THE ACCUSER’S DEFEAT Poem Devotional

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January 11________________________________________
It has come at last-salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth.
– Revelations 12:10(NLT)
THE ACCUSER’S DEFEAT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you find it hard to conquer sin?
Come to God so he can forgive you and redeem
There will be a time that salvation and power will reign
The Kingdom of God is manifest in Jesus’ name.
When he comes again, the accuser will be defeated
All believers will be holy and never have sins repeated
The enemy will cower over Christ’s authority
All Christians will rule as well and have victory.
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Do you or did you ever struggle with sin? I was a bondage to sin for many years. What sin did to me was devastating. It made me rebel and disobey the Lord. It made me cater to my flesh and desires. I served myself for many years and was deluded to think that I was alright and that I actually was a good person. I did many things on my own will and effort. I wasn’t following God’s will therefore I never had victory over sin.
The bible describes to us how the end times will be in Revelation. Satan, the accuser of all believers will be defeated. Christ will rule and the enemy will be crushed under Jesus’ authority.
PRAYER
Lord, help me never to rely on myself to conquer sin, but to you alone.
REFLECTION
Are you exercising your authority over the devil as a believer?
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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

SIN COMPROMISES HEALTH Poem Devotional

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January 9________________________________________
My health is broken because of my sins. My guilt overwhelms me-it is a burden too heavy to bear. – Psalm 38:3-4(NLT)
SIN COMPROMISES HEALTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Did you do something to feel guilty inside?
Is it giving in to sin that makes you hide?
Guilt can overwhelm us and make us ill
It is a tactic that is used by the devil.
Sin can make you sick inside and out
It makes you want to rebel and be proud
God created you as a loving and gentle person
He wants praise him and his one and only Son.
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I have had all kinds of illnesses in my life. When I was born, I had polio but thanks to therapies, they were able to cure it at its very first stages. As a young child, I would always have headaches and at about age 10, I had weak lungs and was diagnosed with mild tuberculosis. I also had frequent tonsillitis flare ups that made me experience very high fevers and chills. I had anemia and very low red blood cells. When I turned high school, there were more emotional pains rather than illnesses. In my 20’s I had terrible migraine attacks that would last over two weeks. When I confessed and repented of all my sins, all my illnesses were gone. The bible says that sin can make us literally sick and guilt-stricken.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for forgiving me when I confessed my sins.
REFLECTION
Relate a recent instance when you got sick or burdened because of a sin you committed?
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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

WHAT CUTS YOU OFF FROM GOD Poem Devotional

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January 8________________________________________
It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore. -Isaiah 59:2 (NLT)
WHAT CUTS YOU OFF FROM GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you feel far away from your Maker?
What sins did you do that draw you farther?
Because of your sins, you have been cut off
It is the choice to disobey that makes life tough.
Whenever you choose to do what God forbids
You are opening the door for the devil to plant seeds
Strengthen your faith and follow God’s word
It is the only way you can overcome the world.
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I know so many persons who purposely do not want to have anything to do with the Lord. There are various reasons why they cut themselves off from God. It could be because they lost a loved one, lost a job, experienced traumatic events, been abused and many other reasons. I have a first hand experience with severing my ties with God at some decades of my life. I was ashamed to have a relationship with God because I couldn’t give up my dependency on a wrong person.
The bible says that it is our sins that cut us off from God. When we sin, we destroy the relationship we have with God. God loves us but he hates sin. He cannot fulfill his promises if we live in sin.
PRAYER
Lord, convict me when I sin so I can confess and repent right away.
REFLECTION
What is the antidote to being cut off 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

THOSE WHO DON’T BELIEVE Poem Devotional

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January 7________________________________________
Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good! -Psalm 14:1 (NLT)
THOSE WHO DON’T BELIEVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever someone question the existence of Jesus
Flee from them for they think they are really precious
Only fools say in their hearts that God doesn’t exist
They are full of pride and they love to rebel and resist.
Those who don’t believe are full of wickedness
They justify their rebellion and stubbornness
Their hearts are so corrupt and never does good
They are arrogant and they are very rude.
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There was a Christian movie that was shown in the theater last year that was very powerful. It was entitled “Do you believe?” This movie focused on several lives of various people who didn’t believe in God. The writer made all these unbelievers experience the power of God to a point that they cannot resist but to believe. Most of these unbelievers were people who idolized their careers, their possessions and themselves. In the end, they were made to experience helpless situations where God worked on their hearts.
The bible says that only fools say that there is no God. They do so because they are very proud and evil people who only wants to focus on themselves and their worldly views and possessions. They think very highly of themselves.
PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from unbelievers.
REFLECTION
Share an experience when you met an atheist or an agnostic.
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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

WHO MAKES THE BLIND SEE Poem Devotional

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January 6________________________________________
Some said, “He’s demon possessed and out of his mind. Why listen to a man like that?” Others said, “This doesn’t sound like a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” – John 10:20-21 (NLT)
WHO MAKES THE BLIND SEE?
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you are blinded by the enemy with lies
It will be difficult to navigate through life
Only Jesus can make the blind see
Only the word of God will set us free.
So why do you let the world corrupt your heart?
Why not renew your minds and make a new start?
Believe in the one and only true Lord and Savior
You will soon enjoy life and burn with fervor.
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There are many people who question the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. The trouble with them is that they try to make sense out of everything. When there is no logic or explanation behind something that occurred, it is often very hard for people to accept it as a miracle from God. Many unbelievers think that miracles are spectacular phenomenon, but sometimes God works very quietly in our lives. He does little miracles to change us to become more like him. He does it so subtly that sometimes we fail to actually see the miracle or change he is doing in our hearts. The bible says that only Jesus Christ can make the blind see.
PRAYER
Lord, let me recognize your works in my life.
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

ENTER THROUGH THE GATE Poem Devotional

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January 3________________________________________
I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate must surely be a thief and a robber. But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd for the sheep. -John 10:1-2(NLT)
ENTER THROUGH THE GATE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Why would anyone choose to sneak?
Wouldn’t you rather openly look or peak?
Why would you not enter through the gate?
It is the only way you can be free and saved?
Enter through the gate who is Jesus Christ
Don’t listen to the devil who is full of lies
Listen to Christ’s voice and follow him
He will free you and lead you to conquer sin.
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Sheep have often been associated with man in the bible. There are many characteristics of sheep that are likened to man. They are both stubborn, restless, sometimes love to go astray, they love to roam aimlessly. We are almost like sheep. We disobey and go through life without purpose and meaning.
The bible tells us that anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold rather than going through the gate must be a thief. The one enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. Jesus is the shepherd of all believers. The enemy tries to sneak in people’s lives and make them go astray and disobey God. Christ leads them back through the gate to eternity.
PRAYER
Lord, help us to hear your voice always.
REFLECTION
Do you hear God’s voice and follow his lead?
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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

MILK VERSUS SOLID FOOD Poem Devotional

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January 2________________________________________
For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. – Hebrews 5:13-14(NLT)
MILK VERSUS SOLID FOOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you were babies, you fed on milk alone
You need to take in solid food when you are grown
For someone who lives on milk do not know what’s right
Their minds and hearts are limited to understand life.
Solid food is for those who are mature and have wisdom
If you feed on it, you will grow and enjoy freedom
Those who live on milk don’t know what’s wrong or right
They are unstable and cannot be victorious in life.
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My only child was overweight at a month old. The doctor prescribed I give him solid food to wean him off too much breast milk and not gain more weight. He grew up quick and a very gifted and mature boy. He was a choir member at age 18 months was a violin child prodigy at age 7. Did the solid food have something to do with maturity? Maybe so.
The bible tells us that we can’t live on milk alone meaning we can’t just get second hand information about God’s word. We are encouraged to feed on the solid food which is in depth study of Scriptures.
PRAYER
Lord, help me hunger for you deeply.
REFLECTION
Do you consider yourself still an infant Christian or a mature one?
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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

HOLD ON TO CHRIST Poem Devotional

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January 1________________________________________
I am coming soon, hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown.
– Revelations 3:11(NLT)
HOLD ON TO CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
What things keep you away from Christ?
Is it something or someone that makes you lose sight
Hold on to Jesus and keep on seeking him
There’s a big reward to those who stay away from sin.
No matter what little progress you make, be close to God
Press on and never get tired of bringing him laud
Christ is coming soon and he wants you to be saved
All who love him will find the strength to be brave.
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In my mid 30’s. I joined a cycling group of over fifty members and I am the only woman in the club. I biked daily a total of 30-40 kilometers every morning before breakfast and before I headed to the school I taught. On weekends, all the 55 members go on a ride about 200 kilometers in about a span of two hours. There were days that I almost didn’t make it but I pressed on and all those weekends, I managed to finish it. The men were all challenged to finish when they see me make it to the end of the bike run. Like a race, we too have to hold on to our progress so we can be ready to see Jesus when he comes again.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for leading me constantly to focus on you.
REFLECTION
What keeps you going when you get disappointed 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

POISONOUS ROOT OF BITTERNESS Poem Devotional

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December 31________________________________________
Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
– Hebrews 12:15(NLT)
POISONOUS ROOT OF BITTERNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you find yourself angry or irritable with everyone?
Do you gripe about past hurts and blame someone?
Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness creeps up
It can damage many relationships easily and so abrupt.
Look after each other so you won’t miss God’s grace
Have the courage to take responsibility and face
Beware of any form of resentment or hostility
It can destroy your faith, joy and tranquility.
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There were many years of my life that I was bitter. I didn’t even know I was full of resentment and hostility towards many people and many things. After five decades of stronghold on this poisonous root, God delivered me from it and made me understand the damage it had on my life and relationships. Bitterness came in many forms in my life. It robbed me of joy and made me criticize automatically people around me who reminded me of those people who neglected and abused me. It made my heart heavy and I actually made myself sick physically as well. The bible tells us to watch out for any form of bitterness for it deprives us of God’s grace and it corrupts us too.
PRAYER
Lord make me aware when this poisonous root of bitterness strikes me.
REFLECTION
What do you think is the antidote to bitterness?
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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

LIVE IN PEACE TO SEE THE LORD Poem Devotional

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December 30________________________________________
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. – Hebrews 12:14(NLT)
LIVE IN PEACE TO SEE THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who are living in peace with everyone
Will eventually see the one and only Son
Work at living a life that is pure and holy
Avoid falling into sin and all kinds of folly
Those who are not holy won’t see the Lord
They will always complain and dwell on faults
Those who seek the Lord and obey
Will not be lost but find their way.
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Have you ever been lost looking for a place in a foreign place? It can get frustrating not to know how to navigate around in an area that is new to you. I was lost when I was around 6 years old. My mother and I were shopping and then I realized that she wasn’t beside me. It took probably over 6 hours of walking until I found my way back home. That six hours of confusion left emotional scars in me. I still find myself panicking when I am in strange places. The bible tells us that if we want to see the Lord, we have to work at living in peace with everyone and work at living a holy life. In order for us not to be lost, we must anchor our lives on God’s truth.
PRAYER
Lord, help me whenever I am lost and not abiding in you.
REFLECTION
What stops 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