ROAD TO FULFILLED DREAMS Poem Devotional

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October 21
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Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character.
– Psalm 105:19(NLT)
ROAD TO FULFILLED DREAMS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you going through tests and trials in your life?
Do you have things that are not going right?
Sometimes we experience tests to build character
It brings out the best when we are tried by our Maker
Do not stop until you get right to your dream
It pays to be patient rather than being grim
Don’t be afraid of suffering for it makes you strong
It will make your dreams come true not for very long.
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The story of Joseph in Genesis 37 is a good testimony about how the Lord tested Joseph’s character. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he often tended his father’s flocks. He worked for his half brothers, the son’s of his father’s wives. Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. So one day, Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph, a beautiful robe. He dreamed about bundles of grain that bowed low before his. Another dream was that the sun, moon and eleven stars bowed low before him. When he told his brothers, the more they hated him and they plotted to kill him. Joseph was sold as a slave to the Egyptians, but later made ruler of Egypt. A dream fulfilled.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never give up when I am faced with trials?
REFLECTION
How can character be built out of suffering and trials?
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 ENDURING HARDSHIPS

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July 6
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If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.
-2 Timothy 2:12(NLT)
ON ENDURING HARDSHIPS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you going through difficult times now?
Don’t worry; continue to believe and never doubt
If we endure hardship, we will reign with Christ
If we deny it, we will lose reason to live in this life.
Remember that Jesus experienced the worst suffering
Just look up the cross and keep on remembering
Hardships can stretch our character and discipline
It gives us the power to overcome sin and win.
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There is a misnomer in our society today that we should have a trouble-free life. Many people are in pursuit of happiness and getting what they want. I used to chase these same things before God changed my heart. I endured hardship in a way that God didn’t want me to. I used my talents and skills to overcome adversities and never really relied on God’s grace and mercy. I proved to others that I am a survivor and took pride in it. It was the worldly way to endure hardships. But when I was saved, God showed me that all the things I went through had a purpose. It was to bring me strength and character so I could contribute to build up his kingdom and to spread the good news about his redemption through Jesus Christ.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to remember that you died for me.
REFLECTION
What do you usually do when you encounter difficulties?
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