Tag Archives: Faith

SHOWER OF HOPE Poem Devotional

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May 23________________________________________
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13(NLT)
SHOWER OF HOPE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you get tired of challenges you face each day?
Ask God to give you wisdom and show you the way
Pray that he fills you with his Spirit and wisdom
Ask that you have victory and always live in freedom.
A shower of hope is waiting to happen to all who believe
Do everything you can to abide in him so you can receive
When you live your life the way he plans, hope is near
You will have an overflow and all things will be clear.
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As I was growing up, there were many things I couldn’t do. I was very limited with stereotypes and norms that surrounded me. People around me have certain notions and ideas about things. When I received Christ in my life at age seven, I had a glimpse of what lies beyond those limits. The Holy Spirit always guided me into truth. I had dreamed to become a painter since age two. It took 35 before I realized that dream because I lived in the limits of people around me. God showered me with hope all those years. I cooperated with his spirit and he made it come true.
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PRAYER
Thank you for your generous overflow of hope.
REFLECTION
What blocks people from experiencing a shower of hope?
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 ONLY WORK GOD REQUIRES Poem Devotional

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April 6________________________________________
This is the only work God wants from you. Believe in the one he has sent. – John 6:29(NLT)
THE ONLY WORK GOD REQUIRES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you fully trust the Lord that he will deliver you from sin?
Do you do works of the flesh or go back and forth where you’ve been?
The only work God requires from you is to trust him completely
There is no need for performing, he grants us grace freely.
If you trust and believe in Jesus, you will surely receive
If you doubt and have little faith, you will live in fear
Believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord and Savior
He will redeem you and give you blessings and favor.
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Work is defined as an activity in which one exerts strength or faculties to do or perform something. It is a sustained physical or mental effort to overcome obstacles and achieve an objective or result. God gave us gifts and abilities so that we can contribute in the building of his kingdom. We are asked to love and care for others if we love God because that is the only way we can manifest our love for the Lord. When work becomes focused on self-gain, it becomes a form of idolatry. We were all designed for God’s purpose, not our own. The only work God really wants from you is to believe in the one he has sent.
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PRAYER
Lord, help us to work at strengthening our faith.
REFLECTION
How can “work” be considered an idol or a form of bondage?
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 HOPE IS DEFERRED Poem Devotional

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February 6________________________________________
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.
-Proverbs 13:12(NLT)
WHEN HOPE IS DEFERRED
A poem and essay by ILMA
What keeps you pressing on in life?
Are you easily discouraged or do you fight?
When hope is deferred, it makes the heart sick
It pulls you down and gets you weak.
Why do you delay something that may fulfill your dream?
The Lord wants us to grow our faith and not be grim
Ask him and he will give you your desire
He wants to bless you, so let your heart be on fire.
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In Romans 5:2, we get a glimpse of what hope is. It says that because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. I think it is very hard to hope when we do not believe in a creator who is greater than us. Faith and hope are almost interchangeable. It is faith that makes us hope and it is hope that makes our faith grow.
When we delay our hope, we move a step backwards in our faith. It weakens us and gives the enemy a chance to tempt and deceive us. So, why do we choose to defer hope? It delays our dreams to come true. It makes the enemy’s delaying tactic succeed.
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PRAYER
Lord, grow my faith and let me never defer hope.
REFLECTION
Why do you think some people get 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

GETTING GOD’S BLESSING poem devotional

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Nov 5
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The apostle testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and God’s great blessing was upon them all. – Acts 4:33(NLT)
GETTING GOD’S BLESSING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you currently in need of something?
Have you repented and confessed your sins?
When the apostles testified to Jesus’ resurrection
They received blessings and paved the path to salvation.
Have you testified to the power of what Christ did for you?
Did it make you change your heart and mind renewed?
When you believed that Christ died and rose from the dead
God pours his blessings to all those who heard and spread.
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Testimony is defined as a formal written or spoken statement, especially one given in a court or law. It is also an evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something. What is the importance of testifying for someone in court? It helps the judge to make the right verdict after considering all the other testimonies and evidences that are laid down in the trial. What the witness says on the stand matters a lot in the arrival at a decision on the case being tried. Do you ever think about what a testimony for Christ would do to a believer’s life?
After Christ died, his followers testified powerfully to his resurrection. As a result, they were showered with blessings and were anointed with many gifts.
PRAYER
Lord, let me know when you give me opportunities to testify for you.
REFLECTION
What would a testimony of faith do to another believer or unbeliever?
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

TRUSTING GOD

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Nov 3
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But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask. – John 11:22(NLT)
TRUSTING GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you believe all of God’s promises?
He loves us you so much that he gave you Jesus
Whenever things do not go how you want it to
Do you continue to trust that God will eventually do?
Sometimes we ask things don’t align with his will
He wouldn’t want us to be hurt, rejected or be ill
He knows what’s best for us so we must have faith
Confidently hope and it will greatly change your fate.
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The story of Lazarus is one of the greatest miracles that Jesus did while he was on earth. Mary and Martha are both Lazarus’ sisters and they were very close to Jesus. In fact, in the account of Luke in chapter 10:38-42, we get a picture of their closeness. Martha was the one who can’t stop doing things but Mary knew how to relax and be still. She chose to give her full attention to Jesus rather than all the physical things Martha was doing.
When Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been in his grave for four days already (John 11:17). Martha told Jesus that if he came earlier, he wouldn’t have died but she still believes that God will grant Jesus whatever he asks. Jesus acknowledged her great faith and raised Lazarus’.
PRAYER
Lord, let me grow my faith even when I don’t see miracles.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God requires faith in order for miracles to happen?
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 FAITH Poem Devotional

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October 24
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For every child of God defeats this evil world and we achieve this victory through our faith.
– 1 John 5:4(NLT)
VICTORY THROUGH FAITH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will ensue
It is waiting eagerly and abiding in him and in what is true
For every child of God wins over this wicked world
We will have victory by confessing his powerful word.
Don’t ever lose hope when you can’t see results
God knows what’s best, so do not revolt
Keep on growing your faith so you can win
It is the best way you can overcome sin.
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One of the best verses about faith is the centurion’s story in Matthew 8. In ancient Rome, “centurion” meant “captain of 100”. The backbone of the Roman army were the centurions who were legionaries. The centurion received pay that amounted to more than 20 times the ordinary soldiers pay, about 5,000 denarii per year.
In Matthew’s account, the centurion stooped down in humility and asked Jesus to heal one of his servants who was paralyzed and in terrible pain. The officer’s words “I am not worthy to have you come in my house, but only say the word and my servant will be healed,” is one of the strongest manifestations of faith. Jesus himself was amazed by him. Because of his faith, he was granted healing for his servant.
PRAYER
Lord, give me a faith that never wavers.
REFLECTION
Why do you think faith is the foundation of victory over sin?
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 FRUIT OF PATIENCE Poem Devotional

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October 22
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I will certainly bless you and I will multiply your descendants beyond number. Then Abraham waited patiently and he received what God has promised.
– Hebrews 6:14-15(NLT)
THE FRUIT OF PATIENCE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Is there anything that you have been waiting for?
Continue to be patient and rely on the Lord
He will certainly bless you and multiply what you sow
He wants you to live joyfully and have fruits grow.
Abraham waited patiently and he received
Be hopeful and enjoy life so you won’t be deceived
The fruit of patience is your dream’s realization
Because of faith, Abraham became father of all nations.
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Patience in Hebrew is qawah, which means “to wait” or “to expect”. Parents have this joyful expectancy to see the fruit of their love come to life, their offspring. I will never forget that experience when I gave birth. I can’t stop watching my baby and figuring out how he lived inside of me and then become a person when he came out of my womb. I loved that verse from the bible that says that God intricately woven me in my mother’s womb. Before I gave birth, I experienced a lot of discomfort and pain but it was all worth it when I met my baby.
God promises to multiply our resources and blessings if we wait patiently and endure. He wants us to continue believing even through suffering.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for allowing me to suffer so I can expect your fruits.
REFLECTION
Why do you think patience is a very valuable trait a Christian can possess?
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

FAITH MAKES US RIGHTEOUS Poem Devotional

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October 8
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He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. – Romans 4:21-22(NLT)
FAITH MAKES US RIGHTEOUS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you believe that God keeps his promises?
Do you continue to trust and have peace?
Are you convinced that God is faithful?
What do you do to show him you are grateful?
Faith makes us right with the Lord
Believing him brings him glory and laud
Press on and continue to grow your faith in Jesus
You are loved so much; to him, you are precious.
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One of the ways that the enemy traps us is by making us focused on the self. Human nature desires to gratify the self. The only way we can be focused on others is by the grace of God. Otherwise, we can fall into the pit of showing off or performing to get approval. I grew up thinking that I could work my way to being righteous. I followed the ten commandments religiously but the more I do, the more I sinned. The bible tells us that we were freed from the law when Christ died on the cross. If you believe in Christ, you are under his grace.
We are made righteous only through faith just like Abraham. Romans 3:22 declares us righteous by our faith in Christ.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to grow my faith in you.
REFLECTION
Why do you think faith in Jesus is essential in our lives?
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

THROUGH FAITH ALONE Poem Devotional

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Can we boast then that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. -Romans 3:27(NLT)
THROUGH FAITH ALONE
A poem and essay by ILMA
What can we do to be accepted by Jesus Christ?
Can we boast that we have overcome difficulties in life?
Can we show off that we have done many good deeds?
Can following the rules be a good way to overcome sin?
There is no way we can work at our salvation
Only through faith alone we can be granted redemption
Our exoneration from sin is possible through faith
Only by trusting God can miracles be part of our fate.
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I spent many years of my life performing. I did my best to live up to my parents’ expectation to be academically excellent. I became obsessed being a good parent to my only son. I proved my worth to everyone by being a painter, a stage actress, manager, photographer and teacher. I didn’t know that it was futile to do so because God already loves me anyway. It was all that should have mattered but I was so busy fixing myself and others around me that I missed out on what really God requires from us.
The bible tells us that we cannot boast of anything we have done to be approved by God. Only faith alone matters to him.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for just loving me the way I am.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God requires faith for us to be saved?
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

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September 10
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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.
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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