Tag Archives: Christian devotional

Beauty for Ashes poem devotional

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June 17________________________________________
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. – Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)
BEAUTY FOR ASHES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you mourning over losing someone?
Have you been enslaved by anyone?
How much have you been suffering in this life?
There’s hope for those who cannot see the light.
God promised a crown of beauty for ashes
Jesus received beatings and so many lashes
He died so that sinners can be redeemed
Be joyful, he saved us and cleared us of sin.
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It is not hard to feel despair in this wicked and chaotic world we live in. There are so many hopeless and lonely people. I used to be one when I was bonded to sin. What is ironic is that I thought I was saved but then my life was still full of discontent and longings. I did everything to satisfy my cravings and to provide for all my needs. I didn’t’ realize that Christ had already died for me and that I am free from the darkness of sin. I didn’t have to do anything for him to love me more. He already does and he has died for me already.
The bible talks in Isaiah about the promise of God to those who mourn. He will replace their sorrow with a crown of beauty. He will deliver them from despair.
PRAYER
Lord, help me never to despair.
REFLECTION
Relate a time when you were delivered from hopelessness.
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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

ALL BECAUSE OF OBEDIENCE Poem Devotional

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June 16________________________________________
And through your descendants, all nations of the earth will be blessed, all because you have obeyed. – Genesis 22:18 (NLT)
ALL BECAUSE OF OBEDIENCE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you struggle following God’s commands?
Has there been much trials from life’s demands?
All because of one man’s obedience
Abraham became God’s preference
Because he followed without question
God made him father of all nations
When obedience becomes paramount
Blessings will be poured out in much amount.
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Obedience is defined as compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another’s authority. Obedience is very important in families, organization, companies, and in our relationships. Without it, chaos, confusion, rebellion and conflicts. When children do not obey their parents, consequences of their wrong actions rebound on them. When Christians do not follow God’s commands, they separate themselves to him through sin. No wonder, God made a big deal of obedience. He chose Mary to be the mother who bore Jesus because of her obedience. Joseph became the father of Jesus because he obeyed the instructions of the angel to marry the virgin mother of Christ.
The bible talks about the aftermath of Abraham’s obedience. He became the vehicle for which the people of God became blessed. He was the epitome of faith because he was able to obey God even if it involved giving up his most beloved son, Isaac. As a result. God made him father of all believers.
PRAYER
Lord, instill in me an obedient spirit.
REFLECTION
What hinders you from obeying God’s will?
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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

EVERLASTING LIGHT Poem Devotional

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June 15________________________________________
Your sun will never set: your moon will not go down. For the Lord will be your everlasting light. Your days of mourning will come to an end. –Isaiah 60:20 (NLT)
EVERLASTING LIGHT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you grieving over the loss of someone?
Do you feel alone or sometimes want to run?
Are you living in total darkness and confusion?
Have joy, Christ will be your light in all seasons.
The sun will never set nor the moon go down
The Lord will be your everlasting light all year round
Your days of mourning will come to an end
His eternal life will just be around the bend.
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Have you ever been excited over an expected outcome? I used to look forward to finishing a project I first brainstormed in my mind. Even as a child, I started to be exposed to my aunt’s sewing which initiated my creative thinking. As I look at other people’s clothes, I imagine in my head how these clothes must have been put together. I would be obsessed by it until I actually visualize how they will be finished if I made them. The expectancy of executing what was in my mind motivated me to relentlessly finish a project. When it is done, it feels ecstatic.
In Isaiah 60, the Lord promises Jerusalem its future glory after all that it went through. He promised them everlasting light. In other words, never ending bliss.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your faithful promises.
REFLECTION
Which promises of God do you eagerly await?
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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

JESUS GIVES LIFE Poem Devotional

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June 14________________________________________
You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me. Yet you refuse to come to me to this life. – John 5:39-40 (NLT)
JESUS GIVES LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Give your life and surrender to Jesus
He will give you wisdom in all seasons
He is the one that the Scriptures point to
He brings us life, joy, peace and truth.
Whenever you run to his word
You will know how to overcome the world
Jesus gives light to those who are confused
There will be no eternal life to those who refuse.
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There are many people who live in darkness almost all their whole lives. It is sad to watch people wallow in sin and confusion when they can always have a choice for a better life. The enemy blinds those who do not believe God that is why we are always encouraged to grow our faith so that we can overcome the lies that are perpetuated by the enemy. I have trouble understanding why people would not want a better life for themselves. So many of us live in darkness and do not want to let go of something we have been so used to.
The bible says that Scriptures point only to Jesus. It is only in Christ that we can have eternal life, but so many refuse to receive this gift that he lovingly offers to all.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your Son.
REFLECTION
Why do you think people refuse the life Jesus offers.
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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

MADE RIGHT BY FAITH Poem devotional

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June 12________________________________________
Therefore since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.- Romans 5:1 (NLT)
MADE RIGHT BY FAITH
A poem and essay by ILMA
You don’t have to do much but have faith
It will make you right and bring good fate
When Jesus Christ died for us on the cross
He cleansed us from sin and brought back the lost.
We can have peace if we believe
We can choose Him and receive
We are made righteous by our faith
We are made holy by God’s grace.
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I grew up in an environment where criticism was the norm and affirmation hardly was ever given away. No matter how hard I tried to do the right thing, I always fell short of my family’s expectations. I grew up bitter and resentful. I became a pessimist and was very hard on myself.
Until a few years ago, God revealed to me the spirit of performance and approval that had enslaved many years of my life. He stirred my heart and told me that I don’t have to do anything for him to love me more. He already does. The bible says that it is only in our faith that we are made right in God’s sight and that we can have peace because Christ has already died for us.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your sacrifice on the cross.
REFLECTION
What struggles do you have that keeps you from experiencing peace?
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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

MAY GOD’S WILL BE DONE Poem Devotional

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June 11________________________________________
Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true. “- Luke 1:38 (NLT)
MAY GOD’S WILL BE DONE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you struggle to hear God’s voice?
Are you constantly faced with a choice?
If you are a servant of the Lord
You will want to bring him laud.
It is meditating on his words that you see
He will speak to you directly and clearly
He will make you understand his plans
If you will follow the footsteps of his Son.
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When the angel Gabriel announced to Mary about her conception of the son of God, she was confused and disturbed at first (Luke 1:29). She had questions about how her conception will happen when she was a virgin. She didn’t have an argument with Gabriel. It was enough for her to hear that it is the Holy Spirit’s power that will do everything planned by God. She obeyed despite her confusion.
How often do we just obey like Mary did? Oftentimes when we are presented with circumstances beyond our understanding, we wallow in the perplexity of the situation. I sometimes fall into analysis and human reasoning and most of the time, it paralyzes me to just do what needs to be done.
Mary was a great model of obedience and this is probably why God chose her to be the person to bring Christ into this world.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me obedience.
REFLECTION
What stops you from obeying God’s will?¬¬¬
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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 POWER Poem Devotional

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June 10________________________________________
For nothing is impossible with God. –Luke 1:32 (NLT)
GOD’S POWER
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you suffering from a disease?
Do you struggle with having peace?
Is there someone making your life difficult?
Do people put you down and find fault?
Nothing is impossible with God for he has power
He can change you and make the devil cower
No matter what you are experiencing
He can alter it and keep you going.
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I have been a Christian since I was seven years old. There have been numerous events in my life that I saw God working. I wouldn’t be here now and witnessing for him if I haven’t experience his power. I have gone through life with so much adversities and pain, but he still held my hand and walked me through life. It was only through him that I had victory over all the strongholds and generational sins that were handed down to me from many generations. He has totally stripped me of all the things that distract me from being intimate with him. He loves me so much that he wouldn’t allow anything bad to happen to me. He genuinely cares for me and disciplines me with so much love.
The bible says that with God, all things are possible. It is in believing, obeying and depending on him that we can actually discern and see what he is doing in our lives.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for loving me immensely.
REFLECTION
What miracles has God done in your life?
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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

REBORN IN CHRIST Poem Devotional

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June 9________________________________________
But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn-not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. –John 1:12-13 (NLT)
REBORN IN CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
To anyone who believes in the power of Christ
They will have a renewed heart and eternal life
They are reborn not with a physical birth
They are stronger and cannot easily be hurt.
Believers will be considered God’s children
They will not allow the enemy to hinder
Being born again in spirit will lead to victory
It will equip them with power and authority.
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When I first heard the word “born again” in my early twenties, I thought it was a spiritual movement. Because I didn’t read the bible then, I had no understanding of the actual meaning of it. Until God gave me revelation to discern what it meant in my life, I had no clue what it really meant to be reborn in Christ.
One day, as I was reading my daily bible devotionals, I thought of searching for the meaning of being born again. After much study on it, I realized that I was already born again even before I got a revelation because I have always believed and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. My mind was renewed and I saw things just like how God would see it.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for giving me new life.
REFLECTION
What changes occurred in you after being born again?
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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

WITH PURPOSE Poem Devotional

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June 8________________________________________
So I run with purpose in every step, I am not just shadow boxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others, I myself might be disqualified. – 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (NLT)
WITH PURPOSE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know, where you are going to?
Focus on God who gives what is true
Do you have a goal that you’d like to reach?
Does it align with what Scriptures teach?
Live life with determination and tenacity
It will give you strength and bring you victory
A purposeful life will draw you closer to Christ
It will keep you focused on him and win the fight.
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Shadow boxing is to spar with an imaginary opponent. It is used in the training for combat sports, especially as its name implies, in boxing. It aims to prepare the muscles before the person training engages in stronger physical activity. I used to do this when I did boxing fitness. It engages all your muscles to be lively and keep your reflexes up and about.
Paul talks to the Corinthians about the importance of a life with purpose. He tells them the significance of not just physical training but emphasized that spiritual training is valuable. He doesn’t want people to do shadow boxing in their lives, but he tells them to run with purpose in every step.
PRAYER
Lord, take my hand in every step I make.
REFLECTION
What is your spiritual purpose in life?
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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 WHEN TO QUIT Poem Devotional

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June 7________________________________________
Don’t wear yourself out by trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit.
-Proverbs 23:4 (NLT)
KNOW WHEN TO QUIT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you get obsessed with getting rich?
Watch out for the enemy is out to trick
When you find yourself constantly wanting
It is trouble and strife that you are welcoming.
Know when to quit and to let go
Seek God and make his kingdom grow
Enrich yourself with God’s word
It is the only way you can beat this world.
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I have known many people who get obsessed with different things. Some people think that being rich is a good goal in life. This is one of the world views that destroys so many people. They pursue wealth, possessions, power, fame because they think it will bring them satisfaction. On the contrary, it destroys their lives. When you continually want material things, it changes your perspective. You become self-centered and isolate yourself from others. You want to protect your wealth, fame or power. You become envious if someone else has more than you have. You become greedy, wanting everything for yourself. You forget others because you are so busy satisfying your desires.
The bible warns us to know when to quit. It also says that we need to seek God first before anything else. When our lives is focused on being rich, we become idolaters of material things.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to focus on you first.
REFLECTION
What obsessions do you have that draw you away from God?
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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