Monthly Archives: July 2017

PLAIN & CLEAR Poem Devotional

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July 30
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My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge.
-Proverbs 8:9(NLT)
PLAIN & CLEAR
A poem and essay by ILMA
To those who have wisdom and can hear God’s voice
His words are plain and clear; they rejoice
The Lord grants wisdom to those who hunger for him
He protects them from danger and all kinds of sins.
Only the ones who seek the truth are free
They are able to discern and easily see
Their hearts understand the simple truth
Their love for the Lord makes them choose the good.
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There are those who choose not to read the word of God because they don’t want correction or change anything in their lives. They are comfortable in their mess and are not able to hear God’s voice. I know how it is to be without wisdom and guidance from God. I lived many years of my life doing things my way. As a result of my rebellion, I missed out many opportunities to grow. I got sidetracked with many distractions, not realizing that the enemy was stealing my joy, peace and God’s vision for my life. The moment I re-committed to the Lord and became born again, I realized how much I could have done to realize the plans of God in my life. I allowed my selfishness and fear to cloud my mind and heart. God’s words are plain and clear.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to accept your wisdom and not the world’s ways.
REFLECTION
Show and tell an instance how God’s words are plain and clear.
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

SPEAK THE TRUTH AND BE RIGHT Poem Devotional

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July 29
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Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you. Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth and detest every kind of deception. – Proverbs 8:6-7(NLT)
SPEAK THE TRUTH AND BE RIGHT
A poem and essay by ILMA
When we focus on what is true, we receive freedom
Everything you say must be pointing to God’s kingdom
What is important to speak the truth in love
It leads us closer to the heaven up above.
If you are committed to Jesus, you detest deception
Lies are dishonoring to all of God’s creation
Speak only what is lovely, admirable and true
Keep your tongue from evil so you can stay pure.
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In James chapter 3, we are given a guideline on controlling the tongue. It says in verse 2 that, if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every way. So, the key to a disciplined and prudent life is in the tongue. Proverbs 18:21 says that the tongue can bring death or life. Even though it is a small thing as James 3:5 says, it can make grand speeches, but also, a tiny spark can set a great forest fire. It is the only thing humans cannot tame. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison (verse 8). We are cautioned to use our tongue only to speak the truth and detest every form of deception.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for guiding us with your truth. Help us to speak only what is true.
REFLECTION
How can we guard our mouth from deception?
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

ADULTERY BRINGS SHAME Poem Devotional

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July 28
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But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys himself. He will be wounded and disgraced. This shame will never be erased. – Proverbs 6:32-33(NLT)
ADULTERY BRINGS SHAME
A poem and essay by ILMA
To be unfaithful to the one you love is a form of adultery
It is a way of breaking your promise to your one and only
When you commit this sin, you destroy your relationship
It brings about pain and betrayal in your friendship.
Anyone who commits adultery is destroying himself
It brings chaos, shame and guilt to the inner self
The indignity of this act brings much pain and sorrow
Never commit this act so you won’t destroy your tomorrow.
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Easton bible dictionary defines “adultery” as conjugal infidelity. An adulterer was a man who had illicit intercourse with a married or a betrothed woman, and such a woman was an adulteress. Intercourse between a married man and an unmarried woman was fornication. Adultery was regarded as a great social wrong, as well as a great sin. Idolatry, covetousness, and apostasy are spoken of as adultery spiritually in Jeremiah 3:6-9 , Ezekiel 16:32, Hosea 1-3 and Revelation 2:22. In James 4:4, he calls those who are friends with the world as adulterers. One cannot be following the standards of this world and also be loyal to the Lord simultaneously. Anyone who commits adultery is destroying himself or herself.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me never be unfaithful to you and to all my commitments.
REFLECTION
Why do you think adultery brings so much 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

PLAYING WITH FIRE Poem Devotional

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July 27
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Can a man scoop a flame into his lap and not have his clothes catch on fire? Can he walk on hot coals and not blister his feet? – Proverbs 6:27-28(NLT)
PLAYING WITH FIRE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you find it pleasurable to play dangerous tricks?
Can someone expose himself to fire and not be sick?
When you fiddle with fire, you will probably burn
It is wise to seek truth so that you can really learn.
Stay away from playing with fire or you might get blisters
We are expected to turn from all kinds of tempters
You cannot expose yourself to evil and expect safety
It is best to run away from danger so you’ll have security.
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Pyromania is an impulse control disorder in which individuals repeatedly fail to resist impulses to deliberately start fires, in order to relieve tension or for instant gratification. There are specific symptoms that separate pyromaniacs from those who start fires for criminal purposes or due to emotional motivations not specifically related to fire. Someone suffering from this disorder deliberately and purposely sets fires on more than one occasion, and before the act of lighting the fire the person usually experiences tension and an emotional buildup. Sounds to me like a stronghold that keeps pyromaniacs in bondage to relieve themselves of their emotional upheaval. The bible tells us never to play with fire or we will get burned.
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PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from people who like to participate in evil ways.
REFLECTION
Why should we never play with fire or test evil ways?
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

PERVERTED HEARTS Poem Devotional

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July 26
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What are worthless and wicked people like? They are constant liars, signaling their deceit with a wink of the eye, a nudge of the food, or the wiggle of fingers. Their perverted hearts plot evil, and they constantly stir up trouble. – Proverbs 6:12-14(NLT)
PERVERTED HEARTS
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is in your heart today?
Does it dwell on God’s ways?
Does it plot to cause harm to others?
Is it concerned for your sisters and brothers?
Those who lie constantly have perverted hearts
They stir up conflicts and trouble never departs
They love evil and concoct all forms of deception
They give in easily to all kinds of corruption
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Salaph is the Hebrew word for “pervert.” It means to “twist” or “overturn.” When we hear the word pervert, we usually associate it with deviation from the normal way of doing sex. In other words, these people who engage in acts of perversion are twisting the way things are originally made or used for. There is such a thing as perverted hearts. These people are those who are wicked. They always plot evil and are trouble makers. They defy the real essence of what God made us for. Instead of operating in love, they live their lives to satisfy their own pleasures and whims. They lie constantly in order to manipulate others to give in to their wants. What is your heart’s condition?
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PRAYER
Lord, let me never give in to any form of perversion.
REFLECTION
How can we constantly guard our hearts from being perverted?
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 STUNTED SHRUBS IN THE DESERT Poem Devotional

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July 25
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Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert with no hope for the future. – Jeremiah 17:5-6(NLT)
LIKE STUNTED SHRUBS IN THE DESERT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Relying only on human strength will limit you
You won’t reach your full capacity and be renewed
Like stunted shrubs in the desert, you won’t grow
All hope for your future will be blown.
When you turn your hearts away from the Lord
You will find it difficult to navigate this world
Depend only on God who is limitless
Your possibilities will definitely be endless.
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Our world today focuses much on self-sufficiency. We, humans take pride in being able to do things on our own strength. There is nothing wrong with doing a good work, but if you take God out of the equation, you will find many deficits in your life. You were created for God and not for others and this corrupt world. If you prioritize things that are not good for your spirit, you are going to miss out on all the blessings and possibilities ahead of you. You will be like shrubs in the desert that are stunted because they lack water. Jesus Christ is living water. If we are watered by God’s truth and love, we will bloom in every area in our lives.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me recognize to always rely on you alone.
REFLECTION
How is self-reliance and independence against God’s economy?
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 ACCORDING TO WHAT YOU HAVE

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July 24
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Give in proportion to what you have, and give according to what you have and not what you don’t have. -2 Corinthians 8:11,12(NLT)
GIVE ACCORDING TO WHAT YOU HAVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
The Lord gives you enough so you can share with others
Don’t be stingy to God’s people and your neighbors
Give in proportion to what you have, don’t be miserly
It will benefit others if you are giving accordingly.
Do not hoard what you have been given
It will bring you closer to reach heaven
The Lord your God is generous to provide
Give him your first fruits and always abide.
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There are some believers who do not actually give according to what God has given to them. They hoard what they have received thinking that it is theirs. The bible says in Psalm 24:1 that the earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. How come some Christians claim that whatever they possess is actually their own? I know some people who do not even acknowledge the Lord for whatever blessings and abilities they have been given. They think that they were born with it and some even believe that they have earned whatever they have acquired. When we are given something by God, he expects us to give in proportion to what we have received. We are not required to give what we don’t have.
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PRAYER
Thank you for all your gifts and blessings Lord.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to return to the Lord what you have received?
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

TONGUE OF THE WISE Poem Devotional

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July 23
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The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness. – Proverbs 15:2(NLT)
TONGUE OF THE WISE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you use your tongue to speak the truth?
Have you allowed God’s word to take root?
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing
The mouth of a fool belches out many forms of lying.
Use your mouth only to utter only what will encourage
To dwell on the negative will make others discouraged
The wise will make your life better and not bitter
The fool will find a way to always criticize and belittle.
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Have you ever been with an emotional vampire? They are those who suck out the energy off you. They drain your positive outlook and progress. They usually focus on the negative and find fault and someone to blame. They do not take responsibility for any mistake or fault they have. Instead, they project all their weaknesses on others because they are not brave enough to admit their imperfections. I have had relationships with a few emotional vampires and it was really tiring to be around these people. No matter how optimistic you are, they will find a way to dampen it. I used to be affected by these kind of people, but when I learned to set boundaries on them, I learned not to engage in their foolishness. The wise always encourages.
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PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from negative people.
REFLECTION
Why must we avoid critical and pessimistic 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

MANIFESTATION OF WISDOM poem devotional

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July 22
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Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools.
-Proverbs 14:33(NLT)
MANIFESTATION OF WISDOM
A poem and essay by ILMA
Where there is understanding, there you will find wisdom
Where there is truth and fear of the Lord, you’ll find freedom
Revering the Lord is the beginning of knowledge
It brings about a heart that is enshrined in courage.
Wisdom comes from believing in the Lord Jesus Christ
He brings us guidance and leads us to good insights
Fools do not have this kind of thoughts, they cannot discern
They are blind to truth and have no use for care or concern.
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There are many people today that do not have wisdom. They go through life without guidance. They coast along and follow the world’s standards. As a result, they live difficult lives and get hurt or inflict pain on others. I used to live a foolish life because I followed my own will. I was blinded by what the world offered and didn’t realize that it led me to a troubled and sinful life. I relied on my own understanding and thought I was intelligent enough to go through life successfully. I was wrong. When I became a born again Christian and started pursuing God’s word and his will, I realized how blind and foolish I had been. Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart which can only come from knowing God and his truth.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for this truth that sets me free.
REFLECTION
Why do you think the bible emphasizes much on wisdom?
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

THINK BEFORE YOU ACT Poem Devotional

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July 21
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Wise people think before they act; fools don’t and even brag about their foolishness
– Proverbs 13:16(NLT)
THINK BEFORE YOU ACT
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you are sensible, you will think before you act
Thoughtlessness is dangerous and is very unwise
Wise people think before acting and making decisions
Fools don’t think, they live in their own delusions.
When you don’t think before you act, you make mistakes
It puts you in trouble and sometimes lead to high stakes
It is prudent to calculate your actions and their consequences
Fools don’t ruminate, they even brag about their foolishness.
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I once lived with someone who only acts on impulse. He never liked to plan. It was very hard to be with him because everything has to be spontaneous. I think that it is great to have spontaneity, but I also know that planning is one of the marks of a good leader and manager. I used to be a stickler for planning, but my creative side balanced this obsession to micro-manage everything. I learned to plan and not be upset when what I originally thought of do not happen exactly as I visualized. I found out that it is good to think in a box but also good to have an open mind to think out of the box. The bible tells us that wise people think before they act while fools don’t and even flaunt their foolishness.
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PRAYER
Lord, guide me to be prudent always.
REFLECTION
How can thoughtlessness bring about chaos?
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