HONOR MARRIAGE

Posted on January 21, 2015 by ilmaarts

January 21
Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.
– Hebrews 13:4(NLT)
HONOR MARRIAGE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you see marriage as Christ sees it?
Do you honor your vow to commit?
Remain faithful to your spouse
Do not let conflict thrive in your house.
Love each other as Christ loves his body
Be humble and avoid being haughty
God will surely judge you if you commit infidelity
Accept and forgive each other and love your spouse purely.
Do you know how much God honors “marriage?” He likens it to Christ’s relationship to his church (his body). Christ will do anything for his church and so husbands are also expected to do anything for their wives. Marriage is a sacred commitment that God expects all husbands and wives to respect, just as Christ honored his church.
The bible expects marriage to be honored. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery. It is a dishonor to God when a spouse breaches their vow to be faithful to each other. God considers unfaithfulness as adultery. James 4:4 says that we commit adultery when we follow the ways of the world. When we don’t follow Gods’ ways, we go astray. God wants us to be loyal to him and honor marriage.
PRAYER
Lord, help me respect my vows in marriage.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God detests adultery?
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

GRATITUDE CHANGES ATTITUDE Poem Devotional

Posted on January 20, 2015 by ilmaarts

January 20
Great is the Lord who delights in blessing his servant with peace. Then I will proclaim your justice and I will praise you all day long. – Psalm 35:27-28 (NLT)
GRATITUDE CHANGES ATTITUDE
A poem and essay by ILMA
God delights in blessing his servant with peace
Do you seek and hunt it down without cease?
When you sow seeds of love to others
You are blessing your sisters and brothers.
Proclaim God’s goodness and justice all day long
Praising Him will protect you from doing wrong
Lavish the Lord with gratitude and fortitude
You will reap a harvest of righteous attitude.
Do you know that gratitude changes your attitude? I used to be a very whiny and pessimistic person. I always found something to complain or criticize about. A book written by Norman Vincent Peale changed me. I wasn’t reading the bible when I read this book. Somehow, God used this book to change my pessimism and tendency to complain. The book prescribed to have a thank you list daily. It was 27 years ago when I took the prescription of this book. Just 3 years ago, as I became a born again Christian, I learned that this author who has passed away was a Christian writer.
The bible tells us the importance of praising God all day long. It changes and transforms us into becoming more like Christ. Gratitude changes our attitude.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to count all my blessings always.
REFLECTION
How can gratitude change attitude?
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

YOU ARE ALWAYS WITH ME Poem Devotional

Posted on January 20, 2015 by ilmaarts

January 19
I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
– Psalm 16:7-8 (NLT)
YOU ARE ALWAYS WITH ME
A poem and essay by ILMA
When I am happy and victorious, you are beaming with delight
When I am confused and downcast, you give me insight
When I am grieving over losing someone or something
Your faithfulness and your words are so comforting.
I will bless you Lord, for you guide me even at night
When I am tired and have no energy to resist and fight
You are always with me, not matter what
Thank you for all the favors you grant.
I have married a man who is there for me always. Even though there are times that my needs are not met according to my expectations, his consistency is astounding. It sometimes becomes a concern because I am so creative and spontaneous while he is so constant and a stickler for routines. His stability brings security in our relationship. My spontaneity brings life to it.
The bible tells us how faithful and stable God is to us. He is always there for us. We ought to bless the Lord who guides us constantly even at night. He is our fortress and we will not be shaken for he is always there.
PRAYER
Make me present in your presence Lord.
REFLECTION
Do you feel God’s presence?
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

YOU ARE MY MASTER! Poem Devotional

Posted on January 18, 2015 by ilmaarts

http://youtu.be/hAdGQJ7WP2Y

January 18

I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.

Psalm 16:2 (NLT)

YOU ARE MY MASTER!

A poem and essay by ILMA

I said to the Lord, “You are my Master”

You cleanse my heart to make me better

You reveal to me all your truth and decrees

You give all the good things so that I can be free.

You are the only one who knows all things

You gave your Son to redeem and make me see

My Master, my teacher, my Savior and my Lord

From the bottom of my heart, I bring you laud.

Do you know how the enemy attacks most Christians? He steals our joy and creates conflicts by perpetuating lies. He entices us to have equality with God. How do we combat the tactics of the enemy? First, we obey God’s commands; second, we forgive others and ask forgiveness for our sins; third, we speak with authority to the devil to flee. Lastly, we walk in love and seek peace.

There is another way to resist the devil. Say and request everything in His name aloud or sing praises. Declare that He is your master and every good thing you have comes from him. Lucifer used to be the head of worship. It really bugs the enemy when he hears God’s people declare his word and that He is Master.

PRAYER

Jesus, you are my only Master.

REFLECTION

How often do you testify to God’s greatness?

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

GOD’S WONDROUS DEEDS Poem Devotional

Posted on January 17, 2015 by ilmaarts

January 17
Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him, yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. – 1 Chronicle 16:8-9 (NLT)
GOD’S WONDROUS DEEDS
A poem and essay by ILMA
What has God done to you lately?
Has he made you peaceful and healthy?
What has He blessed you with today?
Did you feel His love as you look at the sun’s rays?
Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness
Tell everyone about his wondrous deeds and faithfulness
Let the whole world know how he has transformed you
Give him praise and your heart will be renewed.
Do you remember your first love? You were so excited about the person’s character and how he or she made you feel. You almost want to shout to the world what a great person he or she is. You can’t stop talking about your beloved. If we can be so full of joy and excitement about the people we love, how much more should we proclaim God’s wondrous deeds?
The bible tells us that we ought to give thanks to the Lord and announce his greatness to the whole word. We need to sing praises to him and talk about his wonderful deeds. We bring glory to the only one who so deserves it when we give him praise.
PRAYER
Thank you for your majesty, Lord.
REFLECTION
How often do you tell others what God has done for you?
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

ACTION EQUALS FRUIT Poem Devotional

Posted on January 16, 2015 by ilmaarts

January 16
Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions. – Matthew 7:20 (NLT)
ACTION EQUALS FRUIT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you follow God’s will faithfully?
Do your actions reveal righteousness?
Continue to do things lovingly
You will manifest peace and happiness.
You can identify a tree by its fruit
The word of God can appease and soothe
Align your actions with his truth
Then you will be strong because of deep roots.
Have you ever seen an apple on a pear tree? When you see a fruit, you identify the tree as well. In Galatians, the bible talks about the fruits of the Spirit such as love, peace, joy, kindness, gentleness, patience, self-control, goodness and faithfulness (Galatians 5:22-23). So, if anyone claims that they are a Christian, they must show at least one of these fruits. We may not have all of them because sometimes we don’t want to cooperate with God, so the fruits don’t come out.
Matthew said that you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions. In other words, you can’t say you are a Christian and not follow what Jesus did or what God commands. You can’t call yourself a Christian and not know Jesus’ character or have a relationship with him.
PRAYER
Lord, help me cooperate with you so I can bear fruits.
REFLECTION
What fruit of the Spirit are you still 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

RETURN TO GOD!

Posted on January 15, 2015 by ilmaarts

January 15
If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. You must influence them, do not let them influence you. – Jeremiah 15:19 (NLT)
RETURN TO GOD!
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you drifted away from the Almighty God?
Obey and seek his word; it makes him glad
If you return to him, he will restore you
If you speak his word, he will make you new.
Do not be influenced by the world’s corruption
Seek his Word, follow it, and he will bring revelations
If you use Scriptures, you will be transformed
Speak God’s truth for it is your weapon; your sword.
Some people have turned their backs on God when they can’t see or fathom his truth. Even Jesus’ very own disciple, Thomas, doubted that Christ rose from the dead. Thomas needed a proof to believe that Jesus came back and fulfilled Scriptures. In response to Thomas’ doubt, Jesus said in John 20:29 “Blessed are those who believe even if they don’t see.”
The bible tells us that if we return to God, he will restore us. If we speak good words instead of worthless ones, we will be God’s mouthpiece or spokesman. He promised authority to those who use his word and victory to influence others when we abide in him.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness.
REFLECTION
What part of your life needs restoration?
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 BRINGS ABOUT BREAKTHROUGHS Poem Devotional

Posted on January 14, 2015 by ilmaarts

January 14
A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family. And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles. – Mark 6:4-5 (NLT)
FAITH BRINGS ABOUT BREAKTHROUGHS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you been minimized by your own family?
Did you ever feel ostracized by your community?
Christ was honored everywhere except his own hometown
No need to feel inadequate when people turn you down.
Unbelief hampers breakthroughs and miracles
They can delay progress and pose obstacles
If you believe that Christ can do all things
Success and victory will manifest in everything.
I became a painter by believing that God will grant me my dream of being able to paint. I learned to paint at age thirty one but dreamt about it since I was three years old. I decided to get over my fear of not knowing how to draw or paint by believing that God will show me how to be an artist. After three diligent years of practice, I sold artworks. I wasn’t recognized immediately by my community and family, but after selling over 70 % of artworks in my first exhibit, people believed.
The bible tells us Jesus was a prophet and was honored everywhere else except in his own hometown and among his family and relatives. The unbelief of people hampered breakthroughs and miracles they could have had.
PRAYER
Grant me more faith Lord.
REFLECTION
How can unbelief hamper growth and breakthroughs?
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 IN THE SPIRIT AT ALL TIMES Poem Devotional

Posted on January 13, 2015 by ilmaarts

January 13
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me, too.
-Ephesians 6:18 (NLT)
PRAY IN THE SPIRIT AT ALL TIMES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you talk to God at all times?
He always listens to your joy and cries
Allow the Spirit of God to teach you
Stay alert and you will be free from rue.
Ask God to give you the right words
Only his truth can defeat this world
Be persistent in your prayers for all believers
We ought to care for all our sisters and brothers.
The bible tells us to pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. In other words, it means “every moment.” God tells us in Scriptures that we ought to “pray in the spirit” which simply means, pray with your heart and allow God’s Spirit to fill you with his truth. God wants us to speak our hearts out to him and desires for intimacy through constant meditations on his word. When we feed on his word, the conversations will bring us closer to him and make us grow. It will make us learn to know God’s character and become more like him every day.
PRAYER
Lord, let your Spirit never depart from my heart.
REFLECTION
What do you talk to God about? How often do you pray?
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

PRESS ON DOING GOOD Poem Devotional

Posted on January 12, 2015 by ilmaarts

January 12
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. –Galatians 6:9 (NLT)
PRESS ON DOING GOOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Let’s not get tired of doing what is good
God wants us to walk in love and not brood
Whenever circumstances pose challenges
Be brave and openly accept the changes.
If we diligently press on in life
We will have wisdom and see the light
At just the right time, we will harvest
A bounty of blessing will manifest.
What kind of challenges are you facing these days? God doesn’t want you to give up but press on whatever it is he is making you confront. Most of the time, these challenges are given to us to refine us and make us strong and resilient so we could honor and bring his kingdom the glory it so deserves.
The bible tells us to never get tired of doing good. God promises a harvest of blessings when we persevere diligently and endure for him. No matter how grave the situation we are facing, He wants us to embrace and face these trials courageously and constantly depending on him. He will reward those who are pressing on because he himself is faithful to his children.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to be thankful always for trials and challenges.
REFLECTION
Why is giving up not an option with an authentic Christian?
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

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Monthly Archives: January 2015