Monthly Archives: December 2015

POISONOUS ROOT OF BITTERNESS Poem Devotional

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December 31________________________________________
Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
– Hebrews 12:15(NLT)
POISONOUS ROOT OF BITTERNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you find yourself angry or irritable with everyone?
Do you gripe about past hurts and blame someone?
Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness creeps up
It can damage many relationships easily and so abrupt.
Look after each other so you won’t miss God’s grace
Have the courage to take responsibility and face
Beware of any form of resentment or hostility
It can destroy your faith, joy and tranquility.
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There were many years of my life that I was bitter. I didn’t even know I was full of resentment and hostility towards many people and many things. After five decades of stronghold on this poisonous root, God delivered me from it and made me understand the damage it had on my life and relationships. Bitterness came in many forms in my life. It robbed me of joy and made me criticize automatically people around me who reminded me of those people who neglected and abused me. It made my heart heavy and I actually made myself sick physically as well. The bible tells us to watch out for any form of bitterness for it deprives us of God’s grace and it corrupts us too.
PRAYER
Lord make me aware when this poisonous root of bitterness strikes me.
REFLECTION
What do you think is the antidote to bitterness?
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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 IN PEACE TO SEE THE LORD Poem Devotional

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December 30________________________________________
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. – Hebrews 12:14(NLT)
LIVE IN PEACE TO SEE THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who are living in peace with everyone
Will eventually see the one and only Son
Work at living a life that is pure and holy
Avoid falling into sin and all kinds of folly
Those who are not holy won’t see the Lord
They will always complain and dwell on faults
Those who seek the Lord and obey
Will not be lost but find their way.
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Have you ever been lost looking for a place in a foreign place? It can get frustrating not to know how to navigate around in an area that is new to you. I was lost when I was around 6 years old. My mother and I were shopping and then I realized that she wasn’t beside me. It took probably over 6 hours of walking until I found my way back home. That six hours of confusion left emotional scars in me. I still find myself panicking when I am in strange places. The bible tells us that if we want to see the Lord, we have to work at living in peace with everyone and work at living a holy life. In order for us not to be lost, we must anchor our lives on God’s truth.
PRAYER
Lord, help me whenever I am lost and not abiding in you.
REFLECTION
What stops you from experiencing peace?
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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 WILL NEVER FAIL YOU Poem Devotional

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December 29________________________________________
So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you. For he will never fail you. -1 Peter 4:19(NLT)
GOD WILL NEVER FAIL YOU
A poem and essay by ILMA
How much pain and suffering are you going through?
Do you cling to God and are you faithful to his truth?
If you suffer in a manner that pleases God
You are actually honoring him and giving him laud
Trust your life to the God who created you
He will never fail and will always see you through
Keep on doing what is right and follow his lead
He will ensure that you will be free and have victory.
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There is no human that is foolproof. We always make mistakes and we have that fallen nature that is bent to cater to our own selfish desires. This is the reason why we sometimes fail to meet someone else’s needs because most of the time, we prioritize our own instead of others’. It is automatic for most humans to complain when things do not go the way they expected it to. Then, we blame someone or if there’s no one else to take it, we blame God.
The bible says that if you are suffering, you must never feel defeated because God will never fail you. He always has our best interest at heart.

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being faithful to me.
REFLECTION
Why is it hard for humans to wholly trust in 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

SINCERE LOVE FOR EACH OTHER Poem Devotional

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December 28________________________________________
You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.
-1 Peter 1:22(NLT)
SINCERE LOVE FOR EACH OTHER
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you love your brothers and sisters like yourself?
Do you go out of your way to bless them and be of help?
We were all commanded to love one another
There is no excuse for not caring for each other.
Christ died so you can be cleansed from sin
You must also sincerely love others so you can be free
Love each other deeply with all your heart
It is the only way we can have a brand new start.
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I have been a Christian for many years but took many decades before I actually found a spiritual family who sincerely loved each other. Having been born raised in a very populated Asian country, I didn’t experience intimacy with fellow believer for many years. I don’t know if it is just a cultural thing or is it because of so many people that you constantly deal with that hinders the growth of fellowship in the congregation. I even became active in the group activities to have direct contact and friendship with other believers. Yet, it took many years before I found the body of Christ who sincerely care and love each other as Christ loves us.
PRAYER
Thank you for leading me to my church family Lord.
REFLECTION
How do you show sincere love for your fellow believers?
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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

EVEN WHEN YOU DON’T SEE HIM Poem Devotional

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December 26________________________________________
You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. – 1 Peter 1:8 (NLT)
EVEN WHEN YOU DON’T SEE HIM
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind?
Do you cling to his word so you won’t stay blind?
Do you question things that happen in your life?
Do you blame him for all the trials and the strife?
Those who are faithful believers never doubt him
Even though they don’t see him, they still believe
Though they don’t see him, they still trust his word
They follow his truth so they can conquer the world.
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Faith is defined as the complete trust or confidence in someone or something. It is believing without a doubt on someone or something. Even when I was surrounded with so much chaos and confusion in my childhood, I never doubted or waivered believing the Jesus will be there for me. It only changed when I was in my teens. The enemy ruled my mind and used my traumas and past painful experiences to lessen my faith in God.
The bible tells us that those who believe the Lord never doubt him. Even if their circumstances are difficult, they still cling to their master and never stop hoping and looking forward to God’s promises.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to stay faithful to you in any circumstance.
REFLECTION
How has God shown faithfulness to you despite your unfaithfulness?
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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 GOOD NEWS Poem Devotional

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December 25________________________________________
They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph, and there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. -Luke 2:16-17(NLT)
THE GOOD NEWS
A poem and essay by ILMA
When Mary and Joseph gathered in front of the baby
The shepherds too had a moment to soak in Jesus’ glory
The Good News of the birth of Christ was amazing
It was a scene that is worth seeing and remembering.
After magnifying over the baby Jesus, they told everyone
They were filled with joy as they tell others about God’s Son
Share the Good News of Jesus’ birth to all so they can praise him
God gave his only Son so we can be out of bondage and free from sin.
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Today is Christmas. The best news we can ever hear is that God sent his only Son to save us from sin and give us new life. In Jesus’ birth, we can also be born again. It was the time that we can remember the magnificent love God has for all his people. It was a day to celebrate joyfully how much sacrifice God is willing to give to mankind. The good news is that we are saved because Christ became one of us and he freed us from sin.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for giving us your Son to free us from sin.
REFLECTION
How can you spread the good news to as much people this Christmas?
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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 HAVE ROOM FOR JESUS? Poem Devotional

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December 23________________________________________
She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. -Luke 2:7(NLT)
DO YOU HAVE ROOM FOR JESUS?
A poem and essay by ILMA
What preoccupies your mind and heart today?
Is it your job or loved ones that eat up your day?
Have you accepted and made room for Christ in your life?
Do you ponder on his words and soak in his glory light?
There was no room available for them on that silent night
Mary wrapped Jesus in strips of cloth as the star shone so bright
She magnified at the baby in her arms with so much adoration
This miracle was so overpowering and beyond her imagination.
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The world has stolen so much time from us to just quietly reflect on the birth of Jesus, which is the true essence of Christmas. We all get so wrapped up preparing for the Christmas family traditions and get carried away by all the commercialism that surrounds us during this season. This year, I promised myself that I would not spend much buying material gifts but would give gifts that I made. Before I knew it, I was spending over 15 hours daily in a week to make planter/centerpieces and bake goodies as gifts. Do you have room for quiet time with Jesus just to reflect on his love?
PRAYER
Lord, protect me from the world’s idea of Christmas.
REFLECTION
What can you do different this Christmas to spend more time with 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

GLORIOUS SON OF GOD Poem Devotional

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December 24________________________________________
So the word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
– John 1:14(NLT)
GLORIOUS SON OF GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When Christ was born, the word became human
God wanted to free and save the entire mankind
He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness
He wants us all to soak in his light and righteousness.
We can be thankful for the glorious Son of God
Let us remember to worship and give him laud
There is no other god who can surpass his glory
Jesus is the only Lord, the Savior and the Almighty.
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On the day Christ was born, the promise of salvation was fulfilled. God loved us so much that he sacrificed his son so we can be free from sin and start anew. I didn’t grow up in a family who read the bible. We had one, but it was so sacred that my mother put it on a place only to be looked at and never touched. It is ironic because God wants us to be moved by this Holy book and he wants us to follow it so we can reap his promises.
We were promised a Savior. John’s book focused on the “word” which became human and made his home amongst us. The birth of Christ is the fulfilled promise.
PRAYER
How can you bring more glory to the Lord this season?
REFLECTION
Share a time when you experienced the Son of God’s glory.
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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

FILLED WITH JOY Poem Devotional

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December 22________________________________________
When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house and saw the child with his mother Mary. And they bowed down and worshiped him.
– Matthew 2:10-11(NLT)
FILLED WITH JOY
A poem and essay by ILMA
What makes you happy and fulfilled in life?
Is it a miracle or a dream that brings you light?
When the shepherds saw the star shining
They were filled with joy as they were looking
They entered the house and saw the child Jesus
The angels revealed to them and know he is precious
They couldn’t contain their joy, so they had to tell it
Those who heard the miracle also wanted to see him.
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When was the last time you were filled with joy? On my wedding day, I was overwhelmed with so much happiness. It was an amazing feeling to walk in the aisle and watch the man so happy to commit to me for life. That happiness didn’t last long when we had to fly to the Philippines for our honeymoon. The 24-hours flight was tiring and the weather and culture change was another thing to face after having lived in Canada for four years prior to our wedding.
Jesus made me experience joy when he touched my heart one day and made me experience his great love for me just as the shepherds were astounded by the miracle of Jesus’ birth one silent night.
PRAYER
Lord, help me be filled with joy this season.
REFLECTION
How can you bring joy to others this Christmas?
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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

PRINCE OF PEACE Poem Devotional

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December 21________________________________________
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders and he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6(NLT)
PRINCE OF PEACE
A poem and essay by ILMA
A child is born to us so we can be free
We will all be saved by the Prince of Peace
He is the epitome of all that is righteous
He is the one who saved us from darkness
He is called Wonderful Counselor for he guides
Whenever we have trials, run to him and confide
He is the Mighty God who has power on everything
He alone has dominion and rules over all things.
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There are many rulers and kings on earth but there is only one Prince of Peace. For so many years the enemy has ruled my heart and mind because of so many generational sins handed down to me. Satan kept me in the dark and I was a prisoner of my own needs and ambitions. No wonder peace can never have a place in my heart. Thanks be to God that he has freed me from all the lies that the enemy kept me believing for so many decades of my life.
The bible calls Jesus Christ as the prince of peace. It is only in Christ that we can find joy, peace, good counsel and ¬¬protection from the enemy.
PRAYER
Thank you for being my prince in shining armor Lord.
REFLECTION
What do you do when you lose peace?
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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