Monthly Archives: August 2015

REAL LIFE Poem Devotional

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August 12________________________________________
For you died to this life and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
–Colossians 3:3-4 (NLT)
REAL LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is your purpose in life?
Is it to satisfy yourself or be a light?
When Christ died on the cross for you
Your heart was changed and renewed.
Your real life lies inside what Christ did
It is not from works alone or good deeds
When Christ is your only focus in life
You will share in his glory and take delight.
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There are many people who live their lives focused on what the world offers such as power, fame, wealth, career and many more. They have no clue that the real life lies in our spirit and hearts. The physical concerns of our lives such as health, wealth, comfort and emotions are just superficial. We need to go deeper than what we see and how to meet our needs.
When Christ died for us on the cross, he showed us what our real life is. He exampled his humility and love for others. He wasn’t concerned with comforts and meeting his needs. He was reaching out especially to those who are sick, broken and poor. He showed us what life really is by serving others and obeying God.
PRAYER
Lord, help us to live to serve and not be served.
REFLECTION
When did you ever gave up something for someone?
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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

DON’T LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED Poem Devotional

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August 11________________________________________
Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me.
–John 14:1 (NLT)
DON’T LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED
A poem and essay by ILMA
Is there something bothering you today?
Remember that God always finds a way
Don’t let your hearts be troubled
God will help and make you braver.
Trust in God and in his Son, Jesus Christ
They care for your well-being and life
Stay focused on his mercy and love for you
Your heart will stay pure and constantly renewed.
________________________________________
To trust means to place your confidence on someone. It is something foreign to me during my early childhood. My parents were either physically or emotionally absent. My brother and I were left in the care of extended family and they too, didn’t gave us reason to trust them. So, learned to be very independent and I struggled trusting or depending on anyone. I was also a constant worrier then. It took a revelation from God to change me. As God showed me that being anxious will not do me good, I slowly learned to let go and let God be the master of my life. To live in a world infested by corruption and materialism is a very challenging task but if we depend on God for everything, it becomes easier. The bible tells us not to be troubled and trust in God and in Jesus Christ.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me to depend on you only.
REFLECTION
Relate a time when your trust was betrayed by someone.
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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

LIVE FOR WHAT’S RIGHT Poem Devotional

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August 10________________________________________
He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. –1 Peter 2:24 (NLT)
LIVE FOR WHAT’S RIGHT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Jesus Christ died on the cross so we can die to sin
He didn’t sacrifice his life so we can let evil win
He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross
He became flesh so we won’t continue to be lost.
By his wounds, we are healed
By his death, he made us see
When we live for what is right
We will have victory in this fight.
________________________________________
I remember as a small girl being taught to be good always. If I didn’t do good, I will not go to heaven. I learned to perform and please others so I can be categorized “good” instead of “bad.” I didn’t realize that it became one of the doors that I opened for the enemy to camp in my heart. I learned to rely on my abilities instead of trusting God. I depended on myself too much that I took pleasure in knowing that I am able to achieve what I aim for. I was obsessed with seeking approval and performing. God revealed to me later on that he personally died on the cross so I can live for what is right.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for dying for my sins.
REFLECTION
What makes it difficult in your life to follow Christ’s example?
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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

UNLESS GOD GIVES YOU POWER Poem Devotional

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August 9________________________________________
“Why don’t you talk to me?” Pilate demanded. “Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you? Then Jesus said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above. –John 19:10-11 (NLT)
UNLESS GOD GIVES YOU POWER
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you really believe that you have power?
Unless God gives it to you, you won’t be a victor
He alone blesses you and gives you strength
You can only be righteous because of the Son he sent.¬¬¬¬
Because of his grace and mercy, you were saved
No one has the right to boast and claim
He has the sole power to do what needs to be done
Run to the throne; bring honor and glory to his Son.
________________________________________
There were many years of my Christian life that I was ignorant of things regarding the character of God. I believed many lies. I believed for many years that I can work to be saved. I thought that being good will help me to enter the kingdom of God. Satan twisted the truth and made me think that I could do what only God could do, to redeem myself.
The bible tells us that unless God gives us power, we won’t be able to do anything. Everything that happens to us comes from his mercy and grace. He allows things to happen for a reason.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your love for me.
REFLECTION
What do you enjoy right now that comes from God’s grace and power?
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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

FOODS GOD GAVE US Poem Devotional

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August 8________________________________________
“Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,” Daniel said. At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the King’s food.”–Daniel 1:12-13 (NLT)
FOODS GOD GAVE US
A poem and essay by ILMA
The Garden of Eden was full of trees and plants
Fruits and vegetables nourished both woman and man
God knew the benefits of all these plants and trees
He gave mankind a resource so they can stay healthy.
Men started hunting and became carnivorous
They forgot what food God originally gave us
They resorted to unhealthy options
It brought about bad choices and decisions.
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There were 6 years of my life that I turned vegetarian. I was in my twenties then. I guess I reaped good health up until my late forties even when I stopped over 20 years from those vegetarian years. Living with carnivorous people makes it hard to live the same lifestyle I chose but I won’t make up excuses anymore. I have to get back to healthier choices to continue to live a well-balanced life. Now that I am in my mid-fifties, I could have made more effort to live healthy. I am reaping constant pain in my body because of
unhealthy choices of food I have consumed over a decade now. The bible talks about how beneficial it is to stick to the foods that God has given us.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to choose the food you gave us.
REFLECTION
What kind of food do you consume?
________________________________________
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

GOD’S BOUNDARIES Poem Devotional

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August 7________________________________________
I, the Lord, define the ocean’s sandy shoreline as an everlasting boundary that the waters cannot cross. The waves may toss and roar, but they can never pass the boundaries I set.
–Jeremiah 5:22 (NLT)
GOD’S BOUNDARIES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know where you start and end?
Do you clearly see the boundaries that God made?
God created the shoreline so waters don’t cross
The waves can’t go over it even when they toss.
God fashioned physical boundaries so there will be harmony
He set spiritual borders so we can all have unity
If we respect these boundaries, we will have victory
When we do not violate them, we will be happy and free.
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A boundary is defined as a line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line. It is easy to understand a boundary that divides the line of two properties if you actually see a fence erected on it. But when it comes to emotional and spiritual boundaries, it is more challenging because you don’t have a tangible object.
I grew up without knowing boundaries. It was confusing to watch my family do things differently than other families. It was even harder having your boundaries violated without even knowing they were desecrated. When you are a child, you barely understand things.
The bible tells us that God created boundaries between his various creation. He also set an example for us to respect boundaries.
PRAYER
Show me clearly my spiritual boundaries Lord.
REFLECTION
What is the importance of boundaries in relationships?
________________________________________
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

GOD’S BOUNDARIES Poem Devotional

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August 7________________________________________
I, the Lord, define the ocean’s sandy shoreline as an everlasting boundary that the waters cannot cross. The waves may toss and roar, but they can never pass the boundaries I set.
–Jeremiah 5:22 (NLT)
GOD’S BOUNDARIES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know where you start and end?
Do you clearly see the boundaries that God made?
God created the shoreline so waters don’t cross
The waves can’t go over it even when they toss.
God fashioned physical boundaries so there will be harmony
He set spiritual borders so we can all have unity
If we respect these boundaries, we will have victory
When we do not violate them, we will be happy and free.
________________________________________
A boundary is defined as a line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line. It is easy to understand a boundary that divides the line of two properties if you actually see a fence erected on it. But when it comes to emotional and spiritual boundaries, it is more challenging because you don’t have a tangible object.
I grew up without knowing boundaries. It was confusing to watch my family do things differently than other families. It was even harder having your boundaries violated without even knowing they were desecrated. When you are a child, you barely understand things.
The bible tells us that God created boundaries between his various creation. He also set an example for us to respect boundaries.
PRAYER
Show me clearly my spiritual boundaries Lord.
REFLECTION
What is the importance of boundaries in relationships?
________________________________________
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

BENEFITS OF GENEROSITY Poem Devotional

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August 6________________________________________
The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
–Proverbs 11:25 (NLT)
BENEFITS OF GENEROSITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you blessed someone by giving?
Do you know that you are also receiving?
The generous will prosper and be blessed
They will reap a harvest and will be refreshed.
God will bless you if you give from your heart
He will reward those who obey and never depart
You will always be provided with your needs
He will give you what you ask and even exceed it.
________________________________________Do you know that God expects you to give? He is a very giving God, so we are also expected to do the same to him and to our brothers and sisters. Just make sure that you do not give in order to receive. Otherwise, you have already been paid for what you gave. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 tells us that God loves a cheerful giver and he always provide generously if you give unconditionally. You will have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
I know of someone who is very stingy. He never wants to give to anyone. He hoards his resources to himself and as a result, he lives a very hard life. The law of sowing and reaping is talked much in the bible. When we saw seeds of generosity, we will sow blessings and prosperity from God.
PRAYER
Lord, give me a generous heart.
REFLECTION
Who have you blessed lately with giving?
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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

BLESSINGS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD Poem Devotional

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August 5________________________________________
Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord. –Psalm 118:26. (NLT)
BLESSINGS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
To all those who believe in Jesus Christ
Blessings will manifest in their lives
Those who love the Lord will follow him
They bless others as God blesses them.
Blessings in the name of the Lord
Give it to others and you will bring him laud
The only way we have victory is when we give it
God protects and ensures all those who believe him.
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William Brown explains the essence of blessings in his article on it – “God’s intention and desire to bless humanity is a central focus of his covenant relationships. First, a blessing was a public declaration of a favored status with God. Second, the blessing endowed power for prosperity and success. The history of Israel begins with the promise of blessing. The curse, which had dominated the early chapters of the biblical story ( Genesis 3:14 Genesis 3:17 ; 4:11 ; 5:29 ; 9:25 ), was countered by God’s promise to Abraham that “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” ( Gen 12:3 ). The record of Israel’s past is best understood as an outworking of blessing and cursing ( Deut 27:1-28:68 ).”
We are expected to give the same blessings to others as God gave us.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your blessings.
REFLECTION
Who have you blessed 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

ETERNAL BLESSING Poem Devotional

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August 4________________________________________
And now it has please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it will continue forever before you. For when you grant a blessing, O Lord, it is an eternal blessing.
–1 Chronicles 17:27 (NLT)
ETERNAL BLESSING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Bless the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever
Bless the Lord Jesus Christ for he came to be our savior
When you bless God and others, you receive eternal blessings
When you honor and respect each other, you will have bounty.
You will receive eternal blessings when you obey his commands
He will provide you with all your needs and life’s demands
Be faithful to him and continue to give and bless
You will reap the Spirit’s fruits and a bountiful harvest.
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Many people live their lives unable to count their blessings because they focus so much on what they do not have. They tend to see all the bad things happening to them and because of ungratefulness or sheer ignorance, they complain and whine incessantly. I used to be a pessimistic person who never ran out of things to grumble about. Philippians 2:14 says to do everything without grumbling or complaining. When God convicted me of this sin, I did everything I can to put a stop to it. God’s word helped me to bring out the truth in my life.
PRAYER
Lord, grant me your eternal blessing.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God prohibits us from this futile activity?
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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