Monthly Archives: April 2017

GIVE JESUS YOUR HEART Poem Devotional

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April 21________________________________________
O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes take delight in following my ways.
-Proverbs 23:26(NLT)
GIVE JESUS YOUR HEART
A poem and essay by ILMA
How many times have your heart been broken by someone?
Have you become callous as a result of being hurt by anyone?
Have you been discouraged by evil that is in this world?
Trust Jesus for he will cleanse you with his word.
Give your heart to Jesus and he will make you pure again
Seek his help and your prayers will not be in vain
Surrender yourself to the one who gave you life
He will transform you if you stay in his light.
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For many years, my heart was hardened because of the many painful experiences that I underwent. I wallowed in self-pity and lived in the city of regret. I complained about what I don’t have and compared myself with others. As a result, I became a very bitter and critical person. I didn’t realize that it was poisoning my whole being. My mind kept on thinking about all the painful events. It didn’t take long before the detrimental effects if such stinking thinking manifested in my life. I became very proud and relied heavily on myself. Independence and self-sufficiency became my coping mechanism. It completely closed my heart to reach out to God. When I gave my heart to Jesus, he changed it and made me hungry for him.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me a heart that desires you always.
REFLECTION
What do you think makes a person’s heart hardened?
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 RESCUER Poem Devotional

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April 20________________________________________
Then call on me when you are in trouble and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.
-Psalm 50:15(NLT)
THE RESCUER
A poem and essay by ILMA
Is there something that troubles you today?
Are you so discouraged by what people say?
Does grief or pain overcome your whole being?
Run to the rescuer and he will bring you healing.
Summon Jesus when you are in distress and very weak
He promises to deliver you from any situation, just speak
Call the name above all names and he will come to you
He will give you strength, courage and change your view.
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According to an article written by Kara Pendleton on how long on average it takes for a police to respond to a 911 call, as of 2013, the reported national average for police response was 11 minutes. Not many cities ‘advertise’ their response times. Of those that have numbers that have gone public, the most recent data shows that emergency calls dispatched through 911 are not generating the quick response times the public would like. According to the latest Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) data (2008), police response times when violent crimes were called in ranged from under 5 minutes to longer than one day. Can you imagine how much life was at risk when there is no response right away?
The bible asks us to call on Jesus and he will instantly rescue you.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me always call on you when I am in trouble.
REFLECTION
What happens when we don’t call on God during trouble or difficulties?
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

AGREEING WITH THE LORD Poem Devotional

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April 19________________________________________
You make plans that are contrary to mine. You make alliances not directed by my Spirit, thus piling up your sins. -Isaiah 30:1(NLT)
AGREEING WITH THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know what God has planned for your life?
Are your plans contrary to his or do you live in his light?
If you totally agree with the Lord, there is much anointing
If you make alliances not directed by him, you’ll lose his blessings.
Agreeing with the Lord in everything you do will bring you success
If you defy his plans, you will not make any progress
Be sure to consult and make your plans according to his will
It will definitely bring you closer to him and farther from sin.
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I once lived with someone who was a high conflict person. He always contradicts anyone automatically, almost like a reflex. After a while, I couldn’t understand why I was always drained. He sucks the energy out of me. The more I respond, the bigger his reaction. When I realized that he will not stop, I learned to disengage and just be quiet. I started agreeing with him even though I don’t think he is right. The conflicts stopped and I had peace.
Agreeing with someone close to you is very important in a relationship. Discord and arguments destroy relationships and people. Living out of God’s plan is rebellion and leads to sin.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to live in your will always.
REFLECTION
What happens when you contradict God’s plans for you?
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 FAITHFULNESS TO BELIEVERS Poem Devotional

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April 18________________________________________
I will give them hearts that recognize me as the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me wholeheartedly. -Jeremiah 24:7(NLT)
GOD’S FAITHFULNESS TO BELIEVERS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know how much God loves you?
Have you personally been changed and renewed?
God is faithful to all those who believe and give him laud
He will give them wisdom to recognize him as Lord
He will claim believers as his own people and will bless them
He will restore each one who believes in the one he has sent
He promises salvation to all who return to him wholeheartedly
They will experience countless favors, victory, power and authority.
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Wouldn’t you want a life of peace, joy and victory? What else is preventing you from surrendering your life to God? For many years, I lived dwelling in pain. I tried to compensate the hurt with over-achievements. As a result, I became focused on patting my back for a job well done which turned into idolatry. I idolized my abilities and used it to cover up the emptiness of being devalued and loved. It prevented me from recognizing the Lord as the source of all my gifts. It muted God’s voice in my heart. When I returned and re-committed to him wholeheartedly, he transformed me and gave me a new life.
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PRAYER
Lord, remove anything that would mute your voice in my life or distract me from praising you.
REFLECTION
Why is it necessary to give our whole life to 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

GIVE UP YOUR HEART OF STONE Poem Devotional

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April 17________________________________________
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)
GIVE UP YOUR HEART OF STONE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you been garnering doubts and resentments?
Is stubbornness preventing you from making commitments?
Has your progress been hampered by un-forgiveness?
Accept Christ and you’ll experience peace and happiness.
Give up your heart of stone, let Jesus replace it with tenderness
Allow him to give you a new heart that is full of meekness
He promised that he will live in your heart if you believe
If you commit to Jesus, you will learn to give and to forgive.
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There were many decades of my life consumed by hurts and pains. I didn’t even realize that I had a hardened heart. It became a coping mechanism to cover up the pain through performance and proving to everyone that I had worth. I believed in the lies that I wasn’t good enough for anyone to love. It went on for so long because I opened the door for the enemy to use the painful experiences to keep me from growing spiritually. When I became a born-again Christian, God gave changed my stony, stubborn heart to a compassionate, generous, tender and forgiving heart. What a transformation! He gave me a new heart, new friends and new life.
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PRAYER
May all persons who cling to their hardened hearts experience your love.
REFLECTION
Why is it essential for a Christian to receive healing from hardened heart?
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

PATIENCE IN TROUBLE Poem Devotional

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April 16________________________________________
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying.
– Romans 12:12(NLT)
PATIENCE IN TROUBLE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you encounter difficulties and trials
Run to God’s throne instead of being in denial
Be patient in trouble and keep on praying
He will guide you, keep on trusting.
Continue to rejoice and be hopeful
There’s no point in being doubtful
Expect the best despite all adversities
God will bring about favor and victory.
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When we are beset by troubles, our natural reaction is usually panic and worry. We analyze and problem solve instead of running to God for help. We like to think that we can do it on our own and as a result, we fail. Patience is one of the fruits of the Spirit. It is not something we can work on. The dictionary definition of patience is “the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.” I think that this meaning is close to how the word of God meant it as well. The capacity to have this fruit of the Spirit is a favor or grace given to that person who believes and rely on God’s goodness. It is not something we can automatically do or work at. The more we believe, the more we will be hopeful. When we are expecting the best out of something, we receive the fruit of patience.
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PRAYER
Lord, grant me an unwavering faith so I can reap patience.
REFLECTION
How does impatience manifest in your daily 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

PLANTING AND NURTURING Poem Devotional

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April 15________________________________________
The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. -1 Corinthians 3:8(NLT)
PLANTING AND NURTURING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you plant God’s word in your life
You are actually living in his glorious light
When you water God’s truth with your obedience
You become a testimony and learn resilience.
The one who plants and the one who waters work together
Both will be rewarded for and receive a life that’s forever
Whenever we plant and nurture the seeds of God’s word
It will transform us and make us overcome this wicked world.
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I love plants and have been a gardener since high school. Despite small spaces I’ve lived in the past, I always have plants either indoor or outdoor. It is such a fulfilling moment when the seeds that you sow will later on bear flowers, fruits or bloom at their best. Many think that “green thumb” is a gift, but I disagree with that. If you make a choice to care for a plant, the success of that decision will be dependent on how you follow through with nurturing it with water, care and attention.
The bible tells us the same thing. If we plant and nurture the truths that God gave us, we will be rewarded for it and reap fruits from the hard work.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me focus on the fruit rather than the work as I grow my faith.
REFLECTION
How can we reap fruits of the Spirit in our 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

INNOCENT YET MATURE Poem Devotional

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April 14________________________________________
Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters of this kind. -1 Corinthians 14:20(NLT)
INNOCENT YET MATURE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you let no corrupt thoughts occupy your mind
You are guarding your heart and staying pure
When you feed on God’s word, you won’t be blind
You become aware of the enemy’s tactics to lure.
Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil
By staying pure, you protect yourself from corruption
Be watchful with all the tricks of the devil
By seeking God, you are going to receive His redemption.
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Ignorance is defined as lack of knowledge or information while innocence means being pure or uncorrupted. When it comes to civil laws, each citizen of a country will you be obliged to follow it, wouldn’t they? They can’t tell the cop that I didn’t know that the speed limit for that area was such. They will still be given a ticket if they go over the limit and have consequences on their driver’s license. Is ignorance of God’s law an excuse to be judged by the Lord? In 1 Corinthians 14:20m we are specifically instructed to be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but mature in understanding when it comes to God’s will and commands. Staying pure but hungering for knowing his desires and plan for us is the formula for salvation.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to stay focused on you and not on this world.
REFLECTION
How can you stay innocent yet mature in this corrupt 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

SPECIAL ABILITIES Poem Devotional

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April 13________________________________________
Let love be your highest goal. But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives. -1 Corinthians 14:1(NLT)
SPECIAL ABILITIES
A poem and essay by ILMA
When God formed us in our mother’s womb
He gave us special abilities to use for good
He provided us a heart so we can love abundantly
He bestowed on us gifts to use them wisely.
Let love and not performance be your highest goal
By loving one another, we will make this a better world
Use the natural gifts you were given to serve the Lord
If you do it to prosper yourself, you are defying God’s word.
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It took me a while to find out the special gifts I had because of so much turmoil in my life. I believed so many lies that clouded these special abilities the Lord gave me. When I discovered some of these gifts, I hoarded them and glorified myself instead of thanking God for these blessings. I was fool to think that it was all mine. I didn’t know that they were supposed to be used for prospering God’s kingdom instead of consuming it for my own purpose. I think this is what is wrong with the world. We are all twisted to think that whatever we got is ours. The enemy wants us to focus on the “self” and blinds us to operate in fear and selfishness instead of love.
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PRAYER
Lord, protect me from selfishness so I can love fully.
REFLECTION
What roadblocks in your life prevent you from your highest goal which is “to love” ¬¬¬?

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

ACCOUNTABILITY Poem Devotional

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April 12________________________________________
For we are all responsible for our own conduct. -Galatians 6:5(NLT)
ACCOUNTABILITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
The Lord created humans and gave him full authority
What do you do to exercise your own accountability?
Do you apply the laws of boundaries in your life?
Do you take ownership for mistakes or do you fight?
We are all responsible for our own demeanor
Do we admit whenever we chose wrong behavior?
Accountability is the first step to grow spiritually
It is a rousing from the Spirit that gives us humility.
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When I was a teacher, I took delight in those students who were very responsible, diligent and persistent. I remembered a few of those girls during my fifteen-year tenure as a Speech and Visual Arts teacher. These students gave me inspiration to grow personally and professionally. They taught me to persist despite the others who were always blaming someone or something with their shortcomings. I witnessed how God blessed and showered them with many favors.
I grew up surrounded by blamers and it was very easy for me to take on what I learned from authorities around me. It made it very difficult to deal with people who whines and blames. They spin you around as well.
The bible tells us that we are all responsible for our own conduct. We need to exercise humility when we make mistakes and confess it and be accountable for it.
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PRAYER
Lord, caution me when I tend to blame.
REFLECTION
How can we be more responsible for our own choices and actions?
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