Tag Archives: ILMA’s Poem Devotional

THE COUNTERFEIT Poem Devotional

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November 4
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This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them.
-2 Thessalonians 2:9-10(NLT)
THE COUNTERFEIT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Beware of the coming of the counterfeit
He works for Satan and he will steal and take
He will use all kinds of tactics to blind you
Make sure you walk in love and stay true.
There is power in the name of Jesus
Speak it and he will protect all who are precious
You have authority over evil if you believe in God
Declare his name and cover yourself with his blood.
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In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, he explained that Christ could return at any moment but some believers misunderstood what it meant so he wrote a second letter to them explaining it. He meant to encourage them and not to give a detailed schedule for the future. He explained that no one really knows when the exact time of Christ’s return would be, but that he will return. In his letter he warned them of the counterfeit, the one who will disguise as someone with powers and deceive people that he can do miracles. Only those who won’t accept God’s truth will be deceived and believe his lies.
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PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from counterfeits.
REFLECTION
How would you know if someone is a counterfeit? How do we expose 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

RUN FROM FOOLISH DISCUSSION

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November 3
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Avoid godless foolish discussion with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. – 1 Timothy 6:20(NLT)
RUN FROM FOOLISH DISCUSSION
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ
You will seek God and his will in your life
Avoid godless foolish discussions
Don’t participate in evil conversations.
Do not waste your time with arguing
Be clear and don’t make things confusing
Meditate on Scriptures and you’ll discern
Care only about what God wants you to learn.
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Have you ever engaged a conversation with a person with high conflict personality? It is tiring to deal with this spirit who likes to drag people into reasoning, debate and arguments. I used to be fascinated by philosophy and when God revealed to me that human reasoning is actually foolish. In 1 Corinthians 1:19-21, Paul says that God will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent. So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom. When I studied these verses, I let go of all my interest in philosophy, logic and debate. The Lord showed me that engaging in such foolish discussion is a waste of time and I open doors for the enemy to trap me into sinning.
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PRAYER
Lord, show me when I am being lured into human reasoning.
REFLECTION
What is the antidote to human reasoning and arguing and foolish discussions?
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

GRACE BUILDS YOU UP

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November 2
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And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself. – Acts 20:32(NLT)
GRACE BUILDS YOU UP
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you go through trials and feel discouraged
Focus on the grace of God so you will be encouraged
He will not allow you to be tested beyond your capacity
His grace is there to build you up in all your suffering and frailties.
When you cannot understand what you are going through
Grace gives you comfort by leading you to His truth
You need not understand why he unconditionally loves you
Just receive grace, thank the Lord and be renewed.
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The word “grace” used in the bible like forgiveness, repentance, regeneration, and salvation, mean something as broad as describing the whole of God’s activity toward man or as narrow as describing one segment of that activity. An accurate, common definition describes grace as the unmerited favor of God toward man. It was hard for me to comprehend “grace” before I became a born again Christian. I was raised in the concept of working for my salvation. I wouldn’t be saved if I didn’t do good works. It enslaved me to think that I wasn’t going to be saved because I wasn’t good enough. God’s unconditional love for me is manifested in his grace.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to see the grace I receive from you daily.
REFLECTION
What might block you from receiving God’s grace?
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

DANGERS OF THOUGHTLESSNESS Poem Devotional

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November 1
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Don’t act thoughtlessly but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
– Ephesians 5:17(NLT)
DANGERS OF THOUGHTLESSNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you listen to what God is saying?
Do you hear his voice as you are praying?
Don’t act thoughtlessly, heed his word
Keep your minds uncorrupted by this world.
When thoughtlessness becomes a habit
You will grieve the Holy Spirit
Think of what God wants you to do
Seek the Lord and you’ll know what is true.
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Have you ever met someone who is thoughtless? I have been in relationship with many thoughtless people in the past. It was a struggle to maintain sanity and intimacy with people who have an “I don’t care” attitude. No amount of explanation will make them understand the importance of relating with someone. When someone does things without thinking, they are bound to commit mistakes or hurt someone. Speaking out something thoughtlessly will most likely bring a tactless and insensitive statement or comment. When we are absorbed with our own selfish desires or wants, we are unable to hear God’s will for us. The bible tells us to consult the Lord in all things, big or small. We are also asked to love one another like he loves us. One of the dangers of thoughtlessness is that we miss out on what God is saying to us and fail to receive his promises and blessings. Thoughtlessness kills relationships. It isolates us from others.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me an ear to hear what you are saying.
REFLECTION
How can one become more thoughtful?
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

BLINDED BY INDIFFERENCE Poem Devotional

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October 31
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You say, “I am rich, I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing! And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.
– Revelation 3:17(NLT)
BLINDED BY INDIFFERENCE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you been walking independently from God?
Do you find time to worship and praise the Lord?
Are you thankful for everything you are given?
Do you focus on Jesus Christ, the Son who was risen?
Be humble and declare your needs to the Lord
Do not be blinded by indifference; seek God’s word
Bow down to the one who sacrificed his life for you
Rekindle your relationship with him so he can make you new.
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A lot of people think that the opposite of love is hate. The word of God tells us that indifference is the opposite of love. “Indifference” is defined as lack of interest, concern or sympathy. Some synonyms of indifference are: emotionlessness, unconcern, apathy, passivity, nonchalance. Indifference is a spirit that blinds us to care and love for God and others. When a person’s motto is “I don’t care” we are probably going to find someone who lives an indifferent life. In Revelations 3, the church in Laodicea is being reproved for their indifference. In verse 19, we are called to be diligent which is the antidote to indifference. When we press on to continue to love despite all odds and hardships, we gain courage to continue to pursue a relationship with God and with others.
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PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from apathy.
REFLECTION
How can we protect ourselves from indifference?
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

SPIRIT OF JEZEBEL Poem Devotional

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October 30
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You are permitting that woman-that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet to lead my servants astray. She teaches them to commit sexual sin and to eat food offered to idols.
– Revelation 2:20(NLT)
SPIRIT OF JEZEBEL
A poem and essay by ILMA
When the spirit of Jezebel is present
There is control, idolatry and sins of the flesh
Don’t allow this spirit to prevail in Christ’s body
It defiles God’s people who are living holy.
When you allow this spirit to thrive
It will destroy anything that has life
Rebuke in Jesus’ name this evil by exposing it
Scripture has power to cast it out and cleanse it.
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1 King 16:29-32 gives us an account of how King Ahab began to rule over Israel and reigned in Samaria for twenty-two years. He married Jezebel and began to bow down in worship of Baal. He built a temple and altar for Baal in Samaria. In Kings 18:4-5, we get a picture of what kind of woman Jezebel was. She tried to kill all of the Lord’s prophets but Obadiah hid 100 prophets in two caves. She had been behind all of the plots to kill God’s people by controlling her husband. She was determined to annihilate God’s people and propagate the pagan god Baal. This Jezebel spirit lurking in people’s mind and heart, churches and relationships need to be casted out in Jesus’ name and blood. Let us shine Jesus light on this spirit.
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PRAYER
Lord, deliver us from the Jezebel spirit and expose it when it manifests.
REFLECTION
Share any encounter you’ve had with the Jezebel spirit.
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

REWARD OF SUFFERING Poem Devotional

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October 29
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Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life. – Revelations 2:10(NLT)
REWARD OF SUFFERING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you cringe when you have difficulties?
Be warned when the enemy attack your frailties
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer
You always have the Spirit, who is your helper.
When you encounter tests and suffering
Be joyful for it help you to be constantly growing
Remain faithful to the Lord despite all of these anguish
You will enjoy the life eternal and you will be lavished.
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Many people in our society today do not know how to deal with suffering. We react at the onset of something that is uncomfortable or anything that will pose a challenge or threat to our status quo. We like to get our way and what we want instantly. This is why we don’t have the wisdom or strength to endure pain or suffering. The book of James tells us that we have to be joyful when we encounter suffering because our faith has a chance to grow and we gain strength and endurance which will make us perfect and needing nothing (James 1:2-4). Revelations tells us to focus on the crown of life when suffering.
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PRAYER
Thank you Lord for all the endurance you have granted me.
REFLECTION
How can we change our worldly perspective on suffering?
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

REFLECT THE GLORY OF THE LORD Poem Devotional

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October 28
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So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord who is Spirit makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. – 2 Corinthians 3:18(NLT)
REFLECT THE GLORY OF THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you a faithful follower of Jesus?
He wants you to know you are very precious
When he removes all of the veil that blinds you
You will be able to reflect a God who is glorious.
No human effort can make us imitate Christ
Only God’s Spirit can stir us and change our lives
The Lord wants us to become like him in all things
His Spirit knows and guides us how we can win over sins.
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What is the true mark of an authentic Christian? Is that person someone who goes to church on Sunday and yet treats his family member unkindly? Is it someone who is a stickler to the church rules and yet continually judge people with his measuring stick? In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus taught his followers that they are the salt and light of the earth. He says that if salt has lost its flavor, it is useless. He also tells us that no one lights a lamp and hides it. Paul tells us that believers must reflect the glory of the Lord by being salt and light of the earth.
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PRAYER
Lord, cleanse my heart so I can always reflect your glory to the world.
REFLECTION
What hinders you from shining and reflecting God’s radiance?
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

FREEDOM IN CHRIST

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October 27
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For the Lord is Spirit, so wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
-2 Corinthians 3:17(NLT)
FREEDOM IN CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you a slave of something?
You can always be delivered from sin
Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ
It will transform your very life.
For the Lord Jesus is Spirit
Believe in him and you’ll be free
There are no bondages he can’t break
Have faith in Christ, for goodness’ sake.
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Freedom is defined as the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. This is the worldly meaning to freedom. Sadly, many people abuse this state of being unrestrained by stepping over other people’s own freedom. We cannot claim that we are free if we do not respect other people’s boundaries.
The bible defines freedom in John 8:34 when he tells that true freedom comes from a life that is holy. In John 8:34, Jesus said that everyone who sins is a slave of sin. In verse 36, is the antidote to bondage; if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.
Galatians 5:1 tells us that Christ is the bondage breaker. He has truly set us free. He warns us to ensure that we stay free and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. If we believe in Christ, we will be free.
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PRAYER
Thank you Lord for breaking the bondages as soon as we believed in you.
REFLECTION
What areas of your life still needs to be set free?
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

TREACHEROUS ACTS Poem Devotional

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October 26
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Wealth is treacherous, and the arrogant are never at rest. -Habakkuk 2:5(NLT)
TREACHEROUS ACTS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you seeking to gain more wealth?
Do you find yourself loosing rest?
Obsessing on wealth is dangerous
It is tricky and can be treacherous.
When you are constantly busy and restless
The devil may be leading you towards blindness
Behind that compulsion to be busy is arrogance
Watch that you don’t give in to the tricks of Satan.
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John 10:10 clearly says that the enemy’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy us while the Lord gives us an abundant life. There are many tricks the enemy throws at us. The sad thing is that we don’t even see them. He does it subtly and hides it cleverly like an undercover agent, making sure that he penetrates into the weaknesses of their subjects.
The book of Habakkuk was written by a prophet who was concerned about social justice. He asks the question “If God exists, why do the wicked so often prosper? Habakkuk preached before Babylon’s fall in 586 B.C. God answers Habakkuk in this book, asserting him that he will judge all people and righteousness will ultimately prevail.
In this verse, we are warned against the treacherousness of wealth and that restlessness can be a form of arrogance. Isn’t it so true that when we obsess about possession, we are relentless at getting it?
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PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from the love of money and arrogance.
REFLECTION
How can busy-ness be a manifestation of arrogance?
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