Tag Archives: Christian devotional

THOSE WHO ARE QUICKLY PROVOKED

Posted on by

canadablooms 118

June 15
________________________________________
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
-Ecclesiastes 7:9(NIV)
THOSE WHO ARE QUICKLY PROVOKED
A poem and essay by ILMA
When there is a spirit of offense
There is temptation to use defense
Those who are quickly provoked
Their spirits have been hurt and broke.
For anger resides in the lap of fools
Their fury or rage can make them cruel
Watch out when you are reactive and explosive
A hardened heart can make you be very impulsive.
________________________________________
One of the generational sins that I inherited from my family of origin is the spirit of offense. Most of the people who raised me had anger issues. Some of them are explosive but others are implosive. I learned at a very young age to guard what I do or say because it might get me in trouble and be deprived of love and attention. I literally walked on eggshells because I don’t even know why they get to be so easily angered even when I just ask simple questions. It was inevitable that I learned their ways because I was too young to process and understand why they behave in such impulsive and reactive ways. I learned it the hard way when I became a high school teacher. Some of my students got my implosions and on some occasions my explosions as well. The bible tells us not to be easily angered.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for my spirit of offense.
REFLECTION
When have you regretted an explosion, irritability or implosion?
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

KNOW YOUR PLACE BEFORE GOD Poem Devotional

Posted on by

wasaga 3rd anniv picnic & beatrice 3rd visit 124

June 14
________________________________________
Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth so let your words be few.
-Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NIV)
KNOW YOUR PLACE BEFORE GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you speak to the Lord, do you prepare what to say?
Do you have a stance or posture that you follow when you pray?
When you converse with God, do not be quick with your mouth
Remember that he knows already what you’re going to speak about.
Know your place before God; revere him with all your heart and mind
Do not lean on your own understanding so you can discern and find
God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few
He knows everything and can see things in a bigger view.
________________________________________
Many different religions have different rituals and ways to worship and pray to their gods. What is so amazing with Christianity is that despite the fact that we have a very powerful and all-knowing God, he still wants us to have a personal relationship with him. He brought his Son amongst us so we can be closer to him. He gave the Holy Spirit so he can actually live in our hearts and direct us to the right path. The bible says that we must know our place before God.
PRAYER
Lord, remind me always where I stand before you.
REFLECTION
Why is it important never to forget our place in our 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

ENTRY TO THE NARROW DOOR

Posted on by

halloween 2011 and sunrises 060

June 12
________________________________________
Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom for many will try to enter but will fail. -Luke 13:24(NLT)
ENTRY TO THE NARROW DOOR
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you always choose the easy way to do things?
Do you avoid inconveniences at all cost to achieve?
Watch out, for the gate to hell is wide and open
But narrow is the door that leads to God’s kingdom.
You must work hard to enter this challenging gate
Many will try but will fail because they lose faith
Persist and never give up for it will welcome you
God will be waiting patiently till you get through.
________________________________________
In this day and age of convenience, most individuals want a piece of comfort. If anyone will be given an opportunity to take the short cut and the easy way, they would. In the past, I would always take that choice, to do the easiest way at doing something. The path to God’s kingdom is not always an easy road to take. In fact, the bible says that it is a narrow door that leads to God’s kingdom and not all people who take the road are able to get through. Why do you think God makes it harder for people to get into his kingdom? That’s because our world is not God’s kingdom. He has different prerequisite to enter it.
PRAYER
Lord, never let me choose the easy way, but have patience to see what you are teaching me.
REFLECTION
Why do you think people choose the wider door rather than the narrow door to heaven?
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

THOSE WHO EXPERIENCE INJUSTICE Poem Devotional

Posted on by

pinery camping 2014 and others 534

June 10
________________________________________
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
Matthew 5:6(NLT)
THOSE WHO EXPERIENCE INJUSTICE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you experiencing unfair treatment now?
Don’t lose hope, put a smile on instead of a frown
For those who experience injustice will be satisfied
They will be lifted up in God’s eyes and be dignified.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice
They will be taken cared of and eventually have peace
Remember that Christ came for those who are oppressed
God never forsakes you; He is there and you are not helpless.
________________________________________
How many of those who are mistreated unjustly can readily say that they will continue to be hopeful? Man’s limited mind cannot understand why God allows injustice in this world. Our little brain cannot think and see God’s perspective because we usually focus on our carnal desires rather than seeing it from the viewpoint of God. Oftentimes, when we analyze, we fail to see the bigger picture so we get focused on our selfish selves, our pain, our hurt, then we join the pity party.
God has a big promise to those who are treated unjustly. He said that those who hunger and thirst for justice will be satisfied. His promise goes beyond circumstances. It is over and above whatever emotions are overwhelming us. God’s faithfulness surpasses all human understanding and delivers us from any evil.
PRAYER
Lord, help me resist revenge when I am oppressed.
REFLECTION
Why should we look forward to God’s promise of satisfaction?

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

HEIRS OF GOD’S KINGDOM Poem Devotional

Posted on by

p

June 9
________________________________________
God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of heaven is theirs. – Matthew 5:3(NLT)
HEIRS OF GOD’S KINGDOM
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you live an impoverished existence?
Do you have a need for God’s providence?
God blesses those who ask his guidance and help
He blesses those who don’t focus on themselves.
Those who are poor and realize God in their lives
They will be heirs of the Kingdom of Christ
They’ll be rich because heaven will be theirs
The Lord grants as soon as he hears their prayers.
________________________________________
Many people get stuck in this worldly place we live in not knowing that this is not our destiny. The world we inhabit is only a temporary place or a “stopover” so we can continue to reach our real purpose in life which is to be one with our creator in heaven. Whenever someone receives an inheritance, there’s usually a condition that is tied up with such legacy being handed down to them. It may be because they are a dearly loved one or they are someone special to the deceased.
The Lord promised those who are poor (meaning those who are actually living undignified lives or do not know the Lord) and realize their need for God that they will have his Kingdom. Those who acknowledge their brokenness and need for him will surely inherit his kingdom.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never deny my need for you.
REFLECTION
Why do you think poverty and humility is the gateway to heaven?
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 TEST THE LORD YOUR GOD Poem Devotional

Posted on by

wasaga 3rd anniv picnic & beatrice 3rd visit 124

June 8
________________________________________
Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.”
-Matthew 4:7(NLT)
DON’T TEST THE LORD YOUR GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you rebel against authority and force your demands
You are actually testing and questioning the Lord and his commands
When you are selfish, arrogant and think you know everything
You are challenging the Lord for a fight over something.
Don’t test the Lord your God for he knows what’s best for you
His thoughts are not your thoughts because he knows the truth
Whenever you don’t believe in his goodness and his character
You are asking for a fight that you will surely end up as the loser.
________________________________________
The book of Matthew chapter 4 narrates the temptation of Jesus by the devil during his forty days of fasting. The devil used all kinds of tricks to entice Jesus to prove that he is the Son of God. The devil tempted Jesus to turn stone to bread, then to give Jesus the glory of his worldly kingdom if Jesus will worship him, then ask Jesus to jump off the cliff so he can be saved by God’s angels from falling. All of Jesus’ response started with “The Scriptures say” and in the end he says “Don’t test the Lord your God.”
We can test the Lord by unbelief, asking him to prove himself, slandering his character and grieving his spirit.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me when I allow the enemy to use me to test you.
REFLECTION
When have you ever tested the Lord your 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

PRESS ON TO KNOW THE LORD Poem Devotional

Posted on by

cn tower 2013 and wasaga2013 261

June 7
________________________________________
In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence. Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring. -Hosea 6:2-3(NLT)
PRESS ON TO KNOW THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you press on to know the Lord and his ways
You will be restored and live in his presence always
He will respond to you as surely as the arrival of dawn
He will answer and rescue you so you won’t wait long.
If you press on to study God’s character and truth
He will build a strong foundation that will take deep roots
If you constantly seek him, you will become more like him
You will know the truth, be set free and be redeemed.
________________________________________
“Press on” is defined as: to continue to be determined despite setbacks, to apply direct pressure to something. There are elements that are present in “pressing on.” It involves pressure and moving forward or going against the pressure. We can’t press on, if there is no pressure or resistance involved.
The bible tells us that we need to press on knowing the Lord. It is by seeking Him that we win over the pressures of this world. It is by pushing forward to him that we are restored.
PRAYER
Lord, help me press on to you.
REFLECTION
Why do we need to continue to seek and study the Lord and his word?
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

THE PERFECT HUSBAND Poem Devotional

Posted on by

auries 2012 visit 129

June 6
________________________________________
I will make you my wife forever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion. I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as the Lord. – Hosea 3:19-20(NLT)
THE PERFECT HUSBAND
A poem and essay by ILMA
The Lord promised to believers that we are his wife
He is faithful and committed to you your whole life
Don’t forget that he will be there to strengthen you
No matter what, he will be with you to get you through.
You need not worry about his frailty for he is perfect
He knows you inside and out and is always there to help
He longs for more intimacy with you each and every day
Will you allow him to lead you and show you the way?
________________________________________
Haven’t we been let down by our partners in one way or another? One of the reasons why we feel this way is because there are times when we expect something from them without even verbalizing it and then we end up setting them up for trouble. We have unrealistic expectations that no one can fulfill and then we get upset after watching them unable to live up to it. The Lord is the only perfect husband we can have. He knows everything and understand our expectations, motives or intentions and our feelings. Acknowledge the perfect husband in Jesus and he will complete you.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being my husband faithfully.
REFLECTION
When have you felt the clear manifestation of God as your husband?
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

THE PATH TO DESTRUCTION Poem Devotional

Posted on by

canadablooms 153 (2)

June 3
________________________________________
Sinners will have no place among the godly. For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction. Psalm 1:5-6(NLT)
THE PATH TO DESTRUCTION
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you walking towards Christ or to obliteration?
Do you know the path leading to salvation?
Sinners will have no place among the righteous
For the Lord considers them very precious.
He watches those who believe and follow him
But sinners and the wicked continue to live in sin
Being wicked leads to chaos and destruction
Will you do anything to avoid eternal damnation?
________________________________________
There are people who embrace a life of sin. The enemy blinded them to see what is right. It’s a sad thing to watch people destroy their own lives just for temporary pleasures that Satan entices them with. I went through this path to destruction for a good number of years and it is not a good road to be in. The wage of sin is death as the bible says. I lived a dead life; no joy, no peace. I thrived in conflict, pride, arrogance and anger. It was a life not worth living.
The bible tells us that sinners and godly people can’t thrive together. The Lord watches over the righteous but allows the wicked to be destroyed. He’ll protect his people.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to always walk on the road to your eternal life.
REFLECTION
Why isn’t it a good idea to associate with sinners if you are a believer?
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

TURN MY EYES FROM WORTHLESS THINGS poem devotional

Posted on by

monocliffhike 052

June 2
________________________________________
Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money. Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. -Psalm 119:36-37(NLT)
TURN MY EYES FROM WORTHLESS THINGS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Lord, I ask that you protect me from this world
Let me never choose to sin but seek your word
Turn my eyes from worthless things and love for money
Help me to hunger for you alone and not to please me.
Give me an eagerness for your commands and truth
Let me focus on seeking you so your word can take root
Allow me to be obedient to you at all cost so I can be victorious
Never allow the enemy to confuse me and bring chaos.
________________________________________
Have you ever experienced being distracted and prioritized worthless or trivial things? When we don’t focus on Jesus, we tend to be an easy prey for the enemy to work on. I used to be a busybody, always doing two to six things at a time. I took pride doing many things simultaneously and oftentimes proving that I was a superwoman. What I didn’t realize was that I was trying to fill the emptiness inside by performing and perfecting things.
The bible tells us to have an eagerness for God’s word rather than love for money or for other worldly things. It is only through God’s word that we have life.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never be distracted but always focus on you.
REFLECTION
What keeps you from focusing on the Lord and his word?
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