Tag Archives: Christian devotional

THE STRENGTH OF MY HEART Poem Devotional

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March 1
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalm 73:26(NLT)
THE STRENGTH OF MY HEART
A poem and essay by ILMA
I am so weak and frail from past pains and rejection
Will you heal me now that I am full of affliction?
My health is compromised and my spirit is weak
Shower me with your strength but keep me meek.
You are the most high and you remain my strength
Without you, life is bleak and full of discontent
Keep me focused on you so I will endure
You are the only one that can make me secure.
Do you suffer from any health issues, lack of faith or lost hope? I have experienced all these challenges in life. How I survived all of my adversities is beyond comprehension. I am sure that God was the strength that kept my heart going and eventually my body, mind and feelings followed. One of God’s names is “Elohim” meaning “strength” or “power.” Do you ever wonder how you can withstand trials and sufferings? That is because God is the source of our strength.
Psalm 73:26 shows us that the psalmist got comfort from knowing that God remains the strength of his heart. He may have many challenges in life, but he knows that God will be his strength and that he belongs to him.
PRAYER
Lord, keep me secure in your strength. Let me lean on you always.
REFLECTION
How do you differentiate the concept of strength in God’s economy to how the world views it?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

THE HEAD AND NOT THE TAIL Poem Devotional

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February 27
If you listen to these commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today, and if you carefully obey them, the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you will always be on top and never at the bottom. -Deuteronomy 28:13
THE HEAD AND NOT THE TAIL
A poem and essay by ILMA
What makes one the head and not the tail?
If you listen to God’s command, you’ll smoothly sail
Pay careful attention to his commands and obey
God’s word will free you from the enemy’s ways.
You will always be on top and never at the bottom
The Lord ensures that you discern beyond human reason
Protect yourself from sufferings, failure and misery
Seek the Lord in all your ways and you’ll have victory.
Do you ever wonder how some Christians are blessed with a good life and the others are struggling or defeated? What is the secret of those who live victorious lives? Why do they have bounty and overflow from God? There are many Christians who are saved but still live in bondage to sin or strongholds.
The bible says that if you listen and carefully obey the Lord’s commands, you will be the head and not the tail and will always be on top and never at the bottom. I am sure that the secret to a victorious life is to listen and follow God’s commands.
PRAYER
Lord, make me obedient to you always.
REFLECTION
Why is obedience the key to victory?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

DON’T PARTNER IN EVIL WORK Poem Devotional

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February 26
If anyone comes to your meeting and does not teach the truth about Christ, don’t invite that person into your home or give any kind of encouragement. Anyone who encourages such people becomes partner in their evil work.
-2 John 10-11 (NLT)
DON’T PARTNER IN EVIL WORK
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know anyone who is contrary to Christ’s teachings?
Don’t take any part in their evil work or be encouraging
Protect yourself, stay away and never invite them over
When you leave a door open, they revel and get more power.
Use all of God’s armor so you can defeat wickedness
Put on peace and the body armor of God’s righteousness
Wear the belt of truth and the helmet of salvation
It will bring down any form of the enemy’s manipulation.
We ought to be wary of anyone who does not teach the truth about Christ. He mentions in this letter that we must never encourage anyone who perpetuates lies and does not acknowledge that Christ came and that he is the Son of God. 2 John letter focuses on the importance of loving one another and following God’s commandments. He warns us of those that deny that Jesus came in a real body. It even mentions in the letter that such persons are considered antichrists. So, he instructs us never to be involved with these wicked people.
PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from antichrists.
REFLECTION
How can you protect yourself from antichrists?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

FALSE PROPHETS AND DECEPTION Poem Devotional

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February 25
And many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.
–Matthew 24:11(NLT)
FALSE PROPHETS AND DECEPTION
A poem and essay by ILMA
Can you recognize false teachings from the truth?
You can identify it if you let God’s word take root
The counterfeit will never give praise to the Lord
They love to advance their own and follow the world.
When teachings do not point to Jesus and the cross
Beware! It’s a trick to confuse you and get lost
Scriptures say that false prophets will deceive many
They are phony and they serve the enemy.
With the rise of information these days, there are many opportunists who use all kinds of media to scam people. How can you gauge a true prophet? They usually know the truth and their lives show that they follow these truths. When a prophet defies a command of God or twists it to his own purpose, we can clearly see that they are counterfeit. How would you know if they are walking their talk? We must listen to what the Holy Spirit tells us. We must also study the word of God and store it in our hearts. It is for our own protection if we know God deeply. When we know his very character, we can easily detect when someone presents something contrary to his nature. The bible cautions us from these false prophets who will deceive many people.
PRAYER
Jesus, let me never stray from your truth.
REFLECTION
How can you spot a false prophet easily?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

A STRONG REFUGE Poem Devotional

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February 23
The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust him. – Nahum 1:7 (NLT)
A STRONG REFUGE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you feel overwhelmed with challenges and afflictions?
Run to the Lord, he is good and a strong refuge to lean on
He will never let you down when you call on him
He is close to those who are faithful and trusting.
The Lord is our rock and our salvation
In him, you will find rest and restoration
Seek the Lord and he will protect you from evil
He is always there to guard you from the lures of the devil.
In the Philippines, all banks have security guards. Even schools and many establishments would hire a guard to ensure safety in their business places. When a Canadian friend visited Manila, Philippines’ capital, he was shocked to see so many security guards almost everywhere we went. Because of the high crime rate in a very populated place, it was almost a necessity to have protection.
The bible shows us the ultimate guard and protection. The Lord is our strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust him. I had an experience when I was ostracized in a community I worked for. I wouldn’t know how to cope with all the attacks and discrimination if I hadn’t ran to God for protection.
PRAYER
Thank you for protecting me, my Lord.
REFLECTION
Share a time when God showed his protection to you.
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

ON USING JESUS’ NAME Poem Devotional

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February 22
John said to Jesus, “Master, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn’t in our group.” But Jesus said,
“Don’t stop him. Anyone who is not against you is for you.” – Luke 9:49-50(NLT)
ON USING JESUS’ NAME
A poem and essay by ILMA
There is power in using Jesus’ name
It can bring healing and take out your shame
It can protect someone from destruction
It leads you to the truth and path to salvation.
God uses unbelievers who say the name of Christ
It can restore them and bring godly insight
Don’t stop anyone who use it for it has its own power
Whenever it is uttered, all evil spirits and demons cower.
Philippians 2:9-11 explains the power of Jesus’ name. It is the name above all names and that every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and below the earth when this name is spoken. Even John 14:13 says that you can have anything you ask in Jesus’ name. What a powerful name!
The bible tells us the story when John was reporting to Jesus that someone was using his name to cast out demons. He said to Jesus that they asked this man to stop because he didn’t belong to their group, but Jesus told him not to. He told John that if he uses his name, then he is not against them.
PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus for your powerful name.
REFLECTION
When have you used Jesus’ name and experience its power?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

REBELLION & STUBBORNNESS Poem Devotional

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February 20
Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft and stubbornness as bad as worshipping idols. – 1 Samuel 15:23(NLT)
REBELLION & STUBBORNNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you currently defying an authority in your life?
Do you realize that it snaps out God’s light?
Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft
It is ignoring the power and the plan of God.
Stubbornness is as bad as worshipping idols
It opens the enemy’s door and makes you vulnerable
Rebellion and stubbornness are sins of pride
It makes life difficult and we lose wisdom and insight.
Does rebellion or stubbornness reside in your home? Many Christians do not realize how much lawlessness and pride can cause havoc in their lives and in their relationships. I can attest to this truth. Rebellion and stubbornness ran in my veins in the past from many generations in my family. I was enslaved with these sins and it caused my life so much pain and suffering. When God showed me in his word that these were sins, I repented quickly and gave it up.
The bible says that rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft and stubbornness as bad as worshipping idols. These sins are very grave and they all originate from pride. The bible says that God is a very jealous god, so if we rebel against all that he wants us to follow, it will all be to our detriment.
PRAYER
Lord, show me to be totally obedient to you.
REFLECTION
How can rebellion and stubbornness ruin a relationship?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

INTERCESSOR FOR REBELS Poem Devotional

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February 19
Because he exposed himself to death, he was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels. –Isaiah 53:12(NLT)
INTERCESSOR FOR REBELS
A poem and essay by ILMA
What have you rebelled against lately?
Is it for something you want or for defying authority?
Do you realize the gravity of rebellion?
It shows arrogance and retaliation.
Christ exposed himself to death and counted among rebels
He bore the sins of many and he was the ultimate giver
When you rebel, you are questioning God’s authority and power
Give it up! Christ paid the price so you can be the victor.
The word “rebel” or a form of it is used in the bible 98 times. What does rebellion mean? It is the refusal to come under authority of someone who is above you. Rebellion is an open door to the enemy in a person’s life. We are strictly warned in God’s word against rebellion and its consequences shouldn’t be taken lightly. God’s Word tells us that rebellion is in the same category of sin as witchcraft itself in 1 Samuel 15:23, Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft and stubbornness as bad as worshipping idols.”
Christ exposed himself to death on the cross and was counted among other rebels even though he was innocent. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels. What an act of love and mercy!

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank you for interceding for all rebels.
REFLECTION
What manifestations of rebellion do you have?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

POWER & WISDOM OF GOD Poem Devotional

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February 18
Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. –1 Corinthians 1:24(NLT)
POWER & WISDOM OF GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When we believe and follow Christ in our lives
It exposes all darkness and the enemy’s lies
The Son of God is the epitome of his Father
Christ exudes all of God’s power.
It is through Jesus alone that we can gain wisdom
God used his Son to bring us to freedom
Through Christ, we clearly see God’s insight
The power and wisdom of God is manifest in Jesus Christ.
The amazing act of love God showed his children was manifested when he gave Jesus to save us all from sin. Many believers do not fully comprehend this great act of generosity. If they do, they wouldn’t take for granted every gift they receive from God.
Do you know that Jesus Christ is actually God’s power and wisdom? When we believe in Christ, we also trust in God’s existence. When we seek Christ, we also seek our father. They are one and the same.
The bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the very power and wisdom of God. It means that when we search and seek Christ, we also seek God. If we reject Christ, we also reject our heavenly Father. It is only through Christ that we gain power and wisdom. Without him, we are nothing because all things come from God.
PRAYER
Lord, draw me closer to you.
REFLECTION
What power have you received from knowing Christ?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

GOD USES THE DESPISED Poem Devotional

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February 17
God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.
-1 Corinthians 1:28(NLT)
GOD USES THE DESPISED
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you been abused, oppressed or scorned down?
Do you feel down and devalued by someone?
God uses those who are broken and unimportant
He shames the proud by using those who are insignificant.
Remember to treat others equally at all times
Those who are simple and plain can be used by God anytime
He can use unexpectedly those who are repressed
God shames the proud who likes to impress.
God has a great sense of humor. He uses the weak, the oppressed, the abused, or the simple minded to mock those who are rich, powerful and proud. The story of David and Goliath is a clear example of how he used David to beat the giant Goliath with a sling and stone (1 Samuel 17). It wasn’t the mere strength of David that made him win the fight. It was his faith that God will be with him that made him have victory over the Philistines. Moses is another example in the bible that God used to lead his people to the Promised Land.
The bible shows us that God can use anyone to proclaim his power and glory. He can make the impossible possible or the weak stronger.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never underestimate anyone.
REFLECTION
Share an event that you witnessed God’s power over someone’s weakness.
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com