January 16
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What sorrow awaits you who say to wooden idols, ‘Wake up and save us!’ To speechless stone images you say, ‘Rise up and teach us!’ Can an idol tell you what to do? – Habakkuk 2:19 (NLT)
WOE TO IDOLS & IDOLATRY
A poem and essay by ILMA
What sort of idols are you giving praise?
Is it money, power or any new craze
What sorrow awaits those who have idols
They are making God so very jealous.
When people prioritize other things over the Lord
They lose much by following the standards of this world
Why waste time on things that fade away
Only the Lord is the real God who can save.
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The New Living Translation gives a background to the book of Prophet Habakkuk. He preached during the last days of Judah, before its fall to Babylon in 586 B.C. He foresaw the impending doom and was troubled by two things: why God allowed the people of Judah to sin and how God could use a sinful nation like Babylon to punish Judah. Desperate for answers, Habakkuk boldly and confidently took his complaints directly to God which the Lord replied with righteousness ultimately prevailing despite the impending dark days ahead.
Habakkuk 2:18-19 is a warning to all regarding idols and idolatry. How meaningless it is to put your trust in idols carved by man. He warns the people to give up idolatry for there is much sorrow awaiting them.
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PRAYER
Lord, convict me of any idols in my life.
REFLECTION
What is the gauge that something or someone is becoming an idol?
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
NOT OF THIS WORLD Poem Devotional
January 15
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My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”
-John 18:36 (NLT)
NOT OF THIS WORLD
A poem and essay by ILMA
We were created by God to live in this world
Yet we are not of this life according to his word
God’s kingdom is something we cannot see
It is a place where we are free and have peace.
Jesus’ kingdom is not one that is earthly
It has dominion over everything you can see
The kingdom of God is invisible yet powerful
You will have a taste of it if you stay faithful.
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For many years, I didn’t actually know the real purpose of my existence. I was being tossed around by the systems of this world and the standards that it has set. I was a slave of performance, work and materialism. I craved for many things and worked hard at getting my desires met. I thought that was what life was all about, until the Lord called me to come back to him. It was when I became born again that I realized that even though I live in this world, it is not the destiny that my Lord have planned for me. God’s kingdom cannot be found in the world we live in.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for letting me take part in your kingdom.
REFLECTION
How can we be authentic believers in this very chaotic 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
POWER OF HIS NAME Poem Devotional
January 14
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Holy Father, you have given me your name, now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. – John 17:11(NLT)
POWER OF HIS NAME
A poem and essay by ILMA
The heavenly Father gave Jesus his name
When we declare it, it will erase all the shame
The name of Jesus will protect you from evil
It is the only name that brings fear to the devil.
It is amazing how this name can bring victory
It wards off all kind of wickedness and fury
Say the name that is above all names often
it will surely make believers’ heart soften.
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Have you ever said someone else’s name and get benefit from saying it? We usually call out the name of someone when we want to call their attention. We may call out someone’s name to identify them just like a teacher calls her student. Have you ever said your child or spouse’s name and gain something by just declaring it? Have you been saved just by uttering the name of any human being?
John tells us that the name of Jesus was actually given to him by the heavenly Father (Matthew 1:23). The name of our Father is significant because it tells us the legacy that will be handed down to us. Just as God has power, so is the name given to his Son, Jesus.
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PRAYER
Jesus, you possess the holiest and most powerful name.
REFLECTION
Share a testimony how the name of Jesus brought about power, healing and peace.
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
TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE Poem Devotional
January 13
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Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me. – John 17:7-8 (NLT)
TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
To all those who believe in Jesus
They will be considered very precious
Jesus acknowledges God’s gift to all
He loves us all and doesn’t want us to fall.
To those who believe in his truth
They rely heavily on Scriptures
They accept all the word has to say
They know that Jesus is the only way.
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There are people who question the existence of God. By doing this, they do not know how much they are losing. In Genesis and in the book of John, we know that even in the beginning, when the world was made, Jesus already existed. He is God himself and only those who believe that he is who he says he is will be able to receive his promise of eternal life.
When Jesus was born among us humans, he always pointed to the Father. Everything that he is and he possesses is a gift from the heavenly Father. He was given the message to pass on to all of us that we are very much loved by God. ________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the gift of Jesus and your truth.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to accept all of Jesus’ teaching?
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 YOU SCHEME AGAINST THE LORD Poem Devotional
January 12
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Why are you scheming against the LORD? He will destroy you with one blow; he won’t need to strike twice! – Nahum 1:9(NLT)
WHEN YOU SCHEME AGAINST THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you try to plot against the Lord
You are definitely blinded by the world
He can destroy you with one blow
Why risk doing it? It will retard your growth.
If you go with God’s plans, he will bless you
If you fight against it, you will be confused
The Lord is mighty and you should be fearful
He rewards those who are obedient and faithful.
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There are some people who like to compete or test the Lord. They have no idea that with one blow, he can destroy anyone. He is powerful, omnipotent and omniscient. So, why would someone even have the nerve to do it? Our sin nature automatically makes us rebellious. Without God’s Spirit, no one can even be righteous and holy. We are all sinners and fall short of God’s glory.
The prophet Nahum warns the people how to have a reverent fear of the Lord because he is all powerful and all knowing. He created us all and can do anything to us that we deserve. Although he is a just and loving God, he also hates sin. If we purposely want to follow our sinful nature, we are going to suffer the consequences of it.
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PRAYER
Lord, keep me away from my sinful nature and always obey you.
REFLECTION
Why shouldn’t we plot against the Lord?
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
TEACH THE TRUTH Poem Devotional
January 11
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Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. – Titus 2:7-8(NLT)
TEACH THE TRUTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
A true follower of Christ possesses integrity
He teaches the truth in love and humility
The truth is absolute and last for eternity
When you teach truth, you will have victory.
Teach the truth so that you can’t be judged
The word of God is truth and it can’t be dodged
When you turn your back on truth, you will suffer
It will enslave you and make life much harder.
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The bible says that we ought to teach truth in love and humility. We cannot teach truth to those whom we are not in relationship or we will be misunderstood. A relationship is important when we talk about God and his truth, especially to unbelievers. Another Christian may be able to relate to what you are teaching, but an unbeliever may not totally understand what you are saying. When you engage in a relationship with someone you are teaching, you reflect to them your walk and not just your talk. People like to see that you actually do what you say. Any inconsistencies with your doing and teaching will be an open door for mistrust, legalism, and judgment. If you focus on the truth, you can’t be criticized because it holds true till eternity.
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PRAYER
Lord, show me how to live an detach your truth.
REFLECTION
How can you bring truth to those who don’t believe in 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
THE PURE AND THE CORRUPT Poem Devotional
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January 10
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Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted.
– Titus 1:15(NLT)
THE PURE AND THE CORRUPT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Nothing is pure to all who do evil towards others
They have no concern for the welfare of their neighbors
Those who are pure in their hearts follow the will of God
They do everything to stay faithful and bring him laud.
The pure guard their hearts and mind so they can be new
The corrupt concern themselves with what is untrue
Greed and selfishness occupy the heart of the corrupt
Generosity and selflessness dwell in the pure and just.
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What makes a person pure? What leads them to become corrupt? The bible mentions again and again that we need to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23) and to become like our creator (Colossians 3:10). One way to stay pure is to have a close relationship with the Lord and to study his truth. This way we can guard our hearts and watch out for the tricks of the enemy who is out there to steal, kill and destroy us (John 10:10). Another thing we need to do is to obey and live the life God wants for us and not feed our selfish nature. Human desires bend our hearts and minds and make us corrupt and worldly.
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PRAYER
Lord, help us to constantly guard our hearts and mind and stay pure.
REFLECTION
How can fasting and praying give us breakthrough to stay pure for 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 MANAGERS Poem Devotional
January 9
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A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. -Titus 1: 7 (NLT)
GOD’S MANAGERS
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you decide to become a church leader
God requires you to be a good role model
You must not be arrogant or quick-tempered
No heavy drinking or you must not be dishonest.
Church leaders are God’s managers in his kingdom
They must be blameless and live in freedom
They need to be honest doers of the word
They cannot be easily corrupted by the world.
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When one is called to minister for God in any aspect of leading a church, there are pre-requisites that God had laid out for them to follow. 1 Timothy 3:1-2 says that they must be temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, be able to teach, faithful to only one spouse. Paul adds more to these criteria in Titus 1:7. They must be humble, not arrogant, not heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. Yet we see in so many churches how these leaders are not living up to God’s expectations and requirements.
God’s managers are obliged to follow such requirements because their flock watches them and he or she is responsible for their spiritual growth. Their lives rather than their sermons will be the preaching that the congregation will hear much louder.
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PRAYER
Lord, I pray for all church leaders to keep abiding to your will.
REFLECTION
Why is following God’s requirement essential to church leaders?
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
PROCLAIM FAITH & LIVE HOLY Poem Devotional
January 7
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I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. -Titus 1:1 (NLT)
PROCLAIM FAITH & LIVE HOLY
A poem and essay by ILMA
All believers are expected to be proclaimers of faith
They are commissioned to spread the gospel and satiate
Living a life of obedience to God’s will make them shine
They become a beacon of light to those who have lost sight.
Let us follow the truth that will set us all free
Guard the heart so we won’t be foolish to see
The enemy wants to devour and trick us to sin
By proclamation and godly lives, we will surely win.
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How many believers actually proclaim the Good News and live their lives righteous and holy? We cannot just be talkers but doers as well. When we live godly lives, it speaks louder than what we actually say. Jesus Christ, never really said much. Instead, he role modeled what it really meant to be a devoted follower. Christ didn’t judge even the sinners, he forgave and brought to them the truth.
We learn the truth by studying God’s word, maintaining a relationship with him and following his commands. One of the ways we can show our faithfulness is by proclaiming his word and living a life that is righteous and holy like Christ.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me always bring your gospel to those you have chosen.
REFLECTION
How can living godly lives speak much louder than words you say to 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
REVERENT FEAR OF THE LORD Poem Devotional
January 6
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Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. – Colossians 3:22 (NLT)
REVERENT FEAR OF THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you revere the Lord and want to please him
It will protect you from being tempted to sin
If you fear the Lord, you will show respect for others
He wants to see you manifest it by loving your brothers.
If you work for someone, do it as you would unto the Lord
Be devoted to his will and don’t do the ways of this world
Do not aim to please humans, but delight only in Jesus
See how he loves you much; to him, you are very precious.
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There are many things we fear. It could be fear of darkness, heights, not knowing what’s next, being rejected, abandoned or unloved. Most fears are very detrimental for our mental, emotional and spiritual well being. The only fear that will help us is the “fear of the Lord.” Many people think negative things when they hear this fear. The word fear here really means to revere or honor the Lord.
The bible tells us in Colossians 3:22 that we need to fear the Lord and even though no one is watching, we still need to do it as we serve others.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to only be concerned with pleasing you and not others.
REFLECTION
How can you show fear of the Lord in your dealing 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