Monthly Archives: March 2015

CREATED THROUGH AND FOR HIM Poem Devotional

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March 31
Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he hold all creation together. –Colossians 1:16-17 (NLT)
CREATED THROUGH AND FOR HIM
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you believe that God created everything?
He made the entire universe, creatures and human beings
He existed before anything else and designed us in his likeness
He holds together all creation in his loving righteousness.
He gave us his commandments so we can sow and reap
He wants our minds and hearts to constantly leap
We were created through him and for him
We must remember to listen, obey and be redeemed.
Do you wonder how and why you came into being? So many people live their lives without knowing their purpose in life. They live for themselves and cater to all that is pleasurable to them. They do not care about anyone else but themselves. Then, they wonder why they feel empty and isolated.
The bible says that everything was created through God and for him. He came before anything else existed and he holds all creation together. This means that our purpose is for him and not for ourselves. This means that without God, we will live difficult lives and lack peace and joy. This means that if we live our lives devoid of him, we will not fulfill all that we were created for.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for all your creation.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to know God’s purpose for our lives?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotional, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotional, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

WHY WE HARVEST LITTLE Poem Devotional

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March 30
You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes.
-Haggai 1:6 (NLT)
WHY WE HARVEST LITTLE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you help in building God’s temple?
Are you living in extravagance or are you simple?
God wants you to build his house that lies in ruins
He wants you to reap good fruits and win.
You planted much but harvested little
Your wages disappear and you are bitter
You ought to help build the body of Christ
It pleases the Father and leads you to eternal life.
Have you ever wondered why some people are living luxurious lives and still feel empty and lonely? Many famous people’s lives are very sad and superficial. On the outside, they have all the physical comforts they could ever want but inside, they feel helpless and unhappy. They are always longing for something they can never have, the fruits of the Spirit.
The bible tells the people through prophet Haggai that he wants his church rebuilt. He disapproves their lifestyle of living in luxurious houses and yet God’s house is in ruins. Have you contributed in building the house of God instead of focusing on creating comfort zones and wealth for yourself?
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to help build your church.
REFLECTION
What can you contribute to build God’s kingdom?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotional, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotional, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

THE REWARD OF GENEROSITY Poem Devotional

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March 29
She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” – Mark 14:8-9 (NLT)
THE REWARD OF GENEROSITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you treat the Lord with reverence and majesty?
Are you faithful in spending time with Jesus regularly?
The woman who anointed Christ’s feet was remembered
She became an example of bigheartedness and was awarded.
Generosity is an act of veneration and honoring the Lord
When we bring what belongs to him, we give him applaud
Everything we have comes from our gracious heavenly father
Let’s praise him by giving back what he gave us and be kind to others.
Are you a giving person? The act of giving is the whole theme of a Christian’s life. Abraham became the father of all believers because of his faith and generosity. He was tested by God to give his son, Isaac as an offering for him and he never doubted what God requested. He passed the test of faith and kindness.
The bible tells us the story of the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with very expensive perfume. Jesus rewarded her reverence by ensuring that she was remembered throughout the world where the Good News was preached. Jesus gave back to her the respect that she gave to him.
PRAYER
Lord, stir my heart to generously give always.
REFLECTION
How has God paid back your generosity to him?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotional, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotional, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

ON CHEATING GOD Poem Devotional

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March 28
Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me!” But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me.” – Malachi 3:8-9 (NLT)
ON CHEATING GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you totally honest with the Lord?
Would you do anything to bring him laud?
Are you faithful in bringing your tithes and offerings?
Do you prioritize so you can have more time with him?
How can anyone cheat the Lord of anything?
He is omniscient and sees everything
When you don’t bring the tithes to his church faithfully
You are sowing selfishness and will reap chaos and poverty.
Have you ever cheated on God purposely? I know a lot of Christians would instantly answer “Of course not!” to this question. Think again. There are many ways that you may have stolen or cheated on God. You may have wasted the gifts that God has given you by using it for your own pleasure. You may have prioritized someone or something more than God. You may have hoarded money or a prized possession when God instructed you to give it away.
The bible says that you actually cheat God when you don’t bring your tithes and offerings to him. The Hebrew and Greek words for “tithe” both simply mean “a tenth.” We are required to bring one tenth of what we earn to God.
PRAYER
Lord, grant me a generous heart.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God requires us to tithe?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotional, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotional, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

LIVING BY THE WORLD’S STANDARDS Poem Devotional

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March 27
Because you still live as people of this world live. When there is jealousy among you and you quarrel with one another, doesn’t this prove that you belong to this world, living by its standards? – 1 Corinthians 3:3(GNB)
LIVING BY THE WORLD’S STANDARDS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you a true believer who lives for Christ?
Do you read God’s word for insight?
When jealousy and strife are alive
It is hard to allow the truth to thrive.
When you live as people of this world do
It is impossible to allow the Spirit to get through
Your spirit lives in a body amidst a fallen world
The only way to have victory is by seeking the word.
Do you meditate on the word of God daily? As a Christian, it is essential that we focus on God’s word in order to be protected from the evil that is in the world. How can we know if we are living by the world’s standards?
The bible says clearly that how we live our lives is a clear indication whether we belong to God or to this fallen world. When our lives are full of conflicts, jealousy, anger, bitterness, resentment, un-forgiveness, ambition, pride and many other sins, we know that we belong to this world. When you decided to accept Jesus in your life, the Holy Spirit lives in you and guides you to overcome this world.
PRAYER
Thank you Spirit for living in me.
REFLECTION
How can you protect yourself from the corruption of this world?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotional, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotional, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

GOD’S FAVORITES Poem Devotional

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March 26
He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump.
1 Samuel 2:8(NLT)
GOD’S FAVORITES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you living in hopelessness and anxiety?
Is your heart broken or are you very needy?
Have you been oppressed and enslaved?
Be happy when you do things for Christ’s sake.
You are God’s favorite; he lifts the poor from the dust
He brings those who are needy away from the dump
He heals the most broken and confused people
He abhors wickedness and brings down the cruel.
Do you have any form of poverty in your life? Were you ever deprived of love and respect? Have you been abused or oppressed by anyone? Are you marginalized because of faith, status, color or literacy? Are you in constant pain from emotional or physical traumas? If you answer yes to any of these questions, be joyful for you are one of God’s favorites.
The bible tells us that God lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. He loves to work on those who are poor and needy. He works best in our weakness. Christ came to save the broken and the poor. He uses circumstances that exhibit weaknesses so he can make people experience his forgiveness, mercy and grace. Without such weaknesses, we usually don’t run to God for assistance. Without powerlessness, we rely on ourselves too much.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for my weaknesses.
REFLECTION
Are you one of God’s favorites?
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

NOWHERE TO HIDE Poem Devotional

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March 25
Stop acting so proud and haughty. Don’t speak with such arrogance, for the Lord is a God who knows what you have done. He will judge your actions.
-1 Samuel 2:3(NLT)
NOWHERE TO HIDE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you really think that God can’t see what you do?
There is no reason to hide or find a place to run to
Stop acting so proud and haughty
Give up arrogance and being snooty
The Lord is a God who knows everything
There is nowhere to hide from a supreme being
He knows what you’ve done and what you’re feeling
He is all seeing, all knowing and all loving
Run back to his arms instead of rebelling.
Have you ever tried to hide a secret that you have done in the past that you were not proud of? Do you have any idea how exhausting it is to keep on hiding and running especially from the people who love and trust you? It is stressful to keep pretending to clean up a mess you have done. Sooner or later, someone is going to discover whatever you have been hiding. There is no secret that God doesn’t know.
The bible warns us from acting proud and being haughty. He doesn’t want us to speak arrogantly. God sees and knows what we are about to do or what we have done. He will judge our actions.
PRAYER
Lord, convict me of pride.
REFLECTION
What must a Christian do to avoid pride?
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

WHERE TO PRAY Poem Devotional

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March 24
But when you pray, go away by yourself. Shut the door behind you and pray to your father in private. Then your father who sees everything will reward you.
– Matthew 6:6 (NLT)
WHERE TO PRAY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you spend time with Jesus alone?
Do you set a mood and tone?
How much focus do you give to Christ?
Do you to hear his voice and insights?
When you pray, be alone with only him
Don’t let anyone know about it or be seen
Just as you are intimate with earthly relationships
Christ longs for your total faithfulness and friendship.
When you are in a very serious romantic relationship, don’t you find yourself wanting to be with that person as much as you can? Even with your own children, you want to know everything that happens with them. Our heavenly father expects from us the same. How would you feel if someone who claims they love you does not even spend intimate time with you?
The bible tells us that when we pray, we have to go away by ourselves, shut the door behind us and pray to our father in private. Then he will reward you. Do you flaunt to others how you pray like the Pharisees in Jesus’ time did? We are expected to have a private intimate time with God as often as we can.
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, thank you for calling me to intimacy.
REFLECTION
Why is it essential for a Christian to pray in private?
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 STABLE GOD Poem Devotional

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March 23
I am the Lord and I do not change, that is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed. – Malachi 3:6 (NLT)
A STABLE GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know anyone who is always dependable?
Isn’t every person you know changeable?
When you need someone in times of trouble
Are they there to get you out of the rubble?
The Lord never changes, he is a stable God
He is always there to forgive no matter how bad
You can depend on him for he is faithful
Give praise to a God who is amazing and wonderful.
The only thing constant in this world is change. People, feelings, circumstances, surroundings, climate, health, status and many more go through change. It is an inevitable process in our physical world. It is a fact of life. This is the reason why no one is really dependable constantly.
I used to be a very needy person because I wasn’t really able to get my basic loving needs met as a child. I depend so much on others to be provided with my needs. I always end up frustrated because most of the time, people let me down. I can’t depend on them.
The bible says that our God is someone who does not change. He is constant, dependable and faithful. He always forgives and gives us chances to reach our fullest potential. He never gives up on us.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being constant.
REFLECTION
How can you pay back God’s stability and constancy?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

THE SECRET TO PURITY Poem Devotional

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March 22
How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. –Psalm 119:9(NLT)
THE SECRET TO PURITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Can doing good keep your heart pure?
Are you falling into the devil’s lure?
Obedience to God’s word is the secret to purity
The enemy cannot penetrate if you obey faithfully.
It is lawlessness that opens doors for the enemy
Follow God’s commands and you’ll have victory
While you are still young, make the habit of obeying
It will benefit your life and keep you from suffering.
There were many lawless years I lived. I thank the Lord that he has saved me and freed me from the spirit of rebellion and disobedience. It was tiring to constantly prove that everyone was wrong and I was right. I filled my mind and heart with all the worldly pursuits that didn’t really aligned with God’s will and commands. Because of many painful experiences in my childhood, rebellion became my coping mechanism which utterly destroyed me and many relationships I was involved with.
The bible tells us the secret to purity. It is by obeying God’s word that we can stay pure. When we hunger and seek only the truth that comes from the word of God, we are protected from lies. We can easily detect the enemy’s ploy if we know the truth. Without the truth, we will easily be deceived by lies.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to obey you constantly.
REFLECTION
How can obedience be a factor in maintaining your heart pure?
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