Author Archives: ilmaarts

SPIRIT & LIFE Poem Devotional

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September 24________________________________________
The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. – John 6:63(NLT)
SPIRIT & LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When we don’t have the spirit of God living in us
We usually seek approval, perform and lust
Human effort accomplishes nothing
It defies God’s power on everything.
The very words of God give us life
Believe him completely and you will have light
The spirit alone gives you victory and power
Without God’s spirit, we can’t make Satan cower.
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I’ve spent many years of my Christian life doing works of the flesh. I performed to please others so I can look good. I was enslaved seeking approval from people who don’t even believe in God. I chased human knowledge so that I would appear intelligent so people can look up to me and respect me. I did it all wrong. God convicted me of all these human effort. He wanted me to listen to his Spirit.
The bible tells us that the Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing and that the words of God is his spirit and life. All of Scriptures have the purpose of correcting, rebuking, guiding and teaching us. Without the truth that comes from God’s word, our lives will be dead and we won’t have the spirit alive in us.
PRAYER
Lord, please come live in my heart.
REFLECTION
Cite an instance when you can say that the Spirit clearly lives in your heart.
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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

ONLY THROUGH CHRIST Poem Devotional

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September 23________________________________________
For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up. –John 6:44(NLT)
ONLY THROUGH CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
When we desire to be closer to Christ
It will definitely change our life
It’s not from our own will that we come to him
It is the Father who calls us to be redeemed
Only through Christ can we be called to believe
Only through the begotten Son we will receive
We are not worthy of God’s grace and mercy
Yet he pours blessings to all believers faithfully.
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Many Christians think that they make the choice to believe in God. What most believers don’t realize is that we can only be saved because God chose us first. Just like God loved us first before we loved him, he already knew from the start who will be his followers.
I strived and worked hard many years of my Christian life to earn my salvation. I was too ignorant to know that by doing so, I was not giving much value to what Christ already did to me when he died on the cross for my sins. It is sad to watch believers perform to achieve redemption. It totally denies the essence of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. The bible tells us that only through Christ can we be saved.
PRAYER
Lord, cover me with your blood.
REFLECTION
When did God reveal to you the importance of his Son’s death on the cross?
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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

THE ONLY SOURCE Poem Devotional

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September 21________________________________________
No one will receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. – John 3:27(NLT)
THE ONLY SOURCE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you believe that all things come from only one source?
He is all powerful, all giving and our only resource
Your blessings may be manifested in many ways
God uses every little thing to make us all obey.
No one will receive anything unless God gives it
He knows what is best and what fits
Never forget that we are on our own
Without His power, we will all be broken and torn.
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It is amazing how many people live to think that their jobs, wealth, possessions, fame, money and positions come from their hard work or other sources. They boast about what they went through in order to land a job, accumulate wealth, show off their possessions and reach where they are. Most people have forgotten that they won’t have what they got if not for the blessings and grace that God has given them.
The bible tells us that there is only one source of all things on earth and in heaven. God created everything. Many people forget that we all came from him. He is the alpha (the beginning) and the omega (the end). All things comes from him and they will all return to him. He alone has the power to give and also the power to take it back.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to be grateful to you always.
REFLECTION
What are the most precious things God has blessed you with?
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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

WHO WILL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE Poem Devotional

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September 20________________________________________
And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.
–John 3:36(NLT)
WHO WILL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE?
A poem and essay by ILMA
Who can ever grant you eternity?
Whose kingdom is infinity?
If you believe in God’s promises
You will be granted his righteousness.
Anyone who doesn’t obey the Lord
They will find it hard to give him laud
They will never experience eternal life
They will remain angry and without life.
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There were so many talks about “death” and “eternal life” when I was in college. One of my professors challenged me with researching about this topic. I read as much book as I can to expound on this very interesting matter. Even as a child, I was never scared of death. I was the only one in our family who can look at the coffin when we attend a wake or funeral. Somehow, deep inside me, I knew they are in a better place. I always thought that they can now see Jesus. But what is the pre-requisite to have eternal life?
The bible tells us that the key to eternal life is to believe in God’s Son, Jesus. If we don’t, we will remain under God’s angry judgment. It’s almost like turning our backs or not accepting a gift God has given us, the gift of freedom from sin.
PRAYER
Grant me a place in heaven beside you Lord.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God judges those who don’t believe?
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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

BELIEVE WITHOUT A DOUBT Poem Devotional

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September 19________________________________________
But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things. – John 3:12(NLT)
BELIEVE WITHOUT A DOUBT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you rely on things of this earth?
Or do you prioritize God’s truth first?
The prince of this world is the devil
He causes all schemes and every evil.
When you doubt what Jesus says
You open up yourself to worldly ways
When you believe him without uncertainty
God opens his kingdom to you absolutely.
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James 1:6 tells us that we shouldn’t waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as the wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. He says that such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. Faith is essential for our salvation but James also stressed the importance of listening and doing what God’s word says.
The importance of faith is reiterated by John in chapter 3. Jesus was talking to Nicodemus who was a respected Jewish teacher and yet doubted how Jesus explained the meaning of being born in the spirit. Jesus told him that he won’t understand heavenly things if he doubts and don’t believe even earthly things he explains. Faith allows us to hear the spirit.
PRAYER
Lord, keep me in synchronized with your Spirit always.
REFLECTION
How can you overcome doubt when you don’t understand things?
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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

UNDER THE FREEDOM OF GRACE Poem devotional

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September 18________________________________________
Sin is no longer your master for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of grace. – Romans 6:14(NLT)
UNDER THE FREEDOM OF GRACE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you struggle doing God’s commands?
Does it matter what the law demands?
If you decide to believe in Christ
You are no longer dead but alive
The enemy will cease to be your master
What the world says will not matter
You’ll live under the freedom of grace
You will exude peace and joy in your face.
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Was there a time you desired to be good and yet ended up doing the opposite? The apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans talks much about our fallen human nature. Because of the original sin, we all have a tendency to be self-serving. As a result of Adam and Eve’s sin, it is not easy for man to follow God. But because God loved us so much, he gave his only Son to free us from sin. He paid for our sins through his blood on the cross. When Christ did this, we are no longer bound by the law and sin.
The bible says that legalism is no longer the master of a born again Christian. Believers can now live under the freedom of grace. It only takes faith and a commitment to Christ so we can stay under his mercy and grace.
PRAYER
Lord thank you for your constant grace.
REFLECTION
What law still binds you in bondage to sin?
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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

SIN BRINGS DEATH Poem Devotional

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September 17________________________________________
You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away.
Colossians 2:13(NLT)
SIN BRINGS DEATH
A poem and essay by ILMA
To live out of God’s will brings darkness
It deprives us of all God’s promises
While you continually live in rebellion
You won’t be able to resist temptations.
Sin brings death, gloom and pain
Obedience brings God’s truth and gain
When you are not born again in Christ
Your sinful nature lingers in your life.
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Death means a separation of two things. Physical death is a separation of body and soul (Ecclesiastes 12:7). Spiritual death is a separation between God and man (Isaiah 59:1-2). Dead to sin is a separation between Christians and sins (Romans 6:2,11). Dead to law is separation between Christians and the law (Romans 7:4). Marriage dissolved by death is a separation between the husband and the wife (1 Corinthians 7:39). What forms of death are you experiencing in life today?
The bible tells us that when we become believers and born again in Christ, we are automatically separated from sin. When we are born again, all our past sins were erased and we get a clean slate again. We are like newborn, pure and innocent. As soon as we believe in Christ, his light shines on us and no darkness lives in us. Those who still are living in the dark, they haven’t committed to Christ.
PRAYER
Help me to rely on your strength, Lord.
REFLECTION
What sins have Christ clearly cut in your life?
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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

FREE INDEED Poem Devotional

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September 16________________________________________
So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. – John 8:36(NLT)
FREE INDEED
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is stopping you from being free?
Is it your love for this world or idolatry?
Do you enslave yourself with works of the flesh?
Are you performing so you could be blessed?
God gave us his son so we can be free
He loved us so dearly and so faithfully
Christ died on the cross to cleanse our sins
We will all be free indeed if we believe him.
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I was bonded to so many sins for over four decades of my life. I did everything I can to gain my own salvation. I didn’t know any better until I became a born again Christian. There were many things I was a slave to. Religion was one of my prisons. I was raised to be very materialistic and ambitious which led to many idols in my life. My mind was also another enslavement in my life. I constantly want to be in control and know as much as I can so I could manage whatever difficulties come my way. Pride and arrogance was another prison I struggled with for many years. Until God revealed to me his great love for me despite all my rottenness, I would still be a slave to all these sins. The bible tells us that when Christ died for us, we are truly free
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for freeing me.
REFLECTION
What current bondages are you still enslaved with?
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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

WISDOM SOFTENS HARSHNESS Poem Devotional

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September 15________________________________________
How wonderful to be wise, to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person’s face, softening its harshness. –Ecclesiastes 8:1(NLT)
WISDOM SOFTENS HARSHNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you oftentimes wonder about things?
Do you like analyzing and interpreting?
Whenever you seek knowledge and wisdom
You open up your mind to God’s kingdom.
Seek the Lord and you will be filled with insight
Know his truth and he will bring you light
Wisdoms softens our face removing its harshness
It brings us out of darkness into his righteousness.
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Have you ever observed how a wise person looks like? Their face literally shines. They have a peaceful look. On the other hand, a fool looks the opposite. They usually exude a tinge of darkness or confused look. It is not hard to know a person full of wisdom. Most people who believe in God and knows Christ have a certain calm and joy in them. Whereas an unbeliever doesn’t have that joy and peace that only comes in knowing God.
The bible tells us how wonderful it is to be wise, to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person’s face, softening its harshness. When we examine our lives and try to emulate the life God wants for us to have, we become wise. When we live reckless and unexamined lives, we fall into traps and temptations that veer us away from God’s truth and love.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to meditate on your words daily.
REFLECTION
Would you consider your face softened by God’s wisdom?
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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