August 13________________________________________
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. -Isaiah 40:28(NLT)
INFINITE GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Don’t worry about your life too much
You serve an infinite God who cares
He never grows weak or weary
He loves you much faithfully.
He created all things on earth
He is pleased with all that he made
Serve only the God who is endless
There is no other god who is boundless.
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There are many people who have no concept of the infiniteness of the Lord. He alone created the whole universe with his spoken words. No person or other gods can ever do what he did. It is sad to see people live in unbelief and rebellion to an infinite God. He loved us so much and created all things for himself. We were all designed to please him because that is what we were made for. But because of the first fall, we have veered away from the plan that he had for us since the beginning of creation. How can we ever repay a God who did everything for us with such unfaithfulness and lawlessness?
The bible tells us how good our Lord is and how infinite he is. He knows all things. He defeated death by dying on the cross for us and redeeming us from the debt of sin. He never grows weak or weary.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me meditate you’re your infinite mercy, glory and love for us.
REFLECTION
How can you give praise to an infinite God like 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
Monthly Archives: August 2018
THE GODLY OUTLIVES EVIL Poem Devotional
August 12________________________________________
When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes, but the godly will live to see their downfall. – Proverbs 29:16 (NLT)
THE GODLY OUTLIVES EVIL
A poem and essay by ILMA
The righteous people can discern evil
They see the tactics of the enemy
When the wicked are in authority
People witness sin flourishing.
Even if wickedness thrives
The word of God is alive
The godly outlives evil
God wins over the devil.
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Many unbelievers question how God can allow evil to thrive in parts of our lives. Some Christians lost their way because they couldn’t understand how the Lord permits wickedness in this world. What they do not understand is that God is still in control and that when someone believes him he can work on their weaknesses and use it to exercise his authority.
The bible says that the Spirit who lives in us is greater than the one who lives in this world in 1 John 4:4. We also know the truth that the ruler of this world is not from God in John 14:30. The evil one rules in this life that we live in. A lot of us do not see these evil forces because they are not visible to our naked eyes. As long as we are alive in this world, we will deal with the evil around us. God promised that the godly will outlive the evil around them because God is with them.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to focus on you when evil comes my way.
REFLECTION
How can we stay pure in this wicked world?
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
TO DISCIPLINE OR NOT TO Poem Devotional
August 11________________________________________
To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child. – Proverbs 29:15(NLT)
TO DISCIPLINE OR NOT TO
A poem and essay by ILMA
When a child is disciplined at a young age
He will learn to be wise and brave
It is good for parents to implement discipline
It keeps them righteous and win over sin.
When you don’t discipline a child
You are actually ruining their lives
A child out of control brings dishonor
He will be selfish and out of control.
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When I was growing up, they put more emphasis on discipline. Parents were very particular how their children behaved especially in public or when there were guests coming to their homes. It was of utmost importance that they were respectful and have good manners. I think that discipline is become a novelty nowadays in our society. I remember clearly how we are going to get punished when we didn’t follow right conduct. Most youth juvenile delinquent are product of undisciplined children. Because they weren’t corrected early in life, they will do what they please and will not learn to submit to authority.
The bible says that when we discipline our children, they learn to be wise. It is one of the best things we can give our offspring so that they will thrive in life. It is a shame to see undisciplined children and youth who later on becomes problems in society.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to accept correction from you openly.
REFLECTION
Why is correction essential in a person’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
THOSE WHO CARE FOR THE POOR Poem Devotional
August 10________________________________________
The godly care about the rights of the poor; the wicked don’t care at all.
– Proverbs 29:7(NLT)
THOSE WHO CARE FOR THE POOR
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who are righteous are concerned with the poor
They care for them and cling to the Lord and stay faithful
The godly takes accountability for each other
The wicked never thinks about their sisters and brothers.
Those who care for the poor will be granted blessings
We are all instructed to look after God’s people
Be sensitive to others’ needs and you will be blessed
Forget the poor in Spirit and you will regress.
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My country of origin is the Philippines. Poverty is rampant everywhere. The gap between the rich and the poor is so huge that the rights of the poor are almost minimized. I was brought up by my mother to treat the poor as equal. Even though we had helpers at home as I was growing up, she made sure that we did our chores and treated them well. We were instructed to treat them like family. I love that about my mother. She had the heart for the poor and was always helping them. I think I learned this virtue from her. Even at a very young age, I had the passion to help and look after those who are marginalized. The bible tells us to care for the poor.
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PRAYER
Lord, bring me an opportunity to help others especially the poor.
REFLECTION
How can one develop a sensitivity to the needs of the poor?
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 WALK IN WISDOM Poem Devotional
August 9________________________________________
Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.
– Proverbs 28:26(NLT)
WHEN YOU WALK IN WISDOM
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who believe only in their own insight
They are in for trouble in this life
When you walk in wisdom
You will always have freedom.
Pursue wisdom and you will be safe
Turn your back on it and you will fail
Always run to the truth that comes from Christ
Then you will always have the best insight.
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There are many people who want to know a lot of things. The big irony is that the more they crave for the things of this world, the more they get in bondage to pride. I know a lot of people who love to accumulate information and boast about it to others. They never give due credit to the Lord who gave them all. It is the Lord who is the source of all knowledge and without him, we cannot thrive and be safe.
There were many years of my life that I relied on my own insight. I wanted to prove to most people that I had it all and that the intelligence I had was something I worked hard for. I never acknowledged the Lord for all that I knew. When I became born again, I was given truth which made me learn humility and granted wisdom from his word.
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PRAYER
Lord, please keep me humble so I can discern your will.
REFLECTION
What happens when you walk in 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
A HARD WORKER’S PAYOFF Poem Devotional
August 8________________________________________
A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.
-Proverbs 28:19(NLT)
A HARD WORKER’S PAYOFF
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you chase fantasies
You end up in poverty
A hard worker will have plenty
A dreamer will experience famine.
When you go after unrealistic goals
It won’t materialize, you won’t grow
Someone who works very hard
They will have bounty and be glad.
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Proverbs 6:6-8 refers us to the most hard working specie of all, the ants. The verse says “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. There are other bible verses that tells us the importance of work. Proverbs 12:11 says whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense. Proverbs 14:23 tells us that in all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.
God created all creation in six days out of seven. He didn’t rest for six days and work only for a day. This tells us clearly how important it is to work. Though he commanded to have a day of rest, he also emphasized that if one works hard, they will never go hungry. He discourages us from fantasizing which only leads to poverty.
PRAYER
Lord, give me wisdom to always work hard.
REFLECTION
Give an example of the payoff of hard work 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
BLESSED ARE THE RIGHTEOUS Poem Devotional
August 7________________________________________
Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.
– Proverbs28:14(NLT)
BLESSED ARE THE RIGHTEOUS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who fear the Lord avoid doing wrong
They praise God and follow his word
Those who are stubborn will get in trouble
They are headed for destruction and the rubble.
When you take the path that leads to Jesus Christ
He will renew your mind and transform your life
When you cling to pride and foolishness
You will end up living a life of recklessness.
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Have you ever met someone who lived a life of complete abandon? I lived in the distant past with someone who never wanted to plan anything or follow any rules. He just follows his desires and wants. He didn’t care if it will hurt anyone or how he is getting it. He just wants it done for the sake of satisfying his cravings. As a result of this selfish lifestyle, he lost many friends and his relationships with others got smaller and smaller. In his 50’s, he was diagnosed with cancer. I am quite certain that his drinking and unhealthy lifestyle contributed to the illness. He didn’t care to see doctors or get himself checked because it will impede in satiating his desires. The bible says that God blesses those who live righteous and holy lives but the proud and stubborn are headed for trouble.
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PRAYER
Thank you Lord for the promise of blessings to those who live holy lives.
REFLECTION
How can you open the minds of those who are reckless?
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 OF THE UNFAMILIAR Poem Devotional
August 6________________________________________
I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way.
-Isaiah 42:16(NLT)
FEAR OF THE UNFAMILIAR
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever we encounter the unknown
We can be stressed and anxious for long
The Lord promised us a new way
Don’t fret or fear the unfamiliar
God never leaves or forsakes us
Let’s rely on him and constantly trust
When the fear of the unfamiliar comes
God is there to guide and to calm.
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When I was about six years old, I got lost in a crowd while my mother and I were shopping in an outdoor marketplace. I didn’t realize I was holding on to a stranger’s hands, thinking that she was my mother. Then I began to panic and fear crept in. It was a very unfamiliar place since it was my first time to be there. With tears running down my cheeks I walked and walked looking where I lost sight of her. It seemed like ages when I found her. She didn’t even notice I wasn’t beside her and got lost. Fright can overwhelm us when we experience the unknown and the unfamiliar.
The bible says that the Lord leads us down a new path when we tread on something that we are not used to. We need not be afraid or be anxious when we are in situations where we feel helpless and not in control.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me courage to face the unfamiliar.
REFLECTION
How can we be able to develop an automatic trust to God when we face the unknown?
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
UNDIVIDED LOYALTY Poem Devotional
August 5________________________________________
I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise with carved idols. – Isaiah 42:8(NLT)
UNDIVIDED LOYALTY
A poem and essay by ILMA
As soon as you commit to the Lord
He expects you to give him laud
He doesn’t want to share your loyalty
He wants you to serve him only.
The Lord will not give glory to anyone
There is no other who can sacrifice his Son
He doesn’t want divided devotion
He wants your complete attention.
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When you get into a relationship with someone you love and treasure immensely, don’t you expect undivided loyalty from that someone? Faithfulness is one of the most important ingredient in a thriving relationship. Without it, no relationship will flourish.
I had my share of people who had issues with divided loyalty. It was traumatic to experience being cheated on. It made me doubt my identity and value. It brought much insecurity to my already troubled life. I am thankful that God has rescued me from such a compromised life.
The bible says that God is a jealous God. He doesn’t want competition. There is no one like him. He is the beginning and the end. He knows all things and created all beings. He wants us to be as faithful as he is to us. He doesn’t want to share any of his people with other gods.
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PRAYER
Lord, teach me how to stay faithful to you all the time.
REFLECTION
Why is undivided loyalty essential to your relationship with 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
UNTIL JUSTICE PREVAILS Poem Devotional
August 4________________________________________
He will bring justice to all who have been wronged. He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth. Isaiah 42:3-4(NLT)
UNTIL JUSTICE PREVAILS
A poem and essay by ILMA
The Lord brings justice to all who have been wronged
He never allows anyone to be abused for very long
He is always there when injustices prevail
Don’t lose hope, never think your faith is in vain.
The Lord will not let you down or falter
He is the most faithful and loving of all fathers
He will protect all those who are faithful
He will alleviate the pain of all those who suffer.
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When you have experienced abuse and injustice, it is easy to feel helpless and hopeless. The state of being treated unjustly can be very traumatic especially for a child. I learned to mistrust others because those people who were supposed to care for me were actually the ones who neglected and mistreated me. It taught me how to never rely on anyone for my needs. I had to take care of myself and coped with the injustice as best as I can.
The bible tells us that our heavenly Father is a God of Justice. He never allows injustice to triumph. Many people question how God could allow so many injustices to happen. Sometimes he is teaching these people what they need to learn.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for taking care of those who are mistreated.
REFLECTION
Why should we never lose hope when we witness injustices?
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