Monthly Archives: July 2015

CALLED TO DO GOOD Poem Devotional

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August 2
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For God called you to do good even if it means suffering just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example and you must follow his step. – 1 Peter 2:21 (NLT)
CALLED TO DO GOOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is your purpose in life?
Isn’t it to bring joy and light?
Christ suffered so you can be free
He wants you to be able to see.
Jesus is the example that you must follow
He pulls you out from being shallow
You are called to do good and to avoid evil
If you follow Christ, you will piss off the devil.
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All people are essentially good. We were made in God’s image, so we must always remember that our default setting is to be like him. Our make is designed to righteousness. The enemy does his best to reset it to do the opposite of what we were created for. The devil infiltrates our minds with lies and later on attacks our heart as well. This is why the bible always reminds us to guard our hearts because Satan is after it.
You were called by God to do good even if it means suffering just as Christ suffered for you. He is the epitome of goodness and the perfect example for us to follow. The authentic Christian is not just a talker but a doer. Christ came so we can overcome evil through acts of love and humility.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to always remember to do good.
REFLECTION
What lies have the enemy told you that challenge your goodness?
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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

IN GOD’S HANDS Poem Devotional

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August 1

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He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God who always judges fairly. – 1 Peter 2:23 (NLT)
IN GOD’S HANDS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you experiencing oppression?
Do not wallow in sorrow and depression
Has someone crushed your heart?
Leave it in God’s hand, he will sort it out.
When Jesus was insulted, he never reacted
When he suffered, he never retaliated
Christ left his case in God’s hands
He continue to obey his commands.

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In the past, when someone hurls unkind words to me, I react automatically with harshness. When I get hurt by someone, I used to get even by plotting revenge. I was taught to fight back and assert myself when I am being treated unfairly. My early childhood traumas taught me to retaliate so I can protect myself from harm. It became my coping mechanism.
The bible clearly describes how Jesus responded to all the beatings, betrayals, insults, and abuse he experienced here on earth. He never retaliated or answered back to any accusations or injustice. Instead, he just kept his mouth shut like a lamb to its shearers. He humbly allowed them to do what they did to him in order to fulfill what Scriptures said. He left his case in God’s hands because he trusted God’s plan and his love and mercy.
PRAYER
Lord, show me mercy when I am sinning.
REFLECTION
How would you react or respond to abuse and rejection?
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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

BE READY TO SUFFER Poem Devotional

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July 31________________________________________
So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. –1 Peter 4:1 (NLT)
BE READY TO SUFFER
A poem and essay by ILMA
Christ suffered physical pain in order to save man
Do you return his favor by following his commands?
Jesus was betrayed, beaten, ridiculed and oppressed
Do you react when you are discriminated and depressed?
Think of Jesus each time you feel dejected
He experienced tortured and was very much rejected
Christ suffered and died for you to be free from bondage
What have you done for his kingdom’s advantage?
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I used to be a whiny person. I grew up in an environment where complaining is normal. When I came to Canada, I was culturally shocked to find out that this wasn’t the norm. Just stating unsolicited opinion is a form of complaint here. It took many years before I realized that I have come from a country where almost anyone can just air their opinions blatantly and boldly. Politeness is valued very much in here. I learned to control my mouth and God showed me to learn to say things gently and out of love.
The bible explains how Christ dealt with his oppressors. He didn’t say a word or retaliated or aired his opinions. He suffered quietly.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to have self-control.
REFLECTION
When did you ever suffer for Christ?
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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

AN END TO SIN poem devotional

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July 30________________________________________
So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body, God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. –Romans 8:3 (NLT)
AN END TO SIN
A poem and essay by ILMA
When God sent his son to mankind
We were given a chance to find
The law couldn’t do what Jesus did
God brought Christ to put an end to sin.
Through the sacrifice on the cross
He alleviated all our pain and loss
God put an end to all evil through Christ
Through him, we were given a chance for a better life.
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Do you ever wish that you could put an end to all your sins? The apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans discussed the dilemma that mankind face in this corrupt world. Even if we want to do good, we sometimes end up doing the opposite. I didn’t understand for a long time that I didn’t have to do works for my own salvation. Christ has already done the work for me when he died on the cross to put an end to evil.
The unconditional love that God showed us when he sent his son on the cross is incomparable to any form of love. It is Christ’s love for us that made him sacrifice his own life.
PRAYER
Teach me how to love unconditionally Lord.
REFLECTION
What have you sacrificed for Jesus?
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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

IF YOU BELIEVE poem devotional

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July 29________________________________________
I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. –John 14: 12(NLT)
IF YOU BELIEVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you believe, you will follow his way
It is the only guarantee you won’t be swayed
If you believe, you will hunger for his word
It will protect you from corruption of the world.
If you believe, you will pour out your heart
You will serve God and others and never depart
If you believe, you will do the works of Christ
You will be on your way to the Father in the next life.
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What is the gauge of an authentic Christian? It is not just going to church on Sunday nor putting up stickers in your car that you are one. There is more to it than just saying you are a Christian. I was a Christian for so long but didn’t get it, until God gave me revelation about his expectations from believers.
The bible says that if we are believers, he expects us to follow the same works as Christ has done or even greater works. God promises us a place in his kingdom if we follow the example that Christ has given us when he came down here on earth as a human. He challenges all believers to follow Jesus’ work.
PRAYER
Lord, give me strength to follow Jesus’ works.
REFLECTION
What works of Christ have you followed?
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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

DO YOU KNOW HIM WELL? Poem Devotional

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July 28________________________________________
Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? – John 14:9 (NLT)
DO YOU KNOW HIM WELL?
A poem and essay by ILMA
How well do you know Jesus Christ?
Can you recall what he requires in your life?
Do you spend quality and regular time with him?
Do you pour out your heart and confess your sin?
Jesus pleads us to know his character
It helps us to overcome sin and be a victor
Even his closest friends still don’t know him well
Do you go out of your way to spread his word and tell?
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There are still many Christians who don’t really know Jesus very well. Some are caught up living worldly lives and they don’t even bother to spend time with him in the word. Some live in denial of their real need for his guidance and help. Because the enemy has infiltrated most hearts of men, it takes a decision and commitment to have an intimate relationship with Christ. We all have to make an effort to purposely hunger for him and his word.
Jesus talks to Philip in the bible and questions him about how little faith he had. Christ asked Philip how well he knew him and boldly challenged him to grow his faith. He reminded him how close they have worked together and yet he never believed him enough.
PRAYER
Lord, give me a strong faith in you.
REFLECTION
Relate an instance when you doubted Christ.
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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

TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE Poem Devotional

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July 27________________________________________
He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. – John 1:10-12 (NLT)
TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Christ came so we can be redeemed
He wanted us to be freed from sin
He didn’t come from the rich and wealthy
Instead he came from a humble and poor family.
He came to his own people but they rejected him
He was oppressed and tortured to the extreme
But to all who believed him and accepted him
He gave them the right to become God’s children.
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Do you remember how it felt when someone oppressed and rejected you? My life’s theme for the first half of my life is rejection, abuse and discrimination. It was a challenge to go through life with such pressing circumstances. The only reason why I am still alive and kicking is because I chose to believe in God and allow him to take care of all my trials and tribulations.
Christ was never given respect especially in his own hometown. They rejected him and didn’t accept and believe in him, yet he promised those who believe that they are God’s children. To those who believe, he fulfills all his promises.
PRAYER
Lord, give me a faith like Abraham’s.
REFLECTION
What promises of God are you looking forward to?
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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

THINGS UNSEEN Poem Devotional

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July 26________________________________________
He made things we can see and the things we can’t see – such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers and authorities in the unseen world. –Colossians 1:16 (NLT)
THINGS UNSEEN
A poem and essay by ILMA
Look at the things all around you
God made them all things old and new
He made things all that we can see
He also created all things unseen.
Even if we cannot see some things
It doesn’t mean that they are not existing
Thrones, authorities, kingdoms and rulers
God made them all to unveil all his might and power.
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2 Corinthians 4:18 says that we shouldn’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. Also, in Ephesians 6, it is mentioned that we are not battling with flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. I think that God made both seen and unseen things so he can display his creativity, power, might and that he is the alpha and the omega.
He gave Adam and Eve a paradise but they broke their faithfulness to God. Lucifer was the most beautiful angel until his pride and greed brought him to where he is now.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for all your creation, both seen and unseen.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God created the unseen things in this world?
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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

DESPITE TROUBLES Poem Devotional

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July 25________________________________________
The righteous person faces many troubles but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
-Psalm 34:19 (NLT)
DESPITE TROUBLES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you look up to God when troubles come?
He provided a relief by giving his one and only Son
The righteous person is not free from troubles
The heavenly Father pulls them out of the rubbles.
Despite all kinds of sufferings and challenges
He is there for us to give us a chance to face changes
Do not be afraid what life may bring
Despite troubles, he will ease your sufferings.
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There is a misnomer that when you are a Christian, you are trouble free. In fact, it is the opposite. The closer you are to God, the more challenges come your way. As one preacher says, “With new spiritual level comes new devil.” There is no such thing as a trouble-free life. As long as we are alive, there will always be trials and sufferings. This world is ruled by the devil, who is called the Prince of darkness. As long as we are in this body and living in this world, the enemy will not stop to steal, kill and destroy. Satan loves to create conflict and havoc in people’s lives because that is the only way he can sneak his powers to those who do not know and see him. The righteous are rescued by God from troubles.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for rescuing believers.
REFLECTION
How and when has God rescued you from troubles?
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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

FAVOR THAT LASTS A LIFETIME Poem Devotional

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July 24________________________________________
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. –Psalm 30:5 (NLT)
FAVOR THAT LASTS A LIFETIME
A poem and essay by ILMA
Ask the Lord for favor and he will grant it
He forgives those who repent and believe him
When you disobey, he waits for your return
He wants your mind and heart renewed.
Weeping may last through the night
Joy comes in the morning; it gives new life
His anger is momentary; his favor lasts forever
He wants you to love your sisters and brothers.
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Have you ever know someone who would do you favors? They are a blessing. The bible tells us that God’s anger only last a moment but his favor lasts a lifetime. Even though we are experiencing suffering and agony, we should always look forward to the joy that comes after such pain and weeping.
When I went through the darkest moments of my life, I relied only on the Lord. I raised my only son alone, without any help from any person. My son’s father turned his back on his responsibility as a provider and it was God who gave me favor to raise this son of mine alone. After living in sin for many years prior to my being a parent, it wasn’t hard to run to God again. He forgave all my sins and gave me favor.
PRAYER
Lord, let me hope in you always.
REFLECTION
What favors have you received from God lately?
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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