Tag Archives: ilmaarts.com

THOSE WHO ARE QUICKLY PROVOKED

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June 15
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Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
-Ecclesiastes 7:9(NIV)
THOSE WHO ARE QUICKLY PROVOKED
A poem and essay by ILMA
When there is a spirit of offense
There is temptation to use defense
Those who are quickly provoked
Their spirits have been hurt and broke.
For anger resides in the lap of fools
Their fury or rage can make them cruel
Watch out when you are reactive and explosive
A hardened heart can make you be very impulsive.
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One of the generational sins that I inherited from my family of origin is the spirit of offense. Most of the people who raised me had anger issues. Some of them are explosive but others are implosive. I learned at a very young age to guard what I do or say because it might get me in trouble and be deprived of love and attention. I literally walked on eggshells because I don’t even know why they get to be so easily angered even when I just ask simple questions. It was inevitable that I learned their ways because I was too young to process and understand why they behave in such impulsive and reactive ways. I learned it the hard way when I became a high school teacher. Some of my students got my implosions and on some occasions my explosions as well. The bible tells us not to be easily angered.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for my spirit of offense.
REFLECTION
When have you regretted an explosion, irritability or implosion?
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

DANGER OF TOO MUCH WORDS Poem Devotional

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June 13
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When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
-Proverbs 10:19 (NIV)
DANGER OF TOO MUCH WORDS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you ask for something, be concise!
More words are not always right and precise
When words are many, sin is not absent
Hold your tongue and there’ll be no lament.
Use few words when you communicate
It lessens confusion and mistakes
Hold your tongue so you don’t open doors to sin
Lesser words will give your more chances to win.
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I love words. I think most writers do. But writers need to be wise in using lesser words than more. I find it difficult to use fewer words so I decided to take the route of writing poetry. The beauty of this genre is that you can use the least words and yet convey so much meaning in these fewer words. The challenge with writing poetry is to find the appropriate words that could rhyme or stir the readers’ attention through imagery and the different figures of speech. When I started reading the bible especially Proverbs, I learned that there is too much danger in too much words. It opens up more avenue to misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
The bible says that too much words put you at risk to sin. When you hold your tongue and think carefully what to say with few words, you learn prudence.
PRAYER
Lord, help us to communicate with less words.
REFLECTION
When have you used much words and led you to sin or confusion?
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

ENTRY TO THE NARROW DOOR

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June 12
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Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom for many will try to enter but will fail. -Luke 13:24(NLT)
ENTRY TO THE NARROW DOOR
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you always choose the easy way to do things?
Do you avoid inconveniences at all cost to achieve?
Watch out, for the gate to hell is wide and open
But narrow is the door that leads to God’s kingdom.
You must work hard to enter this challenging gate
Many will try but will fail because they lose faith
Persist and never give up for it will welcome you
God will be waiting patiently till you get through.
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In this day and age of convenience, most individuals want a piece of comfort. If anyone will be given an opportunity to take the short cut and the easy way, they would. In the past, I would always take that choice, to do the easiest way at doing something. The path to God’s kingdom is not always an easy road to take. In fact, the bible says that it is a narrow door that leads to God’s kingdom and not all people who take the road are able to get through. Why do you think God makes it harder for people to get into his kingdom? That’s because our world is not God’s kingdom. He has different prerequisite to enter it.
PRAYER
Lord, never let me choose the easy way, but have patience to see what you are teaching me.
REFLECTION
Why do you think people choose the wider door rather than the narrow door to heaven?
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

Little things can grow big Poem Devotional

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June 11
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It is like the yeast, a woman used in making bread, even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough. -Luke 13:21(NLT)
LITTLE THINGS CAN GROW BIG
A poem and essay by ILMA
Just like a baby can grow into a big man or woman
Small tiny steps toward faith can save humans
Making one decision to move towards Christ
Will go a long way to improve your life.
Like a yeast that makes the dough grow
We can make a difference to change tomorrow
Little things done consistently according to God’s will
It will reap a big harvest of fruit and make us healed.
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When my son was born, I was a single parent who had no idea how I will be able to survive raising a family on my own. I used to worry a lot about what’s going to happen, it made me sick literally because I wanted to take care of my future very much and it robbed me of joy and peace. The bible says tomorrow will take care of itself in Matthew 6:34. Little steps we make is likened to a dough used for making bread. Only a little yeast is needed and it goes a long way to permeate every part of the dough, which makes the bread grow in size. We can do little things which will eventually grow.
PRAYER
Lord, don’t let me underestimate the importance of little steps of faith.
REFLECTION
When did you make little steps that led to a breakthrough 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

HEIRS OF GOD’S KINGDOM Poem Devotional

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June 9
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God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of heaven is theirs. – Matthew 5:3(NLT)
HEIRS OF GOD’S KINGDOM
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you live an impoverished existence?
Do you have a need for God’s providence?
God blesses those who ask his guidance and help
He blesses those who don’t focus on themselves.
Those who are poor and realize God in their lives
They will be heirs of the Kingdom of Christ
They’ll be rich because heaven will be theirs
The Lord grants as soon as he hears their prayers.
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Many people get stuck in this worldly place we live in not knowing that this is not our destiny. The world we inhabit is only a temporary place or a “stopover” so we can continue to reach our real purpose in life which is to be one with our creator in heaven. Whenever someone receives an inheritance, there’s usually a condition that is tied up with such legacy being handed down to them. It may be because they are a dearly loved one or they are someone special to the deceased.
The Lord promised those who are poor (meaning those who are actually living undignified lives or do not know the Lord) and realize their need for God that they will have his Kingdom. Those who acknowledge their brokenness and need for him will surely inherit his kingdom.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never deny my need for you.
REFLECTION
Why do you think poverty and humility is the gateway to heaven?
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

DON’T TEST THE LORD YOUR GOD Poem Devotional

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June 8
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Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.”
-Matthew 4:7(NLT)
DON’T TEST THE LORD YOUR GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you rebel against authority and force your demands
You are actually testing and questioning the Lord and his commands
When you are selfish, arrogant and think you know everything
You are challenging the Lord for a fight over something.
Don’t test the Lord your God for he knows what’s best for you
His thoughts are not your thoughts because he knows the truth
Whenever you don’t believe in his goodness and his character
You are asking for a fight that you will surely end up as the loser.
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The book of Matthew chapter 4 narrates the temptation of Jesus by the devil during his forty days of fasting. The devil used all kinds of tricks to entice Jesus to prove that he is the Son of God. The devil tempted Jesus to turn stone to bread, then to give Jesus the glory of his worldly kingdom if Jesus will worship him, then ask Jesus to jump off the cliff so he can be saved by God’s angels from falling. All of Jesus’ response started with “The Scriptures say” and in the end he says “Don’t test the Lord your God.”
We can test the Lord by unbelief, asking him to prove himself, slandering his character and grieving his spirit.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me when I allow the enemy to use me to test you.
REFLECTION
When have you ever tested the Lord your 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 PERFECT HUSBAND Poem Devotional

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June 6
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I will make you my wife forever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion. I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as the Lord. – Hosea 3:19-20(NLT)
THE PERFECT HUSBAND
A poem and essay by ILMA
The Lord promised to believers that we are his wife
He is faithful and committed to you your whole life
Don’t forget that he will be there to strengthen you
No matter what, he will be with you to get you through.
You need not worry about his frailty for he is perfect
He knows you inside and out and is always there to help
He longs for more intimacy with you each and every day
Will you allow him to lead you and show you the way?
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Haven’t we been let down by our partners in one way or another? One of the reasons why we feel this way is because there are times when we expect something from them without even verbalizing it and then we end up setting them up for trouble. We have unrealistic expectations that no one can fulfill and then we get upset after watching them unable to live up to it. The Lord is the only perfect husband we can have. He knows everything and understand our expectations, motives or intentions and our feelings. Acknowledge the perfect husband in Jesus and he will complete you.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being my husband faithfully.
REFLECTION
When have you felt the clear manifestation of God as your husband?
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

HARVESTING THE CROP OF LOVE Poem Devotional

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June 5
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I said, “Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.” – Hosea 10:12(NLT)
HARVESTING THE CROP OF LOVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
What acts do you sow in your life?
Are they good; do they bring light?
Plant good seeds of righteousness
You will find love and happiness.
Plow up the hardness of your heart
The Lord wants you to be new and start
Seek the Lord that he may bring righteousness
Then you’ll experience his love and faithfulness.
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It is spring now, the season for gardening. What do gardeners do first of all to prepare to plant and sow seeds in the garden? They try to dig and till the soil that have hardened through the past winter season so they can put new soil and nutrients in the ground in preparation for the new seeds to get in it. There are lots of things to do so that a good harvest of crops or fruits and flowers will ensue.
The book of Hosea instructs us to plow up the hard ground of our hearts so we can prepare to sow seeds of righteousness and later on harvest the crop of love. Like the ground that gardeners plant on, our hearts can also be hardened.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to never give in to hardness of heart.
REFLECTION
How can you harvest love in your relationships?
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

BENT TOWARDS REBELLION Poem Devotional

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June 4

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Even in the womb, Jacob struggled with his brother; when he became a man, he even fought with God. -Hosea 12:3(NLT)
BENT TOWARDS REBELLION
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you ever done something lawless?
We all have the tendency to say “no” instead of “yes”
Have you ever argued with God to get your way?
We think we can manipulate him and get him swayed.
Why is it easy to be selfish rather than selfless?
It only leads us to ruin and a life that is pointless
Seek God so you can overcome pride and rebellion
He’s the only one who can change you and bring salvation.
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Jacob’s story in the bible is a clear example of a bent towards rebellion. He was tricked by his father-in-law to marry Laban first before he actually married Rachel for many years. Then his two wives were always fighting over which one could bear him more children. In Genesis 34 his daughter, Dinah, went out “to see the daughters of the land” and ended up in fornication. Two of his sons used the occasion to kill a whole city of men, thus causing Jacob to fear for his family’s safety. Jacob’s sons were less than shining examples of godliness. Then Jacob had a favorite son Joseph which he openly showed to his other sons and caused them to plot to kill their brother because of Jacob’s favoritism.
PRAYER
Lord, help me overcome my natural tendency to rebel.
REFLECTION
What can we do to fight our bent towards rebellion?
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 PATH TO DESTRUCTION Poem Devotional

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June 3
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Sinners will have no place among the godly. For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction. Psalm 1:5-6(NLT)
THE PATH TO DESTRUCTION
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you walking towards Christ or to obliteration?
Do you know the path leading to salvation?
Sinners will have no place among the righteous
For the Lord considers them very precious.
He watches those who believe and follow him
But sinners and the wicked continue to live in sin
Being wicked leads to chaos and destruction
Will you do anything to avoid eternal damnation?
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There are people who embrace a life of sin. The enemy blinded them to see what is right. It’s a sad thing to watch people destroy their own lives just for temporary pleasures that Satan entices them with. I went through this path to destruction for a good number of years and it is not a good road to be in. The wage of sin is death as the bible says. I lived a dead life; no joy, no peace. I thrived in conflict, pride, arrogance and anger. It was a life not worth living.
The bible tells us that sinners and godly people can’t thrive together. The Lord watches over the righteous but allows the wicked to be destroyed. He’ll protect his people.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to always walk on the road to your eternal life.
REFLECTION
Why isn’t it a good idea to associate with sinners if you are a believer?
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