Category Archives: Poem devotionals

GIVE IN PRIVATE Poem Devotional

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November 22________________________________________
Give your gifts in private and your Father, who sees everything will reward you.
– Matthew 6:4(NLT)
GIVE IN PRIVATE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you want to supply and help someone in need
Make sure that you do in secret your good deeds
Your Father in heaven don’t want you to boast
You’ll forfeit your reward from Him when you do so.
Give your gifts in private and you’ll be rewarded in heaven
Announce it and you will lose your points in the kingdom
Give a lending hand but do it out of love and be discreet
Don’t make it about you, it will not be pleasing to his Spirit.
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It is easy to make a big deal out of every good deed we do. Only God’s Spirit can give us the humility to make it about Him and not about us. The enemy wants to trap us into thinking that it is always a venue to show off our actions, especially when it is doing good. The gospel of Matthew cautions us to watch out that we don’t make a performance of the things we do for others or for God.
When I came to Canada, I was surprised to see a gift giving tradition of reading aloud the cards we receive and to open the gifts that we get. For me, it seems like waiting for the person to thank me for what I got them.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me have discretion whenever I do a thoughtful or generous act to someone.
REFLECTION
Why are we cautioned from showing off our generosity?
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

RANKING IN HEAVEN Poem Devotional

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November 20________________________________________
So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. – Matthew 5:19(NLT)
RANKING IN HEAVEN
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you wonder where you rank when you reach heaven?
God gives us a guideline to follow for all of his brethren
If we ignore the least of his instructions and commands
We are not teaching or shining Jesus’ light to all of mankind.
If anyone obeys God’s laws and teaches them to others
They are going to be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven
Don’t ignore God’s truth! Follow it and you will be the greatest
Seek his kingdom first and you will be showered with his Spirit.
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In my country of origin, the Philippines, CAT (Citizen Army Training) is a course that is part of the fourth year high school curriculum. It is compulsory for senior students to undergo rigorous training four hours per week. The ranking of the officials is based on performance and obedience to commands by their officers. I was a platoon leader for a while and became a company commander based on how I obeyed rules and perform in the training. Like military ranking system, ranking in heaven will be based on obedience and allegiance to God.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for giving me a chance to raise my ranking in heaven.
REFLECTION
What guarantees a good ranking in heaven based on God’s standard?
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

FOODS GOD GAVE Poem Devotional

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November 19________________________________________
I have given them to you for food, just as I have given you grain and vegetables. But you must never eat any meat that still has the lifeblood in it. – Genesis 9:3-4(NLT)
FOODS GOD GAVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
God thought of everything for man’s benefit
He made us into his image and gave us His Spirit
He created plants so we can have grains and veggies
Some trees give us fruits and some are just decorative.
We are given animals so we can have meat to eat
Just make sure they don’t have lifeblood in it
Let’s thank the Lord for all the foods he gave us
He wants us nourished in order to make us whole.
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There are people who restrict themselves to all kinds of various foods. Some are vegan, vegetarians, carnivorous, raw food eaters and many other kinds. There was a time I was vegan for about six years. I don’t know how and when I decided to end that choice of pure vegetable diet. As of now, my husband decided to be vegetarian for better health purposes. He realized that he didn’t eat healthy foods for many years.
God gave us all kinds of food, meat, veggies, fruits, grains. He only prohibits us from lifeblood on the meat. What is important is not what we put in our mouths but what really comes out of it. He says that it is what defiles us.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for all the provision to nourish our bodies.
REFLECTION
What could be a good guideline to enjoy all foods?
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

FOODS GOD GAVE Poem Devotional

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November 19________________________________________
I have given them to you for food, just as I have given you grain and vegetables. But you must never eat any meat that still has the lifeblood in it. – Genesis 9:3-4(NLT)
FOODS GOD GAVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
God thought of everything for man’s benefit
He made us into his image and gave us His Spirit
He created plants so we can have grains and veggies
Some trees give us fruits and some are just decorative.
We are given animals so we can have meat to eat
Just make sure they don’t have lifeblood in it
Let’s thank the Lord for all the foods he gave us
He wants us nourished in order to make us whole.
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There are people who restrict themselves to all kinds of various foods. Some are vegan, vegetarians, carnivorous, raw food eaters and many other kinds. There was a time I was vegan for about six years. I don’t know how and when I decided to end that choice of pure vegetable diet. As of now, my husband decided to be vegetarian for better health purposes. He realized that he didn’t eat healthy foods for many years.
God gave us all kinds of food, meat, veggies, fruits, grains. He only prohibits us from lifeblood on the meat. What is important is not what we put in our mouths but what really comes out of it. He says that it is what defiles us.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for all the provision to nourish our bodies.
REFLECTION
What could be a good guideline to enjoy all foods?
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

Repent and Be Transformed poem devotional

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November 18________________________________________
Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing. – Matthew 3:8-9 (NLT)
REPENT & BE TRANSFORMED
A poem and essay by ILMA
How long have you been a believer?
Have fruits manifested in your life as a Christian?
Prove by the way you live that you have repented
Only when you turn to God will you be rehabilitated.
Don’t think that you can continue with your old ways
When you believed, God will bring about change
Repent and be transformed by his mercy and grace
Without repentance, redemption will be in vain.
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Some Christians think that when they believed in Jesus Christ, they are automatically saved. That may be partly true. When they become born again, their lives should manifest the new creation that God had promised all those who love him. Are there some Christians who may not enter God’s kingdom? Being a believer poses some responsibilities. The bible says in Ephesians 5:11 that we should not take part in any evil and darkness. So, if one claims they are a Christian and still continue to live in sin and not turn to God, would you consider that person really saved? Can you say that one is a believer and yet do not totally seek the Lord and heed to his will?
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to manifest in my life the new creation you made me to be.
REFLECTION
What are the manifestations of a true believer of Jesus?
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

BEAR FRUIT AND MULTIPLY Poem Devotional

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November 17________________________________________
Be fruitful and multiply. – Genesis 1:28 (NLT)
BEAR FRUIT AND MULTIPLY
A poem and essay by ILMA
As we are given the gifts by God
We must use it to give him laud
Man was instructed to bear fruits
Are you putting your gifts to use?
To those who are given much
More is also expected from them¬
Be fruitful and multiply what you are given
The Lord expects you use it for His kingdom.
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When the Lord created animals and the first man and woman He specifically told them to be fruitful and multiply. As he instructed them, we are also given that command. It may not be literally to propagate human lives, but it means that we are to make use of whatever was given to us and reproduce it.
I was taught by my father to do the best I can with whatever talents or skills and gifts I have. He always wanted me to academically excel in school and groomed me to be an orator and a dancer. When I got to high school, I became one of the best dancers and was team captain of volleyball and basketball. I was also platoon leader in our citizen’s army training. I was one of the best teachers when I got into the academe. As a painter, I became prolific and sold much artworks. I believe I lived the life God wanted, to be fruitful and multiply.
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PRAYER
Lord, help us to be good stewards of your gifts.
REFLECTION
What gifts have God given you that you have multiplied?
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

SPIRIT OF GOD HOVERS Poem Devotional

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November 16________________________________________
The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. -Genesis 1:2 (NLT)
SPIRIT OF GOD HOVERS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Even in darkness, God’s spirit hovers
He watches and cares for all his people
When you are feeling dejected and down
He will bring you comfort and calm.
The Spirit of God knows everything
You need not fear or go in hiding
He is ever present and all seeing
No need to fret about anything.
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Have you ever been at the bottom of the pit? I have been in it for over four decades of my life. It was a roller coaster of panic, frustration, fear and desperation. I felt that I was imprisoned by me own emotions, expectations and fears. I lived in the darkest moments between fourteen to fifty-six years of my life. Even at the time that I almost ended my life as a teenager and in my mid-twenties, I sensed a spirit hovers over me and watches me. Maybe it was the same spirit that saved my life when I almost succeeded ending it. He sent two of my closest friends to check up on me when I was bathed in my own blood when I missed choir practices that day. I thank God that he has pulled me out of the abyss. He is always hovering over me.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for always hovering over me.
REFLECTION
When have you felt God’s Spirit or presence watching over you?
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

ETERNAL GOD: OUR REFUGE Poem Devotional

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November 15________________________________________
The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. He drives out the enemy before you; he cries out, ‘Destroy them!’- Deuteronomy 33:27(NLT)
ETERNAL GOD: OUR REFUGE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you need to be rescued
Your eternal God is your refuge
Run to his everlasting arms
So you will be safe and be calmed.
Your heavenly Father protects you
When you believed you became a new person
Always remember that your God is eternal
Be faithful for he always loves you forever.
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Have you ever been rescued by someone when you were in great need of it? When I arrived in Canada, I didn’t realize that the same husband who sponsored me to come here was the same one who was going to hurt me so badly. He didn’t physically hurt me but I also didn’t know that he wasn’t in the right frame of mind when I married him. I met him online and didn’t know so much about him when I jumped into marriage. I had no one else to help me, no friends nor family to run to.
I never forgot to ask God’s help and he was my refuge. He gave me counselors who walked me through the craziness of being with someone who had mental issues. He also provided a lawyer to get me free from that first failed marriage. God brought people to rescue me.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you that you never leave or forsake us especially in crisis.
REFLECTION
Where or who do you run to as your sanctuary?
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 SUPPRESSING TRUTH Poem Devotional

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November 14________________________________________
But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. – Romans 1:18 (NLT)
ON SUPPRESSING TRUTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
God hates those who are wicked
These people knowingly want to do evil
As they do this, they allow darkness in
It generates Satan’s purpose for all to sin.
Truth is suppressed when wickedness prevails
These people will surely receive God’s anger
Don’t participate in any unrighteousness
Instead, guard your heart and stay blessed.
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Many people are unaware how truth is suppressed. The bible says that propagating evil and wickedness is one way that we can hinder truth from prevailing. In 2 Corinthians 4:4, we are told that Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. Because they are blind, they do not know the truth, and so, they are bonded to sin. As they continue to generate wickedness, they are suppressing the truth. We are cautioned by the apostle Paul about this. He warns us of God’s anger on those who wilfully do evil to others.
When one suppresses the truth from surfacing, they are going to suffer the consequence and get God’s wrath.________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from all those who suppress the truth.
REFLECTION
Describe a time when someone suppressed you from knowing the truth through evil.
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

OBEY AND DESTROY IDOLS Poem Devotional

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November 13________________________________________
You were not to make any covenants with the people living in this land; instead, you were to destroy their altars. But you disobeyed my command. – Judges 2:2(NLT)
OBEY AND DESTROY IDOLS
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you commit to the Lord Jesus Christ
Are you ready to be transformed in your life?
The Lord wants you to honor your covenant with him
He doesn’t want you to open any doors to temptations.
When he asks you to destroy idols that attracts
He is protecting you from what will distract
Idols open doors for the enemy to attack
They are portals to keep us in the dark.
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Many people think that idols refer only to other gods. This is what the enemy wants us to think and believe. The bible says that the devil is very cunning and he does a good job in masking idols by using people or things that we love. When we start to lose focus on making God as first, we are already compromised. The moment we can’t bear losing something or someone, it is another symptom of idolatry. There were many years of my life that I was an idolater. I made the only child I have as my world and did not realize that it was taking time away from God. The book of Judges reminds us that we have a covenant with God. We must honor and obey it so we can stay pure.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to honor the covenant you have with us.
REFLECTION
What idols have God asked you to give up?
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