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NOT BY GOOD WORKS Poem Devotional

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February 27________________________________________
And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is-free and undeserved. -Romans 11:6(NLT)
NOT BY GOOD WORKS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Not by good works are you saved
It is by seeking God’s word and being brave
Since it is through God’s kindness you receive grace
Why not boast of his grace to all of the human race.
Not by good works can we be accepted
God’s grace can help us overcome being dejected
Enjoy this gift even if you really don’t deserve it
Your acceptance will open your heart to God’s spirit.
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Some Christians still do works of the flesh. For many years, I thought that I could do the work of changing myself. I educated myself with self-help books, oblivious to the fact that some of these worldly advice had actually drawn me further away from God. The only time I realized this was when I began to study God’s word. I realized that self-effort and self-reliance wasn’t how God designed me to be. Proverbs 3:5 tells us to trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not depend on your own understanding. Ephesians 2:8-9 says that God saved you by his grace when you believed. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done. It is free and undeserved.
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PRAYER
Lord, remind me to never stop looking at the cross.
REFLECTION
How can you rely more on God’s grace instead on your own effort?
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

MERCY EACH MORNING Poem Devotional

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February 25________________________________________
Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. -Lamentations 3:23(NLT)
MERCY EACH MORNING
A poem and essay by ILMA
To those who love the Lord with all their heart
They will have mercy each morning; what a start!
God’s love is unconditional and unfailing
Be faithful in return so you won’t keep falling.
Is there anyone else who could forgive you each time?
He waits for you to return when you commit a crime
Great is his faithful, his mercies begin afresh each day
Seek him constantly; he is faithful to those who obey.
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There were many years that I tortured myself with guilt when I did something wrong. I sometimes punished myself for my sins. It was a life full of remorse and condemnation. I never felt that I was good enough for anyone especially for God. I always critiqued myself harshly. I get so down and hopeless at times when I know I broke a rule or a law of the church. I did not realize that these attitude and thinking were the result of the legalism I grew up into. Corporal punishment was the way adults disciplined children. So much rules, but very little love and affection.
The bible tells us that God is faithful and he forgives and gives us grace and mercy each morning. We need not compare God with our parents and other caregivers. He is a merciful God.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness and mercy.
REFLECTION
What are the ways that you can manifest mercy to others?
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 TODAY Poem Devotional

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February 24

Don’t long for the good old days. This is not wise. -Ecclesiastes 7:10(NLT)

LIVE FOR TODAY

A poem and essay by ILMA

Don’t yearn for the good old days

They are long gone, just think of today

When you look in the past and pine for it

It will hinder your growth and block God’s spirit.

When you focus so much on tomorrow

It may bind you to worries and sorrows

Live for today and continue to pray

God’s perspective will easily be on the way.

Our world is beset by so much seeking for control. We want to have control over our health, our children, our spouse, our jobs, our time, our finances, and many more. The enemy has lured us all into doing things and being independent, which sometimes can go way over. It can dangerously lead us to isolation and self-reliance.  I had my share of this pursuit to take control of many things until God saved me from this detrimental obsession to take charge and fix things.  I participated in this futile act of “control” by worrying too much, planning unrealistically and overanalyzing things and situations. Anxiety over the future led me to have all kinds of illnesses. I didn’t realize that the stress was taking a big effect on my body and mind. Planning unrealistic dreams set up me up for frustrations. Now, God taught me how to live for today and rely on him.

PRAYER

Lord, help me to live one day at a time.

REFLECTION

How can focusing on the present allow you to stay healthy?

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

SORROW REFINES US Poem Devotional

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February 23________________________________________
Sorrow is better than laughter for sadness has a refining influence on us.
-Ecclesiastes 7:3(NLT)
SORROW REFINES US
A poem and essay by ILMA
When we go through trials and challenges
We can stay broken or embrace changes
Let grief bring us closer to Christ
It can refine us and transform our lives.
Losing something or someone can bring pain
Looking up to Jesus will turn that agony into gain
Allow the Holy Spirit to comfort and console you
If you learn to live with sorrow, you’ll be renewed.
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There are many people who do not deal with grief or loss in a godly manner. Some people stay stuck in blaming, anger or wallowing in pity. I got stuck in anger for many years simply because I didn’t acknowledge the loses I went through. I fixed myself and covered up the anger with performance and achievements. I was deceived by the enemy into thinking that I can patch up all my pain with worldly pursuits. So it took over five decades of running around in circles of anger which later turned into rage. It wasn’t explosive outward fury. It was a very subtle slow form of wrath that imprisoned my spirit. Because I didn’t acknowledge the many loses I had, it opened the door for more sins. The bible tells us that sorrow is better than laughter for it refines us and brings us on our knees to God.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to have a positive attitude towards sorrow.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you grieved over someone or something? Did it make you strong?
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

LESS TALKING IS BETTER Poem Devotional

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February 22________________________________________
The more words you speak, the less they mean. So what good are they?
-Ecclesiastes 6:11(NLT)
LESS TALKING IS BETTER
A poem and essay by ILMA
The more words you speak
The less they mean
Less talking is better for you
You don’t have to explain your views.
Let the word of God be uttered as is
He wants you to share without changing it
The Lord is concise and speaks less
Talking much is futile and meaningless.
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I used to talk and explain myself a lot. I have always been a detailed person. I think I became obsessed with details and explaining a lot because I was deprived of talking when I was growing up. It was the way I coped with that freedom to speak up. From a young girl who had no confidence in airing out her thoughts and ideas, I became a very outspoken and opinionated teenager to others outside my family. I got into the theater profession as a stage manager and actress, so that totally changed that quiet soft spoken girl into an over-confident and haughty woman. I loved Philosophy during my college days and I love to read so I could be knowledgeable and show off to others that I am good at many things. I would argue my way into persuading others with my verbosity. The bible tells us to speak less or much words can be used by Satan to make us sin.
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PRAYER
Thank you Lord for being concise but a man of few words.
REFLECTION
How do you open doors to Satan when you talk too much?
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

YOUR DESTINY Poem Devotional

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February 21________________________________________
Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there’s no use arguing with God about your destiny. – Ecclesiastes 6:10(NLT)
YOUR DESTINY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you aware of what your destiny is?
God decided how you will live in bliss
He knew already what each person would be
He gave you gifts to spread his word and bring
There is no point in arguing what you are made for
He created you in his image so you can explore
Our heavenly Father has a plan to bring all in his kingdom
Live in his love, peace, blessings and enjoy your freedom.
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I lived many years arguing with God what my destiny was. I didn’t even realize then that I was living out of his will because I didn’t know what he wanted me to be. No one has told me about God’s truth in his word, so I coasted along for so many years conforming to this world’s standards. I didn’t acknowledge and praise God for whatever gifts I had because I thought that I was entitled to such gifts after all the pains and traumas I have been through. It was many decades later that I found out that I had been resisting the plans God had for me by following worldly ways. There’s no use contesting what has already been planned for your life.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to live according to your plans.
REFLECTION
What was the result when you argued with God about your destiny?
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 WATCHES AND RESCUE Poem Devotional

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February 20________________________________________
But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine. – Psalm 33:18-19(NLT)
GOD WATCHES AND RESCUES
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is troubling you today?
Don’t you believe what the word says?
Those who rely on his unfailing love
They will be guarded from up above.
He sends his army of angel to recue you
Believe his word for it is right and true
God watches and rescues all those who fear him
Are you one of those who want to be redeemed?
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Trust is an integral factor in relationships. Without it, there is no way that the relationship can thrive. In a parent-child relationship, the children, especially before they turn to adolescents have no choice but to trust and believe what their parents say. Parents are entrusted their offspring and expects parents to love and care for them. When parents are not living up to the responsibilities that are entrusted to them by God, they are not faithful to God’s plan for them.
God loves children so much that no one can enter his kingdom unless they are like little children. He watches and protects them from any danger and ensures they are nourished and nurtured. He is the same way to all those who believe in him. He is faithfully watching and rescuing them.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being such a good father to all your children.
REFLECTION
Why is faith very important in your relationship with 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

GOD KNOWS EACH PERSON’S HEART Poem Devotional

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February 19________________________________________
From his throne he observes all who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do. – Psalm 33:14-15(NLT)
GOD KNOWS EACH PERSON’S HEART
A poem and essay by ILMA
Who can ever know what is in a man’s heart?
Who knows you through and through from the very start?
God made every living creature and each human being
He patterned them in his image so there is no hiding.
God knows each person’s heart from the very core
He can understand how it works even before it is formed
There is no point in running away from your heavenly father
He knows everything; after all, he is your maker.
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Before I was a born again Christian, I had this habit of guessing people’s intentions and thinking. I think I learned this ungodly behavior from my work as a stage manager and an actor. When we make a character sketch of the role we are playing, we presume and assume certain traits of the person based on what they are saying and doing in the manuscript. I didn’t realize that this habit intersected my real life. I began guessing what people think and judge their actions.
1 Samuel 16:7 says that God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. Only God knows each person’s heart for he made us all.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me never to try to interpret people’s hearts.
REFLECTION
Why is it dangerous to assume or presume other people’s 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

JOY TO GOD’S PEOPLE Poem Devotional

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February 18________________________________________
What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance. – Psalm 33:12(NLT)
JOY TO GOD’S PEOPLE
A poem and essay by ILMA
What joy for those who believe in the Lord
They will be victorious and overcome this world
If you are committed to Christ, you will be his heir
You will experience his joy for he is generous and fair.
He will shower his people with an overflow
They will reap a harvest from the seeds they’ve sown
Rejoice and be glad for you will have an abundance
He will gladly fulfill his promises and hand you an inheritance.
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For so many years, I didn’t know how to enjoy life. I strived and worked so hard at every dream or goal I set. I was so consumed with I, me and myself? I think it’s impossible to experience joy if one is so self-centered and self-driven. There is always that nagging thought that I have to possess more or that I have to perform well in anything I get myself into. I have to aim for perfection. When things do not go well as I envisioned it, I become so frustrated and feel like a failure. Then I beat myself up to reach the maximum effort or performance. What a tiring and stressful life. No wonder, I had so much trouble. The bible says that joy comes only from choosing God.
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PRAYER
Lord, show me how to be faithful to you so I can experience joy always.
REFLECTION
What manifestations of joy have you experienced after choosing Christ?
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 POWER OF SPOKEN WORD Poem Devotional

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February 15________________________________________
The Lord merely spoke and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. – Psalm 33:6(NLT)
THE POWER OF SPOKEN WORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
The Lord merely spoke when he created the world
He breathed on anything he made and said the word
The power of spoken word is astonishing
It will bring your wishes to happen, it is amazing.
The power is in your tongue which can bring life or death
Are you using your mouth to build up and encourage?
Are your words bringing others closer to Christ?
Use your words to bring about the truth and to give life.
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I used to be a Speech Teacher for fifteen years. I was blessed to have the chance to make a difference in the youth by building teaching oral communication skills to freshmen high school students. It was a very rewarding vocation because I was able to see the fruit of my labors. For many, verbal communication can be terrifying, especially with teenagers. I wished that I could have been a born again Christian back then, I would have stressed to my students the importance of using God’s word and truth to make a difference.
The bible tells us that God breathed and spoke a word and whatever he commanded was created. Since we were created in his image, we too have the power of spoken word.
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PRAYER
Lord, help us to speak only what is good and true and encouraging.
REFLECTION
What have you uttered that made or broke someone? Share your experience.
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