JOYFUL CALL TO WORSHIP Poem Devotional

July 2
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Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence Lord. -Psalm 89:15(NLT)
JOYFUL CALL TO WORSHIP
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you adore and give praise to the Lord?
Are you worshiping him and walking in his presence?
Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship
They will walk in the light and applaud his kingship.
Jesus Christ is worthy of all praise and thanksgiving
Let us rejoice and be glad for all his favors and blessings
Call everyone to revere him and gather in adoration
Make all know that you are giving Christ due adulation.
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How often do you hear of people jumping around joyfully praising the Lord? Some church denominations probably practice this, but an individual person actually doing it alone and infecting others to joyfully give praise to the Lord may be becoming a novelty nowadays. More and more people are becoming impersonal and sloppy with their worship. The distractions and busy-ness of life have contributed to people’s lax way of showing their adulation to the Lord.
The bible tells us that those who hear and heed the joyful call to worship will walk in the light and the presence of the Lord. In other words, their passion to exude the light of God to others will make them more intimate and closer to Christ Jesus.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me a heart on fire to worship you.
REFLECTION
Have you ever met someone on fire and joyfully worshiping the Lord?
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

TRUE WORSHIP Poem Devotional

October 21
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I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. – Romans 12:1(NLT)
TRUE WORSHIP
A poem and essay by ILMA
The only way you can worship truly
Is by giving your body to God openly
Let your life be a holy sacrifice to the Lord
Do not let the world corrupt you; seek his word.
Your mind, body, heart take part in true worship
It seeks God’s will and follows his Spirit
Never forget to honor the Lord fully
It will give him all the praise and the glory.
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Many years of my life were not really lived to honor the Lord. I was ignorant of what true worship was. Guidance to a holy life was not something that I was provided for. Instead, worldly ways were the norm as I was growing up. When I committed my life to Jesus at age seven, I was too young to be left unsupervised to figure out what a holy life was.
The bible tells us that true worship is giving our bodies to God as a grateful response to what he has done for us. He gave us his one and only Son as a living sacrifice so we can be freed from sin. Live a life of true worship.
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PRAYER
Lord, take my whole being so I can praise you with it.
REFLECTION
How can you manifest true worship in your Christian 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

PRAISE TO A GREAT KING Poem Devotional


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April 30________________________________________
Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods. -Psalm 95:1-3(NLT)
PRAISE TO A GREAT KING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Lift up your hands and shout joyfully to Jesus, our great king
Let us come with a humble heart and much thanksgiving
Let us sing psalms and hymns for he is worthy of all praise
He is faithful grant us forgiveness and constantly give us grace.
The Lord is a great God who looks after his own people
He grants us mercy and never wants us to be crippled
The Lord is all-powerful, all-knowing and full of wisdom
Praise to a great king, who redeems and grants us freedom.
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Praise means to express admiration or approval of the achievements or characteristics of a person or thing. It has seven Hebrew words for praise.
1. “Halal” means to rave or celebrate
2. “Yadah” means worshiping with extended hands
3. “Towdah” means acceptance
4. “Shabach” means to shout out
5. “Barak” means to kneel down
6. “Zamar” means to sing or pluck an instrument
7. “Tehillah” means to involve music and hymns
Doesn’t it amaze you how much depth of meaning is into this word? We are asked to praise a great king, Jesus Christ.
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PRAYER
Lord, I praise and glorify your most precious name.
REFLECTION
What is your preferred form of praising the Lord?
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 WAY TO WORSHIP Poem Devotional

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April 28________________________________________
In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy. And I want women to be modest in their appearance.
– 1 Timothy 2:8-9(NLT)
A WAY TO WORSHIP
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind?
Are you committed to stay in his light and not be blind?
One way to worship is to lift your hands up to the Lord
Let go of anger and all controversies so you can give him laud.
Women must be modest in their appearance and attitude
They ought to submit to their husbands yet have fortitude
God gave us everything, so we must give him all the glory
Be godly and pure of heart and you’ll never be sorry.
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In 1 Timothy 2:8-9, there is a requirement from God how to do worship. We are asked to lift our holy hands to God. This may seem like an outward posture, but I think that there is an underlying meaning to this stance. It symbolizes an act of submission, acknowledgment and thanksgiving to him who created everything. It shows honor to a holy God. With this stance, we must also be free from anger and any controversy. The women were specifically instructed to be modest in their appearance. I’d like to think that this includes her demeanor and gentle speech.
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PRAYER
Thank you for guiding us how we must give you honor, Lord.
REFLECTION
Why is it important for a Christian woman to be modest in her appearance?
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

TRUE WORSHIP Poem Devotional

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April 26________________________________________
Her sister, Mary, sat the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. -Luke 10:39-40(NLT)
TRUE WORSHIP
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is in your heart and mind today?
Do you have peace and joy each day?
Do you listen to Jesus when he teaches you?
Are you allowing your heart and mind to be renewed?
What distracts you from true worship and praise?
Is it your busy-ness that keeps you from being amazed?
True worship is quietly listening to what he is teaching
It is hearing what he is convicting you with and obeying it.
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The two sisters, Martha and Mary are examples of how true worship should be according to Christ. In Luke 10, we are given a picture of the differences of how people worship. Strong’s Hebrew definition of worship is “sagad” which means to bow down or fall down. In both Hebrew and Greek, there are two categories of words for worship. The first is about body language that demonstrates respect and submission; to bow down, to kneel, to prostrate oneself. The second is about doing something for God that demonstrates sacrifice and obedience; to offer, to serve. Martha was worshiping God with her service. She was very distracted by what is really more important which is what Mary did, to sit on Jesus’ feet and listening to his teachings. Worship is about focusing on Jesus, not on our works.
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PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from distractions that s top me from losing out on your teachings.
REFLECTION
How do you worship?
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

LET EVERYONE PRAISE THE LORD Poem Devotional

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February 16________________________________________
Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him. For when he spoke, the world began. -Psalm 33:8-9(NLT)
LET EVERYONE PRAISE THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
How much blessings and grace have you received?
Do you thank the Lord and continue to believe?
Let the whole world fear and revere a mighty God
Let everyone glorify the Lord and give him laud
For when he breathed and spoke, the world began
When man disobeyed and sinned, he gave his only Son
What have you done to bring him honor and glory?
If you walk in love and seek him, you will have victory.
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Do you know anyone who just spoke and created something? When we plan something, it first enters our minds and then we speak about it and finally do something to have it realized or come true. There is power in speaking. What we speak is actually what is in our hearts. If we constantly say words of encouragement, we will reap good things. If we make a habit of saying negative things or complaining, we will reap bitterness and more suffering.
The bible tells us to revere and glorify the Lord. It is only right to do so because he created us all from nothing. He opened his mouth and said a word, and we became flesh. He didn’t use anything else to create the world and man.
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PRAYER
Lord, I praise and give you glory for all that you are.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to revere the Lord?
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

GIVING CREDIT TO GOD Poem Devotional

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June 16
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It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
-Philippians 2:13 (NIV)
GIVING CREDIT TO GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you able to achieve the things you dream about?
Do you give credit to God by opening your mouth?
Speak to others what he has done in your life
It will give him glory and will bring you light.
It is God who works in you to will and act accordingly
Without him, you won’t be able to do things righteously
He is the only reason why you have life and blessings
He alone must be given praise for his goodness and mercy.
________________________________________I volunteered to help in curating an exhibit for an art contest where I live in. Because I had many years of curating experiences, I thought that I could do the town a favor by helping. They only had one day of set up for about 100 paintings in a very small room at the town library. I came in early to help and saved them about an estimate of four hours work because they needed to open the show that same day. To my surprise, when acknowledgements were mentioned, the two people I helped took credit for my work.
The bible tells us that it is God who gave us the will to act according to his good purpose. Without it, we can’t do good.
PRAYER
Lord, please let me always give you praise for what you do for me.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to give God the credit in everything?
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

GREAT IS THE LORD! Poem Devotional

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October 7________________________________________
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods.
– Psalm 96:4(NLT)
GREAT IS THE LORD!
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you remember to give praise to your Lord?
Do you declare his power and give him laud?
Great is the Lord, he is most worthy of praise
Make sure you follow his word and do what it says.
He is the god who created all seen and unseen things
Fear and obey him who has given you everything
He is all-knowing, all-seeing and very powerful
He loves you so much and he is so merciful.
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I grew up without idolizing anyone. Unlike my cousins who went crazy over some singers or superstars, I never went gaga over someone famous or rich or popular. The only thing that gets my attention is if it will make me think and search for answers. I was obsessed with knowledge and understanding, so I always hang out with people who are intelligent and curious and pro-active.
The bible tells us how great our God is. He is the only one worthy of praise and he is to be feared above all gods. The trouble with our world today is that it is bombarded with so much things to idolize. It consumes most of our lives as we get obsessed with this thing we clamor much. Let’s give up trivial matters and give God praise.
PRAYER
Lord, I praise and glorify you.
REFLECTION
What are the benefits of worshiping and praising 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

ANTIDOTE TO CONFUSION AND DARKNESS Poem Devotional

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May 19
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Yes they knew God but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks, And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds become darkened and confused. –Romans 1:21 (NLT)
ANTIDOTE TO CONFUSION AND DARKNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are your thoughts lined up with truth?
Have you allowed God’s word to take root?
Do you praise and worship God with your heart?
Do you thank him daily especially when the day starts?
Worship prevents you from the tendency to grumble
A thankful attitude keeps you focused and humble
When you revere God, your minds become clear
You become bold, courageous and never fear.
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There are some Christians who take for granted the value of thanksgiving and praising God. The world hates believers who gives time to God and worship him. The enemy will do anything to distract someone who is trying to be intimate with God. The devil steals, kills and destroys anything that will bring glory to God. He will use breakdowns in communication so that spiritual growth will be impossible. What do we do as true believers when we are presented with such challenges?
The bible tells us the antidote to confusion and darkness. It is praise, worship and thanksgiving that prevents our minds and hearts to be corrupted. Seeking God daily through his word will surely equip us to have victory over the enemy.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to be faithful to you.
REFLECTION
What has thanksgiving and worshipping God done to you?
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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

LET ME SPEAK ONLY OF PRAISE Poem Devotional

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January 23
Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you. –Psalm 51:15(NLT)
LET ME SPEAK ONLY OF PRAISE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Make my lips speak only of your words
Protect my mind from the corruption of this world
Let my whole being meditate on your faithfulness
So I can speak only of giving you praise.
Do not let my mind linger on my needs
Bless me so I can sow good seeds
Let me speak only to give you glory
Let me never tire of sharing life’s testimonies.
There are many fruits of the Spirit that show that someone is a believer. The fruits of the Spirit are mentioned in Galatians such as kindness, goodness, patience, gentleness, self-control, joy, love, peace and faithfulness. You can also gauge an authentic believer by what they say. They usually speak the truth based on God’s words and you won’t hear curses or filthy words coming out of their mouths. The psalmist in Psalm 51:15 prayed to the Lord that his lips will only say praises.
How can this be practically applied in our modern day setting? I think that if one has developed a relationship with Christ, one becomes spiritually mature. Do you know Jesus intimately? Do you follow his commands and emulate what he did. The enemy wants to steal any truth that you have learned. Guard it.
PRAYER
Lord, I surrender my mouth to you.
REFLECTION
How can a believer learn to control his tongue?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com