Monthly Archives: May 2016

THOSE WHO OFFER GOOD COUNSEL Poem Devotional

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May 31
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The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong. They have made God’s law their own, so they will never slip from his path. -Psalm 37:30-31(NLT)
THOSE WHO OFFER GOOD COUNSEL
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you are in trouble and want guidance
Be with those who can give you good assistance
The godly offer good counsel and direction
They know how to navigate through tribulations.
They have decided to live out God’s laws
That is why they keep on track and don’t get lost
Run to those who offer righteous help and advice
They will lead you to Jesus and keep you from lies.
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Have you asked someone for counsel and got in trouble later on? I have been going to counselors in some stages of my life because I wanted to thrive in life. There is a misnomer that those who go to counselors are crazy or have mental issues. I think that people who believe this have defeatist attitude and are cowardly. There are many benefits to seeking counsel but you should also ensure that the person you are asking for guidance are those who are not directly opposite your beliefs, or they can mess you up big. I once had a counselor who I saw for about a year, weekly and didn’t realize that he made me more confused because he was indoctrinating me another belief system. Go with the godly for counsel.
PRAYER
Lord, lead me only to believers who live your truth for counsel.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to choose who you seek direction 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

PROMISE TO PEACE LOVERS Poem Devotional

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May 30

Look at those who are honest and good; for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace. But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future. -Psalm 37:37-38(NLT)

PROMISE TO PEACE LOVERS

A poem and essay by ILMA

Do you pursue peace with passion?

Peace lovers are given much provision

Their future is bright and wonderful

They have no need to be fearful.

Look at those who are good and honest

They are promised a life that is blessed

The rebellious on the other hand will be demolished

They have no future because they want to stay foolish.

God wants us to have peace at all cost. Romans 12:18 says “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone”; and Hebrews 12:14 says that we should work at living in peace with everyone. The Lord has clearly instructed all believers to work at chasing peace. It is not a state that is a result of something but we ought to consciously make a decision to pursue it. I didn’t know his word during my younger years so I didn’t make a mindful effort to chase it as the bible says. My past life was infested with so much conflicts and chaos that led to so much pain and adversities.

The bible says that God has a future awaiting the peace seekers and lovers. Unlike the rebels, they will have a future.

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for granting peace to those who seek you.

REFLECTION

How can the pursuit of peace be rewarding?

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

HEARING GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS Poem Devotional

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May 28
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Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go, whether to the right or to the left.” – Isaiah 30:21(NLT)
HEARING GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you have a regular conversation with the Lord?
It is rewarding to connect with him and give him laud
Just like your earthly relationships need time and devotion
The Lord also longs for your faithfulness and deep connection.
As you grow in your intimacy with your heavenly father
You will easily hear God’s voice and his command to love others
He will tell you which way to go, whether to the left or to the right
He will lead you to the path that leads to peace and an everlasting life.
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I started to talk to God since I was seven years old. It was him who made me survive and later on thrive the adversities I went through at a very young age. I didn’t realize how deeply connected I was with him until I re-committed to him and became a born again Christian. The Holy Spirit have been teaching me all along since that day I committed to him at age seven. I didn’t read the bible until I was in my late twenties. It was amazing to know that what I’ve been studying now have been whispered in my heart by the voice of God.
PRAYER
Thank you Lord for allowing me to hear you daily.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you heard God’s instructions?
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

PRAY FOR DIRECTION Poem Devotional

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May 27
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Pray that the Lord your God will show us what to do and where to go.
– Jeremiah 42:3(NLT)
PRAY FOR DIRECTION
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you don’t know where you are going
Do you run to God so you don’t go on straying?
Pray that the Lord will show you the road leading to him
There is no use to continue to be lost and live in sin.
There is only one way that leads to his kingdom
It is by submitting and believing in his Son
Pray that God will show you what to do and where to go
If you cling to him and abide in his words, you will know.
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Paul talks about a weakness in us in Romans 7:15 which says “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” Isn’t this an irony? We have good intentions but then we don’t have what it takes to do it. The Bible speaks of punishing the children for the sins of the fathers to the third and fourth generations in Exodus 20:5. It is called a generational stronghold. A stronghold is a fortress of thoughts that controls and influences our attitudes. The only way to break it is to acknowledge it, confess and repent. We also need to pray unceasingly for direction in our new life in Christ.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never stray away from you.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you prayed and were shown the way?
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

FOLLOWED WITHOUT A DOUBT

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May 26
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It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. -Hebrews 11:8(NLT)
FOLLOWED WITHOUT A DOUBT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you ever been fearful of changes in your life?
If you follow Jesus, you will be guided by his light
It was by faith that Abraham became father of all nations
He followed without a doubt all of God’s instructions.
Are you willing to obey whatever you are called to do?
He will equip you with wisdom and strength to follow through
To obey the Lord brings you an overflow of inheritance
To have victory, you need to give up all forms of resistance.
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Rebellion and stubbornness ran in my family of origin. It strongly manifested for many decades of my life. My life was chaotic when I lived in lawlessness, but as soon as I obeyed God’s will in my late twenties, many things changed. I had an overflow of blessings. When I reverted back to self-serving motives, once again, my life became very hard. So, I finally succumbed to his will then I experienced deliverance from many strongholds.
The bible says that Abraham obeyed God when he was instructed to leave him to another land. He followed even without knowing where God was leading him. He just obeyed.

PRAYER
Lord, help me follow you always.
REFLECTION
What was the consequence of your disobedience to God’s will?
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

WHEN YOU STEP INTO WATER Poem Devotional

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May 25
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It was harvest season, and the Jordan was overflowing its banks. But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river’s edge, the water above that point began backing up a great distance away. -Joshua 3:15-16(NLT)
WHEN YOU STEP INTO WATER
A poem and essay by ILMA
When Peter saw Jesus walking on water amidst the storm
He wanted to follow Christ but fears started to form
As soon as he cried to him for help, he grabbed Peter
Will you trust God completely and step into the water?
When you take your step into obedience to Christ
You will see miracles and breakthroughs come into your life
Are you willing to take the step even amidst difficulties?
Will you decide to obey despite your fears and frailties?
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There were major miracles that God used water to show his people his power. There was the River Jordan crossing of the Ark of the Covenant in the book of Joshua, the deliverance of Israelites from the Egyptians at the Red Sea in Exodus, the walking on water of Jesus amidst the storm and making Peter walk on water, the turning of the water(river) into blood by Moses was his first public miracle just as Jesus’ first public miracle was the turning water into wine at thee wedding at Cana. When we take a step into the water, we experience the impossible.
PRAYER
Give me courage to take the first step into the water, Lord.
REFLECTION
When did you take a step into the water amidst a storm of 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

WHEN YOU STEP INTO WATER Poem Devotional

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May 25
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It was harvest season, and the Jordan was overflowing its banks. But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river’s edge, the water above that point began backing up a great distance away. -Joshua 3:15-16(NLT)
WHEN YOU STEP INTO WATER
A poem and essay by ILMA
When Peter saw Jesus walking on water amidst the storm
He wanted to follow Christ but fears started to form
As soon as he cried to him for help, he grabbed Peter
Will you trust God completely and step into the water?
When you take your step into obedience to Christ
You will see miracles and breakthroughs come into your life
Are you willing to take the step even amidst difficulties?
Will you decide to obey despite your fears and frailties?
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There were major miracles that God used water to show his people his power. There was the River Jordan crossing of the Ark of the Covenant in the book of Joshua, the deliverance of Israelites from the Egyptians at the Red Sea in Exodus, the walking on water of Jesus amidst the storm and making Peter walk on water, the turning of the water(river) into blood by Moses was his first public miracle just as Jesus’ first public miracle was the turning water into wine at thee wedding at Cana. When we take a step into the water, we experience the impossible.
PRAYER
Give me courage to take the first step into the water, Lord.
REFLECTION
When did you take a step into the water amidst a storm of 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

GOD’S TESTIMONY Poem Devotional

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May 24
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And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.
– 1 John 5:11-12 (NLT)
GOD’S TESTIMONY
A poem and essay by ILMA
God testified that he has given us eternal life through Jesus
It is important to help us in all our trials and crises
God witnessed to his Son, the one who can give us life
Yet some of us continue to deny Christ and live in strife.
Whoever commits his life to the Son will have life
Whoever does not have Jesus Christ will stagnate and die
Why won’t you believe God’s testimony and accept it?
It will cleanse all your sins and allow the indwelling of the Spirit.
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I just gave a testimony this week about how God recycled my pains for his Kingdom gain. God gave me a 10-minute poem to testify and declare to some women who attended our bible study group how all the abuses and traumas I experienced was recycled for God’s glory. Someone who heard the testimony shared how encouraging it was to hear my life story and how God to know she wasn’t alone in her emotional pains as well. Sometimes pain can be a good teacher for us.
God himself testified for his Son. He said that he has given us eternal life through him and whoever believes him, has life.
PRAYER
Thank you for a chance to tell others your glory.
REFLECTION
What recent miracles have you shared?
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

IMPORTANCE OF TESTIMONY Poem Devotional

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May 23
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Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about his Son. – 1 John 5:9 (NLT)
IMPORTANCE OF TESTIMONY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Is there something that God has done for you?
Has he given you healing and a mind that is renewed?
Testimonies are ways we can proclaim God’s salvation
It strengthens and encourages us to overcome temptation.
Testimonies can make others feel validated and inspired
It makes them know there is hope and they can still aspire
God testified about his Son so we can trust and believe
He gave us his Son who is perfect so we won’t be deceived.
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Testimony is defined as an evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something or someone. In court, testimonies or witnessing are essential for the making of a fair decision for a trial between two opposing people or groups. What we say in the witness stand can affect the judgment of the ones who will give the verdict to the trial.
The bible encourages us to give testimony to others so that the glory and power of God will be witnessed and experienced by either believers or non-believers in order to grow their faith. Testimonies can validate the existence of God and may bring other unbelievers to be convinced that there is a God who loves them. God himself testified about his Son.
PRAYER
Thank you Lord for opportunities to testify for you and your Son.
REFLECTION
Why are testimonies paramount in a Christian’s 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

BOLDLY PROCLAIM AND TEACH THE GOSPEL Poem Devotional

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May 22
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For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him. – Acts 28:30-31(NLT)
BOLDLY PROCLAIM AND TEACH THE GOSPEL
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you have any occasions to tell about Jesus?
Go out and tell everyone the Good News
God wants you to spread the gospel everywhere
He wants you to be brave and boldly declare.
Whenever you proclaim his words and truth
You are planting seeds which will bear fruits
Do not be afraid for God will be with you always
He will equip you with his strength in many ways.
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Some believers take God’s instructions seriously, but sadly, some don’t. I think it is very essential for a believer to recognize God’s spirit, especially when he is instructing and teaching us something. Oftentimes, we miss out on what he is convicting us with and we go on with our willful ways. The bible tells us to declare his glory among the nations in Psalm 96:3.
Paul did exactly as God instructed. He taught and preached about the Lord Jesus Christ with boldness and passion. He was driven to do all of this because the Spirit of God was in him. He was empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Kingdom of God wherever he was.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to boldly proclaim your kingdom when I get a chance to.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you proclaimed His word?
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