Monthly Archives: July 2015

PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST Poem Devotional

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July 23________________________________________
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. –Colossians 1:20 (NLT)
PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know what the blood of Jesus did to your life?
He brought you peace, he gave you wisdom and light
By the precious blood of Jesus, your sins are forgiven
After his death on the cross, he was risen
Christ came to save those who are broken
He released those who don’t have freedom
The precious blood of Christ gave us salvation
It destroyed evil and brought us close to perfection.
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Before I became a born again Christian, my faith was so shallow that I didn’t really understood the essence of the blood of Jesus. We were not taught in school the real meaning of his sacrifice on the cross. Rituals and traditions didn’t help clarify the real meaning of the precious blood of Christ.
The bible says that God lived in Christ and through him, he reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. It was through Christ’s death, that we enjoy the mercy and grace of God. Without the sacrifice of Jesus, we will not be forgiven we will remain captive to the ploys of the devil. Without the cross and blood of Jesus, we will never have authority over evil.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the cross of Christ.
REFLECTION
What is the significance of the blood of Jesus in your life?
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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

ADOPTED AS HIS OWN Poem Devotional

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July 22
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God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. – Galatians 4:5(NLT)
ADOPTED AS HIS OWN
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you sinned, you were separated from Him
He gave his only begotten Son so you will be redeemed
We were slaves to law until Christ gave us freedom
We were lost, but God took us all for adoption.
He accepted us and took us in his wings
He gave us wisdom so we could see
He gave Christ so we can be righteous
He freed us from sin and so we can be glorious.
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Being orphaned can be isolating. Losing one of your parents or even both of them could be very overwhelming and can leave a feeling of emptiness. Each person longs to belong to someone. Orphans search for their biological parents even if they are still adopted by good people. A part of each person wants to know their origin. Somehow it makes them feel whole to do that.
The bible says that God sent his only son so we could be freed from slavery to the law. He wants to adopt us as his own children even after we have separated ourselves from him through sin and disobedience. The role that the blood of Jesus did to us is to free us from the debt and slavery of sin.
PRAYER
Lord, help us to accept your adoption fully.
REFLECTION
When did you ever feel you didn’t belong to God?
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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

PENETRATING THE HUMAN SPIRIT Poem Devotional

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July 21________________________________________
The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive.
– Proverbs 20:27 (NLT)
PENETRATING THE HUMAN SPIRIT
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you deny things to yourself and your brothers
You are only making it hard for each other
The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit
It cannot hide from the power that is in it.
The light that comes from God pierces the heart
It exposes all that is hidden and all evil that lurks
The light of the Lord is the only one that makes us free
It is the only way that you will be able to see.
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Have you ever kept a deep dark secret that you held on for so long? Often than not, those who are very secretive are probably hiding acts that they are ashamed off. They are afraid to be judged or lose the status quo. They cover up or deny things that exist in order to make themselves believe in the lies they made up. In the end, these lies become humongous that it almost become truth. They believe these lies for a long time that it is second nature for them to actually rely on them as truth.
The bible tells us that the Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive. Just read the bible and you will be convicted by so many things that you usually ignore. There is nowhere to hide in God’s truth.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your light.
REFLECTION
How much light does God shine in your life?
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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

KNOWN BY THE WAY THEY ACT Poem Devotional

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July 20________________________________________
Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right. – Proverbs 20:11 (NLT)
KNOWN BY THE WAY THEY ACT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Your actions speak louder than words
It reflects your view of the world
Even children are known by the way they act
Adult’s hearts are exposed by how they react.
If they are guided by what is lovely and true
Their conducts will be honorable and pure
If they believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior
They will be right in the eyes of their Creator.
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The saying “Actions speak louder than words” is a fact that we need not ignore. A lot of relationship breakdown is caused by the conflict between what we say and what we do. If you declare that you love someone and never really have time to spend with that special person, you are contradicting your statements. We open the door to confusion and conflict when our actions do not jive with our words. It leads to confusion.
The bible says that even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure and whether it is right. When I was a Sunday School Minister, I knew the kids who were grew up in an environment where Christ is central. They are the ones who are pure and innocent. Their conduct display what they are exposed to.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to be a good model to children.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to let your thoughts be in unity with your actions?
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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

LEAVE MATTERS TO GOD Poem Devotional

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July 19________________________________________
Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.
–Proverbs 20:22 (NLT)
LEAVE MATTERS TO GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever someone does you wrong
Don’t get angry for very long
Never think of getting even
It goes against what is written.
Leave matters to God when treated unfairly
He knows and will deal with them severely
Wait on the Lord to handle the matter
He is just and faithful to those who love others.
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Human nature tells us to retaliate back to someone who hurts us. “An eye for an eye” is how many of us would deal with unfair treatment, oppression and discrimination. The bible tells us in Romans 12 that we should never pay back evil with more evil, instead, we should do things in such a way that everyone can see us honorable and do everything to live in peace with everyone. It tells us never to take revenge but leave everything to the righteous anger of God. Instead, we are told in the bible to love our enemies, feed them when they are hungry, give them something to drink if they are thirsty. By doing so, we will heap burning coals of shame on their head. We shouldn’t be conquered by evil, but we are told to conquer evil by doing good. We must wait on the Lord and let him handle matters for us.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to never retaliate to others.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you thought of getting even with others?
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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

SALVATION FROM THE LORD Poem Devotional

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July 18________________________________________
But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the Lord alone. –Jonah 2:9 (NLT)
SALVATION FROM THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Who can save anyone from this evil world?
We can only overcome it through God’s word
Offer sacrifices to your God and sing praises
He will save you and fulfill all his promises.
Be faithful to the Lord as he is to you
You will find joy and will be renewed
Salvation comes only from the Lord
Bring him honor and glory and awe.
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There were many years of my life that I worked at my own salvation. I didn’t know any better. I was foolish to think that I can perform my way up to my own redemption. I didn’t study the word of God then so I was ignorant of what it takes for salvation to happen. When God revealed to me the depth of his love and the real meaning of the cross and the blood of Jesus, I was astounded. I didn’t know that he already paid the price for all my sins and all I had to do was believe and follow him.
The prayer of Jonah before he was spitted out of the whale was a declaration of God’s power to save mankind. Only in him, can we be saved.
PRAYER
Lord, make me grow in faith.
REFLECTION
What is the condition of your faith?
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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

TRUSTING IN YOUR OWN Poem Devotional

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July 17________________________________________
How foolish to trust in your own creation. –Habakkuk 2:18 (NLT)
TRUSTING IN YOUR OWN
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you believe in your creator?
Do you think you are any better?
God has power beyond your capacity
He is all powerful and mighty
How foolish to trust in your own ability
It will never be at par with the Almighty
Trusting in your own is idolatry
It will never bring you victory.
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I became a self-taught painter in the early 90’s and became obsessed with painting and drawing for almost two decades. I was very prolific. I painted over two thousand works in the last two decades of my life. My artworks became so important to me. When I came to Canada, God revealed to me that it was my artworks that got in the way of my relationship with him. I couldn’t see his plan because I was clinging to my idol, my art.
The Lord spoke to the prophet Habakkuk about the dangers of idolatry and what it does to the people who believe in their own creation making their own gods. In our modern day setting, we need not create our own god carved from wood or other materials. The enemy has cunningly camouflaged idolatry in many other forms. Media has bombarded society with many idols such as Hollywood stars, beauty, wealth, power, fame and many more.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to detect any forms of idolatry in my life.
REFLECTION
What idols are you clinging to that hampers your spiritual growth?

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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

Agreement Poem Devotional

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July 16________________________________________
Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? –Amos 3:3 (NLT)
AGREEMENT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you give honor to your relations?
Do you consider their opinions?
Can two people walk together without agreeing where?
Without agreement, conflict will arise between each other.
Agreement is vital for harmony to transpire
It is also important so that you can abide
When you agree with someone about anything
You will be able to overcome all things and win.
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My old life was infested with conflicts and chaos. I didn’t understand for a long time why I thrived in turmoil. In fact, it became so second nature to me to argue and make my point heard. It probably was a result of not being respected and listened to as I was growing up. The enemy had so much clout on me that created a clash with those I have relations with. I was seeking approval and wanted to convince almost everyone that I have worth and that I deserve to be loved. It destroyed many of my relationships and kept me isolated and guarded.
The bible tells us the importance of agreement in our lives. God spoke to Israel through the prophet Amos in chapter three and told them how Israel have chosen to be astray. He stressed the importance of agreeing with his plans for them. By going against God’s commands, they will have no victory.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to agree with you.
REFLECTION
How can agreement resolve conflicts in relationships?
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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

WHEN TROUBLE COMES Poem Devotional

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July 15________________________________________
Then I will return to my place until they admit their guilt and turn to me. For as soon as trouble comes, they will earnestly search for me. – Hosea 5:15(NLT)
WHEN TROUBLE COMES
A poem and essay by ILMA
What do you do when you are suffering?
Do you run to God and keep on praising?
When trials and troubles come your way
Do you remember to run to Christ and pray?
Remember to admit your sins and confess
God will forgive you and have you cleansed
Run to him always, not just when trouble comes
You will have authority and the devil will run.
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Most people only remember God when trouble comes. They do everything they can to solve problems and never think of consulting God first. No wonder, they never get the right solution. Sometimes God uses such trials and difficulties to hone us and give us strength and character. If we are not familiar with God’s ways, we will find ourselves, complaining or performing. The first thing we need to do when we encounter challenges is to run to God and lay it on his hands. However small or big the situation is, God knows best. Most people say these when they face trials “I have done everything I could and now the only thing left to do is pray.” This does not honor God. We need to confess our sins and then ask God for help.
PRAYER
Thank you for your guidance.
REFLECTION
What do you do when you face challenges?
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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

SPEAK OUT! Poem Devotional

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July 14________________________________________
Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent. For I am with you and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me. –Acts 18:9-10(NLT)
SPEAK OUT!
A poem and essay by ILMA
A child of God is unafraid of the world
He or she is bold and loves the Lord
Believers trust and depend on God’s protection
They have faith and are hopeful for his provision.
Christians speak out gently and in love
They praise their heavenly father up above
They have confidence that nothing can harm them
They look forward to be freed and redeemed.
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There are many people who are afraid to speak out. Most abused individuals live in fear of speaking the truth. There are also people who are just tactless and insensitive to other people’s feelings. They hurt others with their words. I used to air my opinion freely and sometimes I hurt others by doing so. The bible talks about how we should be bold and speak out, but also tells us to do so gently, kindly and lovingly.
The Lord tells his people to be unafraid. There are 365 times that the word “Do not fear” or “Do not be afraid” mentioned in the bible. It must be very important to God that we are fearless and bold. The only fear he wants us to have is the fear of the Lord or reverence for him.
PRAYER
Give me courage to be bold Lord.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you boldly declared your faith in God to others?

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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