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BLESSINGS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD Poem Devotional

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August 5________________________________________
Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord. –Psalm 118:26. (NLT)
BLESSINGS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
To all those who believe in Jesus Christ
Blessings will manifest in their lives
Those who love the Lord will follow him
They bless others as God blesses them.
Blessings in the name of the Lord
Give it to others and you will bring him laud
The only way we have victory is when we give it
God protects and ensures all those who believe him.
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William Brown explains the essence of blessings in his article on it – “God’s intention and desire to bless humanity is a central focus of his covenant relationships. First, a blessing was a public declaration of a favored status with God. Second, the blessing endowed power for prosperity and success. The history of Israel begins with the promise of blessing. The curse, which had dominated the early chapters of the biblical story ( Genesis 3:14 Genesis 3:17 ; 4:11 ; 5:29 ; 9:25 ), was countered by God’s promise to Abraham that “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” ( Gen 12:3 ). The record of Israel’s past is best understood as an outworking of blessing and cursing ( Deut 27:1-28:68 ).”
We are expected to give the same blessings to others as God gave us.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your blessings.
REFLECTION
Who have you blessed lately?
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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

ETERNAL BLESSING Poem Devotional

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August 4________________________________________
And now it has please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it will continue forever before you. For when you grant a blessing, O Lord, it is an eternal blessing.
–1 Chronicles 17:27 (NLT)
ETERNAL BLESSING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Bless the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever
Bless the Lord Jesus Christ for he came to be our savior
When you bless God and others, you receive eternal blessings
When you honor and respect each other, you will have bounty.
You will receive eternal blessings when you obey his commands
He will provide you with all your needs and life’s demands
Be faithful to him and continue to give and bless
You will reap the Spirit’s fruits and a bountiful harvest.
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Many people live their lives unable to count their blessings because they focus so much on what they do not have. They tend to see all the bad things happening to them and because of ungratefulness or sheer ignorance, they complain and whine incessantly. I used to be a pessimistic person who never ran out of things to grumble about. Philippians 2:14 says to do everything without grumbling or complaining. When God convicted me of this sin, I did everything I can to put a stop to it. God’s word helped me to bring out the truth in my life.
PRAYER
Lord, grant me your eternal blessing.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God prohibits us from this futile activity?
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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

WHO AM I LORD? Poem Devotional

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August 3________________________________________
Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? You speak as though I were someone very great, O Lord God! – 1 Chronicles 17:16,17 (NLT)
WHO AM I LORD?
A poem and essay by ILMA
Who am I Lord that you seek me?
Why do you search my heart and want me free?
I am not worthy and yet you give me honor
I don’t deserve anything but you gave me a Savior.
You speak as though I am someone very great
Yet I have been disobedient and an ingrate
O Lord my God, you have brought me this far
Thank you that you never walk away or depart.
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Have you ever experienced someone giving you honor and respect without expecting anything in return? It is very hard to come by someone who would genuinely treat you like royalty. In 1 Chronicles, David is humbly overwhelmed what favors God has done for him. He is full of thankfulness to God’s mercy and blessings. He opens his heart to God boldly and bares his deepest contrition and need for the Lord.
Who are you the God? You are his child and that is why he created you in his own image. You are the epitome of God’s character. He made every part of you so that he can see himself in you.
PRAYER
Thank you for honoring me Lord.
REFLECTION
How do you express gratitude and honor to 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

BE READY TO SUFFER Poem Devotional

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July 31________________________________________
So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. –1 Peter 4:1 (NLT)
BE READY TO SUFFER
A poem and essay by ILMA
Christ suffered physical pain in order to save man
Do you return his favor by following his commands?
Jesus was betrayed, beaten, ridiculed and oppressed
Do you react when you are discriminated and depressed?
Think of Jesus each time you feel dejected
He experienced tortured and was very much rejected
Christ suffered and died for you to be free from bondage
What have you done for his kingdom’s advantage?
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I used to be a whiny person. I grew up in an environment where complaining is normal. When I came to Canada, I was culturally shocked to find out that this wasn’t the norm. Just stating unsolicited opinion is a form of complaint here. It took many years before I realized that I have come from a country where almost anyone can just air their opinions blatantly and boldly. Politeness is valued very much in here. I learned to control my mouth and God showed me to learn to say things gently and out of love.
The bible explains how Christ dealt with his oppressors. He didn’t say a word or retaliated or aired his opinions. He suffered quietly.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to have self-control.
REFLECTION
When did you ever suffer for Christ?
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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

AN END TO SIN poem devotional

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July 30________________________________________
So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body, God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. –Romans 8:3 (NLT)
AN END TO SIN
A poem and essay by ILMA
When God sent his son to mankind
We were given a chance to find
The law couldn’t do what Jesus did
God brought Christ to put an end to sin.
Through the sacrifice on the cross
He alleviated all our pain and loss
God put an end to all evil through Christ
Through him, we were given a chance for a better life.
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Do you ever wish that you could put an end to all your sins? The apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans discussed the dilemma that mankind face in this corrupt world. Even if we want to do good, we sometimes end up doing the opposite. I didn’t understand for a long time that I didn’t have to do works for my own salvation. Christ has already done the work for me when he died on the cross to put an end to evil.
The unconditional love that God showed us when he sent his son on the cross is incomparable to any form of love. It is Christ’s love for us that made him sacrifice his own life.
PRAYER
Teach me how to love unconditionally Lord.
REFLECTION
What have you sacrificed for Jesus?
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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

IF YOU BELIEVE poem devotional

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July 29________________________________________
I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. –John 14: 12(NLT)
IF YOU BELIEVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you believe, you will follow his way
It is the only guarantee you won’t be swayed
If you believe, you will hunger for his word
It will protect you from corruption of the world.
If you believe, you will pour out your heart
You will serve God and others and never depart
If you believe, you will do the works of Christ
You will be on your way to the Father in the next life.
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What is the gauge of an authentic Christian? It is not just going to church on Sunday nor putting up stickers in your car that you are one. There is more to it than just saying you are a Christian. I was a Christian for so long but didn’t get it, until God gave me revelation about his expectations from believers.
The bible says that if we are believers, he expects us to follow the same works as Christ has done or even greater works. God promises us a place in his kingdom if we follow the example that Christ has given us when he came down here on earth as a human. He challenges all believers to follow Jesus’ work.
PRAYER
Lord, give me strength to follow Jesus’ works.
REFLECTION
What works of Christ have you followed?
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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

DO YOU KNOW HIM WELL? Poem Devotional

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July 28________________________________________
Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? – John 14:9 (NLT)
DO YOU KNOW HIM WELL?
A poem and essay by ILMA
How well do you know Jesus Christ?
Can you recall what he requires in your life?
Do you spend quality and regular time with him?
Do you pour out your heart and confess your sin?
Jesus pleads us to know his character
It helps us to overcome sin and be a victor
Even his closest friends still don’t know him well
Do you go out of your way to spread his word and tell?
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There are still many Christians who don’t really know Jesus very well. Some are caught up living worldly lives and they don’t even bother to spend time with him in the word. Some live in denial of their real need for his guidance and help. Because the enemy has infiltrated most hearts of men, it takes a decision and commitment to have an intimate relationship with Christ. We all have to make an effort to purposely hunger for him and his word.
Jesus talks to Philip in the bible and questions him about how little faith he had. Christ asked Philip how well he knew him and boldly challenged him to grow his faith. He reminded him how close they have worked together and yet he never believed him enough.
PRAYER
Lord, give me a strong faith in you.
REFLECTION
Relate an instance when you doubted Christ.
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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

THINGS UNSEEN Poem Devotional

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July 26________________________________________
He made things we can see and the things we can’t see – such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers and authorities in the unseen world. –Colossians 1:16 (NLT)
THINGS UNSEEN
A poem and essay by ILMA
Look at the things all around you
God made them all things old and new
He made things all that we can see
He also created all things unseen.
Even if we cannot see some things
It doesn’t mean that they are not existing
Thrones, authorities, kingdoms and rulers
God made them all to unveil all his might and power.
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2 Corinthians 4:18 says that we shouldn’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. Also, in Ephesians 6, it is mentioned that we are not battling with flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. I think that God made both seen and unseen things so he can display his creativity, power, might and that he is the alpha and the omega.
He gave Adam and Eve a paradise but they broke their faithfulness to God. Lucifer was the most beautiful angel until his pride and greed brought him to where he is now.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for all your creation, both seen and unseen.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God created the unseen things in this world?
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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

DESPITE TROUBLES Poem Devotional

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July 25________________________________________
The righteous person faces many troubles but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
-Psalm 34:19 (NLT)
DESPITE TROUBLES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you look up to God when troubles come?
He provided a relief by giving his one and only Son
The righteous person is not free from troubles
The heavenly Father pulls them out of the rubbles.
Despite all kinds of sufferings and challenges
He is there for us to give us a chance to face changes
Do not be afraid what life may bring
Despite troubles, he will ease your sufferings.
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There is a misnomer that when you are a Christian, you are trouble free. In fact, it is the opposite. The closer you are to God, the more challenges come your way. As one preacher says, “With new spiritual level comes new devil.” There is no such thing as a trouble-free life. As long as we are alive, there will always be trials and sufferings. This world is ruled by the devil, who is called the Prince of darkness. As long as we are in this body and living in this world, the enemy will not stop to steal, kill and destroy. Satan loves to create conflict and havoc in people’s lives because that is the only way he can sneak his powers to those who do not know and see him. The righteous are rescued by God from troubles.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for rescuing believers.
REFLECTION
How and when has God rescued you from troubles?
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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

FAVOR THAT LASTS A LIFETIME Poem Devotional

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July 24________________________________________
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. –Psalm 30:5 (NLT)
FAVOR THAT LASTS A LIFETIME
A poem and essay by ILMA
Ask the Lord for favor and he will grant it
He forgives those who repent and believe him
When you disobey, he waits for your return
He wants your mind and heart renewed.
Weeping may last through the night
Joy comes in the morning; it gives new life
His anger is momentary; his favor lasts forever
He wants you to love your sisters and brothers.
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Have you ever know someone who would do you favors? They are a blessing. The bible tells us that God’s anger only last a moment but his favor lasts a lifetime. Even though we are experiencing suffering and agony, we should always look forward to the joy that comes after such pain and weeping.
When I went through the darkest moments of my life, I relied only on the Lord. I raised my only son alone, without any help from any person. My son’s father turned his back on his responsibility as a provider and it was God who gave me favor to raise this son of mine alone. After living in sin for many years prior to my being a parent, it wasn’t hard to run to God again. He forgave all my sins and gave me favor.
PRAYER
Lord, let me hope in you always.
REFLECTION
What favors have you received from God lately?
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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