November 1
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THE VIRTUE OF PATIENCE
A poem by ILMA
All of us believers are commanded to be patient as we wait for Christ’s return
Just like the farmer who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and spring
They enthusiastically look forward to the seeds to bear fruits and ripen
We be hopeful and endure all that we go through until Jesus comes again.
Don’t complain about each other or you will be judge
Since the heavenly Judge will standing at the door!
Learn from the story of Job, a man of great endurance
Despite all of the things he lost, his patience and faith remained.
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MEMORY VERSE
Be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen.
– James 5:7
Read: James 5:7-12
In the bible, the quality or virtue of patience is presented as either forbearance or endurance. In the former sense it is a quality of self-restraint or of not giving way to anger, even in the face of provocation; it is attributed to both God and man and is closely related to mercy and compassion. Patience is a novelty in my life. Though the Lord has given me endurance, I still find it hard at times to be patient after I have suffered long. It is interesting that I am struggling with one and yet able to endure. I think that I need to focus more on the return of Jesus with expectancy and not let all the challenges and trials in life become the focus of my life. I need to look up to Jesus so that everything I do will be for his glory.
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REFLECTION
• Why is patience a novelty in our world today?
• What makes people endure hardships?
• How is not giving in to anger closely related to mercy and compassion?
• How can we be patient even in the face of provocation?
• Do you think impatience is a form of anger? Why or why not?
Tag Archives: patience
PATIENCE IN TROUBLE Poem Devotional
April 16________________________________________
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying.
– Romans 12:12(NLT)
PATIENCE IN TROUBLE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you encounter difficulties and trials
Run to God’s throne instead of being in denial
Be patient in trouble and keep on praying
He will guide you, keep on trusting.
Continue to rejoice and be hopeful
There’s no point in being doubtful
Expect the best despite all adversities
God will bring about favor and victory.
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When we are beset by troubles, our natural reaction is usually panic and worry. We analyze and problem solve instead of running to God for help. We like to think that we can do it on our own and as a result, we fail. Patience is one of the fruits of the Spirit. It is not something we can work on. The dictionary definition of patience is “the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.” I think that this meaning is close to how the word of God meant it as well. The capacity to have this fruit of the Spirit is a favor or grace given to that person who believes and rely on God’s goodness. It is not something we can automatically do or work at. The more we believe, the more we will be hopeful. When we are expecting the best out of something, we receive the fruit of patience.
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PRAYER
Lord, grant me an unwavering faith so I can reap patience.
REFLECTION
How does impatience manifest in your daily 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
WAITING QUIETLY Poem Devotional
Nov 7
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I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him, He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. -Psalm 62:1-2 (NLT)
WAITING QUIETLY
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is troubling you today?
Do you want this thing out of your way?
Are you waiting quietly for God to bring victory?
Do you interfere with His plans repeatedly?
Triumph comes from letting your mind be renewed
Allow God to take control and work in you and through you
Be still and believe that he is your rock and fortress
He will never allow you to be defeated or be broken.
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ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a medical condition that affects how well someone can sit still, focus, and pay attention. People with ADHD have differences in the parts of their brains that control attention and activity. This means that they may have trouble focusing on some tasks and subjects. They may be hyperactive and unable to control their impulses. In children, the common symptoms are hyperactivity and inattention. In adults, symptoms include impulsiveness, disorganization, poor time management and prioritizing skills, trouble planning or multitasking, excessive activity or restlessness and low frustration tolerance. Our fast paced world probably turned us all into ADHD’s.
God can only work if we wait quietly and be still. Only by resting and trusting in him, can we have victory.
PRAYER
Lord, free us from restlessness and unbelief.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God requires us to be still and rest in him?
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
ENCOURAGEMENT AND PATIENCE Poem Devotional
October 31
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Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
-1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NLT)
ENCOURAGEMENT AND PATIENCE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you are encouraging to one another
It builds up the whole body of believers
Urge those who are lazy to begin taking a step
Encourage the timid to start asking for help.
Take very tender care of those who are vulnerable
They are very fragile and are very susceptible
Have patience with everyone as God is with you
You’re like a light that brings others to be renewed.
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Imagine a world without encouragement and patience? Many people will be judging and putting down each other. They will probably lose their temper and start physically or verbally fight each other. Life can seem meaningless to a discouraged person. Constant lack of encouragement can make all our hard work futile and lead to isolation, depression or even suicide.
The bible instructs us to have patience and be encouraging to live in complete harmony with each other in Romans 1AS 5:5. It shows that God himself possess this attributes. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 that we give extra encouragement to the lazy, timid and weak. Accepting their weaknesses and being a light to them in darkness can lead them to Christ and built up the church.
PRAYER
Lord, help those who are weak and discouraged.
REFLECTION
What can encouragement and patience bring to 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
THE FRUIT OF PATIENCE Poem Devotional
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
ENDURANCE LEADS TO PERFECTION Poem Devotional
October 19 ________________________________________
For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete needing nothing. – James 1:3-4(NLT)
ENDURANCE LEADS TO PERFECTION
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you being challenged to press against all odds?
Your strength and patience is being stretched by God
Don’t give up, don’t hinder it while it is progressing
It will make you perfect, complete and needing nothing.
Don’t resist while pressures against you builds up
Press on and continue to focus on God’s only Son
Wait a little longer and you will reap a harvest
Don’t worry, stay faithful and you’ll be blessed.
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Back in my early 40’s, I was a member of a cycling club and was the only woman in a group of over fifty members. I needed to practice on my own daily, at least 30 kilometers per day to keep up with the boys. I also had to ensure that I slowly pace myself up to a certain speed so I can catch up with all these strong men during our weekend bike marathons with distance goal of 200 kilometers in a span of 2-3 hours. When we reach that height of the climb, I almost want to give up, but I press on and I did it. The bible encourages us to keep on enduring so we can reach perfection.
PRAYER
Lord, give me strength to endure even when I can’t understand.
REFLECTION
What is the most challenging test that God allowed 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
PROMISE OF THE CROWN OF LIFE
September 30
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God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12(NLT)
PROMISE OF THE CROWN OF LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you experiencing challenges and troubles?
If you endure them, it will bring you out of the rubbles
God blesses those who faithfully bear difficulties
Give up anxiety and surrender to Him all your worries.
The Lord promised the crown of life to those who love him
Are you holding on to his promise so you can conquer sin?
Have patience to suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ
You will be showered with and overflow of blessings in life.
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A crown is a traditional headwear worn by a monarch or by a deity, for whom the crown traditionally represents power, legitimacy, victory, triumph, honor, and glory, as well as immortality, righteousness, and resurrection. Crowns worn by rulers often contain jewels.
In the Christian tradition of European cultures, when a new monarch assumes the throne in a coronation ceremony, the crown is placed on the new monarch’s head by a religious official. It was a new experience for me when I became a Canadian citizen and pledge allegiance to the queen.
The bible promised all Christians the crown of life, a crown more important than any worldly crown. Continue to patiently endure so you will reap this promise.
PRAYER
Help me to endure so that I can receive your crown of life.
REFLECTION
What can hinder us from receiving the crown of 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
BENEFITS OF PATIENCE Poem Devotional
June 17
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Through patience a ruler can be persuaded and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
-Proverbs 25:15(NIV)
BENEFITS OF PATIENCE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you struggle waiting and being still?
Run to the word so you can learn his will
He wants us to have the fruit of the Spirit
He blesses us with gifts so we can enjoy it.
Through patience we can persuade anyone
Through gentle speech we can encourage someone
Patience opens up the floodgates of heaven
It can bring understanding to all our brethren.
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One of the fruits of the spirit is patience. This gift has often been set aside because so many people have turned to instant gratification for everything in their lives. Not many people know how to wait or to persevere. There is a tendency to easily give up when they don’t get right away their wants or desires. I used to be a very impatient person, but when my son was born, I needed to learn this virtue. It was very essential when you are raising a child. If you don’t have patience, you will not make it through rearing children. Marriages can also benefit from having this gift from God. Without patience, the marriages can turn into a battlefield.
The book of Proverbs emphasizes the importance of patience in our lives. It can persuade rulers and authorities and win over any weaknesses.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to harvest patience in my life.
REFLECTION
How has impatience impacted your life? How did God reveal to you the essence of patience?
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
WAIT PATIENTLY AND BE STILL Poem Devotional
February 13________________________________________
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. -Psalm 37:7(NLT)
WAIT PATIENTLY AND BE STILL
A poem and essay by ILMA
What stops you from keeping still?
Is it your work or is what you feel?
Is it something you want and desire?
Is it ambition that keeps you on fire?
Whatever you are waiting for in this life
Have patience and soon you’ll see the light
You will be rewarded when you wait patiently
It will bring you a life that will last eternally.
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The world has been generating the culture of getting everything quickly. We have been programmed to believe that we are entitled to so many things. We get irritated and upset when we don’t get things swiftly. When we line up in the cash tills, we get frustrated when the cashier is taking so much time to finish with someone. Everyone is running and seems to be in this whirlpool of “busy-ness.” It seems like no one has time for others or even for themselves.
The bible has repeatedly been emphasizing the importance of being still and waiting patiently. Waiting for the Lord to answer prayers is not a passive act. It entails trust and hope that what you prayed for is coming and that you are eagerly expecting it to be granted even before you receive it. Like a child excitedly waiting, we too must have that faith that it is coming.
PRAYER
Lord, grant me an expectant heart.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you waited on the Lord so eagerly and patiently?
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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
WAITING ON GOD poem devotional
October 18________________________________________
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.– Psalm 9:10(NLT)
WAITING ON GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever problems and challenges beset you
Do you run to God and ask him his point of view?
Seek him and you will find peace and hope
He always gives you strength so you can cope.
Those who know him by name have no shame
They live in his mercy and they never blame
Wait on God, he will never abandon his children
Search for him and you will find a place in heaven.
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Trust is defined by the New American Standard Bible (NASB) as careless, complacent, confident, fall down, felt secure. I used to be a Drama teacher and one exercise I asked my students to do is to have a partner and completely trust their partners behind them that they will catch them if they fall. Those who followed instructions and had confidence in their partners safely landed on them. Those who doubted, fell.
The bible tells us to put our trust in Jesus for he never abandons those who seek him. The hardest thing to do is to wait on God to answer our prayers. Most of the time we think that he doesn’t grant our requests because we have limited minds. To believe that he has our best interest at heart is to wait on him.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me how to trust completely.
REFLECTION
What have you asked God lately that you are still waiting for an answer?
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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