Tag Archives: ILMA ARTS STUDIO

LIVING WITH HONOR Poem Devotional

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July 4
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We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable. – 2 Corinthians 8:20-21(NLT)
LIVING WITH HONOR
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you are a believer, you are expected to be faithful
Live with honor and integrity and always be truthful
Those who are committed to the Lord are honorable
They show others that they are respectable.
Be careful how you live for you will experience testing
Don’t give up on living pure and keep on believing
A dignified life is a proof of an authentic believer
It shows everyone that they are true disciples.
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How many people nowadays are honest even when others are not looking? We live in a world where many people show only the side that they want others to see. They hide their natural tendencies and keep others believing that they are respectful and honest. Some employees in companies just wait for the clock to timeout so they can go home. They don’t do anything beyond what their job description says. They use company time to do their personal emails or calls or use company resources for their own use.
Christians are expected to be honorable before the Lord and also before everyone else. Just as Christ showed us how to live a life full with integrity, believers are also expected to live a pure and honest life.
PRAYER
Lord, let me do the right thing whether someone is looking or not.
REFLECTION
How can we preserve a pure life in this very corrupt world?
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

FEARS AND BATTLES Poem Devotional

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July 3
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We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside. But God who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us.
– 2 Corinthians 7:5-6(NLT)
FEARS AND BATTLES
A poem and essay by ILMA
What things bring you anxiety?
Is it a fear of failure or cruelty?
We face conflicts from every direction
Are we ready to face all these temptations?
The Lord wants us to live out of fear
He created us out of love, that is for real!
God encourages those who are dejected
Don’t worry if you are oppressed or rejected.
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Have you ever felt that there were days in your life were fears and battles were constantly present? You worry about your children or spouse, you are consumed by all kinds of responsibilities and debts, you are scared failure or being rejected. These are just some of the examples of fears and battles that we can encounter on a frequent basis if not regular. The bible tells us “Do not fear” 365 times. Wonder why God repeated it that much? Maybe he wants us to remember not to be afraid daily for a year which totals 365 days. Isn’t that awesome? He knows our fears even before we recognize it. He cannot give us a conflict free life, but he is there to encourage those who fear and are facing daily battles and challenges in their lives. Run to God.
PRAYER
Lord, thanks so much for being there for me in my weakest moments.
REFLECTION
What fears or battles have overwhelmed you lately?
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

THERE’S LIFE IN SEEKING WISDOM Poem Devotional

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July 2
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For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But those who miss me injure themselves. All who hate me love death. – Proverbs 8:35-36(NLT)
THERE’S LIFE IN SEEKING WISDOM
A poem and essay by ILMA
Listen when wisdom calls out for you
He wants to put some sense and lead you to what’s true
Whoever finds wisdom receives favor from the Lord
Those who miss it can suffer and be easily injured.
Seek wisdom and you will find life
Avoid it and you will surely die
Do everything you can to embrace it
You will then reap fruits from the Holy Spirit.
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Some people think that there are those born without common sense or wisdom. The fact is that we have to purposely seek it. It is not just granted to us at birth. Usually babies are so naïve and pure. Eventually as they experience things and circumstances daily, they learn to process and have some common sense not to do the same mistakes again.
Proverbs 8 up to 9 talks specifically about wisdom. It tells us in detail the benefits and consequences of wisdom applied in our lives. Wisdom doesn’t come natural with us. It is a supernatural gift from God. Mere knowledge does not make us wise, but God’s words and his commands make us discern and understand things that our limited minds cannot fathom. It is wise for us to seek it to have life.
PRAYER
Lord, let me have a hunger for your wisdom.
REFLECTION
What benefits have you reaped from seeking wisdom?
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 RECEIVING MERCY Poem Devotional

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July 1
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People who conceal their sins will not prosper but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. – Proverbs 28:13(NLT)
ON RECEIVING MERCY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you easily grant forgiveness to those who wrong you?
God wants us to change our hearts and have our minds renewed
People who hide their sins will not prosper and move forward
They will have a hard time receiving mercy and reap God’s rewards.
Confess your sins and turn from them so you can be forgiven
You’ll be granted mercy if you remember to heed his voice and listen
He is faithful to absolve you from sin if you follow his lead
Ask and plead for mercy so he can grant your every need.
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One of the blocks of peace and joy is a lack of repentance. I would like to compare it to wearing clothes that have been soiled with dirt. When someone has spilled a drink on you, it is only logical to clean yourself up right away or you would be walking around with the stain in your clothes. Like sin, we usually don’t realize that we wear it on our sleeves. It shows in our demeanor and can even manifest in our bodies. We are summoned to confess our sins and turn from it so we can prosper. People who conceal their sins are blocked from receiving mercy and their dreams to come true.
PRAYER
Lord, give me a heart that is quick to repent.
REFLECTION
How has sin blocked you from moving towards your dreams or goals?
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

BEST PATHWAY FOR LIFE Poem Devotional

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June 30
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I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
-Psalm32:8 (NLT)
BEST PATHWAY FOR LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know which way to go?
Does your path lead you to growth?
God will guide you along the best pathway
He alone is the only option and the only way.
His path leads to joy, peace and righteousness
You will never find another place that is victorious
This road directly connects you to the he Father.
Follow Jesus’ lead and he will take you further.
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I have taken many different pathways in my young adult life while I searched for the one true God. The enemy didn’t waste any time misleading me through many different religions. Because I was fascinated by traditions and culture, I became an easy target for the enemy to work on. Because of rebellion and pride, I chose too many wrong paths which led me to much chaos and destruction in my life.
The bible tells us that if we run to God, he will guide us, advise and watch over us. If we confess our sins and seek him, he will direct us to the best pathway to life. He will counsel us what is good and tell us to avoid the bad. He will closely supervise us in little or big decisions for our own good.
PRAYER
Lord, always direct my path to where you want me to go.
REFLECTION
What happens when we choose our own will in making decisions?
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

CONSEQUENCES OF SIN Poem Devotional

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June 29
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When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long.
-Psalm 32:3 (NLT)
CONSEQUENCES OF SIN
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you experience pain inside your being?
Do you feel hopeless as a consequence of sin?
When you refuse to confess your wickedness
It is impossible to stay in God’s righteousness
Your body gets wasted away, your mind gets foggy
You groan and whine all day and your sight gets cloudy
Sin will stop you from receiving God’s purification
It deprives you of his mercy and salvation.
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In my twenties up until my early fifties I was in denial of anger. I repressed it and covered it up with achievements, performance and seeking approval. I piled up all my sins and never really confessed it. As a result, I experienced emotional, mental and physical pains. I was in and out of doctors’ offices and hospitals because I was always sick with something. I still denied my sins and even justified them to God. One day, I became so sick that I couldn’t literally lift my fingers. I had to rely on a very young cousin who was about twelve years old and a son who was eight years old. God taught me a hard lesson. He showed me to slow down and to confess my sin so I can get healing. He made me lean on no one else but him.
PRAYER
Lord, give me a repentant heart who is truly sorry for my sins.
REFLECTION
What were the consequences of un-repented sins in 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

CONTRITION AND FORGIVENESS Poem Devotional

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June 28
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I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain. But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done. – Psalm 38:17-18 (NLT)
CONTRITION AND FORGIVENESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
When I forget to prioritize God each day
To the enemy, I become an easy prey
The world tempts us with so many choices
Don’t be enticed to listen to all its many voices.
When I am on the verge of a breakdown
I get on my knees and focus on the one and only Son
I confess my sins and repent so I can be forgiven
Only by believing in Jesus can I also be risen.
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I used to have a severe case of migraine attacks in my early twenties up to my late thirties. I really had it so bad that I would sometimes hit my head on the wall to be relieved of pain, which was probably not good for me. But when you feel that excruciating pain coupled with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and hypersensitivity to lights, sounds and smells, you will do anything to alleviate yourself of all these migraine symptoms. One can usually detect a migraine as soon as you wake up in the morning. I had collapsed and was hospitalized for a week due to it. Like migraine, Sin can bring us much pain but confession and contrition can bring us freedom and forgiveness from God.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to run to you as soon as I commit a sin.
REFLECTION
What happens when you delay confession and contrition?
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

LETTING GOD ANSWER FOR YOU Poem Devotional

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June 27
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I choose to hear nothing, and I make no reply. For I am waiting for you, O Lord. You must answer for me, O Lord my God. -Psalm 38:15 (NLT)
LETTING GOD ANSWER FOR YOU
A poem and essay by ILMA
When people say things to put you down
Do not retaliate back or even frown
Run to the Lord and let God answer for you
He knows everything that you are going through.
Trust in the Lord for he is your protector
He will comfort you and he is faithful
Remember all his promises to those who trust him
He will grant you mercy and shower you with blessings.
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I had a friend who never retaliated back to anyone who unjustly treat or harm him. I remember telling him that he should fight back and confront those who maltreat him. He just smiled at me and said “I let it go.” I couldn’t understand this concept because I was so worldly and arrogant. I always had to prove that I was right and others were wrong. What puzzled me was that this friend of mine had so much peace and blessings in his life and I couldn’t comprehend how he isn’t bothered by injustice done to him.
The bible tells us to choose to hear nothing and make no reply to those who hurt or treat us unfairly. He wants us to let him handle it.
PRAYER
Lord, let me surrender all control to you.
REFLECTION
Share an instance how letting God have control over those who hurt you.
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

PLEA OF AN ANGUISHED HEART Poem Devotional

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June 26
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I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart.
– Psalm 38:8 (NLT)
PLEA OF AN ANGUISHED HEART
A poem and essay by ILMA
Each day I feel crushed and lonely
I am tired and beat up from agony
My groans come from an anguished heart
It makes me feel so alone and apart.
Lord, I cry out to you so you can rescue me
Help me to overcome this weakness and be free
I plead you to bring me peace and ease my pain
Grant me freedom and let me not live in vain.
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I was a very hurt as a child and stayed wounded up until my fifties. I have no idea what joy meant because I was constantly in pain inside and out. The emotional anguish I lived with manifested in my mind and even in my body. I was always sick with all kinds of illnesses that affected my health. I tried to fix myself by performing and seeking approval from others. I pursued knowledge and studied persistently how I could be a successful woman and achieve all my dreams. I tried to bury all my pain so that no one will discover that I was suffering. I ran and ran from the fact that I was hurt and angry from many losses in my life. It exhausted me and completely crushed me. I cried out to God to help me.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to confront my pain and agony.
REFLECTION
What might happen if you have unresolved pain and anger?
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

GRIEF BRINGS PAIN

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June 25
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I am bent over and racked with pain. All day long I walk around filled with grief.
-Psalm 38:6 (NLT)
GRIEF BRINGS PAIN
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you are bent over and racked with pain
The hurt from a loss can make you insane
Grief brings much sorrow and numbness
It can make you consumed with sadness.
A loss in your life can make you lose determination
It can make you an easy prey to temptation
Bring your sorrow to the Lord so he can handle it
He will grant you peace if you accept his Spirit.
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It took me many years to realize that I have not been dealing with much losses in my life. The enemy robbed me of peace and joy for over five decades of my life. I was made to believe that I am okay and I minimized all the losses and just covered it up with work and ambitions. The funny thing about dismissing or burying your losses and skipping grief is that you are the last person to know that you are actually going through the motions of grieving. There are various stages of the grieving process and if we are not able to confront our losses, we get stuck in certain stages of it. I got trapped in anger for many years without even knowing it. The bible tells us to take our grief to the Lord.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to face all my losses and grief.
REFLECTION
How is it healthy to acknowledge our losses?
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