Tag Archives: ILMA ARTS STUDIO

WORK ADDICTION Poem Devotional

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April 1________________________________________
Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now? It is all so meaningless and depressing. – Ecclesiastes 4:8(NLT)
WORK ADDICTION
A poem and essay by ILMA
When people toil morning till night
They lose relationships and joy in this life
Those who aim for more comfort and wealth
They’ll reap emptiness and compromise their health.
Work addiction results in isolation and brokenness
It draws us away from God’s love and righteousness
Working too much blocks all kinds of relationships
It hinders growth and interrupts all kinds of friendships.
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For many decades, I was a work addict. From age twenty up until my fifties, I was trying to prove to myself and others that I was hardworking and excellent in what I do. What I didn’t realized was that it was taking so much toll in my body. I was putting up art shows in 10 straight years, sometimes 5-6 exhibits in a year. Simultaneous to my painting career was teaching full time, single parenting, photographing, theater acting and stage managing. It wasn’t a surprise when I would constantly have migraines and all kinds of illnesses. One day, God taught me a really good lesson. I got so sick for three straight months to a point where I can’t even raise my fingers or go to the bathroom on my own.
It was all meaningless because I didn’t have much time for the Lord.
PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from too much compulsion to work.
REFLECTION
How can working too much become harmful to people?
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

PLIGHT OF THE STUBBORN Poem Devotional

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March 31________________________________________
Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble. – Proverbs 28:14 (NLT)
PLIGHT OF THE STUBBORN
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you plagued by suffering and much troubles in life?
Are you meditating on the word that gives you light?
Blessed are those who seek the Lord and fear to do wrong
They will find contentment and joy soon and not very long.
The plight of the stubborn is headed for disaster
Their unteachable attitude brings chaos much faster
Those who obey and respect the Lord are blessed
They are rewarded for following what the Lord says.
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Have you ever dealt with stubborn people in your life? I was surrounded by many arrogant and stubborn persons as I was growing up. Because I was too young to understand the consequences of it, I learned their ways and lived a life of lawlessness and disobedience. Being stubborn has led me to the road to suffering and conflicts. It even brought me to a point of desperation and hopelessness.
The bible cautions us from being stubborn because the consequences of such actions lead to suffering and much troubles in life. I believe that God commands us to fear doing wrong because when we open the door to evil, it leads to more gateway to wickedness and sin. The only fear that leads to good is the fear of doing wrong.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never fall into stubbornness.
REFLECTION
What do you think is the cause of stubbornness? Why are people stubborn?
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

NOTHING CAN HIDE FROM THE SUN Poem Devotional

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March 29________________________________________
God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.
– Psalm 19:4,6(NLT)
NOTHING CAN HIDE FROM THE SUN
A poem and essay by ILMA
Praise God for the sun shining in the morning
He lights up your world so you can start praising
God chose heaven to be the home for the sun
He reminds us to look up and remember to have fun.
The sun brings heat that we can never hide from
It rises up at one end of the heavens and continues on
It brightens dark places so it can all be exposed in the light
Nothing can hide from God as he is the only source of life.
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Have you ever observed the characteristics of the sun? In 2000, I started chasing sunsets. I was a trigger happy photographer that time and in the time when digital photography wasn’t at its height yet, I would be spending so much money on films so I can take photos of nature. I lived in the Philippines for 47 years so I was so used to the sun’s brightness and was treated to beautiful sunsets in the bay almost daily. The bible tells us how God chose the heavens to be the sun’s home so it could light our world just as he watches over us.
PRAYER
Thank you so much for the gift of the sun, my Lord.
REFLECTION
How can a sunny day affect your mood and emotion?
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

AMAZING JESUS! Poem Devotional

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March 28________________________________________
The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!” -Matthew 8:27 (NLT)
AMAZING JESUS!
A poem and essay by ILMA
When there is anointing and blessing in somebody
God can use this person to bring out his power and authority
When he was with his disciples, Jesus had much power
Even the winds and waves obeyed; evil spirits cowered.
The people who witnessed all his miracles and supremacy
Were astounded with his remarkable sovereignty
He stunned unbelievers as he displayed his radiance
It brings them to on their knees as they witness his magnificence.
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Have you ever been amazed at Jesus’ power? The very first time I actually experienced the hand of God was during my loneliest moments. Out of desperation, I was hypnotized to end my life. He sent a friend of mine over who I haven’t seen for a while out of the blue to check up on me. She saved my life in the nick of time. Sometimes the miracles are very subtle and took me years to recognize that it was God who actually interceded to save me from falling into this dark pit. He lighted up many unlit places in my heart and never ceased to pursue me to get back to his love.
During Jesus’ time with his disciples as they were preaching God’s word, his followers were amazed at how even nature obeyed Christ.
PRAYER
Lord, let me see your hand in even little things you do for me.
REFLECTION
How can we stay awed with God’s power?
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

SCRIPTURES TEACH Poem Devotional

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March 27________________________________________
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
– Romans 15:4(NLT)
SCRIPTURES TEACH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you have a question that no one can reply?
Run to Scriptures and you will definitely find
God’s word helps us navigate in this world
Scriptures always bring us confidence to be bold.
The truth in God’s word teaches us many things
Those who are wise, knows what Scriptures bring
Everything written in this holy book is right and true
By reading and studying it, we will be free from rue.
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I had a passion to know things even at a very young age of two. I would always explore and ask questions more than usual. I guess it made those people around me get tired of answering my queries and decided not to give me any more response. This started me to have a love for books. I was hungry for knowledge and eager to apply it in my life. It saddens me to watch others who didn’t care much about improving their lives and staying in the rut. I have read so many books in my life that changed my views but after I have read and studied the bible, there is nothing compared to it. All Scriptures give us hope and encouragement and teaches us.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for teaching me through your word.
REFLECTION
What was the most recent teaching you got from Scriptures?
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

MY LORD, MY LAMP Poem Devotional

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March 26________________________________________
O Lord, you are my lamp. The Lord lights up my darkness. – 2 Samuel 22:29(NLT)
MY LORD, MY LAMP
A poem and essay by ILMA
My world without you will be in total darkness
Thank you that you never forsake me in my loneliness
My Lord, you faithfully light my path and lead me
You are my lamp, you guide me and set me free.
When I am most vulnerable, you take my hand
When I am weak, you raise me up and help me stand
For those whose spirit are broken, you came
You put an end to the enemy’s blame game.
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Many people are afraid of the dark. There is so much unknown in darkness. There is no way you can find out what is in it. You can use your hands to feel what is around you and guide you as you walk in the pitch black surroundings, but you will still be limited to safely navigate your way in it. There is another darkness that scares us all, the dark path that is brought about by sin. I lived in those dark places for too many years of my life, so I have first hand experience of what it is to be in that dark pit.
The bible tells us that God is the lamp that brings light to the darkness. Hold on to his lamp so that you will not fall into sin.
PRAYER
Lord, remind me to stay in your light always.
REFLECTION
How does God manifest his light 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

GOD’S ASTOUNDING CANVAS Poem Devotional

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March 25________________________________________
The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.
– Psalm 19:1(NLT)
GOD’S ASTOUNDING CANVAS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Look up in the skies and be amazed
The sun reflects various colors in a glaze
Clouds in varying shapes parade in a platoon
The firmaments complement their different hues.
The heavens display God’s astounding canvas
Look up! Behold clouds that come and pass
Proclaim God’s magnificence in his creation
Your spirit will be refreshed amidst life’s condition.
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I am a very visual person, so I always take delight in watching the skies. Cumulus nimbus clouds in an array of different shades and hues of white, gray and blues on a regular sunny day or on a sunrise or sunset with additional colors are my favorites. I used to chase sunsets and made had an exhibit that showcased my photos and paintings during the turn of the century in 2000. Many people were wowed by my photographs that captured amazing colors that I ran to take in a matter of ten-minute intervals. The best colors to capture in photos is when the sun is eaten up by the horizon which is just a matter of ten minutes. I waited and positioned myself at the best view, usually by the bay and get high after witnessing the horizon swallowing it. The heavens proclaim God’s glory through his craftsmanship displayed in the skies.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the skies, which is your canvas.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you have watched the sky?
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

KEY TO LONGEVITY & PROSPERITY Poem Devotional

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March 24________________________________________
Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! -Psalm 34:12-13 (NLT)
KEY TO LONGEVITY & PROSPERITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Does anyone want to live a long and prosperous life?
Make sure you feed on Scriptures and stay in God’s light
Meditate on his truth day and night and follow it
Only then will you reap the fruits of his Spirit.
Keep your tongue from telling lies and speaking evil
It is the best way you can do warfare with the devil
You have authority over the schemes of the enemy
Exercise it by declaring Jesus as your one and only.
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There are many books, blogs, videos and seminars that talk about how you can live longer and be wealthy. We are bombarded today with social media explosions on wealth, power, and longevity. What does God say about all the world’s way of having long life and being prosperous?
The bible talks about a different kind of prosperity. In God’s economy, being wealthy doesn’t only mean you have all the comforts and luxuries in life to yourself. Everything comes from God and is given to us so we can be stewards of his kingdom. We cannot claim ownership on anything on earth. We need to be thankful and follow his ways, keeping ourselves from speaking evil and telling lies.
PRAYER
Lord, reveal to me each lie and evil thought that comes to mind.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to hold captive our thoughts and have it obey 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

REJOICE! Poem Devotional

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March 23________________________________________
My heart rejoices in the Lord! My Lord has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because you rescued me. -1 Samuel 2:1(NLT)
REJOICE!
A poem and essay by ILMA
It was pitch black and cold in the abyss
I felt so scared and can’t find bliss
The silence was deadening
The isolation was frightening.
Then I heard a voice deep inside me
Saying “I love you, I will set you free!”
I saw a light amidst this darkness
I rejoice from being rescued from loneliness.
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There have been many years of my life that I lived in so much darkness. Because of wrong choices, wrong company and disobedience to God, I reaped the consequences and brought havoc in my life. I was enslaved by the fear of rejection and abandonment and tried to cope with all my traumas by performing and proving that I have worth because the enemy had made me believe I was worthless and unworthy to be loved. I thank God that four years ago, he literally pulled me out of this chasm of darkness and brought me into the light through his word. When the lies were brought out, I felt liberated inside.
The bible tells us that we must rejoice because the Lord makes us strong and he will take care of us. He will always be there to rescue us, so continue to rejoice.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to focus on your light in the midst of darkness.
REFLECTION
What have you fallen into in the past that God rescued you from?
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

FAITHFUL SERVANT Poem Devotional

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March 22________________________________________
Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. – Ruth 1:16 (NLT)
FAITHFUL SERVANT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you a faithful servant to the one and only Jesus Christ?
Will you lay down your life to him and others and stay in his light?
Will you go wherever he wants you to go and live in his will?
Will you obey his commands instead of preferring what you feel?
Give your unconditional service to the one and true God
There is no other god who has authority over this earth and above
Make his people, your people and you will have blessings
Do whatever he says and you will never stop harvesting.
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Servant is defined as a person who performs duties for others, especially a person employed in a house on domestic duties or as a personal attendant. In the world’s perspective, it is a demeaning role because we live in a society that gives emphasis to power and control. But in God’s economy, being a faithful servant is the purpose of a believer. The bible tells us to follow Jesus, he came in this world to serve, not to be served (Matthew 20:28). Ruth was a faithful servant to her mother-in-law, Naomi and to God and his people.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to better serve you and others faithfully.
REFLECTION
How can we serve those people who are difficult and hurting us?
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