UPSIDE OF SUFFERING Poem Devotional

Posted on November 28, 2014 by ilmaarts

November 27 The Power of God’s Word
I am glad when I suffer for you in my body for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continued for his body, the church. –Colossians 1:26 (NLT)
UPSIDE OF SUFFERING
A poem and essay by ILMA
What do you do when you are continually abused and people put you down?
Do you react by being angry, withdraw or do you succumb?
Believers are called to embrace suffering, just like Christ
We are called to participate in his body without a fight.
We don’t need to endure when there is no resistance
The test is in the trials; that is the source of patience
The upside of suffering is going through the finish
Focus on the kingdom and you’ll be able to put up with the anguish.
Human suffering is part of life. The “world” has bombarded society with the avoidance of suffering. We live in a “microwave age” where everything is about quick self-gratification. Society has put so much premium on getting quick fixes and fast results in almost everything.
Paul teaches the Colossians to look at the upside of suffering. He invites believers to be glad when they suffer in their bodies. It is a privilege to partake in Christ’s suffering. By dying to our wants and desires, we are participating in the suffering that Christ endured in order to pay in full our debts and free us from sin.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to endure quietly.
REFLECTION
What challenges are you enduring for Christ?
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

SECRET TO LONGEVITY AND PROSPERITY Poem Devotional

Posted on November 26, 2014 by ilmaarts

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November 26 The Power of God’s Word
Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.- Psalm 34:12-13 (NLT)
SECRET TO LONGEVITY AND PROSPERITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you want to live a long and prosperous life?
Have you been feeding on the word to be in the light?
Do you take care of your heart and your body?
Does your mouth talk about things that are pure and godly?
If you want to live long and be wealthy
You ought to keep your tongue from words that are filthy
Keep lies out of your lips then you will gain prosperity
When you follow Christ, you will thrive and have longevity.
So many seminars on prosperity are taken by people obsessed with getting rich. In God’s economy, there is a different secret ingredient to have longevity and be prosperous. Psalm 34 speaks about the formula to gain long life and wealth. It says that we must keep our tongues from speaking evil and our lips from telling lies.
I suspect that unbelievers will find this key ingredient very bizarre because they don’t understand how God operates. An authentic Christian who has walked with God long enough and has spiritually grown knows that everything that thrives is a result of a pure heart and a good mouth.
PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from lies.
REFLECTION
Why do you think people tell lies and speak evil?
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

CLING TO THE WORD OF LIFE Poem Devotional

Posted on November 24, 2014 by ilmaarts

November 24 The Power of God’s Word
Hold firmly to the word of life, then on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.
– Philippians 2:16(NLT)
CLING TO THE WORD OF LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you challenged with life these days?
Cling to the word of life and run the race!
Jesus is the only way to have eternal life
His word frees us from sin and brings us light.
Feed on the word that comes from Him
It is the cure for all illnesses and sin
Work at knowing the truth that sets you free
Choose peace and love and God will make you see.
What world beliefs keep you bonded to sin? The system of this world is very different from God’s economy. The world wants self gratification while the other dies to self. It is not hard to spot the “worldly” from the “godly.” The “wordly” seeks to please the self while the “godly” seeks to please the Lord. Worldliness blinds people from the truth. They cling to lies that will not compromise their earthly comfort.
The bible tells us to hold firmly to the word of life, Jesus. He is the answer to everything. If we run the race towards knowing God, we will benefit from it on the day of Christ’s return.
PRAYER
Keep me holy Lord.
REFLECTION
How do you cling to the word of life?
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

RELY ON THE CROSS Poem Devotional

Posted on November 24, 2014 by ilmaarts

November 23 The Power of God’s Word

We who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort. – Philippians 3:3 (NLT)

RELY ON THE CROSS

A poem and essay by ILMA

What are you going through in your life today?

Are you focusing on what God has to say?

Those who worship by the Holy Spirit

They will be guided and their lives will be lit.

Rely on what Christ Jesus has done for you

He sacrificed your life so you can be renewed

Seek God and put no confidence in human effort

Soak in the blood of Jesus; He alone can get you through.

What troubles you today? Is it an unsaved family member, finances, an illness, conflicts? I have gone through a lot of abuse, rejection and abandonment in my life and for many years it had controlled my decisions and reactions. I thank God that he has saved me from focusing on my “fixing” things in my life.

The bible tells us that those who worship by the Spirit of God are truly circumcised. They rely only on the cross and the blood of Jesus to save them and they don’t trust any human effort because the sacrifice of Christ has already been done to cleanse us all from sin.

PRAYER

Lord, help me to soak in your blood daily.

REFLECTION

What has the cross done in your life?

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

BLAMING: A FUTILE FEAT Poem Devotional

Posted on November 22, 2014 by ilmaarts

November 22 The Power of God’s Word
Don’t point your finger at someone else and try to pass the blame!
– Hosea 4:4 (NLT)
BLAMING: A FUTILE FEAT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you point your finger at someone when things don’t turn your way?
Do you really think that blaming will make others hear you out and pay?
Blaming opens door for the enemy to get in
It is futile for you and it brings relationships to ruin.
Blaming is a feat that brings you defeat
It will only fire up others and make you feel beat
Blaming is not taking responsibility for the consequences of your actions
It is cowardly to charge others; it generates mistrust, defense and reactions.
Have you ever participated in the blame game? It is a sickening cycle to be in; it is frustrating to watch others destroy their relationships by pointing fingers at the other.
The bible talks about God’s confrontation to Israel in the book of Hosea. In Chapter 4, he reproves the Israelites and asked them to stop pointing their fingers at someone else for all their iniquities. If you have been a Christian for a long time, you would know the plight of God’s chosen people, the Israelites. It took 40 years for the Israelites to take an 11 days journey to the Canaan. Why? They were rebellious, complaining, blaming, idolaters and didn’t trust God.
PRAYER
Lord, keep me away from blaming.
REFLECTION
How can you avoid the act of blaming others?
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

JOY COMES FROM KNOWING CHRIST Poem Devotional

Posted on November 21, 2014 by ilmaarts

November 21 The Power of God’s Word
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice – Philippians 4:4 (NLT)
JOY COMES FROM KNOWING CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you wake up each morning to thank God for another day of life?
Are you passionate about blessing someone regularly and bring God’s light?
The joy of the Lord emanates from those whose hearts are pure
They radiate God’s love and are not tempted or easily lured.
Light shines on the godly; they are thankful for what they receive
Joy is a fruit of the spirit and what you get when you cheerfully give
Godly people rejoice no matter what circumstances they go through
The knowledge Christ living in them makes them overcome any trouble or rue.
The pursuit of happiness is an undertaking that most of us obsess about. It is very different from having joy. Happiness is defined as a “state of well being” or a pleasurable and satisfying experience. Joy, on the other hand means “to feel a great delight”, to welcome” or “be glad.” Happiness is momentary and external while joy is very internal and a result of having an intimate relationship with Christ. The apostle Paul teaches us how to be joyful even in the most adverse or trying circumstance. His joy comes from knowing Christ and no matter how difficult his situation is, Jesus is with him.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to rejoice more each day.
REFLECTION
What are the manifestations of joy in your life?
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

THE THINGS YOU NEED TO THINK ABOUT Poem Devotional

Posted on November 21, 2014 by ilmaarts

November 19 The Power of God’s Word
Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.– Colossians 3:2 (NLT)
THE THINGS YOU NEED TO THINK ABOUT
A poem and essay by ILMA
What are the things you think about?
Are they stuff that would make the world light up?
Is your mind full of noise and concerned about getting?
Do you concoct things that are upsetting?
Are you concerned about the welfare of others?
Do you care only for yourself or think of your sisters and brothers?
Think about the things of heaven which are pure and lovely
Let go of worldly matters that do not let you grow spiritually.
What things fill your mind? Are they work-related, wealth obsessing or are they truth that comes from the word of God? Do you find yourself pondering on what you don’t have or do you thank God for every little thing you are blessed with?
Many people think that they have no control over where their minds go. The bible says that as a man thinks, so is he in Proverbs 23:7. Where your mind goes is usually where your heart is. Usually, what you think is also what will come out of your mouth. That is why we are cautioned to control our tongues because it is a deadly weapon that can destroy someone. We need to focus on things that are from heaven and not from this world.
PRAYER
Lord, guard my mind.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to feed on heavenly things?
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

LIVE IN PEACE & THANKSGIVING Poem Devotional

Posted on November 19, 2014 by ilmaarts

November 19 The Power of God’s Word
And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
– Colossians 3:15 (NLT)
LIVE IN PEACE & THANKSGIVING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Is your life an act of thanksgiving and praise to God?
Do you acknowledge the giver of life and give him applaud?
Do you choose to live in peace and harmony?
Have you given up resentments in order to embrace unity?
Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts
For it keeps you close to Him and you will never be apart
All believers are called to live in peace and gratitude
Give up your sinful nature and let God change your attitude!
The word “peace” in English conjures up a passive picture, one showing an absence of civil disturbance or hostilities, or a personality free from internal and external strife. The biblical concept of peace is larger than that and rests heavily on the Hebrew root slm, which means “to be complete” or “to be sound.” The verb conveys both a dynamic and a static meaning” to be complete or whole” or “to live well.”
The bible tells us that peace comes from Christ and that we should let it rule our hearts. As Christians, we are called to live and embrace peace and always be thankful.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to choose peace always.
REFLECTION
How can you be thankful to God daily?
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

WARNING ABOUT END OF DAYS Poem Devotional

Posted on November 18, 2014 by ilmaarts

November 18 The Power of God’s Word
For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. – 2 Timothy 3: 2, 3 (NLT)
WARNING ABOUT END OF DAYS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Look around you and carefully hear the warning
Are you constantly in pursuit of owning or possessing?
Are you keeping a record of wrongs that people did to you?
Are you participating in evil and surrounded with people who are cruel?
God has warned us about the end of days
People will love themselves and follow their own ways
They will be unruly, unloving and unforgiving
They will slander and rely on human reasoning.
Are you witnessing today all the signs that Paul gave us in his letter to Timothy? Take a look at the world we live in. Clamor for power, wealth and fame dominate our society. Many people are hard hearted, unloving, unforgiving and have no self-control. Some people thrive on cruelty, abuse, arrogance, idolatry and greed. All these signs that we were warned in the days of Jesus are so crystal clear today. The desires of the flesh compete with the longing to please God.
PRAYER
Lord, keep me focused on you at all times.
REFLECTION
Do you live your life in such a way that it warns others of the end days?
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

SPIRITUAL CIRCUMCISION Poem Devotional

Posted on November 17, 2014 by ilmaarts

November 17 The Power of God’s Word
When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision-the cutting away of your sinful nature. – Colossians 2:11 (NLT)
SPIRITUAL CIRCUMCISION
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you run to Christ, your life is going to be transformed
You will see the lies and deception perpetuated by the world
God will ensure that sin has no power over you any longer
He will make your minds renewed and you will be stronger.
When you surrender to Christ, you will have wisdom and mature
He spiritually circumcised and cut away your sinful nature
You were buried with his Son when you were baptized
You were raised to a new life just like our Lord, Jesus Christ.
“You must cut off the flesh of your foreskin as a sign of the covenant between me and you.” –Genesis17:11. The Lord said that a time is coming when he will punish all those who are circumcised in body but not in spirit. –Jeremiah 9:25. God also told his people through Jeremiah in 4:4 –“O people of Judah and Jerusalem! surrender your pride and power. Change your hearts before the Lord.
When we came to Christ, we received spiritual circumcision where our sinful nature was cut off. We need to honor that covenant with God.
PRAYER
Lord, free me from corruption of this world.
REFLECTION
What impurities do you need to bring to the cross of Christ?

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