Tag Archives: ilmaarts.com

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST

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December 24                                                         The Power of God’s Word
After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. – Luke 2:17-19(NLT)
THE BIRTH OF CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
The coming of a baby to a family
Is a day to celebrate kinship and ancestry
When Jesus was born in a manger
We were given hope to be out of danger.
The birth of a baby, a mother will always delight
These memories are kept deep inside her heart
All who heard Jesus’ birth was astonished
Mary treasured these moments that she lavished.
The birth of a child is one of the most magical moments a woman and a father can experience. You can’t stop looking in amazement because you can’t fathom that this baby came from you. I am sure, it is also the same experience for the father. It makes the parents leap for joy after waiting nine months to behold the product of their love come to life.
When Jesus was born, the shepherds couldn’t stop telling everyone the amazement they beheld, but Mary was quietly enjoying the precious moment of her child being born. She locked it in her heart.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for Jesus.
REFLECTION
How can you lock in your heart the birth of Christ?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

WRAPPED IN STRIPS OF CLOTH

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December 23                                                                  The Power of God’s Word
The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David. And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.-Luke 2:11-12 (NLT)
WRAPPED IN STRIPS OF CLOTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Why did Jesus come wrapped in strips of cloth?
Why did kings come to give respect and pay him tribute?
Why did God choose a manger for him to be born?
He could have chosen a palace comfortable for his Son.
The strips of cloth cannot be bought
They symbolize humility that has to be sought
A baby wrapped snugly in strips of rag
Shows perfect humility and perfect love.
A manger is a long open box or trough for horses or cattle to eat from. Why did God choose a manger for Jesus to be born in? Is Jesus food that animals need to feed on? What a sense of humor God has. He brought Jesus into this world on a manger. Does that mean we have to feed on Jesus? Isn’t Jesus the food for our soul and spirit? The bible describes how the Savior, the Messiah was wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger. God chose Jesus to come as a baby in a feeding through.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to feed on Jesus.
REFLECTION
What vulnerabilities do you struggle with that needs to be given up to God?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

AN ASSURING GOD Poem Devotional

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December 22                                                                    The Power of God’s Word
But the angel reassured them, “Don’t be afraid”, he said, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” – Luke 2:10(NLT)
AN ASSURING GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When doubts and fears arise in life
Take refuge in God for assurance and insight?
If you feel overwhelmed and confused
Trust in your heavenly Father who always reassures.
He is faithful and gave you Jesus for your salvation
Do not give in to fear, doubts or apprehensions
An assuring God does not allow dread to thrive
He will be there to ensure that you win and survive.
What are you fearful of these days? Our world is full of confusion and so much chaos. The enemy infiltrates us through all sorts of noise and distractions to make us avoid relying and focusing on the Lord. Satan breeds doubt, fear, conflicts, illnesses, and many other negative feelings.
Do you know how many times the phrase “Fear not” or “Do not be afraid” appeared in the bible? It appeared 365 times. Isn’t God amazing to give us one reminder of it each day of the year?
When the angels appeared to the shepherds to tell them that the Son of God was born, they were reassured by the angel not to be afraid because this good news will bring great joy to all.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your assurance of your love.
REFLECTION
What are you still currently afraid of in your life?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

WHAT GOD REQUIRES Poem Devotional

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December 21                                                                   The Power of God’s Word
O, people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
– Micah 6:8 (NLT)
WHAT GOD REQUIRES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know what the Lord wants for you?
Do you follow his will in all that you do?
God requires you to do what is right
It will give you victory in this life.
He wants us to love mercy
He exampled how to walk humbly
He requires us to be blameless
It will lead us to uprightness.
Many people live their lives without even knowing what is required of them to have a successful life. So, they go around in circles without a direction. They chase the wind and live futile lives.
The bible says that God requires us to do what is good and what is right. He also wants us to love mercy and to walk humbly. Jesus lived a life that God required. What does it mean to do all these things that God asks from us? Do you wonder why he wants us to follow these guidelines?
Just like you follow requirements to pass a course, we are also expected to be able to go through all that is needed to maximize our potentials and receive the promises of God’s salvation.
PRAYER
Lord, guide me daily.
REFLECTION
What among God’s requirements are you struggling with?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

GOD’S GLORY FILLS THE EARTH

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December 20                                                                      The Power of God’s Word
For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord. – Habakkuk 2:14 (NLT)
GOD’S GLORY FILLS THE EARTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
I watched the waves move back and forth
I heard its splashing sound that goes to and fro
I gazed at my feet buried in the sand
Water ran through my fingers as I touched it with my hands.
I was refreshed as the water kept flowing
Like the water, God keeps on reaching and touching
He fills whole earth with his magnificence
We can be the ripples that will spread his radiance.
I love the sea. It always rejuvenates me when I feel the sand in my feet as I walk through the beach. My grandfather was a fisherman and a farmer. My “lolo” as we dearly call our grandpa in the Filipino language is the light in my dark life as a child. He was the symbol of creativity, hope, peace and love in my early childhood life.
The bible tells us that the water fills the sea and the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord. He also said in his word that his glory and power will reach all the ends of the earth.
PRAYER
Lord, allow me to be the ripple for your glory.
REFLECTION
What have you done to spread the Good News to the world?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

SOAR LIKE EAGLES Poem Devotional

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December 19                                                                    The Power of God’s Word
Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
– Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)
SOAR LIKE EAGLES
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you feel vulnerable and weary
It is time to trust God to get victory
Those who have faith in him will find strength
They will walk and they will not faint.
The Lord works best when you are weak
Be sure to run to him and be meek
You will soar high on wings like eagles
You will experience triumph over the devil.
Eagles can climb to up to 3000 m (10,000 ft.) in the air. They can soar for hours using these currents. When cruising, they can fly about 65 km/hr. They can reach speeds of up to 160 km/hr (100 mph) when diving.
The bible speaks of the promise of the Lord to those who trust in him. He will renew their strength and let them soar like eagles. They will not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. This shows God’s faithfulness to his people. He will restore and ensure that those who believe will never be defeated and will come out stronger than before they started. They soar like eagles, the epitome of strength and endurance.
PRAYER
Lord, renew me when I am weak.
REFLECTION
Why do we need to rely on the Lord for strength?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

SECRET TO SUCCESS IN EVERYTHING Poem Devotional

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December 18                                                                      The Power of God’s Word
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. – Joshua 1:8(NLT)

SECRET TO SUCCESS IN EVERYTHING
A poem and essay by ILMA
There is a secret to succeed in all you do
Open the book of instruction to know the truth
You will find treasures in each word you read
It quenches your hunger and makes you see.
It is the secret to triumph over everything in life
It instructs you to love each other and embrace the light
Without the Scriptures, there will be chaos and defeat
It is the main ingredient to be able to succeed and reap.
Society puts so much emphasis on wealth and power as an indication of success. It disregards the other manifestations of success such as in relationships, spiritual growth, managing resources, financial management, time management, having a job they enjoy and many more.
The bible tells us that the secret to prosperity and success in all we do is to study the bible continually, meditating on it day and night so we can be sure to obey it. Just like a manual for any appliance, it is our handbook for living. It contains all instructions to make our lives a success.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your book of instruction.
REFLECTION
What new instructions have you discovered from the bible lately?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS (PUSH) Poem Devotional

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December 17                                                                The Power of God’s Word
I will not stop praying for her until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a burning torch. – Isaiah 62:1 (NLT)
PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS (PUSH)
A poem and essay by ILMA
Is there someone you love who needs to return to Jesus?
Are they bombarded with conflicts and pressing issues?
Pray that their hearts will recognize their need for the Lord
Pray that they give up rebellion and seek God’s word.
Pray that your life will be a reflection of Christ’s life
Pray that amidst all darkness, they will see the light
Never cease praying until something good happens
The Lord hears the plea of those whose hearts are open.
We get so wrapped up in the “busy”ness of life that we only pray when something overwhelms us such as an illness, relational conflicts, financial difficulties, death of a loved one, etc. We do not realize that prayer can do so much to us. It can bring miracles in our lives.
The bible shows us how powerful prayer is when Daniel plead to God to save Israel in chapter 9 and how the Lord answered his prayer while he was still saying it. Isaiah intercedes for Israel too in chapter 62. He continually prayed until the Lord grants his promise about rebuilding Israel. Like Daniel and Isaiah, we can continually pray until something happens.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me how to pray.
REFLECTION
What have you been continually praying for lately?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

SPEAK THE TRUTH Poem Devotional

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December 14                                            The Power of God’s Word
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.
– Proverbs 12:22 (NLT)
SPEAK THE TRUTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Lies can be exposed when one know the truth
It is vital to seek God’s word to have the Spirit’s fruit
If we constantly seek to please the Lord
He will ensure our protection from fraud.
The Lord detests those who tell lies
It opens up the door for the enemy to entice
Speak the truth by declaring God’s word
It will cut the lies perpetuated in the world.
Can you detect when someone is lying? One can never know a person’s intention or motives when they say something. There is a way to know if someone lies to you. The spirit of God tells you. This is called the fruit of discernment or knowledge given to those who have been walking with the Lord. The world calls it a “hunch”, “intuition” or “gut feeling.” Because they do not know God and his word, they have a different term for it. You can also observe the actions of the person telling the lie. They can’t look at you in the eye.
The bible says the God detests lying lips but he delights in those who tell the truth. The only way we can speak the truth is if we know the word of God.
PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from liars.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God hates liars?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

WEALTH SLIPS FROM SINNERS Poem Devotional

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December 13                                                            The Power of God’s Word
God gives wisdom, knowledge and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him. – Ecclesiastes 2:26 (NLT)
WEALTH SLIPS FROM SINNERS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you seek the truth and abide in God’s word?
Are you ruled by the standards of this world?
God gives wisdom, knowledge and joy to the godly
He takes care of them and gives them prosperity.
If a sinner becomes rich and wealthy
God takes it away and gives it to the needy
Their possessions last only momentarily
He gives it to the righteous to alleviate their poverty.
One of the causes of poverty is selfishness. When we do not give, we do not reap so much as well. God wants a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). This verse says that God provides for all our needs and if we give generously from our hearts, He will give us an overflow and still have plenty leftover to share with others.
In Ecclesiastes, God promised a reward to those who please him: wisdom, knowledge and joy. He warns sinners who accrue riches. Their wealth will slip away from them because he will give them to those who are faithful to him.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to seek you and be generous to others.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God strips sinful wealthy people of their wealth?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com