August 8________________________________________
A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.
-Proverbs 28:19(NLT)
A HARD WORKER’S PAYOFF
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you chase fantasies
You end up in poverty
A hard worker will have plenty
A dreamer will experience famine.
When you go after unrealistic goals
It won’t materialize, you won’t grow
Someone who works very hard
They will have bounty and be glad.
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Proverbs 6:6-8 refers us to the most hard working specie of all, the ants. The verse says “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. There are other bible verses that tells us the importance of work. Proverbs 12:11 says whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense. Proverbs 14:23 tells us that in all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.
God created all creation in six days out of seven. He didn’t rest for six days and work only for a day. This tells us clearly how important it is to work. Though he commanded to have a day of rest, he also emphasized that if one works hard, they will never go hungry. He discourages us from fantasizing which only leads to poverty.
PRAYER
Lord, give me wisdom to always work hard.
REFLECTION
Give an example of the payoff of hard work in your life.
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
Category Archives: Poem devotionals
BLESSED ARE THE RIGHTEOUS Poem Devotional
August 7________________________________________
Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.
– Proverbs28:14(NLT)
BLESSED ARE THE RIGHTEOUS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who fear the Lord avoid doing wrong
They praise God and follow his word
Those who are stubborn will get in trouble
They are headed for destruction and the rubble.
When you take the path that leads to Jesus Christ
He will renew your mind and transform your life
When you cling to pride and foolishness
You will end up living a life of recklessness.
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Have you ever met someone who lived a life of complete abandon? I lived in the distant past with someone who never wanted to plan anything or follow any rules. He just follows his desires and wants. He didn’t care if it will hurt anyone or how he is getting it. He just wants it done for the sake of satisfying his cravings. As a result of this selfish lifestyle, he lost many friends and his relationships with others got smaller and smaller. In his 50’s, he was diagnosed with cancer. I am quite certain that his drinking and unhealthy lifestyle contributed to the illness. He didn’t care to see doctors or get himself checked because it will impede in satiating his desires. The bible says that God blesses those who live righteous and holy lives but the proud and stubborn are headed for trouble.
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PRAYER
Thank you Lord for the promise of blessings to those who live holy lives.
REFLECTION
How can you open the minds of those who are reckless?
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
FEAR OF THE UNFAMILIAR Poem Devotional
August 6________________________________________
I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way.
-Isaiah 42:16(NLT)
FEAR OF THE UNFAMILIAR
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever we encounter the unknown
We can be stressed and anxious for long
The Lord promised us a new way
Don’t fret or fear the unfamiliar
God never leaves or forsakes us
Let’s rely on him and constantly trust
When the fear of the unfamiliar comes
God is there to guide and to calm.
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When I was about six years old, I got lost in a crowd while my mother and I were shopping in an outdoor marketplace. I didn’t realize I was holding on to a stranger’s hands, thinking that she was my mother. Then I began to panic and fear crept in. It was a very unfamiliar place since it was my first time to be there. With tears running down my cheeks I walked and walked looking where I lost sight of her. It seemed like ages when I found her. She didn’t even notice I wasn’t beside her and got lost. Fright can overwhelm us when we experience the unknown and the unfamiliar.
The bible says that the Lord leads us down a new path when we tread on something that we are not used to. We need not be afraid or be anxious when we are in situations where we feel helpless and not in control.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me courage to face the unfamiliar.
REFLECTION
How can we be able to develop an automatic trust to God when we face the unknown?
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
UNDIVIDED LOYALTY Poem Devotional
August 5________________________________________
I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise with carved idols. – Isaiah 42:8(NLT)
UNDIVIDED LOYALTY
A poem and essay by ILMA
As soon as you commit to the Lord
He expects you to give him laud
He doesn’t want to share your loyalty
He wants you to serve him only.
The Lord will not give glory to anyone
There is no other who can sacrifice his Son
He doesn’t want divided devotion
He wants your complete attention.
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When you get into a relationship with someone you love and treasure immensely, don’t you expect undivided loyalty from that someone? Faithfulness is one of the most important ingredient in a thriving relationship. Without it, no relationship will flourish.
I had my share of people who had issues with divided loyalty. It was traumatic to experience being cheated on. It made me doubt my identity and value. It brought much insecurity to my already troubled life. I am thankful that God has rescued me from such a compromised life.
The bible says that God is a jealous God. He doesn’t want competition. There is no one like him. He is the beginning and the end. He knows all things and created all beings. He wants us to be as faithful as he is to us. He doesn’t want to share any of his people with other gods.
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PRAYER
Lord, teach me how to stay faithful to you all the time.
REFLECTION
Why is undivided loyalty essential to your relationship with God?
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
UNTIL JUSTICE PREVAILS Poem Devotional
August 4________________________________________
He will bring justice to all who have been wronged. He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth. Isaiah 42:3-4(NLT)
UNTIL JUSTICE PREVAILS
A poem and essay by ILMA
The Lord brings justice to all who have been wronged
He never allows anyone to be abused for very long
He is always there when injustices prevail
Don’t lose hope, never think your faith is in vain.
The Lord will not let you down or falter
He is the most faithful and loving of all fathers
He will protect all those who are faithful
He will alleviate the pain of all those who suffer.
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When you have experienced abuse and injustice, it is easy to feel helpless and hopeless. The state of being treated unjustly can be very traumatic especially for a child. I learned to mistrust others because those people who were supposed to care for me were actually the ones who neglected and mistreated me. It taught me how to never rely on anyone for my needs. I had to take care of myself and coped with the injustice as best as I can.
The bible tells us that our heavenly Father is a God of Justice. He never allows injustice to triumph. Many people question how God could allow so many injustices to happen. Sometimes he is teaching these people what they need to learn.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for taking care of those who are mistreated.
REFLECTION
Why should we never lose hope when we witness injustices?
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
GOD’S GUIDING LIGHT Poem Devotional
August 3________________________________________
I will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of them.
-Isaiah 42:16(NLT)
GOD’S GUIDING LIGHT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who belong to the Lord
They are directed by his precious word
His guiding light brightens all darkness
He smooths out the road that was crooked.
God’s glorious light exposes all dark nooks
He ensures wisdom to those who read his book
There is no lie that his truth won’t expose
Depend on him and he will give you all the resource.
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Have you over sat in a place surrounded by pitch darkness? Do you recall how it made you feel? Fear usually creeps in because you never really know what’s lurking in that darkness. This can be likened to our spiritual poverty where we have lost our way and have turned our backs on God. The experience envelopes one with fear, insecurity and a feeling of hopelessness and gloom. During the dark years of my life, I lived in that abyss and emptiness. It was a miracle how God turned it around when I re-dedicated my life back to him and chose a devoted path to him. He smoothened the road ahead of me and brighten the dark spots. He convicted me of the sins I was imprisoned in and freed me through his word. The truth actually set me free and transformed me into the new person he had always intended me to be.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your glorious light that guides my dark paths.
REFLECTION
How can you live in God’s glorious light?
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
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE Poem Devotional
August 2________________________________________
You will be a light to guide the nations. – Isaiah 42:6(NLT)
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you commit your life to Jesus Christ
You are expected to shine your light
He is the one who guides all nations
He makes you strong to fight temptations.
When you make God first in your life
You will definitely walk in his light
He shines his glorious radiance on you
He wants you to exude it to others too.
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One of the ways that a true believer is apparent is how they live their lives. You can see how they manifest the fruits of the spirit such as love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). One of the best ways we can attract others to Jesus is by living a life of integrity, obedience to his will and faithful devotion to seeking his truth. In John 1:5 we know that the light exposes darkness as it shines through it. Darkness cannot hide in the light Even just a tinge of light will compromise the total blackness of it.
All believers are commissioned by God to preach the Good News and to make disciples of all nations. When we obey his commands and spread his word, we are the light that guide all nations and we are also manifesting the true character of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me always shine so bright for you.
REFLECTION
Who have you brought to Jesus through exuding Christ’s character in your life?
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
NO MORE SHAME
August 1________________________________________
Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you – Isaiah 54:4(NLT)
NO MORE SHAME
A poem and essay by ILMA
When Jesus died on the cross for you
He erased your shame and made you new
Don’t be afraid, there is no more disgrace
Only Jesus Christ can save the human race.
You need not live a disgraced life
He sacrificed so you can live in his light
He treasures you very much, remember that
There is no more need to fear or doubt.
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According to Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary, “shame” is a consequence of sin. Feelings of guilt and shame are subjective acknowledgments of an objective spiritual reality. Though related to guilt, shame emphasizes sin’s effect on self-identity. Sinful human beings are traumatized before a holy God, exposed for failure to live up to God’s glorious moral purpose. The first response of Adam and Eve to their sinful condition was to hide from God, and consequently from one another. Living a shame-based life will get you nowhere.
One of the promises of God to Jerusalem is to restore them to their former glory. He will rescue them from their shame and renew them into the new people that God planned for them to have. Just like the Israelites, God also promises those who believe in him that he will cleanse them of their shame and convert beauty from ashes.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for cleansing me of shame.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God doesn’t want you to live in shame?
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.co
WHEN DOUBTS COME Poem Devotional
https://youtu.be/b-XWz_2bd1k
July 31________________________________________
When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
-Psalm 94:19(NLT)
WHEN DOUBTS COME
A poem and essay by ILMA
When doubts fill your mind
From the Lord, comfort you will find
He gives you hope and a renewed mind
Don’t listen to the lies or you’ll stay blind.
When doubts suddenly come to attack
Run to Jesus Christ so it won’t be back
Only the Lord can make your doubts dissolve
Make sure you relate to him and get involve.
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When was the last time you doubted? It was very hard for me to trust people because I was exposed to so much abuse and neglect. I didn’t experience to be shown love and be comforted when I feel down or anxious. I always doubted my capacity do things because I was very much belittled and made fun of. I became a very doubting person and so it was very hard for me to trust and rely to anyone. 1 Corinthians 14:33 tells us that God did not author confusion. He is a God of peace. So, when you start to doubt, it surely comes from the enemy. He is surely shooting out lies at you so you won’t be able to progress or move forward with what you have been planning. The enemy’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy according to John 10:10. When doubts fill your mind, run to the Lord and he’ll comfort you.
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PRAYER
Lord, remind me run to you when I am starting to doubt.
REFLECTION
What kinds of doubt enter your mind?
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
GOD KNOWS Poem Devotional
July 30________________________________________
He knows everything—doesn’t he also know what you are doing? The LORD knows people’s thoughts. – Psalm 94:10-11 (NLT)
GOD KNOWS
A poem and essay by ILMA
God knows what you are thinking
He also sees what you are planning
He knows everything and people’s thoughts
The Lord understands your weakness and faults.
Our heavenly Father is omnipotent and omniscient
Doesn’t he deserve all the praise and thanksgiving?
He recognizes both your strength and challenges
Believe in him and he will bring about many changes.
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There are some people who are very private and they dislike that other people can see through what they are thinking. The Western culture is big on confidentiality, especially with the proliferation of social media. Some of the privacy acts even covers intimate relationships such as husbands and wives. It is bizarre that a spouse can have the choice to keep a secret from the partner. Whatever happened to the bond between two people who vowed to be united and become one unit.? Genesis 2:24 says that the man leaves his father and mother and joins his wife and become one flesh.
When we choose a life committed to Jesus, we become one with him. His presence lives in us. He knows everything about us and what we are doing. We cannot hide from him because he knows everything. We can be honest with him and allow him to closer with us and intimate.
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PRAYER
Thank you for making me in your image and having the capacity for wisdom.
REFLECTION
Why do you think some people hide from God?
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