DO YOUR BEST IN LIFE Poem Devotional

Posted on June 29, 2014 by ilmaarts

June 29 The Power of God’s Word
Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.–Ecclesiastes 9:10(NLT)
DO YOUR BEST IN LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you bring out your best in whatever you do?
Do you settle for mediocrity and not care too?
Whatever you do, do the best you can
Excellence in using your gifts is part of his plan.
God created you to be like him
He is perfect in everything
He has equipped you with all things
Treasure this life; it is worth living.
Do you settle for anything less? My father taught me to do my best in anything I do. It is good to aim for the best, but when you chase excellence, be sure that you are guided with God’s truth and his will. I made a big mistake in the past to chase ambitions and dreams. I forgot that it was not mine and claimed the trophy for myself. The world view achievement for one’s own self. In God’s economy, everything must be done to bring glory only to the one and only creator. The bible tells us to do well in whatever we do. For when we go to the grave, there will be no work, no planning or knowledge or wisdom.
PRAYER
Lord, remind me to bring excellence to your name.
REFLECTION
Why do you think “mediocrity” is not welcome in God’s kingdom?

INNER BEAUTY THROUGH WISDOM Poem Devotional

Posted on June 28, 2014 by ilmaarts

June 28 The Power of God’s Word
How wonderful to be wise, to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person’s face, softening its harshness.–Ecclesiastes 8:1 (NLT)
INNER BEAUTY THROUGH WISDOM
A poem and essay by ILMA
How wonderful to be wise and analyze things
It makes you have confidence in almost everything
One who has wisdom will profit from it
It makes a person’s face soft and constantly lit.
Whenever you behold a wise person
Their face radiates and is softened
Their eyes light up reflecting God’s light
Their aura is a product of a well lived life.
Who do you consider beautiful? Is it the ramp models flaunting those clothes? Is it the actors and actresses in Hollywood who are famous for what they portrayed? Is it someone who is able to afford to have facelifts and alter their looks? I consider those who went through a lot in their lives and have overcome their troubles through their faith and wisdom the most beautiful people. They have that inner peace and confidence that is not arrogant or proud. I got a compliment today from a friend on a photo of me. She said that my face radiates with joy. I thank God for what he has done in my life. He changed me to a new person in Christ. Wisdom lights up a person’s face, softening its harshness.
PRAYER
Lord, let me bask in your truth.
REFLECTION
Why is having a relationship with God the best makeover one can have?

COOPERATE WITH GOD AND BE HAPPY Poem Devotional

Posted on June 27, 2014 by ilmaarts

June 27 The Power of God’s Word
Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there’s no use arguing with God about your destiny.
-Ecclesiastes 6:10 (NLT)
COOPERATE WITH GOD AND BE HAPPY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you get up each day, thinking what God has to say?
Do you want to get things done your own way?
Do you know God’s destiny for your life?
Do you cooperate with him or do you constantly fight?
Everything was made by God to fit in his design
Each one plays a big role in his kingdom plan
It was known long ago what each person would be
So there’s no use arguing with God, just cooperate and be happy.
“I did it my way”, that was the phrase that ended the famous song “My Way.” As young as two years old, I heard and sang that song many times. I didn’t realize that by doing so I have disobeyed God’s plan for me. It is so sad to watch people destroy their own lives by not cooperating with God’s will for them. No wonder many of us feel incomplete, empty and have no joy.
The bible says that everything has already been decided by God even before we were born. There’s no use arguing with the one planned and who knows it all.
PRAYER
Lord, let me always cooperate with your plan.
REFLECTION
How do you actualize God’s plan for you?

PRUDENCE LEADS TO FORESIGHT Poem Devotional

Posted on June 26, 2014 by ilmaarts

June 26 The Power of God’s Word
A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.–Proverbs 27:12 (NLT)
PRUDENCE LEADS TO FORESIGHT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you do things thoughtlessly and in haste?
Tactlessness and rushing brings so much waste
Those who are prudent foresees threat
They take precaution and never bet.
A fool goes on with life recklessly
He doesn’t see the future and lives wildly
A prudent person on the other hand has foresight
He lives in truth and in the heavenly light.
There was someone I knew who always rushes making decisions. It’s as if he hears a voice in his head telling him to do things in haste. He ends up suffering the consequences of his choices that were not carefully thought of. I watch him continually do the same mistakes over and over again like he never sees what he is doing wrong.
The bible says that a prudent person foresees danger and takes precaution. The fool goes blindly on and suffers the consequence. Prudence leads to foresight. When one carefully thinks of the outcome of their actions, they take precaution. Those who do not even care to give a thought on what they are about to do usually ends up in failure. Young people are usually reckless and carefree. Those who have experienced life learn prudence.
PRAYER
Lord, help me watch what I do.
REFLECTION
How can prudence lead to foresight?

BOUNDARIES OF FREEDOM

Posted on June 24, 2014 by ilmaarts

June 24 The Power of God’s Word
For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil.–1 Peter 2:16 (NLT)
BOUNDARIES OF FREEDOM
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you view freedom as doing anything you want?
The enemy thwarts and uses it to keep you in his camp
When you believed in God, you were set free by the cross
So don’t use your freedom to cater to evil and be lost.
When you believed, you were freed from sin
Your freedom was granted on the cross when Christ redeemed
Be righteous and stay away from corruption and evil
It shut the doors that are opened to the devil.
Dictionary meaning of freedom is the power or right to act, speak or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. On the other hand, freedom in Christ is very different from this worldly view. Galatians 5:13 says “For you have been called to live in freedom my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another.” The responsibility that comes with being free lies in serving one another.
The bible also tells us that since we are slaves of God, we use our freedom to do good and not evil. Love is the boundary that keeps freedom alive.
PRAYER
Lord, help me never to abuse freedom.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to love in order to be free?

WAYS OF THE WISE Poem devotional

Posted on June 24, 2014 by ilmaarts

June 23 The Power of God’s Word
Wise words bring many benefits and hard work brings rewards. Fools think their own way is right but the wise listen to others.–Proverbs 12:14-15 (NLT)
WAYS OF THE WISE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Fools focuses on their own thoughts and think they are always right
The wise listen to others and not rely on their own sight
Fools always talk their way into getting attention
They always have to get their way to avoid rejection.
The wise works hard to improve regularly
They are always involved in others happily
The wise listens to advice and others’ perspective
They reap a bountiful harvest and is always progressive.
Do you know someone who is wise? What kind of life do they live? Wisdom is the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight. Wisdom has been regarded as one of four cardinal virtues; and as a virtue, it is a habit or disposition to perform the action with the highest degree of adequacy under any given circumstance. A knowledgeable person is not necessarily wise. Knowing is only one aspect of Wisdom, the application of knowledge on certain situations is wisdom. The bible tells us that wisdom brings many benefits to us. Involvement in others usually guards us from acting like fools. Self centeredness inhibits wisdom.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to focus on others.
REFLECTION
Why is it wise to shift the focus from ourselves to others?

THE SOURCE OF COMFORT Poem devotional

Posted on June 20, 2014 by ilmaarts

June 20 The Power of God’s Word
God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us–2 Corinthians 2:3-4 (NLT)
THE SOURCE OF COMFORT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you seek comfort from all your troubles?
Does it seem like you are buried in the rubbles?
The heavenly Father is the only source of comfort
He will carry your burden and give you support.
He consoles us in trials so we can soothe others
He expects us to do the same to our sisters and brothers
Amidst sufferings, God exudes his love, grace and mercy
We ought to share what we received and be a blessing.
We live in a world where people obsess about comfort. We want to avoid inconveniences. We work very hard to make our lives and our families comfortable. We rely so much on our own strength to ensure that we live lives of comfort. We resist any form of change that will compromise these comfort zones.
The bible tells us that the only source of comfort is God. He brings us comfort during our troubles but he expects us to give back the same comfort we received to others. He gives us strength to share it.
PRAYER
Lord, bring me someone I could bless.
REFLECTION
How can you give back comfort to others?

WHEN INSULTED FOR BEING A CHRISTIAN Poem Devotional

Posted on June 19, 2014 by ilmaarts

June 19 The Power of God’s Word
So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then, the glorious spirit of God will rest upon you.–1 Peter 4:14 (NLT)
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do people think you are weird when you declare Christ as your Savior?
Do they say you are crazy when you sing praises to the Father?
Are you being picked on for staying away from corruption?
Are people angry at you for declaring the truth and shaking their illusions?
Be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian
The spirit of God will rest upon you and will strengthen
It will bring grace, mercy and blessings from your creator
You are part of God’s chosen people and he will bring you favor.
Are you being questioned for believing in God? I have experienced being ostracized because I have a close relationship with the heavenly father since I was a kid. Some people think I am much too creative and that I made up things about my direct communication with the Lord. The movie “Heaven is for real” would attest to the fact that the Lord is there for us when we are insulted. The bible tells us to be happy when we are persecuted for being a Christian for we will have God’s spirit in us.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being present in those who believe.
REFLECTION
What would insults do to those who are faithful?

THE ONE AND ONLY SOURCE Poem Devotional

Posted on June 18, 2014 by ilmaarts

June 18 The Power of God’s Word
They all depend on you to give them food as they need it. When you supply it, they gather it. You open your hand to feed them, and they are richly satisfied. But if you turn away from them, they panic. – Psalm 104:27-29
THE ONE AND ONLY SOURCE
A poem and essay by ILMA
You are the one and only source of life
Without your mercy and love, we will lose light
We all depend on you for food for survival
If you don’t supply our needs, we are bound to die.
We open our hands to receive your provision
We are deeply grateful for your wisdom and vision
Lord, never leave me alone in this world, for I will panic
You are the only reason for my life to be ecstatic.
Have you ever wondered how the birds and the bees and all of living creatures survive and thrive? If you look around nature, you will experience God’s magnificence. He will whisper to you through the gentle breeze. He will shine and make you feel alive as you look at the sun. He will make you feel his presence at the landscape and seascapes around you. Psalm 104 praises the Lord for the provision he gives all his creatures. We all depend on the one and only source of life, God.
PRAYER
Lord, I praise you for your creation.
REFLECTION
Why do we need to magnify and praise the Lord daily?

THE MESSAGE NOURISHES Poem Devotional

Posted on June 17, 2014 by ilmaarts

June 17 The Power of God’s Word
You must give them my messages whether they listen or not. But they won’t listen, for they are completely rebellious. Son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not join them in their rebellion. Open your mouth and eat what I give you.–Ezekiel 2:8,9 (NLT)

A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you hear the message that God sent?
Do you ignore, twist it or bend?
Are you obeying and following his commands?
Do you fight him and constantly demand?
The message comes from your creator
Without his word, you will continually make blunders
Do not join the rebels, open your mouth and receive his message
Consume the truth that will set you free and you’ll be granted courage.
What happens when someone sends you a message? In this Information age, we receive and give messages constantly. Sometimes we are aware of what we send or receive, but there are also moments when we clearly do not comprehend the message we get or give out. Communication barriers are hindrances to receiving the correct information. These hurdles block us from receiving or giving the message clearly.
In Ezekiel, the Lord gives him a message to tell the Israelites to stop rebelling and accept his spiritual food, which is his word. The Lord commands them to receive his message which will set them free.
PRAYER
Lord, keep me constantly hungry for you.
REFLECTION
How is the message our spirit’s nourishment?

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