Monthly Archives: October 2015

A NEW LIFE BEGINS Poem Devotional

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October 23________________________________________
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.
The old life is gone; a new life has begun. – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
A NEW LIFE BEGINS
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you ever meet Jesus and fall for him
You will discover that a new life will begin
To all who will commit their lives to Christ
They will come out of darkness into the light.
Your old life will be washed away by Jesus
You become a new person, one who is righteous
You will see everything in God’s point of view
He will transform you and have your mind renewed.
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Spring is one of the greatest season because new life begins everywhere. It is a time when people de-clutter and clean and make things fresh again. It is the season after the cold winter days and when people can get out again and be rejuvenated by the flowers and grass just sprouting out of the ground. It is a season when you can start planting and later on harvest what you sowed.
The bible tells us that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun. I can attest to this experience when God called me and I re-committed myself to him with the hunger to know him more and to follow his word no matter what.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the new life in you.
REFLECTION
What transformation has God done in your life after you were born again?
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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

BLESSING IN DISGUISE Poem Devotional

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October 22________________________________________
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-though your faith is more precious than real gold.
-1Peter 1:6-7 (NLT)
BLESSING IN DISGUISE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you go through many trials and difficulties
Don’t despair! It purifies you and leads you to victory
These hardships will show your genuine faith
It tests how much you can endure and change your fate.
So, be truly glad when your faith is tested
It means that God is refining the people he created
He is preparing you for a bigger task and calling
Don’t forget to thank him for the disguised blessing.________________________________________
Blessing in disguise is and idiom which means a bad thing at first but later on turns out to be good. Remember that the God will never give us anything that is beyond what we can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13). I had so much pain and traumas as a child. It came to a point of desperation and wanted to end my agony at age 14. I didn’t understand until in my early 50s what God was doing to prepare me for this ministry to spread his word. I am truly glad that he made me endure all the pain. It was a test of my faith.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for all the blessings in disguise.
REFLECTION
What blessings do you enjoy now that was a result of all your trials?
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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

THE JOY OF YOUR PRESENCE Poem Devotional

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October 21________________________________________
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. –Psalm 16:11(NLT)
THE JOY OF YOUR PRESENCE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Show me how wonderful it is to be in your presence
I long to overcome challenges and learn life’s lessons
Bring me joy that I can only have in your goodness
Help me live in your love and righteousness.
Lead me to the pleasures of living with your forever
I want to soak in your peace and prosperity river
Let me experience your power, might and glory
Transport me from this world into your majesty.
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The word “joy” comes from the Greek root word “chara” and means “to be exceedingly glad. It is not as shallow or as superficial as the word “happiness.” Joy is not dependent on circumstances as happiness is. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he was able to rejoice (where the word joy is extracted from) despite the fact that he was in prison. He felt joyful because the guards in prison was able to hear about the Good News and were saved and he was able to do the work of God despite his circumstance.
The bible tells us that we will only experience joy in God’s presence and in knowing that we are going to live with him forever if we give our whole life to him.
PRAYER
Grant me your presence so I can have joy Lord.
REFLECTION
What experiences in your life gave you much joy?
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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

A PLEA FOR HUMILITY Poem Devotional

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October 20________________________________________
O Lord, God of Israel, you are just. We come before you in our guilt as nothing but an escaped remnant, though in such a condition none of us can stand in your presence.
-Ezra 9:15 (NLT)
A PLEA FOR HUMILITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Lord, you are most powerful, most merciful
You are awesome in mercy and always faithful
I am nothing compared to your greatness
I am but a remnant of people who were lawless
Forgive me and let me stand in your presence
Give me wisdom so I can turn from disobedience
Give me a humble heart so I can understand your word
Grant me strength and courage to overcome this world.
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What is the solution to all the conflicts in our world today? Why are there so much lawlessness in our society? One of the causes of strife is pride. It is probably why the church considers it the gravest of all the deadliest sins. Pride is defined as arrogance, cynical insensitivity to the needs of others, and presumption. Pride is both a disposition, an attitude and a type of conduct. Pride is the cause of many if not all sins. Pride caters to the “self”. It is a form of idolatry because it seeks to glorify its own.
The bible talks about the people of God who lawlessly disobeyed his command not to intermarry. Because of pride, they disobeyed and reaped the consequences of sin.
PRAYER
Lord, protect me from pride.
REFLECTION
What prideful things have you done in the past that brought you to your knees 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

THE HEART’S CONDITION poem devotiional

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October 19________________________________________
The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart. – 1 Samuel 16:7(NLT)
THE HEART’S CONDITION
A poem and essay by ILMA
How is the condition of your heart?
Do you long for someone who is apart?
Have you pardoned that person who offended you?
Are you keeping a record of wrongs that make you blue?
The Lord doesn’t care about outward appearances
He is after your own heart and your faithfulness
Make your hearts clean so you can be sure
A place in his kingdom waits on all the pure.
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In our bodies, the heart has a very big function in keeping us alive. This is why we are told by our doctors to take care of our hearts by eating the right food, exercising and being worry and anxiety free. In the same manner as the physical heart, our spirits are dependent on the condition of our inner heart. We are commanded to keep our hearts pure for him. When we are corrupted by our desires, our spiritual heart malfunctions.
The Lord doesn’t see superficial things that people normally see. We usually see the externals but God focuses on the condition of our hearts. He knows what we are going through and he knows every intention and action we choose to make. Does your heart long for God like King David did?
PRAYER
Lord, cleanse me from sin and temptations around me.
REFLECTION
What does your heart long for? Does it yearn for 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

WAITING ON GOD poem devotional

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October 18________________________________________
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.– Psalm 9:10(NLT)
WAITING ON GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever problems and challenges beset you
Do you run to God and ask him his point of view?
Seek him and you will find peace and hope
He always gives you strength so you can cope.
Those who know him by name have no shame
They live in his mercy and they never blame
Wait on God, he will never abandon his children
Search for him and you will find a place in heaven.
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Trust is defined by the New American Standard Bible (NASB) as careless, complacent, confident, fall down, felt secure. I used to be a Drama teacher and one exercise I asked my students to do is to have a partner and completely trust their partners behind them that they will catch them if they fall. Those who followed instructions and had confidence in their partners safely landed on them. Those who doubted, fell.
The bible tells us to put our trust in Jesus for he never abandons those who seek him. The hardest thing to do is to wait on God to answer our prayers. Most of the time we think that he doesn’t grant our requests because we have limited minds. To believe that he has our best interest at heart is to wait on him.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me how to trust completely.
REFLECTION
What have you asked God lately that you are still waiting for an answer?
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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

RESURRECTION AND LIFE Poem Devotional

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October 17________________________________________
I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.
-John 11:26(NLT)
RESURRECTION AND LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When Christ came to save mankind
He expected us to be free and not be blind
Anyone who believes in him will never die
Even after physical death, they will still thrive.
We are not just physical but also spiritual beings
Come to Christ and you will live even after dying
The Son of God is the resurrection and the life
Believe in him for you will have eternity and insight.
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A lot of people are scared of death. Death in a family brings grief to the left kin and relatives. Are you scared of dying? I have never been scared of death even as a young child. When other people ask me about death, I would always answer this: “They finally will see Jesus and have no more problems.” I saw death as life. Maybe it was because I had a relationship with Jesus as young as a seven year old girl. I am sure now that it was the Holy Spirit whispering to me in my heart that death is the end of the worldly life and the beginning of the spiritual life.
The bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in him will live even after dying. What an awesome promise to look forward to!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for dying for me.
REFLECTION
Why should you not fear physical death especially if you are a believer?
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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

THE GODLY WAY Poem Devotional

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October 16________________________________________
Stop at the crossroads and look around, Ask for the old, godly way and walk in it. Travel its path and you will find rest for your souls. – Jeremiah 6:16 (NLT)
THE GODLY WAY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you ever stop at the crossroads and look around?
What lessons in life presented itself that you have found?
Do you examine which way is easier or harder?
Do you choose the wider road or the narrower?
The godly way may have more challenges and trials
It brings us closer to our purpose rather than be in denial
The road less travelled is the way to everlasting life
It is the only path that leads us to God and his light.
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In a world where everything is fast paced and people seek comfort and convenience, it is easy to choose the path that leads to worldliness. My life used to be focused on making things easier for me. Because I had a very difficult life growing up and being raised in a third world country, I learned to live in survivor mode. I would do anything to ensure that I get what I deserve and worked for. I relied on no one and trusted nobody. It was a life of independence and self-care. The bible says that we have to choose the godly way and walk in it through faith and dependence on God.
PRAYER
Lord, may we never choose the worldly way.
REFLECTION
Which path are you treading on right now? Is it leading you 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

REAL TREASURES Poem Devotional

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October 15________________________________________
Store your treasures in heaven where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. – Matthew 6:20(NLT)
REAL TREASURES
A poem and essay by ILMA
What treasures do you gather in this lifetime?
Do you chase after fame, money and titles?
Are worldly treasures what you are obsessing?
What possessions do you consider never-ending?
Real treasures are those stored up in heaven
They cannot be destroyed nor can they be stolen
Sow kindness towards one another and reap rewards
All godliness we do here on earth will bring us to God________________________________________
Each person treasure something in their life. What we treasure shows others what kind of character we have. If your wealth is mostly material possessions, you might be in danger of reaping real treasures. The bible tells us that real treasures must be righteousness and godliness. These characteristic of God that he passed on to us are gems that we need to nurture and cultivate. These virtues bring us to God’s kingdom closer. They are treasures of the heart. They cannot be stolen because God keeps the key to it. He keeps a record of all the investments we have allotted in his kingdom. By following what he requires in our lives, we come closer and closer to the promises he gave to all those who love and obey him. Eternal life is the real treasure that God has given us when he gave us his son Jesus.
PRAYER
Lord, help me store up treasures in heaven.
REFLECTION
What real treasures have you stored lately in God’s kingdom?
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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

HOW YOU LOVED ME Poem Devotional

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October 14________________________________________
I remember how eager you were to please me, as a young bride long ago, how you loved me and followed me even through the barren wilderness. –Jeremiah 2:2(NLT)
HOW YOU LOVED ME
A poem and essay by ILMA
I remembered you swore to love me completely
You followed me everywhere I go faithfully
As a young bride pleases her groom
You meekly followed me into our room.
How you loved me so passionately
Even in the wilderness you followed me
You were so eager to know me well
Now your love diminished I can tell.
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One of the most romantic moment one can ever experience is being married. Right after the wedding vows have been exchanged, both the groom and the bride are beaming with love and passion. This is probably why all brides are beautiful. It is the act of being singled out to make a commitment to be loved and cherished forever. The wedding night is the most memorable in the romantic lives of married people.
In Jeremiah 2, the Lord recalls how much his people loved him immensely. God’s people loved him so much and obey whatever he said. They followed him even when he brought him in the barren wilderness. The love of the people didn’t last long. They grumbled and about many things. They couldn’t wait any longer and started losing trust in the promises that was given by God in his covenant with them.
PRAYER
Lord, keep me passionately in love with you.
REFLECTION
When have you ever turned your back 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