Tag Archives: ILMA ARTS STUDIO

HOW TO RECEIVE GOD’S GRACE Poem Devotional

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February 26________________________________________
Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God.
– Hebrews 12:15 (NLT)
HOW TO RECEIVE GOD’S GRACE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you committed yourself to Jesus?
Do you know how much you are precious?
If you want to receive God’s grace
You must do what the word says.
Look after each other so no one fails to receive it
Then you will be harvesting the fruits of the Spirit
He commanded us to care for one another
Are you showing your love for your sisters and brothers?
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The word ‘grace’ (CHEN in Hebrew, CHARIS in Greek), as it is used in the scriptures, literally means ‘favour’, to bend or stoop in kindness to another as a superior to an inferior. It has the idea of graciousness in manner or action. When used in reference to God, it is the benevolent action of Him stooping down to us in His kindness to reach us in our need, and convey upon us a benefit. What an awesome God! He stoops down to our level just so he can show his love for us. Have you ever been loved this much by anyone?
The bible tells us that there is a requirement to receive the grace of God. He wants us to look after each other so that we won’t miss it. By loving others, we show that we love him.
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PRAYER
Show me how to live in your grace always.
REFLECTION
Why do some Christians fail to live in God’s grace?
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

MERCY EACH MORNING Poem Devotional

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February 25________________________________________
Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. -Lamentations 3:23(NLT)
MERCY EACH MORNING
A poem and essay by ILMA
To those who love the Lord with all their heart
They will have mercy each morning; what a start!
God’s love is unconditional and unfailing
Be faithful in return so you won’t keep falling.
Is there anyone else who could forgive you each time?
He waits for you to return when you commit a crime
Great is his faithful, his mercies begin afresh each day
Seek him constantly; he is faithful to those who obey.
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There were many years that I tortured myself with guilt when I did something wrong. I sometimes punished myself for my sins. It was a life full of remorse and condemnation. I never felt that I was good enough for anyone especially for God. I always critiqued myself harshly. I get so down and hopeless at times when I know I broke a rule or a law of the church. I did not realize that these attitude and thinking were the result of the legalism I grew up into. Corporal punishment was the way adults disciplined children. So much rules, but very little love and affection.
The bible tells us that God is faithful and he forgives and gives us grace and mercy each morning. We need not compare God with our parents and other caregivers. He is a merciful God.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness and mercy.
REFLECTION
What are the ways that you can manifest mercy to others?
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 FOR TODAY Poem Devotional

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February 24

Don’t long for the good old days. This is not wise. -Ecclesiastes 7:10(NLT)

LIVE FOR TODAY

A poem and essay by ILMA

Don’t yearn for the good old days

They are long gone, just think of today

When you look in the past and pine for it

It will hinder your growth and block God’s spirit.

When you focus so much on tomorrow

It may bind you to worries and sorrows

Live for today and continue to pray

God’s perspective will easily be on the way.

Our world is beset by so much seeking for control. We want to have control over our health, our children, our spouse, our jobs, our time, our finances, and many more. The enemy has lured us all into doing things and being independent, which sometimes can go way over. It can dangerously lead us to isolation and self-reliance.  I had my share of this pursuit to take control of many things until God saved me from this detrimental obsession to take charge and fix things.  I participated in this futile act of “control” by worrying too much, planning unrealistically and overanalyzing things and situations. Anxiety over the future led me to have all kinds of illnesses. I didn’t realize that the stress was taking a big effect on my body and mind. Planning unrealistic dreams set up me up for frustrations. Now, God taught me how to live for today and rely on him.

PRAYER

Lord, help me to live one day at a time.

REFLECTION

How can focusing on the present allow you to stay healthy?

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

SORROW REFINES US Poem Devotional

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February 23________________________________________
Sorrow is better than laughter for sadness has a refining influence on us.
-Ecclesiastes 7:3(NLT)
SORROW REFINES US
A poem and essay by ILMA
When we go through trials and challenges
We can stay broken or embrace changes
Let grief bring us closer to Christ
It can refine us and transform our lives.
Losing something or someone can bring pain
Looking up to Jesus will turn that agony into gain
Allow the Holy Spirit to comfort and console you
If you learn to live with sorrow, you’ll be renewed.
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There are many people who do not deal with grief or loss in a godly manner. Some people stay stuck in blaming, anger or wallowing in pity. I got stuck in anger for many years simply because I didn’t acknowledge the loses I went through. I fixed myself and covered up the anger with performance and achievements. I was deceived by the enemy into thinking that I can patch up all my pain with worldly pursuits. So it took over five decades of running around in circles of anger which later turned into rage. It wasn’t explosive outward fury. It was a very subtle slow form of wrath that imprisoned my spirit. Because I didn’t acknowledge the many loses I had, it opened the door for more sins. The bible tells us that sorrow is better than laughter for it refines us and brings us on our knees to God.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to have a positive attitude towards sorrow.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you grieved over someone or something? Did it make you strong?
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

LESS TALKING IS BETTER Poem Devotional

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February 22________________________________________
The more words you speak, the less they mean. So what good are they?
-Ecclesiastes 6:11(NLT)
LESS TALKING IS BETTER
A poem and essay by ILMA
The more words you speak
The less they mean
Less talking is better for you
You don’t have to explain your views.
Let the word of God be uttered as is
He wants you to share without changing it
The Lord is concise and speaks less
Talking much is futile and meaningless.
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I used to talk and explain myself a lot. I have always been a detailed person. I think I became obsessed with details and explaining a lot because I was deprived of talking when I was growing up. It was the way I coped with that freedom to speak up. From a young girl who had no confidence in airing out her thoughts and ideas, I became a very outspoken and opinionated teenager to others outside my family. I got into the theater profession as a stage manager and actress, so that totally changed that quiet soft spoken girl into an over-confident and haughty woman. I loved Philosophy during my college days and I love to read so I could be knowledgeable and show off to others that I am good at many things. I would argue my way into persuading others with my verbosity. The bible tells us to speak less or much words can be used by Satan to make us sin.
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PRAYER
Thank you Lord for being concise but a man of few words.
REFLECTION
How do you open doors to Satan when you talk too much?
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

YOUR DESTINY Poem Devotional

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February 21________________________________________
Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there’s no use arguing with God about your destiny. – Ecclesiastes 6:10(NLT)
YOUR DESTINY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you aware of what your destiny is?
God decided how you will live in bliss
He knew already what each person would be
He gave you gifts to spread his word and bring
There is no point in arguing what you are made for
He created you in his image so you can explore
Our heavenly Father has a plan to bring all in his kingdom
Live in his love, peace, blessings and enjoy your freedom.
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I lived many years arguing with God what my destiny was. I didn’t even realize then that I was living out of his will because I didn’t know what he wanted me to be. No one has told me about God’s truth in his word, so I coasted along for so many years conforming to this world’s standards. I didn’t acknowledge and praise God for whatever gifts I had because I thought that I was entitled to such gifts after all the pains and traumas I have been through. It was many decades later that I found out that I had been resisting the plans God had for me by following worldly ways. There’s no use contesting what has already been planned for your life.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to live according to your plans.
REFLECTION
What was the result when you argued with God about your destiny?
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 WATCHES AND RESCUE Poem Devotional

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February 20________________________________________
But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine. – Psalm 33:18-19(NLT)
GOD WATCHES AND RESCUES
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is troubling you today?
Don’t you believe what the word says?
Those who rely on his unfailing love
They will be guarded from up above.
He sends his army of angel to recue you
Believe his word for it is right and true
God watches and rescues all those who fear him
Are you one of those who want to be redeemed?
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Trust is an integral factor in relationships. Without it, there is no way that the relationship can thrive. In a parent-child relationship, the children, especially before they turn to adolescents have no choice but to trust and believe what their parents say. Parents are entrusted their offspring and expects parents to love and care for them. When parents are not living up to the responsibilities that are entrusted to them by God, they are not faithful to God’s plan for them.
God loves children so much that no one can enter his kingdom unless they are like little children. He watches and protects them from any danger and ensures they are nourished and nurtured. He is the same way to all those who believe in him. He is faithfully watching and rescuing them.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being such a good father to all your children.
REFLECTION
Why is faith very important in your relationship with 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

GOD KNOWS EACH PERSON’S HEART Poem Devotional

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February 19________________________________________
From his throne he observes all who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do. – Psalm 33:14-15(NLT)
GOD KNOWS EACH PERSON’S HEART
A poem and essay by ILMA
Who can ever know what is in a man’s heart?
Who knows you through and through from the very start?
God made every living creature and each human being
He patterned them in his image so there is no hiding.
God knows each person’s heart from the very core
He can understand how it works even before it is formed
There is no point in running away from your heavenly father
He knows everything; after all, he is your maker.
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Before I was a born again Christian, I had this habit of guessing people’s intentions and thinking. I think I learned this ungodly behavior from my work as a stage manager and an actor. When we make a character sketch of the role we are playing, we presume and assume certain traits of the person based on what they are saying and doing in the manuscript. I didn’t realize that this habit intersected my real life. I began guessing what people think and judge their actions.
1 Samuel 16:7 says that God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. Only God knows each person’s heart for he made us all.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me never to try to interpret people’s hearts.
REFLECTION
Why is it dangerous to assume or presume other people’s intentions?
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

JOY TO GOD’S PEOPLE Poem Devotional

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February 18________________________________________
What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance. – Psalm 33:12(NLT)
JOY TO GOD’S PEOPLE
A poem and essay by ILMA
What joy for those who believe in the Lord
They will be victorious and overcome this world
If you are committed to Christ, you will be his heir
You will experience his joy for he is generous and fair.
He will shower his people with an overflow
They will reap a harvest from the seeds they’ve sown
Rejoice and be glad for you will have an abundance
He will gladly fulfill his promises and hand you an inheritance.
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For so many years, I didn’t know how to enjoy life. I strived and worked so hard at every dream or goal I set. I was so consumed with I, me and myself? I think it’s impossible to experience joy if one is so self-centered and self-driven. There is always that nagging thought that I have to possess more or that I have to perform well in anything I get myself into. I have to aim for perfection. When things do not go well as I envisioned it, I become so frustrated and feel like a failure. Then I beat myself up to reach the maximum effort or performance. What a tiring and stressful life. No wonder, I had so much trouble. The bible says that joy comes only from choosing God.
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PRAYER
Lord, show me how to be faithful to you so I can experience joy always.
REFLECTION
What manifestations of joy have you experienced after choosing Christ?
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’S PLAN IS UNSHAKEABLE

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February 17________________________________________
But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.
Psalm 33:11(NLT)
GOD’S PLAN IS UNSHAKEABLE
A poem and essay by ILMA
There is only one plan that will be good for you
It is the Lord’s and only his that will get you through
Our creator is the one who knows what is best for you
Why do you continue to live out of his will or argue?
God’s plan is unshakeable and will stand firm endlessly
It is the best path to take so you can live victoriously
Why would you settle for a life that he didn’t plan?
He wants you to be triumphant that’s why he sent his Son.
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I was a stage manager in the theater for over twenty years, it was very hard to give up control. As a stage manager, one has to foresee things that may happen that wasn’t planned. Stage managers must be able to think ahead and see many alternative solutions to possible problems even before they become problems. He or she must be decisive and multi-tasked and see things on a very objective perspective. Overseeing things and micromanaging is also imperative if you are in this profession. As a result of long years of working in this profession, I had trouble following God’s will for me because I always relied on my own judgment and decision making skills. The bible tells us that only God’s plan is foolproof and can never be shaken.
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PRAYER
Lord, make me obedient to your plans.
REFLECTION
What happens if you go against God’s will and plans for your life?
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