January 12
________________________________________
PSALM 104
12 Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches.
13 From your lofty abode you water the mountains;
the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.
14 You cause the grass to grow for the livestock
and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth
15and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine
and bread to strengthen man’s heart.
16 The trees of the LORD are watered abundantly, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
17 In them the birds build their nests; the stork has her home in the fir trees.
18 The high mountains are for the wild goats; the rocks are a refuge for the rock badgers.
19 He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting.
20 You make darkness, and it is night, when all the beasts of the forest creep about.
21 The young lions roar for their prey, seeking their food from God.
22 When the sun rises, they steal away and lie down in their dens.
23 Man goes out to his work and to his labor until the evening.
– Psalm 104:12-23
________________________________________
PSALM 104 A GOD OF CREATION
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
From God’s heavenly abode, he created all creatures small and big
He made the birds that sing so sweetly among the branches of trees
The Lord created the meadows vegetated with grass so livestock can feed on
He has provided everything that his creatures need even before they thought of
He watered the trees abundantly; God himself planted those cedars of Lebanon
He has set those mountaintops for the wild goats to dwell on
He created the moon to set boundaries to the changes of seasons
At night, he allowed the wild creatures to be out and about to roam around
When the sun rises, they have to let man take dominion of his surroundings
The Lord created the day for the man so he can work and toil morning till evening.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• What kind of God do we serve as described in this psalm?
Tag Archives: Chrisitan poem
WHEN JONAH OBEYED Poem Devotional
December 12
________________________________________
WHEN JONAH OBEYED
A poem by ILMA
Once again the LORD spoke to Jonah and said “Go to Nineveh
Proclaim to the people the message I have given you.”
So, Jonah obeyed the LORD and went to the big city
It took three days to walk through the whole Nineveh
Jonah proclaimed, “In forty days Nineveh will be destroyed!”
The people of Nineveh believed God’s message
They decided all should fast from the greatest to the least
They put on sackcloth, each one of them, to show that they had repented
When the king heard about it, he got up from his throne
He took off his robe, put on sackcloth, and sat down in ashes.
He sent out a proclamation to the people of Nineveh
“This is an order from the king and his officials
No one is to eat anything; all persons are forbidden to eat or drink
Each person and animals must wear sackcloth
All must pray earnestly to God and give up their wickedness
Perhaps God will change his mind and stop being angry
Then the whole city will be saved and we will not die!”
God saw what they did, he saw that they had given up their wicked behavior
So, he changed his mind and did not punish them as he had said he would.
________________________________________
MEMORY VERSE
So, Jonah obeyed the LORD and went to Nineveh, a city so large that it took three days to walk through it. – Jonah 3:3
Read: Jonah 3:1-10
When Jonah finally obeyed the Lord after he was spitted from the fish, a miracle happened. The wicked people of Nineveh, repented. All from the king and everyone.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• What stops people from walking in obedience?
• What happened when Jonah finally obeyed the Lord after running the first time?
POWER OF MORE THAN ONE Poem Devotional
September 10
________________________________________
POWER OF MORE THAN ONE
A poem by ILMA
Another example of something meaningless under the sun is being all alone
He is without a child or a brother but works hard to be as rich as he can
He asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why do I give up pleasures?
It doesn’t make sense; It is all so meaningless and depressing.
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed
If one person falls, someone is there to help the other
But someone who falls alone is in real trouble, they can’t get help
They end up suffering more since there is no one to support them.
Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm
But how can one be warm alone? They will find it hard to stay heated
A person standing alone can be defeated but two can stand back-to-back
Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
________________________________________
MEMORY VERSE
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.
– Ecclesiastes 4:9
Read: Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
In these following verses, we see another futile and meaningless thing to do. Being alone and isolated is worthless. There is nothing more pathetic than to be all alone and not connect or be able to reach out and be with others. Isolation is the tool of the enemy to keep us away from others so that we will become more self-focused and self-absorbed and indulgent. God didn’t design us to be alone. When we do this, we are destroying the image that he created us to be.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How do you know if you are isolating yourself from others? What might be the reason behind such decision to keep yourself away from others?
• Why do you think many mental and psychological illnesses associated with isolation?
• What are the effects of being with others as opposed to being isolated?
PUT YOUR HOPE IN THE WORD Poem Devotional
October 13________________________________________
I cry out for help and put my hope in your words. Let me be revived by following your regulations. -Psalm 119:145 & 149(NLT)
PUT YOUR HOPE IN THE WORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
I thank God that when I cry out for help, His word is there
He hears me and responds even before I ask for help
How amazing that He is way ahead of all situations
He already knows and provides the solutions.
I put my hope in God’s word because they are truth
Lord, grant me obedience to all your loving rules
Without your word, we will be lost and confused
Guide me constantly and never allow me to refuse.
________________________________________
What makes Christianity different from other religions? We have a God who is alive. He is the only God who came in human form and was risen after he died. Another distinct difference is how God inspired forty different writers of the bible spread in many periods of years. Yet, if you read it, it flows like there is only one writer. That is magnificent and amazing. Our Lord can create anything and use anyone or everything according to His plan. Another distinct difference from other religions is that He lives in our heart. He watches and knows every little detail of what is going on in our hearts, mind, body and spirit. When you put your hope in his word, he will revive you.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Thank you Lord for the hope that you give us in your word.
REFLECTION
How can living in this world’s standard make us hopeless?
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
SEARCHING WHOLEHEARTEDLY Poem Devotional
May 29________________________________________
If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. -Jeremiah 29:13(NLT)
SEARCHING WHOLEHEARTEDLY
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you search wholeheartedly for Jesus Christ
He will satiate your hunger for him in your life
Those who seek will surely find him
In their hearts will live his Holy Spirit.
He will only show himself to those who abide
He sees your heart, so don’t entertain pride
Guard that your mind, soul and spirit are his’ alone
It will bring you victory when you trust in his precious Son.
________________________________________
Treasure hunting doesn’t need to be expensive. You don’t really have to be part of an exploration team in order to reap the fruits of this adventurous hobby. You can go hunting for treasures in your own home, old places, neighborhood, thrift shops or even abandoned places. I love a show in Britain that features a well awarded lady designer who goes to the junkyard before people throw away their stuff. In each episode, she tries to salvage three items that she will convert into an upcycled product or totally re-use it for a different purpose. It is amazing how she converts junk into money making treasures.
I love to go through thrift shops, garage sales or even look at what people throw away in the curbs along their houses.
The bible says that if you search wholeheartedly for the Lord, you will find him, just like discovering a treasure.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, keep me hunting for your truths and promises.
REFLECTION
What happens when you seek the Lord with all your 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
WORK OUT ACCORDING TO HIS PLAN Poem Devotional
April 14________________________________________
He chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.
-Ephesians 1:11(NLT)
WORK OUT ACCORDING TO HIS PLAN
A poem and essay by ILMA
When things are not working according to your expectation
Don’t worry! God makes it all good according to his vision
He chose you in advance to ensure that everything works out
Don’t lose hope, his love, blessings and mercy abounds.
He is faithful and he is after your heart and your obedience
Follow his lead and he will grant you patience and endurance
He has prepared a place for us to join him in heaven
Grow your faith for his promises are many for his brethren.
________________________________________
Have you ever made a blueprint? A blueprint is a guide for making something — it’s a design or pattern that can be followed. A plan is important so that what you are intending to do is clear and so you can execute it with higher success rate. Without a vision and a plan, you are more prone to fail. In Habakkuk 2:2, we are instructed to write down your vision. It is essential to see in advance the details of what you hope for to happen.
The bible also said in Mark 11:24 that you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. God also chose us in advance and he works everything according to his plan.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, grant me discernment to hear your plan for my life.
REFLECTION
Why do you think planning leads to success?
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 NO SCORN OR INSULT Poem Devotional
August 10
________________________________________
“Listen to me, you who know right from wrong, you who cherish my law in your hearts.
Do not be afraid of people’s scorn, nor fear their insults. -Isaiah 51:7(NLT)
FEAR NO SCORN OR INSULT
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you are being insulted
Remember, Christ was also mistreated
All those who believe and love Jesus,
You are all his treasure and considered precious.
When you believe God, you are free
His unconditional love covers all fears
Do not be afraid of people’s ridicules
They use them because they are insecure.
________________________________________
Insults and judgments have crippled my first four decades of life. Because I didn’t grow up where positive reinforcements were the norm, I was always afraid of being criticized or scorned. When I became a born again Christian, the Lord freed me from these fears. The bible says that God is love and that there is no fear in love. When I studied that truth, I was set free. God showed me that those who love to insult are usually having trouble with their own insecurities. I need not listen to the lies because I already know the truth. He made me understand why I was reacting to belittling so much. I believed all the lies that people around me told me. I didn’t know any better because I didn’t know God’s words then. He promised those who love and obey him that He will be there to make us strong.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, let me listen only to your truth and voice.
REFLECTION
What were you fearful of that God freed you from?
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 IT SINK DEEP IN YOUR HEART Poem Devotional
May 10________________________________________
Son of man, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself. -Ezekiel 3:10 (NLT)
LET IT SINK DEEP IN YOUR HEART
A poem and essay by ILMA
Let all of God’s word affect your mind, soul and body.
Listen to them and let it sink deep in your heart fully
When you meditate on it day and night, it will change you
You will experience wisdom which will make you new.
When you allow God’s truth to soak deep inside your mind
The enemy cannot trick you anymore to stay blind
Seek the Lord first and he will give you what you ask
Stay in his word and bask at how he loves you so very much.
________________________________________
If all people will give up their stubborn hearts and seek God and his word, there will be no conflicts and violence in our world today. There is much benefit to reading God’s word, meditating and living what it says. Why don’t people want what is good for them? Instead, we choose what brings us trouble. Paul says in Romans7: 15, “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” Man have struggled with this inner conflict since the fall of Adam and Eve. Let God’s word sink deep in your heart so you can hear his voice.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, help me to run to your word and store it in my heart each day.
REFLECTION
How often do you meditate on God’s word?
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
BELIEVE NOW Poem Devotional
September 10
________________________________________
Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe -John 20:27(NLT)
BELIEVE NOW
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you still being tossed here and there?
Believe and don’t be faithless any longer
The Lord wants you free, bold and tougher
Have faith like Abraham and you will be stronger.
Anything is possible to those who believe him
They will be renewed and be victorious over sin
Even if you don’t see results, continue to believe
Faithful followers will be amazed at what they’ll receive.
________________________________________
Mark 9:23 says that anything is possible to those who believe. I know many Christians who say they believe and yet don’t act like they do. When they ask God for something, they are expecting a result. When they don’t see what they expect, they panic and act on it. This is not faith; it is working at getting what you want.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. In Hebrews 11 chapter we see great examples of faith such as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Moses, Joseph, Rahab, and many more. Faith is a key ingredient to one’s salvation. In Isaiah 7:9, God says that unless your faith is firm, he cannot make you stand firm. In other words, without faith, God cannot work miracles in our lives. So, what are you waiting for? Believe!
PRAYER
My heavenly Father, please grow my faith in you.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God requires faith in order to bring what we ask for?
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 SETTLING DISAGREEMENTS Poem Devotional
July 28
________________________________________
Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. -Philippians 4:2(NLT)
ON SETTLING DISAGREEMENTS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Where there are conflicts, the enemy thrives
He loves to watch people when they strive
If you belong to God, you will settle disagreements
There is no need to dwell on fights and arguments.
Do not give the devil an open door for bondage
If you are God’s child, you won’t be at a disadvantage
He always wants you to be free and never chained
Let God renew you and so you can embrace change.
________________________________________
I have wasted a lot of years arguing. It gave me so much pleasure then when I win an argument. What I did not know is that it was keeping me in bondage to conflicts. The enemy loves to watch people in all kinds of fights. I didn’t realize I was like a puppet to him. Each opportunity he gives me to have conflicts. I just followed the strings he pulls to bring me where he wants me to. God delivered me from this stronghold of conflict and since then, I learned to embrace peace at all cost.
The bible tells us to settle disagreements. He addresses all believers to seek and pursue peace at all times. He wants us all to live in harmony, love and understanding. The sooner we settle arguments, the faster the devil will flee.
PRAYER
Lord, show me any form of conflict when it comes.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to settle conflicts as soon as it arise?
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