Monthly Archives: July 2016

CHAINS OF MISERY Poem Devotional

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July 10
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Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom, imprisoned in iron chains of misery. They rebelled against the words of God, scorning the counsel of the Most High.
-Psalm 107:10-11(NLT)
CHAINS OF MISERY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you have sins that are unconfessed
There will be no peace and you’ll be walled by darkness
Those who rebel against God’s word and counsel
Will find life hard and will be constantly bitter.
The chains of misery will keep you in bondage
Surrender to God and you will be at an advantage
Break those shackles and you will experience healing
No longer will you be bound by the misery of sinning.
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A painting by a Filipino national artist named Juan Luna stirred me so deeply that it paved the way for me to become an artist myself. As I stood before this monumental work entitled “Spoliarium” which was about 30 feet by 40 feet, I cried for 2 hours and felt all the pain and suffering those dying slaves were experiencing on that scene. It was in a dungeon cell where dying men were imprisoned. I actually felt and smelled blood as I was viewing the painting. I think it stirred me so much because I was in chains of misery myself from a sinful life.
The bible tells us that if we don’t confess our sins and turn to God, we will be in total darkness.
PRAYER
Lord, please remind me to confess my sins and repent always.
REFLECTION
Share an experience of gloom and darkness as a result of unconfessed sins.
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 BLESSING OF STILLNESS Poem Devotional

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July 9
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He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor! – Psalm 107:29-30 (NLT)
THE BLESSING OF STILLNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is making your life such a disaster?
Is it those dreams that you are after?
Is there a sin that you haven’t confessed?
Why do you fret and not have peace?
Jesus calms the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves
He can pacify you and give you strength to be brave
What a blessing it is if you can be still for the Lord
It brings joy and peace when you give him laud.
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I did not know how to be still for over five decades of my life. The enemy kept me in bondage to “busy-ness” and performing to prove that I was really good at what I did. I didn’t even realize how it was affecting my body because I just grinded and grinded and never paid attention to my health. One day, I became so sick that I couldn’t even raise my hands up. I was literally melting like a candle inside me. It took awhile before I was diagnosed with Hepatitis A because the symptoms of a flu are almost the same. I was bed ridden for 3 months. That was how God calmed the storm inside me. That’s when I learned to be still in the Lord.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to be still always.
REFLECTION
Why is it very hard to be still these days?
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 MIGHT Poem Devotional

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July 8
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Oh please help us against our enemies, for all human help is useless. With God’s help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes. -Psalm 108:12-13(NLT)
GOD’S MIGHT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you rely on your own strength to fight enemies?
Remember that you are only human and have frailties
Whenever you feel compromised and defeated
Run to God for he will help you as you are being tempted.
With God’s help, we will do mighty things and overcome
On our own, we will fail, so why not run to Christ his Son
He is a god who can do the impossible and improbable
He has power and might beyond what humans can be capable.
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I remember how Julie Andrews impressed and influenced me to look up to governesses and teachers in the Sound of Music movie. I was six years old and that was my very first big screen movie. In about the same year, the Singing Nun was also very popular. I guess those two movies influenced me to be a teacher, a singer and a nun.
The bible tells us that if we run to God, he will do mighty things for us. If we keep our eyes on the Lord and make him first in our lives, he will trample down our foes and ensure that we are winners in this life. Is God your superhero?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to always run and look up to you.
REFLECTION
Why is self-reliance not as good as relying on 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

WHAT DEFILES US IN GOD’S SIGHT Poem Devotional

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July 7
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They defiled themselves by their evil deeds, and their love for idols was adultery in the Lord’s sight. – Psalm 106:39(NLT)
WHAT DEFILES US IN GOD’S SIGHT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever we think of evil thoughts
We delay and hamper or spiritual growth
Each time we do things to please ourselves
We end up displeasing him and we need help.
Prioritizing other things over the Lord defiles us
It opens the door for the enemy to tempt us fast
God considers loving other idols as an adultery
It disgusts him when we treat him unfaithfully.
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If you are a parent, you probably made rules for your children in order to protect them and ensure that they are not being influenced by others who are totally believe differently from you. This is why parents consider carefully the schools that they enrol their kids in and filter the kind of friends their children go with. Because we love them and want them to grow up in a safe and healthy environment, we set boundaries for them to follow so that they can stay unharmed and grow up fully. God is the same with us. That is why we have Scriptures so we follow his commands and be safe to live in this corrupted world. He warns us not to be defiled by evil deeds and to avoid idolatry. These things defile us in the Lord’s sight.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never desecrate what is holy and what you’ve created.
REFLECTION
What have you done in the past that defiled you in God’s sight?
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 ENDURING HARDSHIPS

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July 6
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If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.
-2 Timothy 2:12(NLT)
ON ENDURING HARDSHIPS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you going through difficult times now?
Don’t worry; continue to believe and never doubt
If we endure hardship, we will reign with Christ
If we deny it, we will lose reason to live in this life.
Remember that Jesus experienced the worst suffering
Just look up the cross and keep on remembering
Hardships can stretch our character and discipline
It gives us the power to overcome sin and win.
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There is a misnomer in our society today that we should have a trouble-free life. Many people are in pursuit of happiness and getting what they want. I used to chase these same things before God changed my heart. I endured hardship in a way that God didn’t want me to. I used my talents and skills to overcome adversities and never really relied on God’s grace and mercy. I proved to others that I am a survivor and took pride in it. It was the worldly way to endure hardships. But when I was saved, God showed me that all the things I went through had a purpose. It was to bring me strength and character so I could contribute to build up his kingdom and to spread the good news about his redemption through Jesus Christ.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to remember that you died for me.
REFLECTION
What do you usually do when you encounter difficulties?
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

BE CONSIDERATE Poem Devotional

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July 5
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Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. – Philippians 4:5(NLT)
BE CONSIDERATE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you understand and accept others’ differences?
Are you easily succumbing to offenses?
Let everyone see that you are considerate to all
It will protect you from the enemy’s pitfalls.
Be considerate and sympathetic to others
God wants you to be loving to one another
Just as Christ had been patient and kind to you
He expects you to always be good and true.
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Since I have gone through so much pain and traumas in life, many people I meet feel that I understand what they are going through. Sometimes even if I don’t say anything, they sense that I am there for them. When I was a teacher, those troubled students somehow found that I can understand them because I have been where they are.
The bible says that we should show consideration in all that we do. When Christ was here on earth, he never judged anyone even though he can. He was amongst sinners but he was sympathetic and understanding to them. He confronted their sins but also allowed them to recognize their sins and respect their choices. Yet, Jesus never forced anyone to repent, he invited them to be free from sin so they can experience the glory that he so openly shares with his people.
PRAYER
Lord, give me a heart that understands.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you were considerate to someone?
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

LIVING WITH HONOR Poem Devotional

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July 4
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We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable. – 2 Corinthians 8:20-21(NLT)
LIVING WITH HONOR
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you are a believer, you are expected to be faithful
Live with honor and integrity and always be truthful
Those who are committed to the Lord are honorable
They show others that they are respectable.
Be careful how you live for you will experience testing
Don’t give up on living pure and keep on believing
A dignified life is a proof of an authentic believer
It shows everyone that they are true disciples.
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How many people nowadays are honest even when others are not looking? We live in a world where many people show only the side that they want others to see. They hide their natural tendencies and keep others believing that they are respectful and honest. Some employees in companies just wait for the clock to timeout so they can go home. They don’t do anything beyond what their job description says. They use company time to do their personal emails or calls or use company resources for their own use.
Christians are expected to be honorable before the Lord and also before everyone else. Just as Christ showed us how to live a life full with integrity, believers are also expected to live a pure and honest life.
PRAYER
Lord, let me do the right thing whether someone is looking or not.
REFLECTION
How can we preserve a pure life 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

FEARS AND BATTLES Poem Devotional

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July 3
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We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside. But God who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us.
– 2 Corinthians 7:5-6(NLT)
FEARS AND BATTLES
A poem and essay by ILMA
What things bring you anxiety?
Is it a fear of failure or cruelty?
We face conflicts from every direction
Are we ready to face all these temptations?
The Lord wants us to live out of fear
He created us out of love, that is for real!
God encourages those who are dejected
Don’t worry if you are oppressed or rejected.
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Have you ever felt that there were days in your life were fears and battles were constantly present? You worry about your children or spouse, you are consumed by all kinds of responsibilities and debts, you are scared failure or being rejected. These are just some of the examples of fears and battles that we can encounter on a frequent basis if not regular. The bible tells us “Do not fear” 365 times. Wonder why God repeated it that much? Maybe he wants us to remember not to be afraid daily for a year which totals 365 days. Isn’t that awesome? He knows our fears even before we recognize it. He cannot give us a conflict free life, but he is there to encourage those who fear and are facing daily battles and challenges in their lives. Run to God.
PRAYER
Lord, thanks so much for being there for me in my weakest moments.
REFLECTION
What fears or battles have overwhelmed you lately?
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

THERE’S LIFE IN SEEKING WISDOM Poem Devotional

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July 2
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For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But those who miss me injure themselves. All who hate me love death. – Proverbs 8:35-36(NLT)
THERE’S LIFE IN SEEKING WISDOM
A poem and essay by ILMA
Listen when wisdom calls out for you
He wants to put some sense and lead you to what’s true
Whoever finds wisdom receives favor from the Lord
Those who miss it can suffer and be easily injured.
Seek wisdom and you will find life
Avoid it and you will surely die
Do everything you can to embrace it
You will then reap fruits from the Holy Spirit.
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Some people think that there are those born without common sense or wisdom. The fact is that we have to purposely seek it. It is not just granted to us at birth. Usually babies are so naïve and pure. Eventually as they experience things and circumstances daily, they learn to process and have some common sense not to do the same mistakes again.
Proverbs 8 up to 9 talks specifically about wisdom. It tells us in detail the benefits and consequences of wisdom applied in our lives. Wisdom doesn’t come natural with us. It is a supernatural gift from God. Mere knowledge does not make us wise, but God’s words and his commands make us discern and understand things that our limited minds cannot fathom. It is wise for us to seek it to have life.
PRAYER
Lord, let me have a hunger for your wisdom.
REFLECTION
What benefits have you reaped from seeking wisdom?
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 RECEIVING MERCY Poem Devotional

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July 1
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People who conceal their sins will not prosper but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. – Proverbs 28:13(NLT)
ON RECEIVING MERCY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you easily grant forgiveness to those who wrong you?
God wants us to change our hearts and have our minds renewed
People who hide their sins will not prosper and move forward
They will have a hard time receiving mercy and reap God’s rewards.
Confess your sins and turn from them so you can be forgiven
You’ll be granted mercy if you remember to heed his voice and listen
He is faithful to absolve you from sin if you follow his lead
Ask and plead for mercy so he can grant your every need.
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One of the blocks of peace and joy is a lack of repentance. I would like to compare it to wearing clothes that have been soiled with dirt. When someone has spilled a drink on you, it is only logical to clean yourself up right away or you would be walking around with the stain in your clothes. Like sin, we usually don’t realize that we wear it on our sleeves. It shows in our demeanor and can even manifest in our bodies. We are summoned to confess our sins and turn from it so we can prosper. People who conceal their sins are blocked from receiving mercy and their dreams to come true.
PRAYER
Lord, give me a heart that is quick to repent.
REFLECTION
How has sin blocked you from moving towards your dreams or goals?
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