SIDETRACKED Poem Devotional

June 22
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Don’t get sidetracked, keep your feet from following evil. – Proverbs 4:27(NLT)
SIDETRACKED
A poem and essay by ILMA
Different distractions may veer you away from doing right
Don’t get sidetracked but keep your eyes on Jesus Christ
The enemy’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy you
What are you doing to keep your mind constantly renewed?
Paying attention on what’s not your priority
Will keep you away from reaching victory
Keep focused on truth that comes from the word
It will protect you from the corruption in this world.
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Cambridge English dictionary defines “sidetracked” as directing one’s attention away from an activity or subject towards another one that is less important. Notice how the discrepancy of this act is caused by shifting priorities. Many people live distracted lives simply because they have not set their priorities and managed their time.
Dr. Caroline Leaf is a neuro-plastic scientist who teaches how to switch the brain from negative to positive thoughts and thereby change the way one thinks. She tells us that it takes 21 days to train your brain to get rid of toxic thoughts and another 21 days to replace it. It can even take more than 21 days if you allow yourself to be sidetracked by negative self-talk and fail to regularly keep track of your thoughts.
The bible says that we must not allow ourselves to get sidetracked from doing right by following evil ways.
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PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from all kinds of distractions.
REFLECTION
How can we learn not to be sidetracked by evil and unimportant things?
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

FOCUS ON WHAT LIES AHEAD Poem Devotional

June 21
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Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you. – Proverbs 4:25(NLT)
FOCUS ON WHAT LIES AHEAD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Is there something that distracts you from Christ?
Do you get consumed with busy-ness and life?
Look straight and focus on what lies ahead
Count your blessings and always be glad.
Do not listen to the lies of the enemy
It will divert you from receiving the victory
When you fix your eyes on Jesus Christ
You will find wisdom to do what is right.
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Have you ever learned to ride a bike? The first thing they ask you is to look straight ahead so that you don’t lose your balance. Even in dancing, the instructors ask you to have a straight posture and chin up. They discourage you from looking down at your feet as you are learning the steps. In driving, you also need to look ahead even though you are being conscious of your peripheral vision. It keeps you from head on collisions and other life threatening accidents. Many accidents now are caused by distracted driving.
The same is true in life, you need to focus on what lies ahead and not be consumed by the situation and challenges you are going through. When you don’t look ahead, you will likely be discouraged, lose hope and find no meaning in life. Fix your eyes on Jesus.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you that I can look up to you and you’ll never fail me.
REFLECTION
How can being distracted with worldly stuff prevent us from reaching our goals?
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

WORDS THAT BRING LIFE Poem Devotional

June 16
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When you walk, you won’t be held back, when you run, you won’t stumble.
-Proverbs 4:12(NLT)
NO HOLDING BACK
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ
You won’t be held back, he leads your life
Even when you run, you won’t stumble
His wisdom will guard you from troubles.
The Lord is all out to assist and lead you
Abide in him and he will make you new
There is no holding back when you love him
Love with all your heart and you will win over sin.
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Have you ever had a relationship with someone who always held back their love, affection or attention? I grew up surrounded by people who always hide their emotions and care for someone. It was very hard to be around these kinds of individuals. You never know where you stand or how they really feel about you. It makes one doubtful and insecure of their identity.
God on the other hand loves us very unconditionally and faithfully. He doesn’t wait for us to ask to be shown or given love. He gives it generously always. Sometimes we don’t always recognize the love because he uses other people or situations to care for us or remind us that he is always there, watching over us.
Proverbs tells us that if we choose to commit our lives to Jesus, there is no holding back to his love for us.
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PRAYER
Thank you for your faithful and unconditional love Lord.
REFLECTION
How can we give our all to God amidst sufferings and challenges?
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

LIKE THE START OF DAWN Poem Devotional

June 17
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The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. – Proverbs 4:18 (NLT)
LIKE THE START OF DAWN
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who choose a life of righteousness
They become a light to those who are hopeless
Like the first gleam of dawn that shines so bright
They illumine and expose all of the enemy’s lies.
Though there’s darkness and valleys you are treading
Keep on focusing on the Lord and continue abiding
His glorious light illumines even in the darkest corners
Even just a tinge of his light will make the devil cower.
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One of the most magnificent sight to behold is the crack of dawn. You will see the glimpse of light rising up the horizon and maybe slowly pushing its way out of a cloud or a mountain landscape. It gives us an occasion to praise the Lord for his wonderful creation. But what is so great about dawn is what it symbolizes. A new day always gives us a chance to thank God that we have another day to live and another occasion to touch someone else’s life. It is a time to remember that the Lord gives mercy afresh each morning (Lamentations 3:23).
Proverbs 4:18 likens the way of the righteous to the first glimpse of dawn which shines ever so bright until the full light of day.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to take the righteous path so I can shine for you.
REFLECTION
How can we give hope to those who are desperate and hopeless?
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

WISDOM’S WAYS Poem Devotional

June 15________________________________________
I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths. -Proverbs 4:11(NLT)
WISDOM’S WAYS
A poem and essay by ILMA
The way of the Lord leads to straight paths
It teaches us to do what’s right and avoid the bad
When you seek the word of God, you will be guided
It leads to the truth and makes you enlightened.
Follow God’s commands and it leads to righteousness
Obedience of his word makes anyone wise
Seek the Lord first and he will add it unto you
Meditate on his truth always and you will be made new.
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I have met many intelligent people in over fifty years of my life, but very few of them are really wise. I viewed wisdom very differently before I was a born again Christian. I thought that wise people are educated, smart and practical. When I further studied God’s word, I was surprised to know that only God’s words can teach, correct and guide a person (2 Timothy 3:16). I realized that the world’s concept of knowledge and intelligence is not the same as God’s ways. Most people’s idea of knowledge comes from achieving and having the things one desires or having to know many things. I used to believe in this worldly system as well.
In Proverbs, we are encouraged to embrace wisdom and pursue it. Wisdom can only be a result of seeking the word of God and doing it.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me never turn my back on your words.
REFLECTION
How can God’s truth bring about the straight path to him?
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

REQUISITES FOR A LONG, GOOD LIFE Poem Devotional

June 14________________________________________
My child, listen to me, do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. -Proverbs 4:10(NLT)
REQUISITES FOR A LONG, GOOD LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When someone commits to the Lord Jesus Christ
They become a new person and receives his light
God created all things on this earth and in the heavens
He knows every detail and intricacies of his creation.
He wants us to listen to all him and do as he says
It is a requisite for a long good life; follow his ways
If you seek him first and his word, you will prosper
Those who are faithful to follow him will be victors.
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Do you want to have a long good life? The bible says that there is only one way to get it. If you listen to what the Lord says and do it, then you are in for the long haul. Without the guidance of Scriptures and God’s truth, we are going to live a life that is only focused on the “self”. That selfish life will only lead to a lot of troubles and heartaches. I can attest to this because I lived that kind of life for over four decades. It was excruciatingly painful to suffer the consequences of wrong choices and decisions I made.
A life without consulting the Lord through his word is a live not worth living.
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PRAYER
Lord, remind me to always consult you in everything.
REFLECTION
What do you need to change in order to live a long good 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

USE THE MOST POWERFUL NAME Poem devotional

June 12________________________________________
Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name! – Luke 10:17 (NLT)
USE THE MOST POWERFUL NAME
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you encountered challenging situations in your life?
Try using the most powerful name and you will take delight
Even the demons will obey you when you use Jesus’ name
Every knee will bow down to this title of God’s Son.
If you have faith in the omnipotence of Christ
When you declare this name, everything comes to light
God has given this name dominion over everything
As soon as you utter it, you will constantly win.
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It is sad to know that some believers do not often use the name of the Lord Jesus to ward off evil, to expose lies or to discern the tactics of the enemy. The bible says in Philippians 2:9-11 this, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Father.” Wow! Have you ever heard of any other names that can have that power?
Names are very important because it signifies the character and the person himself. Only the name of Jesus has that power to win over sin and evil.
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PRAYER
Jesus, I praise your holy name. Help me to say it out loud to praise you.
REFLECTION
What happens if you take the name of Jesus in vain?
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

ACCEPT OR REJECT THE MESSAGE Poem Devotional

June 11________________________________________
Anyone who accepts your message is also accepting me. And anyone who rejects you is rejecting me. And anyone who rejects me is rejecting God who sent me. – Luke 10:16(NLT)
ACCEPT OR REJECT THE MESSAGE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you heard the Good News about Jesus?
Seek the truth from the word, it is very precious
Anyone who accepts the message of salvation
They will be saved and will overcome temptation.
Those who reject the gospel is rejecting God
They are turning their back instead of giving him laud
Why would you even cast off a message that benefits you?
If you accept it, you will be transformed and your mind renewed.
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Do you ever say no to something that will benefit you? I think it is unwise to do so. Some people purposely reject the message of salvation. The enemy has blinded those who have not believed that they don’t need Jesus. Accepting the news that you will be saved if you believe in him will benefit the recipient. On the other hand, if you reject it, it will do you harm.
Luke explains in this verse that if you turn your back on the truth that comes from another believer or from the word of God, you are actually rejecting Jesus himself. The bible says that Jesus is the word, so when you reject it, you are really turning your back on him.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me bring the good news to those who need it.
REFLECTION
What is the consequence of rejecting the message of God?
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

ACCEPT HOSPITALITY poem devotional

June 10________________________________________
Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay.
– Luke 10:8(NLT)
ACCEPT HOSPITALITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
When someone is welcoming you with much blessings
Why would you not accept hospitality when it’s given?
Don’t hesitate to receive what you deserve when you work
God cares and provides for your needs; he’s after your growth.
Accepting hospitality from others shows your humility
We all need each other’s support to grow spiritually
Give and be generous too, God loves a cheerful giver
He wants you to share what you have to other believers.
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Hospitality is defined as the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. Hospitality is one of the inherent traits that most Filipinos have. Hosting parties and having a feast when friends and relatives visit is the norm in my country of origin. When I came to Canada, I was shocked to discover that some Canadians are uncomfortable with my gift for entertaining. It wasn’t a welcome idea for some people. Some feel obliged to give back what I generously share with them. No matter how much I explain that I am not expecting anything back, I pose a threat to some. I remember one of my friends mentioned that she can’t compete with my hosting skills. I felt sad knowing that she was a believer and can’t accept my gift of hospitality. We are encouraged in the bible to receive it.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me wisdom to respect those who cannot accept my hospitality.
REFLECTION
Why do you think we are encouraged to receive hospitality?
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