January 4________________________________________
Yes, I am the gate, those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. -John 10:9(NLT)
BLESSINGS THROUGH THE GATE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who believe in Christ enters through the gate
Their eyes are opened to the truth and they are saved
Through Christ, they can come and go freely
They handle the world’s challenges boldly.
If you take the gate to salvation through Christ
You will be equipped to be victorious in life
There will be blessings when you believe in Jesus
You are loved deeply and is considered very precious.
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The only way we can be victorious in life is when we believe in the one and only true God. There are many ways we can live our lives. I lived it through the standards of the world for many decades. I went through life with full of trials and sufferings because I catered to my ambitions, wants and desires. When I gave up my wayward life and followed Jesus, I was freed from the enemy’s tactics. Now that I am fully aware of what I did wrong in the past and God has freed me from many strongholds and sin. The bible tells us that only Jesus Christ is the gateway to redemption. It is only through him that we get all the blessings and find good pastures.
PRAYER
Thank you for opening my door to heaven, Lord.
REFLECTION
Have you chosen to take the gateway to heaven?
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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
ENTER THROUGH THE GATE Poem Devotional
January 3________________________________________
I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate must surely be a thief and a robber. But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd for the sheep. -John 10:1-2(NLT)
ENTER THROUGH THE GATE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Why would anyone choose to sneak?
Wouldn’t you rather openly look or peak?
Why would you not enter through the gate?
It is the only way you can be free and saved?
Enter through the gate who is Jesus Christ
Don’t listen to the devil who is full of lies
Listen to Christ’s voice and follow him
He will free you and lead you to conquer sin.
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Sheep have often been associated with man in the bible. There are many characteristics of sheep that are likened to man. They are both stubborn, restless, sometimes love to go astray, they love to roam aimlessly. We are almost like sheep. We disobey and go through life without purpose and meaning.
The bible tells us that anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold rather than going through the gate must be a thief. The one enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. Jesus is the shepherd of all believers. The enemy tries to sneak in people’s lives and make them go astray and disobey God. Christ leads them back through the gate to eternity.
PRAYER
Lord, help us to hear your voice always.
REFLECTION
Do you hear God’s voice and follow his lead?
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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
MILK VERSUS SOLID FOOD Poem Devotional
January 2________________________________________
For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. – Hebrews 5:13-14(NLT)
MILK VERSUS SOLID FOOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you were babies, you fed on milk alone
You need to take in solid food when you are grown
For someone who lives on milk do not know what’s right
Their minds and hearts are limited to understand life.
Solid food is for those who are mature and have wisdom
If you feed on it, you will grow and enjoy freedom
Those who live on milk don’t know what’s wrong or right
They are unstable and cannot be victorious in life.
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My only child was overweight at a month old. The doctor prescribed I give him solid food to wean him off too much breast milk and not gain more weight. He grew up quick and a very gifted and mature boy. He was a choir member at age 18 months was a violin child prodigy at age 7. Did the solid food have something to do with maturity? Maybe so.
The bible tells us that we can’t live on milk alone meaning we can’t just get second hand information about God’s word. We are encouraged to feed on the solid food which is in depth study of Scriptures.
PRAYER
Lord, help me hunger for you deeply.
REFLECTION
Do you consider yourself still an infant Christian or a mature one?
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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
HOLD ON TO CHRIST Poem Devotional
January 1________________________________________
I am coming soon, hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown.
– Revelations 3:11(NLT)
HOLD ON TO CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
What things keep you away from Christ?
Is it something or someone that makes you lose sight
Hold on to Jesus and keep on seeking him
There’s a big reward to those who stay away from sin.
No matter what little progress you make, be close to God
Press on and never get tired of bringing him laud
Christ is coming soon and he wants you to be saved
All who love him will find the strength to be brave.
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In my mid 30’s. I joined a cycling group of over fifty members and I am the only woman in the club. I biked daily a total of 30-40 kilometers every morning before breakfast and before I headed to the school I taught. On weekends, all the 55 members go on a ride about 200 kilometers in about a span of two hours. There were days that I almost didn’t make it but I pressed on and all those weekends, I managed to finish it. The men were all challenged to finish when they see me make it to the end of the bike run. Like a race, we too have to hold on to our progress so we can be ready to see Jesus when he comes again.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for leading me constantly to focus on you.
REFLECTION
What keeps you going when you get disappointed in life?
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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
POISONOUS ROOT OF BITTERNESS Poem Devotional
December 31________________________________________
Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
– Hebrews 12:15(NLT)
POISONOUS ROOT OF BITTERNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you find yourself angry or irritable with everyone?
Do you gripe about past hurts and blame someone?
Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness creeps up
It can damage many relationships easily and so abrupt.
Look after each other so you won’t miss God’s grace
Have the courage to take responsibility and face
Beware of any form of resentment or hostility
It can destroy your faith, joy and tranquility.
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There were many years of my life that I was bitter. I didn’t even know I was full of resentment and hostility towards many people and many things. After five decades of stronghold on this poisonous root, God delivered me from it and made me understand the damage it had on my life and relationships. Bitterness came in many forms in my life. It robbed me of joy and made me criticize automatically people around me who reminded me of those people who neglected and abused me. It made my heart heavy and I actually made myself sick physically as well. The bible tells us to watch out for any form of bitterness for it deprives us of God’s grace and it corrupts us too.
PRAYER
Lord make me aware when this poisonous root of bitterness strikes me.
REFLECTION
What do you think is the antidote to bitterness?
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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 TO SEE THE LORD Poem Devotional
December 30________________________________________
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. – Hebrews 12:14(NLT)
LIVE IN PEACE TO SEE THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who are living in peace with everyone
Will eventually see the one and only Son
Work at living a life that is pure and holy
Avoid falling into sin and all kinds of folly
Those who are not holy won’t see the Lord
They will always complain and dwell on faults
Those who seek the Lord and obey
Will not be lost but find their way.
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Have you ever been lost looking for a place in a foreign place? It can get frustrating not to know how to navigate around in an area that is new to you. I was lost when I was around 6 years old. My mother and I were shopping and then I realized that she wasn’t beside me. It took probably over 6 hours of walking until I found my way back home. That six hours of confusion left emotional scars in me. I still find myself panicking when I am in strange places. The bible tells us that if we want to see the Lord, we have to work at living in peace with everyone and work at living a holy life. In order for us not to be lost, we must anchor our lives on God’s truth.
PRAYER
Lord, help me whenever I am lost and not abiding in you.
REFLECTION
What stops you from experiencing peace?
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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 WILL NEVER FAIL YOU Poem Devotional
December 29________________________________________
So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you. For he will never fail you. -1 Peter 4:19(NLT)
GOD WILL NEVER FAIL YOU
A poem and essay by ILMA
How much pain and suffering are you going through?
Do you cling to God and are you faithful to his truth?
If you suffer in a manner that pleases God
You are actually honoring him and giving him laud
Trust your life to the God who created you
He will never fail and will always see you through
Keep on doing what is right and follow his lead
He will ensure that you will be free and have victory.
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There is no human that is foolproof. We always make mistakes and we have that fallen nature that is bent to cater to our own selfish desires. This is the reason why we sometimes fail to meet someone else’s needs because most of the time, we prioritize our own instead of others’. It is automatic for most humans to complain when things do not go the way they expected it to. Then, we blame someone or if there’s no one else to take it, we blame God.
The bible says that if you are suffering, you must never feel defeated because God will never fail you. He always has our best interest at heart.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being faithful to me.
REFLECTION
Why is it hard for humans to wholly trust in God?
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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
SINCERE LOVE FOR EACH OTHER Poem Devotional
December 28________________________________________
You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.
-1 Peter 1:22(NLT)
SINCERE LOVE FOR EACH OTHER
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you love your brothers and sisters like yourself?
Do you go out of your way to bless them and be of help?
We were all commanded to love one another
There is no excuse for not caring for each other.
Christ died so you can be cleansed from sin
You must also sincerely love others so you can be free
Love each other deeply with all your heart
It is the only way we can have a brand new start.
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I have been a Christian for many years but took many decades before I actually found a spiritual family who sincerely loved each other. Having been born raised in a very populated Asian country, I didn’t experience intimacy with fellow believer for many years. I don’t know if it is just a cultural thing or is it because of so many people that you constantly deal with that hinders the growth of fellowship in the congregation. I even became active in the group activities to have direct contact and friendship with other believers. Yet, it took many years before I found the body of Christ who sincerely care and love each other as Christ loves us.
PRAYER
Thank you for leading me to my church family Lord.
REFLECTION
How do you show sincere love for your fellow believers?
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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 GOOD NEWS Poem Devotional
December 25________________________________________
They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph, and there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. -Luke 2:16-17(NLT)
THE GOOD NEWS
A poem and essay by ILMA
When Mary and Joseph gathered in front of the baby
The shepherds too had a moment to soak in Jesus’ glory
The Good News of the birth of Christ was amazing
It was a scene that is worth seeing and remembering.
After magnifying over the baby Jesus, they told everyone
They were filled with joy as they tell others about God’s Son
Share the Good News of Jesus’ birth to all so they can praise him
God gave his only Son so we can be out of bondage and free from sin.
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Today is Christmas. The best news we can ever hear is that God sent his only Son to save us from sin and give us new life. In Jesus’ birth, we can also be born again. It was the time that we can remember the magnificent love God has for all his people. It was a day to celebrate joyfully how much sacrifice God is willing to give to mankind. The good news is that we are saved because Christ became one of us and he freed us from sin.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for giving us your Son to free us from sin.
REFLECTION
How can you spread the good news to as much people this Christmas?
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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
DO YOU HAVE ROOM FOR JESUS? Poem Devotional
December 23________________________________________
She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. -Luke 2:7(NLT)
DO YOU HAVE ROOM FOR JESUS?
A poem and essay by ILMA
What preoccupies your mind and heart today?
Is it your job or loved ones that eat up your day?
Have you accepted and made room for Christ in your life?
Do you ponder on his words and soak in his glory light?
There was no room available for them on that silent night
Mary wrapped Jesus in strips of cloth as the star shone so bright
She magnified at the baby in her arms with so much adoration
This miracle was so overpowering and beyond her imagination.
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The world has stolen so much time from us to just quietly reflect on the birth of Jesus, which is the true essence of Christmas. We all get so wrapped up preparing for the Christmas family traditions and get carried away by all the commercialism that surrounds us during this season. This year, I promised myself that I would not spend much buying material gifts but would give gifts that I made. Before I knew it, I was spending over 15 hours daily in a week to make planter/centerpieces and bake goodies as gifts. Do you have room for quiet time with Jesus just to reflect on his love?
PRAYER
Lord, protect me from the world’s idea of Christmas.
REFLECTION
What can you do different this Christmas to spend more time with Jesus?
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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









