A PASSION FOR CHRIST Poem Devotional

October 13
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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

KEEP A CLEAR MIND Poem Devotional

October 7
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But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. – 2 Timothy 4:5(NLT)
KEEP A CLEAR MIND
A poem and essay by ILMA
A follower of Christ keeps his mind clear
He is to walk in love so he can overcome fear
When he constantly focuses on his commands
He will successfully manage life’s demands.
Don’t be afraid to suffer for the Lord
He gives strength as you struggle in this world
Work at telling the Good News to one another
Fully carry out your ministry to your sisters and brothers.
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It is a novelty these days to have a clear mind. With the rise of social media and many different companies that try to sell their products to us, we are bombarded with so much information and images. These doesn’t help our minds, body and spirit. The enemy wants to distract us from focusing on what the Lord wants us to do. The bible says in 1 Corinthians 14:33 that we don’t have a god of confusion but of peace. So when our minds are confused, Satan is surely working on us to steal our peace.
The antidote to a cluttered mind is to read Scriptures and allow it to speak to you. God renews your mind when you let him.
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PRAYER
Lord, remind me to always focus on you and your word.
REFLECTION
What do you usually do when you start to get confused and doubtful?
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 EQUIPS HIS PEOPLE Poem Devotional

October 6
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God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:17(NLT)
GOD EQUIPS HIS PEOPLE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you became a believer
His word guides you to be a victor
God equips his people to do good works
Scriptures is a map for us to navigate this world.
When God chose you to be one of his
He will give you all the tools you need
Trust in the Lord so you can spiritually mature
He wants you to have a heart that is pure.
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As a high school teacher fifteen years ago, my goal is to make sure that the learning process happens. Teachers were expected to write detailed weekly lesson plans targeting cognitive, affective and psychomotor objectives. Since we all have different learning styles, we were given the responsibility to cater to the different learning styles of students so we can hit the maximum literacy. We have to give our students tools to equip them to do whatever it takes to acquire skills and aptitudes.
The bible tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that God gave us the Scriptures so we can use it to teach us what is true. It makes us realize what is wrong in our lives, corrects us when we do wrong and teaches us to do what’s right. It is the tool that equips us to do every good work.
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PRAYER
Thank you for giving me your words so I can stay righteous.
REFLECTION
How can we take advantage of the tool God gave us to do good works?
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

THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT Poem Devotional

October 4
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Now all of you can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. -Ephesians 2:18(NLT)
THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Through the Holy Spirit, we can come to the Lord
He made this possible when Christ died on the cross
All of you who believe in God have the Spirit inside you
In faith, he transforms you and make your life new.
Through the Holy Spirit, you can get revelations
Without his help, you will succumb to temptations
Through God’s Spirit, you are given authority
It is only by accepting him will you have victory.
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I have been guided and directed by the Holy Spirit since I accepted Jesus when I was seven years old. It may seem unreal to some people about how I was literally pulled out from many occasions of traumas and abuse by God’s Spirit. Even at that very young age, I was given instructions through my regular talking with Jesus. I believe that even when I didn’t read the bible until I was in my late twenties, the Holy Spirit kept watch over me and taught me how to thrive despite the circumstances surrounding me. He built me up and if not for his guidance, I will not be where I am today.
Paul speaks about our right standing with God through Jesus’ blood which allowed him to live inside us.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for welcoming us through your Spirit.
REFLECTION
Do you hear the Spirit’s voice when he tells you something? Relate an experience.
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

YOU DON’T OWN YOURSELF Poem Devotional

eugenia falls and chasing clouds 579

October 1
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You do not belong to yourself. For God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT)
YOU DON’T OWN YOURSELF
A poem and essay by ILMA
God created you for his kingdom plan
He bought you with the sacrifice of his Son
You don’t belong to yourself, he owns you
Honor your body and let your mind be renewed.
Stop thinking you can do anything with your body
Honor him by focusing to him all of your abilities
You bring him praise by sharing the gifts he gave you
He is gloried when you acknowledge him and heed the truth.
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How often have you thought that your body is your own? For many years, I thought that way. As a result of this kind of thinking, I did many things to my body that didn’t really honor the Lord. I used it so I can edify my own self. I honed my skills and gifts to get attention from others and prove I was worthy. I was vain and shallow in adorning myself with superficial things. I didn’t realize that true beauty lies in following the truth of God’s word and living a life of integrity. I thank God that he revealed to me this stinking thinking and made me realize how much he bought me back with a high price. Now, I do my best to honor him with my body.
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PRAYER
Lord, always remind me that I don’t own my whole being.
REFLECTION
What things have you done that doesn’t honor 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

CONSEQUENCE OF A RECKLESS LIFE Poem Devotional

port elgin camping 2012 215

September 30
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He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his great foolishness.
-Proverbs 5:23(NLT)
CONSEQUENCE OF A RECKLESS LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you decide to go on a road to selfishness
You will find it easy to do all kinds of wickedness
It may seem enticing to satisfy all your selfish desires
But you will suffer the consequences of it later on in life.
When you don’t exercise self-control; you’ll suffer penalties
Relationships will end because of your selfishness and cruelty
When you live a life of lawlessness and abandon
You may lose your inheritance in God’s kingdom.
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When you drive your vehicle without following any rules or speeding as much as you want to, what happens? You may get a ticket for speeding, collide with another vehicle and cause an accident, or you may destroy your vehicle during the reckless ride. The most fatal thing that can happen is you die or someone else dies because of your lawless driving. Isn’t the same thing true with the way we live our lives? We all go through teenage years and when we do, we almost always do many foolish things because we are reckless. Eventually, when we have had enough loses because of these reckless living, we may learn wisdom from our mistakes. A foolish person doesn’t think far back to the future. They live without limits causing downfall.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to consult you in all things so I don’t make foolish decisions.
REFLECTION
What was the consequence of a reckless decision you made in the past?
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