Tag Archives: ILMA BARAYUGA-DOHERTY

LET GOD FLOW THROUGH YOU Poem devotional

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November 6________________________________________
Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ.
-1 Peter 4:11(NLT)
LET GOD FLOW THROUGH YOU
A poem and essay by ILMA
What gifts have God given to you?
Is it to speak or encourage others to be renewed?
If God has given you the gift to speak
Do it with passion but always be meek
If you have the gift of helping others
Do it with all your strength to aide your brothers
Use all your gifts to let God flow through you
It will bring more people to seek God’s truth.
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My natural gifts are: literary, visual, communication, musical and theatre arts. It is ironic that communication was a gift given to me by God. I had no voice to say anything as a child. I was commanded never to answer back or explain myself. I think that desired to be heard was translated into written words. I wrote letters to my father who was working abroad many years. My letters made me closer to him than those who were physically around me. The other gifts were a venue to heal my wounded heart.
The bible tells us that we all are given gifts, but we need to use them all to bring glory to God.
PRAYER
Thank you for your gifts.
REFLECTION
What natural gifts do you have that helped you discover your spiritual gifts?
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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

SUBMITTING TO GOD’S WILL Poem Devotional

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November 5________________________________________
When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. – Matthew 1:24(NLT)
SUBMITTING TO GOD’S WILL
A poem and essay by ILMA
What areas of your life have you been unwilling to submit?
Is it a relationship struggle, a career or a failure to commit?
When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded
He didn’t question or argue why God has clearly demanded
Despite his initial doubt about the situation
God revealed to him the importance of his submission
Submitting to God’s will is an act of love and obedience
It brings us closer to God’s promises which is all sufficient.
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I lived many decades of my life doing things my way. No wonder I failed many times and had so much trouble navigating through life. I was made to believe by the world that life is about what you make it. In God’s economy, it is totally the opposite. Life is about submitting our lives totally to him.
How was Jesus born? God used Joseph and Mary to bring his only begotten Son here on earth to fulfill our salvation as promised in Scriptures. Why did God choose Joseph and Mary of all people? In Matthew 1:24 and in Luke 1:38, we both see the common denominator with these two special persons that God chose. They submitted to God’s will without question.
PRAYER
Lord, change me so I can totally surrender my life to you.
REFLECTION
Why do you think submission to God’s will was God’s criteria for choosing Christ’s parents?
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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

PEACE ON EARTH Poem Devotional

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November 4________________________________________
Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.
-Luke 2:14(NLT)
PEACE ON EARTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
There is so much chaos and disorder in this world
This is not what God wants for us according to his word
He wants us to give glory to the highest heaven
He wants peace on earth on all his brethren
The real meaning of Jesus’ birth is peace on earth
It is not clamoring for gifts according to our worth
God is pleased when we embrace peace intentionally
He wants us to embrace it so we can live joyfully.
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The word peace is defined as an absence of civil disturbance or hostilities, or a personality free from internal and external strife. The biblical concept of peace is larger than that and rests heavily on the Hebrew root slm, which means “to be complete” or “to be sound.” The verb conveys both a dynamic and a static meaning “to be complete or whole” or “to live well.”
I remember growing up in the church saying “Peace be with you”, bowing my head and greeting the other members of the congregation when that part of the mass comes. As the Lord has matured me through his word, I now know that there is much more to it. The bible tells us the real meaning of Jesus’ birth. It means peace on earth.
PRAYER
Lord, grant me peace in my heart.
REFLECTION
How can you relay peace to others this coming Christmas?
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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

ON LOVING YOUR ENEMIES Poem Devotional

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November 3________________________________________
But I say “Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:44-45(NLT)
ON LOVING YOUR ENEMIES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Has someone betrayed your trust?
Don’t despair for God loves you so much
When people persecute and hurt you
Remember that Jesus suffered and died too
Love your enemies and pray for them
This way they will know Christ and learn.
Intercede for those who persecute others
They don’t know how to forgive their brothers
When you do good to those who treat you bad
You are really acting as true children of God
Blessings and peace will be poured in your life
You will enjoy everything and life will be bright.
What good is it if you only love those who love you?
Even pagans can do that and it’s nothing new
But if you learn to die to yourself and follow Christ
You will have grace to imitate him in your life
God commands you to love even those who hate you
He wants you to pray for them so they can be renewed.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me grace to see you in my enemies and see past through their actions. Give me a humble heart to forgive them and press on loving them.
REFLECTION
How have you reflected Christ when people bring you down? Relate an experience that shows that you did what Jesus would do.
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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

LIGHT COVERS DARKNESS Poem Devotional

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November 2________________________________________
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. -John 1:5 (NLT)
LIGHT COVERS DARKNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you feel down and depressed
Run to the throne so you can be refreshed
Believe in him so you can enjoy his light
It illumines the darkness in your life.
The light of Jesus brightens any sorrow
It brings you hope for a better tomorrow
When light covers darkness, it can’t be extinguished
It will expose all the evil schemes and make it perish.
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Most children are afraid of the dark. The bible tells us that God has a special place for children in his kingdom. He requires us to be childlike to be able to enter it. 1 Thessalonians 5:5 says that we are all children of the light and we don’t belong to darkness. Those who enjoy darkness have been held captive by the enemy. Satan has blinded them and kept them hostages of evil. Those who keep so many secrets are prisoners of darkness. Matthew 10:26 says that all secrets will be revealed and will be made known to all.
1 John 1:5 says that God is light and there is no darkness in him at all and John 1:5 says that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it. Therefore, God triumphs over all evil and will perish the darkness.
PRAYER
Thank you for your light, Lord Jesus.
REFLECTION
What darkness in your life have you allowed God’s light to shine in?
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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

SHARING BURDENS poem devotional

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November 1________________________________________
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. –Galatians 6:2(NLT)
SHARING BURDENS
A poem and essay by ILMA
What burdens do you have that is so heavy?
Do you have the courage to share them to somebody?
Be vulnerable; open your afflictions with one another
He made us to relate to our sisters and brothers.
Share your challenges amongst the body of Christ
It will strengthen and encourage you to face life
It shows your need for God and all his chosen ones
Humility is shown when you share yourself to someone.________________________________________
The world dictates us to hide our weaknesses and show only the side that is perfect to others. These people learn to mask and cover up all their difficulties and trials. I know someone who never showed his true identity. He had a front to each person, just like playing a role to them. One day, he got so confused because he couldn’t remember what role he played to someone and mixed it up with the other pretend part he did with someone else. We could go on living masquerades in our lives but it doesn’t do us any good. In fact, it makes our lives stressful, trying to mask our weaknesses.
The bible tells us that sharing our burdens with others is a true act of humility. Humility is acknowledging both your strengths and weaknesses and sharing it with others.
PRAYER
Lord, give me courage to share my burdens.
REFLECTION
Why are we commanded to share our burdens with others?
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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 ONLY TRUE GOD Poem Devotional

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October 30________________________________________
Now, O Lord our God, rescue us from his power; then all the kingdoms of the earth will know that you alone, O Lord, are God. – Isaiah 37:20 (NLT)
THE ONLY TRUE GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Who do you believe, give praise and glorify?
Is he the Son of God whom the world has crucified?
There is only one true God who created everything
He is all powerful, all seeing and all giving.
He sent his only begotten son so we can be saved
He is the only one who can free us from being slaves
All those who believe in him will have eternal life
He is the one who can bring and expose evil into the light.
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There are many gods that the world has created. Many religions believe in many different gods, but there is only one true god who can give us eternal life. His name is Jesus Christ. He is the only begotten son of God who was sent here on earth to pay for the wages of our sins.
My journey to find out who the real God is was a very painful and confusing one. I grew up where there were many different religions and traditions surrounding me. It was hard to grow up and not know the truth.
The bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the only true god because he is the only one who saves and grants eternal life.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for saving me.
REFLECTION
When did you know the one and only true 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

THE BIG LIE poem devotional

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October 29________________________________________
God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil. –Genesis 3:5 (NLT)
THE BIG LIE
A poem and essay by ILMA
What lies have you been told since you were young?
How has the enemy manipulated you to do wrong?
Mankind suffered because the big lie was so enticing
Adam and Eve couldn’t resist the devil’s incessant tempting
He lied and enticed them to have equality with their maker
It led them to doubt and shame when they faced the Father
When you hear untrue things that lead you to sin
Run to the bible, be convicted, confess, and be redeemed.
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In every sin or suffering in our lives is a big lie lurking within. As a child, I constantly heard that I was ugly. The people around me called me names. It made me believe the lie for many years and I embraced it. It got me confused later on when I started to have many suitors at the start of my early teen years. I had to prove these boys and men that I don’t deserve their attention since I was ugly and that they are only chasing me to give in to sex. One lie, led to many other lies.
The bible talks about the big lie Adam and Eve fell prey for. If you stay in God’s truth, the lie will be exposed.
PRAYER
Give me wisdom to abide in you always.
REFLECTION
What lies were you freed from after God’s convictions?
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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

ON EXPRESSING ANGER poem devotional

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October 28________________________________________
Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. – Proverbs 29:11 (NLT)
ON EXPRESSING ANGER
A poem and essay by ILMA
Anger can do us good or harm; let us express it right
We can be angry but we need to do it just like Christ
Fools vent their anger, but the wise hold it back
Face and manage it so you do not have to be mad.
God gave us anger so we can use it for good
He wants us to express it without being rude
We can use it to defy evil and fear the Lord
If we abuse it, God won’t be glorified or given laud.
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I had over five decades of repressed anger living inside me. I didn’t even know I was angry because I didn’t feel it. I swept it under the rug trying to be Ms. Perfect to everyone I come in contact with. I was harsh, tactless and oftentimes confrontational without considering what the other person would feel. When I was part of the academe, one of my co-teachers told me I was a very angry person. I justified and proved to her that I wasn’t. I patched it with “performance skills.” without realizing that I was in total denial. The bible tells us not to vent our anger but quietly hold it back. By doing so, we are considered wise.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to have godly anger.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God created the emotion “anger?”
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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

WORK WILLINGLY Poem Devotional

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October 27________________________________________
Work willingly whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord, rather than for people. –Colossians 3:23 (NLT)
WORK WILLINGLY
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you do things for others or you’re at work
Remember that you are doing it for the Lord
If you do it for Jesus, you will be reverent
If you do it for other reasons, you will act different.
Work hard willingly; be diligent and patient
God made you in his image; he is perfect and excellent
Imitate Christ when you work so you can be efficient
He wouldn’t want you to be mediocre or deficient.
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There are many mediocre and inefficient people in our world. The lamest thing we can do is to whine about our bosses or the company and not perform the job excellently as we are expected to do. Another sad thing to watch is when people only count the time so they can clock out and come in late for work. This is mediocrity at its best.
If you were the employer or company owner and all you see and hear from your employees are complaints but never get the work done, you probably would fire these toxic people.
The bible puts so much premium on integrity and hates dishonesty. Paul said to the Colossians to work willingly whatever we are doing as though we are working for the Lord, rather than for people.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to never complain but be pro-active.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to think that you work for God rather than for people?
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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