June 20
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PAUL AND BARNABAS TURNS DOWN IDOLATRY
A poem by ILMA
While they were at Lystra, Paul and Barnabas met a man with crippled feet
This man had been that way from birth so he never walked before
As this crippled man listened to the preaching, Paul that he had enough faith
So, he looked at this man straight in the eye and told him to “Stand up!”
The man jumped at his feet and started walking and many witnessed it
The crowd shouted in their local dialect, “These men are gods in human form!”
They decided Barnabas was the Greek god Zeus and Paul was Hermes
The priests of the temple of Zeus came to bring offerings and wreath of flowers.
When the apostles heard what happened, they tore their clothing in dismay
They ran out among the people and shouted “We are mere humans!”
They reminded them that they came to bring the Good News to them
God wanted them to turn from all idols and that they are turning them into it.
Some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd to their side
They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead
But as the believers gathered around him, he got up and went back to town
The next day, Paul left to proceed to Derbe and left with Barnabas.
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MEMORY VERSE
We are merely human beings-just like you! We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God who made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them. – Acts 14:15
Read: Acts 14
We see in this preaching journey of Paul and Barnabas how easily people are dazzled by supernatural things and forget to focus that God is the source of all miracles and wonders.
Once again, we see the humility of Paul and Barnabas who never wanted to be praised for what they do since it is God who made them all possible.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think humans easily get dazzled by things people do?
Tag Archives: devotional
UNRECOGNIZED Poem Devotional
March 10
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My people don’t recognize my care for them. – Isaiah 1:3(NLT)
UNRECOGNIZED
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you able to show appreciation for your blessings?
When you count them, you are praising him
Take time to look at the flowers and smell them
God made creation so you will remember him.
He is there whether you are having a good or bad day
He rescues all those who love him in every way
He grants your requests and provide for your needs
Do you praise him and do you constantly believe?
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When children reach their teen years, they sometimes pull away from the parents. They can be vulnerable in their search for identity if they get into the wrong company. For the first 13 years of my son’s life, we were very close and open with each other. I was a single parent and we were inseparable. By the time he was 11, he started rebelling and did his best to stay away from me. He did the opposite of what we used to do, praising the Lord and praying to him daily. I didn’t realize that was going on but after his father died, I found out that his own father was teaching him the ways of the world and contradicting all the values I taught him. It was that time that he didn’t recognize my love for him. Sometimes our heavenly father may feel the same way with us.
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PRAYER
Lord, remind me to always focus on your love for me.
REFLECTION
How can you consciously know how much God loves you?
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
GOD PROTECTS HIS PEOPLE Poem Devotional
February 18
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The Lord of Heaven’s Armies will protect his people and they will defeat their enemies by hurling great stones. -Zechariah 9: 15(NLT)
GOD PROTECTS HIS PEOPLE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you struggling to overcome temptations?
Run to the Lord so you can get wise instructions
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies will protect his people
He will defeat anyone who will treat them so cruel.
God is faithful and just to deliver us from harm
Seek and abide in him who is the Son of God
Your obedience and faith will be your shield against evil
If you walk in love, you will keep away the devil.
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Insurance is defined as something providing protection against a possible eventuality. We often insure something of value to us, either our lives and material properties. We want to make sure that in the even of a calamity, theft, or accident, we can be guaranteed some form of compensation for our loss.
How can we insure our spiritual life? Who will cover and protect us when we are being attacked by the enemy either with an illness, disease, a broken relationship, a job loss, the death of someone we love, divorce, or a debilitating fear?
The bible tells us that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will protect his people. He will literally bring down the enemy and hurl back at him all that he uses to harm God’s children.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for shielding me from all the tactics of the enemy.
REFLECTION
How can we cooperate with God in destroying all of the attacks of Satan?
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 EVERYONE PRAISE THE LORD Poem Devotional
February 16________________________________________
Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him. For when he spoke, the world began. -Psalm 33:8-9(NLT)
LET EVERYONE PRAISE THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
How much blessings and grace have you received?
Do you thank the Lord and continue to believe?
Let the whole world fear and revere a mighty God
Let everyone glorify the Lord and give him laud
For when he breathed and spoke, the world began
When man disobeyed and sinned, he gave his only Son
What have you done to bring him honor and glory?
If you walk in love and seek him, you will have victory.
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Do you know anyone who just spoke and created something? When we plan something, it first enters our minds and then we speak about it and finally do something to have it realized or come true. There is power in speaking. What we speak is actually what is in our hearts. If we constantly say words of encouragement, we will reap good things. If we make a habit of saying negative things or complaining, we will reap bitterness and more suffering.
The bible tells us to revere and glorify the Lord. It is only right to do so because he created us all from nothing. He opened his mouth and said a word, and we became flesh. He didn’t use anything else to create the world and man.
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PRAYER
Lord, I praise and give you glory for all that you are.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to revere 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
SIGN OF GOD’S MERCY AND GRACE Poem Devotional
December 24________________________________________
Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. -Luke 2:34 (NLT)
SIGN OF GOD’S MERCY AND GRACE
A poem and essay by ILMA
The child Jesus is a sign of God’s mercy and love for mankind
People don’t realize this great gift, they continue to be blind
Christ was prophesied to cause many in Israel to fall
But he will also bring to many other people so much joy.
Jesus is a sign from God but many will oppose him
He will be the way for us all to be freed and redeemed
Do you welcome this Jesus that God has sent to save you?
Have you opened your heart and mind to be renewed?
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Many people like to believe in signs. Some cultures have many superstitious beliefs that they have embraced for many years and have passed on from generations to generations. Not all signs come from God. We have an enemy who knows us very well. He knows all our weaknesses, our history and especially our vulnerabilities. If we have a relationship with God, the enemy will have a hard time using his own tactics to trick us.
Jesus is the sign that God’s mercy and grace has come.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your gift of salvation.
REFLECTION
Why should we be careful to ask for signs when making decisions or choices?
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
PROOF OF REPENTANCE Poem Devotional
June 20
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Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.
– Matthew 3:8 (NLT)
PROOF OF REPENTANCE
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is the e the indication that you have repented?
Are you able to recognize the sin you have committed?
Have you confessed to God and asked for forgiveness?
Are you willing to turn to him and live in faithfulness?
Prove by the way you live that you are sorry for your sins
Mere words and talk is not enough to be redeemed
Show others that you have been transformed and cleansed
Take the straight path and you’ll never again be bent.
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Mere words such “I am sorry” does not necessarily mean that you have repented and turned to God. Sometimes people become sorry just because they don’t want to suffer the consequence of sin. They don’t have a true contrition and repentant heart. They just want to avoid discomfort or suffering. The bible says that if we confess our sins with our mouth and repent, we will be forgiven. The Holy Spirit shows us what we do wrong and guides us to the way out and ask forgiveness. All Scriptures teach us to do what is right and gives us a solution to our circumstances. The bible tells us to prove our repentant heart by the way we live and by turning to God.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for guiding me back to you when I fall.
REFLECTION
When was the last time the Holy Spirit stirred you and corrected you?
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
ENTRY TO THE NARROW DOOR
June 12
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Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom for many will try to enter but will fail. -Luke 13:24(NLT)
ENTRY TO THE NARROW DOOR
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you always choose the easy way to do things?
Do you avoid inconveniences at all cost to achieve?
Watch out, for the gate to hell is wide and open
But narrow is the door that leads to God’s kingdom.
You must work hard to enter this challenging gate
Many will try but will fail because they lose faith
Persist and never give up for it will welcome you
God will be waiting patiently till you get through.
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In this day and age of convenience, most individuals want a piece of comfort. If anyone will be given an opportunity to take the short cut and the easy way, they would. In the past, I would always take that choice, to do the easiest way at doing something. The path to God’s kingdom is not always an easy road to take. In fact, the bible says that it is a narrow door that leads to God’s kingdom and not all people who take the road are able to get through. Why do you think God makes it harder for people to get into his kingdom? That’s because our world is not God’s kingdom. He has different prerequisite to enter it.
PRAYER
Lord, never let me choose the easy way, but have patience to see what you are teaching me.
REFLECTION
Why do you think people choose the wider door rather than the narrow door to heaven?
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
DON’T TEST THE LORD YOUR GOD Poem Devotional
June 8
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Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.”
-Matthew 4:7(NLT)
DON’T TEST THE LORD YOUR GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you rebel against authority and force your demands
You are actually testing and questioning the Lord and his commands
When you are selfish, arrogant and think you know everything
You are challenging the Lord for a fight over something.
Don’t test the Lord your God for he knows what’s best for you
His thoughts are not your thoughts because he knows the truth
Whenever you don’t believe in his goodness and his character
You are asking for a fight that you will surely end up as the loser.
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The book of Matthew chapter 4 narrates the temptation of Jesus by the devil during his forty days of fasting. The devil used all kinds of tricks to entice Jesus to prove that he is the Son of God. The devil tempted Jesus to turn stone to bread, then to give Jesus the glory of his worldly kingdom if Jesus will worship him, then ask Jesus to jump off the cliff so he can be saved by God’s angels from falling. All of Jesus’ response started with “The Scriptures say” and in the end he says “Don’t test the Lord your God.”
We can test the Lord by unbelief, asking him to prove himself, slandering his character and grieving his spirit.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me when I allow the enemy to use me to test you.
REFLECTION
When have you ever tested the Lord your 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
PRESS ON TO KNOW THE LORD Poem Devotional
June 7
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In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence. Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring. -Hosea 6:2-3(NLT)
PRESS ON TO KNOW THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you press on to know the Lord and his ways
You will be restored and live in his presence always
He will respond to you as surely as the arrival of dawn
He will answer and rescue you so you won’t wait long.
If you press on to study God’s character and truth
He will build a strong foundation that will take deep roots
If you constantly seek him, you will become more like him
You will know the truth, be set free and be redeemed.
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“Press on” is defined as: to continue to be determined despite setbacks, to apply direct pressure to something. There are elements that are present in “pressing on.” It involves pressure and moving forward or going against the pressure. We can’t press on, if there is no pressure or resistance involved.
The bible tells us that we need to press on knowing the Lord. It is by seeking Him that we win over the pressures of this world. It is by pushing forward to him that we are restored.
PRAYER
Lord, help me press on to you.
REFLECTION
Why do we need to continue to seek and study the Lord and his 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
THE PERFECT HUSBAND Poem Devotional
June 6
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I will make you my wife forever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion. I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as the Lord. – Hosea 3:19-20(NLT)
THE PERFECT HUSBAND
A poem and essay by ILMA
The Lord promised to believers that we are his wife
He is faithful and committed to you your whole life
Don’t forget that he will be there to strengthen you
No matter what, he will be with you to get you through.
You need not worry about his frailty for he is perfect
He knows you inside and out and is always there to help
He longs for more intimacy with you each and every day
Will you allow him to lead you and show you the way?
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Haven’t we been let down by our partners in one way or another? One of the reasons why we feel this way is because there are times when we expect something from them without even verbalizing it and then we end up setting them up for trouble. We have unrealistic expectations that no one can fulfill and then we get upset after watching them unable to live up to it. The Lord is the only perfect husband we can have. He knows everything and understand our expectations, motives or intentions and our feelings. Acknowledge the perfect husband in Jesus and he will complete you.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being my husband faithfully.
REFLECTION
When have you felt the clear manifestation of God as your husband?
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