Tag Archives: ILMA BARAYUGA-DOHERTY

CRY OUT TO GOD Poem Devotional

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January 19________________________________________
But in my distress I cried out to the Lord: yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. -Psalm 18:6(NLT)
CRY OUT TO GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you have difficulties and pain
Do you cry out to God and call his name?
In your distress, run to Jesus Christ
He is the only one who can ease your life.
He hears you from his sanctuary
Only in him will we have victory
Don’t despair for he will never forsake you
He loves you so much; he is faithful and true.
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To cry is defined by the dictionary as “to produce tears from your eyes often while making loud sounds because of pain, sorrow, or other strong emotions.” In the biblical perspective, crying out to God is a fervent expression of faith in God and trust in His goodness and power to act on your behalf. Crying out to God expresses dependence on him, humility, surrender and total helplessness. As opposed to the world’s view that crying is a form of weakness, the bible summons us to cry out to God for help. King David often cried out to God for help.
We are encouraged and instructed in the bible to run to God and ask him for help. Whenever we cry out to him, we acknowledge our weakness and his power.
PRAYER
Lord, I cry out for you to save my family.
REFLECTION
What benefit do we get when we cry out to God for help?
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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

DECLARING YOUR LOVE FOR GOD Poem Devotional

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January 20________________________________________
I love you Lord; you are my strength. – Psalm 18:1(NLT)
DECLARING YOUR LOVE FOR GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
To you O God, I declare my love and loyalty
I have never been treated by anyone so faithfully
You are the greatest lover of all time
You are my strength and my guide.
I love you Lord and I give you my all
Help me never to be tempted to sin and fall
All that I am and all that I have will always praise you
Only in you can I be complete, holy and be renewed.
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When you realized that you found the man or woman of your life, what was the first thing you did? Didn’t you declare your love for that person? You didn’t just use mental telepathy and hope he or she gets it right away. You had to utter the words “I love you,” so you can tell this special someone that you are seriously committing to him or her. Especially when you get married, your vows to each other always declares the love you have for each other. It solidifies your feelings and your sincerity.
The bible talks about how King David often declared his love for God in his Psalms. Declaring his love for God reinforces his belief and faithfulness to him. Saying out loud that you love God creates intimacy and strength in our relationship with him.
PRAYER
I love you Lord with all my heart and soul.
REFLECTION
How often do you express your love for God?
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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 WILL IS OUR DESTINY Poem Devotional

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January 18________________________________________
So he will do to me whatever he has planned. He controls my destiny. -Job 23:14(NLT)
GOD’S WILL IS OUR DESTINY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you have any idea where God wants you to be?
Have you reflected on his word so you can see?
Our God is a god who is transparent
He tells us what is already apparent.
The Lord controls all our destiny
He wants us to defeat the enemy
He doesn’t like us to be continually in pain
He wants us to grow up and not live in vain.
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In Greek Mythology, Zeus was the first of the gods and a very imposing figure. Often referred to as the “Father of Gods and men”, he is a sky god who controls lightning (often using it as a weapon) and thunder. Zeus is king of Mount Olympus, the home of Greek gods, where he rules the world and imposes his will onto gods and mortals alike.
Unlike Zeus, our heavenly father doesn’t impose his will on us humans. He gave us free will to choose which way we want our lives to go. He loves us so much that he wants us to enjoy the life that he planned for us to have. This is why he gave Jesus Christ to us so we can be close to fulfilling our destinies. In Job 23, Job responded to his friend what he thinks of God controlling his destiny.
PRAYER
Lord, make me follow your will always.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to align our will with God’s?
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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

HE KNOWS WHERE I AM GOING Poem Devotional

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January 17________________________________________
But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside.
– Job 23:10-11(NLT)
HE KNOWS WHERE I AM GOING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know where you are going?
Do you serve the Lord and keep on praising?
Many people don’t know their destination
They live a life of chaos and confusion.
God knows where exactly we are going
We may not be aware but he is leading
Follow Jesus Christ and you will never be lost
He gave his only begotten Son at a high cost.
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According to an article written in Daily Mail, Paul Kendall said: For as long as road maps have been around, men have complained that women cannot read them. Now a team of scientists have concluded that there are very real biological reasons behind the cause of numerous in-car arguments. The researchers claim that ‘spatial intelligence’ is seriously affected by the female hormone oestrogen.
Many people both men and women alike cannot navigate through life easily. The bible says that if we follow God’s lead, he will lead us to a life that he promised. It is only the Lord who knows what is best for us and if we abide in him, we won’t be lost. We will learn to traverse through life effortlessly.
PRAYER
Lord, pick me up when I get lost in this world.
REFLECTION
What did God do to rescue you when you got lost?
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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

WARNING ABOUT THE TONGUE Poem Devotional

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January 15________________________________________
People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and fish but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. -James 3:7-8 (NLT)
WARNING ABOUT THE TONGUE
A poem and essay by ILMA
The tongue accepts the food that nourishes the body
It can also be used to hurt somebody
The tongue is the hardest thing to tame
Even the holiest person can also blame.
The tongue is evil, full of deadly poison
It cannot be controlled even by human reason
Be careful what this restless thing will say
Control it or be sorry if it always gets its way.
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According to an article by Alina Bradford in Live Science, sticking out your tongue is considered unacceptable behavior in many cultures, but it is a sign of respect in others. In Tibet, sticking out the tongue is a greeting. When two people meet, they stick out their tongues at each other. Among the Maori people of New Zealand, sticking out the tongue is part of a war chant and is meant to intimidate the enemy. If a Maori woman sticks out her tongue, it is a sign of defiance.
The tongue has its bodily functions but the bible says that it is a restless evil full of deadly poison. It is very hard to tame. We can tame animals but no one can tame the tongue.
PRAYER
Lord, grant me self control to tame my tongue.
REFLECTION
Relate the worst time that your tongue ever got you in trouble?
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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 FLAME OF FIRE Poem Devotional

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January 14________________________________________
And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. – James 3:6(NLT)
A FLAME OF FIRE
A poem and essay by ILMA
The mouth spits out words that can hurt or help
It can serve the worst master which is the “self”
The tongue is a flame of fire; it corrupts the body
It can set your whole life on fire or can damage anybody.
Do not take for granted what this little tongue can do
It has ruined many people and their relationships too
The tongue is set on fire by hell itself, so watch out
This little flame of fire can be enormous and burst out.
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The most pained, angry or dysfunctional people usually have been a victim of the tongue. They have heard a hurting word in the past that contributed to what they have become. “Hurt people hurt people” is a phrase we commonly hear when we witness a wicked person who unstoppably brings pain to others. These pained people go through life without knowing how to cope with those lies they heard about themselves. Most of these lies or words spoken to them bring them shame and guilt which debilitate their lives. The bible says that the tongue is a flame of fire that can destroy because it comes from hell itself.
PRAYER
Lord, please guard my mouth to only say kind words.
REFLECTION
What kind of words escape your mouth?
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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

CONTROLLING THE TONGUE Poem Devotional

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January 13________________________________________
For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every way. -James 3:2(NLT)
CONTROLLING THE TONGUE
A poem and essay by ILMA
What comes out of your mouth repeatedly?
Do you speak God’s words or just reason out consistently?
For if one could control the tongue, we would be perfect
If we commit our lips to God’s word, we won’t be a wreck.
The tongue is a strong force that cannot be tamed easily
It is only with God’s help that we can have victory
When you control it, you can navigate through life
When you don’t, it will make you lost and lose insight.
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What was the last thing you said to someone today? Was it an encouragement or a criticism that you just let out? One of my weaknesses is the ability to control what comes out of my mouth. Because I am not quick to listen, but fast to speak instead, I often end up saying something that I wish I could have refrained from saying. We can’t take back what has come out of our mouths. I am sure that if we submit our lips to God, we will be able to say only things that God would want us to say.
The bible tells us that controlling the tongue is imperative in order for us to be able to control ourselves. Without guiding it, we will cause pain.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to refrain from saying unkind things.
REFLECTION
Why do you think controlling our tongue is integral in spiritual maturity.
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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 RIGHTEOUS GOD Poem Devotional

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January 12________________________________________
For all people are mine to judge-both parents and children alike. And this is my rule: The person who sin is the one who will die. – Ezekiel 18:4(NLT)
A RIGHTEOUS GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
What do you do when someone you love sins?
Do you condemn or pray that they will be redeemed?
No one can judge except the heavenly father
Because he is omniscient, he knows every matter
God is righteous, he knows what is best for all
He wants us to go his way so we won’t fall
Be right with him so you won’t be judged
He judges uprightly so don’t bear a grudge.
________________________________________A judge is a government official with authority to decide lawsuits brought before courts. The judge in a case decides questions of law, as well as questions of fact in a non-jury trial. In a trial, the judge performs various functions, such as deciding what evidence is admissible and instructing the jury on how to apply the law based upon the facts presented. Judges are subject to certain ethical standards and have a duty to be impartial.
The bible says that we have a righteous God who can see everything we do and what is in our hearts. We cannot lie to God because even before we do, he already knows. We cannot judge each other; only God can. We can encourage one another to stay holy and pure.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me when I sin so you won’t judge me.
REFLECTION
Why don’t we have the right to judge anyone?
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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 ACCUSER’S DEFEAT Poem Devotional

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January 11________________________________________
It has come at last-salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth.
– Revelations 12:10(NLT)
THE ACCUSER’S DEFEAT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you find it hard to conquer sin?
Come to God so he can forgive you and redeem
There will be a time that salvation and power will reign
The Kingdom of God is manifest in Jesus’ name.
When he comes again, the accuser will be defeated
All believers will be holy and never have sins repeated
The enemy will cower over Christ’s authority
All Christians will rule as well and have victory.
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Do you or did you ever struggle with sin? I was a bondage to sin for many years. What sin did to me was devastating. It made me rebel and disobey the Lord. It made me cater to my flesh and desires. I served myself for many years and was deluded to think that I was alright and that I actually was a good person. I did many things on my own will and effort. I wasn’t following God’s will therefore I never had victory over sin.
The bible describes to us how the end times will be in Revelation. Satan, the accuser of all believers will be defeated. Christ will rule and the enemy will be crushed under Jesus’ authority.
PRAYER
Lord, help me never to rely on myself to conquer sin, but to you alone.
REFLECTION
Are you exercising your authority over the devil as a believer?
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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

HE HAS TAKEN AWAY OUR SINS poem devotional

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January 10________________________________________
“Take off his filthy clothes.” And turning to Jeshua he said, “See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.” – Zechariah 3:4(NLT)
HE HAS TAKEN AWAY OUR SINS
A poem and essay by ILMA
When God gave us his only begotten Son
He has taken away the sins that harm
It is like wearing filthy clothes when we sin
Jesus died on the cross so we can be redeemed.
Jesus gave us a whole new life to enjoy
He wants us to seek him so we can have joy
Don’t go back to your old rotten ways
He paid a high price so you can be changed.
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I was raised by people who were obsessively clean. My mother ensured that the whole house is free of dust and that we are all well groomed and have clean surroundings. I guess it contributed to my being sickly as a child because I had no immunity to any germs around me. My mother made sure everything was spick and span. I became an obsessive cleaner as well. There was a time that I finally gave up this compulsion and learned to enjoy life even if everything wasn’t spotlessly clean.
The bible compares sin to dirty clothes and the blood of Jesus gave us the chance to change the filthy clothes with fine new clothes. When Christ died on the cross, he took away our sins.
PRAYER
Help me to always choose to do right.
REFLECTION
When did you literally feel that you were cleansed from sin?
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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