BENT TOWARDS REBELLION Poem Devotional

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June 4

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Even in the womb, Jacob struggled with his brother; when he became a man, he even fought with God. -Hosea 12:3(NLT)
BENT TOWARDS REBELLION
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you ever done something lawless?
We all have the tendency to say “no” instead of “yes”
Have you ever argued with God to get your way?
We think we can manipulate him and get him swayed.
Why is it easy to be selfish rather than selfless?
It only leads us to ruin and a life that is pointless
Seek God so you can overcome pride and rebellion
He’s the only one who can change you and bring salvation.
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Jacob’s story in the bible is a clear example of a bent towards rebellion. He was tricked by his father-in-law to marry Laban first before he actually married Rachel for many years. Then his two wives were always fighting over which one could bear him more children. In Genesis 34 his daughter, Dinah, went out “to see the daughters of the land” and ended up in fornication. Two of his sons used the occasion to kill a whole city of men, thus causing Jacob to fear for his family’s safety. Jacob’s sons were less than shining examples of godliness. Then Jacob had a favorite son Joseph which he openly showed to his other sons and caused them to plot to kill their brother because of Jacob’s favoritism.
PRAYER
Lord, help me overcome my natural tendency to rebel.
REFLECTION
What can we do to fight our bent towards rebellion?
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

FOLLOWED WITHOUT A DOUBT

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May 26
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It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. -Hebrews 11:8(NLT)
FOLLOWED WITHOUT A DOUBT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you ever been fearful of changes in your life?
If you follow Jesus, you will be guided by his light
It was by faith that Abraham became father of all nations
He followed without a doubt all of God’s instructions.
Are you willing to obey whatever you are called to do?
He will equip you with wisdom and strength to follow through
To obey the Lord brings you an overflow of inheritance
To have victory, you need to give up all forms of resistance.
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Rebellion and stubbornness ran in my family of origin. It strongly manifested for many decades of my life. My life was chaotic when I lived in lawlessness, but as soon as I obeyed God’s will in my late twenties, many things changed. I had an overflow of blessings. When I reverted back to self-serving motives, once again, my life became very hard. So, I finally succumbed to his will then I experienced deliverance from many strongholds.
The bible says that Abraham obeyed God when he was instructed to leave him to another land. He followed even without knowing where God was leading him. He just obeyed.

PRAYER
Lord, help me follow you always.
REFLECTION
What was the consequence of your disobedience to God’s will?
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 STEP INTO WATER Poem Devotional

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May 25
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It was harvest season, and the Jordan was overflowing its banks. But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river’s edge, the water above that point began backing up a great distance away. -Joshua 3:15-16(NLT)
WHEN YOU STEP INTO WATER
A poem and essay by ILMA
When Peter saw Jesus walking on water amidst the storm
He wanted to follow Christ but fears started to form
As soon as he cried to him for help, he grabbed Peter
Will you trust God completely and step into the water?
When you take your step into obedience to Christ
You will see miracles and breakthroughs come into your life
Are you willing to take the step even amidst difficulties?
Will you decide to obey despite your fears and frailties?
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There were major miracles that God used water to show his people his power. There was the River Jordan crossing of the Ark of the Covenant in the book of Joshua, the deliverance of Israelites from the Egyptians at the Red Sea in Exodus, the walking on water of Jesus amidst the storm and making Peter walk on water, the turning of the water(river) into blood by Moses was his first public miracle just as Jesus’ first public miracle was the turning water into wine at thee wedding at Cana. When we take a step into the water, we experience the impossible.
PRAYER
Give me courage to take the first step into the water, Lord.
REFLECTION
When did you take a step into the water amidst a storm of 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

WHEN YOU STEP INTO WATER Poem Devotional

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May 25
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It was harvest season, and the Jordan was overflowing its banks. But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river’s edge, the water above that point began backing up a great distance away. -Joshua 3:15-16(NLT)
WHEN YOU STEP INTO WATER
A poem and essay by ILMA
When Peter saw Jesus walking on water amidst the storm
He wanted to follow Christ but fears started to form
As soon as he cried to him for help, he grabbed Peter
Will you trust God completely and step into the water?
When you take your step into obedience to Christ
You will see miracles and breakthroughs come into your life
Are you willing to take the step even amidst difficulties?
Will you decide to obey despite your fears and frailties?
________________________________________
There were major miracles that God used water to show his people his power. There was the River Jordan crossing of the Ark of the Covenant in the book of Joshua, the deliverance of Israelites from the Egyptians at the Red Sea in Exodus, the walking on water of Jesus amidst the storm and making Peter walk on water, the turning of the water(river) into blood by Moses was his first public miracle just as Jesus’ first public miracle was the turning water into wine at thee wedding at Cana. When we take a step into the water, we experience the impossible.
PRAYER
Give me courage to take the first step into the water, Lord.
REFLECTION
When did you take a step into the water amidst a storm of 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

IMPORTANCE OF TESTIMONY Poem Devotional

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May 23
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Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about his Son. – 1 John 5:9 (NLT)
IMPORTANCE OF TESTIMONY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Is there something that God has done for you?
Has he given you healing and a mind that is renewed?
Testimonies are ways we can proclaim God’s salvation
It strengthens and encourages us to overcome temptation.
Testimonies can make others feel validated and inspired
It makes them know there is hope and they can still aspire
God testified about his Son so we can trust and believe
He gave us his Son who is perfect so we won’t be deceived.
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Testimony is defined as an evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something or someone. In court, testimonies or witnessing are essential for the making of a fair decision for a trial between two opposing people or groups. What we say in the witness stand can affect the judgment of the ones who will give the verdict to the trial.
The bible encourages us to give testimony to others so that the glory and power of God will be witnessed and experienced by either believers or non-believers in order to grow their faith. Testimonies can validate the existence of God and may bring other unbelievers to be convinced that there is a God who loves them. God himself testified about his Son.
PRAYER
Thank you Lord for opportunities to testify for you and your Son.
REFLECTION
Why are testimonies paramount in a Christian’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

BOLDLY PROCLAIM AND TEACH THE GOSPEL Poem Devotional

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May 22
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For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him. – Acts 28:30-31(NLT)
BOLDLY PROCLAIM AND TEACH THE GOSPEL
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you have any occasions to tell about Jesus?
Go out and tell everyone the Good News
God wants you to spread the gospel everywhere
He wants you to be brave and boldly declare.
Whenever you proclaim his words and truth
You are planting seeds which will bear fruits
Do not be afraid for God will be with you always
He will equip you with his strength in many ways.
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Some believers take God’s instructions seriously, but sadly, some don’t. I think it is very essential for a believer to recognize God’s spirit, especially when he is instructing and teaching us something. Oftentimes, we miss out on what he is convicting us with and we go on with our willful ways. The bible tells us to declare his glory among the nations in Psalm 96:3.
Paul did exactly as God instructed. He taught and preached about the Lord Jesus Christ with boldness and passion. He was driven to do all of this because the Spirit of God was in him. He was empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Kingdom of God wherever he was.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to boldly proclaim your kingdom when I get a chance to.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you proclaimed 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

FAITHFUL PROTECTOR Poem Devotional

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May 20
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When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue and honor them. -Psalm 91:15(NLT)
FAITHFUL PROTECTOR
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you going through some tough times?
Have you been attacked by evil thoughts and lies?
There is a God who is faithfully protecting you
Call on him and he will see you through.
He said that when you call on him, he will be there
He will rescue and you will not be ensnared
He is faithful in watching over you all day
He will guard you from evil in every way.
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Insurance is a thing providing protection against a possible eventuality. It is a big business in America. In Ontario alone, you cannot drive without insuring your vehicle. There have been crimes done just so insurance benefits could be claimed. What many people do not know is that there is a bigger and faithful person who can ensure our security and protection. This person is the Lord Almighty God.
In Psalms, we are reminded of the promise of God to those who call on Him. He said that they will be protected from trouble and that he will rescue and honor them. What a great promise to depend on. It is free and unlimited unlike the insurances we get from the world. They can’t give total coverage, God can. Believe and have him cover you.
PRAYER
Thank you for your faithful unlimited protection.
REFLECTION
What has the Lord protected you from lately?
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

FAITHFUL PROTECTOR Poem Devotional

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May 20
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When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue and honor them. -Psalm 91:15(NLT)
FAITHFUL PROTECTOR
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you going through some tough times?
Have you been attacked by evil thoughts and lies?
There is a God who is faithfully protecting you
Call on him and he will see you through.
He said that when you call on him, he will be there
He will rescue and you will not be ensnared
He is faithful in watching over you all day
He will guard you from evil in every way.
________________________________________
Insurance is a thing providing protection against a possible eventuality. It is a big business in America. In Ontario alone, you cannot drive without insuring your vehicle. There have been crimes done just so insurance benefits could be claimed. What many people do not know is that there is a bigger and faithful person who can ensure our security and protection. This person is the Lord Almighty God.
In Psalms, we are reminded of the promise of God to those who call on Him. He said that they will be protected from trouble and that he will rescue and honor them. What a great promise to depend on. It is free and unlimited unlike the insurances we get from the world. They can’t give total coverage, God can. Believe and have him cover you.
PRAYER
Thank you for your faithful unlimited protection.
REFLECTION
What has the Lord protected you from lately?
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

PROTECTED BY ANGELS Poem Devotional

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May 18
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For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. -Psalm91:10(NLT)
PROTECTED BY ANGELS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know that God is faithful to those who love him?
He’s always with you and wants you to repent of your sins
He orders his angels to protect you wherever you go
Let God’s word be planted in your hearts so it can grow.
He has given you authority to trample and crush the enemy
You need to declare in his might name so you can have victory
His angels are encamped around you and protects you constantly
Look forward to all his promises so you can prosper continually.
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We live in a war zone. Ephesians 6:12 says: For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. This verse tells us that we are in a daily battle with someone we don’t visually see. How can we win with a war when we don’t see the enemy? This whole chapter written by Paul to the Ephesians is a guide to all believers how to do spiritual combat with the enemy. We are instructed to put on all of God’s armor and reminded in Psalms 91 that God orders his angels to protect you wherever you go.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your reinforcements to protect me.
REFLECTION
Have you experienced angel presence in your life, especially when you were threatened or in danger?
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 COVERS YOU WITH HIS PROMISES Poem Devotional

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May 16
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He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4(NLT)
GOD COVERS YOU WITH HIS PROMISES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you find yourself getting beaten up by unseen forces?
Run to God’s word and look up all his faithful promises
You will find many assurances of his love for his children
You are protected by all his army of angels from heaven.
Never allow the enemy to bring you down with his lies
Seek the Lord first and you will find comfort in his light
He will shelter you with his wings, he gives you his armor
Always put it on so that you will end up the victor.
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Have you ever been let down with a broken promise by someone? I was surrounded by people who never kept their promises while I was growing up. It crushed my spirit and made me feel like I wasn’t important and that I did not matter. I learned not to trust anyone as a young girl because they just break my heart each time they don’t fulfill what they promised. As a result, I told myself that I will be a promise keeper and do my best to fulfill whatever I vow to do.
The bible tells us that God is the ultimate promise keeper. His promises protect us from the devil’s lies.
PRAYER
Reveal to me promises when I feel so let down Lord.
REFLECTION
How can God’s promises keep us hopeful?
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