WEALTH SLIPS FROM SINNERS Poem Devotional

Posted on December 13, 2014 by ilmaarts

December 13 The Power of God’s Word
God gives wisdom, knowledge and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him. – Ecclesiastes 2:26 (NLT)
WEALTH SLIPS FROM SINNERS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you seek the truth and abide in God’s word?
Are you ruled by the standards of this world?
God gives wisdom, knowledge and joy to the godly
He takes care of them and gives them prosperity.
If a sinner becomes rich and wealthy
God takes it away and gives it to the needy
Their possessions last only momentarily
He gives it to the righteous to alleviate their poverty.
One of the causes of poverty is selfishness. When we do not give, we do not reap so much as well. God wants a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). This verse says that God provides for all our needs and if we give generously from our hearts, He will give us an overflow and still have plenty leftover to share with others.
In Ecclesiastes, God promised a reward to those who please him: wisdom, knowledge and joy. He warns sinners who accrue riches. Their wealth will slip away from them because he will give them to those who are faithful to him.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to seek you and be generous to others.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God strips sinful wealthy people of their wealth?
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

UNCOMPROMISED LIFE Poem Devotional

Posted on December 12, 2014 by ilmaarts

December 12 The Power of God’s Word
Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil and they walk only in his paths.
– Psalm 119:2-3 (NLT)
UNCOMPROMISED LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Joyful are those who obey the Lord
They will never stop giving him applaud
Their lives reflect only God’s faithfulness
They don’t compromise with evil but choose righteousness.
When evil tempts them, they are unwavering
When challenges arise, they keep on hoping
They walk on the road that God prepared for them
They look forward to the promise that they will be redeemed.
Do you ever compromise with evil? Many people do. Sometimes they don’t even realize it. What does a compromised life look like? Are you depressed, negative, moody, angry, lazy, irresponsible, dishonest or fearful? These are only some of the symptoms of a life that is compromised.
The bible says that those who are true believers of Christ have joyful hearts and are obedient to God. They do not negotiate with the devil. They don’t have anything to do with evil ways. Pleasing the Lord is their business. They will press on when there are obstacles presented and look forward to the promises that God gave them.
PRAYER
Lord, guard me from evil.
REFLECTION
What parts of your life are still compromised? Have you asked God to break 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

CLEANSED THROUGH FAITH Poem Devotional

Posted on December 11, 2014 by ilmaarts

December 11 The Power of God’s Word
He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith. – Acts 15:9 (NLT)
CLEANSED THROUGH FAITH
A poem and essay by ILMA
God created each one of us uniquely
Yet, the Heavenly Father loves us all equally
He made no distinction between us
He wants his children to completely trust.
The Lord cleansed our hearts through faith
When God transforms us, we change our fate
Our whole being is washed by believing
Rely on him and you will keep on growing.
What is the purpose of cleaning? We clean our houses so we can have order, peace and harmony. We clean our bodies to be more acceptable to others and ourselves. We clean our minds so that we can think better and become wiser. We clean our hearts so we can stay focused on God and open doors for the enemy to infiltrate our lives. We detoxify our bodies so that we can be healthier.
God created us in his image. He gives us equal promises to be fulfilled in our lives if we believe. The cleansing agent in our spiritual growth is faith in the Lord. Without it, we won’t be redeemed. Without believing, we are not covered by the blood of Jesus. We will still be covered in sin, without the cross.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the blood of Jesus that purifies me.
REFLECTION
What do you do to clean your hearts, mind and bodies?
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

BREATH THAT BRINGS FAITH ALIVE

Posted on December 10, 2014 by ilmaarts

December 10 The Power of God’s Word
Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. – James 2:26(NLT)
BREATH THAT BRINGS FAITH ALIVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you believe in God like Abraham did?
He was God’s friend when he believed
Abraham was ready to do anything for the Lord
He was willing to give his son to bring God laud.
Faith alone will not totally glorify God
It will fire it up but does not show true love
Good works will be the breath that brings faith alive
It is when we put faith in action that brings light and life.
We come to Christ through faith but he has commanded us to love one another and it is best shown in acts of kindness. The book of James boldly challenges believers to show their faith through works. He says that faith without good deeds is dead. He poses questions for practical application of our faith in James 2:15-16. Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Goodbye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”- but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to show acts of kindness to others.
REFLECTION
Why do we need to do good works?
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 BRINGS RUIN Poem Devotional

Posted on December 9, 2014 by ilmaarts

December 8 The Power of God’s Word
What sorrow awaits my rebellious children, says the Lord. “You make plans that are contrary to mine. You make alliances not directed by my spirit, thus piling up your sins. – Isaiah 30:1(NLT)
REBELLION BRINGS RUIN
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who believe the Lord and continue to sin
They will be held answerable to only Him
If you want to stay faithful to your creator
You acknowledge that no one else is greater.
Those who continually rebel and disobey the Lord
They will find sorrow at the end of the road
If you makes alliances not directed by God’s spirit
You will find out later that the enemy is the culprit.
Do you have any idea how a rebel’s life is like? Rebellion brings ruin. I can testify to the validity of this statement. I was a strong willed child and was brought up by 2 strong willed parents. Another strong willed aunt added to the picture of many strong willed people living with each other. It brought so much ruin and sorrow to our family. God revealed to me that these strongholds of rebellion were passed on from many generations.
Isaiah 30:1 says that sorrow awaits those who are lawless. He also says that the more you rebel, the more you get buried in sin. Obedience was something that Jesus exampled in his life. He saved our sins through perfect obedience.
PRAYER
I will obey you Lord.
REFLECTION
What other areas of your life need obedience?
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 JEALOUS GOD Poem Devotional

Posted on December 7, 2014 by ilmaarts

December 6 The Power of God’s Word
Therefore, I myself, the Sovereign Lord, am now your enemy. I will punish you publicly while all the nations watch. Because of your detestable idols, I will punish you like I have never punished anyone before or ever will again.
– Ezekiel 5:8-9 (NLT)
A JEALOUS GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you professed your love for Jesus
Did you ever consider that he can be very jealous?
He wants you to love him very faithfully
He doesn’t want competition and hates idolatry.
If you put everything else before him
He will reveal to you that it is a sin
He detests idols and considers it adultery
He wants your complete faithfulness and loyalty.
Have you ever experienced jealousy in any of your relationships? In human relationships, jealousy can be a negative behavior. Do you ever wonder where jealousy comes from? In Exodus 34:14, God’s very name is Jealous. So, we must have gotten jealousy it from our spiritual DNA. In God’s economy, jealousy is very different from our worldly view. God is jealous because he knows what is best for us. We were given a glimpse of the wrath of God in Ezekiel 5:8-9 when the Israelites were having idols. God actually showed them how he detested idolatry. James called it adultery in his book.
PRAYER
Lord, keep me faithful to you.
REFLECTION
Do you make God first in everything?
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

DEVOTING TIME TO PRAY Poem Devotional

Posted on December 5, 2014 by ilmaarts

December 4 The Power of God’s Word
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
– Colossians 4:2 (NLT)
DEVOTING TIME TO PRAY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you wake up looking forward to a new day?
Are you thankful for seeing the sun’s ray?
How much of your thoughts are in disarray
Are you alert to everything that happens or do you stray?
Devote yourselves to prayer with a renewed mind
Allow God’s word to make you see and not stay blind
When you spend time with the Lord, you are using your time wisely
When you waste your time, you will be consumed by the enemy.
Making prayer a task or duty rather than an act of love is one of the many causes why people don’t pray enough. Do you remember the last time you were in love? Didn’t you want to be with that person always and talk to him or her? You want to know everything about the person’s thoughts and character. It’s the same with prayer. If we love God, then we will devote time to talk to him and be with him so we can know him deeply. We would drop everything we are doing, just to be with him. Just like any relationship, the more time we invest, the more intimacy and growth we gain.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to talk to you at all times.
REFLECTION
What are the challenges you face with regards to your prayer life?
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

UPSIDE OF SUFFERING Poem Devotional

Posted on November 28, 2014 by ilmaarts

November 27 The Power of God’s Word
I am glad when I suffer for you in my body for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continued for his body, the church. –Colossians 1:26 (NLT)
UPSIDE OF SUFFERING
A poem and essay by ILMA
What do you do when you are continually abused and people put you down?
Do you react by being angry, withdraw or do you succumb?
Believers are called to embrace suffering, just like Christ
We are called to participate in his body without a fight.
We don’t need to endure when there is no resistance
The test is in the trials; that is the source of patience
The upside of suffering is going through the finish
Focus on the kingdom and you’ll be able to put up with the anguish.
Human suffering is part of life. The “world” has bombarded society with the avoidance of suffering. We live in a “microwave age” where everything is about quick self-gratification. Society has put so much premium on getting quick fixes and fast results in almost everything.
Paul teaches the Colossians to look at the upside of suffering. He invites believers to be glad when they suffer in their bodies. It is a privilege to partake in Christ’s suffering. By dying to our wants and desires, we are participating in the suffering that Christ endured in order to pay in full our debts and free us from sin.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to endure quietly.
REFLECTION
What challenges are you enduring for 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

SECRET TO LONGEVITY AND PROSPERITY Poem Devotional

Posted on November 26, 2014 by ilmaarts

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November 26 The Power of God’s Word
Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.- Psalm 34:12-13 (NLT)
SECRET TO LONGEVITY AND PROSPERITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you want to live a long and prosperous life?
Have you been feeding on the word to be in the light?
Do you take care of your heart and your body?
Does your mouth talk about things that are pure and godly?
If you want to live long and be wealthy
You ought to keep your tongue from words that are filthy
Keep lies out of your lips then you will gain prosperity
When you follow Christ, you will thrive and have longevity.
So many seminars on prosperity are taken by people obsessed with getting rich. In God’s economy, there is a different secret ingredient to have longevity and be prosperous. Psalm 34 speaks about the formula to gain long life and wealth. It says that we must keep our tongues from speaking evil and our lips from telling lies.
I suspect that unbelievers will find this key ingredient very bizarre because they don’t understand how God operates. An authentic Christian who has walked with God long enough and has spiritually grown knows that everything that thrives is a result of a pure heart and a good mouth.
PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from lies.
REFLECTION
Why do you think people tell lies and speak evil?
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

CLING TO THE WORD OF LIFE Poem Devotional

Posted on November 24, 2014 by ilmaarts

November 24 The Power of God’s Word
Hold firmly to the word of life, then on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.
– Philippians 2:16(NLT)
CLING TO THE WORD OF LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you challenged with life these days?
Cling to the word of life and run the race!
Jesus is the only way to have eternal life
His word frees us from sin and brings us light.
Feed on the word that comes from Him
It is the cure for all illnesses and sin
Work at knowing the truth that sets you free
Choose peace and love and God will make you see.
What world beliefs keep you bonded to sin? The system of this world is very different from God’s economy. The world wants self gratification while the other dies to self. It is not hard to spot the “worldly” from the “godly.” The “wordly” seeks to please the self while the “godly” seeks to please the Lord. Worldliness blinds people from the truth. They cling to lies that will not compromise their earthly comfort.
The bible tells us to hold firmly to the word of life, Jesus. He is the answer to everything. If we run the race towards knowing God, we will benefit from it on the day of Christ’s return.
PRAYER
Keep me holy Lord.
REFLECTION
How do you cling to the word of life?
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

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