Monthly Archives: August 2017

WHEN GOD BLESSES poem devotional

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August 11
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Abraham was only one man when I called him. But when I blessed him, he became a great nation.” -Isaiah 51:2(NLT)
WHEN GOD BLESSES
A poem and essay by ILMA
When God blesses your life
You will be illuminated by his light
He will turn all your weaknesses to strengths
When you seek him, he straightens what is bent.
Before Abraham was called by God to lead
He made sure that he was also freed
When God blessed Abraham, he became a nation
When make God first, you overcome temptations.
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A “berakhah” (blessing) is a special kind of prayer that is very common in Judaism. Berakhot are recited both as part of the synagogue services and as a response or prerequisite to a wide variety of daily occurrences. The words barukh and berakhah are both derived from the Hebrew root Beit-Reish-Kaf, meaning “knee,” and refer to the practice of showing respect by bending the knee and bowing. According to Jewish tradition, a person should recite 100 berakhot each day! This is not as difficult as it sounds. Repeating the Shemoneh Esrei three times a day (as all observant Jews do) covers 57 berakhot all by itself, and there are dozens of everyday occurrences that require berakhot. I think that this is one of the reasons why the Jews were blessed by God in so many ways. Many Jews are one of the richest people on earth. When God blesses us, he multiplies whatever we have.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me recite blessings for others and my family.
REFLECTION
Why do you think blessings are essential in our lives?
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

FEAR NO SCORN OR INSULT Poem Devotional

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August 10
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“Listen to me, you who know right from wrong, you who cherish my law in your hearts.
Do not be afraid of people’s scorn, nor fear their insults. -Isaiah 51:7(NLT)
FEAR NO SCORN OR INSULT
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you are being insulted
Remember, Christ was also mistreated
All those who believe and love Jesus,
You are all his treasure and considered precious.
When you believe God, you are free
His unconditional love covers all fears
Do not be afraid of people’s ridicules
They use them because they are insecure.
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Insults and judgments have crippled my first four decades of life. Because I didn’t grow up where positive reinforcements were the norm, I was always afraid of being criticized or scorned. When I became a born again Christian, the Lord freed me from these fears. The bible says that God is love and that there is no fear in love. When I studied that truth, I was set free. God showed me that those who love to insult are usually having trouble with their own insecurities. I need not listen to the lies because I already know the truth. He made me understand why I was reacting to belittling so much. I believed all the lies that people around me told me. I didn’t know any better because I didn’t know God’s words then. He promised those who love and obey him that He will be there to make us strong.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me listen only to your truth and voice.
REFLECTION
What were you fearful of that God freed you from?
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 ROCK WHERE YOU WERE CUT FROM Poem Devotional

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August 9
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“Listen to me, all who hope for deliverance— all who seek the LORD. Consider the rock from which you were cut, the quarry from which you were mined. – Isaiah 51:1(NLT)
THE ROCK WHERE YOU WERE CUT FROM
A poem and essay by ILMA
All those who seek the Lord will be delivered
He gives hope to all who are believers
The rock that you came from is precious
That strength only comes from Jesus.
You were cut from the rock that will stand time
No matter what storms come, you will be fine
The quarry that you were mined from is full
It is only by believing in God that you will be whole.
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I was fascinated by rocks because my father studied them. As a geodetic engineer, he did a lot of surveying. Whenever he came home from the field, he would show me different beautiful kinds of rock that he discovered. It was one of the most exciting moments I ever spent with my father and my ears were all open to hear his knowledge on these rocks. AS I grew up, I would always pick up a rock and imagine what these rocks went through to have that characteristics they have. The bible tells us that we were cut from the most magnificent rock, Jesus Christ. We will stand storms and different weather changes and turn out to be a unique and magnificent one.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to appreciate even the storms that make me beautiful.
REFLECTION
What trials and storms have made you who you are now?
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

DETERMINED TO DO HIS WILL

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August 8
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Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame.
– Isaiah 50:7(NLT)
DETERMINED TO DO HIS WILL
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind
You will have wisdom, peace, joy and never go blind
When you are determined to do his will, you won’t be shamed
The sovereign Lord will help you when you call on his name.
Those who are resolute to follow his truth
They will be blessed to reap his Spirit’s fruits
Set your mind on obeying all of his commands
Then, you will win over the world and not cave to its demands.
________________________________________One of the hallmarks of a successful person is determination. “Determination” is defined as the ability to continue trying to do something, although it is very difficult. As the bible says “press on.” In other words, when we do not stop despite forces against us, we will be able to reap the fruits of that continued effort. When I was raising my son alone, so many trials and challenges were formed against me. I had a choice not to have my baby because I had no partner, jobless and had nothing. The Lord provided for everything when I became resolute to follow his will and keep my child.________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, give me the determination to follow your will so I can experience your protection.
REFLECTION
How is determination synonymous to 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

LIVING IN YOUR OWN LIGHT Poem Devotional

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August 7
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But watch out, you who live in your own light and warm yourselves by your own fires. This is the reward you will receive from me: You will soon fall down in great torment.
– Isaiah 50:11 (NLT)
LIVING IN YOUR OWN LIGHT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Be watchful, you who live in your own light
You will be missing many things and lose sight
If you rely only in your own strength and ability
You are going to enter a period of instability.
The consequence of living in your own is fatal
Without the Lord’s guidance, your life is detrimental
He created you to be dependent on him
If you alienate yourself from God, you will sin.
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“Ichabad” is the Hebrew word for “independent” which means to be without glory or the loss of God’s favor or presence. When someone is acting in isolation from God, they are risking a blessed life. I can attest to this truth because I lived many decades of my life thinking that I can do it all on my own. To be “self-reliant” in our world today is very much accepted. With the “selfie-generation,” we believe the lie that everything is about “me” and doing things in my own way, without consulting a higher being. We make decisions without asking for guidance, no wonder we make mistakes. The bible tells us that the consequence of living in your own light is great torment.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to depend on you for all things.
REFLECTION
How is independence considered a form of idolatry and pride?
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 CHOSEN ONES Poem Devotional

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August 6
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For my people will live as long as trees, and my chosen ones will have time to enjoy their hard-won games. They will not work in vain, and their children will not be doomed to misfortune. – Isaiah 65:22-23(NLT)
THE CHOSEN ONES
A poem and essay by ILMA
All of God’s people will live as long as trees
They will be delivered and always be free
They will have time to enjoy their hard-won games
All their faithfulness and perseverance will not be in vain.
The Chosen ones will be rooted in God’s word
They will never be corrupted by this world
The people of God will not be doomed to disaster
They will be blessed and will enjoy life ever after.
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I just watched a movie about the Jewish people who were the victims of Hitler’s atrocity. It is about a Hungarian-Jewish man who was able to save many Jewish from the hands of the Germans by posing as one of them. The movie’s title was “Walking with the Enemy.” I am always fascinated about the stories of war especially the Jewish captivity and annihilation by the Germans. I think it shows the hand of God in their fate in the second world war. I’d like to think that we live in a constant spiritual battle just like in a war where we are targeted constantly. God promises many things to those whom he has chosen.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for choosing me to be one of your people.
REFLECTION
How can you repay back God’s faithfulness to 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

WHEN YOU SERVE THE LORD Poem Devotional

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August 5
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Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “My servants will eat, but you will starve. My servants will drink, but you will be thirsty. My servants will rejoice but you will be sad and ashamed. My servants will sing for joy but you will cry in sorrow and despair.
– Isaiah 65:13-14(NLT)
WHEN YOU SERVE THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you serve the Lord, he will feed you and not starve
When you serve the Lord, you will rejoice and not be sad
The Lord’s people will drink and not be thirsty
They will be able to overcome and defeat the enemy.
Those who serve the world will cry in sorrow and despair
They live in fear and conflict; their hearts are full of shame
When you serve Jesus, the only source of life
You will defeat the enemy and you will never die.
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What is the difference between a servant of God and a worldly person? Isaiah gives us a clear picture what our lives would be if we choose to serve the Lord. We will never starve. We will have no lack. We will be loving, joyful and have peace. On the other hand, those who choose the world as their god, will starve, be sad, discontented and be enslaved by their desires. They will be tossed and turned by the enemy. Why would anyone want to live a life of shame and despair?
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PRAYER
Lord, show me how to be a good follower.
REFLECTION
What might be the consequences of following the world instead of 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

WHEN YOU CHOOSE YOUR OWN WAY Poem Devotional

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August 4
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But those who choose their own ways-delighting in their detestable sins- will not have their offerings accepted. -Isaiah 66:3(NLT)
WHEN YOU CHOOSE YOUR OWN WAY
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you choose your own way
You are likely to be derailed and go astray
When you choose to do things by your own means
There is a big chance that you may be tempted to sin.
Those who delight in satisfying their own flesh
Their offerings will be denied and be caught in a mess
When you choose to do your own will
You do not know how to trust and be still.
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“My Way” is a song written by Paul Anka and popularized by Frank Sinatra in the late 60’s. It is often quoted as the most covered song in history. The song focuses on a man at the end of his life, reflecting on his life’s journey and how he had done everything according to his whims and wants. This was my father’s favorite song and I knew this song by heart as early as 4 years old. I loved to sing and loved to please my father, so I memorized this and he showed off to everyone about how well I could sing it. It literally shaped my life. This is a song that do not acknowledge a higher being than the self. The bible cautions us to live in God’s will or we will fall.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to do your will and not mine.
REFLECTION
Why is it best for us to choose God’s ways than our own way?
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 NO EVIL

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August 3
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Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. -James 4:11(NLT)
SPEAK NO EVIL
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you criticize and judge each other
You are also attacking God who is your creator
Speak no sinful things about anyone; rend your lips
If it is not good, don’t say it; have your mouth sealed.
When you judge or criticize someone behind their back
You will also be judged with the same measure, don’t be shocked
Let no lies come out of your mouth for it ruins relationships
Watch that no impure thoughts tarnish your friendships.
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The bible says in James that the tongue is one of the deadliest thing here on earth. In chapter 3, James describes the tongue as a flame of fire and is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting our entire bodies. He says that it can set our whole life on fire for it is set on fire by hell itself. Our tongues cannot be tamed. Blessing and pouring come out of the same mouth. We are cautioned not to speak evil against each other. The bible says that when we criticize or judge someone, we are doing so as well to God. Our work is to obey God and not judge.
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PRAYER
Lord, please help me to see through your eyes, not my own.
REFLECTION
What happens when we speak evil or criticize and judge?
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 BRING BACK WANDERERS poem devotional

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August 2
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If someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. -James 5:19-20(NLT)
WHEN YOU BRING BACK WANDERERS
A poem and essay by ILMA
If someone was wandering away from truth and is brought back
That person who led them from straying follows the straight path
When you help bring back to God his children, he is faithful
He will bless you with an overflow and your life will be bountiful.
All God’s people are called to shepherd God’s flock
He expects them all to help the lost to be brought back
When you bring back wanderers close to the truth
They are actually sowing seeds and will reap God’s fruits.________________________________________
Our lives here on earth is like a journey. We are not destined to stay in this world, but we are passing through this stopover so we can experience God’s mercy and grace. Sometimes in our journey, we get sidetracked or lost. In a real travel experience, when we get lost, we either find our way back through a compass, a map or a direction from someone who knows the way. These tourist guides have had many years of experience and are equipped to get you back on track. When you bring back a lost soul to Jesus, you save them from death.
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PRAYER
Lord, use me to re-direct those who are lost.
REFLECTION
How can you become a guide those whose souls are wandering?
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