Monthly Archives: March 2018

NEW CREATION IN CHRIST Poem Devotional

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March 20
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What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.
-Galatians 6:15(NLT)
NEW CREATION IN CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
What have you been trying to change in your life?
Do you realize that you can’t do anything without Christ?
Total transformation comes only by believing in Jesus
All our efforts to change will be in vain and fruitless.
Only God can transform us into a new creation
He made all things, so he can do all kinds of alterations
Put on your new nature in Christ and you will thrive
If you don’t let your old self go, you will constantly strive.
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How do we change our old stinky ways? Do we do it in our own effort? Do we look for self-help books that can alter how we think and do things? I used to say yes to all these questions before I became a born again Christian. No wonder I constantly struggled. I relied on my own strength and didn’t allow God to do the transforming. As a result, I wavered back and forth to the old and new and became more frustrated and discouraged. When I re-committed my life to Jesus, he revealed to me that I needed to relinquish control to him so he can change me into the new creation he wanted me to be. That was the only time I had been freed from frustration and discouragement.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being my Lord and Savior.
REFLECTION
Why is total surrender to the Lord essential in becoming a new creation?

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

YOU’LL HARVEST WHAT YOU PLANT Poem Devotional

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March 19
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Don’t be misled- you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. – Galatians 6:7(NLT)
YOU’LL HARVEST WHAT YOU PLANT
A poem and essay by ILMA
God is a very fair and just God
He doesn’t reward those who do bad
You will only harvest what you have sowed
If you didn’t plant any, how do you expect it to grow?
There is always a consequence for choices you made
Do your best to do the right thing for your own sake
You will reap a harvest of good results if you sow God’s word
Grace will abound and you’ll definitely overcome this world.
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When I read the book of Cloud and Townsend “Boundaries”, I learned that God had laws that he set for us to have healthy boundaries. One of these laws is the law of sowing and reaping which is spelled out in Galatians 6:7. We can only harvest what we plant. There is no way we can get results if we don’t sow it. Boundary violations exists because some people expect something that they didn’t actually invested in. Matthew 12:33 tells us that a tree is recognized by its fruits. It says that if you make a tree good, it’s fruit will be good but if you make it bad, therefore, you will have bad fruits. We have a just God who can allow you to harvest what you have sown.
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PRAYER
Thank you for being a just and fair God.
REFLECTION
What do you think is the source of expecting something that you never have sowed?
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

HUMILITY IN SHARING Poem Devotional

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March 18
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Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2(NLT)
HUMILITY IN SHARING
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you are going through some difficulties
Reach out to others in your area or community
God didn’t make us isolated and alone
He gave us each other so we can grow.
When you humbly share your burdens to others
You are admitting your weakness to your sisters and brothers
We are all called to help each other in our lives
Let us heed God’s command and give up our pride.
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In our world today, independence and self-reliance is predominant. Gone are those days when people openly offer their help to their neighbors and community. We get absorbed by society’s dictate that we must earn money to thrive and in the process, we barely have time for anyone, not even to ourselves. How many of your neighbors do you actually know or talk to? Do you reach out when you see them struggling?
The bible encourages us to share our burdens with others. In fact, it is said in Galatians 6:2 that it is a law of Christ to share your struggles with others. We need to be wise who to share it with because not all people can be trusted. Share it with another believer who understands and live the commands of the Lord. By doing this, you are humbling yourself.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you that you created others to be around us when we are in need.
REFLECTION
Why do you think reaching out to others is a law of Christ?
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

LIVE IN HARMONY Poem Devotional

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March 17
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Let us not become conceited or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
-Galatians 5:26(NLT)
LIVE IN HARMONY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you go out of your way to know others?
Do you encourage and appreciate your sisters and brothers?
Let us not become conceited or provoke one another
We are commanded to love all especially believers.
Humility is acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses
It is being supportive when others are being blessed
Don’t be envious but live in harmony with everyone
The Lord wants us all united just like him and his Son.
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Harmony in art and design is the visually satisfying effect of combining similar, related elements. For instance: adjacent colors on the color wheel, similar shapes. In music, it is defined as the sounding of two or more musical notes at the same time in a way that is pleasant or desired. It is essential for us to live in harmony with others in order for us to have peace, joy and love. Without love, nothing will matter (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). We may have everything but if we don’t have love, we do not know God. If we don’t know God, it is impossible to live a life of joy, peace and harmony.
The bible tells us that we must not be conceited, provoke one another or jealous of each other. Selfishness is the root cause of all conflicts.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to pursue peace so I can enjoy a harmonious life with others.
REFLECTION
What usually causes disunity in the body of Christ?
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

NAILED AND CRUCIFIED Poem Devotional

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March 16
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Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. -Galatians 5:24(NLT)
NAILED AND CRUCIFIED
A poem and essay by ILMA
When Jesus died for you on the cross
He saved you and you are no longer lost
When you become born again in Christ
Your passions and desires have also died.
Believers have nailed on the cross their cravings
They have repented and turned their back to sinning
Their old ways are gone and a new creation has begun
They are transformed because of God’s one and only Son.
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There are some Christians who professed their faith and yet never nailed and crucified their old lives on the cross. How do we know if someone is really saved? Not all Christians will be saved even though it is God’s desire for us. He gave us all a free will and he never forces us to follow him. You will know a true believer by the fruits of the Spirit manifested in their lives. If they have love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, patience, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, then you can be sure that they are authentic Christians. They don’t have to have to have all of the nine simultaneously, because we are all a work in progress. A true disciple of Jesus has nailed and crucified their old sinful nature on the cross.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for dying for me on the cross and so I can also nail my old life there.
REFLECTION
What have you nailed on the cross that you struggled for so long?
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

ANTIDOTE TO CRAVINGS Poem Devotional

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March 15
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So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. -Galatians 5:16(NLT)
ANTIDOTE TO CRAVINGS
A poem and essay by ILMA
It is human to have cravings
It is divine to be led by the Spirit
Let God’s Spirit guide your life
It is the antidote to all your desires.
Believe that Jesus died to grant you victory
You have the power to overcome the enemy
Have a connection with God and you will hear his voice
Stay faithful to Jesus, it benefits you and never comes void.
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Some people are addicted to chocolates. I love fruits, and I can crave for them almost anytime. Though they are good for my body, I should also watch out that I take it in moderation or I will have to suffer the consequence of not being able to control my longings. One of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control. A fruit is only harvested if the seed of that fruit was sowed. Self-control doesn’t happen in an instant. It is a result of cooperating with God’s will. We can’t discipline ourselves on our own because only the Holy Spirit can grant the grace to allow you to harvest his fruits. The bible tells us that the antidote to cravings is listening and being aware of what the Holy Spirit is guiding you to do. We can stifle him when we disobey and rebel.
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PRAYER
Lord, always guide me to follow your lead.
REFLECTION
How do you know if the spirit you hear is from 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

VICTORY THROUGH CHRIST Poem Devotional

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March 14
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Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us.
– Romans 8:37(NLT)
VICTORY THROUGH CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ
Trials may come, but you’ll win and thrive in life
Despite what may seemingly be overwhelming
Don’t lose hope for victory is beaming.
Keep growing your faith and you will behold victory
The battle was already won by the blood of Jesus
Seek the only true God who can grant salvation
Jesus leads the way to victory over temptations.
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I used to bicycle at least 30-60 kilometers daily. It was almost fifteen straight years that I did it. I joined a national bicycle competition in my forties and was the only woman in the 300 cyclists run in the Philippines on our Independence day celebration. I just had a bike accident before the contest so I wanted to overcome my fear of riding again. Those men who competed were in their teens up to their thirties. I was in my early forties. I wanted to see how I’d survived the many other cyclists beside me in a velodrome set up. We needed to finish 50 laps and I did over half of that. I may not have won the contest, but I was victorious to overcome my fear and age factor. When we discipline ourselves to be devoted to seek Jesus faithfully, victory is not far.
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PRAYER
Thank you that I can be victorious when I abide in you.
REFLECTION
Why do some Christians fail to be victorious in their trials and sufferings?
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

LIVE IN CHRIST’S AUTHORITY Poem Devotional

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March 13
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And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.
– 2 Corinthians 2:10-11(NLT)
LIVE IN CHRIST’S AUTHORITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
When we commit our lives to Christ
We receive his grace in our new life
We can only forgive when his spirit allows
We have no power if we don’t praise him and bow.
Live in the authority that Christ gave you
Don’ live in the old for you are already made new
Obedience to God’s will exposes Satan’s schemes
He will no longer be able to tempt us to sin.
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Some believers still find it difficult to forgive. I think one of the reasons why they struggle with granting forgiveness is because they don’t quite grasp the unfathomable love of God for all his children. Their views may have been influenced by their unpleasant experiences with authority figures and caregivers.
One of the ways we can keep the enemy away in our lives is through obedience and seeking God’s word and his will. Once we meditate on his words day and night, we will begin to comprehend why obedience is vital to growth. When we rebel, we miss out the promises he gave us and open doors for the enemy to plot against us. Let us declare the authority we have in Christ Jesus.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the authority you have over my life.
REFLECTION
How can we exercise the authority of Christ especially in unpleasant circumstances?
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 WAY OF THE LORD Poem Devotional

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March 12
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The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked.
– Proverbs 10:29(NLT)
THE WAY OF THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you been following the way of the Lord?
If you haven’t, you will struggle in this world
God’s path is a stronghold for those with integrity
It destroys the wicked and all the tactics of the enemy.
There is power if you follow Jesus’ lead
He is always there to help and intercede
Only Jesus will lead us to eternal life
Follow him and you will never lose sight.
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It was a custom in the Philippines to do the Stations of the cross on Good Friday. Parishioners go through 12 stations depicting the various events that led to the cross. In some regions, some penitents willingly experience Jesus’ suffering themselves, from being whipped or lashed on the back (by himself or by others) to carrying the cross, and even up to being tied or nailed to the cross. The church is in a state of mourning after Jesus’ death. While this may sound “holy”, What is really in the hearts of believers? Do they receive the free life they have as a result Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross? Are they transformed by the renewal of their minds?
The way of the Lord focuses on following Christ’s example of a holy and righteous life through obedience and humility.
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PRAYER
Lord, guide me to follow your obedient and humble heart.
REFLECTION
How come the “wicked” are destroyed by the Lord’s 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

WHY INVITE PUNISHMENT? Poem Devotional

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March 11
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Why do you continue to invite punishment? Must you rebel forever? Your head is injured and your heart is sick. – Isaiah 1:5(NLT)
WHY INVITE PUNISHMENT?
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you turn your back on Christ
You are surely endangering your life
When you rebel, you are inviting punishment
Lawlessness deprives you of God’s promises.
Confess and repent your disobedience
You must learn to give up resentment
Why do you live in chastisement?
Choose God and you will have enlightenment.
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Have you ever invited someone in your home who is totally opposed to your beliefs? In the past, I had many friends who were unbelievers and even those who claimed they were Christians, didn’t actually practice and obey God’s will and commands. It didn’t matter to me what they were before because I wasn’t born again that time. When the Lord freed me from all my strongholds and invited me to live a free life, I accepted it. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I got convicted of rebellion. It was one of those strongholds that I inherited from my family. Almost the majority of my relatives were rebels in one way or another. There were those that defied their parents, others lived promiscuous lives. Some were always arguing with authority.
The bible tells us how the Lord warned the Israelites to stop rebelling for it invites punishment in their lives.
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PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from any form of rebellion.
REFLECTION
Why do you think rebellion opens door for suffering?
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