August 9________________________________________
Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.
– Proverbs 28:26(NLT)
WHEN YOU WALK IN WISDOM
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who believe only in their own insight
They are in for trouble in this life
When you walk in wisdom
You will always have freedom.
Pursue wisdom and you will be safe
Turn your back on it and you will fail
Always run to the truth that comes from Christ
Then you will always have the best insight.
________________________________________
There are many people who want to know a lot of things. The big irony is that the more they crave for the things of this world, the more they get in bondage to pride. I know a lot of people who love to accumulate information and boast about it to others. They never give due credit to the Lord who gave them all. It is the Lord who is the source of all knowledge and without him, we cannot thrive and be safe.
There were many years of my life that I relied on my own insight. I wanted to prove to most people that I had it all and that the intelligence I had was something I worked hard for. I never acknowledged the Lord for all that I knew. When I became born again, I was given truth which made me learn humility and granted wisdom from his word.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, please keep me humble so I can discern your will.
REFLECTION
What happens when you walk in 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
Tag Archives: ILMA BARAYUGA-DOHERTY
A HARD WORKER’S PAYOFF Poem Devotional
August 8________________________________________
A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.
-Proverbs 28:19(NLT)
A HARD WORKER’S PAYOFF
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you chase fantasies
You end up in poverty
A hard worker will have plenty
A dreamer will experience famine.
When you go after unrealistic goals
It won’t materialize, you won’t grow
Someone who works very hard
They will have bounty and be glad.
________________________________________
Proverbs 6:6-8 refers us to the most hard working specie of all, the ants. The verse says “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. There are other bible verses that tells us the importance of work. Proverbs 12:11 says whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense. Proverbs 14:23 tells us that in all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.
God created all creation in six days out of seven. He didn’t rest for six days and work only for a day. This tells us clearly how important it is to work. Though he commanded to have a day of rest, he also emphasized that if one works hard, they will never go hungry. He discourages us from fantasizing which only leads to poverty.
PRAYER
Lord, give me wisdom to always work hard.
REFLECTION
Give an example of the payoff of hard work 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
BLESSED ARE THE RIGHTEOUS Poem Devotional
August 7________________________________________
Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.
– Proverbs28:14(NLT)
BLESSED ARE THE RIGHTEOUS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who fear the Lord avoid doing wrong
They praise God and follow his word
Those who are stubborn will get in trouble
They are headed for destruction and the rubble.
When you take the path that leads to Jesus Christ
He will renew your mind and transform your life
When you cling to pride and foolishness
You will end up living a life of recklessness.
________________________________________
Have you ever met someone who lived a life of complete abandon? I lived in the distant past with someone who never wanted to plan anything or follow any rules. He just follows his desires and wants. He didn’t care if it will hurt anyone or how he is getting it. He just wants it done for the sake of satisfying his cravings. As a result of this selfish lifestyle, he lost many friends and his relationships with others got smaller and smaller. In his 50’s, he was diagnosed with cancer. I am quite certain that his drinking and unhealthy lifestyle contributed to the illness. He didn’t care to see doctors or get himself checked because it will impede in satiating his desires. The bible says that God blesses those who live righteous and holy lives but the proud and stubborn are headed for trouble.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Thank you Lord for the promise of blessings to those who live holy lives.
REFLECTION
How can you open the minds of those who are reckless?
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
FEAR OF THE UNFAMILIAR Poem Devotional
August 6________________________________________
I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way.
-Isaiah 42:16(NLT)
FEAR OF THE UNFAMILIAR
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever we encounter the unknown
We can be stressed and anxious for long
The Lord promised us a new way
Don’t fret or fear the unfamiliar
God never leaves or forsakes us
Let’s rely on him and constantly trust
When the fear of the unfamiliar comes
God is there to guide and to calm.
________________________________________
When I was about six years old, I got lost in a crowd while my mother and I were shopping in an outdoor marketplace. I didn’t realize I was holding on to a stranger’s hands, thinking that she was my mother. Then I began to panic and fear crept in. It was a very unfamiliar place since it was my first time to be there. With tears running down my cheeks I walked and walked looking where I lost sight of her. It seemed like ages when I found her. She didn’t even notice I wasn’t beside her and got lost. Fright can overwhelm us when we experience the unknown and the unfamiliar.
The bible says that the Lord leads us down a new path when we tread on something that we are not used to. We need not be afraid or be anxious when we are in situations where we feel helpless and not in control.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, give me courage to face the unfamiliar.
REFLECTION
How can we be able to develop an automatic trust to God when we face the unknown?
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
UNDIVIDED LOYALTY Poem Devotional
August 5________________________________________
I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise with carved idols. – Isaiah 42:8(NLT)
UNDIVIDED LOYALTY
A poem and essay by ILMA
As soon as you commit to the Lord
He expects you to give him laud
He doesn’t want to share your loyalty
He wants you to serve him only.
The Lord will not give glory to anyone
There is no other who can sacrifice his Son
He doesn’t want divided devotion
He wants your complete attention.
________________________________________
When you get into a relationship with someone you love and treasure immensely, don’t you expect undivided loyalty from that someone? Faithfulness is one of the most important ingredient in a thriving relationship. Without it, no relationship will flourish.
I had my share of people who had issues with divided loyalty. It was traumatic to experience being cheated on. It made me doubt my identity and value. It brought much insecurity to my already troubled life. I am thankful that God has rescued me from such a compromised life.
The bible says that God is a jealous God. He doesn’t want competition. There is no one like him. He is the beginning and the end. He knows all things and created all beings. He wants us to be as faithful as he is to us. He doesn’t want to share any of his people with other gods.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, teach me how to stay faithful to you all the time.
REFLECTION
Why is undivided loyalty essential to 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’S GUIDING LIGHT Poem Devotional
August 3________________________________________
I will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of them.
-Isaiah 42:16(NLT)
GOD’S GUIDING LIGHT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who belong to the Lord
They are directed by his precious word
His guiding light brightens all darkness
He smooths out the road that was crooked.
God’s glorious light exposes all dark nooks
He ensures wisdom to those who read his book
There is no lie that his truth won’t expose
Depend on him and he will give you all the resource.
________________________________________
Have you over sat in a place surrounded by pitch darkness? Do you recall how it made you feel? Fear usually creeps in because you never really know what’s lurking in that darkness. This can be likened to our spiritual poverty where we have lost our way and have turned our backs on God. The experience envelopes one with fear, insecurity and a feeling of hopelessness and gloom. During the dark years of my life, I lived in that abyss and emptiness. It was a miracle how God turned it around when I re-dedicated my life back to him and chose a devoted path to him. He smoothened the road ahead of me and brighten the dark spots. He convicted me of the sins I was imprisoned in and freed me through his word. The truth actually set me free and transformed me into the new person he had always intended me to be.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your glorious light that guides my dark paths.
REFLECTION
How can you live in God’s glorious light?
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 YOUR LIGHT SHINE Poem Devotional
August 2________________________________________
You will be a light to guide the nations. – Isaiah 42:6(NLT)
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you commit your life to Jesus Christ
You are expected to shine your light
He is the one who guides all nations
He makes you strong to fight temptations.
When you make God first in your life
You will definitely walk in his light
He shines his glorious radiance on you
He wants you to exude it to others too.
________________________________________
One of the ways that a true believer is apparent is how they live their lives. You can see how they manifest the fruits of the spirit such as love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). One of the best ways we can attract others to Jesus is by living a life of integrity, obedience to his will and faithful devotion to seeking his truth. In John 1:5 we know that the light exposes darkness as it shines through it. Darkness cannot hide in the light Even just a tinge of light will compromise the total blackness of it.
All believers are commissioned by God to preach the Good News and to make disciples of all nations. When we obey his commands and spread his word, we are the light that guide all nations and we are also manifesting the true character of the Lord Jesus Christ.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, let me always shine so bright for you.
REFLECTION
Who have you brought to Jesus through exuding Christ’s character 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
WHEN DOUBTS COME Poem Devotional
https://youtu.be/b-XWz_2bd1k
July 31________________________________________
When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
-Psalm 94:19(NLT)
WHEN DOUBTS COME
A poem and essay by ILMA
When doubts fill your mind
From the Lord, comfort you will find
He gives you hope and a renewed mind
Don’t listen to the lies or you’ll stay blind.
When doubts suddenly come to attack
Run to Jesus Christ so it won’t be back
Only the Lord can make your doubts dissolve
Make sure you relate to him and get involve.
________________________________________
When was the last time you doubted? It was very hard for me to trust people because I was exposed to so much abuse and neglect. I didn’t experience to be shown love and be comforted when I feel down or anxious. I always doubted my capacity do things because I was very much belittled and made fun of. I became a very doubting person and so it was very hard for me to trust and rely to anyone. 1 Corinthians 14:33 tells us that God did not author confusion. He is a God of peace. So, when you start to doubt, it surely comes from the enemy. He is surely shooting out lies at you so you won’t be able to progress or move forward with what you have been planning. The enemy’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy according to John 10:10. When doubts fill your mind, run to the Lord and he’ll comfort you.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, remind me run to you when I am starting to doubt.
REFLECTION
What kinds of doubt enter your mind?
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
PROMISE TO THE GODLY Poem Devotional
July 29________________________________________
The godly will flourish like palm trees and grow like the cedar of Lebanon.
– Psalm 92:12(NLT)
PROMISE TO THE GODLY
A poem and essay by ILMA
To those who lead a life of holiness
Blessings from the Lord is boundless
In all they do, they usually flourish
God will never let them be impoverished.
Choose to live a life of conviction
It will make you avoid temptations
Like the cedar of Lebanon, they grow very tall
In all they do, God never allows them to fall.
________________________________________
The tallest palm trees can grow as tall as 197 feet like the Quindio wax palm. Archeological finds have shown that the date palm was commonly used in Mesopotamian society, for food and other purposes. Romans gave palm branches as a symbol of triumph to the triumphant champions of games and wars. In the Bible, the people of Jerusalem greeted a triumphant Jesus just one week before his death and resurrection, a tradition now known and celebrated as Palm Sunday the week before Easter. Palms are mentioned dozens of times in both the Bible. The cedar of Lebanon is a tall evergreen tree which has been prized for its high quality timber, oils and resins for thousands of years
No wonder the godly are likened to palm trees and cedars of Lebanon. They are going prosper and flourish because of their righteousness and be looked up because they are anchored on a strong foundation.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, I am grateful that you gave me the opportunity to choose godliness.
REFLECTION
How can we stay godly 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
GREAT WORKS AND DEEP THOUGHTS Poem Devotional
July 28________________________________________
O Lord, what great works you do. And how deep are your thoughts. – Psalm 92:5(NLT)
GREAT WORKS AND DEEP THOUGHTS
A poem and essay by ILMA
What great works you have done Lord
You are worthy of praise and all the laud
No other gods can do what you can
You are the best and so is your Son.
Your thoughts are so deep
You know everything I think
Help me to have strength to change my thinking
Constantly guide me and keep on convicting.
________________________________________
Have you ever met someone who can do anything and everything? Not one person on this planet can be all-knowing and all-seeing. Only the Lord Jesus Christ has the qualities of immortality, omniscience and omnipotence. No other human being can know what you are thinking even before that thought comes into your mind. Only God created everything from nothing. By speaking out a word, he is able to make something. When he created the world, he just uttered the words Let there be light, and there was light. The bible says that there is only one God who is the greatest, he is the only one who has infinite wisdom. He doesn’t reveal to anyone anything completely because he has the complete picture of what he has planned for all of his creation.
Do you thank the Lord for all the things that he has given you? Do you magnify in his wisdom?
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for all your creation and your immeasurable wisdom.
REFLECTION
How can we have the mind of God according to 1 Corinthians 2:16?
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