Tag Archives: ILMA BARAYUGA-DOHERTY

TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE Poem Devotional

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July 27________________________________________
He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. – John 1:10-12 (NLT)
TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Christ came so we can be redeemed
He wanted us to be freed from sin
He didn’t come from the rich and wealthy
Instead he came from a humble and poor family.
He came to his own people but they rejected him
He was oppressed and tortured to the extreme
But to all who believed him and accepted him
He gave them the right to become God’s children.
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Do you remember how it felt when someone oppressed and rejected you? My life’s theme for the first half of my life is rejection, abuse and discrimination. It was a challenge to go through life with such pressing circumstances. The only reason why I am still alive and kicking is because I chose to believe in God and allow him to take care of all my trials and tribulations.
Christ was never given respect especially in his own hometown. They rejected him and didn’t accept and believe in him, yet he promised those who believe that they are God’s children. To those who believe, he fulfills all his promises.
PRAYER
Lord, give me a faith like Abraham’s.
REFLECTION
What promises of God are you looking forward to?
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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

THINGS UNSEEN Poem Devotional

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July 26________________________________________
He made things we can see and the things we can’t see – such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers and authorities in the unseen world. –Colossians 1:16 (NLT)
THINGS UNSEEN
A poem and essay by ILMA
Look at the things all around you
God made them all things old and new
He made things all that we can see
He also created all things unseen.
Even if we cannot see some things
It doesn’t mean that they are not existing
Thrones, authorities, kingdoms and rulers
God made them all to unveil all his might and power.
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2 Corinthians 4:18 says that we shouldn’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. Also, in Ephesians 6, it is mentioned that we are not battling with flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. I think that God made both seen and unseen things so he can display his creativity, power, might and that he is the alpha and the omega.
He gave Adam and Eve a paradise but they broke their faithfulness to God. Lucifer was the most beautiful angel until his pride and greed brought him to where he is now.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for all your creation, both seen and unseen.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God created the unseen things in this world?
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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

DESPITE TROUBLES Poem Devotional

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July 25________________________________________
The righteous person faces many troubles but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
-Psalm 34:19 (NLT)
DESPITE TROUBLES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you look up to God when troubles come?
He provided a relief by giving his one and only Son
The righteous person is not free from troubles
The heavenly Father pulls them out of the rubbles.
Despite all kinds of sufferings and challenges
He is there for us to give us a chance to face changes
Do not be afraid what life may bring
Despite troubles, he will ease your sufferings.
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There is a misnomer that when you are a Christian, you are trouble free. In fact, it is the opposite. The closer you are to God, the more challenges come your way. As one preacher says, “With new spiritual level comes new devil.” There is no such thing as a trouble-free life. As long as we are alive, there will always be trials and sufferings. This world is ruled by the devil, who is called the Prince of darkness. As long as we are in this body and living in this world, the enemy will not stop to steal, kill and destroy. Satan loves to create conflict and havoc in people’s lives because that is the only way he can sneak his powers to those who do not know and see him. The righteous are rescued by God from troubles.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for rescuing believers.
REFLECTION
How and when has God rescued you from troubles?
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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

FAVOR THAT LASTS A LIFETIME Poem Devotional

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July 24________________________________________
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. –Psalm 30:5 (NLT)
FAVOR THAT LASTS A LIFETIME
A poem and essay by ILMA
Ask the Lord for favor and he will grant it
He forgives those who repent and believe him
When you disobey, he waits for your return
He wants your mind and heart renewed.
Weeping may last through the night
Joy comes in the morning; it gives new life
His anger is momentary; his favor lasts forever
He wants you to love your sisters and brothers.
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Have you ever know someone who would do you favors? They are a blessing. The bible tells us that God’s anger only last a moment but his favor lasts a lifetime. Even though we are experiencing suffering and agony, we should always look forward to the joy that comes after such pain and weeping.
When I went through the darkest moments of my life, I relied only on the Lord. I raised my only son alone, without any help from any person. My son’s father turned his back on his responsibility as a provider and it was God who gave me favor to raise this son of mine alone. After living in sin for many years prior to my being a parent, it wasn’t hard to run to God again. He forgave all my sins and gave me favor.
PRAYER
Lord, let me hope in you always.
REFLECTION
What favors have you received from God lately?
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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

PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST Poem Devotional

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July 23________________________________________
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. –Colossians 1:20 (NLT)
PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know what the blood of Jesus did to your life?
He brought you peace, he gave you wisdom and light
By the precious blood of Jesus, your sins are forgiven
After his death on the cross, he was risen
Christ came to save those who are broken
He released those who don’t have freedom
The precious blood of Christ gave us salvation
It destroyed evil and brought us close to perfection.
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Before I became a born again Christian, my faith was so shallow that I didn’t really understood the essence of the blood of Jesus. We were not taught in school the real meaning of his sacrifice on the cross. Rituals and traditions didn’t help clarify the real meaning of the precious blood of Christ.
The bible says that God lived in Christ and through him, he reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. It was through Christ’s death, that we enjoy the mercy and grace of God. Without the sacrifice of Jesus, we will not be forgiven we will remain captive to the ploys of the devil. Without the cross and blood of Jesus, we will never have authority over evil.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the cross of Christ.
REFLECTION
What is the significance of the blood of Jesus in your life?
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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

PENETRATING THE HUMAN SPIRIT Poem Devotional

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July 21________________________________________
The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive.
– Proverbs 20:27 (NLT)
PENETRATING THE HUMAN SPIRIT
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you deny things to yourself and your brothers
You are only making it hard for each other
The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit
It cannot hide from the power that is in it.
The light that comes from God pierces the heart
It exposes all that is hidden and all evil that lurks
The light of the Lord is the only one that makes us free
It is the only way that you will be able to see.
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Have you ever kept a deep dark secret that you held on for so long? Often than not, those who are very secretive are probably hiding acts that they are ashamed off. They are afraid to be judged or lose the status quo. They cover up or deny things that exist in order to make themselves believe in the lies they made up. In the end, these lies become humongous that it almost become truth. They believe these lies for a long time that it is second nature for them to actually rely on them as truth.
The bible tells us that the Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive. Just read the bible and you will be convicted by so many things that you usually ignore. There is nowhere to hide in God’s truth.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your light.
REFLECTION
How much light does God shine in your life?
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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

KNOWN BY THE WAY THEY ACT Poem Devotional

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July 20________________________________________
Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right. – Proverbs 20:11 (NLT)
KNOWN BY THE WAY THEY ACT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Your actions speak louder than words
It reflects your view of the world
Even children are known by the way they act
Adult’s hearts are exposed by how they react.
If they are guided by what is lovely and true
Their conducts will be honorable and pure
If they believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior
They will be right in the eyes of their Creator.
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The saying “Actions speak louder than words” is a fact that we need not ignore. A lot of relationship breakdown is caused by the conflict between what we say and what we do. If you declare that you love someone and never really have time to spend with that special person, you are contradicting your statements. We open the door to confusion and conflict when our actions do not jive with our words. It leads to confusion.
The bible says that even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure and whether it is right. When I was a Sunday School Minister, I knew the kids who were grew up in an environment where Christ is central. They are the ones who are pure and innocent. Their conduct display what they are exposed to.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to be a good model to children.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to let your thoughts be in unity with your actions?
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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

LEAVE MATTERS TO GOD Poem Devotional

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July 19________________________________________
Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.
–Proverbs 20:22 (NLT)
LEAVE MATTERS TO GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever someone does you wrong
Don’t get angry for very long
Never think of getting even
It goes against what is written.
Leave matters to God when treated unfairly
He knows and will deal with them severely
Wait on the Lord to handle the matter
He is just and faithful to those who love others.
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Human nature tells us to retaliate back to someone who hurts us. “An eye for an eye” is how many of us would deal with unfair treatment, oppression and discrimination. The bible tells us in Romans 12 that we should never pay back evil with more evil, instead, we should do things in such a way that everyone can see us honorable and do everything to live in peace with everyone. It tells us never to take revenge but leave everything to the righteous anger of God. Instead, we are told in the bible to love our enemies, feed them when they are hungry, give them something to drink if they are thirsty. By doing so, we will heap burning coals of shame on their head. We shouldn’t be conquered by evil, but we are told to conquer evil by doing good. We must wait on the Lord and let him handle matters for us.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to never retaliate to others.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you thought of getting even 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

SALVATION FROM THE LORD Poem Devotional

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July 18________________________________________
But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the Lord alone. –Jonah 2:9 (NLT)
SALVATION FROM THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Who can save anyone from this evil world?
We can only overcome it through God’s word
Offer sacrifices to your God and sing praises
He will save you and fulfill all his promises.
Be faithful to the Lord as he is to you
You will find joy and will be renewed
Salvation comes only from the Lord
Bring him honor and glory and awe.
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There were many years of my life that I worked at my own salvation. I didn’t know any better. I was foolish to think that I can perform my way up to my own redemption. I didn’t study the word of God then so I was ignorant of what it takes for salvation to happen. When God revealed to me the depth of his love and the real meaning of the cross and the blood of Jesus, I was astounded. I didn’t know that he already paid the price for all my sins and all I had to do was believe and follow him.
The prayer of Jonah before he was spitted out of the whale was a declaration of God’s power to save mankind. Only in him, can we be saved.
PRAYER
Lord, make me grow in faith.
REFLECTION
What is the condition of your faith?
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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

TRUSTING IN YOUR OWN Poem Devotional

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July 17________________________________________
How foolish to trust in your own creation. –Habakkuk 2:18 (NLT)
TRUSTING IN YOUR OWN
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you believe in your creator?
Do you think you are any better?
God has power beyond your capacity
He is all powerful and mighty
How foolish to trust in your own ability
It will never be at par with the Almighty
Trusting in your own is idolatry
It will never bring you victory.
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I became a self-taught painter in the early 90’s and became obsessed with painting and drawing for almost two decades. I was very prolific. I painted over two thousand works in the last two decades of my life. My artworks became so important to me. When I came to Canada, God revealed to me that it was my artworks that got in the way of my relationship with him. I couldn’t see his plan because I was clinging to my idol, my art.
The Lord spoke to the prophet Habakkuk about the dangers of idolatry and what it does to the people who believe in their own creation making their own gods. In our modern day setting, we need not create our own god carved from wood or other materials. The enemy has cunningly camouflaged idolatry in many other forms. Media has bombarded society with many idols such as Hollywood stars, beauty, wealth, power, fame and many more.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to detect any forms of idolatry in my life.
REFLECTION
What idols are you clinging to that hampers your spiritual growth?

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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