Monthly Archives: January 2017

HOLD ON TO INTEGRITY Poem Devotional

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January 22________________________________________
Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich. – Proverbs 28:6(NLT)
HOLD ON TO INTEGRITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who gain wealth by dishonest means
They will lose their riches and continually sin
Better to be poor than cheat your way to prosperity
God blesses those who are pure and full of integrity.
Do not ever compromise your dignity by cheating
It opens the door for you to be constantly sinning
Choose to be pure in God’s righteousness
It will keep you on track to focus on God’s goodness.
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There are many people who compromise their beliefs just to be rich. Money in itself is not bad but the love for money is the root of all evil (1Timothy 6:10). The world has tainted our priorities by making us desire and long for more.
In Daniel 3, King Nebuchadnezzar confronted of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who were friends of Daniel for not bowing to his god. They were tied up and thrown into the blazing furnace, but God saved these three faithful servant of his and showed the king a miracle. He saved the three so change Nebuchadnezzar’s heart. Because these three Christians held on to their integrity, God blessed and protected them. The same happened with Daniel in chapter 6 when the people tested the king’s rule about Daniel having a different God. Daniel was also saved from the lion.
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PRAYER
Lord, keep me pure and righteous for you.
REFLECTION
How did God show his faithfulness to those who are faithful in the story of Daniel and his friends.

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

GIVE THE BEST TO THE LORD Poem Devotional

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January 21________________________________________
When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. Abel also brought a gift-the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry and dejected. – Genesis 4:3-5(NLT)
GIVE THE BEST TO THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you prioritize God in everything you do?
He created you like him and he is always true
He faithfully gives you all that you need
Are you willing and able to give the best to him?
He expects the best portions from his children
It is only right because he wants us to inherit heaven
When we do not give our finest harvest to him
We are ungrateful for all the gifts and blessings.
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God made us all into his likeness. The bible says that God is love. So, if he made us out of love, we have the capacity to give love as well. Why do a lot of people give God the least and worst they have? He owns all things and yet we act like we do and not give him the best portions of the blessings he gave us.
In Genesis, we are shown that God accepts those who give the best portion to him, Abel and rejects Cain’s gift which isn’t the best of his harvest.
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PRAYER
Lord, remind me to always give you the best.
REFLECTION
Why is it important that we give our best 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

WHY WE STRUGGLE IN LIFE Poem Devotional

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January 20
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Since you listened to your wife and ate from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat, the ground is cursed because of you. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it. – Genesis 3:17(NLT)
WHY WE STRUGGLE IN LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you ever wonder why we always struggle?
We find ourselves faced with challenges and troubles
One day we can conquer, other days we lose
We seek to satisfy our desires and sometimes get lost.
So many people cannot understand why we struggle
They search and look for things that will win them battles
The fall of man is the reason why we face trials constantly
Struggling and striving are results of sinning incessantly.
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“Struggle” is defined as to try very hard to do, achieve, or deal with something that is difficult or that causes problems. When we struggle, we have compromised our peace and joy. Struggle originated from the first sin of man. In Genesis 3:17 we are given a clear picture of the consequence of sin which is to struggle.
I remember my dark years when I turned my back on God and lived for myself. Because I was hurt and not shown love, I rebelled and blamed God for the pain and suffering I went through. I didn’t realize that because I was living in sin, it automatically made me struggle.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me never turn my back on you.
REFLECTION
What does the Lord want you to do when you are beset by struggles?
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 RESULT OF SIN Poem Devotional

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January 19________________________________________
Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”– Genesis 3:10(NLT)
THE RESULT OF SIN
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you purposely go against God’s will
It will result in feelings of shame and guilt
Sin puts a wall between God and man
It opens the door for the enemy called Satan.
Shame is a lie that the enemy tricks us with
He wants us to wallow in pity and not get over sin
Run to God, confess your sins and you will be forgiven
He loves you that he allowed Jesus to die and be risen.
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The origin of “shame” can be traced back in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve decided to go against the will of God. Before they were tempted by Satan, they lived a very comfortable life. They didn’t have to work or do anything. They were surrounded by everything they could enjoy but there was only one thing that God asked them not to eat from, the tree of life. They were both naked before the fall of man. It never bothered them because they were innocent and pure. When they chose to disobey, something happened. They felt guilt and tried to hide from God. Shame became the result of their sin. They didn’t feel right to face God.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to never choose to go against you.
REFLECTION
Why do you think shame results from sin? How can you let go shame?
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 FUTILITY OF LIFE Poem Devotional

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January 18________________________________________
You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes. – Haggai 1:6(NLT)
THE FUTILITY OF LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you often wonder why you don’t harvest abundantly?
You work very hard yet you don’t reap much results easily
You put more hours toiling but seem to lose much time
You work day and night, yet there is still much to do and find
Life is futile when you don’t have Christ to look up to
It is pointless when you are blind and can’t see the truth
Your heavenly father awaits you to come back to him
He longs for you to return so he can free you from sin.
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There were many years of my life when I felt that it was meaningless. Those where the dark years when I turned my back on God. I isolated myself from others thinking that if I did, I will feel better. I felt hopeless and depressed those years I rebelled against my Lord. I just went to work, enjoyed every chance I can by gratifying my desires. Then it got to be so tiring. I finally decided to run back to Jesus. Until, we focus on him, our lives will always seem futile.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to constantly keep my eyes on you.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you felt that life was meaningless?
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 NEGLECT THE LORD Poem Devotional

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January 17________________________________________
Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? – Haggai 1:4 (NLT)
WHEN YOU NEGLECT THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you are always busy working to prosper yourself
You are neglecting your creator, the Lord God Himself
Whenever you prioritize other things instead of Him
You are opening the door for the enemy to win.
When you surround yourself with all the comforts in life
And then miss out God’s truth that brings us light
You are neglecting the Lord’s house by letting it lie in ruins
Don’t turn your back on the only one who can free you from sins.
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There are many people who get so busy accumulating wealth and hoarding comforts and conveniences in life. They have no time to read the word of God or even pray because they are so wrapped up in getting what they want in life. “Busy-ness” is a trick of the enemy to veer us away from our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ. The devil wants to create wants in life and make it appear like needs. Then we start to aspire and desire that thing which becomes a never ending goal to get. Then he creates more things for us to be busy with so we won’t have time for praising the Lord and building his kingdom. We should watch out that we don’t neglect the Lord and his kingdom.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to never neglect my priority which is to serve you first.
REFLECTION
What have you done to build 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

LIKE THE YEAST Poem Devotional

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January 16________________________________________
The kingdom of heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.
–Matthew 13:33 (NLT)
LIKE THE YEAST
A poem and essay by ILMA
God’s kingdom is like the yeast used to make breads
Even a small amount is used, it permeates and spreads
Each verse in the bible will make us grow spiritually
No matter how small it is, it will help us continually.
The word of God is useful for us to mature
It makes us see things clearly in a big picture
Like the yeast that helps to make the bread grow
The kingdom of heaven eases all trials and sorrows.
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Yeast is a microscopic fungus consisting of single oval cells that reproduce by budding., and are capable of converting sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The main purpose of yeast is to serve as a catalyst in the process of fermentation, which is essential in the making of bread. The purpose of any leavener is to produce the gas that makes bread rise. Yeast does this by feeding on the sugars in flour, and expelling carbon dioxide in the process. It is amazing how this little fungus is responsible for producing bread that is the staple food of some cultures. God’s kingdom is likened to a yeast that produces bread which brings life.
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PRAYER
Lord, allow me to be like a yeast in spreading your word.
REFLECTION
How often do you reflect on God’s truth and allow it to grow?
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

UNCONDITIONAL GIVING Poem Devotional

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January 15________________________________________
Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.
–Matthew 5:42 (NLT)
UNCONDITIONAL GIVING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you give to those who ask from you?
Do you respond right away or think it through?
Don’t turn away from those who want to borrow
Do it now and don’t wait until tomorrow .
Give unconditionally and expect nothing
You will reap God’s reward if you are giving
Look forward to the fruit of your generosity
You will be given blessings and have victory.
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I grew up in a third world country and people where I come from have to work very hard to be able to afford the basic necessities in life. We take care of what we earned and usually there is nothing extra to save. Sometimes, many people live in deficit for many years. Only those who are well off can actually afford to lend money or things. When I wasn’t a born again Christian yet, I cared much for things I worked hard for and rarely lend anyone my stuff. God changed me.
Do you weigh many things before you lend or give someone something? The bible tells us to give to those who ask. It didn’t specify that we have to scrutinize the situation before we give. We are also asked never to turn our backs to those who want to borrow something from us.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to be generous like you.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God wants us to be generous?
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

BRING US BACK LORD Poem Devotional

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January 14________________________________________
Joy has left our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning. Restore us, O Lord, and bring us back to you again! Give us back the joys we once had. – Lamentations 5:15,21 (NLT)
BRING US BACK LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Lord, bring us back to you so we can stop mourning
You created us so we can enjoy life and stop sinning
Restore us, O Lord, and give us back the joys we once had
Free us from lamenting and show us how to be glad.
Bring us back and pull us out from darkness
Help us to recover from this feeling of emptiness
Show us how to become more like you each day
Help us to prioritize you and regularly pray.
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Have you had a loss that caused you to grieve? Has this loss made you bitter and angry? Do you know the many phases of grief? There are many ways people deal with losses. Some avoid thinking about it. Others get stuck in bitterness and anger. Some continually blame someone or the Lord for that thing or person they lost. We can wallow in self-pity and lose our joy if we don’t focus on the Lord.
It took me many decades to even realize that I had many loses that got me stuck in anger and bitterness. When God revealed them to me, he restored my grief into joy.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to choose joy even in the most adverse situations.
REFLECTION
How can one bring back the joy once it is gone?
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

WEALTH BY UNJUST MEANS Poem Devotional

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January 13________________________________________
Like a partridge that hatches eggs she has not laid, so are those who get their wealth by unjust means. At midlife, they will lose their riches; in the end, they will become poor old fools. – Jeremiah 17:11(NLT)
WEALTH BY UNJUST MEANS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who get their wealth by unjust means
Are dishonest and are actually sinning
Like a partridge that hatches eggs she has not laid
They are actually stealing and will have to pay.
At midlife, they will lose their riches
They will become poor and have no resources
Gaining wealth dishonestly will drag you to ruin
They will eventually suffer the consequences of their sins.
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In my country of origin, graft and corruption is rampant. It was one of the reasons why I decided to migrate to Canada. I just had too much of it. Poverty does many things to people. When one is surrounded by so much dishonesty, it either makes you participate or totally turn away from the system. Struggling with being poor can become a lifestyle of striving. One can be desperate and use measures that can quickly alleviate the deficiency they are experiencing. Survival mode becomes a lifestyle. Cheating to get easy wealth can be another option. These are all worldly ways that we cope with mediocrity.
The bible warns us not to get wealth by unjust means because we will eventually lose them.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me never to lose my integrity.
REFLECTION
Why is dishonest ways to be rich discouraged in God’s people?
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