Tag Archives: ILMA BARAYUGA-DOHERTY

GOD WORKS EVERYTHING

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May 27________________________________________
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. – Romans 8:28(NLT)
GOD WORKS EVERYTHING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you feel overwhelmed with trials and sufferings?
Don’t give up for God causes to work together all things
You may not understand what is happening
Trust him; He is in control and knows what He’s doing.
He may even allow evil to happen to teach you something
Don’t despair for he can turn even the devil’s tempting
He works everything for the good of those who love him
Never doubt him; He can bring beauty out of anything.
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Are you a parent? If you are, I am sure that you don’t appreciate it when your children doubt your capacity to provide and protect them. As a parent, we always do what we think is best for our children. They may not understand some rules that we set for them to follow in order to protect them, but we still expect them to abide by such rules. If they trust us enough, all these values we have sowed in their lives will reap a harvest later on in their lives. God is like a parent to us. He works out everything for our good. We may sometimes not comprehend what he is doing, but he has our backs covered.
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PRAYER
Thank you for bringing beauty even out of ashes.
REFLECTION
Share a situation that seemed bleak at first and God made it work for your good.
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

VISUALIZE ANSWERS TO PRAYER Poem Devotional

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May 26________________________________________
I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. – Mark 11:24(NLT)
VISUALIZE ANSWERS TO PRAYER
A poem and essay by ILMA
God gave us the ability for imagination
You can use it and create visualization
If you pray for anything and believe it
You will receive a picture from God’s Spirit.
Visualize answers to prayer; it has much power
By using it, you are making the enemy cower
Rehearse them in your mind and your request materializes
Use your brain’s creativity and you will continue to be amazed.
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Visualization is defined as the formation of a mental image of something. Hellen Keller once said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” I was very much struck with this statement from her. Isn’t the one without vision worse than a blind person? Habakkuk 2:2 says that we must write the vision so it will be seen and read. What happens when we actually visualize through mental images or words? It helps our brain keep that image filed in our hearts and focus our whole being on that thing. This is why we are asked to guard what is in our minds. Like an artist has already a vision before he actually paints, he creates a masterpiece. When you pray for something and visualize the answers you asked for, you are actually making it happen.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the ability to visualize things.
REFLECTION
What have you visualized in the past that actually happened?
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 MASTERPIECE Poem Devotional

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May 25________________________________________
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. – Ephesians 2:10(NLT)
GOD’S MASTERPIECE
A poem and essay by ILMA
You knew me before you formed me in the womb of my mother
You had all parts of me figured out and delicately put me together
I brought joy and delight to my parents when I came out to this world
What happened? The enemy twisted many truths you said in your word.
I thought I was made in your image; made to love and be loved
How come I never got nurtured; no one talked to me about God?
You never left me during those times of confusion and deprivation
You whispered how much you loved me in all those situations
I marveled at masterpieces since I was a little girl of two
I wondered if I could learn to draw and be a painter too
I asked some people to teach me how to draw and paint
They laughed and mocked my attempts; I felt much pain
It took me thirty-seven years until I discovered my creativity
You used it to heal my hurts and delivered me so I can be free
You prospered me but it got into my head; turned my back on you
You waited patiently; pulled me out of idolatry and made me new
I rejoice for having another chance to shine with the gifts you gave me
I give you praise and thanksgiving, my Lord, my Savior, the Almighty.
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PRAYER
Praise the Lord.
REFLECTION
How can you shine for Jesus?
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

SAY NO TO REVENGE

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May 24________________________________________
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. – Romans 12:17(NLT)
SAY NO TO REVENGE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you pay back evil with more evil?
When you do, you are cooperating with the devil
Say no to revenge because that is the opposite of love
Do things honorable just like your Father from up above.
Let the Lord fight your battles and win it
It is pointless to do it without his Spirit
Walk in love so you can say no to retaliation
Let God take control of all your tribulations.
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Many people avenge when they get wronged. I used to do so when I wasn’t filled with God’s spirit. I believe that when we live a rebellious life, it is easy to submit to the idea of revenge. It never really did me good to retaliate, because I lose in the end. I eventually lose that relationship anyway, but I also lose my closeness to God when I participate in the evil act of vengeance. When I take it in my hands, I am actually telling God that I don’t need him to fight for me, I can do it. It is almost telling God that I don’t need him.The bible tells us to never pay back evil for more evil but to do things that are honorable.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me never retaliate when people do me wrong.
REFLECTION
What should we do to avoid retaliating those who do us wrong?
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

SHOWER OF HOPE Poem Devotional

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May 23________________________________________
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13(NLT)
SHOWER OF HOPE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you get tired of challenges you face each day?
Ask God to give you wisdom and show you the way
Pray that he fills you with his Spirit and wisdom
Ask that you have victory and always live in freedom.
A shower of hope is waiting to happen to all who believe
Do everything you can to abide in him so you can receive
When you live your life the way he plans, hope is near
You will have an overflow and all things will be clear.
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As I was growing up, there were many things I couldn’t do. I was very limited with stereotypes and norms that surrounded me. People around me have certain notions and ideas about things. When I received Christ in my life at age seven, I had a glimpse of what lies beyond those limits. The Holy Spirit always guided me into truth. I had dreamed to become a painter since age two. It took 35 before I realized that dream because I lived in the limits of people around me. God showered me with hope all those years. I cooperated with his spirit and he made it come true.
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PRAYER
Thank you for your generous overflow of hope.
REFLECTION
What blocks people from experiencing a shower of hope?
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

NEVER GIVE UP Poem Devotional

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May 22________________________________________
That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. – 2 Corinthians 4:16(NLT)
NEVER GIVE UP
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you get tired of challenges that come your way?
Don’t worry for God gives you mercy afresh each day
Though we get weak, the Lord strengthen us daily
He renews our mind if we run to him regularly.
No matter what the circumstance are in your life
Never give up because God will always shed his light
He loves you so much that he gave his Son for you
Allow him to restore, heal and make you new.
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What makes people lose hope? When we set unrealistic goals and dreams, we set ourselves up for failure. If the ideal and reality is so far from each other, it is highly improbable to happen. We know from the bible that God can make all things possible. So what are the chances that the impossible will happen if you ask him? God can only make it possible if you believe and ask him. James 4:2-3 says that we don’t have because we don’t ask and we don’t get what we ask because our motives are all wrong.
The bible also says that we must never give up even if we are suffering much because God will always refresh us and restore us each day. His mercy is fresh each morning.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your mercy each morning.
REFLECTION
Why do you think people give up or lose hope in their 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

EVERLASTING GOD Poem Devotional

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May 21________________________________________
Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. -Isaiah 40:28(NLT)
EVERLASTING GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Look around you and you’ll be amazed at God’s creation
He made all things on this earth for your consumption
Give praise and thanksgiving for an everlasting God
Never forget to worship him and always bring him laud.
The Lord is faithful; he never grows weak or weary
God forgives and never ceases to love unconditionally
He is there when we are joyful or during our adversities
Believe that he is eternal; he gives all believers victory.
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Do you ever grow weak or weary? Like me, I am sure you experience ups and downs in your life. It can be very challenging to constantly be bombarded with much choices and noise around us in this very chaotic world. We need to pursue peace at all cost and receive God’s rest daily. This is the only way we can be guaranteed that we will experience peace. God created us in his image and I am sure he wants us to focus on him so that we don’t experience weakness or weariness. He is everlasting and we can only come close to his perpetual character if we regularly connect with him. He promises eternal life to all those who believe in him.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for a promise of eternity.
REFLECTION
How do you deal with weakness or weariness?
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 SPEAKS PEACE

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May 20________________________________________
I listen carefully to what God the LORD is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways. -Psalm 85:8(NLT)
GOD SPEAKS PEACE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you hear what the Lord requires from his people?
He wants you to pursue peace and be faithful
The Lord is after those who seek him without ceasing
Don’t forget his word and always meditate on his teachings.
God wants you to choose peace, it shows that you trust him
When you do, you’ll be able to resist the devil and avoid sin
Hear the Lord’s call and don’t return to your foolish ways
Store his words in your heart so you can win without delay.
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Before I became a born again Christian, I often wondered why it was so easy to dwell on the negative and a lot of effort to focus on the positive. Now I know that without the blood of Jesus, I can’t do anything. Since we live in a fallen world and we are all sinners, it is effortless to be inclined to do the negative things. This is the difference when you are born again. The Holy Spirit lives in you and transforms your heart and mind. You are a new person who seeks the Lord and pursue peace at all times.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for reminding me to pursue peace.
REFLECTION
What distracts you from the pursuit of peace? How can you keep focused on seeking 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

A GOD WHO TRULY CARES Poem Devotional

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May 18________________________________________
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. – 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)
A GOD WHO TRULY CARES
A poem and essay by ILMA
What are you worrying about these days?
Is it a loved one who is going astray?
Are your finances stressing you out?
Do you pray for help or do you just pout?
Give all your worries and cares to God
With him around, nothing is too hard
He truly cares so much and wants you to prosper
Don’t be proud, run to him and he will deliver.
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How many times in the past did you dwell on a pity party? You have been praying for someone or something, that has never really happened for the longest time. You start worrying and thinking negatively about it. Then your body starts to give in from the stress and the toxic thinking. I have been guilty of this negative thought patterns for a good five decades of my life. When I became a born again Christian, God delivered me from this negative pattern and renewed my mind. I started replacing my worries and prayed instead. I didn’t realize that worrying was a sin until I got revelations. It also hinders our dreams to come true. I looked for truths from God’s word that would replace such toxic thoughts. I began memorizing bible verses and voila…God truly cares for me. He has answers for all my worries.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your unceasing love and care for me.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to focus on God’s faithfulness especially when discouraged?
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

ENDURANCE LEADS TO SALVATION Poem Devotional

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May 17________________________________________
But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. – Matthew 24:13-14(NLT)
ENDURANCE LEADS TO SALVATION
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you encounter much trouble and suffering
Be thankful! Your faith will surely be growing
The one who endures to the end will be protected
Those who easily give up will not be included.
Endurance is a manifestation of being faithful
It also shows that you are diligent and hopeful
Jesus endured all kinds of violence and cruelty
He wants us to embrace challenges courageously.
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Endurance is defined as a noun as the fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way. As an adjective, it is denoting or relating to a race or other sporting event that takes place over a long distance or otherwise demands great physical stamina. Endurance is an important ingredient in overcoming obstacles or winning a competition. James 1:2-3 tells us that the testing of our faith produces endurance. In other words, if we easily give up at the first trial or testing, we won’t finish the race to God’s kingdom. It is also a pre-requisite in order for us to be saved. When we endure and persevere, we show strength in our character.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to focus on you instead of the circumstance when my faith is being tested.
REFLECTION
How can we develop endurance in our character?
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