Tag Archives: ILMA BARAYUGA-DOHERTY

SIN COMPROMISES HEALTH Poem Devotional

Posted on by

stormy clouds 2012 094

January 9________________________________________
My health is broken because of my sins. My guilt overwhelms me-it is a burden too heavy to bear. – Psalm 38:3-4(NLT)
SIN COMPROMISES HEALTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Did you do something to feel guilty inside?
Is it giving in to sin that makes you hide?
Guilt can overwhelm us and make us ill
It is a tactic that is used by the devil.
Sin can make you sick inside and out
It makes you want to rebel and be proud
God created you as a loving and gentle person
He wants praise him and his one and only Son.
________________________________________
I have had all kinds of illnesses in my life. When I was born, I had polio but thanks to therapies, they were able to cure it at its very first stages. As a young child, I would always have headaches and at about age 10, I had weak lungs and was diagnosed with mild tuberculosis. I also had frequent tonsillitis flare ups that made me experience very high fevers and chills. I had anemia and very low red blood cells. When I turned high school, there were more emotional pains rather than illnesses. In my 20’s I had terrible migraine attacks that would last over two weeks. When I confessed and repented of all my sins, all my illnesses were gone. The bible says that sin can make us literally sick and guilt-stricken.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for forgiving me when I confessed my sins.
REFLECTION
Relate a recent instance when you got sick or burdened because of a sin you committed?
________________________________________
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

WHAT CUTS YOU OFF FROM GOD Poem Devotional

Posted on by

barrie visit 2011 364

January 8________________________________________
It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore. -Isaiah 59:2 (NLT)
WHAT CUTS YOU OFF FROM GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you feel far away from your Maker?
What sins did you do that draw you farther?
Because of your sins, you have been cut off
It is the choice to disobey that makes life tough.
Whenever you choose to do what God forbids
You are opening the door for the devil to plant seeds
Strengthen your faith and follow God’s word
It is the only way you can overcome the world.
________________________________________
I know so many persons who purposely do not want to have anything to do with the Lord. There are various reasons why they cut themselves off from God. It could be because they lost a loved one, lost a job, experienced traumatic events, been abused and many other reasons. I have a first hand experience with severing my ties with God at some decades of my life. I was ashamed to have a relationship with God because I couldn’t give up my dependency on a wrong person.
The bible says that it is our sins that cut us off from God. When we sin, we destroy the relationship we have with God. God loves us but he hates sin. He cannot fulfill his promises if we live in sin.
PRAYER
Lord, convict me when I sin so I can confess and repent right away.
REFLECTION
What is the antidote to being cut off from 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

THOSE WHO DON’T BELIEVE Poem Devotional

Posted on by

winter 2013 landscapes 013

January 7________________________________________
Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good! -Psalm 14:1 (NLT)
THOSE WHO DON’T BELIEVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever someone question the existence of Jesus
Flee from them for they think they are really precious
Only fools say in their hearts that God doesn’t exist
They are full of pride and they love to rebel and resist.
Those who don’t believe are full of wickedness
They justify their rebellion and stubbornness
Their hearts are so corrupt and never does good
They are arrogant and they are very rude.
________________________________________
There was a Christian movie that was shown in the theater last year that was very powerful. It was entitled “Do you believe?” This movie focused on several lives of various people who didn’t believe in God. The writer made all these unbelievers experience the power of God to a point that they cannot resist but to believe. Most of these unbelievers were people who idolized their careers, their possessions and themselves. In the end, they were made to experience helpless situations where God worked on their hearts.
The bible says that only fools say that there is no God. They do so because they are very proud and evil people who only wants to focus on themselves and their worldly views and possessions. They think very highly of themselves.
PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from unbelievers.
REFLECTION
Share an experience when you met an atheist or an agnostic.
________________________________________
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

WHO MAKES THE BLIND SEE Poem Devotional

Posted on by

winter 2013 landscapes 032-003

January 6________________________________________
Some said, “He’s demon possessed and out of his mind. Why listen to a man like that?” Others said, “This doesn’t sound like a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” – John 10:20-21 (NLT)
WHO MAKES THE BLIND SEE?
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you are blinded by the enemy with lies
It will be difficult to navigate through life
Only Jesus can make the blind see
Only the word of God will set us free.
So why do you let the world corrupt your heart?
Why not renew your minds and make a new start?
Believe in the one and only true Lord and Savior
You will soon enjoy life and burn with fervor.
________________________________________
There are many people who question the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. The trouble with them is that they try to make sense out of everything. When there is no logic or explanation behind something that occurred, it is often very hard for people to accept it as a miracle from God. Many unbelievers think that miracles are spectacular phenomenon, but sometimes God works very quietly in our lives. He does little miracles to change us to become more like him. He does it so subtly that sometimes we fail to actually see the miracle or change he is doing in our hearts. The bible says that only Jesus Christ can make the blind see.
PRAYER
Lord, let me recognize your works in my life.
REFLECTION
What miracles has God done 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

LISTEN TO HIS VOICE Poem Devotional

Posted on by

crawford lake 2013 049

January 5________________________________________
I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd. -John 10:16(NLT)
LISTEN TO HIS VOICE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you found the way that leads to your salvation?
Are you able to resist the devil’s ways and his temptations?
When you continue to cater to satisfy your own cravings
You are like a stray sheep who would not stop roaming.
The Shepherd cares especially for the lost ones
God loves them too and sent his one and only Son
When you heed to the voice of Jesus Christ
You will stop straying and have peace in your life.
________________________________________
Many Christian do not actually hear the voice of their Master. It took many years before I did or maybe I wasn’t aware as much as I was when I was a little girl. I was seven years old when I accepted Jesus in my life. I talked to him every single day and even though I can’t hear his voice literally, I have thoughts in my mind that comes as I tell him my troubles and pains. The bible says that those who believe in Christ, will be able to recognize and hear his voice. We have so many distractions in this world so we can hardly hear what he says.
PRAYER
Lord, let me learn silence and focus on you to be able to hear your voice.
REFLECTION
Share an instance when God’s voice is so clear to you.
________________________________________
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

BLESSINGS THROUGH THE GATE Poem Devotional

Posted on by

pinery camping 2014 and others 012

January 4________________________________________
Yes, I am the gate, those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. -John 10:9(NLT)
BLESSINGS THROUGH THE GATE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who believe in Christ enters through the gate
Their eyes are opened to the truth and they are saved
Through Christ, they can come and go freely
They handle the world’s challenges boldly.
If you take the gate to salvation through Christ
You will be equipped to be victorious in life
There will be blessings when you believe in Jesus
You are loved deeply and is considered very precious.
________________________________________
The only way we can be victorious in life is when we believe in the one and only true God. There are many ways we can live our lives. I lived it through the standards of the world for many decades. I went through life with full of trials and sufferings because I catered to my ambitions, wants and desires. When I gave up my wayward life and followed Jesus, I was freed from the enemy’s tactics. Now that I am fully aware of what I did wrong in the past and God has freed me from many strongholds and sin. The bible tells us that only Jesus Christ is the gateway to redemption. It is only through him that we get all the blessings and find good pastures.
PRAYER
Thank you for opening my door to heaven, Lord.
REFLECTION
Have you chosen to take the gateway to heaven?
________________________________________
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

ENTER THROUGH THE GATE Poem Devotional

Posted on by

barrie visit 2011 355

January 3________________________________________
I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate must surely be a thief and a robber. But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd for the sheep. -John 10:1-2(NLT)
ENTER THROUGH THE GATE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Why would anyone choose to sneak?
Wouldn’t you rather openly look or peak?
Why would you not enter through the gate?
It is the only way you can be free and saved?
Enter through the gate who is Jesus Christ
Don’t listen to the devil who is full of lies
Listen to Christ’s voice and follow him
He will free you and lead you to conquer sin.
________________________________________
Sheep have often been associated with man in the bible. There are many characteristics of sheep that are likened to man. They are both stubborn, restless, sometimes love to go astray, they love to roam aimlessly. We are almost like sheep. We disobey and go through life without purpose and meaning.
The bible tells us that anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold rather than going through the gate must be a thief. The one enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. Jesus is the shepherd of all believers. The enemy tries to sneak in people’s lives and make them go astray and disobey God. Christ leads them back through the gate to eternity.
PRAYER
Lord, help us to hear your voice always.
REFLECTION
Do you hear God’s voice and follow his lead?
________________________________________
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

MILK VERSUS SOLID FOOD Poem Devotional

Posted on by

rockwood and alines bday 284

January 2________________________________________
For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. – Hebrews 5:13-14(NLT)
MILK VERSUS SOLID FOOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you were babies, you fed on milk alone
You need to take in solid food when you are grown
For someone who lives on milk do not know what’s right
Their minds and hearts are limited to understand life.
Solid food is for those who are mature and have wisdom
If you feed on it, you will grow and enjoy freedom
Those who live on milk don’t know what’s wrong or right
They are unstable and cannot be victorious in life.
________________________________________
My only child was overweight at a month old. The doctor prescribed I give him solid food to wean him off too much breast milk and not gain more weight. He grew up quick and a very gifted and mature boy. He was a choir member at age 18 months was a violin child prodigy at age 7. Did the solid food have something to do with maturity? Maybe so.
The bible tells us that we can’t live on milk alone meaning we can’t just get second hand information about God’s word. We are encouraged to feed on the solid food which is in depth study of Scriptures.
PRAYER
Lord, help me hunger for you deeply.
REFLECTION
Do you consider yourself still an infant Christian or a mature one?
________________________________________
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

HOLD ON TO CHRIST Poem Devotional

Posted on by

wasaga 3rd anniv picnic & beatrice 3rd visit 124

January 1________________________________________
I am coming soon, hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown.
– Revelations 3:11(NLT)
HOLD ON TO CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
What things keep you away from Christ?
Is it something or someone that makes you lose sight
Hold on to Jesus and keep on seeking him
There’s a big reward to those who stay away from sin.
No matter what little progress you make, be close to God
Press on and never get tired of bringing him laud
Christ is coming soon and he wants you to be saved
All who love him will find the strength to be brave.
________________________________________
In my mid 30’s. I joined a cycling group of over fifty members and I am the only woman in the club. I biked daily a total of 30-40 kilometers every morning before breakfast and before I headed to the school I taught. On weekends, all the 55 members go on a ride about 200 kilometers in about a span of two hours. There were days that I almost didn’t make it but I pressed on and all those weekends, I managed to finish it. The men were all challenged to finish when they see me make it to the end of the bike run. Like a race, we too have to hold on to our progress so we can be ready to see Jesus when he comes again.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for leading me constantly to focus on you.
REFLECTION
What keeps you going when you get disappointed in 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

POISONOUS ROOT OF BITTERNESS Poem Devotional

Posted on by

badlands fall2012 157

December 31________________________________________
Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
– Hebrews 12:15(NLT)
POISONOUS ROOT OF BITTERNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you find yourself angry or irritable with everyone?
Do you gripe about past hurts and blame someone?
Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness creeps up
It can damage many relationships easily and so abrupt.
Look after each other so you won’t miss God’s grace
Have the courage to take responsibility and face
Beware of any form of resentment or hostility
It can destroy your faith, joy and tranquility.
________________________________________
There were many years of my life that I was bitter. I didn’t even know I was full of resentment and hostility towards many people and many things. After five decades of stronghold on this poisonous root, God delivered me from it and made me understand the damage it had on my life and relationships. Bitterness came in many forms in my life. It robbed me of joy and made me criticize automatically people around me who reminded me of those people who neglected and abused me. It made my heart heavy and I actually made myself sick physically as well. The bible tells us to watch out for any form of bitterness for it deprives us of God’s grace and it corrupts us too.
PRAYER
Lord make me aware when this poisonous root of bitterness strikes me.
REFLECTION
What do you think is the antidote to bitterness?
________________________________________
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