CONSEQUENCE OF SIN Poem Devotional

October 19
________________________________________
When righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things, they will die for it. Yes, they will die because of their sinful deeds. – Ezekiel 18:26(NLT)
CONSEQUENCE OF SIN
A poem and essay by ILMA
When a believer decides to continue sinning
He will be blinded and crave for evil things
They will grieve God’s Spirit living inside them
It will open the door for Satan to easily tempt.
The consequence of sin is death to your spirit
If you ask for forgiveness, you will be freed
When you choose to sin, you choose death
When you run to him, you will find rest.
________________________________________
If you have been living a life of denial, you open up yourself to dangerous living. Those who have never known the Lord will not know the consequences of their sinful living. It is just normal for them. I lived many years in denial that I was angry and that I had so many losses. I hid in performance and wanted people to approve me. I didn’t have self-worth. I was a very insecure person and felt empty because I didn’t feel like I belong to a family. I lived following what the world taught me: to seek pleasure and satisfy myself so I can cover up the pain of losing so many things in my life. I was spiritually dead for five decades, but God resurrected my spirit in Christ.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, never let me compromise my love for you with worldly desires.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to know the truth in order to make good choices?
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 AND NOT DIE Poem Devotional

October 18
________________________________________
But if wicked people turn away from all their sins and begin to obey my decrees and do what is just and right, they will surely live and not die. All their past sins will be forgotten and they will live because of the righteous things they have done. – Ezekiel 18:21-22(NLT)
LIVE AND NOT DIE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ?
Turn away from evil and you will have a new life
Do what is just and right so you will surely live
Seek the Lord first and the truth so you’ll be free.
Confess and repent so you will be forgiven
Even here on earth you can experience heaven
Choose to live in truth and you will never die
Christ died so you can be free and live a joyful life.
________________________________________
Do you ever wonder why someone would choose death over life? It doesn’t make sense why we would want to die instead of live. In the physical realm, we normally always choose to live but sometimes we choose death in our spiritual walk. When believers make choices based on their whims and desires, they choose death instead of life. When they knowingly disobey his commands, we lose our right standing with God. God will forgive transform you into the new person he planned for you to be. Choose God and you will never die.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for dying for me so I can live.
REFLECTION
When have you chosen death over life in your spiritual walk? How did God pull you out of death?
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 ONE WHO SINS Poem Devotional

October 17
________________________________________
The person who sins is the one who will die. The child will not be punished for the parent’s sins, and the parent will not be punished for the child’s sins. Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness. -Ezekiel 18:20(NLT)
THE ONE WHO SINS
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you deliberately choose a life in sin
You will die spiritually and your life will be grim
No one else will bear your own wrongdoing
You will be rewarded if you choose the right things.
The one who sins forfeits heaven if they continue
If you repent, God will transform and change you
Righteous people will be rewarded for their good choices
Wickedness will always lead you to bad consequences
________________________________________
In the book of Ezekiel, chapter 18 gives us a clear picture of the justice of a righteous God. This verse we are talking about answers the question if a child pays for the sins of his or her parents. It clearly says that the one who sins is the one who receives death. It is not passed on to the children. The parents are not also going to die because of their children’s death. Galatians 6:5 supports this verse as well since it says that we are each responsible for our own conduct. There is a reward to those who repent and turn from wickedness.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being a just God.
REFLECTION
How can you influence others to repent and turn back to God?
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

DON’T DRIFT AWAY Poem Devotional

October 16
________________________________________
So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.
-Hebrews 2:1(NLT)
DON’T DRIFT AWAY
A poem and essay by ILMA
What things causes you to drift away?
Are there lies you believe that keeps you astray?
Do you regularly seek the Lord and his word?
It actually guides you to understand this world.
Listen carefully to the truth you’ve heard
Don’t drift away from it as fast as a bird
Embrace every detail of the truth’s certainty
Don’t be lost in this world’s false reality.
________________________________________
Many of us easily drift from God’s will and his commands. We get tossed and turned by the waves of this corrupt world. Even though we have heard God’s truth for a very long time, we still get derailed from living the instructions of the Lord. Why do we drift from the truth? Many times it is caused by unconfessed sins. This is why the bible tells us to immediately confess our sins as soon as we are convicted of it. The longer we delay the confession, the longer we will go astray. One unconfessed sin leads to another and another. Sooner or later, we will just find ourselves turning our backs to what we have been taught in God’s word.
Just like in hypnosis, we must not be keeping our eyes on this world’s pendulum of sin. Let’s focus on the Lord.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, help me not to drift away from your truth.
REFLECTION
How can studying God’s word prevent us from drifting away.
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

WHEN I AM SINKING Poem Devotional

October 15
________________________________________
But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” -Matthew 14:30-31(NLT)
WHEN I AM SINKING
A poem and essay by ILMA
When I am drowning in fear
I feel your presence so near
When I get tossed by challenges
You are there to make changes.
When I am sinking in unbelief
You are still there to give me relief
When I am overwhelmed and discouraged
You lift me up so I can be encouraged.
________________________________________
What do you do when you start sinking? The instinctive drowning response is an instinctive reaction that occurs in humans when close to drowning. While distress and panic may sometimes take place beforehand, drowning itself is quick and often silent. A person close to the point of drowning is unable to keep their mouth above water long enough to breathe properly and is unable to shout. Lacking air, their body cannot perform the voluntary efforts involved in waving or seeking attention.
When we start to sink in debt, losses, unbelief, addiction, worries, troubles, our initial reaction is usually fear. We’d do anything to cope with the helplessness the situation. They are called coping mechanisms. Couldn’t we just run to the Lord and ask him to save us instead?
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, remind me that you are always there to pull me out when I am sinking.
REFLECTION
What are you sinking into right now? Have you asked God’s assistance?
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 PASSION FOR CHRIST Poem Devotional

October 13
________________________________________
But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first. Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first.
-Revelations 2:4-5(NLT)
A PASSION FOR CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you forgotten the first time you committed to Christ?
You were full of passion to give him your whole life
You couldn’t stop thinking of him day and night
You couldn’t get enough of his radiant glory light.
What happened to you? Now you lost your passion
You are corrupted by the world and live in deception
Turn back to God who is full of love for you
Give him your all and continue to live a life that’s new.
________________________________________
Do you remember the first time your heart was on fire for someone? Maybe it is the first time you met your spouse or the first time you laid eyes on your child. Could it be that passion you first felt for a job that you so wanted? We all have experienced to be full of love for someone or something. Then, after a while, you become so familiar and used to being with this person and take him or her for granted.
The Lord admonishes us when we give him lukewarm love. He wants us to repent and return to him whenever we are not passionate for him.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, keep me on fire always for you.
REFLECTION
What can hinder us from a life of passion for Jesus and other believers?
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

ON FELLOWSHIP AND WORSHIP Poem Devotional

October 12
________________________________________
They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper and shared their meals with great joy and generosity. – Acts 2: 46(NLT)
ON FELLOWSHIP AND WORSHIP
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you go gather to worship with your spiritual family?
Do you share meals with others to remind you of Christ’s suffering?
Believers are all called to build relationships in the body
Do you try to encourage and connect with others regularly?
When two or more gather in God’s name, He is in their midst
Sharing your joy to God’s people is like giving him thanks
Encourage and share your burdens and testimony
It builds up the body of Jesus Christ greatly.
________________________________________
One of the gauge of an authentic Christian life is a healthy relationship with other believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 suggests that we must think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works and tells us not to neglect meeting with one another to encourage each other. We cannot call ourselves true believers if all we do is go to church on Sunday and listen to the sermon and not even talk to anyone in the church. Can you imagine being in a family and no one acknowledges the presence of each other? Many homes are broken because there are no relationships built. Let’s worship together with other Christians, share meals and grow in faith.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for giving us a family of believers.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to fellowship, connect and share with other believers?
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

FREE INDEED Poem Devotional

October 11
________________________________________
You have died with Christ and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world. -Colossians 3:20 (NLT)
FREE INDEED
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you believed in Jesus Christ
He has freed you from bondage in this life
Why do you keep on following the world’s rules?
Shouldn’t you be focused only on God’s truth?
When Christ suffered and died for you on the cross
You were freed and no longer slaves to sin and lost
Be faithful to the only one who can keep you free
He alone can grant you forgiveness and mercy.
________________________________________
There are some believers who do not live in the freedom that was given to them when Christ died on the cross for all of us sinners. It took me many years before I finally accepted the new life that I received from Christ’s blood. I kept on going back to my old self but once I got revelation from our Lord, I made a decision to choose to live that free life that was a result of his sacrifice.
When we focus on the standards of this world, it would be very difficult to stay free. Satan wants to steal, kill and destroy our relationship with God. Focus on Jesus and you will know the truth and will be set free.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for granting me freedom from sin by your blood.
REFLECTION
What attitudes and habits do you need to give up so you can stay free?
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 AND THANKFULNESS Poem Devotional

October 9
________________________________________
And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. – Colossians 3:15(NLT)
LIVE IN PEACE AND THANKFULNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Peace can only come by allowing Christ to rule your life
It is a fruit that is given to those who commit to Christ
As members of one body, you are called to live in peace
Be thankful in all things and constantly seek God and heed.
The Lord will provide for all your needs; trust him completely
He will never forsake you, he loves you faithfully
Pursue peace and always have a thankful heart
It will protect you from all evil and let Satan depart.
________________________________________
What do you have to thank for today? It is amazing how many of us forget to give thanks to the Lord for big or little things we receive from him. Do we really praise the Lord for all that we have no matter what it is? It is easy to thank him for something we have wanted to have, but do we also thank him for the trials, the suffering, the losses, the illnesses? We forget to thank him for stretching our patience, having strength, enduring and being resilient to face all our struggles. We are summoned in the bible to pursue peace at all cost and give thanks.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Grant me a thankful heart and attitude Lord.
REFLECTION
How can we really show gratitude to God on a daily basis?
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

CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS PRIZE Poem Devotional

October 8
________________________________________
And now the prize awaits me-the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. – 2 Timothy 4:8(NLT)
CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS PRIZE
A poem and essay by ILMA
What awaits those who love Jesus Christ?
Is it worth all the suffering you experience in life?
Look forward to the crown of righteousness
Be eager for this is the prize of your faithfulness.
Look forward to Christ’s coming like a child
Be excited for that honor, always abide
Don’t lose hope for he will take care of all believers
Press on and focus on that promised life, that is eternal
________________________________________
Have you ever joined a contest where you aim to win that prize when you finish that criteria set for you? I don’t usually join a competition to get the prize, but I usually use it to develop discipline and set deadlines for myself. The prize that I look forward to is knowing that I had the courage to join it and have the ability to go through the process of the challenge. It also is way for me to improve my skills and abilities and test myself to face changes that will improve me. We have the crown of righteousness to look forward to when Jesus Christ comes back for us.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, keep me in the path of righteousness constantly.
REFLECTION
What have you done in your life that brings you closer to receive the crown of righteousness?
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