Tag Archives: ilmaarts.com

INDEPENDENCE FROM GOD Poem Devotional

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October 11________________________________________
Why then do my people say, ‘At last we are free from God, we don’t need him anymore.’
-Jeremiah 3:31 (NLT)
INDEPENDENCE FROM GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When we flee from God, we get confused
It shows ingratitude and our want to refuse
When we run away from our Savior
We get messed up and always get in trouble.
When we live out of God’s love, we sin
Our disobedience is turning from him
Living independent lives is dangerous
Depend on him and you will be joyous.
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Independence is defined as a state of being independent or free from anyone’s control. Independence had been so emphasized in our lives today that we never want to depend on anyone for anything. It is so sad to see many people who take so much pride in doing things on their own. They think it is a good thing, but I believe God wants us to never be independent of him.
The bible relates in Jeremiah how God’s people tried to run away from God and thought that they don’t need him anymore. It is a mockery of God’s faithfulness when we try to separate ourselves from him and think that we have no need for him. In fact, the only dependence we should cultivate in our lives is to completely rely on God for every little or big things in our lives. He created us not to be isolated but be in relationships.
PRAYER
Lord, show me when I live independently from you and others.
REFLECTION
Why is independence a relationship wrecker?
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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

IN TIMES OF TROUBLE Poem Devotional

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October 10________________________________________
They turn their backs on me, but in times of trouble they cry out to me. ‘Come and save us!’ -Jeremiah 2:27(NLT)
IN TIMES OF TROUBLE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you suffering from poverty and oppression?
Have you forgotten to ask God’s provision?
Do you only cry out to him in times of trouble?
Do you pray even when you’re out of the rubble?
God doesn’t appreciate when we turn our backs
He wants us to depend on him in every lack
He feels for our pains and what we are going through
Run to him at all times so he can refresh and renew.
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What kind of relationship do you have with your parents? Do you only talk to them when you need something? If you do, you probably would have the same connection with God. I had a hard time running to my parents as a young child. They were very busy and absent physically and emotionally. I learned to look after my needs and it definitely messed me up. I looked for love in the wrong places because I was never shown or affirmed that I was loved. This is how I started to talk to Jesus because deep in my heart, I knew he would not judge me or withdraw love from me. I learned to rely on God not only in times of trouble but learned to be grateful for all my blessings.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness.
REFLECTION
How do you deal with troubles in your life?

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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 GOD OF COMFORT & COMPASSION Poem Devotional

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October 9________________________________________
Sing for joy O heavens! Rejoice O earth! Burst into song O mountains! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion in them in their suffering.
– Isaiah 49:13(NLT)
A GOD OF COMFORT & COMPASSION
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you going through rough moments?
You’re not alone; trials can come in increments
If you think that no one is there for you
Remember that God will see you through
For the Lord has comforted his people
He knows our suffering the how it can cripple
God has compassion for all your trials and tribulations
Rest in him and you will soon experience his salvation.
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There are times when I become very vulnerable. When I am distracted from quiet moments with God, when I lack sleep, when hungry or when my boundaries are violated, I become an easy prey for the enemy to attack. Today, I was called dumb by someone so close to me. It was hurtful and caused me much anxiety, panic and rage. I reacted instead of responding like a true Christian. After letting my anger out, I was convicted that Jesus would never do what I just did. I confessed and repented of my sin. I couldn’t take back the words that I hurled as reaction to the judgment. I asked God to forgive me for what I said and he forgave and comforted me that he understands what I went through.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for my sins.
REFLECTION
Cite an instance when God comforted you in your pain.
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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

GREAT IS THE LORD! Poem Devotional

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October 7________________________________________
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods.
– Psalm 96:4(NLT)
GREAT IS THE LORD!
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you remember to give praise to your Lord?
Do you declare his power and give him laud?
Great is the Lord, he is most worthy of praise
Make sure you follow his word and do what it says.
He is the god who created all seen and unseen things
Fear and obey him who has given you everything
He is all-knowing, all-seeing and very powerful
He loves you so much and he is so merciful.
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I grew up without idolizing anyone. Unlike my cousins who went crazy over some singers or superstars, I never went gaga over someone famous or rich or popular. The only thing that gets my attention is if it will make me think and search for answers. I was obsessed with knowledge and understanding, so I always hang out with people who are intelligent and curious and pro-active.
The bible tells us how great our God is. He is the only one worthy of praise and he is to be feared above all gods. The trouble with our world today is that it is bombarded with so much things to idolize. It consumes most of our lives as we get obsessed with this thing we clamor much. Let’s give up trivial matters and give God praise.
PRAYER
Lord, I praise and glorify you.
REFLECTION
What are the benefits of worshiping and praising God?
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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

WATCH YOUR OWN LIVES poem devotional by ILMA

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October 6________________________________________
Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
-1 Timothy 4:16 (NLT)
WATCH YOUR OWN LIVES
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you claim that you are a believer
Ensure that you’re not following the deceiver
Watch your own lives and your teaching
Be an example to what you are preaching.
Stay true to what is right so you will be saved
For your own sake and others’, be bold and be brave
Don’t just say things but live what you believe
It will help others from being tempted and deceived.
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What happens if we aimlessly drive without looking? We crash, don’t we? It is the same way when we don’t examine our lives, we fail and fall and get defeated by the enemy.
There are many people who live unexamined lives. Socrates said that an unexamined life is not worth living. The world gave credit to Socrates and Plato for this saying, but the bible talks about examining yourself in more or less 18 bible verses (Haggai 1:5-7; Lamentations 3:40; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 6:4). So you tell me, who is the origin of this saying.
The bible says that we should watch our lives and ensure that we stay righteous in order to stay saved and bring others to God.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for convicting me to examine my life.
REFLECTION
What benefit do we get when we examine our lives?
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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

INTERCEDING FOR AUTHORITIES Poem Devotional

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October 5________________________________________
Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. – 1 Timothy 2:2 (NLT)
INTERCEDING FOR AUTHORITIES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Believers are expected to pray for authorities
Intercede for them because of their duties
They need strength and wisdom to lead
It will make them maintain order and peace.
Pray that they will be led by the Spirit
It will bring harmony to their country
Entreat that they will live godly lives
Ask that they be righteous and abide.
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If most believers pray for their leaders, we probably would have a more peaceful world. If people cared more about who to place in authority when they vote, there will be less corruption in the government and no room for much dishonesty. Just like any of us ordinary people, if we are not anointed and appointed by God to do or lead something, we will not succeed in that feat. King David was anointed to be king. Because, he was chosen by God, he led his people righteously. It didn’t exempt him from being tempted and from human’s fallen nature, but he was a king who was after God’s heart.
The bible emphasizes the importance of praying and interceding for all authorities so that we will live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.
PRAYER
Lord, keep all leaders free from corruption and greed.
REFLECTION
Why do you think we need to pray more for leaders these days?
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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 ANSWERS HIS PEOPLE Poem Devotional

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October 3________________________________________
I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! – Isaiah 65:24(NLT)
GOD ANSWERS HIS PEOPLE
A poem and essay by ILMA
God is full of wisdom, love and is all-giving
He knows what we need even before we start talking
He wants us to run to him, ask anything and everything
He answers his people and showers them with blessings.
God grants requests and intercessions
He is kind and always gives us provisions
Lay down your needs; he wants you to honor him
God responds to you even while you are still speaking.
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Have you ever asked someone and didn’t get a reply? How did that make you feel? Humans can react to a “no” response in many different ways. They may repeat the question for fear that they might not have been heard. They may feel rejected from being minimized or feel insecure from the vague subtexts that the silence can bring about. They may judge the person who ignored and didn’t give them an answer and close their minds on them.
The bible tells us that God always answers his people even before they call them. While they are still presenting their needs to him, he already answered them even before they are finished talking. Daniel is a perfect example of this when he interceded for his people (chapter 9).
PRAYER
Lord, help us to never cease praying and interceding for others.
REFLECTION
When did you pray and got answers even before you finished your prayer?
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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

HARDENED HEARTS Poem Devotional

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October 2________________________________________
For when I called, you did not answer. When I spoke, you did not listen. You deliberately sinned-before my very eyes-and chose to do what you know I despise. – Isaiah 65:12(NLT)
HARDENED HEARTS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Is your heart pining for God or for this world?
How often do you connect with him through his word?
Do you answer when he calls you to do something?
Do you hear him speak especially when he is convicting?
Do you ignore and pretend he doesn’t exist in your life?
Have you hardened your heart to miss seeing his light?
Do you continually defy his commands and follow your will?
Run to him so he can soften your hearts and win over sin.
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The hardest people to deal with are those who have hardened hearts. How do you know people who have hardened hearts? They are not hard to spot. They usually have a frown pasted on their face. They complain a lot and make other people’s lives miserable. They are very unforgiving and judgmental. They kill your joy and don’t appreciate anyone or anything. They always look at the dark side of things and sometimes suck the life out of you. The bible always warns us to guard our hearts. If our hearts are not pure, we are opening the door for the enemy to enslave us in sin. Do you deliberately ignore God’s call and defy him by continually sinning?
PRAYER
Lord, let me be connected to you so I can hear your voice.
REFLECTION
What is your heart’s condition?
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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

CALL ON THE LORD Poem Devotional

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October 1________________________________________
The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. – Psalm 145: 13,18 (NLT)
CALL ON THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you feel down and low
Don’t delay but run to the Lord
He always keeps his promises
He is merciful and constantly gracious.
The Lord is close to all who call on him
He hears them and forgives their sins
See him and his truth then you’ll be free
Release yourself from bondage and misery.
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Have you ever relied and depended on someone so badly and got disappointed. Humans can sometimes be unreliable and untrue to what they say. Some people are bad at keeping their promises and have no integrity or honesty. I used to expect those who I am in relationship with to fulfill my needs. It just made my life more miserable each time those expectations were never met or even minimized. I learned to take care of myself and never depended on anyone. For a while, I isolated myself from others because I had so bad experiences with people.
The bible tells us that there is only one person who could be trusted and whom we can depend on and never be let down. God keeps his promises and is always gracious. He’s close to all who call on him.
PRAYER
Lord, let me always remember to call on you.
REFLECTION
Why do you think it is important to God for us to call on him?
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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

WHEN YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND Poem devotional

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September 30________________________________________
You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will. – John 13:7(NLT)
WHEN YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND
A poem and essay by ILMA
When times are rough and you don’t understand
Run to Scriptures and find out what God commands
When you don’t understand what you are doing
Seek wisdom from what the bible is saying.
When you don’t comprehend what is happening
Seek Christ, know his commands and keep on obeying
Someday when you don’t stop hungering for him
He will bring you wisdom and let you finally win.
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I always asked so many questions since I was a child. God gave us a mind so we can be motivated to pursue him and know more about him. He didn’t give us a brain so we can use it for our own personal gains. He gave us all that we have, so we can bring back to him the glory and praise that he alone is worthy of. The enemy used my mind and misled me to take the proud path to intelligence. I hoarded so much information and kept it to myself thinking that I know many things than other people. After many years of boasting, God convicted me that he gave me all so that I can glorify him and not myself.
The bible warns us to be careful when we start asking questions to gain approval or recognition. God wants us to be patient when we don’t understand.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to seek you first in everything.
REFLECTION
What kind of questions in your mind led you to frustration and hopelessness?
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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