Tag Archives: ILMA BARAYUGA-DOHERTY

WHEN FEELING ABANDONED Poem Devotional

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April 29
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My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? -Psalm 22:1(NLT)
WHEN FEELING ABANDONED
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you feel that God is far away
Don’t despair, instead, go to him and pray
God knows exactly what you are experiencing
Do not allow the enemy to control your feelings.
When you feel alone and forsaken
Remember all those who are broken
He died for all the oppressed and rejected
So do not allow yourself to feel dejected.
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I used to always feel lonely and sad when I get triggered with memories of being neglected or abandoned. It is not a very pleasant feeling. The enemy twisted my perspective about being forsaken. He made me believe so many lies about my true identity in Christ. He whispered words to me such as “I don’t deserve to be loved.” It drove me to a point of desperation for about two decades of my life, but I thank God that he has delivered me from this bondage and set me free. I don’t feel despair anymore but he replaced my discouragement with courage and boldness to use all my traumatic experiences to share the gospel.
The psalmist in this verse actually felt abandoned. Our feelings are not always necessarily true. God never leaves us. He only allows us to experience pain so we can grow and be strong.
PRAYER
Lord, give me courage whenever I feel dejected.
REFLECTION
How can you overcome feelings of abandonment?
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 LOVE RULE poem devotional

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April 27
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Three things will last forever; faith, hope and love-and the greatest of these is love. Let love be your highest goal. -Corinthians 13:13-14:1 (NLT)
LET LOVE RULE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you are not able to get your way, let love rule
When things are unclear and hazy, let love rule
When someone abuses or neglect you, let love rule
When you lose someone and feel sad, let love rule
Whenever you see injustice and oppression, let love rule
When someone offends you and brings you down, let love rule
When someone you love is difficult and disrespectful, let love rule
When you are ostracized or marginalized, let love rule.
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Love is the most used and abused word in the English language. People use it to mean a strong liking to something or someone. In weddings, the famous Corinthians 13 chapter is widely used. Why do you think God puts so much emphasis on love than anything else? The bible says that God is love in 1 John 4:8. Genesis mentions that man is made in God’s image. Therefore, we could surmise that we are also made of love. When we do not do things out of love, we defy what our true character is. Whenever we don’t love, we suffer and experience pain. That is why God commanded us to love him first, then others as we love ourselves.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to operate in love.
REFLECTION
When should we exercise 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

SHARE YOUR MIRACLES Poem Devotional

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April 26
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So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.
-Mark 5:20(NLT)
SHARE YOUR MIRACLES
A poem and essay by ILMA
What has Christ done for you lately?
Has he saved someone from your family?
Have you been delivered from a stronghold?
Has he freed you from fear and taught you to be bold?
Proclaim what he has done and share your miracles
Tell everyone how he made you win over obstacles
Rejoice and be glad that he loves and cares for you
Praise and glorify him with thanksgiving and a life renewed.
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There are many people who miss out so many things that God has done for them because they are so focused on their problems, trials and suffering. When we are pessimistic and only see the negative in our circumstances, we are actually unable to see what might be blessings in disguise in our lives. I used to be a whiny person and very critical of myself and others. A book changed my life when the concept of a “Thank You” diary was suggested. As soon as I listed the things to be thankful for, my attitude changed.
We are asked to share our miracles to others because in doing so, we proclaim God’s greatness and we are showing him gratitude.
PRAYER
Thank you for all the miracles you’ve done in my life.
REFLECTION
How can you not miss out on every miracle God does 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

BE INTO OTHERS Poem Devotional

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April 25
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Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too. -Philippians 2:3-4(NLT)
BE INTO OTHERS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you overwhelmed with all your own interests?
Do you pay attention to others’ concern and happiness?
Don’t be selfish and try to boast only about your prowess
Take interest in others and don’t think only of your own progress.
Take time to know other people’s well being and diversions
Go also out of your way to know and discover their tribulations
Don’t look out only for yourself and your own family
Reach out to those who are in your church and your community.
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Do you take time out to know someone? The reason why I left the religious sect I use to attend was because I can’t find anyone in this church to really take interest in others. Each time I find an opportunity to connect and get close to them outside of the Sunday service, they wouldn’t even accept the invitation to fellowship or get to know others. They were all just too concerned with church activities.
The bible tells us to go out of our way to take interest in others. We need not be all concerned with church activities, but we need to personally reach out to others.
PRAYER
Teach me to reach out to others and not just focus on myself.
REFLECTION
Why does God want us to be concerned 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

A GOD OF EMPATHY Poem Devotional

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April 24
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Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. -Hebrews 2:18 (NLT)
A GOD OF EMPATHY
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you undergo trials and suffering in life
He is always there to ease your burden and bring light
Since he himself has undergone suffering and testing
He is able to understand what challenges you are facing.
He hears your cries and empathizes with our situations
He knows what is in your heart during tribulations
God is a god who sees everything in this world
Believe that he is there with you, just read his word.
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Have you ever been misunderstood? One of the tricks of Satan in my life is to create misunderstandings in my relationships. He has stolen so much of my peace and joy because of the spirit of confusion and offense. God is a god of order. He never brings chaos or disorganization in our lives. It is the enemy that lays down tactics so we will be lost and confused or offended. Be encouraged because we have a god who empathizes with us since he has gone through the same pain and suffering we are undergoing. In fact, I think that Jesus’ suffering will be unparalleled in this lifetime. Just reflect how much wounds and beatings his body underwent. He empathizes with your pains and sorrows. Run to him.
PRAYER
Lord, let me always run to you when I am in trouble.
REFLECTION
What is your deepest pain that God has consoled you with?
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

CROSS TO THE OTHER SIDE Poem Devotional

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April 23
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Let us cross to the other side of the lake. – Mark 4:35 (NLT)
CROSS TO THE OTHER SIDE
A poem and essay by ILMA
What trials and sorrows have you gone through?
Did it result in your search for God and his truth?
Jesus can bring you to a better place than where you are
Just cross to the other side with him, it’s not that far.
He will walk you through the changes and challenges
Trust and obey him, you are loved and are precious
Hold his hands as you face the new life he has given you
Let him lead you a changed heart and mind that is renewed.
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Methathesiophoia is the fear of change or changing things. The origin of the word comes from Greek ‘meta’ meaning change and ‘phobos’ meaning fear. This specific phobia can reduce one’s will to live. Metathesiophobes often feel they have no control over their lives due to constant changes. She or he tends to live in the past and exhibit depression. Their phobia debilitates them to move to progress or to change anything from routine. The fear of change is natural to humans. Man has liked routine. Our internal predispositions such as heredity and genetics teach us to resist change mainly to ‘always feel in control’. Let go of control and let Christ lead you to a full life as he had planned for you.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for leading me to embrace your plans for me.
REFLECTION
How can we learn to let go of fear and step into God’s future for us?
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

LOVING WITHOUT SEEING Poem Devotional

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April 22
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You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious; inexpressible joy. -1 Peter 1:8(NLT)
LOVING WITHOUT SEEING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you always have to see someone you love?
Have you ever seen the one true God?
Without seeing him, you still love him
Your faith is to believe which goes beyond seeing.
Though you do not see him now, you still trust him
Though you can’t see changes, you still believe
Christ brings victory, rejoice with a life full of joy
For the enemy’s tactics cannot rule or destroy.
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When I was in high school, I had a secret crush on someone from my school. I didn’t feel worthy to be even noticed by this boy who was popular and was sought after by a lot of girls. I would secretly say things to him as I walk in the corridors of the school and a lot of times, when I do this, he would just be right in front of me. I just poured out my love (which was more infatuation) for him and allowed it to grow inside me. One day, out of the blue, he approached and asked my name.
The bible says that we can continue to love God even if we don’t see him because we are so deeply connected to him inside our hearts.
PRAYER
Lord, let me trust you even when I don’t see.
REFLECTION
What happens when you continue to trust even when you don’t see results?
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

PROTECTION FROM JUDGMENT Poem Devotional

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April 21
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God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. There is no judgement against anyone who believes in him. -John 3:17-18 (NLT)
PROTECTION FROM JUDGEMENT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you ever been judged by people around you?
Is what they are accusing you valid and true?
Do not be condemned by what others think or say
There’s no condemnation for those who follow his way.
God sent his son into the world to save but not to judge
Believers are protected from judgment and all kinds of grudge
Continue to grow your faith and believe in Jesus Christ
You will be guaranteed a shield of protection in this life.
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Because of our fallen nature as humans, it is easy for us to judge others. We are quick to find fault when we see someone unable to live up to our standards or expectations. But the bible says that we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God. We are all sinners and before we can point our fingers on someone, we should first take the log of our own eye (Matthew 7:5).
The bible says that God sent his Son into the world not to judge it but save it through him. There is no judgement against anyone who believes in him. God convicts us of sin but never condemns us.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for convicting me when I am wrong, so I don’t stray.
REFLECTION
Why is the act of judging something we should just leave to God alone?
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

HELMET AND SWORD OF GOD Poem Devotional

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April 20
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Put on salvation as your helmet and take the sword of the spirit which is the word of God.
-Ephesians 6:17(NLT)
HELMET AND SWORD OF GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you prepared to face the spiritual war that you get into daily?
We battle with principalities and authorities unseen almost repeatedly
Put on salvation as your helmet and God’s word as your sword
When you do, you can defeat the devil who rules this world.
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will stand firm against the devil
He wants to steal, kill and destroy and tempt you to do evil
Remember the cross of Christ that brought you salvation
Speak out the word of God so you can overcome all temptations.
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Are you aware that even in your sleep, the enemy tries to steal, kill and destroy you? Many people have no clue what we are battling with every day. Can you imagine being a soldier and coming to war without any ammunitions? That soldier who is not trained and ready for battle will surely lose his life because he has no defense strategy.
The apostle Paul clearly gives us a strategy how to win over the enemy in chapter 6. He exposes the enemy’s tactics and gives us a guideline how to win the battle. He wants us to put on God’s armor so we will win the war.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to use your word to defeat the enemy in his tricks.
REFLECTION
How can God’s word help us win the spiritual battle we so often go through?
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

TRUE MINISTERS OF GOD Poem Devotional

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April 19
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We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God.
-2Corinthians 6:3-4(NLT)
TRUE MINISTERS OF GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you ensuring that your heart is free of bitterness?
Have you repented your sins and asked forgiveness?
As true ministers of God, we need to live blameless lives
Believers need to set examples and shine as Christ’s light.
It is not words but actions that speak that you are true ministers
In everything we do, we are reflecting our Redeemer
Live in such a way that no one will stumble because of you
Or you will be responsible for all the persons you confuse.
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There are believers who do not pay attention to what they do and in turn cause some baby Christians to doubt or get confused with their new found faith. I have first hand experiences of believers who have been Christians a very long time, but have actually not been good examples to others. When we are reckless and careless about what we do or say, we are bringing in darkness instead of light.
Paul stressed that we ought to live in such a way that we will not cause others to stumble and not find fault in our ministry through our actions.
PRAYER
Lord, remind me what you would in a situation do before I act or speak.
REFLECTION
Share an experience when you have been discouraged by someone’s reckless behavior.
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