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YOU DON’T OWN YOURSELF Poem Devotional

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October 1
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You do not belong to yourself. For God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT)
YOU DON’T OWN YOURSELF
A poem and essay by ILMA
God created you for his kingdom plan
He bought you with the sacrifice of his Son
You don’t belong to yourself, he owns you
Honor your body and let your mind be renewed.
Stop thinking you can do anything with your body
Honor him by focusing to him all of your abilities
You bring him praise by sharing the gifts he gave you
He is gloried when you acknowledge him and heed the truth.
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How often have you thought that your body is your own? For many years, I thought that way. As a result of this kind of thinking, I did many things to my body that didn’t really honor the Lord. I used it so I can edify my own self. I honed my skills and gifts to get attention from others and prove I was worthy. I was vain and shallow in adorning myself with superficial things. I didn’t realize that true beauty lies in following the truth of God’s word and living a life of integrity. I thank God that he revealed to me this stinking thinking and made me realize how much he bought me back with a high price. Now, I do my best to honor him with my body.
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PRAYER
Lord, always remind me that I don’t own my whole being.
REFLECTION
What things have you done that doesn’t honor 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

CONSEQUENCE OF A RECKLESS LIFE Poem Devotional

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September 30
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He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his great foolishness.
-Proverbs 5:23(NLT)
CONSEQUENCE OF A RECKLESS LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you decide to go on a road to selfishness
You will find it easy to do all kinds of wickedness
It may seem enticing to satisfy all your selfish desires
But you will suffer the consequences of it later on in life.
When you don’t exercise self-control; you’ll suffer penalties
Relationships will end because of your selfishness and cruelty
When you live a life of lawlessness and abandon
You may lose your inheritance in God’s kingdom.
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When you drive your vehicle without following any rules or speeding as much as you want to, what happens? You may get a ticket for speeding, collide with another vehicle and cause an accident, or you may destroy your vehicle during the reckless ride. The most fatal thing that can happen is you die or someone else dies because of your lawless driving. Isn’t the same thing true with the way we live our lives? We all go through teenage years and when we do, we almost always do many foolish things because we are reckless. Eventually, when we have had enough loses because of these reckless living, we may learn wisdom from our mistakes. A foolish person doesn’t think far back to the future. They live without limits causing downfall.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to consult you in all things so I don’t make foolish decisions.
REFLECTION
What was the consequence of a reckless decision you made in the past?
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

TRUE WISDOM

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September 28
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But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. – James 3:17(NLT)
TRUE WISDOM
A poem and essay by ILMA
True wisdom comes from knowing God
It is good and focuses on manifesting love
It shows no favoritism and is peace loving
It displays mercy and is always yielding.
True wisdom from above is pure and sincere
It is simple, never hazy but always clear
It leads us to a life that lasts forever
It truly makes us grow closer to our creator.
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The world we live in today focuses much on acquisition of knowledge. It sets a standard for people to ensure that they follow the world’s ways. It emphasizes a focus on the “self” rather than on truth. The book of James gives us a clear picture of what true wisdom from above is. It is pure and uncorrupted by the world’s measuring stick. When you have the wisdom that comes from God, it is peace loving, gentle and willing to yield to others. In other words, it is not selfish. It is merciful and shows no biases and is always honest and sincere. Many people mistake knowledge for wisdom. They are not the same. We can only have true wisdom when we apply the truth that comes from God’s word.
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PRAYER
Grant me the ability to discern and apply your truth.
REFLECTION
What is the distinguishing factor that differentiates knowledge from true wisdom?
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

GOD’S REPRIMAND Poem Devotional

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September 25
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You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed.
-Psalm 119:21(NLT)
GOD’S REPRIMAND
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you are a child of God, you listen
He rebukes those who are self-sufficient
He will confront you when you are arrogant
When you turn from his laws, you are a vagrant.
God disciplines all those whom he loves
All forms of lawlessness don’t bring him laud
Heed his reprimand so you won’t fall into sin
Obey his commands and you will have peace.
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I used to be a rebel and was on a crusade to prove I was right. It struggled when I was growing up because my voice wasn’t heard. I wasn’t shown love and attention. It probably contributed to my stubbornness. I was shielding myself from the pain from the many let-downs and neglect I experienced. My parents disciplined me out of fear and not out of love. It was more about “following the rules or else” kind of reprimand that I grew up with. I left home by the time I was old enough to take care of myself so I could be my own boss. I didn’t know that I fed the enemy more ammunitions to be more lawless. I didn’t know God’s truth then so I believed the many lies the enemy told me. I thank God that he delivered me from pride and re-routing me back to his path. He rebuked me so I won’t stray.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for always guiding me to take the right path.
REFLECTION
What hinders us from heeding God’s rebuke?
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

REFLECTING ON GOD’S WAYS Poem Devotional

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September 22
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I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. – Psalm 119:15-16(NLT)
REFLECTING ON GOD’S WAYS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Study and meditate on God’s words daily
Then you will know him more intimately
If you pursue and reflect on his character
You will understand and know him better.
He has given you a book to help you see
If you consult it often, you can stay free
Reflect on God’s goodness, mercy and grace
We need to focus on him each and every day.
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When you fall in love with someone, don’t you often think of them? Maybe you visualize how they look and memorize how they are, especially when the loved one isn’t around. We can’t stop thinking of this person. The feelings we have for this person is so exciting. We fail to contain it inside and may spill out and manifest by humming a tune or having smile pasted on our face the whole day.
Do you ever feel the same way when you think of God? God loves us tremendously. He thinks about us every moment. He is concerned for us and whatever interest us. He knows every part of us even when we were being formed in our mothers’ womb. He is always there with us. Do we think and reflect on his ways? Do we love him as he loves us?
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PRAYER
Lord, give me the passion to know your ways.
REFLECTION
How intimate are you with the Lord?
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

PRAYER FOR UNITY

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September 21
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You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! -Psalm 119:4-5(NLT)
PRAYER FOR UNITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Lord, help me whenever I allow myself to be confused
Remind me constantly to meditate on it and never refuse
Let my actions be consistent with your decrees
Allow me to let myself decrease and let you increase.
Grant me an obedient and patient heart that obeys
Never allow me to be lawless and go astray
I pray for all believers to let go of division
May we be strong enough to overcome all temptations.
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Where there is unity, there is love, harmony and peace. In its absence, we experience conflicts, confusion, turmoil, pain and discontent. When there is no harmony in relationships, it may cease to exist. One of the most common reasons for divorce is that the house is divided in two. One cannot agree with the other half, hence, it separates them from the other. Most common reasons why chaos happens is when one doesn’t take responsibility for his or her actions and keeps on finding someone or something to blame. They go into the blame game and never admit to their contribution in harming he relationship. The bible says the we belong to a God of love. We don’t belong to the devil who creates division and lawlessness. He tricks us to break away from God.
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PRAYER
Lord, let my actions never go against your word.
REFLECTION
What happens to believers when their actions don’t follow God’s instructions?
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

A LIFE OF INTEGRITY

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September 20
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Joyful are those who obey the laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil and they walk only in his paths. – Psalm 119:2-3(NLT)
A LIFE OF INTEGRITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you live a life of honesty
You will experience God’s victory
Joyful are those who search for Christ
They turn away from evil in their lives.
Those who keep their hearts pure
Do not easily cave in to the devil’s lure
A life of integrity is what God wants for you
Never compromise and let your mind be renewed.
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There were many decades of my life that I compromised my relationship with God. I chose my will over his. I lived chasing my own dreams and set him aside. I prioritized my plans and schemes and never consulted him. I wasn’t honest and brave enough to face the consequences of my wrong choices which eventually led to more sins. I did things that wasn’t becoming of a child of God. I thank God that we have a very understanding and merciful father. The bible tells us that when we truly love the Lord, we will search for him and his word. We will choose to do what his word says for our own sake and for him to be able to fulfill his will in our own lives. When we walk in love, we receive joy.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for loving us even though we sometimes compromise our relationship with you.
REFLECTION
In what ways have you compromised your faith in Jesus?
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

MORTALITY OF OUR BODIES Poem Devotional

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September 18
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Our physical bodies cannot inherit the kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever. -1 Corinthians 15:50(NLT)
MORTALITY OF OUR BODIES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Though we are given physical bodies
Let’s remember we are also spirit beings
We may live long but our bodies will perish
It won’t last forever, so why bother being lavish.
When we die, we cannot take anything with us
So, why not gather treasures in heaven and trust
Focus on the new life that Jesus died for you to have
Remember that your destiny is to be in the kingdom of God.
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Idolatry is one of the sins that God detests. Exodus 34:14 says that you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. God doesn’t take competition lightly. He created everything and so he expects us to be faithful and loyal to him since we were all made in his image. Yes, he told us that our bodies are the temple of the Lord, but he doesn’t want us to vainly glorify. We are not just physical beings. In Ephesians 6, we are told that we wage war not with physical beings but with unseen forces so we are asked to pray at all times and on every occasion.
Our physical bodies cannot inherit God’s kingdom and it doesn’t last forever, unlike our spirit which will receive eternity.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me take care of my body without losing focus on you.
REFLECTION
Why is too much love for your bodies a form of idolatry?
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

BURIED BUT WILL BE RAISED

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September 17
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Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness but they will be raised in strength. -1 Corinthians 15:43(NLT)
BURIED BUT WILL BE RAISED
A poem and essay by ILMA
Christ died for us on the cross so we can be freed
He promised redemption to all those who will believe
When died, was buried and resurrected after three days
His followers will also receive the same glory in many ways.
Though our bodies are buried in brokenness
He will heal us and strengthen us in our weaknesses
He delivered us from death and gave us new life
Expect his promise of eternity and stay in his light.
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Many people do not realize that for as long as we live in this world, we will suffer and be hurt and broken. Unbelievers choose not to believe because they couldn’t understand why God allows us to experience such pain and hardship. Many verses in the bible explains that suffering is inevitable in this world. God allows all these troubles to happen so he can exercise his power over it. The bible says in 2 Corinthians 12:10 “That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Though we are buried in brokenness, Christ will raise us and give us strength.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me remember your resurrection each time I become weak.
REFLECTION
Why is hopelessness something that a believer must surrender to the Lord?
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 ENTHUSIASTICALLY Poem Devotional

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September 16
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Be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. -1 Corinthians 15:58(NLT)
WORK ENTHUSIASTICALLY
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you have the Lord living in your heart
It will manifest in your entire life
You will be strong and have stability
You also love and work enthusiastically.
When you do things for others as you do for the Lord
You are actually giving him praise, glory and laud
Don’t lose hope in serving him for nothing is useless
You will always reap fruits if you totally believe in Jesus.
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There are some whiny and miserable Christians. I used to be one of them. I thank God that he has delivered me from that very negative attitude. I think one of the reasons when I was that way was because I had been mistreated so many times in my life. It became a defense mechanism so that I can protect myself from possible abusers or manipulators. When I lived in poverty in my twenties, God showed me how to be thankful and bring joy to everything I do. Ephesians 6:7 says that we must work with enthusiasm, as though we were working for the Lord rather than for people. Nothing will be useless if we are serving the Lord because he is a promise keeper and he rewards us if we are faithful to serve him.
PRAYER
Lord, remind me to rejoice at whatever I am given in my life.
REFLECTION
What can enthusiasm bring about 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