FREEDOM FROM LEGALISM Poem Devotional

Posted on March 5, 2017 by ilmaarts

March 5________________________________________
The Law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. – John 1:17(NLT)
FREEDOM FROM LEGALISM
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you find yourself being enslaved by rules and regulations?
Do you follow the law as an exercise to keep on traditions?
The law was given through Moses before the birth of Christ
When God sent his Son, he fulfilled his promise to bring us life.
Jesus summed up the law with the command to love one another
He wants us to relate with him through our sisters and brothers
Christ died for us so we would be delivered from the law
Are you still imprisoned by rules that hinder your growth?
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It is sad to see so many people who are imprisoned by rules and traditions. Each step they take is evaluated against these laws and belief system. I used to be one of these legalistic Christian. I almost took pride that I obeyed the law. Nothing wrong with obeying but if obedience to the law is tainted by watching how well one performs or by clinging to certain ways and living in a box, then I think that it will hamper our growth.
Jesus Christ lived out of the law. He walked in love instead and defied very strict inhuman rules set by the Pharisees and Scribes. He built a relationship with others and never judged or condemned anyone.
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PRAYER
Lord, show me when there are occasions that I become legalistic.
REFLECTION
How can you break out of the law and live in love?
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

NOT I BUT GOD’S GRACE Poem Devotional

Posted on March 3, 2017 by ilmaarts

March 4________________________________________
Whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace. – 1 Corinthians 15:10(NLT)
NOT I BUT GOD’S GRACE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whatever I possess right now is not truly mine
It is a special favor on me bestowed by Christ
It is not I but God’s grace that brought me here
Only God knows all my weaknesses and fears.
Despite all the hard work I do to for his kingdom
I cannot boast because then I won’t have freedom
I thank my Lord who constantly shower me with grace
It is only fitting that I glorify him and give him praise.
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I was a very proud person before I was a born again Christian. I always took pleasure when I accomplish something. Though I may not speak or boast openly about it, I had this sense of victory inside me that I did it and I needed to be acknowledged for it. I was so foolish to think that it was my doing and effort that me successful in those endeavors I chose.
The bible tells us that it is not I but God’s grace that brought me where I was and it wasn’t for my own but for his kingdom purpose. ________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, help me to never take my eyes of your grace.
REFLECTION
What can impede us from living in God’s grace?
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

FOOLPROOF MASTER PLAN Poem Devotional

Posted on March 3, 2017 by ilmaarts

March 3________________________________________
Because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance and he make everything work out according to his plan.
– Ephesians 1:11(NLT)
FOOLPROOF MASTER PLAN
A poem and essay by ILMA
When we decide to commit to Jesus Christ
We get to see the great plan for our lives
Because we are united with Christ when we believed
An inheritance from God is waiting to be received.
God chose us in advance to be part of his foolproof plan
He knows that we need salvation so he gave us his Son
Are you living your life according to his commands?
Why resist or turn your back on a foolproof master plan?
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When building your dream home, wouldn’t you want to make sure that you get the best architect to layout visually your specified wish list? Wouldn’t you be very detailed and specific about every aspect of realizing your dream? You will definitely not just hire anybody who didn’t have experience in that field or you will compromise your dream home. Isn’t it the same with choosing the best blueprint for your life?
The bible says that when we gave our lives to Jesus, we are going to receive an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance and he makes everything work out according to his plan. Why should you go against a foolproof master plan for your life?
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PRAYER
Lord, help me never to resist your will for my life.
REFLECTION
What will happen if you resist God’s foolproof plan?
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

PERFECT TIMING Poem Devotional

Posted on March 1, 2017 by ilmaarts

March 2________________________________________
When we were utterly helpless. Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.
– Romans 5:6(NLT)
PERFECT TIMING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you ever know someone who’s got perfect timing?
Is this person always timely to aide your suffering?
When we were utterly helpless and needing help
He died for us so he can pick us up and give us strength.
Christ chooses the perfect time and place
He showers with blessings all of human race
Are we blocking his perfect timing and his plan?
Are we cooperating with God’s one and only Son?
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Timing is crucial in many things in life. The birth of a child, marriage, move to a new home, new job, new community and many more are some of the events or changes that can benefit with perfect timing. Sometimes our drive or obsession to get something or to embrace something new can be so powerful that we lose out on choosing the best time to do so. Another thing that can impede our triumph over some dreams or goals is the fact that our plans do not jive with what God intends for us. Who can better know and see what is good for us but our heavenly father?
Christ had perfect timing. When we were so desperate, helpless and almost hopeless, he died for us so we can be free and live an abundant life.
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PRAYER
Lord, I am so grateful for all your perfect timing to bring joy, healing and peace in my life.
REFLECTION
How can we miss out on Christ’s perfect timing?

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

RECEIVE A RICH LIFE Poem Devotional

Posted on February 28, 2017 by ilmaarts

March 1________________________________________
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. – John 10:10(NLT)
RECEIVE A RICH LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
What does the enemy steal from you?
God promises a rich and a life renewed
Satan will try to kill and destroy your new life
Anchor your whole faculties to Jesus Christ.
Receive the blessings and satisfaction he can bring
Allow yourself to enjoy life, worship him and sing
He is powerful over than the spirit in this world
You can overcome and triumph if you obey his word
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There are many occasions that I wasn’t even aware that I have an enemy whose purpose is to steal, kill and destroy me. For many years, I fought this evil within me by my own effort. I take things personally which have crippled me physically, emotionally and spiritually for many decades. Then the word of God convicted me in John 10:10 that brought out in the light all the evil schemes of the enemy. I learned that people were not my foe. It was the devil using those around me, especially those who I am in relationship with to destroy, kill and steal from me. I need not shout at him “Get thee out from me” always. I can fight this wicked creature with the love of Jesus and declare truth aloud so he can’t lie to me.
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PRAYER
Lord, keep my eyes and heart open when I am being attacked.
REFLECTION
How can you be more aware when you are being attacked?
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

PUTTING ON GOD’S PRESENCE Poem Devotional

Posted on February 27, 2017 by ilmaarts

February 28________________________________________
Instead clothe yourselves with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ and don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. – Romans 13:14(NLT)
PUTTING ON GOD’S PRESENCE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you wear your heart on your sleeves?
Or do you choose Christ and believe?
Clothe yourselves with God’s presence
You will overcome lies and all pretense.
Don’t let yourself indulge in evil desires
Purify yourself and renew your mind in Christ
Put on God’s presence and he will be with you
Let go of your old ways and you will be renewed
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When you wake up each day, don’t you change your clothes to go to work or just welcome a new day? We put on clothes so we can protect our bodies from the elements around us. What about our spirits? How do we protect it from attack of the enemy? It is so sad to know that some people spend so much time looking good on the outside and yet never really reflecting on their spiritual lives. In my 20’s up to my late 50’s I spent so much time dressing up for the day. I want to look good and coordinated in my attire. God convicted me of this vanity. He wanted me to put on his presence so that the enemy will not be able to attack me. This way, I will protect myself from evil desires.
PRAYER
Lord, I welcome you in my life.
REFLECTION
How can you consciously wear God’s presence?
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

NOT BY GOOD WORKS Poem Devotional

Posted on February 27, 2017 by ilmaarts

February 27________________________________________
And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is-free and undeserved. -Romans 11:6(NLT)
NOT BY GOOD WORKS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Not by good works are you saved
It is by seeking God’s word and being brave
Since it is through God’s kindness you receive grace
Why not boast of his grace to all of the human race.
Not by good works can we be accepted
God’s grace can help us overcome being dejected
Enjoy this gift even if you really don’t deserve it
Your acceptance will open your heart to God’s spirit.
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Some Christians still do works of the flesh. For many years, I thought that I could do the work of changing myself. I educated myself with self-help books, oblivious to the fact that some of these worldly advice had actually drawn me further away from God. The only time I realized this was when I began to study God’s word. I realized that self-effort and self-reliance wasn’t how God designed me to be. Proverbs 3:5 tells us to trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not depend on your own understanding. Ephesians 2:8-9 says that God saved you by his grace when you believed. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done. It is free and undeserved.
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PRAYER
Lord, remind me to never stop looking at the cross.
REFLECTION
How can you rely more on God’s grace instead on your own effort?
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 FOR TODAY Poem Devotional

Posted on February 23, 2017 by ilmaarts

February 24

Don’t long for the good old days. This is not wise. -Ecclesiastes 7:10(NLT)

LIVE FOR TODAY

A poem and essay by ILMA

Don’t yearn for the good old days

They are long gone, just think of today

When you look in the past and pine for it

It will hinder your growth and block God’s spirit.

When you focus so much on tomorrow

It may bind you to worries and sorrows

Live for today and continue to pray

God’s perspective will easily be on the way.

Our world is beset by so much seeking for control. We want to have control over our health, our children, our spouse, our jobs, our time, our finances, and many more. The enemy has lured us all into doing things and being independent, which sometimes can go way over. It can dangerously lead us to isolation and self-reliance. I had my share of this pursuit to take control of many things until God saved me from this detrimental obsession to take charge and fix things. I participated in this futile act of “control” by worrying too much, planning unrealistically and overanalyzing things and situations. Anxiety over the future led me to have all kinds of illnesses. I didn’t realize that the stress was taking a big effect on my body and mind. Planning unrealistic dreams set up me up for frustrations. Now, God taught me how to live for today and rely on him.

PRAYER

Lord, help me to live one day at a time.

REFLECTION

How can focusing on the present allow you to stay healthy?

SORROW REFINES US Poem Devotional

Posted on February 22, 2017 by ilmaarts

February 23________________________________________
Sorrow is better than laughter for sadness has a refining influence on us.
-Ecclesiastes 7:3(NLT)
SORROW REFINES US
A poem and essay by ILMA
When we go through trials and challenges
We can stay broken or embrace changes
Let grief bring us closer to Christ
It can refine us and transform our lives.
Losing something or someone can bring pain
Looking up to Jesus will turn that agony into gain
Allow the Holy Spirit to comfort and console you
If you learn to live with sorrow, you’ll be renewed.
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There are many people who do not deal with grief or loss in a godly manner. Some people stay stuck in blaming, anger or wallowing in pity. I got stuck in anger for many years simply because I didn’t acknowledge the loses I went through. I fixed myself and covered up the anger with performance and achievements. I was deceived by the enemy into thinking that I can patch up all my pain with worldly pursuits. So it took over five decades of running around in circles of anger which later turned into rage. It wasn’t explosive outward fury. It was a very subtle slow form of wrath that imprisoned my spirit. Because I didn’t acknowledge the many loses I had, it opened the door for more sins. The bible tells us that sorrow is better than laughter for it refines us and brings us on our knees to God.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to have a positive attitude towards sorrow.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you grieved over someone or something? Did it make you strong?
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

LESS TALKING IS BETTER Poem Devotional

Posted on February 21, 2017 by ilmaarts

February 22________________________________________
The more words you speak, the less they mean. So what good are they?
-Ecclesiastes 6:11(NLT)
LESS TALKING IS BETTER
A poem and essay by ILMA
The more words you speak
The less they mean
Less talking is better for you
You don’t have to explain your views.
Let the word of God be uttered as is
He wants you to share without changing it
The Lord is concise and speaks less
Talking much is futile and meaningless.
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I used to talk and explain myself a lot. I have always been a detailed person. I think I became obsessed with details and explaining a lot because I was deprived of talking when I was growing up. It was the way I coped with that freedom to speak up. From a young girl who had no confidence in airing out her thoughts and ideas, I became a very outspoken and opinionated teenager to others outside my family. I got into the theater profession as a stage manager and actress, so that totally changed that quiet soft spoken girl into an over-confident and haughty woman. I loved Philosophy during my college days and I love to read so I could be knowledgeable and show off to others that I am good at many things. I would argue my way into persuading others with my verbosity. The bible tells us to speak less or much words can be used by Satan to make us sin.
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PRAYER
Thank you Lord for being concise but a man of few words.
REFLECTION
How do you open doors to Satan when you talk too much?
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

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