A PLEA FOR HUMILITY Poem Devotional

Posted on October 18, 2015 by ilmaarts

October 20________________________________________
O Lord, God of Israel, you are just. We come before you in our guilt as nothing but an escaped remnant, though in such a condition none of us can stand in your presence.
-Ezra 9:15 (NLT)
A PLEA FOR HUMILITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Lord, you are most powerful, most merciful
You are awesome in mercy and always faithful
I am nothing compared to your greatness
I am but a remnant of people who were lawless
Forgive me and let me stand in your presence
Give me wisdom so I can turn from disobedience
Give me a humble heart so I can understand your word
Grant me strength and courage to overcome this world.
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What is the solution to all the conflicts in our world today? Why are there so much lawlessness in our society? One of the causes of strife is pride. It is probably why the church considers it the gravest of all the deadliest sins. Pride is defined as arrogance, cynical insensitivity to the needs of others, and presumption. Pride is both a disposition, an attitude and a type of conduct. Pride is the cause of many if not all sins. Pride caters to the “self”. It is a form of idolatry because it seeks to glorify its own.
The bible talks about the people of God who lawlessly disobeyed his command not to intermarry. Because of pride, they disobeyed and reaped the consequences of sin.
PRAYER
Lord, protect me from pride.
REFLECTION
What prideful things have you done in the past that brought you to your knees to 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 HEART’S CONDITION poem devotiional

Posted on October 16, 2015 by ilmaarts

October 19________________________________________
The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart. – 1 Samuel 16:7(NLT)
THE HEART’S CONDITION
A poem and essay by ILMA
How is the condition of your heart?
Do you long for someone who is apart?
Have you pardoned that person who offended you?
Are you keeping a record of wrongs that make you blue?
The Lord doesn’t care about outward appearances
He is after your own heart and your faithfulness
Make your hearts clean so you can be sure
A place in his kingdom waits on all the pure.
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In our bodies, the heart has a very big function in keeping us alive. This is why we are told by our doctors to take care of our hearts by eating the right food, exercising and being worry and anxiety free. In the same manner as the physical heart, our spirits are dependent on the condition of our inner heart. We are commanded to keep our hearts pure for him. When we are corrupted by our desires, our spiritual heart malfunctions.
The Lord doesn’t see superficial things that people normally see. We usually see the externals but God focuses on the condition of our hearts. He knows what we are going through and he knows every intention and action we choose to make. Does your heart long for God like King David did?
PRAYER
Lord, cleanse me from sin and temptations around me.
REFLECTION
What does your heart long for? Does it yearn 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

RESURRECTION AND LIFE Poem Devotional

Posted on October 16, 2015 by ilmaarts

October 17________________________________________
I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.
-John 11:26(NLT)
RESURRECTION AND LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When Christ came to save mankind
He expected us to be free and not be blind
Anyone who believes in him will never die
Even after physical death, they will still thrive.
We are not just physical but also spiritual beings
Come to Christ and you will live even after dying
The Son of God is the resurrection and the life
Believe in him for you will have eternity and insight.
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A lot of people are scared of death. Death in a family brings grief to the left kin and relatives. Are you scared of dying? I have never been scared of death even as a young child. When other people ask me about death, I would always answer this: “They finally will see Jesus and have no more problems.” I saw death as life. Maybe it was because I had a relationship with Jesus as young as a seven year old girl. I am sure now that it was the Holy Spirit whispering to me in my heart that death is the end of the worldly life and the beginning of the spiritual life.
The bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in him will live even after dying. What an awesome promise to look forward to!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for dying for me.
REFLECTION
Why should you not fear physical death especially if you are 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

THE GODLY WAY Poem Devotional

Posted on October 15, 2015 by ilmaarts

October 16________________________________________
Stop at the crossroads and look around, Ask for the old, godly way and walk in it. Travel its path and you will find rest for your souls. – Jeremiah 6:16 (NLT)
THE GODLY WAY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you ever stop at the crossroads and look around?
What lessons in life presented itself that you have found?
Do you examine which way is easier or harder?
Do you choose the wider road or the narrower?
The godly way may have more challenges and trials
It brings us closer to our purpose rather than be in denial
The road less travelled is the way to everlasting life
It is the only path that leads us to God and his light.
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In a world where everything is fast paced and people seek comfort and convenience, it is easy to choose the path that leads to worldliness. My life used to be focused on making things easier for me. Because I had a very difficult life growing up and being raised in a third world country, I learned to live in survivor mode. I would do anything to ensure that I get what I deserve and worked for. I relied on no one and trusted nobody. It was a life of independence and self-care. The bible says that we have to choose the godly way and walk in it through faith and dependence on God.
PRAYER
Lord, may we never choose the worldly way.
REFLECTION
Which path are you treading on right now? Is it leading you to 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 TREASURES Poem Devotional

Posted on October 15, 2015 by ilmaarts

October 15________________________________________
Store your treasures in heaven where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. – Matthew 6:20(NLT)
REAL TREASURES
A poem and essay by ILMA
What treasures do you gather in this lifetime?
Do you chase after fame, money and titles?
Are worldly treasures what you are obsessing?
What possessions do you consider never-ending?
Real treasures are those stored up in heaven
They cannot be destroyed nor can they be stolen
Sow kindness towards one another and reap rewards
All godliness we do here on earth will bring us to God________________________________________
Each person treasure something in their life. What we treasure shows others what kind of character we have. If your wealth is mostly material possessions, you might be in danger of reaping real treasures. The bible tells us that real treasures must be righteousness and godliness. These characteristic of God that he passed on to us are gems that we need to nurture and cultivate. These virtues bring us to God’s kingdom closer. They are treasures of the heart. They cannot be stolen because God keeps the key to it. He keeps a record of all the investments we have allotted in his kingdom. By following what he requires in our lives, we come closer and closer to the promises he gave to all those who love and obey him. Eternal life is the real treasure that God has given us when he gave us his son Jesus.
PRAYER
Lord, help me store up treasures in heaven.
REFLECTION
What real treasures have you stored lately in God’s kingdom?
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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

HOW YOU LOVED ME Poem Devotional

Posted on October 14, 2015 by ilmaarts

October 14________________________________________
I remember how eager you were to please me, as a young bride long ago, how you loved me and followed me even through the barren wilderness. –Jeremiah 2:2(NLT)
HOW YOU LOVED ME
A poem and essay by ILMA
I remembered you swore to love me completely
You followed me everywhere I go faithfully
As a young bride pleases her groom
You meekly followed me into our room.
How you loved me so passionately
Even in the wilderness you followed me
You were so eager to know me well
Now your love diminished I can tell.
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One of the most romantic moment one can ever experience is being married. Right after the wedding vows have been exchanged, both the groom and the bride are beaming with love and passion. This is probably why all brides are beautiful. It is the act of being singled out to make a commitment to be loved and cherished forever. The wedding night is the most memorable in the romantic lives of married people.
In Jeremiah 2, the Lord recalls how much his people loved him immensely. God’s people loved him so much and obey whatever he said. They followed him even when he brought him in the barren wilderness. The love of the people didn’t last long. They grumbled and about many things. They couldn’t wait any longer and started losing trust in the promises that was given by God in his covenant with them.
PRAYER
Lord, keep me passionately in love with you.
REFLECTION
When have you ever turned your back to God?

GOD’S WORD IN YOUR MOUTH Poem Devotional

Posted on October 13, 2015 by ilmaarts

October 12________________________________________
And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord have spoken.’ Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, ‘Look, I have put my words in your mouth!’ – Jeremiah 1:8-9(NLT)
GOD’S WORD IN YOUR MOUTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are your spoken word relaying God’s truth?
Does it exhibit the Holy Spirit’s fruit?
Don’t be afraid to utter God’s word
It will make you triumph over this world.
The Lord has given us commands
He expects us to succumb to his demands
Utter his words as you walk through life
It will bring wisdom and make your day bright.
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Words are very powerful. It can make or break someone. Survey says that average women speak 20,000 words per day compared to average men’s 13,000 words per day. That’s a lot of words per day. Now, if you were to examine what kind of words come out of your mouth on a daily basis, how much percentage of these words encourage others? How much of it, discourage or put down someone? How do words you hear affect you and your relationships with others?
The bible tells us to speak God’s word because he has given them to us so we can be protected and guided by it. Jeremiah gives an account how God touched his mouth and said “I have put my words in your mouth.”
PRAYER
Lord, let me only speak your truth.
REFLECTION
How often do you speak of God’s words?
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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

IN TIMES OF TROUBLE Poem Devotional

Posted on October 10, 2015 by ilmaarts

October 10________________________________________
They turn their backs on me, but in times of trouble they cry out to me. ‘Come and save us!’ -Jeremiah 2:27(NLT)
IN TIMES OF TROUBLE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you suffering from poverty and oppression?
Have you forgotten to ask God’s provision?
Do you only cry out to him in times of trouble?
Do you pray even when you’re out of the rubble?
God doesn’t appreciate when we turn our backs
He wants us to depend on him in every lack
He feels for our pains and what we are going through
Run to him at all times so he can refresh and renew.
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What kind of relationship do you have with your parents? Do you only talk to them when you need something? If you do, you probably would have the same connection with God. I had a hard time running to my parents as a young child. They were very busy and absent physically and emotionally. I learned to look after my needs and it definitely messed me up. I looked for love in the wrong places because I was never shown or affirmed that I was loved. This is how I started to talk to Jesus because deep in my heart, I knew he would not judge me or withdraw love from me. I learned to rely on God not only in times of trouble but learned to be grateful for all my blessings.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness.
REFLECTION
How do you deal with troubles in your life?

A GOD OF COMFORT & COMPASSION Poem Devotional

Posted on October 9, 2015 by ilmaarts

October 9________________________________________
Sing for joy O heavens! Rejoice O earth! Burst into song O mountains! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion in them in their suffering.
– Isaiah 49:13(NLT)
A GOD OF COMFORT & COMPASSION
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you going through rough moments?
You’re not alone; trials can come in increments
If you think that no one is there for you
Remember that God will see you through
For the Lord has comforted his people
He knows our suffering the how it can cripple
God has compassion for all your trials and tribulations
Rest in him and you will soon experience his salvation.
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There are times when I become very vulnerable. When I am distracted from quiet moments with God, when I lack sleep, when hungry or when my boundaries are violated, I become an easy prey for the enemy to attack. Today, I was called dumb by someone so close to me. It was hurtful and caused me much anxiety, panic and rage. I reacted instead of responding like a true Christian. After letting my anger out, I was convicted that Jesus would never do what I just did. I confessed and repented of my sin. I couldn’t take back the words that I hurled as reaction to the judgment. I asked God to forgive me for what I said and he forgave and comforted me that he understands what I went through.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for my sins.
REFLECTION
Cite an instance when God comforted you in your pain.
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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

WRITTEN ON HIS HANDS Poem Devotional

Posted on October 8, 2015 by ilmaarts

October 8________________________________________
I would not forget you. See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.
– Isaiah 49:15-16(NLT)
WRITTEN ON HIS HANDS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Can a mother ever forget her child?
Can the wedding dress be forgotten by a bride?
Christ will never fail to recall his followers
They will always have a place in his heart forever.
God has written your name on the palms of his hands
He will never abandon you until the end of time
Be faithful to him always just as he is devoted to you
Write Christ’s name in your heart so you will be born anew.
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The exercise of writing something helps you remember it. According to a recent study in a forthcoming issue of the journal Psychological Science, using pen and paper to take notes boosts memory and the ability to retain and understand concepts. When I write down bible verses in my journals or my bible study notebooks, it helps me memorize and recall such verses. I have kept diaries and journals for over four decades of my life. I think it has helped me immensely to develop a photographic memory. It helps you visualize what the words actually say.
The bible tells us that God has written our names in the palms of his hands. We will never be missed or forgotten. Have we written his name in our hearts?
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for valuing me.
REFLECTION
How can you imprint God’s name in your heart?
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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

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