December 31
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THE GOOD SHEPHERD
A poem by ILMA
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep
All who came before me were thieves and robbers
Yet, the true sheep, unlike the others, did not listen to them
Yes, I am the gate and those who come in through me will be saved.
The true sheep will come and go freely and will find good pastures
While the thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy
A good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep and does not leave his flock
A hired hand runs when he sees a wolf coming and abandons the herd.
Because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd
And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock
The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money
He couldn’t care less and doesn’t really look after about the sheep.
“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me
Just as my Father knows me and I know the Father
So, I sacrifice my life for the sheep and I have other sheep, too,
They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.
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MEMORY VERSE
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so, the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. – John 10:11
Read: John 10:7-14
This chapter of John’s letter gives us an illustration of how Jesus cares for the sheep. He tells his listeners the importance of having a shepherd who cares for his flock and compares it to hired hands, who only does it for money.
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REFLECTION
• Do you recognize the good shepherd from the bad one?
• Why is it important for us Christians to be able to protect ourselves from evil?
Tag Archives: ILMA ‘s poem devotional
Practice Truth poem devotional
September 10________________________________________
So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. -1 John 1:6(NLT)
PRACTICE TRUTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
What good is it to get revelations from truth
If we don’t do it and allow it to take root?
If we claim to have fellowship with the Lord
And yet not obey regularly his teachings in his word.
We are liars and hypocrites since we don’t follow it
We can’t live in darkness and let in the Holy Spirit.
To practice truth, we must abide and be in the Lord
Without his grace, we won’t prosper in this world
Live in his light and you will be free from bondage
Stay in darkness and you will be at a disadvantage.
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How many Christians get revelations from Scriptures and yet unable to apply it in their own personal lives? In the book of James, we are encouraged to follow the word and not just hear it. When we hear it and not do what it says, it keeps us bound and makes us unable to see with God’s viewpoint. In other words, we will continue to live in spiritual darkness. This was why Jesus constantly confronted the Pharisees because they teach the word of God academically but don’t really practice what it says. Practicing truth is what transforms us into the new creation God intended us to be.
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PRAYER
Help me to constantly wear my new self Lord.
REFLECTION
Why do you think some Christians fail to practice 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
SAME OR EVEN GREATER WORKS Poem Devotional
December 28
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I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. -John 14:12(NLT)
SAME OR EVEN GREATER WORKS
A poem and essay by ILMA
To those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ
They will do the same works as he did in his life
Because they are committed and faithful
They will have blessings and will be fruitful.
The Lord promises them that they can do even better
He even said that they can do more things greater
Believe that the Lord is with you when you commit
He is faithful and true so you need to submit.
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What is the greatest manifestation of a believer? Is it what he says or how he lives his life? Many have turned their backs to God because of hypocrites. They don’t live the life that Jesus sampled for them. They don’t obey his commands or even walk in love. They do lip service and do not take the gospel and apply it in their lives. No wonder, they are fruitless and defeated in their lives.
The bible tells us that Jesus promised us that if we believe in him, we can be able to do the same works he did or even greater. Why don’t some Christians believe this promise of greater works through God’s spirit?
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to be able to follow your ways always.
REFLECTION
How can we faithfully lead a life like Christ?
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
LIKE A WELL-WATERED GARDEN
July 2
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The LORD will guide you continually giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.
– Isaiah 58:11(NLT)
LIKE A WELL-WATERED GARDEN
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is the condition of your heart today?
Is it dry or has it been hit by a storm these past days?
Is it full of weeds of doubt, discouragement or fear?
Or is it lush with fruits such as love, joy and peace?
The Lord will continually water your heart with His love
He will restore you and lead you to focus on things above
Like a well-watered garden, you will be full fruits and blooms
Abide in him and seek his truth so you will always have stable roots.
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Have you ever cared for a plant? Caring for one is just like caring for your own well-being. If you don’t watch out, weeds will surround it and kill it. When we don’t guard our hearts and keep it pure for God, we can be infiltrated with weed-like distractions such as idolatry, anger, resentment, bitterness, offense, lust, covetousness, jealousy and many other tactics that the enemy derails our relationship with the Lord. We also need to water our hearts with God’s word so we won’t be dry and be discouraged or defeated by the enemy He promised a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring to those who love him.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being there especially in times of drought in my life.
REFLECTION
What kind of water has your heart been nourished today?
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
WISDOM FROM A WISE GOD Poem Devotional
January 10________________________________________
Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.
–Proverbs 19:20 (NLT)
WISDOM FROM A WISE GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you have challenges that are overwhelming?
Fear not, the Lord will provide so you can start discerning
The Holy Spirit dwells inside you if you are a follower
He will give you protection from all the tactics of the deceiver.
Wisdom from a wise God is all you need to be victorious
He will never forsake you so you can continue to be righteous
Get all the advice and instruction you can from his word
It will equip you to navigate successfully in this world.
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Do you usually seek counsel from wise people or do you just solve your problems by yourself because you think no one knows better than you? The bible cautions us not to be wise in our own eyes. Even kings and queens have advisers to guide them to make the right decisions. It is always wise to seek advice and instruction from God’s people because there may be some truth that you have missed out that they can remind you. The best source of wisdom is God himself. He gave us his word, so we can be able to go through life victoriously. A lot of people do not even realize the importance of seeking counsel from God through his word.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to meditate on your words daily so I can be guided always.
REFLECTION
What happens when we seek counsel from the bible and other believers?
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 BE DAZZLED BY EXTERNALS Poem Devotional
Nov 23
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Smooth words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot.
-Proverbs 26:23(NLT)
DON’T BE DAZZLED BY EXTERNALS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you easily swayed by what you hear and see?
Don’t be dazzled by externals, search for what’s real
Smooth words may hide a wicked heart
Just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot.
Externals may hide what is really true inside
Some people are not authentic, they try to hide
The fruit of the Spirit manifests in a heart that is pure
The godly will see the truth and they cannot be lured.
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Many of us humans are very visual. We are easily dazzled by what we see on the outside. Sometimes we put so much emphasis on the externals rather than what is inside someone’s heart or mind. The enemy knows this weakness that is in all of us mortals. This is why he uses many beautiful things on the outside just to lure us into bondage. He dazzles us with drama and grandiosity. He lies to us and cons us into accepting his lies so he can trap us into moving to his camp. The minute we entertain more externals and physical stuff, we open the door for the enemy to easily infiltrate us. The bible warns us to be wary of smooth talkers. They may easily be hiding a wicked heart.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to focus more on the spiritual and unseen rather than the physical things.
REFLECTION
Why do you think we are cautioned into being dazzled by externals?
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 YOU BELONG TO GOD Poem Devotional
October 3
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So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me. Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.
– John 8:45,47(NLT)
PROOF YOU BELONG TO GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you believe that Scriptures is truth?
Do you allow God’s word to take root?
Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly
They do what pleases the Lord faithfully.
By believing and obeying his word is the proof
It brings you blessings and the Spirit’s fruit
Those who don’t listen to the truth does not belong
They love the world much and all that is wrong.
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There are many Christians who have committed their lives to Jesus. Does it mean that they really belong to God? The bible says that our faith, our actions and what we say should line up with God’s truth which is found in his word. What good is it to say and declare God’s truth, when your life is full of worldliness and you live following the standards of this world instead of God’s?
There were many decades of my life when I was so confused and I created my own religion. I picked some traditions and laws of the church that would easily fit my desires. The bible says that you belong to God when you gladly listen and follow his word.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for moments when I don’t meditate on your words.
REFLECTION
Why do you think people question the truths laid in Scriptures?
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
Little things can grow big Poem Devotional
June 11
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It is like the yeast, a woman used in making bread, even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough. -Luke 13:21(NLT)
LITTLE THINGS CAN GROW BIG
A poem and essay by ILMA
Just like a baby can grow into a big man or woman
Small tiny steps toward faith can save humans
Making one decision to move towards Christ
Will go a long way to improve your life.
Like a yeast that makes the dough grow
We can make a difference to change tomorrow
Little things done consistently according to God’s will
It will reap a big harvest of fruit and make us healed.
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When my son was born, I was a single parent who had no idea how I will be able to survive raising a family on my own. I used to worry a lot about what’s going to happen, it made me sick literally because I wanted to take care of my future very much and it robbed me of joy and peace. The bible says tomorrow will take care of itself in Matthew 6:34. Little steps we make is likened to a dough used for making bread. Only a little yeast is needed and it goes a long way to permeate every part of the dough, which makes the bread grow in size. We can do little things which will eventually grow.
PRAYER
Lord, don’t let me underestimate the importance of little steps of faith.
REFLECTION
When did you make little steps that led to a breakthrough 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
REBORN IN CHRIST Poem Devotional
June 9________________________________________
But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn-not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. –John 1:12-13 (NLT)
REBORN IN CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
To anyone who believes in the power of Christ
They will have a renewed heart and eternal life
They are reborn not with a physical birth
They are stronger and cannot easily be hurt.
Believers will be considered God’s children
They will not allow the enemy to hinder
Being born again in spirit will lead to victory
It will equip them with power and authority.
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When I first heard the word “born again” in my early twenties, I thought it was a spiritual movement. Because I didn’t read the bible then, I had no understanding of the actual meaning of it. Until God gave me revelation to discern what it meant in my life, I had no clue what it really meant to be reborn in Christ.
One day, as I was reading my daily bible devotionals, I thought of searching for the meaning of being born again. After much study on it, I realized that I was already born again even before I got a revelation because I have always believed and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. My mind was renewed and I saw things just like how God would see it.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for giving me new life.
REFLECTION
What changes occurred in you after being born again?
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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