GOD’S WILL IS OUR DESTINY Poem Devotional

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January 18________________________________________
So he will do to me whatever he has planned. He controls my destiny. -Job 23:14(NLT)
GOD’S WILL IS OUR DESTINY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you have any idea where God wants you to be?
Have you reflected on his word so you can see?
Our God is a god who is transparent
He tells us what is already apparent.
The Lord controls all our destiny
He wants us to defeat the enemy
He doesn’t like us to be continually in pain
He wants us to grow up and not live in vain.
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In Greek Mythology, Zeus was the first of the gods and a very imposing figure. Often referred to as the “Father of Gods and men”, he is a sky god who controls lightning (often using it as a weapon) and thunder. Zeus is king of Mount Olympus, the home of Greek gods, where he rules the world and imposes his will onto gods and mortals alike.
Unlike Zeus, our heavenly father doesn’t impose his will on us humans. He gave us free will to choose which way we want our lives to go. He loves us so much that he wants us to enjoy the life that he planned for us to have. This is why he gave Jesus Christ to us so we can be close to fulfilling our destinies. In Job 23, Job responded to his friend what he thinks of God controlling his destiny.
PRAYER
Lord, make me follow your will always.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to align our will with God’s?
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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

HE KNOWS WHERE I AM GOING Poem Devotional

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January 17________________________________________
But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside.
– Job 23:10-11(NLT)
HE KNOWS WHERE I AM GOING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know where you are going?
Do you serve the Lord and keep on praising?
Many people don’t know their destination
They live a life of chaos and confusion.
God knows where exactly we are going
We may not be aware but he is leading
Follow Jesus Christ and you will never be lost
He gave his only begotten Son at a high cost.
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According to an article written in Daily Mail, Paul Kendall said: For as long as road maps have been around, men have complained that women cannot read them. Now a team of scientists have concluded that there are very real biological reasons behind the cause of numerous in-car arguments. The researchers claim that ‘spatial intelligence’ is seriously affected by the female hormone oestrogen.
Many people both men and women alike cannot navigate through life easily. The bible says that if we follow God’s lead, he will lead us to a life that he promised. It is only the Lord who knows what is best for us and if we abide in him, we won’t be lost. We will learn to traverse through life effortlessly.
PRAYER
Lord, pick me up when I get lost in this world.
REFLECTION
What did God do to rescue you when you got lost?
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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

FILTER YOUR MOUTH Poem Devotional

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January 16________________________________________
And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! – James 3:10(NLT)
FILTER YOUR MOUTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
What kind of things does your mouth utter?
It is to edify God and help your sisters and brothers?
Do you bless someone with your words?
Have cursed out of your mouth according to the world?
Filter your mouth or you will be enslaved by this evil
It is used to persuade to lie to others by the devil
From the same mouth can come curses and blessings
Use it to praise God and to continue worshiping.
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When we drink water, we usually want to make sure that it is filtered to ensure our health. I wish we could do the same with what comes out of our mouth. If we can have a filter in our mouths to ensure that we don’t hurt anyone with that comes out of it. Matthew 15:11 says that “It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.” Verse 18 says “But the words you speak come from the heart-that’s what defiles you.” Clearly, we need to filter what comes out of our mouths because it usually states the condition of our hearts. James emphasizes that we should never allow both curses and blessings to come pouring out of the same mouth.
PRAYER
Lord, let your words be the filter of my mouth.
REFLECTION
How can you filter your mouth from unkind words?
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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

WARNING ABOUT THE TONGUE Poem Devotional

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January 15________________________________________
People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and fish but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. -James 3:7-8 (NLT)
WARNING ABOUT THE TONGUE
A poem and essay by ILMA
The tongue accepts the food that nourishes the body
It can also be used to hurt somebody
The tongue is the hardest thing to tame
Even the holiest person can also blame.
The tongue is evil, full of deadly poison
It cannot be controlled even by human reason
Be careful what this restless thing will say
Control it or be sorry if it always gets its way.
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According to an article by Alina Bradford in Live Science, sticking out your tongue is considered unacceptable behavior in many cultures, but it is a sign of respect in others. In Tibet, sticking out the tongue is a greeting. When two people meet, they stick out their tongues at each other. Among the Maori people of New Zealand, sticking out the tongue is part of a war chant and is meant to intimidate the enemy. If a Maori woman sticks out her tongue, it is a sign of defiance.
The tongue has its bodily functions but the bible says that it is a restless evil full of deadly poison. It is very hard to tame. We can tame animals but no one can tame the tongue.
PRAYER
Lord, grant me self control to tame my tongue.
REFLECTION
Relate the worst time that your tongue ever got you in trouble?
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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

A FLAME OF FIRE Poem Devotional

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January 14________________________________________
And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. – James 3:6(NLT)
A FLAME OF FIRE
A poem and essay by ILMA
The mouth spits out words that can hurt or help
It can serve the worst master which is the “self”
The tongue is a flame of fire; it corrupts the body
It can set your whole life on fire or can damage anybody.
Do not take for granted what this little tongue can do
It has ruined many people and their relationships too
The tongue is set on fire by hell itself, so watch out
This little flame of fire can be enormous and burst out.
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The most pained, angry or dysfunctional people usually have been a victim of the tongue. They have heard a hurting word in the past that contributed to what they have become. “Hurt people hurt people” is a phrase we commonly hear when we witness a wicked person who unstoppably brings pain to others. These pained people go through life without knowing how to cope with those lies they heard about themselves. Most of these lies or words spoken to them bring them shame and guilt which debilitate their lives. The bible says that the tongue is a flame of fire that can destroy because it comes from hell itself.
PRAYER
Lord, please guard my mouth to only say kind words.
REFLECTION
What kind of words escape your mouth?
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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

CONTROLLING THE TONGUE Poem Devotional

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January 13________________________________________
For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every way. -James 3:2(NLT)
CONTROLLING THE TONGUE
A poem and essay by ILMA
What comes out of your mouth repeatedly?
Do you speak God’s words or just reason out consistently?
For if one could control the tongue, we would be perfect
If we commit our lips to God’s word, we won’t be a wreck.
The tongue is a strong force that cannot be tamed easily
It is only with God’s help that we can have victory
When you control it, you can navigate through life
When you don’t, it will make you lost and lose insight.
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What was the last thing you said to someone today? Was it an encouragement or a criticism that you just let out? One of my weaknesses is the ability to control what comes out of my mouth. Because I am not quick to listen, but fast to speak instead, I often end up saying something that I wish I could have refrained from saying. We can’t take back what has come out of our mouths. I am sure that if we submit our lips to God, we will be able to say only things that God would want us to say.
The bible tells us that controlling the tongue is imperative in order for us to be able to control ourselves. Without guiding it, we will cause pain.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to refrain from saying unkind things.
REFLECTION
Why do you think controlling our tongue is integral in spiritual maturity.
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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

A RIGHTEOUS GOD Poem Devotional

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January 12________________________________________
For all people are mine to judge-both parents and children alike. And this is my rule: The person who sin is the one who will die. – Ezekiel 18:4(NLT)
A RIGHTEOUS GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
What do you do when someone you love sins?
Do you condemn or pray that they will be redeemed?
No one can judge except the heavenly father
Because he is omniscient, he knows every matter
God is righteous, he knows what is best for all
He wants us to go his way so we won’t fall
Be right with him so you won’t be judged
He judges uprightly so don’t bear a grudge.
________________________________________A judge is a government official with authority to decide lawsuits brought before courts. The judge in a case decides questions of law, as well as questions of fact in a non-jury trial. In a trial, the judge performs various functions, such as deciding what evidence is admissible and instructing the jury on how to apply the law based upon the facts presented. Judges are subject to certain ethical standards and have a duty to be impartial.
The bible says that we have a righteous God who can see everything we do and what is in our hearts. We cannot lie to God because even before we do, he already knows. We cannot judge each other; only God can. We can encourage one another to stay holy and pure.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me when I sin so you won’t judge me.
REFLECTION
Why don’t we have the right to judge anyone?
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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

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