Tag Archives: ILMA’s Poem Devotional

OFFENSE MAY COME Poem Devotional

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October 3________________________________________
Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!” – Luke 17:1(NKJV)
OFFENSE MAY COME
A poem and essay by ILMA
In life, offenses are unavoidable
It may eventually happen; it’s inevitable
We can let offense consume us
Or we can forgive again and trust.
We are commanded to forgive without limits
When wronged, choose peace and let God’s Spirit in
To initiate offense is being rebellious and lawless
Choose to let it go instead of being bitter and ruthless.
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Many decades of my life was stolen by the enemy using offense to bring most of my relationships down. Because I wasn’t brought up in a Christian environment and forgiveness wasn’t role modelled to me, I was prone to be offended. The people around me showed anger and revenge when they were wronged. As a child, I imitated what I saw. I learned to react quickly when someone does me wrong. It went on for the next decades until the Lord revealed to me that I need not harbor negative reactions. Instead, I was commanded to forgive seventy times seven. In other words, unlimited.
The bible warns us to offend someone purposely because we will be answerable and pay for it if we do. Luke tells us that offense is inevitable and it will come in our lives one way or another.
________________________________________PRAYER
Lord, help me to forgive quickly and not hold on to offense.
REFLECTION
How can the spirit of offense hold people captive?
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

ON REVELLING OVER OTHER’S SUFFERING Poem Devotional

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October 2________________________________________
You should not have gloated over their destruction when they were suffering such calamity. -Obadiah 13(NLT)
ON REVELLING OVER OTHER’S SUFFERING
A poem and essay by ILMA
There are some people who gloat over other’s anguish
They compare and think they’re better off than others
We are warned not to revel at our neighbor’s misfortune
Pray for them so that they will focus on the important
Help them to focus on the Lord instead of their troubles
It will bring them to God’s light and out of the rubbles.
Comfort others who are going through difficulties
Revelling on others’ trials is listening to the enemy.
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I knew someone in the past who likes to compare herself with others. I didn’t understand how dangerous it was at that time, but now I know that it was really a sin to do this. The bible tells us that we are made in the image of God in Genesis and in John it says that God is love. If we are designed in his likeness and He is love, therefore, we are love. That is simple logic, but is also the truth. When we act in a way that is not loving, we are operating in the system of the world. The bible also says that the prince of this world is not Jesus, but Satan. The prophet Obadiah warned us of revelling over other’s suffering. It is not godly do so.
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PRAYER
Lord, forgive me if I unknowingly gloat over other’s mishaps.
REFLECTION
Why isn’t it a good practice to compare ourselves with others?
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 SHIELD AROUND ME Poem Devotional

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October 1________________________________________
But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. – Psalm 3:3(NLT)
A SHIELD AROUND ME
A poem and essay by ILMA
When things get rough and I am compromised
The Lord protects me and puts a shield around me
My Lord is the one who holds my head high
He loves me deeply and wants to transform my life.
I will not fear anything for He is always beside me
If I continue to seek Him and his word, I will have peace
His truth is liberating; the word of God pierces
It exposes the enemy’s tactics and it defeats him.
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In this chaotic world, wouldn’t it be great to have a shield of protection wherever you go? Many of us are aware of physical dangers around us. We spend much money on installing alarm systems to ensure that we are safe. Many business establishments hire security guards to minimize the risks of danger and theft. Rich people and politicians hire body guards to safeguard their lives. Different nations have their own defense armies to protect their countries from being overtaken or conquered by another ruler.
How do you protect yourself from spiritual danger? The bible says in Ephesians 6 that we are not just made of physical bodies, but we all deal with unseen enemies around us. God is the only shield who will protect and make you victorious.
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PRAYER
Lord, keep me safe from my own dark side.
REFLECTION
How secure do you feel with the truth that God is always on your side?
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

DON’T DELAY AFFIRMATION Poem Devotional

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September 30________________________________________
It is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him. – 2 Corinthians 2:7-8 (NLT)
DON’T DELAY AFFIRMATION
A poem and essay by ILMA
When someone you love is hurting
Don’t delay affirmation giving
Or they may be overcome with discouragement
If it is within your power, give encouragement.
Forgive and comfort those who need it
You’ll be rewarded with the fruits of God’s Spirit
Take good care of those who are vulnerable
God’s love for them is so immeasurable.
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Many people delay giving love and affirmation. According to Dr. Gary Chapman’s best selling book on the five love languages, “words of affirmation” is one way that we can show our love for someone. According to Dr. Chapman, expressing affection through spoken affection, praise, or appreciation is what this love language means. Our world today would be a better place if people told each other how much they mean to one another. Many people are love starved for affirmation.
This love language is one of my poverty. I grew up not being told that I have value and that I have no worth. I wasn’t affirmed so I always doubted people’s intentions and got very discouraged and desperate when I was a teen. The bible tells us that we shouldn’t delay giving affirmation or others may be overcome with discouragement.
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PRAYER
Lord, help those who are poor in receiving affirmation.
REFLECTION
How can giving affirmation change someone’s life?
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

WRITING WHEN TROUBLED Poem Devotional

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September 29________________________________________
I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you.
– 2 Corinthians 2:4 (NLT)
WRITING WHEN TROUBLED
A poem and essay by ILMA
Some people find it comforting to write
It releases the anguish deep inside
Be careful not to dwell on misery
Let it out so you can have victory.
Writing when in trouble can bring relief
Confront gently in love and not in grief
Letting other people know you love and care
Frees you from bondage and the devil’s snare.
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As a very young girl, I learned to resort to writing in order to communicate with my father who was abroad most of the time. It also became a regular activity to write letters to Jesus. When I felt alone and empty and no one gave me attention or acknowledged my existence, I felt relieved each time I wrote letters of anguish and pain to my Lord and friend. I was not given the freedom to air out my feelings or thoughts at home. It was impolite to do so according to my caregivers. So, when I wrote down what I cannot actually say, I felt free and stronger to bear the troubles I was experiencing. The bible encourages us to gently confront in love those whom we are in relationship with.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me a gentle spirit to write and confront those whom I love.
REFLECTION
Why is being openly vulnerable to your loved ones encouraged in the bible?
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

BY YOUR OWN FAITH Poem Devotional

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September 28________________________________________
We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy, for it is by your own faith that you stand firm. – 2 Corinthians 1:24 (NLT)
BY YOUR OWN FAITH
A poem and essay by ILMA
By faith, one can have joy and peace
When you believe in Jesus, you will see
For it is by your own faith that you stand firm
Seek, trust and surrender only to Him.
Work with other believers so your faith can multiply
Seek the truth in love and make sure you follow and apply
By your faith, you can shine for the Lord Jesus Christ
It is by making God first that you transform your life.
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There are some lax Christians who don’t build up their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. They think that by declaring him as their Lord and Savior, they are already saved and need not do anything anymore. It is true that we live by God’s grace alone, but he also appreciates those who are faithful to obey and seek him and do what he commands. The book of James tells us that when we have trials, we have a chance to grow our faith because God gives us the strength to endure when we go through difficulties. He can always make miracles but he also wants us to grow our faith because it is by our own faith that we become strong and joyful.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to grow my faith in you.
REFLECTION
How can working together with other Christians help grow our faith?
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 ENABLES YOU Poem Devotional

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September 27________________________________________
It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us. – 2 Corinthians 1:21(NLT)
GOD ENABLES YOU
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you feel discouraged, down and weary
Remember that he always loves you unconditionally
God enables you to go through life’s obstacles
Believe in him and you will encounter miracles.
God has commissioned you to preach the good news
Through Christ he will anoint you; don’t refuse
He commands you to make disciples of all nations
He will equip you, so don’t give in to temptations.
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Vine’s Greek New testament defines “enable” which is “endunamoo” in Hebrew as “to render strong, power or inwardly strengthened suggesting strength in soul and purpose. In 1 Timothy 1:12, we hear that it is Christ who strengthens us. 2 Corinthians 9:8 tells us that God is able to make all grace abound to us that we will always have all sufficiency in everything and may have abundance for every good deed we do. In Luke 10:19, we have been given the authority to tread on serpents and scorpions and have power over the enemy and nothing will injure us.
The King James Version dictionary further expounds on its meaning. It means to furnish with competent knowledge or skill, and in general, with adequate means. God enables his people through Christ and has commissioned us to preach the Good News and make disciples of all nations.
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PRAYER
Thank you Lord for enabling me to do your commission.
REFLECTION
Why do some Christians fail to do the commission we were given?
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.STUD¬¬IO@gmail.com

AMEN ASCENDS TO GOD Poem Devotional

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September 26________________________________________
For all God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes” And through Christ, our “Amen” which means “Yes” ascends to God for his glory.
– 2 Corinthians 1:20(NLT)
AMEN ASCENDS TO GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you follow God’s commands?
Do you struggle with life’s demands?
Have you been saying “Amen” to the Lord?
It delights him and you bring him laud.
Amen is a big resounding “yes”
He loves you and gave you much promises
Say “yes” to him and you will not regret it
He will bless you and anoint you with his Spirit.
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Amen is derived from the Hebrew āmēn, which means “certainty,” “truth,” and “verily.” Jesus would often start a solemn statement by saying “Verily” or “Truly”. In John’s gospel (John 3:3) Jesus is recorded as using the word twice in succession, “Verily, verily, I say to you…”. This shows us that the underlying meaning of the word “Amen” is truth and verity. It is a solemn affirmation. However, in the New Testament, Amen can also mean “of a truth” at the start of something said, or, at the end, “so be it” or “may it occur”.
How often did you say “Amen” to what the Lord tells you to do? For a very long time, I didn’t even realize how this word was very important. The Lord wants us to says it so that we can bring him glory.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to always say “Amen” to you.
REFLECTION
Why can it be a challenge for some people to say “Amen” to what the Lord?
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

CONSISTENT GOD Poem Devotional

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September 25________________________________________
For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between “Yes” and “No”. He always does what he says. – 2 Corinthians 1:19(NLT)
CONSISTENT GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you been let down by someone’s words?
You can be discouraged by some people of this world
The Lord Jesus Christ however, does not vacillate
He always does what he says, he doesn’t hesitate.
Humans can be fickle, changeable and waver
But there is much constancy in our Creator
He always follows through his promises
He never changes, he is always consistent.
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If there is anything more confusing, it is when people around you flip-flops or waver. James 1:6 warns us about having doubts. He says that when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. When one wavers, nothing is accomplished. No growth is possible.
Indecision is another form of wavering. When we go back and forth on something, we won’t go anywhere. It is actually a tactic of the enemy to keep us from growing or progressing and from fulfilling our dreams. The bible describes God as a very consistent God. He never changes his mind or waver. He always follows through what he says and ensures that he fulfills his promises.
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PRAYER
Thank you Lord for being a consistent God.
REFLECTION
How can we protect ourselves from wavering?
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 ISN’T FICKLE Poem Devotional

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September 24________________________________________
You may be asking why I changed my plan. Do you think I make my plans carelessly? Do you think I am like people of the world who say “Yes” when they really mean “No”?
– 2 Corinthians 1:17(NLT)
GOD ISN’T FICKLE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Some people change their minds often
They can be indecisive and not open
Humans make choices out of their comfort zones
God sees all and decides without hesitation.
God isn’t fickle like most people
He doesn’t waver, he is faithful
He means what he says and follows through
He never goes against his nature and the truth.
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The hardest thing to deal with is to be with an indecisive and inconsistent person. I once lived with someone who never wanted to make any decisions about things. When you ask him, he never gives you a straight answer. “I don’t know yet” or “We will see” are the replies I usually get from him. Because I was in a relationship with him, it was very hard to make plans because he wouldn’t want to get involved in it. I think he feared that his time will be compromised when he commits to something. He just wanted it all for his convenience. When he finally gives an answer and sees that someone is benefitting, he would take it back. The bible describes God as a very decisive and consistent person.
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PRAYER
Lord, please help all believers to take responsibility for their decisions and choices.
REFLECTION
How would you help someone who doesn’t make a choice or decision about anything?
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