Monthly Archives: March 2016

GOD’S ASTOUNDING CANVAS Poem Devotional

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March 25________________________________________
The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.
– Psalm 19:1(NLT)
GOD’S ASTOUNDING CANVAS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Look up in the skies and be amazed
The sun reflects various colors in a glaze
Clouds in varying shapes parade in a platoon
The firmaments complement their different hues.
The heavens display God’s astounding canvas
Look up! Behold clouds that come and pass
Proclaim God’s magnificence in his creation
Your spirit will be refreshed amidst life’s condition.
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I am a very visual person, so I always take delight in watching the skies. Cumulus nimbus clouds in an array of different shades and hues of white, gray and blues on a regular sunny day or on a sunrise or sunset with additional colors are my favorites. I used to chase sunsets and made had an exhibit that showcased my photos and paintings during the turn of the century in 2000. Many people were wowed by my photographs that captured amazing colors that I ran to take in a matter of ten-minute intervals. The best colors to capture in photos is when the sun is eaten up by the horizon which is just a matter of ten minutes. I waited and positioned myself at the best view, usually by the bay and get high after witnessing the horizon swallowing it. The heavens proclaim God’s glory through his craftsmanship displayed in the skies.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the skies, which is your canvas.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you have watched the sky?
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

KEY TO LONGEVITY & PROSPERITY Poem Devotional

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March 24________________________________________
Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! -Psalm 34:12-13 (NLT)
KEY TO LONGEVITY & PROSPERITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Does anyone want to live a long and prosperous life?
Make sure you feed on Scriptures and stay in God’s light
Meditate on his truth day and night and follow it
Only then will you reap the fruits of his Spirit.
Keep your tongue from telling lies and speaking evil
It is the best way you can do warfare with the devil
You have authority over the schemes of the enemy
Exercise it by declaring Jesus as your one and only.
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There are many books, blogs, videos and seminars that talk about how you can live longer and be wealthy. We are bombarded today with social media explosions on wealth, power, and longevity. What does God say about all the world’s way of having long life and being prosperous?
The bible talks about a different kind of prosperity. In God’s economy, being wealthy doesn’t only mean you have all the comforts and luxuries in life to yourself. Everything comes from God and is given to us so we can be stewards of his kingdom. We cannot claim ownership on anything on earth. We need to be thankful and follow his ways, keeping ourselves from speaking evil and telling lies.
PRAYER
Lord, reveal to me each lie and evil thought that comes to mind.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to hold captive our thoughts and have it obey God?
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

REJOICE! Poem Devotional

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March 23________________________________________
My heart rejoices in the Lord! My Lord has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because you rescued me. -1 Samuel 2:1(NLT)
REJOICE!
A poem and essay by ILMA
It was pitch black and cold in the abyss
I felt so scared and can’t find bliss
The silence was deadening
The isolation was frightening.
Then I heard a voice deep inside me
Saying “I love you, I will set you free!”
I saw a light amidst this darkness
I rejoice from being rescued from loneliness.
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There have been many years of my life that I lived in so much darkness. Because of wrong choices, wrong company and disobedience to God, I reaped the consequences and brought havoc in my life. I was enslaved by the fear of rejection and abandonment and tried to cope with all my traumas by performing and proving that I have worth because the enemy had made me believe I was worthless and unworthy to be loved. I thank God that four years ago, he literally pulled me out of this chasm of darkness and brought me into the light through his word. When the lies were brought out, I felt liberated inside.
The bible tells us that we must rejoice because the Lord makes us strong and he will take care of us. He will always be there to rescue us, so continue to rejoice.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to focus on your light in the midst of darkness.
REFLECTION
What have you fallen into in the past that God rescued you from?
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

FAITHFUL SERVANT Poem Devotional

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March 22________________________________________
Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. – Ruth 1:16 (NLT)
FAITHFUL SERVANT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you a faithful servant to the one and only Jesus Christ?
Will you lay down your life to him and others and stay in his light?
Will you go wherever he wants you to go and live in his will?
Will you obey his commands instead of preferring what you feel?
Give your unconditional service to the one and true God
There is no other god who has authority over this earth and above
Make his people, your people and you will have blessings
Do whatever he says and you will never stop harvesting.
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Servant is defined as a person who performs duties for others, especially a person employed in a house on domestic duties or as a personal attendant. In the world’s perspective, it is a demeaning role because we live in a society that gives emphasis to power and control. But in God’s economy, being a faithful servant is the purpose of a believer. The bible tells us to follow Jesus, he came in this world to serve, not to be served (Matthew 20:28). Ruth was a faithful servant to her mother-in-law, Naomi and to God and his people.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to better serve you and others faithfully.
REFLECTION
How can we serve those people who are difficult and hurting us?
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

RIGHT WORDS AT THE RIGHT TIME Poem Devotional

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March 21________________________________________
Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
-Proverbs 15:23 (NLT)
RIGHT WORDS AT THE RIGHT TIME
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you think before words come out of your mouth?
Do you wait for the right time before you blurt out?
Everyone enjoys a fitting reply through the right words
Do you conform with God’s truth or with the world?
Right words at the right timing is crucial in relationships
It builds up good relations instead of conflicts
We must all take time to choose what we say
By doing this, we can triumph and keep Satan away.
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Have you ever said something that later on you regretted saying? The bible says that we should be slow to speak and quick to listen in James 1:19. When we put a rend in our mouths, we are actually guarding ourselves from one of the biggest trick that the enemy does to us. He loves to steal, kill and destroy. More often, he would just whisper lies to us and make us react to little or trivial matters and make us fight with others. Satan knows how to steal our time, money, peace, relationships. Shouldn’t we be able to take time to understand how we can fight this unseen battle? One way we could fight him is to choose our words and say it in God’s timing.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to rend my mouth.
REFLECTION
What makes us say the wrong things at the wrong time?
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

WHAT FOOLS AND WISE PEOPLE FEED ON Poem Devotional

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March 20________________________________________
A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.
-Proverbs 15:14(NLT)
WHAT FOOLS AND WISE PEOPLE FEED ON
A poem and essay by ILMA
Fools talk about trivial matters
They like delaying things much later
The foolish person makes fun of others
They don’t listen to their sisters or brothers.
A wise person is always seeking the truth
They rely on God’s words to take root
They don’t waste their time on selfish yearnings
They work hard to please God and that is their longing.
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I used to be in a work environment where people criticize each other and openly say nasty things to each other. It was always a competition to prove who is right or to show who is better. It was stressful to be around people who constantly criticize and who would make fun of others’ weaknesses. I stayed in that place for almost 2 decades of my life. No wonder I was such a mess because all I did was to feed on trash and gratify myself.
The bible tells us that a wise person is hungry for knowledge while fools feed on trash. I used to tell my students that not all educated and intelligent people are wise. Wisdom comes from an insatiable hunger for knowing the truth and applying all the things you know in reality. Fools have no desire to seek the truth because they don’t want change.
PRAYER
Lord, never let me feed on trivial matters.
REFLECTION
Why should believers avoid fools especially in their beginnings as a Christian?
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

THOSE WHO HATE CORRECTION

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March 19________________________________________
Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die. – Proverbs 15:10(NLT)
THOSE WHO HATE CORRECTION
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you open to others correction?
Do you accept other’s ideas or notion?
Fools don’t care about other’s opinion
They never want to listen to reason.
Whoever turns from God will be disciplined
He made us like him so we can’t wallow in sin
Whoever hates correction will die
They open the door for all sorts of lies.
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Do you have a teachable attitude? As a teacher for almost two decades, I noticed that those who excel in my classes are those who are very open to correction. Those who fail on the other hand are mostly those who are very stubborn and close-minded. When it is time to meet those parents who are not doing well in class, I wasn’t surprised to see the same attitudes that their children show in class. I think someone who don’t want correction have the spirit of pride and arrogance. The bible says that we should never think highly of ourselves (Romans 12:3). If we do, we are actually idolizing our own selves.
God severely disciplines those who abandons the right path and especially those who do not want to be corrected. According to Proverbs 15:10, the consequence of this unteachable behavior will result in death (meaning “sin”).
PRAYER
Lord, reveal to me when I am not open to your correction.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God puts emphasis on having a teachable attitude?
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

PRAYER FOR THE HELPLESS AND OPPRESSED Poem Devotional

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March 18________________________________________
Lord you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them. -Psalm 10:17-18 (NLT)
PRAYER FOR THE HELPLESS AND OPPRESSED
A poem and essay by ILMA
My Lord, My God, I pray for those who are anxious
Bring them comfort and reveal to them that they are precious
Bring justice to the orphans and those who are oppressed
Do not allow others to terrify them so they won’t be depressed.
You promised redemption to those who are crushed in Spirit
Break their chains so that they can be free from it
Give them hope and strength so they can face their trials
Reveal to them your love so they can get free from denial.
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The hardest thing for me to witness is an oppression or injustice being done to someone. As a survivor of complex trauma, it is very difficult not to be triggered when you see others experiencing the pain that is so familiar to you. You can’t help but react or respond to the helplessness that you observe. I used to be so angry when I see a child being yelled at or even just being ignored or neglected.
The bible says that Jesus died on the cross for the broken-hearted which includes all the helpless and oppressed. Their cries are heard.
PRAYER
Lord, remind me to pray for those who are oppressed and helpless.
REFLECTION
How do you deal with oppression or injustice when you experience them?
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

FAVORED BY GOD poem devotional

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March 17________________________________________
The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled; the hopes of the godly will be granted. The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing.
Proverbs 10:24, 28(NLT)
FAVORED BY GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you fear the Lord and revere him constantly?
Will you classify yourself as wicked or godly?
The fears of the wicked will definitely transpire
But believers will continually pray and aspire
God is inclined to grant requests to those who love him
He will answer the prayers of those who repent and avoid sin
The hopes of the godly end in peace and happiness
But the expectations of the wicked lead them to more mess.
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I think it is human nature to have a leaning to someone because of their character or attitude. Most parents love all their children equally but I think some parents have a tendency to favor one child over another because of so many reasons. One child may be more helpful and make their life easier therefore, it is so easy for parents to give that child favor. If they are very rebellious and difficult, it doesn’t diminish your love, but they make life harder. So you automatically favor the one who do good. Isn’t God the same with his children? Wouldn’t he be more inclined to the faithful and ignore the wishes of the wicked ones?
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to be more hopeful and focus on your goodness.
REFLECTION
How can a believer gain favor with God?
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

WISE VERSUS FOOLISH LIVING Poem Devotional

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March 16________________________________________
Doing wrong is fun for a fool, but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible.
Proverbs 10:23 (NLT)
WISE VERSUS FOOLISH LIVING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who love to have fun even at the expense of others
They’ll reap the same seeds they gave their sisters and brothers
When you enjoy doing wrong, you are considered foolish
You will have lots of difficulties and your life will not flourish.
Those who live wisely and obey the truth in God’s words
They will be prosperous despite the challenges of this world
They pursue wisdom and apply common sense in their life
They never compromise integrity and always stay in God’s light.
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I had a classmate in college who was very pretty and rich. I sort of admired her because of her beauty, but when I saw how she treated one of her suitors, my admiration vanished. I lost my respect for her. All of a sudden the beauty I saw outside was replace by ugliness. I separated myself from this wicked person. Although I wasn’t a born again Christian then yet, deep inside me I knew that what she did wasn’t right.
The bible tells us that fools take pleasure in doing others’ wrong but sensible people focuses on living a life full of wisdom and common sense. Where would you classify yourself? Do you like doing bad things or do you pursue wisdom?
PRAYER
Lord, reveal to me right away when I am being foolish.
REFLECTION
How can a believer live wisely in this very corrupt world?
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