Monthly Archives: December 2015

SPRINKLED WITH CHRIST’S BLOOD Poem Devotional

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canadablooms 153 (2)December 20________________________________________
Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean and our bodies have been washed with pure water. -Hebrews 10:22 (NLT)
SPRINKLED WITH CHRIST’S BLOOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever guilt knocks on your heart
Confess the sin, so you can have a new start
You are made right with the blood of Jesus
Run to Christ so you can be made righteous.
If you go into God’s presence and trust him
Your guilty conscience will be cleaned
God never condemns you but he convicts
The enemy on the other hand, wants to trick.
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For many years of my life, I had a very guilty conscience. I picked up feeling guilty from a young age when people around me would use emotional blackmail to make me do things that they want me to do when I decline. I got drawn to people who made me feel guilty of a lot of things as I became an adult. I suffered a lot because I was just swirled around in a cycle of self-loathe and judgment. The church I went to for many years also used guilt to indoctrinate me and many other members of the congregation. The bible says that we have to go right into God’s presence so he can cleanse us from guilt by Christ’s blood.
PRAYER
Lord, help me never to feel guilty but only convicted by you.
REFLECTION
Where do you think guilt comes from?
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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

 

ON JEALOUSY & SELFISHNESS Poem Devotional

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December 19________________________________________
Jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambitions, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.–James 3:15-16 (NLT)
ON JEALOUSY & SELFISHNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you ever envy someone else’s status or possession?
Where there is jealousy, there is selfish ambition
Jealousy and selfishness are partners in crime
They will bring you disorder and evil of every kind.
Jealousy and selfishness are both rooted in pride
You can win these evil by being close to God and abide
When you find yourself comparing and wanting more
Be careful for the devil can enter your wide open door.
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Lack of love and attention as a child taught me how to be jealous. I was criticized and minimized a lot. As a result, I became very insecure and wanting to be given attention. I also learned to compare myself with others especially when my caregivers would say that others were better than me. I became focused on performing to get attention and love. The world taught me to be jealous and insecure as a result of my experiences.
The bible tells us that jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. These are considered unspiritual and demonic. It says that jealousy and selfish ambition are partners and the result of these partnership is disorder and evil of every kind.
PRAYER
Lord, free me from jealousy and selfishness.
REFLECTION
Relate a time you were either jealous or selfish.
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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

WARNING TO THE RICH Poem Devotional

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December 18________________________________________
Look here, you rich people. Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. – James 5:1 (NLT)
WARNING TO THE RICH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you ever envy those who are rich and wealthy?
Material things don’t last long and are temporary
Rejoice when you don’t possess a lot and are poor
Christ came for you so he can cleanse you to be pure.
The rich will have troubles and difficulties
Their wealth will bring many forms of idolatry
Unless they use their wealth for God’s glory
They will have a hard time being saved by the Almighty.
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In our world today, the rich are put on a pedestal by many because of their wealth. They dictate much of the world’s concern and issues because they are looked up to as symbols of ¬¬¬¬power and might. The poor on the other hand become desperate and desolate because of the inability to have their needs met.
The bible warns the rich. They are in for trouble. They will weep and groan with anguish because of their wealth. If you are someone who possess so much wealth and power on earth, it will be very hard for you to be saved. Hebrews 13:5 tells us to keep yourself free from love of money. The rich became rich because they value their money and wealth so much. They forget to serve the Lord who gave them all.
PRAYER
Lord, help me never to aim to be rich but to become more like you.
REFLECTION
How can the rich enter 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

GOD’S ANOINTING AND BLESSING Poem Devotional

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December 17________________________________________
What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that. Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans and all such boasting is evil.
– James 4:15-16 (NLT)
GOD’S ANOINTING AND BLESSING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you ask the Lord for anointing on things you are given?
If the Lord appoints us to do something, we will be driven
There is no need to boast about your own plans or gifts
Only God knows what is best and you will be totally equipped.
He wants you to believe that he has a purpose in your life
He created you so you can be faithful to Him and be right
God’s anointing and blessing will manifest if you are faithful
He loves those who are loving, obedient, joyful and hopeful.
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There are things in our lives that God has anointed and blessed us with. Some people never discover their anointing and blessings because they are so tainted with the world’s point of view. It took me many years to realize what God has anointed me with because I was so wrapped up in achieving my own goals and ambitions.
The bible says that we should never boast about our own plans but rely on what God has anointed us with. He gives us natural and spiritual gifts so we can spread the good news and glorify him.
PRAYER
Thank you for all the gifts you gave me.
REFLECTION
What has God anointed or blessed you with?
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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

BOUGHT WITH A HIGH PRICE Poem Devotional

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December 16________________________________________
For God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
-1 Corinthians 6:20(NLT)
BOUGHT WITH A HIGH PRICE
A poem and essay by ILMA
God loves you so much that he values you immensely
He sacrificed his only Son; he loves you unconditionally
He bought you with a high price to save you from sin
Jesus Christ’s blood allowed you to be free
How are you going to repay his generosity?
Are you honoring your whole body?
He wants you to care for every gift he gave you
He cares when the world tarnishes your view.
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Have you ever owned something that was bought with a high price? When my husband proposed to me, he gave me the option to choose one of the most expensive engagement rings. I felt valued and loved when he did that. I consider one of my paintings as a valued possession because it was a painting I did for a total of 100 hours, something I did painstakingly in a matter of time. I actually don’t want to part with it because it reminded me of the many hours it took me to finish the work. It may not be considered a masterpiece by many, but for me, it is one.
God bought you with a high price so you must honor God with your body. It cost his Son’s life to purchase our freedom.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for setting me free with Jesus’ blood.
REFLECTION
How can you repay God for the high price he paid for your sin?
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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

ALL KNOWING GOD Poem Devotional

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December 15________________________________________
Your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him.
– Matthew 6:8 (NLT)
ALL KNOWING GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you ever met someone who knows you all the way?
God knows everything that you will go through today
He is there to help you when you are tempted
He is there to celebrate with you when you are delighted.
Your heavenly Father knows exactly what you need
Even if you think he doesn’t answer, he already did
Even before you ask him, he already anticipated
Run to him; ask him anyway then it will be granted.
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In my country of origin, the culture demands highly from God. God is treated like a vending machine to give what they ask for. We are so wrapped up in getting our needs met and forgot that God already knows what we need before we even ask for it. The problem with the requests lies in the fact that we actually ask for wants rather than needs. If we examine our lives, most of our needs are provided already by God. We are bombarded with marketing strategies to desire many wants and present them to us like needs. Just watch television and all the subliminal messages in the commercials will make you pine for something that you really have no need for. Have a close relationship with God and he will give you favor.
PRAYER
Lord, purify my view of what I really need in life.
REFLECTION
What are some wants that people usually turn into needs?
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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

NO LOOKING BACK Poem Devotional

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December 14________________________________________
Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God. – Luke 9:62(NLT)
NO LOOKING BACK
A poem and essay by ILMA
When the Lord calls you to follow him and do his work
There is no looking back whatever you are doing in the world
He wants you to let go of your concerns and obey
No more delays, he wants you to do it today.
Anyone who says they accept him yet cling to their old life
Is not fit for the kingdom and is not ready to shine his light
You cannot serve the world and claim that you are a believer
Don’t look back; commit to Christ to be a faithful follower.
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There are many believers who are swayed to and fro by the demands of their lives or by the circumstances they encounter. James 1:6 clearly said that we have to be sure that our faith is in God alone. We must not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. When I was serving myself, I was tossed back and forth by my divided loyalty to God and to myself.
In Luke, he said a similar statement. Don’t look back because if you do, you are not fit for God’s kingdom. If you commit to follow him, do it all the way.
PRAYER
Teach me to be firm and loyal to you Lord.
REFLECTION
Why is attachment to things of the world destructive?
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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

MEETING JESUS IN THE CLOUDS Poem Devotional

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December 13________________________________________
Then together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.
-1 Thessalonians 4:17(NLT)
MEETING JESUS IN THE CLOUDS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you visualize how it would be on the day of the Lord’s coming?
There will be much joy to believers and those who are faithful
Christ will show himself to all while he is descending
The announcement will be delegated to the archangel.
First, he will command those who have died to arise
Then, he will call all those who are still alive
There will be a grand meeting up in the clouds
Jesus will lead all the faithful to rise with him up above.
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I am a visual person and I once saw a painting of the day of the Lord’s coming from an Asian artist. I had memorized in my heart and mind that this artist’s interpretation of what will really happen. When I saw this painting, I didn’t study much the bible, but now that I do, I realize how accurate his interpretation of end times was.
I used to be scared to think of the end times but now that I know that the saints will meet Jesus in the clouds, I am looking forward to it with much excitement.
PRAYER
Lord, help me prepare for your second coming.
REFLECTION
What have you done to make yourself ready for Christ’s second coming?
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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.ARTSTUDIO@gmail.com

CHALLENGE TO BELIEVERS Poem Devotional

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December 12________________________________________
There will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers.
–Luke21:12(NLT)
CHALLENGE TO BELIEVERS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you ever been questioned for your faith in Jesus Christ?
Have you ever denied Him because of your fear for your life?
Discrimination and persecutions are rampant these days
Are you brave enough to stand up for Jesus today?
If you commit your life to the Lord, you will be astounded
He will show you that he cares and will protect the persecuted
It is a challenge to be bold for the sake of the Son of God
Are you willing to declare your faith a live a life that is hard.
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There are many Christians who are not bold or brave enough to stand up for their Savior. When I turned my back to God in my twenties, I was a coward to even declare that I was a Christian. I hid my faith for fear of being rejected or not being approved. I wanted to blend in society and did everything to fit in, even to a point where I denied Christ. I remembered a Christian who asked me the question “How come you never announce or pronounce your belief in God publicly?” God convicted me and challenged me to be bold for him.
PRAYER
Lord, please give me strength and courage to shout to the world my love for you.
REFLECTION
Have you ever been marginalized or persecuted because you are a Christian?
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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

FOR THE LOST Poem Devotional

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December 11________________________________________
For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. –Luke 19:10(NLT)
FOR THE LOST
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you confused, bewildered or perplexed?
Do you keep on running and find it hard to rest?
Rejoice! The Son of Man came to save the lost
This is the reason why Jesus died on the cross.
Do not be afraid to admit that you are weak
It is in your weakness that he convicts and speaks
Christ died to save us from sin; no need for denial
He wants us to run to him in our suffering and trials.
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How often do people admit that they are lost or confused? The world dictates that we hide our weaknesses and confusion. In God’s economy, we are encouraged to acknowledge or admit it. It is called humility to be able to recognize both one’s weakness or strength and use the knowledge to encourage or lead others to God. The enemy on the other hand wants to ensure that we deny it and keep on living in the lies so that there is more mix-up. It is a wide open door for the enemy to thrive when we are very proud to admit that we are vulnerable, weak and confused. The bible says that the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost and no need to deny it.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to remember that you came for the lost.
REFLECTION
Share an instance when God was present in your confusion and agony.
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For more darkness in our lives. 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.ARTSTUDIO@gmail.com