May 5
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The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He doesn’t want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. -2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)
GOD ISN’T SLOW, JUST PATIENT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you been waiting for so long to get results?
Do you think God is slow to grant and solve?
How much faith do you really have?
Do you rely on his wisdom from above?
God isn’t slow, he is just patient
He wants you to be persistent
He protects you from falling
He wants you to win instead of failing.
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How many of your prayers and requests have been answered? Don’t we all get impatient when we don’t get the expected answers we want to see? For all you know, he has already answered your prayer. You just don’t see it because you are so focused on your own idea of the results. There was a time that I kept praying for a job and a career that I will be able to use all of my skills. I applied to over 3,000 job positions, only to be turned down. Sometimes I would almost make it to two interviews and then still not get hired. What I didn’t realize was God was directing me to be a writer for him. He wasn’t slow, he was patient and wanted me to work for him.
PRAYER
Lord, let me see with your eyes.
REFLECTION
Why do we sometimes miss God’s answers to our prayers?
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
Tag Archives: ILMA ARTS STUDIO
COMMAND TO REPENT Poem Devotional

May 4
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God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone to repent of their sins and turn to him. – Acts 17:30(NLT)
COMMAND TO REPENT
A poem and essay by ILMA
The Lord forgives you seventy times seven
He is merciful but you need to aim for heaven
He can overlook some of your weaknesses
He wants you to repent of your trespasses.
He is a god who loves and cares for you
He wants your heart pure and mind renewed
Turn to him and give up all forms of evil
He will ensure that you’ll win over the devil.
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Human nature wants us to be independent and follow our own will. When we do this, we are compromising our relationship with the Lord. He created us so that we will completely depend on him for everything. Whenever we think we can accomplish things with our own independence, the enemy brings on more temptations to strive and use your own effort to draw you farther away from the Lord.
The bible talks about how God has overlooked people’s ignorance about idolatry and other sins, but now, he has commanded everyone to repent of their sins and turn to him. Why did God give us this command? In order to be able to fulfill all that he planned for us. He wants us to be close to him because independence blocks spiritual intimacy.
PRAYER
Lord, draw me close to you always.
REFLECTION
How often do you confess your sins and repent? Do you recognize sin at early onset?
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.co
GOD’S SPECIAL TREASURE Poem Devotional
May 2
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They will be my people, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. – Malachi 4:1(NLT)
GOD’S SPECIAL TREASURE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you realize how important you are to Christ?
He cherishes every detail in your life
He wants to protect and ensure your salvation
He pleads you to listen to his word and be in relation.
God considers you as his child, his treasure
He wants you to obey and bring him pleasure
Like any other parent, he spares those who are obedient
Seek his will and follow it and he will show you his radiance.
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When you join a club or an organization, one thing that people will want is the guarantee that they will grow or gain something out of being part of it. This is why we become members of a group. When I joined a cycling club back in the Philippines, I did so in order to improve my cycling skills and challenge myself to beat my own record and be better at it. I was the only woman cyclist in a fifty-member club. I felt special knowing that I can be protected and gain skills from this club.
The bible says that we are God’s special treasure and that he promises protection to those who obey him.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for making me part of your family.
REFLECTION
Do you treasure yourself as God treasures 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
AWARENESS OF GOD’S GLORY Poem Devotional
May 1
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For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord. – Habakkuk 2:14(NLT)
AWARENESS OF GOD’S GLORY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you look at the skies and get reminded of your creator?
Has someone blessed you today and made you feel better?
Did you experience a breakthrough that was unexpected?
Was a prayer answered that made you so joyful and excited?
Have you wondered how the sea was filled with water?
Did you have an awareness of God’s magnificence and power?
For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will see God’s glory
Bask amidst God’s creation and you will experience true beauty.
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So many people are living like zombies. They wake up, do their routines, rush to work, go back home, eat, sleep. They have no time to even look at the wonderful creation of God. They don’t stop to look and enjoy what God has given them in nature. They miss out the drama that the clouds bring against the sky in a stormy day. They hardly even see the sun dropping down at the horizon and show off it’s colorful reflections in the sky. They hardly go out of their boxed life to see God’s glory through their surroundings. The bible says that we will be filled with awareness of God’s glory as the waters fill the sea.
PRAYER
Lord, let me remember to look at all your wonderful creation.
REFLECTION
Why do people miss out the good stuff from 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
WHEN FEELING ABANDONED Poem Devotional
April 29
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My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? -Psalm 22:1(NLT)
WHEN FEELING ABANDONED
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you feel that God is far away
Don’t despair, instead, go to him and pray
God knows exactly what you are experiencing
Do not allow the enemy to control your feelings.
When you feel alone and forsaken
Remember all those who are broken
He died for all the oppressed and rejected
So do not allow yourself to feel dejected.
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I used to always feel lonely and sad when I get triggered with memories of being neglected or abandoned. It is not a very pleasant feeling. The enemy twisted my perspective about being forsaken. He made me believe so many lies about my true identity in Christ. He whispered words to me such as “I don’t deserve to be loved.” It drove me to a point of desperation for about two decades of my life, but I thank God that he has delivered me from this bondage and set me free. I don’t feel despair anymore but he replaced my discouragement with courage and boldness to use all my traumatic experiences to share the gospel.
The psalmist in this verse actually felt abandoned. Our feelings are not always necessarily true. God never leaves us. He only allows us to experience pain so we can grow and be strong.
PRAYER
Lord, give me courage whenever I feel dejected.
REFLECTION
How can you overcome feelings of abandonment?
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 GOD WHO CARRIES US poem devotional
April 28
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Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude.
-Psalm 68:19(NLT)
THE GOD WHO CARRIES US
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever we experience pain or suffering
God carries us through so we can go on living
Each day he brings us strength to overcome our trials
He wants us to praise him and join his Spirit’s revival.
Proclaim God’s greatness and shout out his glory
He will always be faithful to bring you out of misery
He provides for all that we face and lead us to victory
Like a parent, he will carry us through all adversities.
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Have you noticed how little children want to be carried? Most babies and toddlers crave for closeness with family, especially their mother (the one who brought them into this world). I remember my son was almost always in his baby carrier right in my chest. I was a single mom and couldn’t afford babysitters, so I brought him everywhere: the stores, market and even the school where I taught. He always felt secure if he knew I was beside him.
God wants us to rely on him just as a child would rely on their parents. He wants us to know that he will always be there for us no matter what. He carries us through all circumstances whether we acknowledge it or not. He never forsakes us.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for carrying me through all odds.
REFLECTION
When did God walked you through a difficult circumstance? Did you give thanks and praise?
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
LET LOVE RULE poem devotional
April 27
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Three things will last forever; faith, hope and love-and the greatest of these is love. Let love be your highest goal. -Corinthians 13:13-14:1 (NLT)
LET LOVE RULE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you are not able to get your way, let love rule
When things are unclear and hazy, let love rule
When someone abuses or neglect you, let love rule
When you lose someone and feel sad, let love rule
Whenever you see injustice and oppression, let love rule
When someone offends you and brings you down, let love rule
When someone you love is difficult and disrespectful, let love rule
When you are ostracized or marginalized, let love rule.
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Love is the most used and abused word in the English language. People use it to mean a strong liking to something or someone. In weddings, the famous Corinthians 13 chapter is widely used. Why do you think God puts so much emphasis on love than anything else? The bible says that God is love in 1 John 4:8. Genesis mentions that man is made in God’s image. Therefore, we could surmise that we are also made of love. When we do not do things out of love, we defy what our true character is. Whenever we don’t love, we suffer and experience pain. That is why God commanded us to love him first, then others as we love ourselves.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to operate in love.
REFLECTION
When should we exercise love?
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
SHARE YOUR MIRACLES Poem Devotional
April 26
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So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.
-Mark 5:20(NLT)
SHARE YOUR MIRACLES
A poem and essay by ILMA
What has Christ done for you lately?
Has he saved someone from your family?
Have you been delivered from a stronghold?
Has he freed you from fear and taught you to be bold?
Proclaim what he has done and share your miracles
Tell everyone how he made you win over obstacles
Rejoice and be glad that he loves and cares for you
Praise and glorify him with thanksgiving and a life renewed.
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There are many people who miss out so many things that God has done for them because they are so focused on their problems, trials and suffering. When we are pessimistic and only see the negative in our circumstances, we are actually unable to see what might be blessings in disguise in our lives. I used to be a whiny person and very critical of myself and others. A book changed my life when the concept of a “Thank You” diary was suggested. As soon as I listed the things to be thankful for, my attitude changed.
We are asked to share our miracles to others because in doing so, we proclaim God’s greatness and we are showing him gratitude.
PRAYER
Thank you for all the miracles you’ve done in my life.
REFLECTION
How can you not miss out on every miracle God does 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
BE INTO OTHERS Poem Devotional
April 25
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Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too. -Philippians 2:3-4(NLT)
BE INTO OTHERS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you overwhelmed with all your own interests?
Do you pay attention to others’ concern and happiness?
Don’t be selfish and try to boast only about your prowess
Take interest in others and don’t think only of your own progress.
Take time to know other people’s well being and diversions
Go also out of your way to know and discover their tribulations
Don’t look out only for yourself and your own family
Reach out to those who are in your church and your community.
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Do you take time out to know someone? The reason why I left the religious sect I use to attend was because I can’t find anyone in this church to really take interest in others. Each time I find an opportunity to connect and get close to them outside of the Sunday service, they wouldn’t even accept the invitation to fellowship or get to know others. They were all just too concerned with church activities.
The bible tells us to go out of our way to take interest in others. We need not be all concerned with church activities, but we need to personally reach out to others.
PRAYER
Teach me to reach out to others and not just focus on myself.
REFLECTION
Why does God want us to be concerned with 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
A GOD OF EMPATHY Poem Devotional
April 24
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Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. -Hebrews 2:18 (NLT)
A GOD OF EMPATHY
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you undergo trials and suffering in life
He is always there to ease your burden and bring light
Since he himself has undergone suffering and testing
He is able to understand what challenges you are facing.
He hears your cries and empathizes with our situations
He knows what is in your heart during tribulations
God is a god who sees everything in this world
Believe that he is there with you, just read his word.
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Have you ever been misunderstood? One of the tricks of Satan in my life is to create misunderstandings in my relationships. He has stolen so much of my peace and joy because of the spirit of confusion and offense. God is a god of order. He never brings chaos or disorganization in our lives. It is the enemy that lays down tactics so we will be lost and confused or offended. Be encouraged because we have a god who empathizes with us since he has gone through the same pain and suffering we are undergoing. In fact, I think that Jesus’ suffering will be unparalleled in this lifetime. Just reflect how much wounds and beatings his body underwent. He empathizes with your pains and sorrows. Run to him.
PRAYER
Lord, let me always run to you when I am in trouble.
REFLECTION
What is your deepest pain that God has consoled you with?
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








