Tag Archives: Christian devotional

RECEIVE WITH THANKSGIVING Poem Devotional

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October 8________________________________________
Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. 1 Timothy 4:4(NLT)
RECEIVE WITH THANKSGIVING
A poem and essay by ILMA
What have you been given lately?
Do you thank the Lord God Almighty?
Don’t turn your back on what God has given
E¬¬specially on his Son who died and was risen.
Receive with thanksgiving and gratitude
It will transform your mind and your attitude
Since all God’s creation is good for his plan
Take it and use it for honoring him and his Son.
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Today is Thanksgiving Day and most of us are all busy preparing for the family meals that we celebrate each year. I come from a country where we didn’t celebrate thanksgiving. This is a new tradition for me. A part of me don’t understand why we need to do it only one special day Shouldn’t we thank the Lord each day for the many things he has provided and given us?
Many people do not see miracles in their lives because they are all grumbling about what they don’t have. They want God to give them all their requests even though they have no idea that it may not be good for them after all. The bible tells us that since all things that God made is good, we must not reject any of it but receive it with a thankful heart.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me a heart that is always grateful.
REFLECTION
How can gratitude change your attitude?
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 JESUS SAVES Poem Devotional

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October 7________________________________________
There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12(NLT)
ONLY JESUS SAVES
A poem and essay by ILMA
There is no other name that can save
Only Jesus Christ has this power to redeem
He is the only one who can take your place
He died for us all so we can be free from sin.
God has given no other name such power
It is above all and makes evil cower
Trust only in the One who can save you
He can transform you and make you new.
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The Bible tells us that there is only one God in all existence (Isaiah 43:10; 44:6,8). However, it also mentions “other gods.” For example there is Adrammelech and Anammelech (2 Kings 17:31), Asherah (1 Kings 18:19), Baal (Judges 3:7), Chemosh (Num. 21:29), Dagon (1 Sam. 5:2), Molech (Lev. 18:21; 20:2-5), etc. The Bible is not contradicting itself. When the Bible speaks of other gods it is speaking of false gods that have no true existence. Gal. 4:8 says, “Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.” See also, Isaiah 37:19 and Jeremiah 2:11. God tells us that he alone is the true God and that all of the invented gods of man do not exist except in their own minds. It also says that only Jesus can save.
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PRAYER
Thank you God for giving us your only Son to save us.
REFLECTION
How can you convince an unbeliever that only Jesus saves?
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

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT Poem Devotional

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October 6________________________________________
Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses. – 1 Timothy 6:12(NLT)
FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT
A poem and essay by ILMA
As you become a follower of Christ
You ought to pursue peace in your life
Fight the good fight for true faith
Don’t engage in conflicts that derails your fate.
Hold on tightly to the eternal life you are called for
Don’t’ walk blindly or live life in a stupor
Boldly declare your trust in your Lord and Savior
Live a full life that is passionate and full of fervor.
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We are called to pursue peace at all cost by the Lord Jesus Christ. Embracing peace does not mean that you won’t have an active stance at confronting evil or that you will just be quiet when you ought to be the light that shines for God. 1 Timothy 6:12 calls us to fight the good fight for true faith. It means that we need to be a true disciple of Jesus, following what he commissioned us to do: to preach the Good News and make disciples of all nations. It means that we shouldn’t compromise our integrity by following the world’s ways. We need to equip ourselves with the armor of God mentioned in Ephesians 6 so that we will be able to fight the good fight.
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PRAYER
Lord, help us to be able to fight evil and live in your will.
REFLECTION
How are Christians nowadays compromised when it comes to following Christ?
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

LIGHT TO THE FARTHEST CORNERS Poem Devotional

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October 4________________________________________
I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth. – Acts 13:47(NLT)
LIGHT TO THE FARTHEST CORNERS
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you commit your life to Jesus Christ
You have been pulled out from darkness into his light
You are commanded to bring light to farthest corners
No matter how remote, you must reach out to others.
The Lord expects you to shine his light through your life
By spreading the Good News, you are exuding his light
Bring salvation to the ends of the earth, that’s his instruction
All is welcome; no one exempt to partake of his redemption.
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According to Smith’s bible dictionary, the Gentiles were all the people who were not Jews. They were alien from the worship, rites and privileges of Israel. The word was used contemptuously by them. In the New Testament, it is used as equivalent to Greek. The Gentiles were far less sharply differentiated from the Israelites in Old Testament than in New Testament times. They were simply non-Israelites, not from the stock of Abraham, but they were not hated or despised for that reason and were to be treated almost on a plane of equality, except certain tribes in Canaan.
The people of God were commanded to reach out to all Gentiles to bring salvation even to the farthest corners of the earth.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me bring the Good News of your salvation to all especially those who do not know you.
REFLECTION
Why does God ask his people to reach out without partiality?
¬¬¬¬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

OFFENSE MAY COME Poem Devotional

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October 3________________________________________
Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!” – Luke 17:1(NKJV)
OFFENSE MAY COME
A poem and essay by ILMA
In life, offenses are unavoidable
It may eventually happen; it’s inevitable
We can let offense consume us
Or we can forgive again and trust.
We are commanded to forgive without limits
When wronged, choose peace and let God’s Spirit in
To initiate offense is being rebellious and lawless
Choose to let it go instead of being bitter and ruthless.
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Many decades of my life was stolen by the enemy using offense to bring most of my relationships down. Because I wasn’t brought up in a Christian environment and forgiveness wasn’t role modelled to me, I was prone to be offended. The people around me showed anger and revenge when they were wronged. As a child, I imitated what I saw. I learned to react quickly when someone does me wrong. It went on for the next decades until the Lord revealed to me that I need not harbor negative reactions. Instead, I was commanded to forgive seventy times seven. In other words, unlimited.
The bible warns us to offend someone purposely because we will be answerable and pay for it if we do. Luke tells us that offense is inevitable and it will come in our lives one way or another.
________________________________________PRAYER
Lord, help me to forgive quickly and not hold on to offense.
REFLECTION
How can the spirit of offense hold people captive?
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 REVELLING OVER OTHER’S SUFFERING Poem Devotional

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October 2________________________________________
You should not have gloated over their destruction when they were suffering such calamity. -Obadiah 13(NLT)
ON REVELLING OVER OTHER’S SUFFERING
A poem and essay by ILMA
There are some people who gloat over other’s anguish
They compare and think they’re better off than others
We are warned not to revel at our neighbor’s misfortune
Pray for them so that they will focus on the important
Help them to focus on the Lord instead of their troubles
It will bring them to God’s light and out of the rubbles.
Comfort others who are going through difficulties
Revelling on others’ trials is listening to the enemy.
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I knew someone in the past who likes to compare herself with others. I didn’t understand how dangerous it was at that time, but now I know that it was really a sin to do this. The bible tells us that we are made in the image of God in Genesis and in John it says that God is love. If we are designed in his likeness and He is love, therefore, we are love. That is simple logic, but is also the truth. When we act in a way that is not loving, we are operating in the system of the world. The bible also says that the prince of this world is not Jesus, but Satan. The prophet Obadiah warned us of revelling over other’s suffering. It is not godly do so.
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PRAYER
Lord, forgive me if I unknowingly gloat over other’s mishaps.
REFLECTION
Why isn’t it a good practice to compare ourselves with others?
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

A SHIELD AROUND ME Poem Devotional

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October 1________________________________________
But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. – Psalm 3:3(NLT)
A SHIELD AROUND ME
A poem and essay by ILMA
When things get rough and I am compromised
The Lord protects me and puts a shield around me
My Lord is the one who holds my head high
He loves me deeply and wants to transform my life.
I will not fear anything for He is always beside me
If I continue to seek Him and his word, I will have peace
His truth is liberating; the word of God pierces
It exposes the enemy’s tactics and it defeats him.
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In this chaotic world, wouldn’t it be great to have a shield of protection wherever you go? Many of us are aware of physical dangers around us. We spend much money on installing alarm systems to ensure that we are safe. Many business establishments hire security guards to minimize the risks of danger and theft. Rich people and politicians hire body guards to safeguard their lives. Different nations have their own defense armies to protect their countries from being overtaken or conquered by another ruler.
How do you protect yourself from spiritual danger? The bible says in Ephesians 6 that we are not just made of physical bodies, but we all deal with unseen enemies around us. God is the only shield who will protect and make you victorious.
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PRAYER
Lord, keep me safe from my own dark side.
REFLECTION
How secure do you feel with the truth that God is always on your side?
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

DON’T DELAY AFFIRMATION Poem Devotional

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September 30________________________________________
It is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him. – 2 Corinthians 2:7-8 (NLT)
DON’T DELAY AFFIRMATION
A poem and essay by ILMA
When someone you love is hurting
Don’t delay affirmation giving
Or they may be overcome with discouragement
If it is within your power, give encouragement.
Forgive and comfort those who need it
You’ll be rewarded with the fruits of God’s Spirit
Take good care of those who are vulnerable
God’s love for them is so immeasurable.
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Many people delay giving love and affirmation. According to Dr. Gary Chapman’s best selling book on the five love languages, “words of affirmation” is one way that we can show our love for someone. According to Dr. Chapman, expressing affection through spoken affection, praise, or appreciation is what this love language means. Our world today would be a better place if people told each other how much they mean to one another. Many people are love starved for affirmation.
This love language is one of my poverty. I grew up not being told that I have value and that I have no worth. I wasn’t affirmed so I always doubted people’s intentions and got very discouraged and desperate when I was a teen. The bible tells us that we shouldn’t delay giving affirmation or others may be overcome with discouragement.
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PRAYER
Lord, help those who are poor in receiving affirmation.
REFLECTION
How can giving affirmation change someone’s 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

WRITING WHEN TROUBLED Poem Devotional

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September 29________________________________________
I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you.
– 2 Corinthians 2:4 (NLT)
WRITING WHEN TROUBLED
A poem and essay by ILMA
Some people find it comforting to write
It releases the anguish deep inside
Be careful not to dwell on misery
Let it out so you can have victory.
Writing when in trouble can bring relief
Confront gently in love and not in grief
Letting other people know you love and care
Frees you from bondage and the devil’s snare.
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As a very young girl, I learned to resort to writing in order to communicate with my father who was abroad most of the time. It also became a regular activity to write letters to Jesus. When I felt alone and empty and no one gave me attention or acknowledged my existence, I felt relieved each time I wrote letters of anguish and pain to my Lord and friend. I was not given the freedom to air out my feelings or thoughts at home. It was impolite to do so according to my caregivers. So, when I wrote down what I cannot actually say, I felt free and stronger to bear the troubles I was experiencing. The bible encourages us to gently confront in love those whom we are in relationship with.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me a gentle spirit to write and confront those whom I love.
REFLECTION
Why is being openly vulnerable to your loved ones encouraged in the bible?
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

BY YOUR OWN FAITH Poem Devotional

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September 28________________________________________
We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy, for it is by your own faith that you stand firm. – 2 Corinthians 1:24 (NLT)
BY YOUR OWN FAITH
A poem and essay by ILMA
By faith, one can have joy and peace
When you believe in Jesus, you will see
For it is by your own faith that you stand firm
Seek, trust and surrender only to Him.
Work with other believers so your faith can multiply
Seek the truth in love and make sure you follow and apply
By your faith, you can shine for the Lord Jesus Christ
It is by making God first that you transform your life.
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There are some lax Christians who don’t build up their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. They think that by declaring him as their Lord and Savior, they are already saved and need not do anything anymore. It is true that we live by God’s grace alone, but he also appreciates those who are faithful to obey and seek him and do what he commands. The book of James tells us that when we have trials, we have a chance to grow our faith because God gives us the strength to endure when we go through difficulties. He can always make miracles but he also wants us to grow our faith because it is by our own faith that we become strong and joyful.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to grow my faith in you.
REFLECTION
How can working together with other Christians help grow our faith?
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