PROOF THAT WE KNOW GOD Poem Devotional

Posted on November 30, 2016 by ilmaarts

Nov 30
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And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. – 1 John 2:3-4 (NLT)
PROOF THAT WE KNOW GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know your Savior Jesus Christ?
Have you vowed to commit to him your life?
How can one claim that he knows his Redeemer?
Is it only by saying that you love him to one another?
We can be sure that we know him if we obey him
If someone claims he knows God and live in sin
That person is a liar and is not living in the truth
Not anything he does will bring about the Spirit’s fruit.
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How can you know if a person really loves you? If he was a man, he would probably propose to marry the woman he is after. If he was the woman, she would accept that proposal for marriage. Before they tie the knot, they usually find enough proofs that the two of them will be able to trust each other and stay together for life. No one really think of marrying and plan to divorce right away unless they have evil schemes.
The bible tells us that the proof that we know God is by following his commandments. Obedience to his will is evidence of our faithfulness.
PRAYER
Lord, grant me the grace to always obey you.
REFLECTION
Why should action accompany any vow for faithfulness?

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

PRACTICE THE TRUTH Poem Devotional

Posted on November 28, 2016 by ilmaarts

Nov 29
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God is light and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.
– 1 John 1:5-6(NLT)
PRACTICE THE TRUTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you first heard the truth about God who is our Father
Did you also heed his command to love your sisters and brothers?
God is light and there is no darkness in him at all
Practice the truth by living in light so you don’t fall.
To live in the light means that you’ll live by God’s word
You will give up darkness that is in this corrupted world
If we claim that we love Jesus yet live in darkness
We are lying because we are not in his righteousness.
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In John 17:14, Jesus says that the world hates God’s children because they do not belong to the world, just as he doesn’t belong to it. James 4:4 cautions us not to be friends with the world or we become an enemy of God. Matthew 6:24, it talks about the impossibility of serving two masters which will eventually bent on one.
We are called liars if we claim we love God but live in darkness. We cannot live in this world and love it because God’s kingdom is not of this world.
PRAYER
Lord, let me always practice truth by living and doing what you require from me.
REFLECTION
What happens when we live double lives claiming we believe in Christ and yet love the 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

WHAT CASTS OUT FEAR Poem Devotional

Posted on November 28, 2016 by ilmaarts

Nov 28

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experience his perfect love.

– 1 John 4:18(NLT)

WHAT CASTS OUT FEAR

A poem and essay by ILMA

What kinds of fears have kept you enslaved?

The enemy brings insecurities so we won’t be saved?

If we are afraid, it is usually for fear of punishment

It may also be fear of rejection or abandonment.

God’s faithful love for us is perfect and total

The kind of love that casts out fear is unconditional

Such perfect love expels all kinds of anxiety

It brings us peace, joy and tranquility.

There are many things that people fear. Fear of rejection, being unloved, abandoned, ostracized, misjudged, laughed at, belittled, and many more are just some of the many kinds of fear we experience. I used to have claustrophobia. It probably resulted from being confined in a sack when I was a small child. It took many years before I got over the fear of small spaces. One friend exposed me slowly and assured me of being confined in tiny places. He first stayed with me to walk me through overcoming it. Because he built that trust, I felt safe to go through it.

The bible says that perfect love casts out fear. Only God is the source of this perfect love.

PRAYER

Lord, always let me cast my fears on you.

REFLECTION

How has unconditional love freed you from fear?

GOOD PEOPLE DIE EARLY Poem Devotional

Posted on November 27, 2016 by ilmaarts

Nov 27
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Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die.
– Isaiah 57:1-2(NLT)
GOOD PEOPLE DIE EARLY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you often wonder why good people die early?
Don’t they deserve to live long and share God’s victory?
No one seems to understand why God allows these things
The Father is protecting them from all kinds of sins.
The Lord shields those who love him faithfully
He wants them to remain pure and live freely
Good people are taken early so they can abide in him
They will rest in peace because they have been redeemed.
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Have you ever wondered why the good people die early? I remember my grandfather who was the only person who gave me comfort when I was growing up. Everyone around him were cruel and harsh, but he had a very gentle and caring heart. He listens and encourages those around him. He works so earnestly using his hands and creativity. Whenever I was with him, I felt safe, secure and understood. God took him early. In the past, I couldn’t understand why.
The bible says in Isaiah 57 that God takes good people early because he is protecting them from evil.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your protection over your faithful ones.
REFLECTION
How many good people did you know have passed away early in their lives?
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

BLESSED ARE THE JUST Poem Devotional

Posted on November 26, 2016 by ilmaarts

Nov 26
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Be just and fair to all. Do what is right and good, for I am coming soon to rescue you and to display my righteousness among you. Blessed are all those who are careful to do this. -Isaiah 56:1(NLT)
BLESSED ARE THE JUST
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you treat others equally as you would yourself?
Are you compassionate to the oppressed and give help?
Blessed are the just and fair, they are doing what’s right
They are following what God has required in their life.
Do what is right and good, for God will come to rescue
He wants you to have your minds and heart renewed
If you treat others fairly and with no favoritisms
You are imitating Jesus in all his conduct and mannerisms.
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If only everyone would treat each other fairly, there would probably be more peace on earth. One of the reasons why people revolt is because of injustice. Because, God designed us in his own image, we are actually made out of love. When we are not treated right, our spirits sense it inside. We have the option to revolt and react but we can also respond lovingly by gently saying our right to be treated fairly. It is exercising boundary when we do this. It also helps those who are treating others unreasonably to think twice. The Lord blesses those who are just and fair to all.
PRAYER
Lord, remind me to treat others lovingly and justly always.
REFLECTION
How do you think fair treatment eliminates conflicts and troubles in 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

EAT HEALTHY FOOD Poem Devotional

Posted on November 24, 2016 by ilmaarts

Nov 25
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Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. -Isaiah 55:2(NLT)
EAT HEALTHY FOOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
What kinds of food do you feed your body?
Do they nourish you and make you healthy?
Why spend on food that doesn’t do you good?
Why compromise your health by eating junk food?
As our bodies need good nourishment
So does our spirits need replenishment
Listen to Scriptures, they bring you wholeness
Eat food that brings you strength and fullness.
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When I was growing up, everyone ate simple food. There were processed or instant foods. We didn’t have big burger chain stores that we dine in. Our parents made sure we had about three basic meals a day at almost exactly the same time. We followed routine and most families cook their own meals. In my country of origin, there were lots of wet market, where we buy newly caught fish and fresh meat and vegetables. Today, the food industry has manipulated our food preferences and changed the way we eat. We now live in a fast paced world where we don’t take time to plan our meals. The bible tells us to feed on God’s word for our spirits to grow and be nourished. Eat healthy food.
PRAYER
Show me whenever I choose junk food Lord.
REFLECTION
What kinds of food do you eat? Are they nourishing or destroying you?
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

EVIL SCHEMES BOUNCE BACK Poem Devotional

Posted on November 24, 2016 by ilmaarts

Nov 24
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If you set a trap for others, you will get caught in it yourself. If you roll a boulder down on others, it will crush you instead. -Proverbs 26:27(NLT)
EVIL SCHEMES BOUNCE BACK
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you succumb to the temptation of hurting others
You run the risk of the consequence of losing one another
If you set a trap for others, you will get caught in it yourself
Forget your own little schemes and don’t focus on the “self”.
Whatever you do to your sisters and brothers
It will be given back to you by others
Think only of pure and righteous things
It will bring you strength to overcome sin.
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I’d like to quote an article about karma by Fritz Chery. Many people ask if Karma is biblical and the answer is no. Karma is a Hinduism and Buddhism belief that says your actions determine the good and the bad that happens to you in this life and the afterlife. Karma is associated with reincarnation, which basically says what you do today will determine your next life. With Karma you get what you deserve. In Christianity Jesus got what you deserve. Grace is the opposite of Karma. Karma isn’t found in the Bible. Instead, Scriptures talk a lot about reaping and sowing. Reaping is the result of what we’ve sown. Sow evil and you will reap it. Do good and you’ll gain it.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never entertain evil schemes.
REFLECTION
How can the law of sowing and reaping affect 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

DON’T BE DAZZLED BY EXTERNALS Poem Devotional

Posted on November 22, 2016 by ilmaarts

Nov 23
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Smooth words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot.
-Proverbs 26:23(NLT)
DON’T BE DAZZLED BY EXTERNALS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you easily swayed by what you hear and see?
Don’t be dazzled by externals, search for what’s real
Smooth words may hide a wicked heart
Just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot.
Externals may hide what is really true inside
Some people are not authentic, they try to hide
The fruit of the Spirit manifests in a heart that is pure
The godly will see the truth and they cannot be lured.
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Many of us humans are very visual. We are easily dazzled by what we see on the outside. Sometimes we put so much emphasis on the externals rather than what is inside someone’s heart or mind. The enemy knows this weakness that is in all of us mortals. This is why he uses many beautiful things on the outside just to lure us into bondage. He dazzles us with drama and grandiosity. He lies to us and cons us into accepting his lies so he can trap us into moving to his camp. The minute we entertain more externals and physical stuff, we open the door for the enemy to easily infiltrate us. The bible warns us to be wary of smooth talkers. They may easily be hiding a wicked heart.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to focus more on the spiritual and unseen rather than the physical things.
REFLECTION
Why do you think we are cautioned into being dazzled by externals?

OUTCOME OF LOVING PLEASURE Poem Devotional

Posted on November 22, 2016 by ilmaarts

Nov 22
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Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.-Proverbs 21:17(NLT)
OUTCOME OF LOVING PLEASURE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you always seek to gratify yourself?
Do you give generously or give others’ help?
Those who love pleasure become poor
Obsessing to get your wants makes you a fool.
Those who love wine and luxury will struggle
It makes it hard for them to go through a hurdle
Poverty results from obsessing and loving pleasures
Aim for riches in heaven instead of worldly treasures.
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Philippines was my country of origin which was under the rule of Spain for 300 years. We were westernized by this conquest and we were influenced so much by it. I lived long enough to see the aftermath of being colonized. Filipinos learned colonial mentality. A colonial mentality is the attitude that colonized people feel themselves to be inferior to their colonizers based on the fact of colonization. Colonial mentality is most evident in the preference for Filipino mestizos (primarily those of mixed native Filipino and white ancestry, but also mixed indigenous Filipino and Chinese, and other ethnic groups). As a result of being conquered, we learned to fight to overcome poverty and oppression. We became obsessed for entitlements to alleviate the bondage and poverty.
We are cautioned about the outcome of loving pleasure. Pleasure in itself isn’t bad but obsessing it results in poverty.
PRAYER
Lord, please let me never take my focus out of you.
REFLECTION
What happens when we become obsessed with gratifying ourselves?
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

THINK BEFORE YOU ACT Poem Devotional

Posted on November 21, 2016 by ilmaarts

Nov 21
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The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act.
-Proverbs 21:29(NLT)
THINK BEFORE YOU ACT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you always react before you think?
Don’t do anything first, allow the thought to sink
Whenever you respond to something or a situation
Reflect on what the truth is so you can avoid temptations.
The wicked bluff their way through every chance
The virtuous think before they act on each circumstance
Prudence allows you to think before you act on something
It helps you from being foolish and automatically reacting.
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I have known many people who do not think before they act. It has cost them so many troubles and challenges in life because they are oblivious to what is going on. Our brain contains billions of nerve cells arranged in patterns that coordinate thought, emotion, behavior, movement and sensation. While all the parts of our brain work together, each part is responsible for a specific function — controlling everything from our heart rate to our mood. The difference between humans and animals is that we can think and make decisions. We have a will and we can communicate by speaking what we want to say and reason. We are not like animals who do things only instinctively.
We must think before we act so that we don’t suffer consequences of our actions and choices. The godly acts with caution but fools don’t think.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to think before reacting or doing something.
REFLECTION
What happens when we don’t think before we act?
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

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Monthly Archives: November 2016