Tag Archives: Christian devotional

WHEN FEELING ABANDONED Poem Devotional

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April 29
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My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? -Psalm 22:1(NLT)
WHEN FEELING ABANDONED
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you feel that God is far away
Don’t despair, instead, go to him and pray
God knows exactly what you are experiencing
Do not allow the enemy to control your feelings.
When you feel alone and forsaken
Remember all those who are broken
He died for all the oppressed and rejected
So do not allow yourself to feel dejected.
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I used to always feel lonely and sad when I get triggered with memories of being neglected or abandoned. It is not a very pleasant feeling. The enemy twisted my perspective about being forsaken. He made me believe so many lies about my true identity in Christ. He whispered words to me such as “I don’t deserve to be loved.” It drove me to a point of desperation for about two decades of my life, but I thank God that he has delivered me from this bondage and set me free. I don’t feel despair anymore but he replaced my discouragement with courage and boldness to use all my traumatic experiences to share the gospel.
The psalmist in this verse actually felt abandoned. Our feelings are not always necessarily true. God never leaves us. He only allows us to experience pain so we can grow and be strong.
PRAYER
Lord, give me courage whenever I feel dejected.
REFLECTION
How can you overcome feelings of abandonment?
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 LOVE RULE poem devotional

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April 27
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Three things will last forever; faith, hope and love-and the greatest of these is love. Let love be your highest goal. -Corinthians 13:13-14:1 (NLT)
LET LOVE RULE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you are not able to get your way, let love rule
When things are unclear and hazy, let love rule
When someone abuses or neglect you, let love rule
When you lose someone and feel sad, let love rule
Whenever you see injustice and oppression, let love rule
When someone offends you and brings you down, let love rule
When someone you love is difficult and disrespectful, let love rule
When you are ostracized or marginalized, let love rule.
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Love is the most used and abused word in the English language. People use it to mean a strong liking to something or someone. In weddings, the famous Corinthians 13 chapter is widely used. Why do you think God puts so much emphasis on love than anything else? The bible says that God is love in 1 John 4:8. Genesis mentions that man is made in God’s image. Therefore, we could surmise that we are also made of love. When we do not do things out of love, we defy what our true character is. Whenever we don’t love, we suffer and experience pain. That is why God commanded us to love him first, then others as we love ourselves.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to operate in love.
REFLECTION
When should we exercise love?
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

SHARE YOUR MIRACLES Poem Devotional

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April 26
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So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.
-Mark 5:20(NLT)
SHARE YOUR MIRACLES
A poem and essay by ILMA
What has Christ done for you lately?
Has he saved someone from your family?
Have you been delivered from a stronghold?
Has he freed you from fear and taught you to be bold?
Proclaim what he has done and share your miracles
Tell everyone how he made you win over obstacles
Rejoice and be glad that he loves and cares for you
Praise and glorify him with thanksgiving and a life renewed.
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There are many people who miss out so many things that God has done for them because they are so focused on their problems, trials and suffering. When we are pessimistic and only see the negative in our circumstances, we are actually unable to see what might be blessings in disguise in our lives. I used to be a whiny person and very critical of myself and others. A book changed my life when the concept of a “Thank You” diary was suggested. As soon as I listed the things to be thankful for, my attitude changed.
We are asked to share our miracles to others because in doing so, we proclaim God’s greatness and we are showing him gratitude.
PRAYER
Thank you for all the miracles you’ve done in my life.
REFLECTION
How can you not miss out on every miracle God does 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

BE INTO OTHERS Poem Devotional

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April 25
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Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too. -Philippians 2:3-4(NLT)
BE INTO OTHERS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you overwhelmed with all your own interests?
Do you pay attention to others’ concern and happiness?
Don’t be selfish and try to boast only about your prowess
Take interest in others and don’t think only of your own progress.
Take time to know other people’s well being and diversions
Go also out of your way to know and discover their tribulations
Don’t look out only for yourself and your own family
Reach out to those who are in your church and your community.
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Do you take time out to know someone? The reason why I left the religious sect I use to attend was because I can’t find anyone in this church to really take interest in others. Each time I find an opportunity to connect and get close to them outside of the Sunday service, they wouldn’t even accept the invitation to fellowship or get to know others. They were all just too concerned with church activities.
The bible tells us to go out of our way to take interest in others. We need not be all concerned with church activities, but we need to personally reach out to others.
PRAYER
Teach me to reach out to others and not just focus on myself.
REFLECTION
Why does God want us to be concerned 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 GOD OF EMPATHY Poem Devotional

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April 24
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Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. -Hebrews 2:18 (NLT)
A GOD OF EMPATHY
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you undergo trials and suffering in life
He is always there to ease your burden and bring light
Since he himself has undergone suffering and testing
He is able to understand what challenges you are facing.
He hears your cries and empathizes with our situations
He knows what is in your heart during tribulations
God is a god who sees everything in this world
Believe that he is there with you, just read his word.
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Have you ever been misunderstood? One of the tricks of Satan in my life is to create misunderstandings in my relationships. He has stolen so much of my peace and joy because of the spirit of confusion and offense. God is a god of order. He never brings chaos or disorganization in our lives. It is the enemy that lays down tactics so we will be lost and confused or offended. Be encouraged because we have a god who empathizes with us since he has gone through the same pain and suffering we are undergoing. In fact, I think that Jesus’ suffering will be unparalleled in this lifetime. Just reflect how much wounds and beatings his body underwent. He empathizes with your pains and sorrows. Run to him.
PRAYER
Lord, let me always run to you when I am in trouble.
REFLECTION
What is your deepest pain that God has consoled you with?
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

CROSS TO THE OTHER SIDE Poem Devotional

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April 23
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Let us cross to the other side of the lake. – Mark 4:35 (NLT)
CROSS TO THE OTHER SIDE
A poem and essay by ILMA
What trials and sorrows have you gone through?
Did it result in your search for God and his truth?
Jesus can bring you to a better place than where you are
Just cross to the other side with him, it’s not that far.
He will walk you through the changes and challenges
Trust and obey him, you are loved and are precious
Hold his hands as you face the new life he has given you
Let him lead you a changed heart and mind that is renewed.
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Methathesiophoia is the fear of change or changing things. The origin of the word comes from Greek ‘meta’ meaning change and ‘phobos’ meaning fear. This specific phobia can reduce one’s will to live. Metathesiophobes often feel they have no control over their lives due to constant changes. She or he tends to live in the past and exhibit depression. Their phobia debilitates them to move to progress or to change anything from routine. The fear of change is natural to humans. Man has liked routine. Our internal predispositions such as heredity and genetics teach us to resist change mainly to ‘always feel in control’. Let go of control and let Christ lead you to a full life as he had planned for you.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for leading me to embrace your plans for me.
REFLECTION
How can we learn to let go of fear and step into God’s future for us?
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

LOVING WITHOUT SEEING Poem Devotional

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April 22
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You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious; inexpressible joy. -1 Peter 1:8(NLT)
LOVING WITHOUT SEEING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you always have to see someone you love?
Have you ever seen the one true God?
Without seeing him, you still love him
Your faith is to believe which goes beyond seeing.
Though you do not see him now, you still trust him
Though you can’t see changes, you still believe
Christ brings victory, rejoice with a life full of joy
For the enemy’s tactics cannot rule or destroy.
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When I was in high school, I had a secret crush on someone from my school. I didn’t feel worthy to be even noticed by this boy who was popular and was sought after by a lot of girls. I would secretly say things to him as I walk in the corridors of the school and a lot of times, when I do this, he would just be right in front of me. I just poured out my love (which was more infatuation) for him and allowed it to grow inside me. One day, out of the blue, he approached and asked my name.
The bible says that we can continue to love God even if we don’t see him because we are so deeply connected to him inside our hearts.
PRAYER
Lord, let me trust you even when I don’t see.
REFLECTION
What happens when you continue to trust even when you don’t see results?
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

OBEDIENCE: SHIELD AGAINST EVIL Poem Devotional

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April 18
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I have followed your commands, which keep me from following cruel and evil people.
– Psalm 17:4(NLT)
OBEDIENCE: SHIELD AGAINST EVIL
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever we defy the truth and God’s will
We are opening the door to the devil
To disobey is to question God’s sovereignty
To obey is to bow to his power and glory.
The first sin is an act of rebellion and idolatry
It is an outright insolence against God’s authority
Pride is the source of all disobedience
Love is the results in humility and patience.
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For over five decades, I was a rebel. I disobeyed my parents and God as well. No wonder I led a very tumultuous life. Honor your father and your so things would go well with you is a command that has a condition. If children do not obey their parents, they are in for trouble. I could attest to this because I didn’t get it for many years. I didn’t understand why my life was full of tragedies and pain. It is ironic that God used my disobedience to reveal to me this stronghold in my family. Pride and idolatry was the source of the disobedience. When God revealed to me that the consequences of my disobedience was pain and suffering. When I re-committed my life to Jesus six years ago, he showed me the shield against evil which is obedience.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to be able to say yes to you when you ask me something.
REFLECTION
What were the results of obedience to God’s will 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

BLAMELESS LIVING Poem Devotional

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April 17
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Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. -Psalm 15:1-2(NLT)
BLAMELESS LIVING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you an authentic believer of Christ?
Do you live a blameless life free of strife?
Do you choose to do the right thing?
Are you able to repent and confess your sins?
Speak the truth in love and be encouraging
Stop proving, testing, envying or mocking
Think only what is pure, honorable and true
It will protect you from evil and all kinds of rue.
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There is a big misconception about being holy or living a blameless life. They mistake it for religiousness or external piety. Amos 5:21 says “I hate all your show and pretense, the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies.” Even God himself hated religion. He did not die on the cross for us to have a religion but a relationship. As Christians, we are urged and summoned to live blameless lives. In James 1:27 it says that pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
The bible tells us that only those who live blameless lives, doing what is right and speaking the truth with sincere hearts will enter his kingdom.
PRAYER
Lord, convict me when I don’t live a blameless life.
REFLECTION
Why are we commanded to live holy lives? What does it do to us and to 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.

WALK WITH THE WISE Poem Devotional

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April 16
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Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.
-Proverbs 13:20(NLT)
WALK WITH THE WISE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Who do you spend time with these days?
Are they reflecting Jesus in many ways?
Walk with the wise and you will become wise
If you associate with fools, you will hear many lies.
The Lord wants you to follow him always
If you associate with fools, you will learn their ways
Those who are wise usually bear fruits in their lives
Fools on the other hand end up in stagnation and dies.
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I’ve spent many years of my life associating and even living with fools. During the time I was living in or friends with foolish people, I lived a very unproductive and chaotic life. It is very stressful and tiring to live with fools. They drain you of your energy and drag you into their pessimism and passivity. The enemy has used these unwise persons in my life to keep me from realizing dreams and goals I have set for myself. Just recently, God convicted me of my boundary issues. I didn’t know what they were since I grew up in a family were most of my boundaries were violated. I thank God that he delivered me from such bondage to dwelling in the past and walking with fools. When I learned to set boundaries, I know better to set myself apart from fools.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for warning me about the way of the fools.
REFLECTION
Why is boundary setting important in relationships?
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