June 5________________________________________
Take nothing for your journey. -Luke 9:3(NLT)
TRAVEL LIGHT
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you go and do the works for Christ
No need not bring things, just travel light
Jesus led a humble and simple life
He wants his disciples to simplify.
There’s no need to carry your many baggage
When you have nothing, you won’t have attachments
Travel light and you will have a clearer mind and view
Have more things and peace and joy will evade you.
________________________________________When I go on a trip, I am not one of those light travellers. I like to make sure that I got everything I need. I don’t like to waste my time going to find and purchase something just because I decided not to bring it. Because I can be obsessive compulsive with packing and organizing, it becomes very difficult to have a restful vacation or camping. I end up enslaved with putting things out and arranging them again and again. What a waste of time! I end up stressed and anxious.
Do you ever wonder why Jesus told his disciples to take nothing on their journey from town to town as they preach the good news? I think it is because he doesn’t want us to divert our focus on the things they are carrying. It makes their travel more burdensome. He wants them to rely on him for everything and for what hospitality others will give them.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me never to get attached to anything.
REFLECTION
Why is travelling light essential in our Christian walk?
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
Tag Archives: Christian poem
THE WISDOM OF SILENCE Poem Devotional
June 4________________________________________
Her parents were overwhelmed, but Jesus insisted that they not tell anyone what had happened. -Luke 8:56 (NLT)
THE WISDOM OF SILENCE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you are asked to keep something quiet
Are you inconspicuous and do you keep silent?
There is wisdom in exercising discretion
You will gain trust and avoid chaos and confusion.
Jesus never wanted to flaunt his powers
He wants you to be humble and love others
The wisdom of silence is beyond words
It brings about emotional and spiritual growth.
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Proverbs 17:28 says that even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise and when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. Isn’t that amazing that you might be misconstrued to be a genius just by keeping your mouth zipped? People would want to be with discreet and quiet people rather than those who can’t stop talking. There is something attractive about those who know how to keep silent and know how to say something at the right moment.
In Luke 8, we see Jesus healed some people. He requested the parents of one of those he healed to keep it to themselves because he needed to do his Father’s business. Sometimes, when we let some works we’ve done escape our lips, it can ruin what the Father’s plan is. We also cannot talk and hear what God is saying when we are not silent. There is wisdom in silence and discretion.
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PRAYER
Lord, rend my mouth to only say what needs to be spoken.
REFLECTION
Why are discreet people more attractive to be around 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
FEAR BLOCKS HEALING Poem Devotional
June 3________________________________________
Don’t be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed. – Luke 8:50 (NLT)
FEAR BLOCKS HEALING
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you ask the Lord to cure an illness
Do you surrender to him completely?
Do not be afraid or it will block healing
Fear means wavering and questioning.
Faith without hesitating is more than enough
It can bring about miracles without a doubt
Do not be afraid, just believe in Christ
He will reward anyone who has much faith.
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In Luke 8, we witness the healing powers that the woman who was bleeding for twelve years received just by touching the fringe of Jesus’ robe. It shows how desperately she wanted to be healed from the many years of suffering. Another man named Jairus came to ask the Lord if he can heal the daughter who was dying and Jesus’ reply was “Don’t be afraid, just have faith.” We will know in the end of the chapter who the daughter died already but Jesus assured him that she was just asleep. Some people who were outside the house was laughing at Jesus because they all know she was dead already. So, this is another miracle like Lazarus who was commanded to get up from the dead.
How many times have we prayed but didn’t totally believe and receive what is already given to us? We doubt and take control and it doesn’t help.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me faith that never falters.
REFLECTION
How can fear block healing?
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
DEMONS COWER Poem Devotional
June 1________________________________________
The demons kept begging Jesus not to send them into the bottomless pit. -Luke 8:31 (NLT)
DEMONS COWER
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ
You will experience power in your life
He is the name above all names
Demons cower when it is spoken.
Jesus is the beginning and the end
Declare his name and it won’t be in vain
He has authority over all creation and beings
No any other evil forces can ever beat him.
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One of the most unpopular and neglected ministry in the church is the deliverance and healing ministry. Luke 10:19 says that we have authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and overcome the enemy and nothing will harm us. How come, there are many Christians who live defeated lives. They have relinquished the given power to them by God to the father of all lies, the devil. In Matthew 17, the father of a demon possessed boy came to Jesus so that his son may be healed. He mentioned that the apostles were unable to heal him. Jesus confronted the apostles about their faithlessness and corrupt heart that made them unable to heal. In Matthew 10:1, Jesus called his twelve disciples and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness but because of impure hearts and lack faith, they failed. Even demons cower to Christ when he speaks.________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, remind me to use the power you gave me to heal.
REFLECTION
Why is a pure heart and faith essential to exercise power and authority?
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
LEAVE YOUR CASE TO GOD Poem Devotional
May 31________________________________________
He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God who always judges fairly. – 1 Peter 2:23(NLT)
LEAVE YOUR CASE TO GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When someone hurts you, do not retaliate
Remember God loves you and have you covered
Jesus didn’t fight back with those who hurt him
He prayed for them instead so they can repent of sin.
When you trust in the Lord despite what you’re going through
God will deliver you from suffering and bring the Spirit’s fruits
Follow what Christ did; he quietly suffered and obeyed
Let God’s Spirit lead you to freedom to Jesus who leads the way.
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When someone hits or inflicts pain on you, how do you respond? Isn’t it automatic for us to react with either defense or retaliation? One of the many reasons why there has been a high divorce rate today is because we respond with the fight or flight reaction. When Jesus was here on earth, we didn’t hear stories of him walking away or abandoning someone who asks for help. He didn’t fight back or engage in useless discussion of who is wrong or right. He didn’t mislead others by saving himself. Instead, he only spoke of truth and obeyed God’s will. Even though he could have evaded the cross, he left his case to God and followed his will.
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PRAYER
Thank you for teaching us how to respond with love to those who hurt us.
REFLECTION
How can we avoid automatic fight or flight reactions?
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 GREAT RESTORER Poem Devotional
May 30________________________________________
I will give you back your health and heal your wounds. – Jeremiah 30:17(NLT)
THE GREAT RESTORER
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you are going through much pains
Run to the Lord for he will break your chains
He will restore you and will heal your illnesses
He is also concerned with your spiritual wellness.
He promised to heal all our wounds
Let us receive it and so we will abound
Let us run to Jesus Christ, the great restorer
Only in him will we be healthier and wealthier.
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Is there anyone who can give you a guarantee of healing and restoration? We go to the doctor to find out what might be wrong with us, but they can never give us an assurance that we will be well again. The medicine that he might prescribe might or might not work. He may not be able to totally figure out what is wrong with us because he can only diagnose based on what information we give him. We cannot rely also on other kinds of healing because they do not work a hundred percent.
There is however, only one who can restore and heal all our wounds, suffering, pain and illnesses. The great restorer is Jesus Christ. He gave us life, so he can repair it because he is the only source of our existence. Rely only on the one who gave you life, our Lord.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to always trust you when illnesses and sufferings beset me.
REFLECTION
How can we be able to build trust in the Lord when we are wounded?
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
BOAST ONLY ABOUT KNOWING GOD Poem Devotional
May 28________________________________________
Those who wish to boast should boast in this alone; that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord. -Jeremiah 9:24(NLT)
BOAST ONLY ABOUT KNOWING GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you truly know Jesus, you will praise him
For he is the only one who is without sin
He became man just to redeem us all
Why can’t we be like him; He’s so faithful?
Boast only of how you intimately know him
Nothing else matters but to hear His Spirit
When you hunger for him, he will live in you
Focusing on him will transform and make you new.
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Before I became a born again Christian, I never really talked much about my faith and walk with Christ. I was made to believe that we keep our faith to ourselves or it will be boasting and disrespectful of other religions and beliefs. One day, a new believer who was on fire for Jesus asked me if I was a Christian and I said yes. He was perplexed why I never spoke about the Lord. He shared Luke 11:33 to me which says “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. He also mentioned that I should only be boasting about how much I know God.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me never forget to declare my faith to others.
REFLECTION
How is sharing testimonials important in your Christian maturity and growth?
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
THANKSGIVING HONORS GOD Poem Devotional
May 27________________________________________
Giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. -Psalm 50:23 (NLT)
THANKSGIVING HONORS GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Each time you are thankful
You become more bountiful
Being grateful is an act of humility
You are giving praise to the Lord Almighty.
When you have an attitude of gratitude
You will increase wisdom in such magnitude
Give thanks to the Lord who is so good
His mercy is fresh each day, he always soothes.
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Two psychologists, Dr. Robert A. Emmons and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the have done much of the research on gratitude. In one study, they asked all participants to write a few sentences each week, focusing on particular topics. One group wrote about things they were grateful for that had occurred during the week. A second group wrote about daily irritations or things that had displeased them, and the third wrote about events that had affected them (with no emphasis on them being positive or negative). After 10 weeks, those who wrote about gratitude were more optimistic and felt better about their lives. Surprisingly, they also exercised more and had fewer visits to physicians than those who focused on sources of aggravation.
The bible tells us that gratitude truly honors the Lord. Whenever we count our blessings and focus on the things we can be thankful for, we are humbling ourselves to glorify the one who gave us all, the Lord Almighty.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me a thankful heart always.
REFLECTION
How can gratitude change our negative 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
GOD IS IN CONTROL Poem Devotional
May 26________________________________________
We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall. -Proverbs 16:33(NLT)
GOD IS IN CONTROL
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you think you have it all
You are in for a great fall
You may take the lead in many things
Only God knows each and everything.
You may plan where to go and what to do
God’s in control, he knows best for you
Do not be obsessed with your own will
The Lord alone can determine and see.
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I lived many years of ungodliness in my youth up until my fifties. I lived by the world’s standards, making my own plans and seeking after success and achievements. I even took a job in the theatre that gave me much control over the performances as a stage manager. I plan, I disciplined myself, trained and made sure I was knowledgeable. I was a perfectionist and a planner and took so much pride in running things for the performance oriented job.
My personal life was also lived like a micro-manager. I planned my day, my career, the roles I played and my future. Because I didn’t grow up in a loving environment and everyone controlled me, I became fastidious and took control of ever aspect of my life. I lived a very independent and self-sufficient life, never relying on anyone for help. God opened my eyes and heart that he wanted me to relinquish control to him.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to let go of control and let your will be done.
REFLECTION
Why do you think humans love to take control?
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
WHAT LEADS TO WISDOM Poem Devotional
May 24________________________________________
Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor. -Proverbs15:33(NLT)
WHAT LEADS TO WISDOM
A poem and essay by ILMA
The fear of the Lord teaches wisdom
It delivers you from slavery to freedom
When you revere the Lord and worship him
You will discern his ways and overcome sin.
The humble gives honor to the Father
It leads them to be closer to others
Seeking the Lord brings you near him
Fear of God makes you win over the enemy.
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People view wisdom very differently. Most individuals view wisdom as a feat that is achievable through accumulation of information. Some think wisdom can be learned from experiences. The bible tells us that wisdom is a by-product of the fear of the Lord. This may sound bizarre to those who have never heard of God, but most believers are taught that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge in Proverbs 1:7. When we seek him first and his righteousness, he will add all these things to us (Matthew 6:33)
Fear of the Lord means that we worship him and we won’t do anything to displease him. When we revere him, we will want to know what he wants for us. We will obey his commands so that things will go well with us. He also puts emphasis on the importance of humility in our lives because it results in respect and wisdom. When we respect him, we worship him.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to always honor and worship you.
REFLECTION
Why should fear of the Lord come first in everything in our lives?
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