April 21
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PSALM 145
14 The LORD upholds all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
16 You open your hand;
you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and kind in all his works.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
he also hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD preserves all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD,
and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
– Psalm 145:14-21
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PSALM 145 GOD FULFILLS THE DESIRE OF THOSE WHO FEAR HIM
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Revere the Lord your God for he is kind and merciful
He is there when you call and he answers your prayers
The Lord is near to those who love and fear him
He will not let you down if you repent of your sin.
When you run to the Lord, he will protect and deliver you
He is generous to provide for all the needs of those who stay true
God fulfills the desire of those who fear him and obey his laws
Praise the Lord who keeps his promises and listens to the cries of his saints.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think some of our desires are not fulfilled by God?
• Verse 20 says God will destroy the wicked, how come some of them are prospering in their pursuits instead of being ruined?
Tag Archives: IILMA ARTS STUDIO
PSALM 95 TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS
December 31
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PSALM 95 TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS
Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also.
5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!
7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice,8do not harden your hearts,
as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,9 when your fathers put me to the test and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.
10 For forty years I loathed that generation and said, “They are a people who go astray in their heart, and they have not known my ways.”
11 Therefore I swore in my wrath,“They shall not enter my rest.”– Psalm 95:1-11
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
Let us come before the Lord and sing songs of praise and worship
In the morning, prepare your hearts to receive his kingship
He is the Lord our God, who is the greatest and above all other gods
No one is like him, he is Almighty and powerful, steadfast in his love.
He selected his own people to have a relationship with him
The Lord is faithful to keep his promises to them
Because he is our God and we are his people
When he calls us today, our hearts must not be hardened.
Each moment must be an opportunity to serve the Lord
Let each day be a day of worship and singing with joy
Examine your hearts often so you can hear his voice
Follow the lead of his Spirit so you can constantly rejoice.
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REFLECTION
• What hinders us from hearing God’s voice?
• How can we ensure our hearts are not hardened when he calls on us?
THE TRUTH WILL MAKE YOU FREE ILMA’S VLOG
July 19
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THE TRUTH WILL MAKE YOU FREE
31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are Abraham’s descendants; yet you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. 38 I speak the things which I have seen with My Father; therefore, you also do the things which you heard from your father.” – John 8:31-38
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In this account Jesus tells them the pre-requisite of being His disciples. They must continue in His word so they can know the truth so they will be free. The Jews didn’t understand what Jesus was saying about being free. As far as they were concerned, none of them were slaves. Jesus was speaking to them about spiritual slavery. When they commit sins, they are slaves of sin. And those who are enslaved by sin will not enter God’s kingdom. Jesus claims his power as the Son of God when He said that if He makes them free, they will be free forever. He confronts them about their claim as Abraham’s descendants because they were seeking to kill Him. In verse 38, Jesus separates Himself from those who do not belong to His Father, insinuating that their father must be the devil because they do not speak of what His Father says.
We get another glimpse of the character of those who do not belong to God’s kingdom. The Jews constantly defy whatever Jesus reveals to them. They reject it and won’t have anything to do with truth. They were relentless in putting a stop to these truth Jesus were telling them. They are so arrogant to claim that they were Abraham’s descendants, yet they do not have the faith like Abraham had. Jesus hates sin and hypocrisy. He confronts them openly and so should all believers do. Sadly, like the Jews, many people do not want to confront sin and truth. They like to stay slaves of sins and lies. When they are faced with these things, they defend themselves and reject the chance to be saved. What a shame when we knowingly choose lies than truth or sin than righteousness.
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REFLECTION
• Why are some people afraid to face truth?
MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE TO THE LORD Poem Devotional
February 10
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MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE TO THE LORD
Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.
2 The LORD has made known his salvation;
He has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth;
Break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
5 Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody!
6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn
Make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!
7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it!
8 Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together
9 Before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity. – Psalm 98:1-9
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This psalm is a celebration of God’s marvelous deeds for his people. This psalm reminds me of New Year’s celebration in my country of origin, the Philippines. Filipinos celebrate the coming of the year with a big bang, loud firecrackers and fireworks that probably lasts for a minimum of an hour and a maximum of four hours. Why can’t we do that for God who made all things? This psalm shouts and gives praises to the Lord who granted deliverance for the house of Israel. It also tells the whole world that God can do the same for all nations and it invites all people to praise the Lord.
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ADORATION: Shout and make noises to rejoice because the Lord is good. Praise him forever! He delivers his people from all evil and brings peace and joy to all mankind.
CONFESSION: Forgive me Lord when I am not expressing gratitude that declares your love.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for being faithful and a promise keeper.
SUPPLICATION: May all people declare and shout out loud their praises to the Lord.
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REFLECTION
• Why is rejoicing and making noises to the Lord something all Christians must do?
God’s Approval poem devotional
July 8
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And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful! -Psalm 90:17(NLT)
GOD’S APPROVAL
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you consult God when you make decisions?
He knows everything and he has all the solution
Run to the Lord for approval so you can thrive
Rely on him so you will have wisdom in your life.
God shows his approval by making our efforts successful
He will take care of all believers who stay faithful
Make sure that He comes first in all that you do
Feed on his word which only brings the truth.
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There are many people who seek someone’s approval. Most of the time it is the wrong person they seek consent from. I grew up with a lack of affirmation from those who raised me. I became hungry for approval from others. It brought much trials and suffering in my life. I got trapped from being accepted by those people I work for or I am in relationship with. No wonder, I became so unhappy and devalued. I was seeking approval from the wrong persons.
The bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 2:4 that our purpose is to please God, not people. Galatians 1:10 tells us that if we are trying to please men, then we are not servants of Christ. We are blessed with success once we seek God’s approval.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to be concerned with pleasing you only.
REFLECTION
How is seeking other’s approval an easy trap to get yourself enslaved 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
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.
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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.
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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
RICH IN CHRIST Poem Devotional
October 14
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I know about your suffering and your poverty – but you are rich! -Revelations 2:9(NLT)
RICH IN CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
The moment you believed in Jesus Christ
You are covered by his love and light
Christ is the King of all kings
You are rich if you believe in him.
You may be suffering from poverty
Stay strong and live for him faithfully
You are the son or daughter of God
You are always unconditionally loved.
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Romans 8:17 says “And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.” Those who belong to Christ is definitely going to receive his legacy since we are heirs of him. Everything belongs to Christ, so that means that we are rich. Sometimes it is very difficult to think of our true identity in Jesus because the enemy bombard us with so much lies about our real character. We are his prized possession. We are very valuable to him, his masterpiece.
This verse in Revelation was a message to the church in Smyrna but it is also relevant to us Christians who walk the path to Jesus. We can be afraid of suffering, but if we remain faithful, we will receive the crown of life. The Lord wants us to assert our riches in him.
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PRAYER
Lord, never let me lose sight of my true riches in you.
REFLECTION
What good can suffering and poverty bring to us?
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
NO JUDGMENT FOR BELIEVERS Poem Devotional
September 9
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There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.
-John 3:18(NLT)
NO JUDGMENT FOR BELIEVERS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Anyone who believes in Christ is free from judgment
There is no need to worry for your predicaments
Your faith in the power of God will take you a long way
It will protect you when the enemy chooses you as his prey.
Those who are unbelievers has already been judged
They will find difficulties because of their lack of trust
Believe in God’s one and only Son and you will be free
The Holy Spirit will bring you blessings and victory.
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When I was still in bondage from religion and legalism, I had a very scrupulous conscience. I felt condemned each time I succumb to weaknesses and sin. I was doing the changing myself on my own without heeding the Holy Spirit and God’s word. I wasn’t even aware that I was in bondage because I inherited religious rituals and beliefs from those who raised me. I am sure they passed on what they know is right for me, but God showed me eventually why my life had no victory in some aspects of it.
The bible says that those who believe in Christ are free from judgment but those who don’t are condemned.
PRAYER
Lord, let all believers witness for you so others will believe.
REFLECTION
Relate an incident how being a Christian freed you from condemnation.
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
POSSESSIONS ARE WORTHLESS Poem Devotional
July 16
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Watch, for the day of the Lord is coming when your possessions will be plundered right in front of you. – Zechariah 14:1(NLT)
POSSESSIONS ARE WORTHLESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
What do you own that makes you feel superior over others?
Is it your wealth that makes you discriminate your brothers?
Why do you cling to your belongings in this world?
Possess nothing that competes with the Lord.
Worldly things do not last long and are temporary
Pursue God and his word and you will be extraordinary
Possession are worthless especially on judgment day
Don’t hoard for it will be plundered in every way.
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Hoarding is defined as “to accumulate for preservation, future use, etc., in a hidden or carefully guarded place.” Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s not clear what causes hoarding disorder. Genetics, brain chemistry and stressful life events are being studied as possible causes. Doctors point to a number of potential causes for hoarding. These include difficulty processing information, beliefs about possessions, and the emotional distress associated with discarding items or possessions. To the compulsive hoarder, each and every item is of value – often an exaggerated value. We are warned in the bible that possessions are worthless especially on judgement day.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me to let go of things that have no value in your kingdom.
REFLECTION
What worldly things are you clinging to?
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
A PLEA FOR HUMILITY Poem Devotional
October 20________________________________________
O Lord, God of Israel, you are just. We come before you in our guilt as nothing but an escaped remnant, though in such a condition none of us can stand in your presence.
-Ezra 9:15 (NLT)
A PLEA FOR HUMILITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Lord, you are most powerful, most merciful
You are awesome in mercy and always faithful
I am nothing compared to your greatness
I am but a remnant of people who were lawless
Forgive me and let me stand in your presence
Give me wisdom so I can turn from disobedience
Give me a humble heart so I can understand your word
Grant me strength and courage to overcome this world.
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What is the solution to all the conflicts in our world today? Why are there so much lawlessness in our society? One of the causes of strife is pride. It is probably why the church considers it the gravest of all the deadliest sins. Pride is defined as arrogance, cynical insensitivity to the needs of others, and presumption. Pride is both a disposition, an attitude and a type of conduct. Pride is the cause of many if not all sins. Pride caters to the “self”. It is a form of idolatry because it seeks to glorify its own.
The bible talks about the people of God who lawlessly disobeyed his command not to intermarry. Because of pride, they disobeyed and reaped the consequences of sin.
PRAYER
Lord, protect me from pride.
REFLECTION
What prideful things have you done in the past that brought you to your knees to God?
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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