TRUSTING GOD

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Nov 3
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But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask. – John 11:22(NLT)
TRUSTING GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you believe all of God’s promises?
He loves us you so much that he gave you Jesus
Whenever things do not go how you want it to
Do you continue to trust that God will eventually do?
Sometimes we ask things don’t align with his will
He wouldn’t want us to be hurt, rejected or be ill
He knows what’s best for us so we must have faith
Confidently hope and it will greatly change your fate.
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The story of Lazarus is one of the greatest miracles that Jesus did while he was on earth. Mary and Martha are both Lazarus’ sisters and they were very close to Jesus. In fact, in the account of Luke in chapter 10:38-42, we get a picture of their closeness. Martha was the one who can’t stop doing things but Mary knew how to relax and be still. She chose to give her full attention to Jesus rather than all the physical things Martha was doing.
When Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been in his grave for four days already (John 11:17). Martha told Jesus that if he came earlier, he wouldn’t have died but she still believes that God will grant Jesus whatever he asks. Jesus acknowledged her great faith and raised Lazarus’.
PRAYER
Lord, let me grow my faith even when I don’t see miracles.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God requires faith in order for miracles to happen?
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

FAITH MAKES US RIGHTEOUS Poem Devotional

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October 8
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He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. – Romans 4:21-22(NLT)
FAITH MAKES US RIGHTEOUS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you believe that God keeps his promises?
Do you continue to trust and have peace?
Are you convinced that God is faithful?
What do you do to show him you are grateful?
Faith makes us right with the Lord
Believing him brings him glory and laud
Press on and continue to grow your faith in Jesus
You are loved so much; to him, you are precious.
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One of the ways that the enemy traps us is by making us focused on the self. Human nature desires to gratify the self. The only way we can be focused on others is by the grace of God. Otherwise, we can fall into the pit of showing off or performing to get approval. I grew up thinking that I could work my way to being righteous. I followed the ten commandments religiously but the more I do, the more I sinned. The bible tells us that we were freed from the law when Christ died on the cross. If you believe in Christ, you are under his grace.
We are made righteous only through faith just like Abraham. Romans 3:22 declares us righteous by our faith in Christ.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to grow my faith in you.
REFLECTION
Why do you think faith in Jesus is essential in our lives?
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

THROUGH FAITH ALONE Poem Devotional

pinery camping 2014 and others 598September 12
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Can we boast then that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. -Romans 3:27(NLT)
THROUGH FAITH ALONE
A poem and essay by ILMA
What can we do to be accepted by Jesus Christ?
Can we boast that we have overcome difficulties in life?
Can we show off that we have done many good deeds?
Can following the rules be a good way to overcome sin?
There is no way we can work at our salvation
Only through faith alone we can be granted redemption
Our exoneration from sin is possible through faith
Only by trusting God can miracles be part of our fate.
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I spent many years of my life performing. I did my best to live up to my parents’ expectation to be academically excellent. I became obsessed being a good parent to my only son. I proved my worth to everyone by being a painter, a stage actress, manager, photographer and teacher. I didn’t know that it was futile to do so because God already loves me anyway. It was all that should have mattered but I was so busy fixing myself and others around me that I missed out on what really God requires from us.
The bible tells us that we cannot boast of anything we have done to be approved by God. Only faith alone matters to him.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for just loving me the way I am.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God requires faith for us to be saved?
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

OBEDIENCE MANIFESTS TRUST Poem Devotional

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August 1
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Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify your name. All night long I search for you; in the morning I earnestly seek for God. For only when you come to judge the earth will people learn what is right. – Isaiah 26:8-9(NLT)
OBEDIENCE MANIFESTS TRUST
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you obey what the Lord tells you
You manifest trust and he changes your view
Search for his word and commands earnestly
He will make you righteous and give you victory.
Don’t wait until judgment day to do what is right
Or you will find it difficult to navigate this life
Obey him because he knows what is best for all man
His ways are not our ways for we are only human.
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Many years of my life was spent rebelling and disobeying my parents and God. I didn’t realize that emotional wounds have hardened my heart. I had problems with authority probably because I was let down by those who had authority on me as I was growing up. It made it hard to keep a job because I was always faced with dealing with bosses and employers. When I got married, I didn’t know how to submit to my husband because of this stronghold in my life. I was proud and arrogant and it didn’t show that I trusted the Lord. Obedience manifests trust.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for delivering me from rebellion.
REFLECTION
What other forms of disobedience still manifest in your life now?
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

FOLLOWED WITHOUT A DOUBT

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May 26
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It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. -Hebrews 11:8(NLT)
FOLLOWED WITHOUT A DOUBT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you ever been fearful of changes in your life?
If you follow Jesus, you will be guided by his light
It was by faith that Abraham became father of all nations
He followed without a doubt all of God’s instructions.
Are you willing to obey whatever you are called to do?
He will equip you with wisdom and strength to follow through
To obey the Lord brings you an overflow of inheritance
To have victory, you need to give up all forms of resistance.
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Rebellion and stubbornness ran in my family of origin. It strongly manifested for many decades of my life. My life was chaotic when I lived in lawlessness, but as soon as I obeyed God’s will in my late twenties, many things changed. I had an overflow of blessings. When I reverted back to self-serving motives, once again, my life became very hard. So, I finally succumbed to his will then I experienced deliverance from many strongholds.
The bible says that Abraham obeyed God when he was instructed to leave him to another land. He followed even without knowing where God was leading him. He just obeyed.

PRAYER
Lord, help me follow you always.
REFLECTION
What was the consequence of your disobedience to 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

FULL TRUST BRINGS GOD’S PRESENCE Poem Devotional

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February 28________________________________________
Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. -Hebrews 10:22(NLT)
FULL TRUST BRINGS GOD’S PRESENCE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you let go of your guilt so you can move forward?
Focusing on the past hinders you from getting the reward
When you fully trust the Lord in all circumstance
You will experience the peace of his presence.
Do not live in guilt, instead, confess your sins and repent
You will be sprinkled with Christ’s blood and you’ll have strength
Your body have been washed with pure and living water
You will be heir to God’s kingdom that lasts forever.
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Have you ever loved someone so much that his or her presence is paramount in your life? What happens to you when this person is absent physically or emotionally? If you are like me, you will get depressed and lonely because you want the joy that comes from their presence. Statistics say that four to five months is the average time before a long distance relationship breaks down and 40% of all long distance relationships ends with a break-up.
The bible summons us to go right into God’s presence with sincere hearts fully trusting him because he has already washed our sins when he died for us.
PRAYER
Lord, give me courage to trust you completely always.
REFLECTION
When have you turned your back to God’s presence? What was the result?
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

THOSE WHO TRUST THE LORD Poem Devotional

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January 22________________________________________
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like
eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
– Isaiah 40:31(NLT)
THOSE WHO TRUST THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength
They will follow the straight path and will not bend
They will soar high on wings like eagles
They won’t be defeated by life’s struggles.
Those who trust in the Lord will run and not grow weary
They will overcome all the tactics and tricks of the enemy
They will walk and not faint when there are troubles
They depend on God completely to get out of the rubbles.
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Trust is a crucial element in relationships. It is through trust that we learn to be intimate and grow our love for each other. Without trust, there will be deceit, dishonesty, confusion, fear and all kinds of evil.
I had major trust issues in the past. I learned to look after my well being because no one was there to give it to me. It ruined most of my relationships because I was always suspicious and wanted to bust people of their intentions to me. Before they can hurt me, I would run away to protect myself.
The bible says that those who trust in the Lord will have new strength. They will soar and not grow weary.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me to completely trust you.
REFLECTION
How can you build up your trust in 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

THOSE WHO TRUST THE LORD

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January 22________________________________________
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like
eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
– Isaiah 40:31(NLT)
THOSE WHO TRUST THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength
They will follow the straight path and will not bend
They will soar high on wings like eagles
They won’t be defeated by life’s struggles.
Those who trust in the Lord will run and not grow weary
They will overcome all the tactics and tricks of the enemy
They will walk and not faint when there are troubles
They depend on God completely to get out of the rubbles.
________________________________________
Trust is a crucial element in relationships. It is through trust that we learn to be intimate and grow our love for each other. Without trust, there will be deceit, dishonesty, confusion, fear and all kinds of evil.
I had major trust issues in the past. I learned to look after my well being because no one was there to give it to me. It ruined most of my relationships because I was always suspicious and wanted to bust people of their intentions to me. Before they can hurt me, I would run away to protect myself.
The bible says that those who trust in the Lord will have new strength. They will soar and not grow weary.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me to completely trust you.
REFLECTION
How can you build up your trust in 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

EVEN WHEN YOU DON’T SEE HIM Poem Devotional

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December 26________________________________________
You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. – 1 Peter 1:8 (NLT)
EVEN WHEN YOU DON’T SEE HIM
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind?
Do you cling to his word so you won’t stay blind?
Do you question things that happen in your life?
Do you blame him for all the trials and the strife?
Those who are faithful believers never doubt him
Even though they don’t see him, they still believe
Though they don’t see him, they still trust his word
They follow his truth so they can conquer the world.
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Faith is defined as the complete trust or confidence in someone or something. It is believing without a doubt on someone or something. Even when I was surrounded with so much chaos and confusion in my childhood, I never doubted or waivered believing the Jesus will be there for me. It only changed when I was in my teens. The enemy ruled my mind and used my traumas and past painful experiences to lessen my faith in God.
The bible tells us that those who believe the Lord never doubt him. Even if their circumstances are difficult, they still cling to their master and never stop hoping and looking forward to God’s promises.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to stay faithful to you in any circumstance.
REFLECTION
How has God shown faithfulness to you despite your unfaithfulness?
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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

THE ONLY WORK GOD WANTS Poem Devotional

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September 22________________________________________
This is the only work God wants from you. Believe in the one he has sent. – John 6:29(NLT)
THE ONLY WORK GOD WANTS
A poem and essay by ILMA
What things do you normally do for God?
Do you face life’s challenges to rise above?
Do you perform so others would consider you good?
Do you have peace and joy or do you brood?
The only work God wants from you is to believe
He has sent his son so you’ll be free and receive
He has your best interest at heart so no need to perform
He wants you to fully trust him so you can be transformed.
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There are many believers who try to accomplish and do so many things to earn their salvation. It is not wrong to want to do good things, but it shouldn’t be to perform or earn a reward. God has given us his Son to die on the cross so that we would all be saved and enjoy the promises he has given us. I wasted so many years of my life trying to be approved by others and God. I was so concerned with what others thought of me or if I pass their standards. I thank God that he has delivered me from this approval addiction and performance based life. The bible says that the only work God wants from us to do is to believe in Jesus Christ.
PRAYER
Lord, help me continually believe even if I don’t see results.
REFLECTION
How deep is your trust in Jesus?
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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