THE SON OF GOD Poem Devotional

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December 6
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Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.” – Luke 1:35(NLT)
THE SON OF GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Our heavenly father is the source of love and light
In him, there is no darkness and we can enjoy life
When he chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus
Purity and obedience made her very precious
She was a simple woman who had much humility
Despite her apprehension she followed God’s call faithfully
The angel explained that the Holy Spirit will come upon her
The power of the Most High will overshadow; no need to cower
She was chosen as the vessel to make the prophecies come true
God gave her great favor so others can change and be renewed
The Son of God was given to us as proof of the Father’s faithfulness
He is reassuring us all that we shall be filled with much joyfulness
No one expected that Jesus Christ will be born in a manger
He was wrapped in swaddled cloths and was amidst danger
Yet, God delivered his promise of salvation through Christ
He wants us all to know that we are all precious in his sight
Have you ever been loved unconditionally like this?
Who can ever give everything just for you to be free?
PRAYER
Lord, thank you.
REFLECTION
What has Jesus done for you?
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 SIGN OF END DAYS Poem Devotional

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December 5
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Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days, scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. – 2 Peter 3:3(NLT)
A SIGN OF END DAYS
A poem and essay by ILMA
One of the signs of end days is when scoffers mock the truth
These evil people will do anything to steal the Spirit’s fruits
They will be concerned with following their own desires
They are not disturbed with other’s concerns but only theirs.
Be warned of these people who want to corrupt the pure
The enemy has blinded them and is using them to lure
Be careful that you do not entertain the thoughts they share
Stay in God’s word and abide in him so you can be his heir.
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It used to scare me when I think about what is going to happen in the end of the world. After God’s revelation to me of his great love from Scriptures, I realized that there is no need for me to worry. I used to believe in so many false prophets and religious beliefs about the end times. I thank the Lord that I have been freed from such bondages.
The bible tells us that one of the signs of the end of days is that there will be a lot of scoffers or ridiculers who will mock the truth about God’s existence and truth. They’ll only follow their own desires.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me whenever I only think of myself.
REFLECTION
How can a Christian fight the human nature of satisfying self instead of 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

THOSE WHO TWIST GOD’S GRACE Poem Devotional

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December 4
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I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only master and Lord, Jesus Christ. – Jude 4(NLT)
THOSE WHO TWIST GOD’S GRACE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Some people twist the truth of God’s marvelous grace
They go to churches to and pretend to worship and praise
They turn the doctrine of “grace” to pursue sin and power
They justify doing bad because they say God’s grace will cover.
God will judge anyone who alters his truth in his word
They will be condemned and be lost in this world
It illustrates their rebellion and denial of God’s authority
It shows their allegiance and loyalty to the enemy.
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Timothy 3:16 tells us that all Scriptures is inspired by God. John 17:17 says that the word of God is truth. Revelation 22:18-19 tells us what happens if anyone removes any word from Scriptures. They will be removed from their share in the tree of life in the holy city that are described in the bible. In other words, they will miss their inheritance from God.
What do you think will happen to those who not only remove some words but actually twist them and corrupt other people? They will be condemned for twisting his word and denying the truth.
PRAYER
Lord, give me wisdom to know when someone twists your truth.
REFLECTION
How can one know if the truth is being twisted and what do we do?
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

POWER IN WEAKNESS Poem Devotional

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December 3
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My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. – 2 Corinthians 12:9(NLT)
POWER IN WEAKNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you feeling weak these days?
Have no fear, God is with you today
His grace is sufficient for all your challenges
His power works best in your weaknesses.
Whenever you feel discouraged or weary
Hopelessness is a trick of the enemy
Even when we’re undeserving, he grants us grace
He loves all his creation especially the human race.
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The bible defines “Grace” in Ephesians 2:4-8 as a gift from God and we can’t take credit for it. It is something given to undeserving people like us. The doctrine of the “Grace of God is the very center and core of the whole Bible according to J. Gresham Machen.
Here are some of the paraphrased definition of “grace” according to some Christians.
• Justin Holcomb’s – the love of God shown to the unlovely; the peace of God given to the restless; the unmerited favor of God.
• Paul Zahl’s- unconditional love toward a person who does not deserve it.
• Jerry Bridges – God reaching downward to people who are in rebellion against Him.
• John Stott -love that cares and stoops and rescues.
• B. B. Warfield – free sovereign favor to the ill-deserving.
God gave us grace and it is all sufficient for us to live a life that he wanted for all of us.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you so much for the grace that you have bestowed on us.
REFLECTION
Why do you think some people won’t receive God’s grace?
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

LIVING IN GRACE AND DEVOTION TO GOD Poem Devotional

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December 1
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For the grace of God has been revealed bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness and devotion to God. – Titus 2:11-12(NLT)
LIVING IN GRACE AND DEVOTION TO GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you acknowledge that without God, you are nothing?
Grace is a gift from God so you don’t have to continue sinning
This undeserved favor is given to you through Jesus Christ
He came so that you can have peace and enjoy life.
In order to embrace salvation, make sure you live in his grace
Follow Jesus’ ways and obey his commands all of your days
You should live in this evil world with wisdom and devotion
Never allow the enemy to succeed in destroying your relations.
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I didn’t understand the gift of grace for many years of my Christian life. I was always performing and doing things to earn my salvation. I relied so much on my own strength and understanding. It was hard for me to accept God’s grace.
When God revealed to me about my performing works and asked me to focus on the cross, then I began to accept this undeserved favor. I learned to give up self-reliance and replaced it with God dependence. I started to enjoy devoting my time to him and live in his grace.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to remember to rely on your grace.
REFLECTION
Why do you think people have a hard time accepting and living in God’s grace?
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

PROOF THAT WE KNOW GOD Poem Devotional

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Nov 30
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And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. – 1 John 2:3-4 (NLT)
PROOF THAT WE KNOW GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know your Savior Jesus Christ?
Have you vowed to commit to him your life?
How can one claim that he knows his Redeemer?
Is it only by saying that you love him to one another?
We can be sure that we know him if we obey him
If someone claims he knows God and live in sin
That person is a liar and is not living in the truth
Not anything he does will bring about the Spirit’s fruit.
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How can you know if a person really loves you? If he was a man, he would probably propose to marry the woman he is after. If he was the woman, she would accept that proposal for marriage. Before they tie the knot, they usually find enough proofs that the two of them will be able to trust each other and stay together for life. No one really think of marrying and plan to divorce right away unless they have evil schemes.
The bible tells us that the proof that we know God is by following his commandments. Obedience to his will is evidence of our faithfulness.
PRAYER
Lord, grant me the grace to always obey you.
REFLECTION
Why should action accompany any vow for faithfulness?

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

PRACTICE THE TRUTH Poem Devotional

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Nov 29
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God is light and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.
– 1 John 1:5-6(NLT)
PRACTICE THE TRUTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you first heard the truth about God who is our Father
Did you also heed his command to love your sisters and brothers?
God is light and there is no darkness in him at all
Practice the truth by living in light so you don’t fall.
To live in the light means that you’ll live by God’s word
You will give up darkness that is in this corrupted world
If we claim that we love Jesus yet live in darkness
We are lying because we are not in his righteousness.
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In John 17:14, Jesus says that the world hates God’s children because they do not belong to the world, just as he doesn’t belong to it. James 4:4 cautions us not to be friends with the world or we become an enemy of God. Matthew 6:24, it talks about the impossibility of serving two masters which will eventually bent on one.
We are called liars if we claim we love God but live in darkness. We cannot live in this world and love it because God’s kingdom is not of this world.
PRAYER
Lord, let me always practice truth by living and doing what you require from me.
REFLECTION
What happens when we live double lives claiming we believe in Christ and yet love the world?
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

WHAT CASTS OUT FEAR Poem Devotional

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Nov 28

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experience his perfect love.

– 1 John 4:18(NLT)

WHAT CASTS OUT FEAR

A poem and essay by ILMA

What kinds of fears have kept you enslaved?

The enemy brings insecurities so we won’t be saved?

If we are afraid, it is usually for fear of punishment

It may also be fear of rejection or abandonment.

God’s faithful love for us is perfect and total

The kind of love that casts out fear is unconditional

Such perfect love expels all kinds of anxiety

It brings us peace, joy and tranquility.

There are many things that people fear.  Fear of rejection, being unloved, abandoned, ostracized, misjudged, laughed at, belittled, and many more are just some of the many kinds of fear we experience. I used to have claustrophobia. It probably resulted from being confined in a sack when I was a small child. It took many years before I got over the fear of small spaces. One friend exposed me slowly and assured me of being confined in tiny places. He first stayed with me to walk me through overcoming it. Because he built that trust, I felt safe to go through it.

The bible says that perfect love casts out fear. Only God is the source of this perfect love.

PRAYER

Lord, always let me cast my fears on you.

REFLECTION

How has unconditional love freed you from fear?

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

GOOD PEOPLE DIE EARLY Poem Devotional

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Nov 27
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Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die.
– Isaiah 57:1-2(NLT)
GOOD PEOPLE DIE EARLY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you often wonder why good people die early?
Don’t they deserve to live long and share God’s victory?
No one seems to understand why God allows these things
The Father is protecting them from all kinds of sins.
The Lord shields those who love him faithfully
He wants them to remain pure and live freely
Good people are taken early so they can abide in him
They will rest in peace because they have been redeemed.
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Have you ever wondered why the good people die early? I remember my grandfather who was the only person who gave me comfort when I was growing up. Everyone around him were cruel and harsh, but he had a very gentle and caring heart. He listens and encourages those around him. He works so earnestly using his hands and creativity. Whenever I was with him, I felt safe, secure and understood. God took him early. In the past, I couldn’t understand why.
The bible says in Isaiah 57 that God takes good people early because he is protecting them from evil.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your protection over your faithful ones.
REFLECTION
How many good people did you know have passed away early in their lives?
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

BLESSED ARE THE JUST Poem Devotional

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Nov 26
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Be just and fair to all. Do what is right and good, for I am coming soon to rescue you and to display my righteousness among you. Blessed are all those who are careful to do this. -Isaiah 56:1(NLT)
BLESSED ARE THE JUST
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you treat others equally as you would yourself?
Are you compassionate to the oppressed and give help?
Blessed are the just and fair, they are doing what’s right
They are following what God has required in their life.
Do what is right and good, for God will come to rescue
He wants you to have your minds and heart renewed
If you treat others fairly and with no favoritisms
You are imitating Jesus in all his conduct and mannerisms.
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If only everyone would treat each other fairly, there would probably be more peace on earth. One of the reasons why people revolt is because of injustice. Because, God designed us in his own image, we are actually made out of love. When we are not treated right, our spirits sense it inside. We have the option to revolt and react but we can also respond lovingly by gently saying our right to be treated fairly. It is exercising boundary when we do this. It also helps those who are treating others unreasonably to think twice. The Lord blesses those who are just and fair to all.
PRAYER
Lord, remind me to treat others lovingly and justly always.
REFLECTION
How do you think fair treatment eliminates conflicts and troubles in 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