Monthly Archives: October 2015

GET UP AND PREPARE! Poem Devotional

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October 13________________________________________
Get up and prepare for action. Go out and tell them everything I tell you to say. Do not be afraid of them or I will make you foolish in front of them. -Jeremiah 1:17(NLT)
GET UP AND PREPARE!
A poem and essay by ILMA
Get up and prepare for each day
God wants you to choose his way
Do not be afraid of what people will say
Go out and tell them about God and pray.
Be ready to make a difference in people’s lives
Show them that they can live under God’s light
Bless someone each day to proclaim God’s greatness
It will grow your faith and help you walk in righteousness.
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Each day we make many choices and decisions. As soon as we wake up, we choose to fill our minds and hearts with something. We choose our food, our clothes, how to spend our day, which route to take to work, and many more. Making a choice to get up can make a big difference in our lives. If we decide to stay in bed, then we can probably get much rest if we need it or we can lose some work that needs to get done.
The bible emphasizes the importance of getting up and preparing for action. God talks to Jeremiah and tells him to get up and prepare for action. He commands him to tell the people everything he says.
PRAYER
Lord help me when I succumb to delays.
REFLECTION
Relate a time when Jesus asked you to do something and you procrastinated.
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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

GOD’S WORD IN YOUR MOUTH Poem Devotional

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October 12________________________________________
And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord have spoken.’ Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, ‘Look, I have put my words in your mouth!’ – Jeremiah 1:8-9(NLT)
GOD’S WORD IN YOUR MOUTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are your spoken word relaying God’s truth?
Does it exhibit the Holy Spirit’s fruit?
Don’t be afraid to utter God’s word
It will make you triumph over this world.
The Lord has given us commands
He expects us to succumb to his demands
Utter his words as you walk through life
It will bring wisdom and make your day bright.
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Words are very powerful. It can make or break someone. Survey says that average women speak 20,000 words per day compared to average men’s 13,000 words per day. That’s a lot of words per day. Now, if you were to examine what kind of words come out of your mouth on a daily basis, how much percentage of these words encourage others? How much of it, discourage or put down someone? How do words you hear affect you and your relationships with others?
The bible tells us to speak God’s word because he has given them to us so we can be protected and guided by it. Jeremiah gives an account how God touched his mouth and said “I have put my words in your mouth.”
PRAYER
Lord, let me only speak your truth.
REFLECTION
How often do you speak of God’s words?
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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

INDEPENDENCE FROM GOD Poem Devotional

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October 11________________________________________
Why then do my people say, ‘At last we are free from God, we don’t need him anymore.’
-Jeremiah 3:31 (NLT)
INDEPENDENCE FROM GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When we flee from God, we get confused
It shows ingratitude and our want to refuse
When we run away from our Savior
We get messed up and always get in trouble.
When we live out of God’s love, we sin
Our disobedience is turning from him
Living independent lives is dangerous
Depend on him and you will be joyous.
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Independence is defined as a state of being independent or free from anyone’s control. Independence had been so emphasized in our lives today that we never want to depend on anyone for anything. It is so sad to see many people who take so much pride in doing things on their own. They think it is a good thing, but I believe God wants us to never be independent of him.
The bible relates in Jeremiah how God’s people tried to run away from God and thought that they don’t need him anymore. It is a mockery of God’s faithfulness when we try to separate ourselves from him and think that we have no need for him. In fact, the only dependence we should cultivate in our lives is to completely rely on God for every little or big things in our lives. He created us not to be isolated but be in relationships.
PRAYER
Lord, show me when I live independently from you and others.
REFLECTION
Why is independence a relationship wrecker?
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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 TIMES OF TROUBLE Poem Devotional

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October 10________________________________________
They turn their backs on me, but in times of trouble they cry out to me. ‘Come and save us!’ -Jeremiah 2:27(NLT)
IN TIMES OF TROUBLE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you suffering from poverty and oppression?
Have you forgotten to ask God’s provision?
Do you only cry out to him in times of trouble?
Do you pray even when you’re out of the rubble?
God doesn’t appreciate when we turn our backs
He wants us to depend on him in every lack
He feels for our pains and what we are going through
Run to him at all times so he can refresh and renew.
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What kind of relationship do you have with your parents? Do you only talk to them when you need something? If you do, you probably would have the same connection with God. I had a hard time running to my parents as a young child. They were very busy and absent physically and emotionally. I learned to look after my needs and it definitely messed me up. I looked for love in the wrong places because I was never shown or affirmed that I was loved. This is how I started to talk to Jesus because deep in my heart, I knew he would not judge me or withdraw love from me. I learned to rely on God not only in times of trouble but learned to be grateful for all my blessings.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness.
REFLECTION
How do you deal with troubles 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

A GOD OF COMFORT & COMPASSION Poem Devotional

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October 9________________________________________
Sing for joy O heavens! Rejoice O earth! Burst into song O mountains! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion in them in their suffering.
– Isaiah 49:13(NLT)
A GOD OF COMFORT & COMPASSION
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you going through rough moments?
You’re not alone; trials can come in increments
If you think that no one is there for you
Remember that God will see you through
For the Lord has comforted his people
He knows our suffering the how it can cripple
God has compassion for all your trials and tribulations
Rest in him and you will soon experience his salvation.
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There are times when I become very vulnerable. When I am distracted from quiet moments with God, when I lack sleep, when hungry or when my boundaries are violated, I become an easy prey for the enemy to attack. Today, I was called dumb by someone so close to me. It was hurtful and caused me much anxiety, panic and rage. I reacted instead of responding like a true Christian. After letting my anger out, I was convicted that Jesus would never do what I just did. I confessed and repented of my sin. I couldn’t take back the words that I hurled as reaction to the judgment. I asked God to forgive me for what I said and he forgave and comforted me that he understands what I went through.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for my sins.
REFLECTION
Cite an instance when God comforted you in your pain.
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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

WRITTEN ON HIS HANDS Poem Devotional

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October 8________________________________________
I would not forget you. See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.
– Isaiah 49:15-16(NLT)
WRITTEN ON HIS HANDS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Can a mother ever forget her child?
Can the wedding dress be forgotten by a bride?
Christ will never fail to recall his followers
They will always have a place in his heart forever.
God has written your name on the palms of his hands
He will never abandon you until the end of time
Be faithful to him always just as he is devoted to you
Write Christ’s name in your heart so you will be born anew.
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The exercise of writing something helps you remember it. According to a recent study in a forthcoming issue of the journal Psychological Science, using pen and paper to take notes boosts memory and the ability to retain and understand concepts. When I write down bible verses in my journals or my bible study notebooks, it helps me memorize and recall such verses. I have kept diaries and journals for over four decades of my life. I think it has helped me immensely to develop a photographic memory. It helps you visualize what the words actually say.
The bible tells us that God has written our names in the palms of his hands. We will never be missed or forgotten. Have we written his name in our hearts?
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for valuing me.
REFLECTION
How can you imprint God’s name in your heart?
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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

GREAT IS THE LORD! Poem Devotional

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October 7________________________________________
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods.
– Psalm 96:4(NLT)
GREAT IS THE LORD!
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you remember to give praise to your Lord?
Do you declare his power and give him laud?
Great is the Lord, he is most worthy of praise
Make sure you follow his word and do what it says.
He is the god who created all seen and unseen things
Fear and obey him who has given you everything
He is all-knowing, all-seeing and very powerful
He loves you so much and he is so merciful.
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I grew up without idolizing anyone. Unlike my cousins who went crazy over some singers or superstars, I never went gaga over someone famous or rich or popular. The only thing that gets my attention is if it will make me think and search for answers. I was obsessed with knowledge and understanding, so I always hang out with people who are intelligent and curious and pro-active.
The bible tells us how great our God is. He is the only one worthy of praise and he is to be feared above all gods. The trouble with our world today is that it is bombarded with so much things to idolize. It consumes most of our lives as we get obsessed with this thing we clamor much. Let’s give up trivial matters and give God praise.
PRAYER
Lord, I praise and glorify you.
REFLECTION
What are the benefits of worshiping and praising 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

WATCH YOUR OWN LIVES Poem Devotional

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October 6________________________________________
Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
-1 Timothy 4:16 (NLT)
WATCH YOUR OWN LIVES
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you claim that you are a believer
Ensure that you’re not following the deceiver
Watch your own lives and your teaching
Be an example to what you are preaching.
Stay true to what is right so you will be saved
For your own sake and others’, be bold and be brave
Don’t just say things but live what you believe
It will help others from being tempted and deceived.
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What happens if we aimlessly drive without looking? We crash, don’t we? It is the same way when we don’t examine our lives, we fail and fall and get defeated by the enemy.
There are many people who live unexamined lives. Socrates said that an unexamined life is not worth living. The world gave credit to Socrates and Plato for this saying, but the bible talks about examining yourself in more or less 18 bible verses (Haggai 1:5-7; Lamentations 3:40; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 6:4). So you tell me, who is the origin of this saying.
The bible says that we should watch our lives and ensure that we stay righteous in order to stay saved and bring others to God.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for convicting me to examine my life.
REFLECTION
What benefit do we get when we examine our lives?
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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

WATCH YOUR OWN LIVES poem devotional by ILMA

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October 6________________________________________
Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
-1 Timothy 4:16 (NLT)
WATCH YOUR OWN LIVES
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you claim that you are a believer
Ensure that you’re not following the deceiver
Watch your own lives and your teaching
Be an example to what you are preaching.
Stay true to what is right so you will be saved
For your own sake and others’, be bold and be brave
Don’t just say things but live what you believe
It will help others from being tempted and deceived.
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What happens if we aimlessly drive without looking? We crash, don’t we? It is the same way when we don’t examine our lives, we fail and fall and get defeated by the enemy.
There are many people who live unexamined lives. Socrates said that an unexamined life is not worth living. The world gave credit to Socrates and Plato for this saying, but the bible talks about examining yourself in more or less 18 bible verses (Haggai 1:5-7; Lamentations 3:40; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 6:4). So you tell me, who is the origin of this saying.
The bible says that we should watch our lives and ensure that we stay righteous in order to stay saved and bring others to God.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for convicting me to examine my life.
REFLECTION
What benefit do we get when we examine our lives?
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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

INTERCEDING FOR AUTHORITIES Poem Devotional

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October 5________________________________________
Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. – 1 Timothy 2:2 (NLT)
INTERCEDING FOR AUTHORITIES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Believers are expected to pray for authorities
Intercede for them because of their duties
They need strength and wisdom to lead
It will make them maintain order and peace.
Pray that they will be led by the Spirit
It will bring harmony to their country
Entreat that they will live godly lives
Ask that they be righteous and abide.
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If most believers pray for their leaders, we probably would have a more peaceful world. If people cared more about who to place in authority when they vote, there will be less corruption in the government and no room for much dishonesty. Just like any of us ordinary people, if we are not anointed and appointed by God to do or lead something, we will not succeed in that feat. King David was anointed to be king. Because, he was chosen by God, he led his people righteously. It didn’t exempt him from being tempted and from human’s fallen nature, but he was a king who was after God’s heart.
The bible emphasizes the importance of praying and interceding for all authorities so that we will live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.
PRAYER
Lord, keep all leaders free from corruption and greed.
REFLECTION
Why do you think we need to pray more for leaders these days?
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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