PRAYER FOR STUBBORN HEARTS Poem Devotional

Posted on April 30, 2017 by ilmaarts

May 1

And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart – Ezekiel 36:26(NLT)

PRAYER FOR STUBBORN HEARTS

A poem and essay by ILMA

Lord, we lift up to you all those hearts are stubborn

Give them someone who can lead them to the right direction

Let them know that they can run to you and not be condemned

Provide a repentant heart so they’ll stop the tendency to blame.

Replace their hearts of stone to one that is responsive and tender

Change the way they look at things so they’ll know your character

Heal them from past hurts and abuse they have gone through

Release them from the enemy and help them discern your truth.

The world is full of hearts that have turned into stone. This epidemic has caused many failed relationships and even physical death to many people. When hearts are stubborn, people fail to see God’s goodness and faithfulness. Pride is the root cause of a hard heart. Hurts and abuses can usually turn a person’s heart into stone. The bible tells us about God’s promise to change our stony stubborn hearts and replace it with a tender and responsive hearts. Before he can do that, we need to let him in and do his job. He is the only one who can change it.

PRAYER

Lord, show me how to seek your heart always.

REFLECTION

What blocks people God’s invitation to have a relationship 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

PRAISE TO A GREAT KING Poem Devotional

Posted on April 29, 2017 by ilmaarts

April 30________________________________________
Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods. -Psalm 95:1-3(NLT)
PRAISE TO A GREAT KING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Lift up your hands and shout joyfully to Jesus, our great king
Let us come with a humble heart and much thanksgiving
Let us sing psalms and hymns for he is worthy of all praise
He is faithful grant us forgiveness and constantly give us grace.
The Lord is a great God who looks after his own people
He grants us mercy and never wants us to be crippled
The Lord is all-powerful, all-knowing and full of wisdom
Praise to a great king, who redeems and grants us freedom.
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Praise means to express admiration or approval of the achievements or characteristics of a person or thing. It has seven Hebrew words for praise.
1. “Halal” means to rave or celebrate
2. “Yadah” means worshiping with extended hands
3. “Towdah” means acceptance
4. “Shabach” means to shout out
5. “Barak” means to kneel down
6. “Zamar” means to sing or pluck an instrument
7. “Tehillah” means to involve music and hymns
Doesn’t it amaze you how much depth of meaning is into this word? We are asked to praise a great king, Jesus Christ.
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PRAYER
Lord, I praise and glorify your most precious name.
REFLECTION
What is your preferred form of praising 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

A HUNGER TO KNOW THE LORD Poem Devotional

Posted on April 29, 2017 by ilmaarts

April 29________________________________________
I want you to show love not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings. – Hosea 6:6(NLT)
A HUNGER TO KNOW THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you desire to have a deep relationship with Christ?
Does your life become a reflection of God’s light?
Do you hunger and thirst for a spiritual intimacy?
Do you crave to know him more daily?
Do you show love not just by burnt offerings?
He wants you to love more than anything
The Lord reveals himself to those who hunger for him
He will fulfill his promises to them who are free from sin.
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King David was someone who has a heart for seeking God. He, among all the bible characters have a hunger to know the Lord longed much to be intimate with him. God chose this man because he cried out to him. Though he sinned much and was weak, God still chose him to be part of Jesus’ lineage. David’s honesty, humility and dependence on God is clearly depicted in the book of Psalms. He bares his whole heart just so he can understand the Lord’s plan when things do not go the way he thinks it should go. God didn’t choose a perfect person, but an ordinary man, who have an extraordinary hunger for him. God requires us to love much rather than burnt offerings and sacrifices.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me never stop hungering for you.
REFLECTION
What benefits can you gain when you are constantly hungry to know 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

A WAY TO WORSHIP Poem Devotional

Posted on April 27, 2017 by ilmaarts

April 28________________________________________
In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy. And I want women to be modest in their appearance.
– 1 Timothy 2:8-9(NLT)
A WAY TO WORSHIP
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind?
Are you committed to stay in his light and not be blind?
One way to worship is to lift your hands up to the Lord
Let go of anger and all controversies so you can give him laud.
Women must be modest in their appearance and attitude
They ought to submit to their husbands yet have fortitude
God gave us everything, so we must give him all the glory
Be godly and pure of heart and you’ll never be sorry.
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In 1 Timothy 2:8-9, there is a requirement from God how to do worship. We are asked to lift our holy hands to God. This may seem like an outward posture, but I think that there is an underlying meaning to this stance. It symbolizes an act of submission, acknowledgment and thanksgiving to him who created everything. It shows honor to a holy God. With this stance, we must also be free from anger and any controversy. The women were specifically instructed to be modest in their appearance. I’d like to think that this includes her demeanor and gentle speech.
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PRAYER
Thank you for guiding us how we must give you honor, Lord.
REFLECTION
Why is it important for a Christian woman to be modest in her appearance?
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 MOST IMPORTANT THING Poem Devotional

Posted on April 26, 2017 by ilmaarts

April 27________________________________________
There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it and it will not be taken away from her. -Luke 10:42(NLT)
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING
A poem and essay by ILMA
What things do you consider valuable in life?
Is it to be looked up to or to stay in God’s light?
Seeking and obeyin¬¬g Christ’s teaching is essential
Those who discover it, they will find it beneficial.
Only by depending on Jesus will we be victorious
It is by focusing on others that we become less oblivious
There is no other way but to follow Jesus
Come to the only one who is worthy and glorious.
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Many of us seem to be distracted by things that are not really that important. Sometimes we get caught up in the details and chaos in our lives and we miss out what is really valuable in life. I taught Art for many decades and one of the hardest things to do is to choose the subject you want to draw or paint. It may take awhile before one can decide which one to select. I usually give only a ten-minute time frame for my students to decide from a few choices. The more choices, the longer it takes to decide.
Just like in painting, we also need to make choices in life in order to grow. Following Jesus and obeying his teachings are essential to live a victorious life.
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PRAYER
Lord, keep me away from all sorts of distractions and focus only on you.
REFLECTION
Why is seeking God the most important thing in life?

TRUE WORSHIP Poem Devotional

Posted on April 26, 2017 by ilmaarts

April 26________________________________________
Her sister, Mary, sat the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. -Luke 10:39-40(NLT)
TRUE WORSHIP
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is in your heart and mind today?
Do you have peace and joy each day?
Do you listen to Jesus when he teaches you?
Are you allowing your heart and mind to be renewed?
What distracts you from true worship and praise?
Is it your busy-ness that keeps you from being amazed?
True worship is quietly listening to what he is teaching
It is hearing what he is convicting you with and obeying it.
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The two sisters, Martha and Mary are examples of how true worship should be according to Christ. In Luke 10, we are given a picture of the differences of how people worship. Strong’s Hebrew definition of worship is “sagad” which means to bow down or fall down. In both Hebrew and Greek, there are two categories of words for worship. The first is about body language that demonstrates respect and submission; to bow down, to kneel, to prostrate oneself. The second is about doing something for God that demonstrates sacrifice and obedience; to offer, to serve. Martha was worshiping God with her service. She was very distracted by what is really more important which is what Mary did, to sit on Jesus’ feet and listening to his teachings. Worship is about focusing on Jesus, not on our works.
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PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from distractions that s top me from losing out on your teachings.
REFLECTION
How do you worship?
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

PRAYER FOR UNDERSTANDING TRUTH

Posted on April 25, 2017 by ilmaarts

April 25________________________________________
Help me to understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. – Psalm 119:27(NLT)
PRAYER FOR UNDERSTANDING TRUTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Help me to understand the meaning of your word, Lord
Give me time to meditate on it to overcome this world
May your wisdom penetrate all human reasoning
May you give us discernment to have your understanding
May your truth pierce our hearts so we can be free
May we obey your commands so we will be able to see
May all our faculties seek you first in everything we do
May we remember to praise you and always seek the truth.
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So many confusing teachings have penetrated people’s thinking. The enemy does everything to keep us from knowing the truth. He distracts us either subtly or outright. How do we protect ourselves from such dangerous tactics? It took me a long time to finally seek the truth. I had a long journey because I believed so many lies perpetuated by the enemy. It kept me over four decades in captivity. Satan stole many years of understanding. How he did it was so clever. He gave me half-truths and prevented me from really knowing the real truth by many distractions.
The bible tells us to ask God for help so we can understand the meaning of his commands and meditate o his wonderful deeds.
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PRAYER
Lord, keep me focused on your truth.
REFLECTION
What are some of the half-truths that you were delivered from by 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

A STRAIGHT AND SAFE PATH Poem Devotional

Posted on April 24, 2017 by ilmaarts

April 24________________________________________
Mark out a straight path for your feet: stay on the safe path. Don’t get side tracked. Keep your feet from following evil. – Proverbs 4:26-27(NLT)
A STRAIGHT AND SAFE PATH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you choose the crooked path to life
You begin to divert and lose God’s light
Mark out a straight path for your feet
Stay with Jesus and you’ll be far from defeat.
Don’t get side tracked, keep away from evil
When you abide in Christ, it angers the devil
Fix your eyes on Jesus and you will be brave
Keep a pure heart and God will make you safe.
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Have you ever planned to go somewhere ahead of time? When going on a camping or a vacation, I usually plan ahead on the easiest route to take. With technology advancement, google maps and other navigation devices have made people’s travel easier. They may not always be foolproof but they can guide you to your destination. It is beneficial if you know the place you are going to rather than just relying on these devices’ direction. When we depend on these navigation technologies too much, it can divert us from relying on the Lord’s leading. Sometimes the world will tell us to choose a certain path that draws us away from what God is teaching us. Fixing your eyes Jesus will bring you to the straight and safe path to him.
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PRAYER
Lord, keep me safe in your truth.
REFLECTION
Why is total surrender to God the best way we can stay on track towards heaven?
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

FIX YOUR EYES ON JESUS

Posted on April 23, 2017 by ilmaarts

April 23________________________________________
Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies ahead before you. – Proverbs 4:25(NLT)
FIX YOUR EYES ON JESUS
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is going on in your life these days?
Do they align with God’s commands and his ways?
Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on Jesus
Have a relationship with him and break being religious.
The Lord has great plans to prosper your life
Look straight on what lies ahead and stay in his light
Don’t allow delays and distractions to keep you going
These are the devil’s tactics to stop you from progressing.
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In Matthew 14:22-36, we are told of the story of Jesus walking on the water and Peter wanting to come to him and be able to do so too. In verse 27 Jesus tells Peter not to be afraid because he was there. Peter, being bold, asked Jesus to let him walk on the water and he was told to come and join him. He was already walking on the water until he got distracted by the strong winds and the waves. He began to sink because he didn’t fix his gaze on Jesus. He took of his eyes of him and looked around him. Just like Peter, we need to fix our eyes on Jesus so we can see what is ahead of us. We need not be distracted by our past and what is around us.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me keep my eyes fixed on you always.
REFLECTION
What distracts you from making Jesus your priority?
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 REWARD OF FINISHING Poem Devotional

Posted on April 21, 2017 by ilmaarts

THE REWARD OF FINISHING
April 22________________________________________
Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride. -Ecclesiastes 7:8(NLT)
THE REWARD OF FINISHING
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you bring a concept to reality, you are beginning something
It takes courage and inspiration to present your ideas into being
You will need diligence and perseverance to continue working
It may present some challenges and bumps but keep on grinding.
Bringing the plan into reality and finishing it will reap rewards
It will teach you patience and endurance like you never had
Finishing is better than starting and patience is better than pride
Let the Lord be in all your endeavors and never put him aside.
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How many people start a project or something and never really finished it? I began my visual arts career as a painter and photographer over two decades ago. Without any formal training in Fine Arts, I was able to sell over 400 works in my lifetime up to this day. Some masters of Arts like Van Gogh passed away without seeing the rewards of their hard work. If he could only see how much value people have put in his paintings, then he would have been fulfilled as a painter. I thank the Lord that he has blessed me with a prolific art career. The secret ingredient in my art prowess is to paint daily to exercise and to finish what I started each time.
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PRAYER
Lord, show me each time the enemy steals my time and ideas to hinder my progress.
REFLECTION
What stops you from starting or finishing a work?
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: April 2017