Monthly Archives: December 2016

BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION Poem Devotional

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December 31________________________________________
But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins. – Luke 6:49(NLT)
BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who hear the word of God and obey
They are relying on his strength and might each day
Their foundation is solid and will not collapse
They will not be swept down and they will adapt.
Those who does not heed God’s guidance in his word
They will find it difficult to navigate this world
Building a strong foundation in God’s truth
Makes you strong and allows the Spirit to bear fruit.
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When people build their houses, they have to make sure that the foundation is strong enough so that they can ensure a house that will be stable to hold up in the midst of weather changes. Can it withstand storms, floods, earthquakes, fires and other disasters?
Building a strong foundation is crucial even in our spiritual lives.
The bible tells us that Jesus is the rock that we can build our lives on. Anyone who seeks God and obey him is actually building a strong foundation that will stand the most challenging trials and tests that will come their way. It cautions those who hear his word and not heed it. They will collapse and be ruined.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to never stop abiding in you and seeking you.
REFLECTION
What aspects of your life needs a strong foundation?
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

LEAP FOR JOY WHEN MOCKED OR CURSED Poem Devotional

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December 30________________________________________
What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. -Luke 6:22-23(NLT)
LEAP FOR JOY WHEN MOCKED OR CURSED
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you react angrily when people have mocked you?
Do you get trapped with things they say that aren’t true?
What blessings await you when you are discriminated
You will reap great rewards when you are cursed or omitted.
Leap for joy whenever you are treated badly
It will bring you fast next to the Almighty
For the Lord cares and rescues those who are oppressed
He sent his Son so they can be liberated and blessed.
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What is your initial reaction when people hurt you or are mean to you? Human nature reacts either angrily or they run away from the person inflicting hurt on them. It is called the fight or flight. The world teaches us to fight back or avoid the source of pain in our lives. The bible has a very different solution to the pain inflicted on us by someone. In Luke 6, we are encouraged to leap for joy when we are mocked and cursed when we do what God wants us to do. He promises a reward in heaven when we are oppressed.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to control my reactions to those who inflict pain on me.
REFLECTION
How does God want us to react to those who mock 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

PROVE BY THE WAY YOU LIVE Poem Devotional

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December 29________________________________________
Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing. For I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.
– Luke 3:8(NLT)
PROVE BY THE WAY YOU LIVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Repenting doesn’t only mean asking for forgiveness through words
It is acknowledging your sin and allowing God to transform your world
Prove by the way you live that you won’t go back to the old ways
Being complacent and lazy will make you fall again one day.
Demonstrate your repentance by following God’s commands
It protects you from falling into sin as you go through life’s demands
Show by example that you are God’s faithful children
By doing this, you lead others to come close to heaven.
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Complacency is defined as a feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of some potential danger, defect, or the like. It also means self-satisfaction or smug satisfaction with an existing situation or condition. Why is complacency a hindrance to growth? When one becomes complacent, they stop working and pressing on for a better outcome.
The bible tells us that repentance doesn’t just involve confessing our sins. It means that we are allowing God’s words to transform our minds and heart, and eventually our actions and character.
PRAYER
Lord, don’t ever let me be complacent with my right standing with you.
REFLECTION
How can complacency and entitlements block our spiritual maturity?
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

TO THE PATH OF PEACE Poem Devotional

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December 28________________________________________
Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace. – Luke 1:78-79(NLT)
TO THE PATH OF PEACE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you constantly beset with discouragement and helplessness?
The mercy of God will bring you light from heaven during weaknesses
He will never allow his people to live in the shadow of death
He wants all things to work out for us; He give us the best.
He guides us to the path of peace, where we can enjoy life
He created us all so we can bask in his mercy and in his light
Are you in pursuit of peace and embracing it regularly?
Don’t compromise your relationship with God, seek it faithfully.
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Our world is beset with so much conflict these days. There is war and rumors of it in many places. Children, women and the innocent are suffering because many people allow the spirit of conflict to prevail. Some believers are even choosing a life full of struggles and fights instead of pursuing the path of peace. The enemy has constantly blinded many of us to dismiss the importance of seeking peace at all cost. We allow the devil to make puppets of us all when we don’t chase peace.
PRAYER
Lord, help us to remember to choose peace at all times.
REFLECTION
How can you maintain peace when you are surrounded by conflicts?
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

IN HOLINESS AND RIGHTEOUSNESS Poem Devotional

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December 27________________________________________
We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live. – Luke 1:74-75(NLT)
IN HOLINESS AND RIGHTEOUSNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Jesus Christ was born so we can be rescued and saved
We need to enjoy life and be fearless and brave
Christ died for us so we can be victorious
He wants us to live in purity and be righteous.
In holiness and righteousness lie the secret to success
Living in fear and apprehension will make us helpless
Receive the grace and mercy that God provides
He will cleanse you from sin if you constantly abide.
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Why do we humans mess up a lot in life? After the fall of Adam and Eve, we have the tendency to be selfish and proud. We were created in God’s image and given dominion over all things on earth, but Adam and Eve relinquished this authority and gave it to the enemy when they disobeyed eating the fruit from the prohibited tree.
When God sent Jesus, his only son amongst us and born from a virgin, he showed us great mercy and grace. We didn’t deserve to be given another chance but he gives us plenty of chances whenever we confess and repent of our sins. We have been redeemed from our sins through Christ and we can be holy and righteous because of him.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to constantly live by your mercy and grace to be constantly righteous.
REFLECTION
How can holiness and righteousness be twisted by 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

MESSIAH HAS COME

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December 26________________________________________
Don’t be afraid! He said, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David.
-Luke 2:10-11(NLT)
MESSIAH HAS COME
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you in some kind of trouble or challenge today?
Are you willing to confess and to change your ways?
The Messiah has come to all of us to save us from sin
He was born so we can all be renewed and be redeemed.
Fear not for you don’t have to be bound, he will set you free
You need not do it all alone, let him do it so you can see
He was born so you can rejoice and be glad daily
God sent Christ we can win the battle constantly.
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I lived in fear for over four decades of my life. The enemy kept me thinking that I can overcome these fears by performing and being independent. He also blinded me and made me deny the fact that I was broken. I tried to fix myself thinking that if I did, I would be more valuable. I didn’t realize that God loves me anyway. It didn’t matter what I do or don’t do.
God loves us so much that he gave Jesus so we can be set free and win the battle against the enemy. Jesus is born, fear no more.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the greatest gift of Jesus.
REFLECTION
What fears do you need to lift up to the Lord?
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 KING THAT HAD NOTHING Poem Devotional

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December 25________________________________________
She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. – Luke 2:7(NLT)
THE KING THAT HAD NOTHING
A poem and essay by ILMA
He was a king but born in a manger
He wasn’t at a home but with many strangers
He was wrapped in strips of cloth and have no bed
There was no proper place for him to stay and rest.
Though this king had no earthly wealth to boast
He still owns everything from coast to coast
All things in this world and in heaven came from Him
He is all powerful and mighty and will free us from sin.
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The birth of Jesus was a very silent yet powerful event for all mankind. Whether some accept it or not, it still doesn’t take away the fact that God sent Jesus among us, humans. There is no other person in history that could surpass all the miracles that he did during his life. It has been thousands of years ago, and yet, they haven’t stopped digging evidences the Jesus was the Son of God.
God has a big sense of humor. When he sent a king to be born on earth with nothing, that is a big statement that man’s limited mind can’t fathom. Jesus was born without a home and wrapped in strips of cloth.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to always open my hearts door for you to come in.
REFLECTION
How have you closed your heart’s door to Jesus 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

SIGN OF GOD’S MERCY AND GRACE Poem Devotional

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December 24________________________________________
Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. -Luke 2:34 (NLT)
SIGN OF GOD’S MERCY AND GRACE
A poem and essay by ILMA
The child Jesus is a sign of God’s mercy and love for mankind
People don’t realize this great gift, they continue to be blind
Christ was prophesied to cause many in Israel to fall
But he will also bring to many other people so much joy.
Jesus is a sign from God but many will oppose him
He will be the way for us all to be freed and redeemed
Do you welcome this Jesus that God has sent to save you?
Have you opened your heart and mind to be renewed?
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Many people like to believe in signs. Some cultures have many superstitious beliefs that they have embraced for many years and have passed on from generations to generations. Not all signs come from God. We have an enemy who knows us very well. He knows all our weaknesses, our history and especially our vulnerabilities. If we have a relationship with God, the enemy will have a hard time using his own tactics to trick us.
Jesus is the sign that God’s mercy and grace has come.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your gift of salvation.
REFLECTION
Why should we be careful to ask for signs when making decisions or choices?
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

FORGIVE & REAFFIRM YOUR LOVE Poem Devotional

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December 23________________________________________
It is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him. -2 Corinthians 2:7-8(NLT)
FORGIVE & REAFFIRM YOUR LOVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When someone offends you and did you wrong
Forgive and don’t stay upset for very long
Just as Christ commanded us to pardon endlessly
We ought to forgive and reaffirm our love kindly.
When we do wrong and confess our sins, we are forgiven
You don’t want others to feel condemned and forsaken
Pardoning others who have wronged you is an act of grace
Forgive and give up your pride so you can se God face to face.
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When you have wronged someone, realized what you did and confessed your sin, what do you feel? Don’t you feel relieved and the burden taken away? What if you actually asked forgiveness directly to the person you offended and he doesn’t’ accept your apology. It would be painful and probably discouraging, won’t it? The bible teaches us to forgive seventy times seven which means infinity. How many times have you been forgiven for committing the same sins over and over again? Why does it take you long to give pardon right away to someone who have wronged you? God forgives us right away and erases our sins the minute we confess. When we don’t give mercy to someone, they can be discouraged.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your mercy daily.
REFLECTION
Why do you think it takes forever for us to give mercy and forgiveness?
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

CAST YOUR CARES TO GOD Poem Devotional

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burks falls 2014,barrie,erin, stanley hoop 093December 22________________________________________
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. -1 Peter 5:7(NLT)
CAST YOUR CARES TO GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Is something bothering you lately?
God is there and cares for you constantly
Give all your worries and cares to Christ
He loves you more than anyone in this life.
Whenever you feel lonely and sad, run to him
He will give you strength so you can overcome sin
Cast your cares to the only One who understands you
He has power to make you whole and brand new.
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There were many years of my life that I carried all my burdens alone. I was made to believe that someone who is strong doesn’t need anyone else. I relied on myself alone because I knew from experience that many people are not trustworthy and haven’t been really there for me in times of trouble. I was independent from anyone else for so many years. I acted like a super woman, trying to tell myself that I didn’t really need anyone. It wasn’t long when I got so sick that I had to depend on my little boy who was barely eight years old. God taught me a lesson. I can’t make it in life alone, especially not without his help.
The bible tells us that we need to cast our cares to God because he loves us immensely.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me how to always rely on you especially in times of weakness.
REFLECTION
What happens when you don’t share your burdens with Jesus?
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