Monthly Archives: November 2016

FOR THE WEAK AND NEEDY Poem Devotional

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Nov 10
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He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them, He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious to him. – Psalm 72:13-14(NLT)
FOR THE WEAK AND NEEDY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you struggling with a weakness in your life?
Find solace in knowing you’ll be rescued by Christ
Have your needs stayed unmet by your loved ones?
You will only feel complete when you seek God’s Son.
The Lord will redeem you from violence and oppression
Only through him, will you be freed and find salvation
You are the apple of his eyes and is very precious to him
Rejoice and be glad that you will be rescued from sin.
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Our world caters more to the strong and marginalize the weak and the needy. In some underdeveloped countries, needs are minimized and forgotten. In faced paced places, nobody even cares if someone else is in need. The important thing for them is to work hard for their money and power. To each his own has become the norm and nobody goes out of their way to find out how they can help someone out.
In Jesus’ time, he always had time for the weak and the needy and those who were mistreated or judged by the public. He feels pity for them and he promised that he will rescue them because they are precious to him.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to extend compassion to the weak and needy.
REFLECTION
Why does God have a special place in his heart for the weak and needy?

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

GODLY LIVING Poem Devotional

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Nov 9
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Don’tmake your living by extortion or put your hope in stealing. And if your wealth increases, don’t make it the center of your life. -Psalm 62:10(NLT)
GODLY LIVING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you live a life of integrity?
Do you make God your priority?
Don’t make your living by extortion
Don’t allow wealth to bring much distortion.
Godly living is guided by biblical principles
It is not complex but it is very simple
Wealth must never be the center of your life
If you seek God first, you will be in the light.
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There are people who live dishonest and impure lives. They become obsessed having power and wealth. They forget the more important things in this life, which is not always material wealth. Matthew 6:19-20 tells us not to store treasures here on earth where moths and rust can destroy and thieves can steal but to store treasures in heaven. The next verse tells us too that where our treasure is, there our hearts will also be. In plain words, when we treasure material things so much, it becomes our master. It will be very hard to live a godly life and serve money and wealth as your master. Many Christians do not realize that love for money and wealth is evil. If it becomes the center of your life, then you are not putting God first. This is a form of idolatry.
PRAYER
Lord, help me watch that I always never compromise my relationship with you.
REFLECTION
How can the love of wealth and money ruin a person’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

THINKING OF YOU Poem Devotional

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Nov 8
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I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. – Psalm 63:6-7(NLT)
THINKING OF YOU
A poem and essay by ILMA
I lie awake thinking of you, pondering on your love
Each time I do something, you see me from above
You know what I am thinking and planning each day
You guide and instruct me so I won’t go astray.
You remind me how to never turn my back on you
I am grateful that you change my erroneous views
I am glad that I live in the shadow of your wings
Thank you for protecting me from danger and sin.
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Do you remember your first feelings of romantic love? You can’t stop thinking of this person you love so much. Day and night, they occupy your thoughts. You bring the memories you shared everywhere you go, even as you retire to sleep. Sometimes, even in your sub-conscious state, they are still there. How wonderful it was to feel so close to someone even if they are not physically with you. The love between you knows no distance or limits.
In the Psalms, we are given a glimpse of David’s heart who is after God’s heart. All his songs and hymns and prayers to God shows his deep love for him. He often thinks about him and meditating on his words.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never stop thinking of you.
REFLECTION
What brings two people so closely knit?

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

WAITING QUIETLY Poem Devotional

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Nov 7
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I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him, He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. -Psalm 62:1-2 (NLT)
WAITING QUIETLY
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is troubling you today?
Do you want this thing out of your way?
Are you waiting quietly for God to bring victory?
Do you interfere with His plans repeatedly?
Triumph comes from letting your mind be renewed
Allow God to take control and work in you and through you
Be still and believe that he is your rock and fortress
He will never allow you to be defeated or be broken.
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ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a medical condition that affects how well someone can sit still, focus, and pay attention. People with ADHD have differences in the parts of their brains that control attention and activity. This means that they may have trouble focusing on some tasks and subjects. They may be hyperactive and unable to control their impulses. In children, the common symptoms are hyperactivity and inattention. In adults, symptoms include impulsiveness, disorganization, poor time management and prioritizing skills, trouble planning or multitasking, excessive activity or restlessness and low frustration tolerance. Our fast paced world probably turned us all into ADHD’s.
God can only work if we wait quietly and be still. Only by resting and trusting in him, can we have victory.
PRAYER
Lord, free us from restlessness and unbelief.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God requires us to be still and rest in him?
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 WONDERFUL GRACE

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Nov 6
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This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace. – Colossians 1:6 (NLT)
GOD’S WONDERFUL GRACE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Grace is unmerited favor from God
It reminds us of our heavenly Father’s love
The Good News that Jesus came to free
Is bearing fruit and changing lives daily.
Live freely under this merited favor
It brings peace and much fervor
God’s wonderful grace allows you freedom
It invites you a step closer to his great kingdom.
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For many years of captivity from many generational strongholds, I can confirm that God’s wonderful grace has freed me from all of it. The biggest stronghold I have been freed from is legalism. Through the years, the enemy made me believe all sorts of lies that kept me from living a full, peaceful and enjoyable life. I always had to rely on self-effort and performance until I received this grace that has been given to me for the longest time. The devil didn’t want me to receive this truth so he kept on distracting me from enjoying living my life under God’s provision. What an awesome change it was to stop all the effort and just live a life of “God-dependence” instead of independence.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the unmerited favor you give me daily.
REFLECTION
What favors have you received from the Lord as soon as you committed your life to him?
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

GETTING GOD’S BLESSING poem devotional

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Nov 5
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The apostle testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and God’s great blessing was upon them all. – Acts 4:33(NLT)
GETTING GOD’S BLESSING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you currently in need of something?
Have you repented and confessed your sins?
When the apostles testified to Jesus’ resurrection
They received blessings and paved the path to salvation.
Have you testified to the power of what Christ did for you?
Did it make you change your heart and mind renewed?
When you believed that Christ died and rose from the dead
God pours his blessings to all those who heard and spread.
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Testimony is defined as a formal written or spoken statement, especially one given in a court or law. It is also an evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something. What is the importance of testifying for someone in court? It helps the judge to make the right verdict after considering all the other testimonies and evidences that are laid down in the trial. What the witness says on the stand matters a lot in the arrival at a decision on the case being tried. Do you ever think about what a testimony for Christ would do to a believer’s life?
After Christ died, his followers testified powerfully to his resurrection. As a result, they were showered with blessings and were anointed with many gifts.
PRAYER
Lord, let me know when you give me opportunities to testify for you.
REFLECTION
What would a testimony of faith do to another believer or unbeliever?
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

EQUAL PARTNER IN GOD’S EYES Poem Devotional

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Nov 4
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In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. -1 Peter 3:7(NLT)
EQUAL PARTNER IN GOD’S EYES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you a husband who do not honor your wife?
Honor your wife just as the church was treated by Christ
She may be weaker but an equal partner in God’s eyes
If you want your prayers answered, do not have biases.
God made us all in his image and likeness
He wants us to live in his grace and faithfulness
Treat everyone like you would like to be treated
Love and honor women if you want to be respected.
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There have been many women who suffered oppression, partiality and even abuse from their own fathers, husbands, bosses because of their gender. I am not a feminist but I believe that God created men and women equally. There are things a man can do that a woman can’t and vice-versa. Our society have twisted the roles of men and women for centuries. This is the enemy’s tactic.
The bible cautions men, especially husbands to treat their wives with love, patience and understanding. In God’s eyes, they are not under but equal to you.
PRAYER
Lord, let all husbands treat their wives with honor.
REFLECTION
What is the consequence of maltreating your wife in 1 Peter 3:7?
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

TRUSTING GOD

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Nov 3
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But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask. – John 11:22(NLT)
TRUSTING GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you believe all of God’s promises?
He loves us you so much that he gave you Jesus
Whenever things do not go how you want it to
Do you continue to trust that God will eventually do?
Sometimes we ask things don’t align with his will
He wouldn’t want us to be hurt, rejected or be ill
He knows what’s best for us so we must have faith
Confidently hope and it will greatly change your fate.
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The story of Lazarus is one of the greatest miracles that Jesus did while he was on earth. Mary and Martha are both Lazarus’ sisters and they were very close to Jesus. In fact, in the account of Luke in chapter 10:38-42, we get a picture of their closeness. Martha was the one who can’t stop doing things but Mary knew how to relax and be still. She chose to give her full attention to Jesus rather than all the physical things Martha was doing.
When Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been in his grave for four days already (John 11:17). Martha told Jesus that if he came earlier, he wouldn’t have died but she still believes that God will grant Jesus whatever he asks. Jesus acknowledged her great faith and raised Lazarus’.
PRAYER
Lord, let me grow my faith even when I don’t see miracles.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God requires faith in order for miracles to happen?
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 PLEDGE OF FAITHFULNESS Poem Devotional

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Nov 2
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“And this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit will not leave them, and neither will these words I have given you. They will be on your lips and on the lips of your children, and your children’s children forever.” I, the Lord have spoken.
– Isaiah 59:21(NLT)
GOD’S PLEDGE OF FAITHFULNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you believe that God has you covered?
If you are his child, he watches you and hover
His Spirit will never leave or abandon you
Even when you don’t understand his point of view.
He gave us his word so we can be transformed
Let’s use it so we will discern and be informed
His covenant goes to our descendants till eternity
He is a God who continues to love us faithfully.
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One of the most valid contracts we can get into is to marry someone or get into partnership in business with another person or company. It takes a lot of trust in believing that this other person will follow through in their end of the agreement. “Covenant” is defined as an agreement to do or not do a particular thing while “agreement” is an understanding between entities to follow a specific course of conduct. Covenant is more binding.
God enters into covenant with his people that he will be there for them until the coming generations to come. He promises his presence to them always.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for getting into a commitment with me.
REFLECTION
What have you given back to God as part of your covenant with him?
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

HOLY MOUTH, RIGHTEOUS HEART Poem Devotional

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Nov 1
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May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. -Psalm 19:14(NLT)
HOLY MOUTH, RIGHTEOUS HEART
A poem and essay by ILMA
What comes out of your mouth these days?
Do they echo what Scriptures say?
What does your heart meditate on day and night?
Is it about your Father’s power and might?
May the words that come out of your lips please Him
May your heart only long for righteous things
Holy mouth, righteous heart; they satisfy the Lord
They both bring him the full glory and applaud.
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I loved the Lord since I was seven years old but my mouth and my heart were not holy and righteous. Working in the Theatre didn’t help much because we were all free to express ourselves in any way we wanted. There were many decades of my life that my lips were filthy and utter things that should never be said. On the day I became a Speech Teacher, I had to clean my dirty mouth so I could teach by example how to speak well. It was hard to do because my mind was also full of un-forgiveness, anger and offense at that time. God used my profession to tame my tongue and change my heart.
The bible tells us that our mouth and hearts should be aligned with God’s. After all, he created us in his image.
PRAYER
Help me to utter only your truths Lord and think your thoughts.
REFLECTION
How can we change our thinking and speech and align it with God’s?
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