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FOODS GOD GAVE US Poem Devotional

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August 8________________________________________
“Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,” Daniel said. At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the King’s food.”–Daniel 1:12-13 (NLT)
FOODS GOD GAVE US
A poem and essay by ILMA
The Garden of Eden was full of trees and plants
Fruits and vegetables nourished both woman and man
God knew the benefits of all these plants and trees
He gave mankind a resource so they can stay healthy.
Men started hunting and became carnivorous
They forgot what food God originally gave us
They resorted to unhealthy options
It brought about bad choices and decisions.
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There were 6 years of my life that I turned vegetarian. I was in my twenties then. I guess I reaped good health up until my late forties even when I stopped over 20 years from those vegetarian years. Living with carnivorous people makes it hard to live the same lifestyle I chose but I won’t make up excuses anymore. I have to get back to healthier choices to continue to live a well-balanced life. Now that I am in my mid-fifties, I could have made more effort to live healthy. I am reaping constant pain in my body because of
unhealthy choices of food I have consumed over a decade now. The bible talks about how beneficial it is to stick to the foods that God has given us.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to choose the food you gave us.
REFLECTION
What kind of food do you consume?
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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’S BOUNDARIES Poem Devotional

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August 7________________________________________
I, the Lord, define the ocean’s sandy shoreline as an everlasting boundary that the waters cannot cross. The waves may toss and roar, but they can never pass the boundaries I set.
–Jeremiah 5:22 (NLT)
GOD’S BOUNDARIES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know where you start and end?
Do you clearly see the boundaries that God made?
God created the shoreline so waters don’t cross
The waves can’t go over it even when they toss.
God fashioned physical boundaries so there will be harmony
He set spiritual borders so we can all have unity
If we respect these boundaries, we will have victory
When we do not violate them, we will be happy and free.
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A boundary is defined as a line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line. It is easy to understand a boundary that divides the line of two properties if you actually see a fence erected on it. But when it comes to emotional and spiritual boundaries, it is more challenging because you don’t have a tangible object.
I grew up without knowing boundaries. It was confusing to watch my family do things differently than other families. It was even harder having your boundaries violated without even knowing they were desecrated. When you are a child, you barely understand things.
The bible tells us that God created boundaries between his various creation. He also set an example for us to respect boundaries.
PRAYER
Show me clearly my spiritual boundaries Lord.
REFLECTION
What is the importance of boundaries in 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

GOD’S BOUNDARIES Poem Devotional

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August 7________________________________________
I, the Lord, define the ocean’s sandy shoreline as an everlasting boundary that the waters cannot cross. The waves may toss and roar, but they can never pass the boundaries I set.
–Jeremiah 5:22 (NLT)
GOD’S BOUNDARIES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know where you start and end?
Do you clearly see the boundaries that God made?
God created the shoreline so waters don’t cross
The waves can’t go over it even when they toss.
God fashioned physical boundaries so there will be harmony
He set spiritual borders so we can all have unity
If we respect these boundaries, we will have victory
When we do not violate them, we will be happy and free.
________________________________________
A boundary is defined as a line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line. It is easy to understand a boundary that divides the line of two properties if you actually see a fence erected on it. But when it comes to emotional and spiritual boundaries, it is more challenging because you don’t have a tangible object.
I grew up without knowing boundaries. It was confusing to watch my family do things differently than other families. It was even harder having your boundaries violated without even knowing they were desecrated. When you are a child, you barely understand things.
The bible tells us that God created boundaries between his various creation. He also set an example for us to respect boundaries.
PRAYER
Show me clearly my spiritual boundaries Lord.
REFLECTION
What is the importance of boundaries in 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

BENEFITS OF GENEROSITY Poem Devotional

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August 6________________________________________
The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
–Proverbs 11:25 (NLT)
BENEFITS OF GENEROSITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you blessed someone by giving?
Do you know that you are also receiving?
The generous will prosper and be blessed
They will reap a harvest and will be refreshed.
God will bless you if you give from your heart
He will reward those who obey and never depart
You will always be provided with your needs
He will give you what you ask and even exceed it.
________________________________________Do you know that God expects you to give? He is a very giving God, so we are also expected to do the same to him and to our brothers and sisters. Just make sure that you do not give in order to receive. Otherwise, you have already been paid for what you gave. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 tells us that God loves a cheerful giver and he always provide generously if you give unconditionally. You will have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
I know of someone who is very stingy. He never wants to give to anyone. He hoards his resources to himself and as a result, he lives a very hard life. The law of sowing and reaping is talked much in the bible. When we saw seeds of generosity, we will sow blessings and prosperity from God.
PRAYER
Lord, give me a generous heart.
REFLECTION
Who have you blessed lately with giving?
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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

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