Monthly Archives: June 2015

IN JESUS poem devotional

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June 20________________________________________
Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. –John 16:33 (NLT)
IN JESUS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you experiencing challenges and suffering?
Is there a trial that you are currently undergoing?
Here on earth, you will have sorrows and pain
Don’t give up; believe in Christ and you will gain
He came and lived like you to overcome this world
He summons you to seek God and be in the word
In Jesus, you can have victory over the enemy
In Christ, you will find light and life through eternity.
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I lived for over four decades of my life thinking that I am the only one who can make my dreams and ambitions possible. I had no clue that I was never in control because it is only my creator who has the say in all that happens to me. The great thing about God is that he gave us “free will” and we can either use it for his glory or for our own selfish gains. When we use this gift of choice for our own purpose, we bear the consequence of that selfishness. When it is used to bring his kingdom glory, we reap a harvest of blessings and joy in our lives. The bible says we will have trials and sorrows here on earth, but if we do everything in Christ, we will overcome the world.
PRAYER
Lord, let me only serve you.
REFLECTION
What have you overcome in life when you did it in Jesus’ name?
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For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

RESCUED FROM EVIL Poem Devotional

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June 19________________________________________
Jesus gave his life for our sins just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. –Galatians 1:4 (NLT)
RESCUED FROM EVIL
A poem and essay by ILMA
We live in a world full of evil
Where pain and suffering is real
Many of us are bonded to sin
But Christ has no sin in him.
Jesus gave his life to recue us
He freed us from bondage and lust
He paid a high price on the cross
Are you accepting him or staying lost?
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Rescue is defined as saving someone from a distressing situation. I lived in the Philippines for 43 years and had witnessed a lot of calamities such as earthquakes, typhoons, fires, and illnesses and accidents. After being exposed to such disasters, one becomes immune to the effects of helplessness and trauma brought about by such experience. You learn to live on survivor mode almost always. When I came to Canada, it was a long time before I actually learned to relax and let go. What I didn’t realize was the aftermath of all those traumas on my whole being. It made me a very independent and self-sufficient person, never depending on anyone but myself. It made me distrustful and always watching my back. Jesus rescued us from this evil world when he died. He obeyed God’s plan to wipe all our sins and be born again.
PRAYER
Remind me to ask your help always, Lord.
REFLECTION
What bondages and sin have God rescued you from?
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For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

PRAYER FOR RESTORATION Poem Devotional

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June 18________________________________________
Restore me to the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to rebels and they will return to you. – Psalm 51:12-13 (NLT)
PRAYER FOR RESTORATION
A poem and essay by ILMA
Lord, forgive me for all of my transgressions
Give me a repentant heart so I can have salvation
Restore me and free me from all my iniquities
Help me to focus on you amidst trials and adversities.
Renew my mind and heart so I can be free
Help me to seek your word so I can see
Bless me as I humbly repent and confess
Bring me back to you and never digress.
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When a calamity has just destroyed a house, it takes a lot of time to actually deal with the damages. We clean it up first and take an inventory as to how much loss the disaster brought about. Then we sit down and calculate how we are going about repairing against what our budgets can afford. After the declaration of the state of the catastrophe, sometimes it takes a while before we can go through the motions of the restoration. We go through a state of shock and some people stay long in the point and they become immobilized by the trauma. Going through a calamity is just like being beaten up by the enemy. In Psalm 51, David prays for restoration after many years of unconfessed sins.
PRAYER
Lord, give me a contrite heart.
REFLECTION
What is the importance of confessing a sin?
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For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

Beauty for Ashes poem devotional

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June 17________________________________________
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. – Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)
BEAUTY FOR ASHES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you mourning over losing someone?
Have you been enslaved by anyone?
How much have you been suffering in this life?
There’s hope for those who cannot see the light.
God promised a crown of beauty for ashes
Jesus received beatings and so many lashes
He died so that sinners can be redeemed
Be joyful, he saved us and cleared us of sin.
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It is not hard to feel despair in this wicked and chaotic world we live in. There are so many hopeless and lonely people. I used to be one when I was bonded to sin. What is ironic is that I thought I was saved but then my life was still full of discontent and longings. I did everything to satisfy my cravings and to provide for all my needs. I didn’t’ realize that Christ had already died for me and that I am free from the darkness of sin. I didn’t have to do anything for him to love me more. He already does and he has died for me already.
The bible talks in Isaiah about the promise of God to those who mourn. He will replace their sorrow with a crown of beauty. He will deliver them from despair.
PRAYER
Lord, help me never to despair.
REFLECTION
Relate a time when you were delivered from hopelessness.
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For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

ALL BECAUSE OF OBEDIENCE Poem Devotional

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June 16________________________________________
And through your descendants, all nations of the earth will be blessed, all because you have obeyed. – Genesis 22:18 (NLT)
ALL BECAUSE OF OBEDIENCE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you struggle following God’s commands?
Has there been much trials from life’s demands?
All because of one man’s obedience
Abraham became God’s preference
Because he followed without question
God made him father of all nations
When obedience becomes paramount
Blessings will be poured out in much amount.
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Obedience is defined as compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another’s authority. Obedience is very important in families, organization, companies, and in our relationships. Without it, chaos, confusion, rebellion and conflicts. When children do not obey their parents, consequences of their wrong actions rebound on them. When Christians do not follow God’s commands, they separate themselves to him through sin. No wonder, God made a big deal of obedience. He chose Mary to be the mother who bore Jesus because of her obedience. Joseph became the father of Jesus because he obeyed the instructions of the angel to marry the virgin mother of Christ.
The bible talks about the aftermath of Abraham’s obedience. He became the vehicle for which the people of God became blessed. He was the epitome of faith because he was able to obey God even if it involved giving up his most beloved son, Isaac. As a result. God made him father of all believers.
PRAYER
Lord, instill in me an obedient spirit.
REFLECTION
What hinders you from obeying God’s will?
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For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

EVERLASTING LIGHT Poem Devotional

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June 15________________________________________
Your sun will never set: your moon will not go down. For the Lord will be your everlasting light. Your days of mourning will come to an end. –Isaiah 60:20 (NLT)
EVERLASTING LIGHT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you grieving over the loss of someone?
Do you feel alone or sometimes want to run?
Are you living in total darkness and confusion?
Have joy, Christ will be your light in all seasons.
The sun will never set nor the moon go down
The Lord will be your everlasting light all year round
Your days of mourning will come to an end
His eternal life will just be around the bend.
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Have you ever been excited over an expected outcome? I used to look forward to finishing a project I first brainstormed in my mind. Even as a child, I started to be exposed to my aunt’s sewing which initiated my creative thinking. As I look at other people’s clothes, I imagine in my head how these clothes must have been put together. I would be obsessed by it until I actually visualize how they will be finished if I made them. The expectancy of executing what was in my mind motivated me to relentlessly finish a project. When it is done, it feels ecstatic.
In Isaiah 60, the Lord promises Jerusalem its future glory after all that it went through. He promised them everlasting light. In other words, never ending bliss.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your faithful promises.
REFLECTION
Which promises of God do you eagerly await?
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For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

JESUS GIVES LIFE Poem Devotional

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June 14________________________________________
You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me. Yet you refuse to come to me to this life. – John 5:39-40 (NLT)
JESUS GIVES LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Give your life and surrender to Jesus
He will give you wisdom in all seasons
He is the one that the Scriptures point to
He brings us life, joy, peace and truth.
Whenever you run to his word
You will know how to overcome the world
Jesus gives light to those who are confused
There will be no eternal life to those who refuse.
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There are many people who live in darkness almost all their whole lives. It is sad to watch people wallow in sin and confusion when they can always have a choice for a better life. The enemy blinds those who do not believe God that is why we are always encouraged to grow our faith so that we can overcome the lies that are perpetuated by the enemy. I have trouble understanding why people would not want a better life for themselves. So many of us live in darkness and do not want to let go of something we have been so used to.
The bible says that Scriptures point only to Jesus. It is only in Christ that we can have eternal life, but so many refuse to receive this gift that he lovingly offers to all.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your Son.
REFLECTION
Why do you think people refuse the life Jesus offers.
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For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

RELENTLESS Poem Devotional

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June 13________________________________________
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. – Matthew 7:7 (NLT)
RELENTLESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you have a need that hasn’t been met?
Are you in bondage and afraid of death?
Are you hungry to be loved and accepted?
Have you been abandoned or rejected?
Relentlessly ask the Lord and he will answer
Keep on seeking and you fill find it later
The door will open if you keep on knocking
The Lord will reveal himself if you keep on seeking.
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Persistence is one of my traits. I don’t stop until I find what I am looking for. I don’t easily give up when I want to do something. I can be relentless oftentimes especially when it entails creativity. Sewing was my first taste of creativity. I grew up with an aunt who was a seamstress and just kept on watching her sew. By age 9, I can sew my own clothes from undoing some of my old clothes. I figured out how to sew by destroying some of my clothes and redoing it again like a puzzle.
The bible tells us to be relentless in our prayer requests and in seeking the Lord. It is in our persistent diligence that we get answered prayers and blessings poured out on us.
PRAYER
Lord, give me courage to be diligent.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you prayed persistently and got answers?
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For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

MADE RIGHT BY FAITH Poem devotional

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June 12________________________________________
Therefore since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.- Romans 5:1 (NLT)
MADE RIGHT BY FAITH
A poem and essay by ILMA
You don’t have to do much but have faith
It will make you right and bring good fate
When Jesus Christ died for us on the cross
He cleansed us from sin and brought back the lost.
We can have peace if we believe
We can choose Him and receive
We are made righteous by our faith
We are made holy by God’s grace.
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I grew up in an environment where criticism was the norm and affirmation hardly was ever given away. No matter how hard I tried to do the right thing, I always fell short of my family’s expectations. I grew up bitter and resentful. I became a pessimist and was very hard on myself.
Until a few years ago, God revealed to me the spirit of performance and approval that had enslaved many years of my life. He stirred my heart and told me that I don’t have to do anything for him to love me more. He already does. The bible says that it is only in our faith that we are made right in God’s sight and that we can have peace because Christ has already died for us.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your sacrifice on the cross.
REFLECTION
What struggles do you have that keeps you from experiencing peace?
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For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

MAY GOD’S WILL BE DONE Poem Devotional

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June 11________________________________________
Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true. “- Luke 1:38 (NLT)
MAY GOD’S WILL BE DONE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you struggle to hear God’s voice?
Are you constantly faced with a choice?
If you are a servant of the Lord
You will want to bring him laud.
It is meditating on his words that you see
He will speak to you directly and clearly
He will make you understand his plans
If you will follow the footsteps of his Son.
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When the angel Gabriel announced to Mary about her conception of the son of God, she was confused and disturbed at first (Luke 1:29). She had questions about how her conception will happen when she was a virgin. She didn’t have an argument with Gabriel. It was enough for her to hear that it is the Holy Spirit’s power that will do everything planned by God. She obeyed despite her confusion.
How often do we just obey like Mary did? Oftentimes when we are presented with circumstances beyond our understanding, we wallow in the perplexity of the situation. I sometimes fall into analysis and human reasoning and most of the time, it paralyzes me to just do what needs to be done.
Mary was a great model of obedience and this is probably why God chose her to be the person to bring Christ into this world.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me obedience.
REFLECTION
What stops you from obeying God’s will?¬¬¬
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For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com