Monthly Archives: September 2017

THE PEACEMAKERS Poem Devotional

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September 29
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And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. -James 3:18(NLT)
THE PEACEMAKERS
A poem and essay by ILMA
We are instructed to pursue peace at all times
Choosing to abide in it is following Christ
When you walk in the path of peace
You will overcome sin and be totally free.
The peacemakers plant good deeds
They don’t dwell on the self and greed
As a result, they will reap righteousness
Love is always what is in their consciousness.
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The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization tasked to promote international co-operation and to create and maintain international order. A replacement for the ineffective League of Nations, the organization was established in October 1945 after World War II. It’s primary goal to prevent another such conflict. United Nations Messenger of Peace is a title bestowed by the United Nations to “distinguished individuals, carefully selected from the fields of art, music, literature and sports, who have agreed to help focus worldwide attention on the work of the United Nations,” which is to maintain peace and harmony globally.
All Christians are called to be ambassadors of peace. Unlike the UN’s main objective which is to avoid war, believers are mandated to keep peace and propagate love. The UN focuses on the fear of another world war, but God’s people must focus in the pursuit of peace to maintain love for God and others.
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PRAYER
Lord, please help me to constantly choose peace over offence.
REFLECTION
How can we develop skills in being peacemakers?
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

TRUE WISDOM

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September 28
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But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. – James 3:17(NLT)
TRUE WISDOM
A poem and essay by ILMA
True wisdom comes from knowing God
It is good and focuses on manifesting love
It shows no favoritism and is peace loving
It displays mercy and is always yielding.
True wisdom from above is pure and sincere
It is simple, never hazy but always clear
It leads us to a life that lasts forever
It truly makes us grow closer to our creator.
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The world we live in today focuses much on acquisition of knowledge. It sets a standard for people to ensure that they follow the world’s ways. It emphasizes a focus on the “self” rather than on truth. The book of James gives us a clear picture of what true wisdom from above is. It is pure and uncorrupted by the world’s measuring stick. When you have the wisdom that comes from God, it is peace loving, gentle and willing to yield to others. In other words, it is not selfish. It is merciful and shows no biases and is always honest and sincere. Many people mistake knowledge for wisdom. They are not the same. We can only have true wisdom when we apply the truth that comes from God’s word.
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PRAYER
Grant me the ability to discern and apply your truth.
REFLECTION
What is the distinguishing factor that differentiates knowledge from true 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

BIND YOUR SPIRIT WITH GOD Poem Devotional

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September 27
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Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit binding yourselves.
-Ephesians 4:3(NLT)
BIND YOUR SPIRIT WITH GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
What makes you distracted from being united in Christ?
Are you prioritizing the important things in life?
Keep yourselves constantly joined in his spirit
Then he will give you strength to overcome sin.
Do everything to keep yourselves pure from the world
Constantly seek God and be guided through his word
Don’t give in to the lies that will make you go astray
Seek God and obey his truth in all things each passing day.
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Whoever we decide to join ourselves with will have a big influence on us and our lives. That is why the saying “Birds of the same feather flock together” holds partially true. You wouldn’t bind yourself with someone who totally represent the opposite ideals you have. Even the bible says in 2 Corinthians 6:14 that evil and good don’t belong together. Christians must be careful who they associate themselves with because God tells us that we must never have any participation in wickedness in Ephesians 5:11. So, how come some believers bind themselves with other kinds of spirit? When we disobey God’s commands, we are creating a barrier between us and the Lord. When we take part in things that God prohibits, we are defying him. We are asked to make every effort to keep ourselves united with God’s Spirit.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me never stray from you.
REFLECTION
How can you ensure that you are united with God’s spirit always?
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 PATIENCE Poem Devotional

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September 26
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And remember, the Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. -2Peter 3:15(NLT)
GOD’S PATIENCE
A poem and essay by ILMA
The Lord is patient with his people
He gives them time to overcome evil
Whenever you lose hope in your situation
He will be there to give you solutions.
God’s patience allows us to grow and mature
Don’t dwell in the negative and stay pure
He knows you and gives a way out of sin
Pursue him so you can become more like him.
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Have you ever met someone who has all the patience in the world? I was surrounded by impatient people for many years of my life. I learned their impatience and lived it for decades. I seriously believe that the root of impatience is pride and entitlement. People lose their cool when they are ignored or their expectations are not met. It is a way that the enemy lures us with thinking more of ourselves rather than pleasing the Lord and serving others. Nowhere in the bible does it say that we ought to love ourselves first than God and others. In fact, we are summoned to love the Lord with everything we got, and then our neighbors just as we love ourselves. The bible also says in romans 12:3 that we should not think we are better than others. God is patient with us so why can’t we be patient with others as well?
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PRAYER
Teach me patience Lord in dealing with others.
REFLECTION
Why do you think people become impatient?
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 REPRIMAND Poem Devotional

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September 25
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You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed.
-Psalm 119:21(NLT)
GOD’S REPRIMAND
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you are a child of God, you listen
He rebukes those who are self-sufficient
He will confront you when you are arrogant
When you turn from his laws, you are a vagrant.
God disciplines all those whom he loves
All forms of lawlessness don’t bring him laud
Heed his reprimand so you won’t fall into sin
Obey his commands and you will have peace.
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I used to be a rebel and was on a crusade to prove I was right. It struggled when I was growing up because my voice wasn’t heard. I wasn’t shown love and attention. It probably contributed to my stubbornness. I was shielding myself from the pain from the many let-downs and neglect I experienced. My parents disciplined me out of fear and not out of love. It was more about “following the rules or else” kind of reprimand that I grew up with. I left home by the time I was old enough to take care of myself so I could be my own boss. I didn’t know that I fed the enemy more ammunitions to be more lawless. I didn’t know God’s truth then so I believed the many lies the enemy told me. I thank God that he delivered me from pride and re-routing me back to his path. He rebuked me so I won’t stray.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for always guiding me to take the right path.
REFLECTION
What hinders us from heeding God’s rebuke?
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

YEARNING FOR JESUS Poem Devotional

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September 24
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I pant with expectation, longing for your commands. Come and show me your mercy as you do for all who love your name. -Psalm 119:131-132(NLT)
YEARNING FOR JESUS
A poem and essay by ILMA
I pray before you Lord to anoint me with wisdom
Help your words to bring me understanding and freedom
I yearn for your guidance and expect the good things to come
Show your mercy to those who don’t turn their backs and run.
I joyfully look forward when the day of your coming is here
With all that’s happening around us, I know it is near
I long to see you soon and be with you in person
Help me follow you always and not rely on human reason.
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My father was a surveyor and worked abroad for many years. I grew up without his presence in my life. I would miss him so much that there were nights that I would wake up from nightmares, screaming his name and wanting him to be beside me. There were nights that I am easy to pacify, but sometimes I would just be sick from longing for my daddy. Have you ever longed for someone so much that you can’t wait to be with that person?
The bible talks to us about how much we need to yearn for Jesus. This verse shows how the psalmist was so longing for God’s word and yearning deeply for him.
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PRAYER
Lord, please grant me mercy in all my weaknesses.
REFLECTION
How much do you yearn for Jesus to fill your heart with desire for 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

PRAYER FOR UNDERSTANDING Poem Devotional

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September 23
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Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. -Psalm 119:27(NLT)
PRAYER FOR UNDERSTANDING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Lord, I pray that you grant me understanding
Unless you reveal it to me, I won’t know anything
Help me comprehend the meaning of your laws
Convict me when I don’t focus on the cross.
Let me always meditate on your wonderful deeds
Give me wisdom and also provision for my needs
Let me always hear your voice each passing day
Stir my heart so I will learn how to constantly pray.
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Do you usually consult God so you will understand something? The Lord gave us the Scriptures so he can use it to guide us, teach us, correct us and tell us what to do. Many decades of my life were spent without reading God’s word. No wonder I led a very tumultuous life. Just like when we are going some new place, we need to have a map or detailed instruction how to go there, or we will be lost. The book of Proverbs puts much emphasis on wisdom. Without it, we will be lost and be led astray or we can even die spiritually. The proverbs of Solomon guide us how important it is to have God’s wisdom.
The word of God shows us the way, so if we meditate on it, we won’t be confused or lost.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me never forget to ask you for guidance in all things.
REFLECTION
Do you consult God through his word for understanding?
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

REFLECTING ON GOD’S WAYS Poem Devotional

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September 22
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I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. – Psalm 119:15-16(NLT)
REFLECTING ON GOD’S WAYS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Study and meditate on God’s words daily
Then you will know him more intimately
If you pursue and reflect on his character
You will understand and know him better.
He has given you a book to help you see
If you consult it often, you can stay free
Reflect on God’s goodness, mercy and grace
We need to focus on him each and every day.
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When you fall in love with someone, don’t you often think of them? Maybe you visualize how they look and memorize how they are, especially when the loved one isn’t around. We can’t stop thinking of this person. The feelings we have for this person is so exciting. We fail to contain it inside and may spill out and manifest by humming a tune or having smile pasted on our face the whole day.
Do you ever feel the same way when you think of God? God loves us tremendously. He thinks about us every moment. He is concerned for us and whatever interest us. He knows every part of us even when we were being formed in our mothers’ womb. He is always there with us. Do we think and reflect on his ways? Do we love him as he loves us?
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PRAYER
Lord, give me the passion to know your ways.
REFLECTION
How intimate are you with 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

PRAYER FOR UNITY

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September 21
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You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! -Psalm 119:4-5(NLT)
PRAYER FOR UNITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Lord, help me whenever I allow myself to be confused
Remind me constantly to meditate on it and never refuse
Let my actions be consistent with your decrees
Allow me to let myself decrease and let you increase.
Grant me an obedient and patient heart that obeys
Never allow me to be lawless and go astray
I pray for all believers to let go of division
May we be strong enough to overcome all temptations.
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Where there is unity, there is love, harmony and peace. In its absence, we experience conflicts, confusion, turmoil, pain and discontent. When there is no harmony in relationships, it may cease to exist. One of the most common reasons for divorce is that the house is divided in two. One cannot agree with the other half, hence, it separates them from the other. Most common reasons why chaos happens is when one doesn’t take responsibility for his or her actions and keeps on finding someone or something to blame. They go into the blame game and never admit to their contribution in harming he relationship. The bible says the we belong to a God of love. We don’t belong to the devil who creates division and lawlessness. He tricks us to break away from God.
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PRAYER
Lord, let my actions never go against your word.
REFLECTION
What happens to believers when their actions don’t follow God’s instructions?
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 LIFE OF INTEGRITY

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September 20
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Joyful are those who obey the laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil and they walk only in his paths. – Psalm 119:2-3(NLT)
A LIFE OF INTEGRITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you live a life of honesty
You will experience God’s victory
Joyful are those who search for Christ
They turn away from evil in their lives.
Those who keep their hearts pure
Do not easily cave in to the devil’s lure
A life of integrity is what God wants for you
Never compromise and let your mind be renewed.
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There were many decades of my life that I compromised my relationship with God. I chose my will over his. I lived chasing my own dreams and set him aside. I prioritized my plans and schemes and never consulted him. I wasn’t honest and brave enough to face the consequences of my wrong choices which eventually led to more sins. I did things that wasn’t becoming of a child of God. I thank God that we have a very understanding and merciful father. The bible tells us that when we truly love the Lord, we will search for him and his word. We will choose to do what his word says for our own sake and for him to be able to fulfill his will in our own lives. When we walk in love, we receive joy.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for loving us even though we sometimes compromise our relationship with you.
REFLECTION
In what ways have you compromised your faith in 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