Monthly Archives: January 2017

LIFE SPAN OF HUMANS

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February 1________________________________________
Methuselah lived 969 years, and then he died. Then the Lord said, “My Spirit will not put up with humans for such a long time, for they are only mortal flesh. In the future, their normal lifespan will be no more than 120 years.” – Genesis 5:27,6:3(NLT)
LIFE SPAN OF HUMANS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you ever wonder how old can humans live?
They use to survive for as long 969 years
Methuselah was the oldest man on earth
He was the grandfather of Noah who built the ark.
Later on God observed how people lived in wickedness
It broke his heart that they are full of unrighteousness
He found that Noah was a good man to start a new world
He wanted people to seek him more and abide by his word.
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The longest human lifespan is that of Jeanne Calment of France (1875–1997), who lived to the age of 122 years. In Genesis 5, we are given an account of the oldest man to live, Methuselah. He died at 969 years old. If you will take a close look at the descendants of Adam, most of them lived from 777-969 years of age. In Genesis 6 we find out why God had shortened the lifespan of men. The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness and decided to save only the good and start a new world with Noah and his family.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me live all the days of my life for you.
REFLECTION
Who was the oldest person you have met? What was it life to meet them?
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 EVERLASTING LOVE

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January 31________________________________________
Long ago, the Lord said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people with an everlasting love. With unfailing love, I have drawn you to myself. I will rebuild you, my virgin Israel. You will again be happy and dance merrily with your tambourines. –Jeremiah 31:3-4 (NLT)
GOD’S EVERLASTING LOVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
From the time we were created in our mothers’ wombs
God loved us much and wants us all to grow and bloom
He loves us unconditionally like no one else will ever do
He has proven his faithfulness to us by being true.
The Lord draws us to himself so we can rejoice
He first loved us; let’s always make him as our first choice
God’s everlasting love is manifested when he restores us all
He will never allow us to suffer, be captives or continually fall.
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There have been many movies written and filmed that focuses on romantic endless love. Sometimes they can be very foolish and many people get trapped in expecting that real love is like how they portrayed it in the movie screen. The world has contaminated the real essence of love by focusing on external actions instead of looking at the intentions or reasons for their commitment. Society dictates that love is a mushy feeling inside us which is actually a lie. The real meaning of love lies in God’s unconditional and everlasting love for us all.________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for loving me unconditionally and eternally.
REFLECTION
How can you show unconditional love for 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

PROSPERITY & PROTECTION Poem Devotional

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canadablooms 143 (2)January 30________________________________________
There will be joy and songs of thanksgiving, and I will multiply my people, not diminish them; I will honor them, not despise them. Their children will prosper as they did long ago. I will establish them as a nation before me, and I will punish anyone who hurts them.
– Jeremiah 30:19-20(NLT)
PROSPERITY & PROTECTION
A poem and essay by ILMA
To those who believe in the Lord, there will be rejoicing
They will continue to grow their faith and give thanksgiving
The Lord will multiply his people and prosper them in life
Their children will partake of God’s promises and his light.
God will establish believers and ensure their protection
He loves his children and provides for all their provision
Do not fear for the Lord always blesses his people
He will never forsake those who are always faithful.
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The Lord has poured out so many blessings on all of his people. He fulfills his promises to all of his followers. One of the many things that he promised was prosperity, honor and protection. Some Christians do not even realize all these blessings because they are so focused on material stuff. They miss out on being grateful for a good job, a good relationship, good health, provision for needs, and many more. They shift their focus on things that they do not have. The bible tells us of God’s promise of prosperity and protection.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for all your promises and for fulfilling them.
REFLECTION
What blessings have you received that you need to thank God for?

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 PROMISE OF HOMECOMING

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January 29________________________________________
This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again.”
– Jeremiah 29:10(NLT)
THE PROMISE OF HOMECOMING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you been astray from God’s path?
It is not late; he wants you back
He has promised to bring you home again
Have you given up and think all is in vain?
God loves you and awaits your return
He is faithful to you, he longs and yearns
Come back and avail of your homecoming
You will experience his warm welcoming.
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It took seventy years of captivity for the Israelites to come back to their land. Why did it take that long? They weren’t willing to give up their idols and insolence. If they have listened to Jeremiah’s prophecy and repented from their sins, they could have saved themselves the long suffering.
We are sometimes like the Israelites. We can be stubborn and proud and keep on committing the same sins over and over again. I can attest to this because my captivity from the generational strongholds took about fifty years until I came back home to my Lord, almost as long as the Israelite’s captivity.
The bible tells us that the Lord promises us so much if we only come home to him and give up rebellion.________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for welcoming me back to you.
REFLECTION
What prevents you from coming home to 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

Begin to Obey the Lord poem devotional

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January 28________________________________________
The Lord sent me to prophesy against this Temple and this city. The Lord gave me every word that I have spoken. But if you stop your sinning and begin to obey the Lord your God, he will change his mind about this disaster that he has announced against you.
– Jeremiah 26:12-13(NLT)
BEGIN TO OBEY THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
The Lord send us prophets so we can begin to meditate
Look and carefully examine how you are and how you relate
If there is any sin you have been convicted of, confess it
God will change you and you will be filled with his Spirit.
Begin to obey whatever the Lord asks of you
You will be amazed at what he can do
Miracles are not far to those who choose obedience
Disasters come to those who continue to be insolent.________________________________________
Many of us including me have at one point in our lives been insolent. I think it is normal for teenagers to go through this phase in their lives so that they can learn to see what the consequences of their wrong choices can bring about. But if it is a middle age person who continues to act like a rebel without a cause, there must be sin that is not seen at all.
The bible tells us how the prophet Jeremiah begged the Israelites to change and stop sinning so God will spare them the disaster.
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PRAYER
Thank you Lord for protecting us and warning us.
REFLECTION
Why is it essential to listen to warnings, especially from God’s prophets?
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

A WARNING TO THE UNRULY Poem Devotional

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January 27________________________________________
Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord says: If you will not listen to me and obey my word I have given you and if you will not listen to my servants, the prophets-for I sent them again and again to warn you, but you would not listen to them-then I will destroy this temple. I will make Jerusalem an object of cursing in every nation on earth.’
– Jeremiah 26:4-5,6(NLT)
A WARNING TO THE UNRULY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you still rebelling against God’s will?
Be warned for the consequences are for real
The Lord says that if we listen and obey his word
We will be on our way to have triumph over the world.
God warns us of the consequences of disobedience
Destruction is in the offing if you continue your insolence
Don’t let time fly by and not heed this cautioning
You will be sorry if you didn’t follow this warning.
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There were many years of my life that I lived in disobedience to my parents and to God. I wallowed in the abuses and criticisms that I grew into and carried it to my adult life. As a result, I was surrounded by negative people who thought like me. I embraced bitterness and as a result, I lived a cursed life. The moment I re-committed to God and obeyed his word, he transformed me and my entire life flourished.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for restoring me.
REFLECTION
Why do you think obedience is paramount to our salvation?
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

BUILD THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD Poem Devotional

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January 26________________________________________
Anyone of you who are his people may go to Jerusalem in Judah to rebuild this Temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives in Jerusalem. And may your God be with you.
–Ezra 1:3 (NLT)
BUILD THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Anyone of you who is a believer must be faithful
Be obedient to the Lord and build his temple
Read his word and meditate on it day and night
You will be given strength and have a share of the Lord’s might.
All believers are called to preach the good news
They are expected not only to read but actively use
Invest your time and effort in building God’s kingdom
Your rewards from him will be beyond what you can fathom.
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In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the Lord fulfilled the prophecy he had given through the prophet Jeremiah (29:10-14). This king was instructed by God to rebuild his temple by releasing all the Jews in Babylon. All those who were captives were to take part in rebuilding the temple. It was the beginning of the promise of God to save his people spoken by Jeremiah in one of his prophecies before they were taken captives by the Babylonians.
As believers, we are expected to rebuild the Temple of the Lord, not just in physical state, but also in a spiritual level.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to execute my part in rebuilding your temple.
REFLECTION
What have you done to partake of spreading God’s kingdom?
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 COMMIT TO GOD Poem Devotional

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January 25________________________________________
For the gracious hands of his God was on him. This was because Ezra was determined to study and obey the law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people. – Ezra 7:9-10 (NLT)
WHEN YOU COMMIT TO GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
To those who choose to commit to God
You are actually bringing him praise and laud
When you commit to God, you become the offering
It brings you anointing and many more blessings.
When you commit to God, your views changes
He makes you see things his way so you can face challenges
When you commit to God, you become wise
It makes you qualified to give good advice.
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The book of Ezra provides a link in the history of the Israelites. When their king was dethroned and captured, the Israelites were exiled to Babylon. They stopped being a nation because of this captivity. This book gives us a narrative of the Jews, gathering their strength and rebuilding what had been destroyed. Ezra declared that they were still God’s people and that God had not forgotten them. In this significant book, we witness the rebuilding of the new temple, the unification of the returning tribes as they shared common struggles and were challenged to work together.
The bible tells us that when we commit to studying God’s character and his commands, his gracious hands is on us.________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, help me to stay committed to following you and getting to know you deeper.
REFLECTION
What results from a faithful studying and following God’s 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

WELL DONE MY CHILD!

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January 24________________________________________
Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrated together.
–Matthew 25:21 (NLT)
WELL DONE MY CHILD!
A poem and essay by ILMA
When the Lord lets you take care of his flock
Are you able to follow his will or do you get stuck?
If you want to have an abundance or overflow
You must be faithful to continue in order for you to grow.
If you want more gifts and blessings
Prove that you can be responsible with little things
He wants to say to you “Well done my child”
Keep on seeking the Lord and always abide.
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Each person has a longing to be approved and hear that we did well. In order for us to get that affirmation, we need to work at something. God is overflowing with generosity and mercy. He wants the best for us always, but a lot of us turn our backs and mistreat our own selves. Have you been faithful enough to steward the things that God has blessed you with? Just like when you work for someone, you only get a promotion if you have proven your dedication to your job. We are expected to be faithful in handling small things in order for us to be given more. We can only be promoted if we continue to be good and faithful to the Lord.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to be able to live up to your expectations.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you heard God approved of your 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

USE WELL WHAT’S GIVEN Poem Devotional

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January 23________________________________________
To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. – Matthew 25:29(NLT)
USE WELL WHAT’S GIVEN
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you see the gifts that God gave you generously?
Do you use well what you were given wholeheartedly?
Is it a gift to speak, teach, create, or give time to others?
Is it a passion for life or a chance to be a blessing to one another?
More will be given too those who use well that they received
They will have an abundance especially if they continue to give
Bless others unceasingly with the gifts you have been given
It shows your love for him and opens the gates of heaven.
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Many people live their lives without even recognizing what gifts they have been given by God. They get so wrapped up in the world’s constant dictate to want more and miss out on what they already have. The enemy blinds people with material wants instead of focusing on using what they already have.
I have been blessed with so much talents and spiritual gifts but for many years I didn’t use it to glorify God but I wanted recognition for them. It didn’t take long when God finally revealed to me that I haven’t been using it for his glory.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me have a grateful heart to recognize all that you have given me.
REFLECTION
What gifts can you hone to bring God more glory?
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