December 4
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PERFECT LOVE EXPELS ALL FEAR
A poem by ILMA
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another as God commands
Love comes from God and anyone who loves is God’s child and knows him
But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love
God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into this world.
Since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other
No one has ever seen God, but if we love each other, God lives in us
His love is brought to full expression in us when we operate in love
God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us.
All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them
They live in God and we know how much God loves us and have to trust him
And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect and we won’t fear the day
Then we can face him with confidence since we live like Jesus here in this world.
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear
If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows we haven’t truly loved
If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar
For if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we can’t see?
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MEMORY VERSE
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.
– 1 John 4:18
Read: 1 John 4:7-20
Many of us do not realize the real meaning of how to live in perfect love. Even though we know that God is love, we are not able to live fearless lives. When we live in fear, we are not letting his Spirit live in us. When we are fearful, we fail to love. They can’t operate together.
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REFLECTION
• What deceives us from thinking that we can stay fearful and claim that we love?
Tag Archives: fear
SPIRIT OF POWER, LOVE AND SELF-DISCIPLINE Poem Devotional
October 12
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SPIRIT OF POWER, LOVE AND SELF-DISCIPLINE
A poem by ILMA
Fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you
For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline
Never be ashamed to tell others about the Lord, instead, be bold to share him
With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer for the sake of the Good News.
For God saved us and called us to live a joyful and holy life
Though we don’t deserve it, he did this to fulfill his plan
He broke the power of death and brought us life through the Good News
By the Holy Spirit’s power, guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.
Be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus
Teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses
Teach these truths to other trustworthy people who’ll pass them on to others
Endure suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
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MEMORY VERSE
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. – 2 Timothy 1:7-8
Read: 2 Timothy 1:6 -2 Timothy 2:7
There are many people who live in fear and yet we are all created by God to have the spirit of power, love and self-discipline. What an amazing God we have who reminds us constantly not to live in fear in Scriptures. He wants us to live a fearless life so we can live the life he wanted us to have. He gave us all the gifts we need so we can be bold to use them to glorify the Lord.
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REFLECTION
• Why do people choose to fear rather than love?
• What do you think is the source of fear for most people?
• How can we endure suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus?
• Why is grace the only way we can actually live the life that Christ wants for us?
ELIJAH FEARS FOR HIS LIFE Poem Devotional
May 7
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ELIJAH FEARS FOR HIS LIFE
A poem by ILMA
When Ahab got home, he told Jezebel how Elijah killed Baal’s prophets
Jezebel threatened Elijah that she would kill him as he killed them
Elijah was so afraid and fled for his life and went to Beersheba
He left his servant Elisha in that small town of Judah.
Then Elijah went on alone into the wilderness travelling all day
He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die
He prayed to the Lord to take his life for he isn’t better than his ancestor
Elijah laid down and slept under the broom tree when an angel came.
The angel instructed the prophet to get up and eat some bread just by his head
Then the prophet did as he was told so he proceeded to Mt. Sinai
The bread and the jar of water sustained him forty days and forty nights
There he spent the night as he reached that quiet place of refuge.
The Lord confronted the prophet what he was doing in that place
He tells the Lord how he ran for his life, as all the prophets were killed
The Lord gave him further instruction to go back and go to Damascus
As he arrived, the prophet was to appoint Hazael to become king of Aram.
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MEMORY VERSE
Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba and he left his servant there.
– 1 Kings 19:3
Read: 1 Kings 19
It is interesting to see a very powerful prophet running and being so scared for his life. He heard what Jezebel did to all of God’s prophets, It is interesting how fear played a role in Elijah’ls live?
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REFLECTION
• How powerful is the Jezebel spirit?
• What made a very powerful prophet get debilitated?
• Why was Jezebel chasing the prophet?
FEAR CAN MAKE US IMAGINE THINGS
December 5________________________________________
When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost.” – Matthew 14:26(NLT)
FEAR CAN MAKE US IMAGINE THINGS
A poem and essay by ILMA
When fear creeps in, it can mess our perspective
It filters our viewpoint and focus on the negative
We fail to see the beautiful and the lessons
We only focus on controlling the unknown.
The Lord didn’t give us a spirit of fear but of love
He wants us to seek him and keep our focus above
When terror hits you, that is the time to run to him
He will ease and comfort you so you can be free.
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In Matthew 14, we witnessed how terrified the disciples were when they saw Jesus walking on water. Because of their terror, they failed to recognize him and saw a ghost instead. Don’t we do this in our lives as well? When God brings us someone to convict us of a sin or a weakness in our lives, we fail to see that God wants us to learn something from that person. When the Lord brings us a miracle, we don’t see it as such because we try to analyze and theorize with our minds so our hearts fail to hear or see what God is actually working on us. We need to keep focusing on him so that fear will be converted to faith and hope.
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PRAYER
Lord, keep us looking at you so we won’t let fear creep in.
REFLECTION
What fears have kept you from seeing the truth?
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
FEAR BLOCKS HEALING Poem Devotional
June 3________________________________________
Don’t be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed. – Luke 8:50 (NLT)
FEAR BLOCKS HEALING
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you ask the Lord to cure an illness
Do you surrender to him completely?
Do not be afraid or it will block healing
Fear means wavering and questioning.
Faith without hesitating is more than enough
It can bring about miracles without a doubt
Do not be afraid, just believe in Christ
He will reward anyone who has much faith.
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In Luke 8, we witness the healing powers that the woman who was bleeding for twelve years received just by touching the fringe of Jesus’ robe. It shows how desperately she wanted to be healed from the many years of suffering. Another man named Jairus came to ask the Lord if he can heal the daughter who was dying and Jesus’ reply was “Don’t be afraid, just have faith.” We will know in the end of the chapter who the daughter died already but Jesus assured him that she was just asleep. Some people who were outside the house was laughing at Jesus because they all know she was dead already. So, this is another miracle like Lazarus who was commanded to get up from the dead.
How many times have we prayed but didn’t totally believe and receive what is already given to us? We doubt and take control and it doesn’t help.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me faith that never falters.
REFLECTION
How can fear block healing?
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 FEAR AND HOPE Poem Devotional
March 30________________________________________
The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled; the hopes of the godly will be granted.
-Proverbs 10:24(NLT)
ON FEAR AND HOPE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When evil people fear, it materializes
To constantly live in fear usually immobilizes
The hopes of the godly will be realized
When one focuses on the good, they can visualize.
Love casts away all kinds of fear
Walking in love makes fear disappear
Hope is believing when you don’t see
It is an expectation of what will be soon real.
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Most fear is a result of a traumatic experience either consciously or sub-consciously. The bible tells us in 1 John 4:18 that there is no fear in love. Love and fear cannot co-exist. When you fear, you are not living in love. Many people think that the opposite of love is hate, but it is actually fear. The antidote to fear is to love and to focus on the promises of God, so hope can bloom.
The bible says that the fears of the wicked are fulfilled but the hopes of the godly will be granted. The righteous people are given protection against fear. Even in times of fear, they still choose to believe and hope that God does everything for the good of those how love him. They cling to the promises even if they don’t see it yet.
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PRAYER
Thank you for giving us hope in your word.
REFLECTION
How can you overcome a fear that consistently comes up?
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
HE CALMS YOUR FEARS
February 16
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For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. -Zephaniah 3:17(NLT)
HE CALMS YOUR FEARS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Who can calm all your fears in an instant?
Run and be close to Christ instead of being distant!
He will live inside you and will wipe all your fears
He will take delight in you and wipe your tears.
The Lord is a mighty Savior and rejoices over you
Receive and enjoy his power to make your mind new
Perfect love casts out fear so always choose love
It is the only way to get closer to the Father up above.
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A panic attack is the abrupt onset of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes and includes at least four of the following symptoms: accelerated heart rate, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath or smothering, choking feeling, chest pain, nausea, dizzy or faint, chills or heat sensations, tingling or numbness, fear of going crazy or dying. Panic attacks typically reach their peak level of intensity in 10 minutes or less and then begin to subside. I had panic attacks in five decades without ever being diagnosed. It was debilitating. Only God’s word and his truth freed me from all the fear and these panic attacks.
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PRAYER
Thank you for releasing me from all kinds of fear Lord.
REFLECTION
Describe how God literally calmed you from a fearful circumstance 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
REVERENT FEAR OF THE LORD Poem Devotional
January 6
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Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. – Colossians 3:22 (NLT)
REVERENT FEAR OF THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you revere the Lord and want to please him
It will protect you from being tempted to sin
If you fear the Lord, you will show respect for others
He wants to see you manifest it by loving your brothers.
If you work for someone, do it as you would unto the Lord
Be devoted to his will and don’t do the ways of this world
Do not aim to please humans, but delight only in Jesus
See how he loves you much; to him, you are very precious.
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There are many things we fear. It could be fear of darkness, heights, not knowing what’s next, being rejected, abandoned or unloved. Most fears are very detrimental for our mental, emotional and spiritual well being. The only fear that will help us is the “fear of the Lord.” Many people think negative things when they hear this fear. The word fear here really means to revere or honor the Lord.
The bible tells us in Colossians 3:22 that we need to fear the Lord and even though no one is watching, we still need to do it as we serve others.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to only be concerned with pleasing you and not others.
REFLECTION
How can you show fear of the Lord in your dealing with others?
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 PANIC Poem Devotional
November 23
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So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. – Deuteronomy 31:6(NLT)
DON’T PANIC
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you encounter situations that are challenging
Don’t panic, instead, keep on asking God and praying
Fear not, for the Lord knows your need before you ask
If you are in trouble, he is there, so hold on fast.
Be strong and courageous! He won’t abandon you
He is there even if you don’t see, stay true
Don’t give in to panic for it opens door to sin
Be still and know that he is there to let you win.
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Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with (PTSD) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Prior to that, I was told I had asthma and emphysema. My trauma doctor told me that those illnesses were actually not real, instead, he linked it to panic attacks. I had no idea that many years prior to that, I would be rushed to emergency but they couldn’t find out what was really wrong with me. It would come and go and was very hard to deal with when I get triggered.
The bible tells us not to panic whatever the situation is because God is in control and he will never fail or abandon us. He knows everything we are going through.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to always choose to rest and trust in you.
REFLECTION
How can panic indicate little faith? What is the source of panic?
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