December 24
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PROOF OF LOVE
A poem by ILMA
The Father will give you an Advocate, who will never leave you
He is the Holy Spirit, who leads all believers into all truth
The world cannot receive him, because it doesn’t recognize or look for him
But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you
I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you
Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me
Since I live, you also will live and you are in me, and I am in you
Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me.
And who claim they love me, my Father will love them
And I will love them and reveal myself to all those who believe me
All who love me will do what I say and follow all that I set for them to do
My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home in their hearts.
Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me for it shows they don’t know me
When the Advocate comes, that is, the Holy Spirit—he’ll teach you everything
He will remind you of everything I have told you and he will give you gifts
I am leaving you peace and the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.
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MEMORY VERSE
Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. – John 14:23
Read: John 14:15-27
When someone tells you that he or she loves you, do you believe right away? It takes a proof for us to believe their love for us, doesn’t it? In this exchange between Jesus and his disciples, he assures them of God’s great love to those who believe when he promised the Holy Spirit to live in them as soon as he dies on the cross and is resurrected. On the other hand, he expects all those who believe to obey him for that is the proof that we do love him
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REFLECTION
• How have you proven your love to your Lord and Savior? Is it evident in your life?
Tag Archives: love
SHOW DEEP LOVE FOR EACH OTHER poem devotional
November 8
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SHOW DEEP LOVE FOR EACH OTHER
A poem by ILMA
Since Christ went through physical pain, you must have his same attitude
Be ready to suffer physically for Christ just like he did for you
When you decide to do this, you won’t spend your life chasing desires
But you will be anxious to do the will of the Lord Jesus Christ.
You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy
They love to do immoral things and lustful feasting and drunken wild parties
They worship idols and their lives are only about pleasing themselves
But they’ll have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone.
The end of the world is coming soon, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers
Most important of all, show deep love for each other, for love covers all sins
Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay
God has given each of you some spiritual gifts; use them to serve each other.
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MEMORY VERSE
The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. – 1 Peter 4:7-8
Love is the biggest command of the Lord for all. Christians are encouraged to show love deeply. Love is the only thing that covers a multitude of sins. It is important for us to be able to use the spiritual gifts that God gave us so that we can actually use these gifts to serve one another. In this chapter, we are warned because the end of days might be coming soon.
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REFLECTION
• How does love conquer all things?
• Why is showing deep love and affection for someone the only thing that really matters?
• Why is Christ the epitome of unconditional love?
• Why is the discipline to pray a very important component of a Christian life?
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?
WITHOUT LOVE, NOTHING MATTERS Poem Devotional
August 20
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WITHOUT LOVE, NOTHING MATTERS
A poem by ILMA
If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others,
It would be pointless like I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal
If I had the gift of prophecy, and knew all God’s plan and had great faith
It would mean nothing if I didn’t love others, I would be nothing.
If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body
I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing
Love is patient and kind; love isn’t jealous or boastful or proud or rude
It doesn’t demand; it’s not irritable, and keeps no list of being wronged.
It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures all things
Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge is useless
But love will last forever! It is the secret for lasting relationships.
When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child
But when I grew up, I put away childish things; Now we see things imperfectly, Like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we’ll see everything clearly
Three things last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest is love.
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MEMORY VERSE
If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. – 1 Corinthians 13:2
Read: 1 Corinthians 13
This chapter is popularly known as the Love Chapter. This was the reading for my wedding and yet it was something that a lot of people do not really comprehend fully what it means. Until after ten years of marriage, I still often times forget to apply the most important ingredient in any relationships, which is love.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think love covers all and mean everything in relationships?
OWE NOTHING EXCEPT TO LOVE EACH OTHER Poem Devotional
July 31
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OWE NOTHING EXCEPT TO LOVE EACH OTHER
A poem by ILMA
Everyone must submit to authorities for all authority comes from God
Those in positions of authority have been placed there by the Lord
Anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against his creator
For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right.
Would you like to live without fear of the authorities?
Then do what is right, and they will honor you.
The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good
But if you are doing wrong, they have the power to punish you.
They are God’s servants, so you must submit to them
Don’t do it only to avoid punishment, but keep a clear conscience.
Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons, they ought to be paid as well
They are serving God in what they do and give to everyone what you owe them.
Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another
If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law
Love your neighbor as yourself for love does no wrong to others
There is nothing impossible with love; love conquers all.
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MEMORY VERSE
Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. – Romans 13:8
Read: Romans 13
The Lord doesn’t want us to owe anything from anyone. He commands us to submit to authorities and be responsible citizens. He placed all those in positions of authority to represent him, so he wants us to submit to them as to the Lord. He reminds us that the only debt we need to have is to love one another.
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REFLECTION
• Do you have trouble submitting to authorities?
• Why is it important to love one another?
WHAT IT MEANS TO REALLY LOVE Poem Devotional
July 30
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WHAT IT MEANS TO REALLY LOVE
A poem by ILMA
Don’t just pretend to love other, really love them
Hate what is wrong and hold tightly to what is righteous
Love each other with genuine affection and honor each other
Never be lazy but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
Rejoice in the confident hope, be patient in trouble, and keep on praying
When God’s people are in need, be ready to help all believers
Always be eager to practice hospitality and bless those who persecute you
Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them and be happy with them.
Weep with those who weep; live in harmony with each other
Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people
And don’t think you know it all or ponder you’re better than anyone
Never pay back evil with evil; do things in a way that’s honorable.
Do all that you can to live in peace with all people and don’t take revenge
Leave that to the righteous anger of God for he will do it for them
Instead feed even your enemies and by doing this you’ll be rewarded
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
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MEMORY VERSE
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. – Romans 12:9
Read: Romans 12:9-21
Love is one of the most abused word in this world. In God’s economy, the word “love” is very different from how the world views it. It is not focused on “self” but more on others. It is genuine affection and generous hospitality to others. It is being with others and empathizing with what people are going through, whether happy or sad. It is treating even your enemy with respect.
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REFLECTION
• How do you view love and what are your challenges seeing it like God does?
LOVE GOD’S COMMANDS Poem Devotional
December 30________________________________________
Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.
-Psalm 119:165(NLT)
LOVE GOD’S COMMANDS
A poem and essay by ILMA
There’s a secret to peace and victory
It comes form loving God’s command and authority
When you constantly seek the Lord and obey
You will have strength and peace along the way.
God loves those who live in obedience and wisdom
He blesses them with joy and constant freedom
Love all of God’s instructions and your life will be good
He ensures protection to all those who obey and are faithful.
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So many people in the world today live in a spirit of rebellion and pride. True believers who love to follow the laws of God are a novelty these days. Laws are usually made so that the laws who were made to and the law-making body will both be protected under such boundaries. God created many boundaries that we need to honor and respect. When we do not respect such boundaries or laws, we eventually get in trouble if not right at the instance that we defy it.
We were all created in God’s image and when God made all these commands for us to follow, it is for our own good. The bible says that if we want to live in peace and stay out of trouble, we need to follow and love his commands or instructions. It protects us from stumbling.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me a love for your instructions.
REFLECTION
What happens when we don’t obey God’s laws?
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
UNTIL GOD DISCIPLINES YOU Poem Devotional
October 15________________________________________
I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.
– Psalm 119:67 (NLT)
UNTIL GOD DISCIPLINES YOU
A poem and essay by ILMA
I used to rebel and live a life of reckless abandon
Until the Lord called my full attention
He convicted me as I read his word
He asked me to let go of the system of this world.
I began to study and follow his will
His word calmed me and made me still
His only Son Jesus died so I can be saved
Until I obeyed him, I wasn’t bold and brave.
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I have wandered off from the Lord almost four decades of my life. I accepted Jesus when I was seven years old as a result of being neglected and ignored. I was desperate for attention. I felt invisible and minimized by the people I lived with. I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t provided with love. As a result, I started talking aloud to Jesus on my way to my kindergarten class. The Holy Spirit guided me all those first fourteen years of my life even though no one from my family guided me.
I began to deepen my relationship with God, but the enemy snatched that wonderful relationship by using the abandonment and lack of love in my family. I became rebellious towards my family. Until God disciplined me and asked me to turn to him again, I lived in anger.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to never resist your discipline.
REFLECTION
How can rebellion derail you from 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
LOVE AS YOU WANT TO BE LOVED Poem Devotional
April 11________________________________________
For the whole law can be summed up in this one command; “Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Galatians 5:14(NLT)
LOVE AS YOU WANT TO BE LOVED
A poem and essay by ILMA
Love the Lord your God as he commanded
Walk in his ways, so you will be guided
The Lord God summed up the law in one
He wants you to follow his one and only Son.
Love your neighbor as you love yourself
Do not delay any occasion to give help
If you love others, you show love to God
When you walk in love, you are giving him laud.
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When the apostles asked Jesus what is the greatest commandment in Matthew 22:36-39, he said “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Why do you think he said that the first and greatest is the same as the second one? It both involved “love.” Remember that in 1 John 4:8 it said that anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. Since He is love and we are made in his image (Genesis 1:27), therefore our default setting is love. When we engage in unloving things, we do not follow the creator’s owner’s manual. The whole law is summed up in “love.”
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PRAYER
Thanks for your loving ways and for creating us in your image, Lord.
REFLECTION
How can love conquer all?
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