts.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for accepting me.
REFLECTION
How can you accept 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

LET ME SPEAK ONLY OF PRAISE Poem Devotional

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January 23
Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you. –Psalm 51:15(NLT)
LET ME SPEAK ONLY OF PRAISE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Make my lips speak only of your words
Protect my mind from the corruption of this world
Let my whole being meditate on your faithfulness
So I can speak only of giving you praise.
Do not let my mind linger on my needs
Bless me so I can sow good seeds
Let me speak only to give you glory
Let me never tire of sharing life’s testimonies.
There are many fruits of the Spirit that show that someone is a believer. The fruits of the Spirit are mentioned in Galatians such as kindness, goodness, patience, gentleness, self-control, joy, love, peace and faithfulness. You can also gauge an authentic believer by what they say. They usually speak the truth based on God’s words and you won’t hear curses or filthy words coming out of their mouths. The psalmist in Psalm 51:15 prayed to the Lord that his lips will only say praises.
How can this be practically applied in our modern day setting? I think that if one has developed a relationship with Christ, one becomes spiritually mature. Do you know Jesus intimately? Do you follow his commands and emulate what he did. The enemy wants to steal any truth that you have learned. Guard it.
PRAYER
Lord, I surrender my mouth to you.
REFLECTION
How can a believer learn to control his tongue?
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

DAILY DOSE OF MERCY Poem Devotional

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January 22
The faithful love of the Lord never ends. His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.
-Lamentations 3:22-23(NLT)
DAILY DOSE OF MERCY
A poem and essay by ILMA
The Lord loves unconditionally and without end
He gives a dose of mercy even when we are bent
He readily forgives when we confess and atone
He gives us his Spirit so we can face the storm.
His faithfulness is great and his mercies begin anew
Each morning we can start again and be renewed
His arms are wide open to always forgive
He wants to bless us with many good deeds.
When you are sick, you go to a doctor and get a prescription for your illness according to doctor’s advice. The medicine alleviates the symptoms or it either expels the virus or bacteria in your body. We can liken God’s mercy to daily doses of medicine. When we are spiritually ill, we also need to have a dose of spiritual medicines: Scriptures, His mercy and grace.
The bible tells us that the faithful love of God never ends. His mercy never stops. It is reassuring and comforting to know that when we sin, we can always repent, confess and ask to be forgiven. He never says “no” to anyone who asks for forgiveness. His arms are always wide open to take us back.
PRAYER
Thank you for your mercy.
REFLECTION
Give an instance when God granted you great mercy.
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