WHY LIE Poem Devotional

May 16________________________________________
Why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit and you kept some of the money for yourself. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God. -Acts 5:3,4(NLT)
WHY LIE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you allow Satan to fill your heart
It wouldn’t be long when you will depart
If you lie to others, you are also lying to the Spirit
Why lie when you can choose honesty and integrity?
How could you compromise your loyalty?
Why hoard or live a life of dishonesty?
To lie is to question God’s omniscience
Why would you let this bother your conscience?
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Why do people lie? An article on Psychology Today says Participants were provided with the following description of what might constitute lying: Most people think a lie occurs any time you intentionally try to mislead someone. Some lies are big while others are small; some are completely false statements and others are truths with a few essential details made up or left out. Some lies are obvious, and some are very subtle. Some lies are told for a good reason. Some lies are selfish; other lies protect others.
The Bible contains several cautions on lying. Leviticus 19:11 tells us not to lie. Proverbs 12:22 gives us a description how God detests lying lips. When we lie, we lie to the Lord who knows all things.
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PRAYER
Lord, guard our mouths from saying lies.
REFLECTION
How can we protect ourselves from lying?
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

SAVE YOURSELVES Poem Devotional

May 15________________________________________
Save yourselves from this crooked generation! – Acts 2:40(NLT)
SAVE YOURSELVES
A poem and essay by ILMA
We live in a crooked world these days
Do we even follow what the bible says?
Save yourselves from this crooked generation
It is time for you to think of your salvation.
The Lord gave us a map to navigate the corruption
He wants us to strengthen our faith to resist temptations
He warns us to guard our hearts at all times
He commands us to pray for every believer.
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According to the Encyclopedia of the Social and Behavioral Science, learned helplessness refers to the maladaptive passivity shown by animals and people following experience with uncontrollable events. The individual learns in one situation that responses and outcomes are independent, represents this learning as an expectation of helplessness, and then generalizes this expectation to other situations in which outcomes objectively can be controlled to produce passivity. An important influence on the degree of helplessness shown by people is how they explain the causes of the original uncontrollable events. Individuals who tend to explain such events with internal (‘it’s me’), stable (‘it’s going to last forever’), and global (‘it’s going to undermine everything’) are said to have a helpless or pessimistic explanatory style.
2 Timothy 1:7 says God did not give us a spirit of timidity or fear, but of power, love and self-discipline. We can save ourselves from this crooked generation by living this promise.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you that we can overcome fear by your power.
REFLECTION
How can we literally save ourselves from this crooked generation?
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

THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Poem Devotional

May 14________________________________________
Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children and to those far away-all who have been called by the Lord our God. – Acts 2:38-39(NLT)
THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you believe and commit to Jesus Christ
You need to repent of your sins and live a right life
Be baptized in the name of Jesus for your sin’s forgiveness
Though you were far away, he still gave his promises.
He will grant you the indwelling of the Holy Spirit
Repent so all of your sins will be forgiven
Give up pride and turn to God so he can live in you
He will transform your life and make you new.
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One of the greatest gifts that God gave us when we become a believer is the promise of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus came to save us from sin, he assured his disciples that it was better for him to leave since that will ensure that the Holy Spirit will live in their hearts.
It is sad to know that some Christians take this treasure for granted. Only though the Holy Spirit can we be transformed and become the people God planned for us.
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PRAYER
Lord, please help me to never grieve your Spirit.
REFLECTION
How do you know that someone has God’s Spirit living in them?
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

TEACHING, FELLOWSHIP & PRAYER Poem Devotional

May 13________________________________________
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper) and to prayer. – Acts 2:42(NLT)
TEACHING, FELLOWSHIP & PRAYER
A poem and essay by ILMA
To those who wants to be a follower of Christ
You need to follow his teachings and apply in your life
Fellowship and prayers are part of your calling
You cannot isolate yourself; it hinders you from growing.
Jesus’ disciples shared meals often during the Lord’s supper
He calls us to fellowship and to pray with all believers
When we surround ourselves with our sisters and brothers
We encourage each other as we all share our burdens.
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Ephesians 6:18 tells us to pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. We are commanded to always pray for all believers everywhere. Matthew 18:20 says that where two or three are gathered in his name, Christ is there. I am sure that God wants you to pray on your own regularly but getting into fellowship with other believers to pray is much more powerful. Corporate praying is integral in the church, along with worship, communion and fellowship. Praying together enlightens and ties us as we share our common faith.
It knits us together in a unique bond of friendship found nowhere else in life. Participate in fellowship and you will grow.
PRAYER
Thank you for giving us a family of believers to bond with.
REFLECTION
What happens when you don’t fellowship with other believers and keep to yourself?
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

REFUSING TO DO RIGHT Poem Devotional

May 12________________________________________
You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. -Genesis 4:7(NLT)
REFUSING TO DO RIGHT
A poem and essay by ILMA
We are always given choices to make
Do you think long or choose in haste?
When you refuse to do what is right
You endanger your own life.
When you choose to do wrong
Sin will easily crouch at your door
It will control you and keep you in slavery
Do what’s right and you will have victory.
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Why is it easy to do what is wrong? Our human nature is bent on it. Because of the fall in the Garden of Eden, we are prone to do that is wrong and it takes only God’s grace and mercy to do the right thing. Because of our sin nature, it is not second nature for us to do good. That is why it is important for us to have a close relationship with the Lord. It gives us strength and wisdom to choose what God wants for us. It straightens our bent nature.
The bible says that you will be accepted if you do what’s right. If you refuse to do so, the you will be very vulnerable and become easy prey to the devil. Sin will easily take over to control you.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you so much for letting me be protected.
REFLECTION
How can we easily say “yes” to 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

HUMBLE YOURSELF Poem Devotional

May 11________________________________________
So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
-James 4:7(NLT)
HUMBLE YOURSELF
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you humble yourself to the Lord
You are bringing him praise and laud
It is the way Christ lived his life
He wants you to soak in his bright light.
Do not think highly of yourself than others
Remember, they are all your sisters and brothers
When you live in humility, you resist the devil
When you give up pride, you are running from evil.
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There are many ways to fight the devil but the most effective is to obey the Lord and humble oneself. This is how we ensure that we close tightly the door so that there is no chance that he can penetrate in our hearts.
The Lord Jesus Christ lived an example of humility. Even though he was God himself, he chose to be born of humble origins. Despite his lordship and power, he decided to become a man and fulfill the promise of God to save us all from sin.
Humility is only achieved through the grace that God gives us. We cannot attain it in our own strength. It is a free gift that can only be received by obedience. When we have a relationship with Christ, we hear his voice. We have a choice to obey what he asks and have the humility to give him praise.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for sampling humility to us.
REFLECTION
How can we learn to obey and be humble?
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

WHEN YOU CALL ON THE LORD Poem Devotional

May 10________________________________________
I called on the Lord who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.
-Psalm 18:3(NLT)
WHEN YOU CALL ON THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you call on the Lord for help
He hears and is there to give you a hand
He will save and protect you from danger
So give him all the adoration and praises.
When you call on the Lord for guidance
He will surely give you all the assistance
He can save you from all the tricks of the enemy
He is the only one who can bring you victory.
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When we live our lives relying so much on others and ourselves, we endanger ourselves. God created us all and we are his. He expects us to run to him for everything. Why do we always choose to depend on ourselves instead of to seek his help like a little child would ask their parents protection?
Our nature dictates that we do things on our own strength. We like to make sure that we fix things. We like to take control of things and neglect to seek the help of our heavenly Father. If we only seek him and allow him to take care of us, we would be able to thrive in this life.
The bible says that when we call on the Lord, he will save us from all our enemies.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you that when we call on you, you hear us.
REFLECTION
Why is important for us to call on 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

WHEN SIN GROWS Poem Devotional

May 9________________________________________
These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. -James 1:15(NLT)
WHEN SIN GROWS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you find it hard to resist temptations?
You can overcome this if you stay in relation
Jesus wants you to be intimate with him
This is the surest way you can win over sin.
It is our desires that give birth to evil
When sin is allowed to grow
You open doors to the devil
You will harvest what you sown.
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There are Christians who fail to grow because they have unconfessed sins. They allow sin to grow and by doing this, they give birth to death. Sin separates us from God. The bible says that only through Jesus will we have life, so if we are sinning, we are going against what Jesus made us from. What is the root cause of sin? The book of James tells us that it is our human desires and cravings that lead us to sinful actions. He also stressed that when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
Have you ever disobeyed God’s commands? What usually happens when we go against his will? We fail to receive the plans he has for us. We become an easy prey for the enemy to steal, kill and destroy us. Do not allow sin to grow, confess your sins and repent when convicted.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your convictions whenever I sin.
REFLECTION
Why is constant reflection and meditation on God’s word a protection against death?
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

WORTHY AND EXCELLENT THOUGHTS Poem Devotional

May 8________________________________________
Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right and pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
– Philippians 4:8(NLT)
WORTHY AND EXCELLENT THOUGHTS
A poem and essay by ILMA
What have you been thinking of lately?
Are they edifying, honorable and lovely?
Fix your thoughts on what is true and right
Think about things that are excellent and bright.
Dwell not on the things that are negative
They are lies that make you unproductive
Do not allow the enemy to capture your thinking
Do not engage in empty philosophies and reasoning.
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Have you ever thought about what you are actually thinking right now? Are you able to evaluate where they are coming from? Many times, we don’t even pay attention to what comes in our minds. We can be talking to someone else and our minds just go in different directions from everything that has nothing to do with what we are actually saying. Be careful! John 10:10 says that the enemy’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy us. One of the things that Satan likes to steal is our thinking process. He likes to inject many different lies in our minds. It is the mind that is our battlefield because it is from it that he opens doors to our hearts to infiltrate and corrupt. The bible advises us to think only of worthy, and excellent thoughts.
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PRAYER
Lord, keep my mind focused only on pure, honorable and right thoughts.
REFLECTION
How can you monitor what comes in your mind?
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

WHEN CHRIST IS REVEALED Poem Devotional

May 7________________________________________
And when Christ who is your life is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. -Colossians 3:4(NLT)
WHEN CHRIST IS REVEALED
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you able to share Christ to others?
Are you faithful to disciple or do you even bother?
Believers are all called to preach the good news
We are also asked to obey and put to use
All the truth we are given is to be shared
We are to disciple all nations in every way
When Christ is revealed to the whole world
You will share his glory; it is mentioned in his word.
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Why do some Christians fail to share the good news and to disciple all nations? Mark 16:15 says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” It didn’t say only pastors, teachers and prophets, but it was a mandate for all believers. Matthew 28:19 says “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” How come, only few believers actually obey these two very important role that God gave us?
I think our limited minds cannot fathom that God trusts us to be able to preach and disciple others because of various fears. But Paul said to the Colossians that when Christ is revealed to the whole world, we will share his glory.
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PRAYER
Thank you Lord for trusting us to share the gospel and disciple others.
REFLECTION
Have you obeyed these two mandates that God has given to believers?
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