Monthly Archives: September 2017

RESULT OF OBEDIENCE Poem devotional

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September 19
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Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. – Psalm 119:1(NLT)
RESULT OF OBEDIENCE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you follow the Lord’s commands
You will not be overwhelmed by life’s demands
Those who live a life of integrity
They will have joy even in adversity.
When you follow the ways of Jesus Christ
There is peace that will envelope your life
Follow the instructions of the Lord
It will please him and bring him laud.
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Baker’s Evangelical dictionary defines “joy” as happiness over an unanticipated or present good. It is “sama” in Hebrew and covers a wide range of human experiences from sexual love, to marriage, to birth of children, the gathering of harvest, military victory or drinking wine. On the spiritual level it refers to the extreme happiness with which the believer contemplates salvation and the bliss of the afterlife.
Do you have joy in your heart? How do we know if we have it? I used to think that I have the joy of the Lord, but I only had fleeting happiness when I achieve the goal I set for myself. As the spiritual joy was mentioned in the definition by the Evangelical dictionary, it is an extreme happiness that is expecting always the bliss of eternal life which will be granted to those who love the Lord. When you follow God’s word, you will experience joy.
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PRAYER
Lord, grant me the gift of joy. You promised it as one of your Spirit’s fruits.
REFLECTION
How can we gauge that we have the joy 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

MORTALITY OF OUR BODIES Poem Devotional

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September 18
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Our physical bodies cannot inherit the kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever. -1 Corinthians 15:50(NLT)
MORTALITY OF OUR BODIES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Though we are given physical bodies
Let’s remember we are also spirit beings
We may live long but our bodies will perish
It won’t last forever, so why bother being lavish.
When we die, we cannot take anything with us
So, why not gather treasures in heaven and trust
Focus on the new life that Jesus died for you to have
Remember that your destiny is to be in the kingdom of God.
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Idolatry is one of the sins that God detests. Exodus 34:14 says that you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. God doesn’t take competition lightly. He created everything and so he expects us to be faithful and loyal to him since we were all made in his image. Yes, he told us that our bodies are the temple of the Lord, but he doesn’t want us to vainly glorify. We are not just physical beings. In Ephesians 6, we are told that we wage war not with physical beings but with unseen forces so we are asked to pray at all times and on every occasion.
Our physical bodies cannot inherit God’s kingdom and it doesn’t last forever, unlike our spirit which will receive eternity.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me take care of my body without losing focus on you.
REFLECTION
Why is too much love for your bodies a form of idolatry?
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

BURIED BUT WILL BE RAISED

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September 17
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Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness but they will be raised in strength. -1 Corinthians 15:43(NLT)
BURIED BUT WILL BE RAISED
A poem and essay by ILMA
Christ died for us on the cross so we can be freed
He promised redemption to all those who will believe
When died, was buried and resurrected after three days
His followers will also receive the same glory in many ways.
Though our bodies are buried in brokenness
He will heal us and strengthen us in our weaknesses
He delivered us from death and gave us new life
Expect his promise of eternity and stay in his light.
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Many people do not realize that for as long as we live in this world, we will suffer and be hurt and broken. Unbelievers choose not to believe because they couldn’t understand why God allows us to experience such pain and hardship. Many verses in the bible explains that suffering is inevitable in this world. God allows all these troubles to happen so he can exercise his power over it. The bible says in 2 Corinthians 12:10 “That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Though we are buried in brokenness, Christ will raise us and give us strength.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me remember your resurrection each time I become weak.
REFLECTION
Why is hopelessness something that a believer must surrender to 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

WORK ENTHUSIASTICALLY Poem Devotional

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September 16
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Be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. -1 Corinthians 15:58(NLT)
WORK ENTHUSIASTICALLY
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you have the Lord living in your heart
It will manifest in your entire life
You will be strong and have stability
You also love and work enthusiastically.
When you do things for others as you do for the Lord
You are actually giving him praise, glory and laud
Don’t lose hope in serving him for nothing is useless
You will always reap fruits if you totally believe in Jesus.
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There are some whiny and miserable Christians. I used to be one of them. I thank God that he has delivered me from that very negative attitude. I think one of the reasons when I was that way was because I had been mistreated so many times in my life. It became a defense mechanism so that I can protect myself from possible abusers or manipulators. When I lived in poverty in my twenties, God showed me how to be thankful and bring joy to everything I do. Ephesians 6:7 says that we must work with enthusiasm, as though we were working for the Lord rather than for people. Nothing will be useless if we are serving the Lord because he is a promise keeper and he rewards us if we are faithful to serve him.
PRAYER
Lord, remind me to rejoice at whatever I am given in my life.
REFLECTION
What can enthusiasm bring about in your 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

ON GRUMBLING Poem Devotional

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September 15
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Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look-the Judge is standing at the door. – James 5:9 (NLT)
ON GRUMBLING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever we complain about something
We lose sight of the many favors and blessings
Grumbling keeps us focused on our selfishness
When we are content, we are being selfless.
Whining is a form of discontent and ingratitude
God is going to meet our needs, lets change our attitudes
For when we continue to grumble, we will be judged
He hears all our complaints, so stop saying your grudge.
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Strong’s concordance defines “grumbling” as to murmur or to mutter. The mouth is involved in this act of ingratitude and so is the heart. When there’s longing to satisfy a selfish desire, it usually it leads to discontent, which eventually brings about grumbling.
Philippians 2:4 says that we should do everything without complaining and arguing. In Psalms 106:24-25, the people refused to enter the pleasant land for they wouldn’t believe his promise to care for them. Instead, they grumbled in their tents and refused to obey the Lord.
Why are we reproved to avoid complaining? What does it do to our spirits? Just try to complain about one thing and you will discover that it generates other grievances. When we involve ourselves in this murmuring or muttering, we miss out on the blessings and favor that we have.
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PRAYER
Lord, convict me right away, when there is discontent in my heart so I can avoid grumbling.
REFLECTION
What other sins can result from grumbling?
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

KIND AND SEVERE Poem Devotional

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September 14
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Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you will also be cut off. -Romans 11:22(NLT)
KIND AND SEVERE
A poem and essay by ILMA
The Lord is both kind and severe
He can be harsh on rebels and those who don’t fear
He is kind to those who believe and revere him
He becomes intensely offended when you continue to sin.
You will be cut off if you stop trusting your Heavenly Father
So, why would you compromise and not give up being a rebel?
God still loves you even when you sin, but hates all kinds of evil
Don’t take light the judgment he makes when you follow the devil.
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Some Christians take lightly how God hates evil. They become complacent and lax when it comes to obeying his commands. They embrace rebellion and pride and live like there is no one higher than them. Even though God is loving and forgiving, he also hates all forms of wickedness. This is why he gave us instructions to follow so that we will receive all the promises that he made to those who love and obey him. When one stops to trust him, they will face the harsh consequence of being cut off from him. His kindness and mercy extend generously to those who are faithful.
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PRAYER
Lord, I pray that all believers will never take your commands for granted.
REFLECTION
What happens when a believer embraces rebellion and 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

WHEN YOU OPPOSE GOD’S WORD Poem Devotional

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September 13
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Shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark. – Isaiah 8:19,20(NLT)
WHEN YOU OPPOSE GOD’S WORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you oppose God’s word
You will struggle much in this world
Believing God’s truth will set you free
When you deny it, you won’t be able to see.
When people contradict God’s truth
Nothing in their lives will bear fruits
Those who reject his word embrace darkness
They embrace a life devoid of obedience and holiness.
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Many people don’t realize what they are missing when they reject the word of God or do not seek it. Scriptures give us an instructional manual so we can navigate life much better. It is a guide for us to fully enjoy the life that he gave us and avoid being lost in this world’s standards and demands.
What happens to us when we oppose the word of God? We actually lose out many things such as favor and blessings, peace, joy, seeing the way God sees things, fulfillment of the promises of God and inability to discern or hear his voice. In other words, we live in confusion, conflict and darkness. That sounds pretty much like an empty life.
The bible admonishes us to seek the word so we can better understand the character of God and what his purpose is for us.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your guidance through your truth.
REFLECTION
What happens when we totally block out the truth 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

ON PRESERVING GOD’S TEACHING Poem Devotional

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September 12
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Preserve the teaching of God; entrust his instructions to those who follow me.
-Isaiah 8:16(NLT)
ON PRESERVING GOD’S TEACHING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you seek the word of God each day?
Does the truth bring you to your knees to pray?
We are to preserve God’s teaching
He wants us to live it and keep on following.
Those who heed all of the Lord’s instructions
They will find favor and overcome temptations
Seek and be faithful to follow God’s word
You will find wisdom navigating this world.
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Why must we preserve the teaching of God? Because the word of God is alive. It is not just ordinary words. 2 Timothy 3:16 says Scripture is God-breathed and inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
What happens when we do not seek the word? We clearly do not preserve and spread it when we don’t even know the truth that will set us free. The enemy wants to ensure that we won’t pursue God’s teaching. He steals the word so that we won’t maintain a relationship with God. Satan hates relationships, so he destroys it. When we keep the truth alive, we are preserving God’s teaching.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me strength to pursue your truth.
REFLECTION
In your own little way, how can you preserve God’s teaching?
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

ON PRESERVING GOD’S TEACHING Poem Devotional

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September 12
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Preserve the teaching of God; entrust his instructions to those who follow me.
-Isaiah 8:16(NLT)
ON PRESERVING GOD’S TEACHING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you seek the word of God each day?
Does the truth bring you to your knees to pray?
We are to preserve God’s teaching
He wants us to live it and keep on following.
Those who heed all of the Lord’s instructions
They will find favor and overcome temptations
Seek and be faithful to follow God’s word
You will find wisdom navigating this world.
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Why must we preserve the teaching of God? Because the word of God is alive. It is not just ordinary words. 2 Timothy 3:16 says Scripture is God-breathed and inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
What happens when we do not seek the word? We clearly do not preserve and spread it when we don’t even know the truth that will set us free. The enemy wants to ensure that we won’t pursue God’s teaching. He steals the word so that we won’t maintain a relationship with God. Satan hates relationships, so he destroys it. When we keep the truth alive, we are preserving God’s teaching.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me strength to pursue your truth.
REFLECTION
In your own little way, how can you preserve God’s teaching?
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 ONE YOU MUST FEAR Poem Devotional

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September 11
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Make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble. He will keep you safe. – Isaiah 8:13-14(NLT)
THE ONE YOU MUST FEAR
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you become a believer of Christ
No one else can threaten your life
He is there to protect and guide you
Don’t fear anything that is untrue.
You must never fear the lies of the enemy
Fear only the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
He is the only one you must please and revere
When you do, you will overcome all other fears.
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So many people live in fear. It literally robs them of joy and peace. I lived over four decades fearing so many things. Fear of rejection and abandonment were top of my list. The bible says that as a man thinks, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). So, the more you think of what you are afraid of, the more these fears will manifest in your life. It was so guarded and protecting myself with so much effort and didn’t realize at that time that I didn’t have peace and joy. I was so hard on myself and others because I was afraid to be rejected and forsaken.
We must only fear one person, the Lord. It is a godly fear because it protects us from doing anything that will displease him.
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PRAYER
Thank you for giving me a godly fear.
REFLECTION
Why is revering the Lord and loving him above all else important in a Christian’s 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