Author Archives: ilmaarts

FINISHING VERSUS STARTING Poem Devotional

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September 14________________________________________
Finishing is better than starting, patience is better than pride. –Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NLT)
FINISHING VERSUS STARTING
A poem and essay by ILMA
What drives you to start something?
Isn’t it a passion for producing?
When something compels you to begin
Never give up until you finish and win.
Finishing is better than starting
Patience is better than boasting
A wise person persists to finish
A fool gives up and never commits.
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Procrastination is the action of delaying or postponing something. In an article written by Eric Jaffe in the Association for Psychological Science he says that “True procrastination is a complicated failure of self-regulation: experts define it as the voluntary delay of some important task that we intend to do, despite knowing that we’ll suffer as a result. A poor concept of time may exacerbate the problem, but an inability to manage emotions seems to be its very foundation.”
I can attest to the validity of this scientific observation. There was a time in my life when I procrastinated getting out of an abusive relationship. There was fear that I will lose the chance to be loved. I was desperate and unable to control my emotions.
The bible tells us that finishing is much better than starting and patience is better than pride. We are also encouraged to work and to be responsible for our own selves. Starting is easy but finishing can only be done with God’s grace and our diligence.
PRAYER
Lord, grant me the courage to finish.
REFLECTION
What causes you to delay finishing something you started?
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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

AS BOLD AS LIONS Poem Devotional

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September 13________________________________________
The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly is as bold as lions.
-Proverbs 28:1 (NLT)
AS BOLD AS LIONS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who are wicked are usually fearful people
They don’t realize their actions create ripples
Evil doers run away when no one is chasing them
They continually control, lash and blame.
The godly are as bold as lions
They are full of good intentions
They have no fear; they live in love
They praise the only God up above.
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I know someone who lived his life in fear. I was very close to this person and has witnessed his wickedness to many people. He uses his charm to win other people’s trust. Then he invests time so that they will believe that he is faithful and good to them. After he has gotten what he targeted to get from someone, he finally shows his true color. Those who are wise can see through him, but those who are naïve and foolish, become his victims. I have seen his cowardice. Because of all the bad things he did to others, he had no peace. He was constantly paranoid and insecure but covered it up by his anger and controlling nature. The bible tells us that the wicked are cowards but the godly are as bold and courageous as lions.
PRAYER
Lord, make me as bold as the lion.
REFLECTION
What was the boldest thing you did for 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

UNDESERVED CURSE Poem Devotional

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September 12________________________________________
Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse will not land on its intended victim. –Proverbs 26:2 (NLT)
UNDESERVED CURSE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who are righteous will be blessed
God will always bring them the best
Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow
A curse won’t bring believers much sorrow.
God’s children are protected from curses
He takes care of the plots of the accusers
Any undeserved curse will recoil back
They rebound to the evil and the bad.
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When I was still in my country of origin, I used to be scared of curses. There were superstitious beliefs that was passed on to me that I accepted as normal for many years of my life. Our culture dictated so many erroneous concept about blessings and curses. It was only a few years ago that God gave me revelations about curses. Gossip, idolatry, poverty and sexual sins were handed down to me through many generations from both sides of my parents. I thank God that he freed me from all these strongholds and generational sins. After attending a seminar on curses and blessings, I realized that no curse will have any effect on the faithful servants of God. Just in the last four years, I have witnessed that the curses thrown at me bounced back to the one who cursed me. The bible says that these curses don’t land on the godly.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for protecting your people.
REFLECTION
Share an instance when you were cursed and God took care of it.
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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

ON TELLING LIES Poem Devotional

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September 11________________________________________
Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow. –Proverbs 25:18 (NLT)
ON TELLING LIES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you ever resort to hiding the truth?
Telling lies never bring good fruit
When you attack someone else’s reputation
You are hurting others and your salvation.
Lying is as harmful as hitting others with an ax
You have no right to change the facts
Telling lies is like wounding them with a sword
Doing it is living in the standards of the world.
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Satan lied at the beginning of mankind when he enticed Eve to eat the fruit from the forbidden tree. He conned and tempted her to defy God so she can have the wisdom and power that he has. He made God appear bad by defying the boundary that he gave for Adam and Eve to follow (to refrain from eating from the Tree of Knowledge). By violating the boundary, they started lying too to cover up their disobedience.
Lies breed more lies and other sins. When we decide to cover up or make up a story that is untrue, we hurt ourselves and others.
The bible tells us how detrimental lying is. If you tell lies about others, you are almost like hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.
PRAYER
Lord, protect me from lying.
REFLECTION
What was the biggest lie you ever told someone that hurt others?
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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

FRIENDS OF GOD Poem Devotional

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September 10________________________________________
So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. – Romans 5:11(NLT)
FRIENDS OF GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know God enough to say that he is your friend?
Abraham was called his friend because his faith didn’t bend?
What characteristics do you have that is like Christ?
Do you know him personally and his sacrifice?
Do you empathize with all his concern for the world?
Does his blood shed make you love his truth and his word?
So now rejoice in your wonderful status of friendship
It is an honor to be part of his perfect family and kinship.
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How is God different from the Old Testament to the New Testament? In the Old Testament, we see God as the Almighty and powerful person. He loved his people so much that he delivered them from bondage and slavery. He promised them a land flowing with milk and honey. We also see how he punished the idolaters and those who turned their backs on Him. In the New Testament, the sacrifice on the cross totally changed our relationship with God. Because of Jesus’ perfect obedience and humility, God’s grace and mercy poured a million times more than before Christ became human. We became friends of God because of Jesus’ death on the cross. We can now rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God.
PRAYER
Make me worthy to be your friend, Lord.
REFLECTION
What kind of friendship do you have with 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

RESTORED FRIENDSHIP Poem Devotional

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September 9________________________________________
For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. -Romans 5:10 (NLT)
RESTORED FRIENDSHIP
A poem and essay by ILMA
What did the sacrifice on the cross bring about?
Didn’t it cancel all your sins and doubts?
Christ’s death restored our friendship
With his blood, we remain in his kinship.
Jesus saved us while we were still his enemies
He set the example for obedience and humility
We will certainly be saved through Jesus’ life
Abide in him and you will enjoy his peace and light.
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A friend is defined as a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard. They are people who you enjoy and like to be with. They are there for you through thick or thin. They support you, your beliefs and would protect you from harm and encourage you to grow. When I was in the Philippines I had many friends. When I came to Canada, my notion of friendship have changed because God changed me too.
The bible tells us that our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies. It is through Jesus’ life that we will be saved. His death on the cross restored our relationship with God. Isn’t it a privilege to be called the friend of God?
PRAYER
Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice on the cross.
REFLECTION
How intimate is your friendship with 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

CHOICES Poem Devotional

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September 8________________________________________
Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God. -3 John 11 (NLT)
CHOICES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do your actions prove you belong to God’s camp?
Is your life shining of goodness like a lamp?
Follow only what is good and righteous
If you are his child, you will follow Jesus.
Remember that those who do good will have life
Those who do otherwise are in bondage and blind
Will you take the right path to salvation?
Will you continue to take the road to damnation?
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Choice is defined as an act of selecting or making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities. Most people who live peaceful and happier lives have made choices that brought them to where they are. There are some people who never make choices. Their lives are full of confusion, conflicts and irresponsible behavior. They procrastinate as a result of not wanting to make a decision. It is very unhealthy not to make choices because our lives are defined by the choices we make.
I am still suffering consequences of many wrong choices I made when I was not aligning my life to God’s will. The bible warns us to make a choice to be righteous or do evil. Our actions result from the choices we make or we don’t make.
PRAYER
Lord, keep me in your will always.
REFLECTION
What consequence have you suffered as a result of a wrong choice?
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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

ON LOVING OTHERS Poem Devotional

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September 7________________________________________
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8(NLT)
ON LOVING OTHERS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Anyone who is a child of God never ceases to love
But anyone who doesn’t love is not of God’s
Love dissolves doubts, fear and conflicts
It brings contentment, harmony and peace
It doesn’t reject or discriminate someone
Love forgives and brings about joy and fun
God’s children choose to love always
Loving is the final path and the only way.
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How can you know a real Christian? A believer is usually known by how much they love. One cannot say that they love God if they do not love anyone else apart from themselves. What is love? It is not just a gooey feeling you get when you are attracted to someone. It is deeper than that. Love is a commitment and a decision. It is a choice to give and serve someone in order to assure them that they are important and that they matter.
The bible describes children of God as loving people. Anyone who loves is a child of God. God is love, so those who believe him are expected to be following him. Those who find it hard to love are not children of God.
PRAYER
Thank you for being a loving God.
REFLECTION
How can you show love to unloving people?
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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

DISCERNING THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH Poem Devotional

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September 6________________________________________
But we belong to God and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception. – 1 John 4:6 (NLT)
DISCERNING THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
How do you know if someone is real or counterfeit?
There is no condemnation in the Holy Spirit
There is no darkness where God’s light shines
Evil will not be able to stand the brilliance of his light.
You can only discern the of truth if you know Christ
Dwell on his word and he will give you wisdom and insight
The Holy Spirit will live in your heart if you believe
He will guide you to discern which is real or counterfeit.
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There are many counterfeits these days. The enemy is frantic because the army of God is actually spreading all over the ends of the earth. How do we protect ourselves from false teachers and teachings? There is only one way to do it. Have a relationship with Christ and stay in the word of God. Feed on it daily and seek to pursue knowing Jesus no matter what. The only way we can stop the deception is to have a deep intimacy with Christ and seek his truth. If we know the truth, we can easily detect a lie.
PRAYER
Lord, keep me hungry for your word.
REFLECTION
Have you ever dealt with anti-Christs or counterfeits?
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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 KNOWS CHRIST Poem Devotional

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September 5________________________________________
Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is. -1 John 3:6 (NLT)
WHO KNOWS CHRIST?
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do all Christians know Christ?
Are they able to follow his life?
Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin
Those who keep on sinning do not really know him.
To know Jesus is to follow the example he sets
Those who have intimacy with him never frets
If you really know Christ, you’ll seek him first
You won’t live in worldly standard but in his light.
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There are believers who don’t really know Christ. They continually live in worldly standards. There were almost a decade of my life that I went to various bible studies and I got discouraged meeting a few Christians who do not act like believers. I have quite a few traumatic experiences with some elders in one church because they are forming cliques that excludes others. They discriminated others especially new believers.
God doesn’t wants us to behave opposite of what he created us to be. When we do unloving things, we really cannot claim that we know God well.
There is a gauge to know someone who is intimate with Christ. Their lives are examples of a life of humility, service and praise for God.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never stop following you.
REFLECTION
How intimate are you with Christ? Would you say that you follow Jesus’ example?
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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