GOD USES THE DESPISED Poem Devotional

Posted on February 17, 2015 by ilmaarts

February 17
God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.
-1 Corinthians 1:28(NLT)
GOD USES THE DESPISED
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you been abused, oppressed or scorned down?
Do you feel down and devalued by someone?
God uses those who are broken and unimportant
He shames the proud by using those who are insignificant.
Remember to treat others equally at all times
Those who are simple and plain can be used by God anytime
He can use unexpectedly those who are repressed
God shames the proud who likes to impress.
God has a great sense of humor. He uses the weak, the oppressed, the abused, or the simple minded to mock those who are rich, powerful and proud. The story of David and Goliath is a clear example of how he used David to beat the giant Goliath with a sling and stone (1 Samuel 17). It wasn’t the mere strength of David that made him win the fight. It was his faith that God will be with him that made him have victory over the Philistines. Moses is another example in the bible that God used to lead his people to the Promised Land.
The bible shows us that God can use anyone to proclaim his power and glory. He can make the impossible possible or the weak stronger.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never underestimate anyone.
REFLECTION
Share an event that you witnessed God’s power over someone’s weakness.
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

THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS Poem Devotional

Posted on February 15, 2015 by ilmaarts

February 15
The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction. But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.
–1 Corinthians 1:18(NLT)
THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is the message of the cross?
Has it been in your heart and embossed?
The meaning of the cross is foolish to the wicked
They choose to head for destruction instead.
For the believer, it is the very power of God
It is the symbol of His absolute love
The cross is Christ who loves us and gave
It is the only act of love that we can rave.
Some Christians do not really comprehend the depth of the meaning of the cross. They do not realize that it was the cross that freed them from debt and death. I didn’t fully understand the message of the cross, until a few years back when God revealed to me that I didn’t have to do anything to save myself. The sacrifice of Christ’s life on the cross was fulfilled according to Scriptures many years after it was prophesied by many generations before Christ was born.
For those who choose to live in their sinful nature, the message of the cross is foolish but for those who are being saved, they know that it is the very power of God.
PRAYER
Lord, keep me focused on the cross.
REFLECTION
What has the cross freed you from?
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

BE OF ONE MIND Poem Devotional

Posted on February 13, 2015 by ilmaarts

February 13
Live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. – 1 Corinthians 1:10(NLT)
BE OF ONE MIND
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you are in a relation
There is no place for division
Be of one mind with believers
Conflicts bring about discord in others.
Live in harmony and patiently pursue peace
Be open and respect others so that you can see
Let there be no divisions in the body of Christ
Agree with one another so you won’t have to fight.
Division is spreading wildly in the church. There are so many religions in the world today. When one person does not agree with the leadership in a congregation, they separate themselves from the church, go to another one or build a new church. The world view relationships as a business partnership. That is why there are so much separations, divorces and annulments in marriages. When one spouse discovers a difference, they run away instead of working it out with their partners.
The bible instructs the church (body of Christ) to be of one mind in order to avoid divisions. Jesus didn’t die for us to have many religions. He wants us all to have a relationship with God. He wants us to seek God in order to be unified with him and other believers.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never stray from you.
REFLECTION
Why is “agreement” very important in relationships and the church?
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

PLEADING FOR HELP Poem Devotional

Posted on February 12, 2015 by ilmaarts

February 12
I am exhausted from crying for help, my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me. –Psalm 69:3(NLT)
PLEADING FOR HELP
A poem and essay by ILMA
My throat is dry and tears welling down my cheeks
I am exhausted from crying for help as I speak
I plead God to save my loved ones from their unbelief
It is so painful to see their lives in bondage and without relief.
If only they can see how much they are missing
They are blinded by the world, so they keep on sinning
Lord, have mercy on me and save my family
Bring us light and peace so we can have harmony.
God acknowledges a believer who has a humble heart. He is touched when someone gets down on his or her knees and declares weaknesses and need for God. He loves an honest and pure heart.
In Psalm 69:3, the psalmist is describing his posture while he pleads for God’s help. He honestly opens up his heart and weeps, waiting for God’s help. Daniel’s prayer in chapter 9 in the bible clearly manifests the power of a humble man who intercedes for Israel. He asked forgiveness even if he was pure. He pleaded God to give the Israelites another chance. Because of his plea, the Israelites were spared.
PRAYER
Lord, give me a humble heart.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to have a humble heart that pleads?
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

PROPHESYING Poem Devotional

Posted on February 11, 2015 by ilmaarts

February 11
But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them. – 1 Corinthians 14:3 (NLT)
PROPHESYING
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you allow God’s Spirit to prophesy through you
You are strengthening others when you do
The gift of prophecy is given by the Holy Spirit alone
You are given this gift so sin cannot be condoned.
The gifts of the Spirit are given to strengthen others
They must be released to your sisters and brothers
It helps other believers to be comforted and encouraged
It releases captives and the oppressed from bondage.
Are you someone who has a drive to apply the word of God to a situation so that sin is exposed and relationships are restored? Do you easily discern true motives of people? Do you consider compromise as unacceptable? Do you call attention to sin and wrong attitudes? Are you passionate about exposing sin so that truth can be revealed and fellowship with God can be restored? If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may be given the gift of prophecy. The apostle Paul speaks of the variety of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. At the moment of salvation, a believer receives one of seven motivational gifts: prophecy, serving, teaching, exhorting, giving, organizing or mercy. The bible says that prophets strengthens others, encourages them and comforts them. Are you able to identify with this gift?
PRAYER
Lord, show me what my spiritual gift is.
REFLECTION
Why are spiritual gifts essential?
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 LOVE IS

Posted on February 10, 2015 by ilmaarts

February 10
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. -1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NLT)
WHAT LOVE IS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Love is giving up your life for someone
It is dying to self and serving a loved one
Love is patient, kind and is humble
It does not put down or grumble.
It doesn’t keep a record of being wronged
It doesn’t dwell on past mistakes for long
Love does not demand its own way
It is never offensive in what it says.
“Love” is the most abused word in our world. Society has used this word in whatever way and form without really understanding the true meaning of it. It is loosely used as a synonym for a want or for something a person might like. You often hear people saying “Oh! I love that dress or car, or house.”
The bible defines the true meaning of love in 1 Corinthians. Love is patient, kind, not jealous, not boastful, not proud, and not rude. It doesn’t demand its own way. It is not irritable and keeps no record of wrongs. So when someone is being demanding, unkind, cruel, controlling, disrespectful, irritable or angry, you wouldn’t really call them “walking in love.” Christ is the epitome of love.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me how to love.
REFLECTION
Are you a loving person?
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

ACCOUNTABILITY Poem Devotional

Posted on February 9, 2015 by ilmaarts

February 8
For we are each responsible for our own conduct.–Galatians 6:5(NLT)
ACCOUNTABILITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
What different roles are you responsible for?
Are you being accountable for them all?
Even if someone isn’t looking on your shoulders
You ought to be in charge as you grow older.
For we are each answerable for our own conduct
We have to watch how our actions create an impact
We must take responsibility for our choices and decisions
It affects everyone and creates a chain reaction.
Being accountable for our own conduct and actions is a manifestation of a mature person. There are so many immature and irresponsible people in this planet. Not taking responsibility for one’s demeanor and actions are signs of a spirit in bondage. There are many forms of slavery involved when people do not take responsibility for what they do and how they behave. It may be a spirit of pride, anger, abuse, trauma, dishonesty, entitlement, stubbornness, defiance, disobedience and the list goes on. For as long as the person does not acknowledge the sin involved in their actions, they go through the blame game all their lives.
The bible says that we are each responsible for our own conduct. We can’t point fingers at anybody. We need to take accountability for our actions and demeanor.
PRAYER
Lord, show me responsibility.
REFLECTION
Why do we need be accountable for our own actions and behavior? What happens if we don’t?
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

TRUTH LEADS TO HOLINESS Poem Devotional

Posted on February 7, 2015 by ilmaarts

February 7
Make them holy by your truth, teach them your word which is the truth.
-John 17:17(NLT)
TRUTH LEADS TO HOLINESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you able to distinguish a lie from truth?
If you dwell on the word, it will take root
God gave you his truth through his word
He wants you to abide in it to overcome this world.
Truth leads to holiness
It reveals lies and cleanses
If you dwell and feed on all it says
You are on the road to righteousness.
There are many people who are so confused these days. Even those who are closest to God can get messed up by worldly systems. That is why the bible says in Hebrews 2:1 that we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard or we may drift away from it. 2 Timothy 3:16 also says that “ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens and teaches us to do what is right.”
John said that we are made holy by truth and the word is the truth. We are summoned to seek his word so we can be holy. Are you compelled to follow the call to holiness?
PRAYER
Lord, give me a hunger for your word always.
REFLECTION
How can God’s word protect you from evil and lies?
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

CONTROLLING ANGER Poem Devotional

Posted on February 6, 2015 by ilmaarts

February 6
Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. – Psalm 4:4 (NLT)
CONTROLLING ANGER
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you able to manage anger when it comes?
It can manifest as irritability or reacting to someone
Anger can consume you if you let it
It can destroy relationships in a swift.
Think about it overnight and remain silent
Be still and dwell on good things and be patient
When you bridle your tongue, you are in control
When you meditate in God’s word, you won’t fall.
Anger is a powerful emotion. God also created anger, so he must have a reason for making it. Ephesians 4:26-27 says “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger and do not give the devil an opportunity.” This is called righteous or godly anger. When we have children, we get angry with what they do that can hurt them because we love them. God is the same with us. When Jesus tossed all the tables of the vendors in the temple, he was angry that they are desecrating the house of the Lord.
The bible says that we shouldn’t allow anger to control us. One way to have it under control is by reflecting on it overnight and being silent. When you are still, anger dissipates.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to control anger.
REFLECTION
How can “stillness” overpower anger?
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

A HUNDRED TIMES MORE Poem Devotional

Posted on February 5, 2015 by ilmaarts

February 5
Yes, Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News will receive now in return a hundred times.”
-Mark 10:29-30 (NLT)
A HUNDRED TIMES MORE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you give your all to Jesus Christ
He will honor you and bless your life
For everything you give up for his sake
You will be given a hundred times more to take.
When he asks you to sacrifice someone you treasure
Trust him with all your heart for he will reassure
Honor God by giving him what he requires
He will give back to you more than you can ever desire.
Have you ever been with someone who is generous? They make you feel so loved. On the other hand, a stingy person makes you feel worthless. God is the epitome of love and giving. He gave us everything he has, even his one and only begotten Son.
The bible tells us God’s assurance to those who would give up anything for his sake and the Good News. His promise is a hundred times more for those who do everything to glorify him and his word. What an abundant promise!
PRAYER
Lord, I give you all I have.
REFLECTION
Can you give up what you treasure most for God’s sake and the gospel?
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

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