Monthly Archives: September 2017

LIVE A FREE LIFE Poem Devotional

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September 10
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Don’t call everything a conspiracy like they do and don’t live in dread of what frightens them. -Isaiah 8:12(NLT)
LIVE A FREE LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you believed in Jesus Christ
You are a new person, he changed your life
Don’t consider everything a conspiracy
Don’t live in terror of the attacks of the enemy.
If you live in dread of what terrifies others
You are not living the free life God intended
The Lord died so you can walk and enjoy freedom
He loves you so much and wants you in his kingdom.
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When Jesus died for all of us, he did it because he loved us so much and wants us to be free from the slavery of sin. Yet, there are still some Christians who do not enjoy that freedom. They fail to receive the grace and mercy given to us on the cross with Jesus’ blood. Many people have been believing the lies of the enemy who constantly threat us with many different kinds of fear. It can be fear of losing a loved one, fear of people going against you, fear of illnesses, fear of losing control, fear of losing power and money, and many more.
The bible tells us not to think that everything is out to get you like there is a conspiracy to attack you. We have to accept the free life God gave us through Jesus.
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PRAYER
Thank you Lord for dying for me to give me a free life.
REFLECTION
How do you respond to the freedom Christ gave you on the cross?
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 GOD’S PEOPLE Poem Devotional

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September 9
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Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard in until now. -Philippians 1:3-5(NLT)
PRAYER FOR GOD’S PEOPLE
A poem and essay by ILMA
I am so grateful that you have blessed me Lord!
I feel great when other followers spread your word
I am filled with joy that they are my partners
Thank you for granting us a chance to encourage each other.
I pray that you shower us with strength and persistence
I am glad that you allow us to grow our wisdom and patience
May we always choose to tread that narrow path to your kingdom
May you continue to keep us safe and to continually enjoy freedom.
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It is amazing how the Lord brings people in our lives to encourage us and to grow our faith. When I became born again, the Lord changed all of my friends. He discarded those who weren’t going to bring me closer to him. Each day, I thank the Lord for allowing me to grow spiritually and being given opportunities to minister to those who are hurting and neglected and especially those who do not know him. I am praying for all those who are my partners in spreading the Good News.
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PRAYER
Thank you for letting me freely tell others about you Lord.
REFLECTION
Why is it important for us to pray for God’s 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

THE SOURCE OF ALL EVIL Poem Devotional

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September 8
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For from the heart comes evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying and slander. – Matthew 15:19(NLT)
THE SOURCE OF ALL EVIL
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know the source of all wickedness?
Inside our hearts, we make decisions and choices
It is from it that we sort, analyze and scheme
If we are not careful, we will be tempted to sin.
Doesn’t a desire for coveting start from it?
Lust comes from the yearnings of our own spirits
Surrender your hearts to the Lord so he can change you
Guard it to be free from deceit and live a life that’s pure.
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Many people love to pinpoint evil at someone or something that happened outside of themselves. We sometimes get into the blame game and not take responsibility for our own choices. These denials open the door for the enemy to inject all sorts of evil in our minds first, then let it reside in our hearts. Before we know it, we have already committed a sin. The bible says that the source of all evil is not from outside of us, but it is from within us. It is caused by our own hearts. When we desire or long for something we don’t have, it traps us and keep us in bondage to that craving. When we entertain the fulfillment of a want in our lives, we allow evil to dominate our hearts.
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PRAYER
Lord, please guard me from thoughts of evil.
REFLECTION
How can we take ownership to our thoughts and motives so God can change our 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

LET THE SPIRIT TRANSFORM YOU Poem Devotional

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September 7
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Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. -Ephesians 4:23(NLT)
LET THE SPIRIT TRANSFORM YOU
A poem and essay by ILMA
When there is something you need to change in your life
There is no need to do it on your own, let Jesus Christ
Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes
He will show you how to live in peace and gratitude.
When you depend on God’s spirit for everything
He will give you strength to overcome evil and sin
You will have the mind of Christ if you accept him
You will be a new person and his Spirit will live within.
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There were many decades of my life that I relied on self-help books to change my thoughts and attitude. That is how the world influenced my thinking. It wants me to follow a life of self-reliance and self-effort. There was one book that impacted my life tremendously. I didn’t know that the author was a Christian at that time I read the book. I wasn’t into reading the bible during those days, so it didn’t occur to me that the Spirit of God was using this man to call me back to the Lord. Norman Vincent Peale taught me how to change the way I think by suggesting to keep a “thank you” diary. Since that day I read his book, my negative thoughts began to fade. I counted my blessings, so the Spirit transformed me.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for letting your Spirit transform me.
REFLECTION
Why is it dangerous to change yourself without the help of God’s Spirit?
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 EYES AND MINDS ARE SHUT Poem Devotional

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September 6
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Their eyes are closed and they cannot see. Their minds are shut and they cannot think.
-Isaiah 44:18(NLT)
WHEN EYES AND MINDS ARE SHUT
A poem and essay by ILMA
When someone’s eyes are closed to the truth
They won’t be able to get deep into the roots
Their minds have been shut and cannot think
They can’t discern so they easily sink.
Their minds have been blinded by the enemy
Without running to God, they won’t have victory
Watch and guard your heart and mind
It will transform you and keep you from being blind.
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During those years that I turned my back on God, I was doing all kinds of foolish things. I attracted people whose eyes were close and minds were shut to the truth. So, you could probably imagine what kind of life I lived at those stage of my life. Yes…I wallowed in sin because I was patching the pain with dependency. I wasn’t a drug addict but I was a love addict. I pursued love with a passion, not knowing that this is not the kind of love that will set me free from bondage. I was totally blind to the thing that would set me free: God’s love. My mind was shut from understanding the unconditional love that God has already granted me through the sacrifice of Jesus’ life. I thank God he freed me from this oppression. Now I am free.
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PRAYER
Lord, free me from not seeing or knowing your truth.
REFLECTION
What were you freed from when you believed in God?
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 THOUGHTS AND INTENTIONS Poem Devotional

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September 5
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I am the one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person.
-Revelation 2:23(NLT)
ON THOUGHTS AND INTENTIONS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Can someone really know what you’re thinking?
The Lord can, he is all-powerful and all-knowing
No one knows you better than he does
Even your own self, you cannot trust.
Do not assume you know other people’s intentions
Or you will open up doors for more temptations
Leave the searching to the one true God
You won’t be able to do it; it is really hard.
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When I was a stage actress, I studied the character I am portraying to the minutest detail. I had to understand why I say things and act the way I do or I won’t give justice to my character. The whole production staff brainstorm the entire play. Production usually runs for three to four months of daily rehearsals. We have to study the character even on and off the production sessions. During the pre-prod, we discuss the totality of the story; it’s ups and downs. With the director’s expertise, we are led to look at the idiosyncrasies of the role we play and how he or she is part of the whole story. We cannot make up or add our own thoughts or we won’t give justice to the character as written by the playwright.
The bible says that only God can search our hearts and minds. He alone knows.
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PRAYER
Lord, forgive me when I try to search other people’s thoughts and intentions.
REFLECTION
How can we search our own thoughts and intentions?
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 IS VANITY Poem Devotional

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September 3
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Has not the Lord of Heaven’s Armies promised that the wealth of nations will turn to ashes? They work so hard but all in vain. – Habakkuk 2:13(NLT)
WORK IS VANITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you work to gain wealth
It isn’t beneficial for your spiritual health
It is working in vain when you do it for your gain
It is a form of idolatry instead of giving God praise.
To work for your own advantage isn’t really a treasure
It compromises your growth when you seek pleasure
To work so hard for self-seeking reason is vanity
To serve the Lord and others benefits humanity.
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Our world today focuses much on performance. Each person’s value is proven by how hard they work and how much wealth they have incurred. Here in North America, people marginalize those who don’t work or those who earn money. You become worthless in the world’s standard if you don’t contribute to the country’s wealth gains. When I moved to Canada, it was difficult to continue my teaching and art careers. I was looked down by others because I didn’t earn much income as I did back in the Philippines.
The bible says that the Lord looks down on those who pursue wealth for personal gains. He said that wealth of nations will turn to ashes and the work they put on such worldly pursuits are all vain.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to focus on depending on you instead of proving my worth through work.
REFLECTION
Why do you think the bible says that work can be a form of vanity?
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

FAITH IS THE GAUGE Poem Devotional

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September 2
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Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. – Romans 12:3(NLT)
FAITH IS THE GAUGE
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you think that you are better than you really are
You are using the wrong gauge to measure so think hard
Faith is the gauge so be honest in you own evaluation
It is not intelligence nor performance that lead to salvation.
The Lord is only concerned with how much you believe
He also wants you to stop performing but to receive
He has granted you mercy and grace through Christ
Grow your faith so you will partake in his eternal life.
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Our world generates a performance based life. We are always concerned whether we measure up to the expectations placed to us by society, our loved ones, our employers, the school, and many more. We live our lives driven by performance. We beat our own record by achieving more and better than we had already done. We like to think that we live up to the standards set by important people that we look up to. We forget that God loves us for who we are. We need not prove anything to him because we are all his prized possession. The bible tells us that faith should be the gauge to measure how good we really are.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me persistent faith that will never give up.
REFLECTION
How can we give up our performance oriented thinking to a faith based one?
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

KNOWING GOD’S WILL Poem Devotional

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September 1
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Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you which is good and pleasing and perfect.
-Romans 12:2(NLT)
KNOWING GOD’S WILL
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you any clue what God’s plan is for you?
If you are hungry for him, you will seek his truth
You need to constantly relate and bond with him
He will transform your ways and change how you think
Then you’ll learn to know God’s will which is pleasing
You will discern what is good and you’ll avoid sinning
His voice will be clear if you stay tuned to his word
Then you will heed his plans and overcome this world.
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Many people including some Christians have no clue what God’s will is for their lives. There were many years of my Christian life that I didn’t know his plans for me either. I was too busy living according to the world’s standards and ways that I missed out on hearing his voice. How can I hear it when I stuffed my mind with so many toxic things and was too focused on myself? How can I feel his presence when I didn¬¬¬’t even have time to be quiet and relax or focus on him? How will I know his plans when I never consulted him for anything? The bible says that if you allow him to transform your thinking, you will learn his will.
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PRAYER
Lord, teach me to consult you for everything.
REFLECTION
How can you let God transform your thinking?
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
canadablooms 143 (2)

September 1
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Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you which is good and pleasing and perfect.
-Romans 12:2(NLT)
KNOWING GOD’S WILL
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you any clue what God’s plan is for you?
If you are hungry for him, you will seek his truth
You need to constantly relate and bond with him
He will transform your ways and change how you think
Then you’ll learn to know God’s will which is pleasing
You will discern what is good and you’ll avoid sinning
His voice will be clear if you stay tuned to his word
Then you will heed his plans and overcome this world.
________________________________________
Many people including some Christians have no clue what God’s will is for their lives. There were many years of my Christian life that I didn’t know his plans for me either. I was too busy living according to the world’s standards and ways that I missed out on hearing his voice. How can I hear it when I stuffed my mind with so many toxic things and was too focused on myself? How can I feel his presence when I didn¬¬¬’t even have time to be quiet and relax or focus on him? How will I know his plans when I never consulted him for anything? The bible says that if you allow him to transform your thinking, you will learn his will.
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PRAYER
Lord, teach me to consult you for everything.
REFLECTION
How can you let God transform your thinking?
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