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WHAT’S EVIL IN GOD’S SIGHT Poem Devotional

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July 12
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In this way, Solomon did what was evil in the Lord’s sight; he refused to follow the Lord completely, as his father, David had done. – 1 Kings 11:6 (NLT)
WHAT’S EVIL IN GOD’S SIGHT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you find it hard to follow the Lord’s will?
Are you struggling finding rest and being still?
When you refuse to obey what God commands
You will have difficulty responding to life’s demands.
Do you constantly examine yourself and what you do?
Are they things that keeps close to the Lord and pure?
Obedience is very essential to keep close to him
What’s evil in God’s sight is rebellion and evil things.
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The usual challenge a parent faces with their children is disobedience. As parents, we already have experienced going through the phases of growing up. We have an idea what hurt us in the past and we don’t want our children hurt. We do our best to protect them with rules that can keep them safe and make them learn to cope with life’s demands. When they go against our will, it hurts us because we don’t want to see them suffer the consequences of wrong choices and decisions.
The bible talks about Solomon’s disobedience to the Lord and refusal to acknowledge God’s will in his life. He didn’t honor what the Lord is saying because he followed his own will and rejected God’s will.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to be always in your will.
REFLECTION
Why do you think obedience is very important in our 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

THE BLESSING OF STILLNESS Poem Devotional

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July 9
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He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor! – Psalm 107:29-30 (NLT)
THE BLESSING OF STILLNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is making your life such a disaster?
Is it those dreams that you are after?
Is there a sin that you haven’t confessed?
Why do you fret and not have peace?
Jesus calms the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves
He can pacify you and give you strength to be brave
What a blessing it is if you can be still for the Lord
It brings joy and peace when you give him laud.
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I did not know how to be still for over five decades of my life. The enemy kept me in bondage to “busy-ness” and performing to prove that I was really good at what I did. I didn’t even realize how it was affecting my body because I just grinded and grinded and never paid attention to my health. One day, I became so sick that I couldn’t even raise my hands up. I was literally melting like a candle inside me. It took awhile before I was diagnosed with Hepatitis A because the symptoms of a flu are almost the same. I was bed ridden for 3 months. That was how God calmed the storm inside me. That’s when I learned to be still in the Lord.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to be still always.
REFLECTION
Why is it very hard to be still these days?
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 MIGHT Poem Devotional

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July 8
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Oh please help us against our enemies, for all human help is useless. With God’s help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes. -Psalm 108:12-13(NLT)
GOD’S MIGHT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you rely on your own strength to fight enemies?
Remember that you are only human and have frailties
Whenever you feel compromised and defeated
Run to God for he will help you as you are being tempted.
With God’s help, we will do mighty things and overcome
On our own, we will fail, so why not run to Christ his Son
He is a god who can do the impossible and improbable
He has power and might beyond what humans can be capable.
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I remember how Julie Andrews impressed and influenced me to look up to governesses and teachers in the Sound of Music movie. I was six years old and that was my very first big screen movie. In about the same year, the Singing Nun was also very popular. I guess those two movies influenced me to be a teacher, a singer and a nun.
The bible tells us that if we run to God, he will do mighty things for us. If we keep our eyes on the Lord and make him first in our lives, he will trample down our foes and ensure that we are winners in this life. Is God your superhero?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to always run and look up to you.
REFLECTION
Why is self-reliance not as good as relying on 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

WHAT DEFILES US IN GOD’S SIGHT Poem Devotional

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July 7
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They defiled themselves by their evil deeds, and their love for idols was adultery in the Lord’s sight. – Psalm 106:39(NLT)
WHAT DEFILES US IN GOD’S SIGHT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever we think of evil thoughts
We delay and hamper or spiritual growth
Each time we do things to please ourselves
We end up displeasing him and we need help.
Prioritizing other things over the Lord defiles us
It opens the door for the enemy to tempt us fast
God considers loving other idols as an adultery
It disgusts him when we treat him unfaithfully.
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If you are a parent, you probably made rules for your children in order to protect them and ensure that they are not being influenced by others who are totally believe differently from you. This is why parents consider carefully the schools that they enrol their kids in and filter the kind of friends their children go with. Because we love them and want them to grow up in a safe and healthy environment, we set boundaries for them to follow so that they can stay unharmed and grow up fully. God is the same with us. That is why we have Scriptures so we follow his commands and be safe to live in this corrupted world. He warns us not to be defiled by evil deeds and to avoid idolatry. These things defile us in the Lord’s sight.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never desecrate what is holy and what you’ve created.
REFLECTION
What have you done in the past that defiled you in God’s sight?
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 ENDURING HARDSHIPS

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July 6
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If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.
-2 Timothy 2:12(NLT)
ON ENDURING HARDSHIPS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you going through difficult times now?
Don’t worry; continue to believe and never doubt
If we endure hardship, we will reign with Christ
If we deny it, we will lose reason to live in this life.
Remember that Jesus experienced the worst suffering
Just look up the cross and keep on remembering
Hardships can stretch our character and discipline
It gives us the power to overcome sin and win.
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There is a misnomer in our society today that we should have a trouble-free life. Many people are in pursuit of happiness and getting what they want. I used to chase these same things before God changed my heart. I endured hardship in a way that God didn’t want me to. I used my talents and skills to overcome adversities and never really relied on God’s grace and mercy. I proved to others that I am a survivor and took pride in it. It was the worldly way to endure hardships. But when I was saved, God showed me that all the things I went through had a purpose. It was to bring me strength and character so I could contribute to build up his kingdom and to spread the good news about his redemption through Jesus Christ.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to remember that you died for me.
REFLECTION
What do you usually do when you encounter difficulties?
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 WITH HONOR Poem Devotional

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July 4
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We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable. – 2 Corinthians 8:20-21(NLT)
LIVING WITH HONOR
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you are a believer, you are expected to be faithful
Live with honor and integrity and always be truthful
Those who are committed to the Lord are honorable
They show others that they are respectable.
Be careful how you live for you will experience testing
Don’t give up on living pure and keep on believing
A dignified life is a proof of an authentic believer
It shows everyone that they are true disciples.
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How many people nowadays are honest even when others are not looking? We live in a world where many people show only the side that they want others to see. They hide their natural tendencies and keep others believing that they are respectful and honest. Some employees in companies just wait for the clock to timeout so they can go home. They don’t do anything beyond what their job description says. They use company time to do their personal emails or calls or use company resources for their own use.
Christians are expected to be honorable before the Lord and also before everyone else. Just as Christ showed us how to live a life full with integrity, believers are also expected to live a pure and honest life.
PRAYER
Lord, let me do the right thing whether someone is looking or not.
REFLECTION
How can we preserve a pure life in this very corrupt 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

FEARS AND BATTLES Poem Devotional

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July 3
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We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside. But God who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us.
– 2 Corinthians 7:5-6(NLT)
FEARS AND BATTLES
A poem and essay by ILMA
What things bring you anxiety?
Is it a fear of failure or cruelty?
We face conflicts from every direction
Are we ready to face all these temptations?
The Lord wants us to live out of fear
He created us out of love, that is for real!
God encourages those who are dejected
Don’t worry if you are oppressed or rejected.
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Have you ever felt that there were days in your life were fears and battles were constantly present? You worry about your children or spouse, you are consumed by all kinds of responsibilities and debts, you are scared failure or being rejected. These are just some of the examples of fears and battles that we can encounter on a frequent basis if not regular. The bible tells us “Do not fear” 365 times. Wonder why God repeated it that much? Maybe he wants us to remember not to be afraid daily for a year which totals 365 days. Isn’t that awesome? He knows our fears even before we recognize it. He cannot give us a conflict free life, but he is there to encourage those who fear and are facing daily battles and challenges in their lives. Run to God.
PRAYER
Lord, thanks so much for being there for me in my weakest moments.
REFLECTION
What fears or battles have overwhelmed you lately?
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

THERE’S LIFE IN SEEKING WISDOM Poem Devotional

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July 2
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For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But those who miss me injure themselves. All who hate me love death. – Proverbs 8:35-36(NLT)
THERE’S LIFE IN SEEKING WISDOM
A poem and essay by ILMA
Listen when wisdom calls out for you
He wants to put some sense and lead you to what’s true
Whoever finds wisdom receives favor from the Lord
Those who miss it can suffer and be easily injured.
Seek wisdom and you will find life
Avoid it and you will surely die
Do everything you can to embrace it
You will then reap fruits from the Holy Spirit.
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Some people think that there are those born without common sense or wisdom. The fact is that we have to purposely seek it. It is not just granted to us at birth. Usually babies are so naïve and pure. Eventually as they experience things and circumstances daily, they learn to process and have some common sense not to do the same mistakes again.
Proverbs 8 up to 9 talks specifically about wisdom. It tells us in detail the benefits and consequences of wisdom applied in our lives. Wisdom doesn’t come natural with us. It is a supernatural gift from God. Mere knowledge does not make us wise, but God’s words and his commands make us discern and understand things that our limited minds cannot fathom. It is wise for us to seek it to have life.
PRAYER
Lord, let me have a hunger for your wisdom.
REFLECTION
What benefits have you reaped from seeking 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

BEST PATHWAY FOR LIFE Poem Devotional

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June 30
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I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
-Psalm32:8 (NLT)
BEST PATHWAY FOR LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know which way to go?
Does your path lead you to growth?
God will guide you along the best pathway
He alone is the only option and the only way.
His path leads to joy, peace and righteousness
You will never find another place that is victorious
This road directly connects you to the he Father.
Follow Jesus’ lead and he will take you further.
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I have taken many different pathways in my young adult life while I searched for the one true God. The enemy didn’t waste any time misleading me through many different religions. Because I was fascinated by traditions and culture, I became an easy target for the enemy to work on. Because of rebellion and pride, I chose too many wrong paths which led me to much chaos and destruction in my life.
The bible tells us that if we run to God, he will guide us, advise and watch over us. If we confess our sins and seek him, he will direct us to the best pathway to life. He will counsel us what is good and tell us to avoid the bad. He will closely supervise us in little or big decisions for our own good.
PRAYER
Lord, always direct my path to where you want me to go.
REFLECTION
What happens when we choose our own will in making decisions?
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

CONSEQUENCES OF SIN Poem Devotional

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June 29
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When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long.
-Psalm 32:3 (NLT)
CONSEQUENCES OF SIN
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you experience pain inside your being?
Do you feel hopeless as a consequence of sin?
When you refuse to confess your wickedness
It is impossible to stay in God’s righteousness
Your body gets wasted away, your mind gets foggy
You groan and whine all day and your sight gets cloudy
Sin will stop you from receiving God’s purification
It deprives you of his mercy and salvation.
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In my twenties up until my early fifties I was in denial of anger. I repressed it and covered it up with achievements, performance and seeking approval. I piled up all my sins and never really confessed it. As a result, I experienced emotional, mental and physical pains. I was in and out of doctors’ offices and hospitals because I was always sick with something. I still denied my sins and even justified them to God. One day, I became so sick that I couldn’t literally lift my fingers. I had to rely on a very young cousin who was about twelve years old and a son who was eight years old. God taught me a hard lesson. He showed me to slow down and to confess my sin so I can get healing. He made me lean on no one else but him.
PRAYER
Lord, give me a repentant heart who is truly sorry for my sins.
REFLECTION
What were the consequences of un-repented sins 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