Tag Archives: ilmaarts.com

ON GRUMBLING Poem Devotional

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September 15
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Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look-the Judge is standing at the door. – James 5:9 (NLT)
ON GRUMBLING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever we complain about something
We lose sight of the many favors and blessings
Grumbling keeps us focused on our selfishness
When we are content, we are being selfless.
Whining is a form of discontent and ingratitude
God is going to meet our needs, lets change our attitudes
For when we continue to grumble, we will be judged
He hears all our complaints, so stop saying your grudge.
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Strong’s concordance defines “grumbling” as to murmur or to mutter. The mouth is involved in this act of ingratitude and so is the heart. When there’s longing to satisfy a selfish desire, it usually it leads to discontent, which eventually brings about grumbling.
Philippians 2:4 says that we should do everything without complaining and arguing. In Psalms 106:24-25, the people refused to enter the pleasant land for they wouldn’t believe his promise to care for them. Instead, they grumbled in their tents and refused to obey the Lord.
Why are we reproved to avoid complaining? What does it do to our spirits? Just try to complain about one thing and you will discover that it generates other grievances. When we involve ourselves in this murmuring or muttering, we miss out on the blessings and favor that we have.
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PRAYER
Lord, convict me right away, when there is discontent in my heart so I can avoid grumbling.
REFLECTION
What other sins can result from grumbling?
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

KIND AND SEVERE Poem Devotional

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September 14
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Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you will also be cut off. -Romans 11:22(NLT)
KIND AND SEVERE
A poem and essay by ILMA
The Lord is both kind and severe
He can be harsh on rebels and those who don’t fear
He is kind to those who believe and revere him
He becomes intensely offended when you continue to sin.
You will be cut off if you stop trusting your Heavenly Father
So, why would you compromise and not give up being a rebel?
God still loves you even when you sin, but hates all kinds of evil
Don’t take light the judgment he makes when you follow the devil.
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Some Christians take lightly how God hates evil. They become complacent and lax when it comes to obeying his commands. They embrace rebellion and pride and live like there is no one higher than them. Even though God is loving and forgiving, he also hates all forms of wickedness. This is why he gave us instructions to follow so that we will receive all the promises that he made to those who love and obey him. When one stops to trust him, they will face the harsh consequence of being cut off from him. His kindness and mercy extend generously to those who are faithful.
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PRAYER
Lord, I pray that all believers will never take your commands for granted.
REFLECTION
What happens when a believer embraces rebellion and evil ways?
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 PRESERVING GOD’S TEACHING Poem Devotional

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September 12
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Preserve the teaching of God; entrust his instructions to those who follow me.
-Isaiah 8:16(NLT)
ON PRESERVING GOD’S TEACHING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you seek the word of God each day?
Does the truth bring you to your knees to pray?
We are to preserve God’s teaching
He wants us to live it and keep on following.
Those who heed all of the Lord’s instructions
They will find favor and overcome temptations
Seek and be faithful to follow God’s word
You will find wisdom navigating this world.
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Why must we preserve the teaching of God? Because the word of God is alive. It is not just ordinary words. 2 Timothy 3:16 says Scripture is God-breathed and inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
What happens when we do not seek the word? We clearly do not preserve and spread it when we don’t even know the truth that will set us free. The enemy wants to ensure that we won’t pursue God’s teaching. He steals the word so that we won’t maintain a relationship with God. Satan hates relationships, so he destroys it. When we keep the truth alive, we are preserving God’s teaching.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me strength to pursue your truth.
REFLECTION
In your own little way, how can you preserve God’s teaching?
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 PRESERVING GOD’S TEACHING Poem Devotional

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September 12
________________________________________
Preserve the teaching of God; entrust his instructions to those who follow me.
-Isaiah 8:16(NLT)
ON PRESERVING GOD’S TEACHING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you seek the word of God each day?
Does the truth bring you to your knees to pray?
We are to preserve God’s teaching
He wants us to live it and keep on following.
Those who heed all of the Lord’s instructions
They will find favor and overcome temptations
Seek and be faithful to follow God’s word
You will find wisdom navigating this world.
________________________________________
Why must we preserve the teaching of God? Because the word of God is alive. It is not just ordinary words. 2 Timothy 3:16 says Scripture is God-breathed and inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
What happens when we do not seek the word? We clearly do not preserve and spread it when we don’t even know the truth that will set us free. The enemy wants to ensure that we won’t pursue God’s teaching. He steals the word so that we won’t maintain a relationship with God. Satan hates relationships, so he destroys it. When we keep the truth alive, we are preserving God’s teaching.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me strength to pursue your truth.
REFLECTION
In your own little way, how can you preserve God’s teaching?
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 A FREE LIFE Poem Devotional

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September 10
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Don’t call everything a conspiracy like they do and don’t live in dread of what frightens them. -Isaiah 8:12(NLT)
LIVE A FREE LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you believed in Jesus Christ
You are a new person, he changed your life
Don’t consider everything a conspiracy
Don’t live in terror of the attacks of the enemy.
If you live in dread of what terrifies others
You are not living the free life God intended
The Lord died so you can walk and enjoy freedom
He loves you so much and wants you in his kingdom.
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When Jesus died for all of us, he did it because he loved us so much and wants us to be free from the slavery of sin. Yet, there are still some Christians who do not enjoy that freedom. They fail to receive the grace and mercy given to us on the cross with Jesus’ blood. Many people have been believing the lies of the enemy who constantly threat us with many different kinds of fear. It can be fear of losing a loved one, fear of people going against you, fear of illnesses, fear of losing control, fear of losing power and money, and many more.
The bible tells us not to think that everything is out to get you like there is a conspiracy to attack you. We have to accept the free life God gave us through Jesus.
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PRAYER
Thank you Lord for dying for me to give me a free life.
REFLECTION
How do you respond to the freedom Christ gave you on the cross?
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 GOD’S PEOPLE Poem Devotional

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September 9
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Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard in until now. -Philippians 1:3-5(NLT)
PRAYER FOR GOD’S PEOPLE
A poem and essay by ILMA
I am so grateful that you have blessed me Lord!
I feel great when other followers spread your word
I am filled with joy that they are my partners
Thank you for granting us a chance to encourage each other.
I pray that you shower us with strength and persistence
I am glad that you allow us to grow our wisdom and patience
May we always choose to tread that narrow path to your kingdom
May you continue to keep us safe and to continually enjoy freedom.
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It is amazing how the Lord brings people in our lives to encourage us and to grow our faith. When I became born again, the Lord changed all of my friends. He discarded those who weren’t going to bring me closer to him. Each day, I thank the Lord for allowing me to grow spiritually and being given opportunities to minister to those who are hurting and neglected and especially those who do not know him. I am praying for all those who are my partners in spreading the Good News.
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PRAYER
Thank you for letting me freely tell others about you Lord.
REFLECTION
Why is it important for us to pray for God’s people?
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 SOURCE OF ALL EVIL Poem Devotional

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September 8
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For from the heart comes evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying and slander. – Matthew 15:19(NLT)
THE SOURCE OF ALL EVIL
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know the source of all wickedness?
Inside our hearts, we make decisions and choices
It is from it that we sort, analyze and scheme
If we are not careful, we will be tempted to sin.
Doesn’t a desire for coveting start from it?
Lust comes from the yearnings of our own spirits
Surrender your hearts to the Lord so he can change you
Guard it to be free from deceit and live a life that’s pure.
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Many people love to pinpoint evil at someone or something that happened outside of themselves. We sometimes get into the blame game and not take responsibility for our own choices. These denials open the door for the enemy to inject all sorts of evil in our minds first, then let it reside in our hearts. Before we know it, we have already committed a sin. The bible says that the source of all evil is not from outside of us, but it is from within us. It is caused by our own hearts. When we desire or long for something we don’t have, it traps us and keep us in bondage to that craving. When we entertain the fulfillment of a want in our lives, we allow evil to dominate our hearts.
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PRAYER
Lord, please guard me from thoughts of evil.
REFLECTION
How can we take ownership to our thoughts and motives so God can change our heart?
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

LET THE SPIRIT TRANSFORM YOU Poem Devotional

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September 7
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Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. -Ephesians 4:23(NLT)
LET THE SPIRIT TRANSFORM YOU
A poem and essay by ILMA
When there is something you need to change in your life
There is no need to do it on your own, let Jesus Christ
Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes
He will show you how to live in peace and gratitude.
When you depend on God’s spirit for everything
He will give you strength to overcome evil and sin
You will have the mind of Christ if you accept him
You will be a new person and his Spirit will live within.
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There were many decades of my life that I relied on self-help books to change my thoughts and attitude. That is how the world influenced my thinking. It wants me to follow a life of self-reliance and self-effort. There was one book that impacted my life tremendously. I didn’t know that the author was a Christian at that time I read the book. I wasn’t into reading the bible during those days, so it didn’t occur to me that the Spirit of God was using this man to call me back to the Lord. Norman Vincent Peale taught me how to change the way I think by suggesting to keep a “thank you” diary. Since that day I read his book, my negative thoughts began to fade. I counted my blessings, so the Spirit transformed me.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for letting your Spirit transform me.
REFLECTION
Why is it dangerous to change yourself without the help of God’s Spirit?
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 THOUGHTS AND INTENTIONS Poem Devotional

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September 5
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I am the one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person.
-Revelation 2:23(NLT)
ON THOUGHTS AND INTENTIONS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Can someone really know what you’re thinking?
The Lord can, he is all-powerful and all-knowing
No one knows you better than he does
Even your own self, you cannot trust.
Do not assume you know other people’s intentions
Or you will open up doors for more temptations
Leave the searching to the one true God
You won’t be able to do it; it is really hard.
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When I was a stage actress, I studied the character I am portraying to the minutest detail. I had to understand why I say things and act the way I do or I won’t give justice to my character. The whole production staff brainstorm the entire play. Production usually runs for three to four months of daily rehearsals. We have to study the character even on and off the production sessions. During the pre-prod, we discuss the totality of the story; it’s ups and downs. With the director’s expertise, we are led to look at the idiosyncrasies of the role we play and how he or she is part of the whole story. We cannot make up or add our own thoughts or we won’t give justice to the character as written by the playwright.
The bible says that only God can search our hearts and minds. He alone knows.
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PRAYER
Lord, forgive me when I try to search other people’s thoughts and intentions.
REFLECTION
How can we search our own thoughts and intentions?
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 IS VANITY Poem Devotional

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September 3
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Has not the Lord of Heaven’s Armies promised that the wealth of nations will turn to ashes? They work so hard but all in vain. – Habakkuk 2:13(NLT)
WORK IS VANITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you work to gain wealth
It isn’t beneficial for your spiritual health
It is working in vain when you do it for your gain
It is a form of idolatry instead of giving God praise.
To work for your own advantage isn’t really a treasure
It compromises your growth when you seek pleasure
To work so hard for self-seeking reason is vanity
To serve the Lord and others benefits humanity.
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Our world today focuses much on performance. Each person’s value is proven by how hard they work and how much wealth they have incurred. Here in North America, people marginalize those who don’t work or those who earn money. You become worthless in the world’s standard if you don’t contribute to the country’s wealth gains. When I moved to Canada, it was difficult to continue my teaching and art careers. I was looked down by others because I didn’t earn much income as I did back in the Philippines.
The bible says that the Lord looks down on those who pursue wealth for personal gains. He said that wealth of nations will turn to ashes and the work they put on such worldly pursuits are all vain.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to focus on depending on you instead of proving my worth through work.
REFLECTION
Why do you think the bible says that work can be a form of vanity?
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