Tag Archives: ILMA BARAYUGA-DOHERTY

FOOLISH DISCUSSIONS Poem Devotional

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August 18________________________________________
Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time.
–Titus 3:9 (NLT)
FOOLISH DISCUSSIONS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you try to argue and get into foolish discussions?
What good does it do to you and your relations?
Quarrels and unending discussions lead nowhere
They are useless and bring about strife somewhere.
Do not get involved in useless arguments and reasoning
They only open doors for the enemy to continue tempting
Arguing and reasoning endlessly deprives us of freedom
They distract people from seeking truth and wisdom.
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I used to love arguing and discussing different subject matter when I was high school and in college. I take so much delight in proving others wrong and showing them I am right. I could go on for many hours discussing a topic and get so much high out of it. I even taught debate to High School students. It was included in our English Curriculum. I love to motivate students to use their mind to explain and convince others to their belief. I didn’t realize that this was a product of my proud and foolish mind.
The bible warns us not to get caught up in this vicious cycle of the mind. This is why we are always commanded to guard our hearts and focus on God.
PRAYER
Lord, guard my heart and mind.
REFLECTION
How can human reasoning corrupt our hearts?
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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 SLANDER AND QUARRELING Poem Devotional

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August 17________________________________________
They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. –Titus 3:2 (NLT)
ON SLANDER AND QUARRELING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you talk bad about others to anyone?
Do you get satisfaction from defaming someone?
You must not slander others or God will deal with you
Avoid quarreling with others and have your hearts renewed.
Be gentle and show true humility to everyone
Follow the example of God’s only Son
He never quarreled or slandered anyone
Instead, he sacrificed for all of mankind.
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To quarrel is to have an angry argument or disagreement with someone. Why did the apostle Paul emphasize slander and quarreling to his letter to Titus? He taught believers to avoid quarreling because it obviously defiles God’s commandment to love. James 4:2 explains why people quarrel. Because one cannot obtain what he desires, he craves for something or someone which ends up in an angry argument or disagreement. It is rooted in our human desires to get something.
Slander is defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone. God created us all in his image. If we speak ill of someone, we are actually questioning God’s creation, thereby defiling him as well. When we slander, we are actually talking ill of God too. He wants us to treat each other as we would treat him. He wants us to be gentle and humble.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me how to control my mouth.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God wants us to avoid slander?
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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

WHEN ONE IS TEMPTED Poem Devotional

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August 15________________________________________
The temptations in your life are no different from what others’ experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than what you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
-1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)
WHEN ONE IS TEMPTED
A poem and essay by ILMA
When faced with challenges and trials
You do not have to give in to failure
When one is drawn to succumb to evil
Run to God and plead that he reveals.
The temptations in your life are expected
God won’t let you to be tempted
He allows only what you can handle
There is always a way out set by the Father.
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Have you ever been tempted beyond your ability? When I was very young, I used to easily succumb to sin. Then later on, because of strict authority figures in my life, I became very legalistic and a stickler to rules. However, it became worse because I was only following for the sake of not being blamed or to avoid being caught. There was really no genuine contrition, just making myself look good in the eyes of my family so that I won’t lose the love that is so attached to how much I follow their demands.
The bible says that all of us are tempted. Even Jesus was not exempt from temptation. God is always faithful to give us only what we can handle.
PRAYER
Lord, give me a pure heart to resist temptations.
REFLECTION
What can temptations do to our soul?
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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

TO BE OR NOT TO BE MARRIED? Poem Devotional

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August 14________________________________________
But I wish everyone was single, just as I am. But God gives to some the gift of marriage and to others, the gift of singleness. -1 Corinthians 7:7 (NLT)
TO BE OR NOT TO BE MARRIED?
A poem and essay by ILMA
Each person longs to be loved by somebody
Some people wish to belong and get married
Some are given the gift of matrimony
To others, God gives a life of celibacy.
When you get settled and have a spouse
A relationship with God may be hard to espouse
Married or single, you must make God your core
If not, you will find life a big challenge and very difficult.
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I was single for 43 years before I got married. All my single life, I wished I had a husband who can complete me. I prayed hard to God to give me that man who will love and cherish me. I had this notion that my future husband will fulfill all my needs. All my notions about marriage were very far from what God’s concept of marriage is. I was corrupted by the idea of the world’s viewpoint of marriage which were all about romance. I wanted to be single again after going through so much troubles in marriage. God revealed to me what a gift marriage is if I would look at it the way he intended it to be. When I did, I was grateful.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your gift of marriage.
REFLECTION
What are the benefits of singleness according to God’s word?
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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

CELIBATE LIFE Poem Devotional

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August 13________________________________________
Yes, it is good to live a celibate life. -1 Corinthians 7:1 (NLT)
CELIBATE LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When I accepted Jesus as my Savior
I was called to live a life that is pure
The world offers much distraction
It is full of challenges and temptations.
As believers, we are encouraged to celibacy
It leads to a life focused on God Almighty
When you give priority to Jesus Christ
You can defeat the enemy in this life.
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There was a decade in my life that I chose to be a celibate so I can focus on God. That was the time that I was raising my only child alone. I chose to separate from the father of my son to get my life straightened out. I vowed to God that he will be the center of my life and that I will only serve him. It was a difficult period in my life but God made it an easy transition. I conversed with God daily and received him in communion regularly. My day wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t have moments spent with him. My life became peaceful despite all the challenges and trials that came my way. He poured out so much blessings in my life. It was the most prolific period in my life. The bible tells us the benefit of having a celibate life. It gives us a chance to be pure for Christ.
PRAYER
Lord, grant me purity in this life.
REFLECTION
How can married life distract one from focusing on 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

REAL LIFE Poem Devotional

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August 12________________________________________
For you died to this life and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
–Colossians 3:3-4 (NLT)
REAL LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is your purpose in life?
Is it to satisfy yourself or be a light?
When Christ died on the cross for you
Your heart was changed and renewed.
Your real life lies inside what Christ did
It is not from works alone or good deeds
When Christ is your only focus in life
You will share in his glory and take delight.
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There are many people who live their lives focused on what the world offers such as power, fame, wealth, career and many more. They have no clue that the real life lies in our spirit and hearts. The physical concerns of our lives such as health, wealth, comfort and emotions are just superficial. We need to go deeper than what we see and how to meet our needs.
When Christ died for us on the cross, he showed us what our real life is. He exampled his humility and love for others. He wasn’t concerned with comforts and meeting his needs. He was reaching out especially to those who are sick, broken and poor. He showed us what life really is by serving others and obeying God.
PRAYER
Lord, help us to live to serve and not be served.
REFLECTION
When did you ever gave up something for someone?
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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

DON’T LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED Poem Devotional

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August 11________________________________________
Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me.
–John 14:1 (NLT)
DON’T LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED
A poem and essay by ILMA
Is there something bothering you today?
Remember that God always finds a way
Don’t let your hearts be troubled
God will help and make you braver.
Trust in God and in his Son, Jesus Christ
They care for your well-being and life
Stay focused on his mercy and love for you
Your heart will stay pure and constantly renewed.
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To trust means to place your confidence on someone. It is something foreign to me during my early childhood. My parents were either physically or emotionally absent. My brother and I were left in the care of extended family and they too, didn’t gave us reason to trust them. So, learned to be very independent and I struggled trusting or depending on anyone. I was also a constant worrier then. It took a revelation from God to change me. As God showed me that being anxious will not do me good, I slowly learned to let go and let God be the master of my life. To live in a world infested by corruption and materialism is a very challenging task but if we depend on God for everything, it becomes easier. The bible tells us not to be troubled and trust in God and in Jesus Christ.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me to depend on you only.
REFLECTION
Relate a time when your trust was betrayed by someone.
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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

LIVE FOR WHAT’S RIGHT Poem Devotional

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August 10________________________________________
He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. –1 Peter 2:24 (NLT)
LIVE FOR WHAT’S RIGHT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Jesus Christ died on the cross so we can die to sin
He didn’t sacrifice his life so we can let evil win
He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross
He became flesh so we won’t continue to be lost.
By his wounds, we are healed
By his death, he made us see
When we live for what is right
We will have victory in this fight.
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I remember as a small girl being taught to be good always. If I didn’t do good, I will not go to heaven. I learned to perform and please others so I can be categorized “good” instead of “bad.” I didn’t realize that it became one of the doors that I opened for the enemy to camp in my heart. I learned to rely on my abilities instead of trusting God. I depended on myself too much that I took pleasure in knowing that I am able to achieve what I aim for. I was obsessed with seeking approval and performing. God revealed to me later on that he personally died on the cross so I can live for what is right.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for dying for my sins.
REFLECTION
What makes it difficult in your life to follow Christ’s example?
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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

UNLESS GOD GIVES YOU POWER Poem Devotional

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August 9________________________________________
“Why don’t you talk to me?” Pilate demanded. “Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you? Then Jesus said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above. –John 19:10-11 (NLT)
UNLESS GOD GIVES YOU POWER
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you really believe that you have power?
Unless God gives it to you, you won’t be a victor
He alone blesses you and gives you strength
You can only be righteous because of the Son he sent.¬¬¬¬
Because of his grace and mercy, you were saved
No one has the right to boast and claim
He has the sole power to do what needs to be done
Run to the throne; bring honor and glory to his Son.
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There were many years of my Christian life that I was ignorant of things regarding the character of God. I believed many lies. I believed for many years that I can work to be saved. I thought that being good will help me to enter the kingdom of God. Satan twisted the truth and made me think that I could do what only God could do, to redeem myself.
The bible tells us that unless God gives us power, we won’t be able to do anything. Everything that happens to us comes from his mercy and grace. He allows things to happen for a reason.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your love for me.
REFLECTION
What do you enjoy right now that comes from God’s grace and power?
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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

FOODS GOD GAVE US Poem Devotional

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August 8________________________________________
“Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,” Daniel said. At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the King’s food.”–Daniel 1:12-13 (NLT)
FOODS GOD GAVE US
A poem and essay by ILMA
The Garden of Eden was full of trees and plants
Fruits and vegetables nourished both woman and man
God knew the benefits of all these plants and trees
He gave mankind a resource so they can stay healthy.
Men started hunting and became carnivorous
They forgot what food God originally gave us
They resorted to unhealthy options
It brought about bad choices and decisions.
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There were 6 years of my life that I turned vegetarian. I was in my twenties then. I guess I reaped good health up until my late forties even when I stopped over 20 years from those vegetarian years. Living with carnivorous people makes it hard to live the same lifestyle I chose but I won’t make up excuses anymore. I have to get back to healthier choices to continue to live a well-balanced life. Now that I am in my mid-fifties, I could have made more effort to live healthy. I am reaping constant pain in my body because of
unhealthy choices of food I have consumed over a decade now. The bible talks about how beneficial it is to stick to the foods that God has given us.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to choose the food you gave us.
REFLECTION
What kind of food do you consume?
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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