Monthly Archives: March 2016

THIRST FOR GOD Poem Devotional

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April 4________________________________________
As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O god. I thirst for God, the living God. – Psalm 42:1-2(NLT)
THIRST FOR GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Each morning, I pray that I can connect with you
I long to hear you and have my heart renewed
O God, I thirst for your wisdom and protection
I know that you’re always faithful to give provision.
As the deer longs for streams of water, so do I
Without your presence, I will surely die
You are the living God that quenches my thirst
Help me to always make sure that you are my first.
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I read an article that says that when there is a waterhole, there will be plenty of deer that will get attracted to it. They long for streams of water. They say that we humans can probably survive without food for a week, but studies say that we will perish without water in three days. This is how important water is in our physical lives.
The psalmist in Psalm 42 likens the deer to God’s people who thirst for God just as deer would thirst for streams of water. Our bodies need water to survive but we also need the water that gives life for our spirits, the living water that comes from God’s word. It quenches our thirst for knowing him and seeking his will in our lives.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your living water.
REFLECTION
How often do you drink from the living water that God provides?
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

VICTORY FROM FOLLOWING CHRIST Poem Devotional

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April 3________________________________________
Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. – John 16:33(NLT)
VICTORY FROM FOLLOWING CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
The world we live in is full of trials and sorrows
Don’t worry for there is always hope for tomorrow
Christ died for us on the cross so we can have victory
He wants us to follow his example so we can live life boldly.
You will never go wrong if you follow Jesus Christ
He showed us how to overcome this temporary life
Look up to the cross and you will never be crushed
If you do it out of love, it won’t ever feel like a task.
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For a very long time, I believed human effort will save me. So I always performed and please others to get approval. The world wants us to believe that we have to earn our salvation. It is one of the lies that the enemy generates in the hearts of many. Because I came from a third world country, it became almost normal to complain. Somehow, we Filipinos thought that we deserve to whine because we have been through a lot of calamities and suffering and much poverty. Honestly, I think it is an entitlement mentality that people think this way.
The bible says that here on earth, trials and sorrows are inevitable, but Christ overcame sin so we too, can.
PRAYER
Lord, help me learn from your victory over sin.
REFLECTION
How can a believer overcome the world? Is it possible to be victorious on your own effort?
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

SWEET TO THE SOUL Poem Devotional

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April 2________________________________________
Kind words are like honey-sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
– Proverbs 16:24(NLT)
SWEET TO THE SOUL
A poem and essay by ILMA
When kind words are said, it is like honey
It refreshes the soul and makes us happy
The right words spoken in a timely way
Brings comfort and eases the pain away.
Kind words are sweet to the soul
They encourage others and bring joy
They are healthy for the mind and body
They bring hope and ease our worries.
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There is so much need in our society today for kind words. With so much access to information and communication, people have taken for granted the importance of choosing the right words to say at the right time. I grew up in an environment of criticisms and judgment. It was such a novelty for me to hear kind words. I remember when I was with my best friend and her family. I couldn’t believe how every member of her family always had some gentle and encouraging word for each other. I really felt special and respected each time I went to have dinners with them or sleep over. I felt safe and forgot feeling fearful.
The bible says that kind words are like honey-sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. If we are surrounded by people who say unkind words to us, our bodies and mind will be compromised as well.
PRAYER
Lord, let only kind words come out of my mouth.
REFLECTION
How can unkind words literally make us sick?
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

WORK ADDICTION Poem Devotional

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April 1________________________________________
Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now? It is all so meaningless and depressing. – Ecclesiastes 4:8(NLT)
WORK ADDICTION
A poem and essay by ILMA
When people toil morning till night
They lose relationships and joy in this life
Those who aim for more comfort and wealth
They’ll reap emptiness and compromise their health.
Work addiction results in isolation and brokenness
It draws us away from God’s love and righteousness
Working too much blocks all kinds of relationships
It hinders growth and interrupts all kinds of friendships.
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For many decades, I was a work addict. From age twenty up until my fifties, I was trying to prove to myself and others that I was hardworking and excellent in what I do. What I didn’t realized was that it was taking so much toll in my body. I was putting up art shows in 10 straight years, sometimes 5-6 exhibits in a year. Simultaneous to my painting career was teaching full time, single parenting, photographing, theater acting and stage managing. It wasn’t a surprise when I would constantly have migraines and all kinds of illnesses. One day, God taught me a really good lesson. I got so sick for three straight months to a point where I can’t even raise my fingers or go to the bathroom on my own.
It was all meaningless because I didn’t have much time for the Lord.
PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from too much compulsion to work.
REFLECTION
How can working too much become harmful to people?
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

PLIGHT OF THE STUBBORN Poem Devotional

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March 31________________________________________
Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble. – Proverbs 28:14 (NLT)
PLIGHT OF THE STUBBORN
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you plagued by suffering and much troubles in life?
Are you meditating on the word that gives you light?
Blessed are those who seek the Lord and fear to do wrong
They will find contentment and joy soon and not very long.
The plight of the stubborn is headed for disaster
Their unteachable attitude brings chaos much faster
Those who obey and respect the Lord are blessed
They are rewarded for following what the Lord says.
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Have you ever dealt with stubborn people in your life? I was surrounded by many arrogant and stubborn persons as I was growing up. Because I was too young to understand the consequences of it, I learned their ways and lived a life of lawlessness and disobedience. Being stubborn has led me to the road to suffering and conflicts. It even brought me to a point of desperation and hopelessness.
The bible cautions us from being stubborn because the consequences of such actions lead to suffering and much troubles in life. I believe that God commands us to fear doing wrong because when we open the door to evil, it leads to more gateway to wickedness and sin. The only fear that leads to good is the fear of doing wrong.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never fall into stubbornness.
REFLECTION
What do you think is the cause of stubbornness? Why are people stubborn?
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

INSIGHTS FOR LIVING Poem Devotional

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March 30________________________________________
The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. – Psalm 19:8 (NLT)
INSIGHTS FOR LIVING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you find joy and peace in your life regularly?
Are you following the commands of God daily?
All the truth in Scriptures bring joy to the heart
If you abide in him, you will have a good start.
If you want a full life, follow God’s insight for living
He gives you all the guidelines so you can have blessings
He is very detailed and clear about how to be holy
If you follow his Spirit, you will live confidently and boldly.
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There is a Christian program on the radio that have “Insights for Living.” They focus on giving vignettes of God’s word and teachings. When I arrived here in Canada and discovered that there is a Christian radio station that advocates for Christ’s teachings and guide believers how to live righteous and holy lives. What a blessing it was for me to hear it daily because you can actually hear practical ways to live your Christian live victoriously.
The bible says that the commandments of the Lord are right and bring joy to the hearts of believers. God is very clear and detailed about his instructions in the book of life. It is a clear map so we can traverse life joyfully.
PRAYER
Lord, bless my life so I can have joy.
REFLECTION
How often do you get insights for living from God’s words?
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

NOTHING CAN HIDE FROM THE SUN Poem Devotional

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March 29________________________________________
God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.
– Psalm 19:4,6(NLT)
NOTHING CAN HIDE FROM THE SUN
A poem and essay by ILMA
Praise God for the sun shining in the morning
He lights up your world so you can start praising
God chose heaven to be the home for the sun
He reminds us to look up and remember to have fun.
The sun brings heat that we can never hide from
It rises up at one end of the heavens and continues on
It brightens dark places so it can all be exposed in the light
Nothing can hide from God as he is the only source of life.
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Have you ever observed the characteristics of the sun? In 2000, I started chasing sunsets. I was a trigger happy photographer that time and in the time when digital photography wasn’t at its height yet, I would be spending so much money on films so I can take photos of nature. I lived in the Philippines for 47 years so I was so used to the sun’s brightness and was treated to beautiful sunsets in the bay almost daily. The bible tells us how God chose the heavens to be the sun’s home so it could light our world just as he watches over us.
PRAYER
Thank you so much for the gift of the sun, my Lord.
REFLECTION
How can a sunny day affect your mood and emotion?
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

AMAZING JESUS! Poem Devotional

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March 28________________________________________
The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!” -Matthew 8:27 (NLT)
AMAZING JESUS!
A poem and essay by ILMA
When there is anointing and blessing in somebody
God can use this person to bring out his power and authority
When he was with his disciples, Jesus had much power
Even the winds and waves obeyed; evil spirits cowered.
The people who witnessed all his miracles and supremacy
Were astounded with his remarkable sovereignty
He stunned unbelievers as he displayed his radiance
It brings them to on their knees as they witness his magnificence.
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Have you ever been amazed at Jesus’ power? The very first time I actually experienced the hand of God was during my loneliest moments. Out of desperation, I was hypnotized to end my life. He sent a friend of mine over who I haven’t seen for a while out of the blue to check up on me. She saved my life in the nick of time. Sometimes the miracles are very subtle and took me years to recognize that it was God who actually interceded to save me from falling into this dark pit. He lighted up many unlit places in my heart and never ceased to pursue me to get back to his love.
During Jesus’ time with his disciples as they were preaching God’s word, his followers were amazed at how even nature obeyed Christ.
PRAYER
Lord, let me see your hand in even little things you do for me.
REFLECTION
How can we stay awed with God’s power?
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

SCRIPTURES TEACH Poem Devotional

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March 27________________________________________
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
– Romans 15:4(NLT)
SCRIPTURES TEACH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you have a question that no one can reply?
Run to Scriptures and you will definitely find
God’s word helps us navigate in this world
Scriptures always bring us confidence to be bold.
The truth in God’s word teaches us many things
Those who are wise, knows what Scriptures bring
Everything written in this holy book is right and true
By reading and studying it, we will be free from rue.
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I had a passion to know things even at a very young age of two. I would always explore and ask questions more than usual. I guess it made those people around me get tired of answering my queries and decided not to give me any more response. This started me to have a love for books. I was hungry for knowledge and eager to apply it in my life. It saddens me to watch others who didn’t care much about improving their lives and staying in the rut. I have read so many books in my life that changed my views but after I have read and studied the bible, there is nothing compared to it. All Scriptures give us hope and encouragement and teaches us.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for teaching me through your word.
REFLECTION
What was the most recent teaching you got from Scriptures?
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

MY LORD, MY LAMP Poem Devotional

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March 26________________________________________
O Lord, you are my lamp. The Lord lights up my darkness. – 2 Samuel 22:29(NLT)
MY LORD, MY LAMP
A poem and essay by ILMA
My world without you will be in total darkness
Thank you that you never forsake me in my loneliness
My Lord, you faithfully light my path and lead me
You are my lamp, you guide me and set me free.
When I am most vulnerable, you take my hand
When I am weak, you raise me up and help me stand
For those whose spirit are broken, you came
You put an end to the enemy’s blame game.
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Many people are afraid of the dark. There is so much unknown in darkness. There is no way you can find out what is in it. You can use your hands to feel what is around you and guide you as you walk in the pitch black surroundings, but you will still be limited to safely navigate your way in it. There is another darkness that scares us all, the dark path that is brought about by sin. I lived in those dark places for too many years of my life, so I have first hand experience of what it is to be in that dark pit.
The bible tells us that God is the lamp that brings light to the darkness. Hold on to his lamp so that you will not fall into sin.
PRAYER
Lord, remind me to stay in your light always.
REFLECTION
How does God manifest his light in your life?
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