POWER & WISDOM OF GOD Poem Devotional

Posted on February 19, 2015 by ilmaarts

February 18
Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. –1 Corinthians 1:24(NLT)
POWER & WISDOM OF GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When we believe and follow Christ in our lives
It exposes all darkness and the enemy’s lies
The Son of God is the epitome of his Father
Christ exudes all of God’s power.
It is through Jesus alone that we can gain wisdom
God used his Son to bring us to freedom
Through Christ, we clearly see God’s insight
The power and wisdom of God is manifest in Jesus Christ.
The amazing act of love God showed his children was manifested when he gave Jesus to save us all from sin. Many believers do not fully comprehend this great act of generosity. If they do, they wouldn’t take for granted every gift they receive from God.
Do you know that Jesus Christ is actually God’s power and wisdom? When we believe in Christ, we also trust in God’s existence. When we seek Christ, we also seek our father. They are one and the same.
The bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the very power and wisdom of God. It means that when we search and seek Christ, we also seek God. If we reject Christ, we also reject our heavenly Father. It is only through Christ that we gain power and wisdom. Without him, we are nothing because all things come from God.
PRAYER
Lord, draw me closer to you.
REFLECTION
What power have you received from knowing 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

GOD USES THE DESPISED Poem Devotional

Posted on February 17, 2015 by ilmaarts

February 17
God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.
-1 Corinthians 1:28(NLT)
GOD USES THE DESPISED
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you been abused, oppressed or scorned down?
Do you feel down and devalued by someone?
God uses those who are broken and unimportant
He shames the proud by using those who are insignificant.
Remember to treat others equally at all times
Those who are simple and plain can be used by God anytime
He can use unexpectedly those who are repressed
God shames the proud who likes to impress.
God has a great sense of humor. He uses the weak, the oppressed, the abused, or the simple minded to mock those who are rich, powerful and proud. The story of David and Goliath is a clear example of how he used David to beat the giant Goliath with a sling and stone (1 Samuel 17). It wasn’t the mere strength of David that made him win the fight. It was his faith that God will be with him that made him have victory over the Philistines. Moses is another example in the bible that God used to lead his people to the Promised Land.
The bible shows us that God can use anyone to proclaim his power and glory. He can make the impossible possible or the weak stronger.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never underestimate anyone.
REFLECTION
Share an event that you witnessed God’s power over someone’s weakness.
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

EVERYTHING COMES FROM GOD Poem Devotional

Posted on February 16, 2015 by ilmaarts

February 16
What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift? – 1 Corinthians 4:7 (NLT)
EVERYTHING COMES FROM GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
What do you have that God hasn’t given you?
Your body, your family, your home and all things new
They are all prearranged so you can praise Him
God wants you to enjoy life and avoid sin.
Everything comes from God; you cannot boast
If pride sets in your heart, you will be lost
Be thankful for everything you have
He gave you all because he deeply loves.
I know a lot of people who think that everything they’ve got is the product of their hard work and abilities. It may be true that they labored hard to attain or obtain what they posses, but Christians must always focus on God’s grace and blessings. It shows ingratitude and pride when we disregard the generosity and mercy God showers us with.
The bible says that everything we have comes from God as a gift. We have no right to boast about it as if it were our own doing that made us have such possessions, wealth and overflow.
It is sad to see many ungrateful and proud Christians who continue to live in works of the flesh and bypass the great God who always provide for our needs.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for everything.
REFLECTION
How do you thank God for all he gave 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

THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS Poem Devotional

Posted on February 15, 2015 by ilmaarts

February 15
The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction. But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.
–1 Corinthians 1:18(NLT)
THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is the message of the cross?
Has it been in your heart and embossed?
The meaning of the cross is foolish to the wicked
They choose to head for destruction instead.
For the believer, it is the very power of God
It is the symbol of His absolute love
The cross is Christ who loves us and gave
It is the only act of love that we can rave.
Some Christians do not really comprehend the depth of the meaning of the cross. They do not realize that it was the cross that freed them from debt and death. I didn’t fully understand the message of the cross, until a few years back when God revealed to me that I didn’t have to do anything to save myself. The sacrifice of Christ’s life on the cross was fulfilled according to Scriptures many years after it was prophesied by many generations before Christ was born.
For those who choose to live in their sinful nature, the message of the cross is foolish but for those who are being saved, they know that it is the very power of God.
PRAYER
Lord, keep me focused on the cross.
REFLECTION
What has the cross freed you from?
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

ATTRIBUTES OF LOVE Poem Devotional

Posted on February 14, 2015 by ilmaarts

February 14
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. – 1 Corinthians 13:7(NLT)
ATTRIBUTES OF LOVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Love is a commitment you undertake with someone
It doesn’t give up easily when romance is gone
Even in desperate moments of frustration
Love never loses faith in all situations.
Love is always hopeful even when things are bleak
It endures through trials; it doesn’t focus on the weak
It continues to trust in every circumstance
Believing, giving and forgiving are “love’s” stance.
The world has romanticized the meaning of love. It has corrupted its true meaning by highlighting more on what one can receive from someone rather than what one can give to the loved one. The world sees love as a business transaction. They only give if they are guaranteed something back in return. When they don’t gain anything, they sever their relationship with the one who can’t live up to their criteria.
In God’s economy, love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance. It is like God because God is love. He is faithful and never gives up on us. He’s always there even if we turn from Him. He waits for us patiently to come back and reunite with him. This is the true meaning of love.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me to love like you do.
REFLECTION
What worldly view of love do you need to give up?
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

BE OF ONE MIND Poem Devotional

Posted on February 13, 2015 by ilmaarts

February 13
Live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. – 1 Corinthians 1:10(NLT)
BE OF ONE MIND
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you are in a relation
There is no place for division
Be of one mind with believers
Conflicts bring about discord in others.
Live in harmony and patiently pursue peace
Be open and respect others so that you can see
Let there be no divisions in the body of Christ
Agree with one another so you won’t have to fight.
Division is spreading wildly in the church. There are so many religions in the world today. When one person does not agree with the leadership in a congregation, they separate themselves from the church, go to another one or build a new church. The world view relationships as a business partnership. That is why there are so much separations, divorces and annulments in marriages. When one spouse discovers a difference, they run away instead of working it out with their partners.
The bible instructs the church (body of Christ) to be of one mind in order to avoid divisions. Jesus didn’t die for us to have many religions. He wants us all to have a relationship with God. He wants us to seek God in order to be unified with him and other believers.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never stray from you.
REFLECTION
Why is “agreement” very important in relationships and the church?
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

PLEADING FOR HELP Poem Devotional

Posted on February 12, 2015 by ilmaarts

February 12
I am exhausted from crying for help, my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me. –Psalm 69:3(NLT)
PLEADING FOR HELP
A poem and essay by ILMA
My throat is dry and tears welling down my cheeks
I am exhausted from crying for help as I speak
I plead God to save my loved ones from their unbelief
It is so painful to see their lives in bondage and without relief.
If only they can see how much they are missing
They are blinded by the world, so they keep on sinning
Lord, have mercy on me and save my family
Bring us light and peace so we can have harmony.
God acknowledges a believer who has a humble heart. He is touched when someone gets down on his or her knees and declares weaknesses and need for God. He loves an honest and pure heart.
In Psalm 69:3, the psalmist is describing his posture while he pleads for God’s help. He honestly opens up his heart and weeps, waiting for God’s help. Daniel’s prayer in chapter 9 in the bible clearly manifests the power of a humble man who intercedes for Israel. He asked forgiveness even if he was pure. He pleaded God to give the Israelites another chance. Because of his plea, the Israelites were spared.
PRAYER
Lord, give me a humble heart.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to have a humble heart that pleads?
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

PROPHESYING Poem Devotional

Posted on February 11, 2015 by ilmaarts

February 11
But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them. – 1 Corinthians 14:3 (NLT)
PROPHESYING
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you allow God’s Spirit to prophesy through you
You are strengthening others when you do
The gift of prophecy is given by the Holy Spirit alone
You are given this gift so sin cannot be condoned.
The gifts of the Spirit are given to strengthen others
They must be released to your sisters and brothers
It helps other believers to be comforted and encouraged
It releases captives and the oppressed from bondage.
Are you someone who has a drive to apply the word of God to a situation so that sin is exposed and relationships are restored? Do you easily discern true motives of people? Do you consider compromise as unacceptable? Do you call attention to sin and wrong attitudes? Are you passionate about exposing sin so that truth can be revealed and fellowship with God can be restored? If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may be given the gift of prophecy. The apostle Paul speaks of the variety of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. At the moment of salvation, a believer receives one of seven motivational gifts: prophecy, serving, teaching, exhorting, giving, organizing or mercy. The bible says that prophets strengthens others, encourages them and comforts them. Are you able to identify with this gift?
PRAYER
Lord, show me what my spiritual gift is.
REFLECTION
Why are spiritual gifts essential?
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 LOVE IS

Posted on February 10, 2015 by ilmaarts

February 10
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. -1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NLT)
WHAT LOVE IS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Love is giving up your life for someone
It is dying to self and serving a loved one
Love is patient, kind and is humble
It does not put down or grumble.
It doesn’t keep a record of being wronged
It doesn’t dwell on past mistakes for long
Love does not demand its own way
It is never offensive in what it says.
“Love” is the most abused word in our world. Society has used this word in whatever way and form without really understanding the true meaning of it. It is loosely used as a synonym for a want or for something a person might like. You often hear people saying “Oh! I love that dress or car, or house.”
The bible defines the true meaning of love in 1 Corinthians. Love is patient, kind, not jealous, not boastful, not proud, and not rude. It doesn’t demand its own way. It is not irritable and keeps no record of wrongs. So when someone is being demanding, unkind, cruel, controlling, disrespectful, irritable or angry, you wouldn’t really call them “walking in love.” Christ is the epitome of love.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me how to love.
REFLECTION
Are you a loving person?
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

HARVESTING WHAT YOU PLANTED Poem Devotional

Posted on February 9, 2015 by ilmaarts

February 9
Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit –Galatians 6:8(NLT)
HARVESTING WHAT YOU PLANTED
A poem and essay by ILMA
What you sow is what you will reap
If you plant trouble, you will weep
Those who live to please their sinful nature
They are considered foolish and immature.
Those who follow their hearts and please God’s Spirit
They will never be poor one bit
When you seek to follow God’s laws
You will have all that you need and an overflow.
The law of sowing and reaping is one of the laws of God which is essential in attaining and keeping a peaceful and prosperous life. Matthew 7:20 says that we can identify a tree by its fruit just as we can identify people by their actions. An apple can never be produced by a pear tree.
The bible tells us that if we live to satisfy our own sinful nature, then we will surely harvest decay and death but if we constantly seek to please God, then we will reap everlasting life. Many believers want to be saved but do not have what it takes to obey and honor God’s commands. They wonder why their lives are messy when do don’t invest their time on serving God.
PRAYER
Lord, instill a clean heart in me.
REFLECTION
What do you sow 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.com

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Monthly Archives: February 2015