Tag Archives: ILMA’s Poem Devotional

WHEN YOU OPPOSE GOD’S WORD Poem Devotional

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September 13
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Shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark. – Isaiah 8:19,20(NLT)
WHEN YOU OPPOSE GOD’S WORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you oppose God’s word
You will struggle much in this world
Believing God’s truth will set you free
When you deny it, you won’t be able to see.
When people contradict God’s truth
Nothing in their lives will bear fruits
Those who reject his word embrace darkness
They embrace a life devoid of obedience and holiness.
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Many people don’t realize what they are missing when they reject the word of God or do not seek it. Scriptures give us an instructional manual so we can navigate life much better. It is a guide for us to fully enjoy the life that he gave us and avoid being lost in this world’s standards and demands.
What happens to us when we oppose the word of God? We actually lose out many things such as favor and blessings, peace, joy, seeing the way God sees things, fulfillment of the promises of God and inability to discern or hear his voice. In other words, we live in confusion, conflict and darkness. That sounds pretty much like an empty life.
The bible admonishes us to seek the word so we can better understand the character of God and what his purpose is for us.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your guidance through your truth.
REFLECTION
What happens when we totally block out the truth in our lives?
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 PRESERVING GOD’S TEACHING Poem Devotional

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September 12
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Preserve the teaching of God; entrust his instructions to those who follow me.
-Isaiah 8:16(NLT)
ON PRESERVING GOD’S TEACHING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you seek the word of God each day?
Does the truth bring you to your knees to pray?
We are to preserve God’s teaching
He wants us to live it and keep on following.
Those who heed all of the Lord’s instructions
They will find favor and overcome temptations
Seek and be faithful to follow God’s word
You will find wisdom navigating this world.
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Why must we preserve the teaching of God? Because the word of God is alive. It is not just ordinary words. 2 Timothy 3:16 says Scripture is God-breathed and inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
What happens when we do not seek the word? We clearly do not preserve and spread it when we don’t even know the truth that will set us free. The enemy wants to ensure that we won’t pursue God’s teaching. He steals the word so that we won’t maintain a relationship with God. Satan hates relationships, so he destroys it. When we keep the truth alive, we are preserving God’s teaching.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me strength to pursue your truth.
REFLECTION
In your own little way, how can you preserve God’s teaching?
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 PRESERVING GOD’S TEACHING Poem Devotional

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September 12
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Preserve the teaching of God; entrust his instructions to those who follow me.
-Isaiah 8:16(NLT)
ON PRESERVING GOD’S TEACHING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you seek the word of God each day?
Does the truth bring you to your knees to pray?
We are to preserve God’s teaching
He wants us to live it and keep on following.
Those who heed all of the Lord’s instructions
They will find favor and overcome temptations
Seek and be faithful to follow God’s word
You will find wisdom navigating this world.
________________________________________
Why must we preserve the teaching of God? Because the word of God is alive. It is not just ordinary words. 2 Timothy 3:16 says Scripture is God-breathed and inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
What happens when we do not seek the word? We clearly do not preserve and spread it when we don’t even know the truth that will set us free. The enemy wants to ensure that we won’t pursue God’s teaching. He steals the word so that we won’t maintain a relationship with God. Satan hates relationships, so he destroys it. When we keep the truth alive, we are preserving God’s teaching.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, give me strength to pursue your truth.
REFLECTION
In your own little way, how can you preserve God’s teaching?
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 ONE YOU MUST FEAR Poem Devotional

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September 11
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Make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble. He will keep you safe. – Isaiah 8:13-14(NLT)
THE ONE YOU MUST FEAR
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you become a believer of Christ
No one else can threaten your life
He is there to protect and guide you
Don’t fear anything that is untrue.
You must never fear the lies of the enemy
Fear only the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
He is the only one you must please and revere
When you do, you will overcome all other fears.
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So many people live in fear. It literally robs them of joy and peace. I lived over four decades fearing so many things. Fear of rejection and abandonment were top of my list. The bible says that as a man thinks, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). So, the more you think of what you are afraid of, the more these fears will manifest in your life. It was so guarded and protecting myself with so much effort and didn’t realize at that time that I didn’t have peace and joy. I was so hard on myself and others because I was afraid to be rejected and forsaken.
We must only fear one person, the Lord. It is a godly fear because it protects us from doing anything that will displease him.
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PRAYER
Thank you for giving me a godly fear.
REFLECTION
Why is revering the Lord and loving him above all else important in a Christian’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

LIVE A FREE LIFE Poem Devotional

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September 10
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Don’t call everything a conspiracy like they do and don’t live in dread of what frightens them. -Isaiah 8:12(NLT)
LIVE A FREE LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you believed in Jesus Christ
You are a new person, he changed your life
Don’t consider everything a conspiracy
Don’t live in terror of the attacks of the enemy.
If you live in dread of what terrifies others
You are not living the free life God intended
The Lord died so you can walk and enjoy freedom
He loves you so much and wants you in his kingdom.
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When Jesus died for all of us, he did it because he loved us so much and wants us to be free from the slavery of sin. Yet, there are still some Christians who do not enjoy that freedom. They fail to receive the grace and mercy given to us on the cross with Jesus’ blood. Many people have been believing the lies of the enemy who constantly threat us with many different kinds of fear. It can be fear of losing a loved one, fear of people going against you, fear of illnesses, fear of losing control, fear of losing power and money, and many more.
The bible tells us not to think that everything is out to get you like there is a conspiracy to attack you. We have to accept the free life God gave us through Jesus.
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PRAYER
Thank you Lord for dying for me to give me a free life.
REFLECTION
How do you respond to the freedom Christ gave you on the cross?
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

PRAYER FOR GOD’S PEOPLE Poem Devotional

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September 9
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Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard in until now. -Philippians 1:3-5(NLT)
PRAYER FOR GOD’S PEOPLE
A poem and essay by ILMA
I am so grateful that you have blessed me Lord!
I feel great when other followers spread your word
I am filled with joy that they are my partners
Thank you for granting us a chance to encourage each other.
I pray that you shower us with strength and persistence
I am glad that you allow us to grow our wisdom and patience
May we always choose to tread that narrow path to your kingdom
May you continue to keep us safe and to continually enjoy freedom.
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It is amazing how the Lord brings people in our lives to encourage us and to grow our faith. When I became born again, the Lord changed all of my friends. He discarded those who weren’t going to bring me closer to him. Each day, I thank the Lord for allowing me to grow spiritually and being given opportunities to minister to those who are hurting and neglected and especially those who do not know him. I am praying for all those who are my partners in spreading the Good News.
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PRAYER
Thank you for letting me freely tell others about you Lord.
REFLECTION
Why is it important for us to pray for God’s people?
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

LET THE SPIRIT TRANSFORM YOU Poem Devotional

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September 7
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Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. -Ephesians 4:23(NLT)
LET THE SPIRIT TRANSFORM YOU
A poem and essay by ILMA
When there is something you need to change in your life
There is no need to do it on your own, let Jesus Christ
Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes
He will show you how to live in peace and gratitude.
When you depend on God’s spirit for everything
He will give you strength to overcome evil and sin
You will have the mind of Christ if you accept him
You will be a new person and his Spirit will live within.
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There were many decades of my life that I relied on self-help books to change my thoughts and attitude. That is how the world influenced my thinking. It wants me to follow a life of self-reliance and self-effort. There was one book that impacted my life tremendously. I didn’t know that the author was a Christian at that time I read the book. I wasn’t into reading the bible during those days, so it didn’t occur to me that the Spirit of God was using this man to call me back to the Lord. Norman Vincent Peale taught me how to change the way I think by suggesting to keep a “thank you” diary. Since that day I read his book, my negative thoughts began to fade. I counted my blessings, so the Spirit transformed me.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for letting your Spirit transform me.
REFLECTION
Why is it dangerous to change yourself without the help of God’s 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

WHEN EYES AND MINDS ARE SHUT Poem Devotional

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September 6
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Their eyes are closed and they cannot see. Their minds are shut and they cannot think.
-Isaiah 44:18(NLT)
WHEN EYES AND MINDS ARE SHUT
A poem and essay by ILMA
When someone’s eyes are closed to the truth
They won’t be able to get deep into the roots
Their minds have been shut and cannot think
They can’t discern so they easily sink.
Their minds have been blinded by the enemy
Without running to God, they won’t have victory
Watch and guard your heart and mind
It will transform you and keep you from being blind.
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During those years that I turned my back on God, I was doing all kinds of foolish things. I attracted people whose eyes were close and minds were shut to the truth. So, you could probably imagine what kind of life I lived at those stage of my life. Yes…I wallowed in sin because I was patching the pain with dependency. I wasn’t a drug addict but I was a love addict. I pursued love with a passion, not knowing that this is not the kind of love that will set me free from bondage. I was totally blind to the thing that would set me free: God’s love. My mind was shut from understanding the unconditional love that God has already granted me through the sacrifice of Jesus’ life. I thank God he freed me from this oppression. Now I am free.
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PRAYER
Lord, free me from not seeing or knowing your truth.
REFLECTION
What were you freed from when you believed in 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

ON THOUGHTS AND INTENTIONS Poem Devotional

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September 5
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I am the one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person.
-Revelation 2:23(NLT)
ON THOUGHTS AND INTENTIONS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Can someone really know what you’re thinking?
The Lord can, he is all-powerful and all-knowing
No one knows you better than he does
Even your own self, you cannot trust.
Do not assume you know other people’s intentions
Or you will open up doors for more temptations
Leave the searching to the one true God
You won’t be able to do it; it is really hard.
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When I was a stage actress, I studied the character I am portraying to the minutest detail. I had to understand why I say things and act the way I do or I won’t give justice to my character. The whole production staff brainstorm the entire play. Production usually runs for three to four months of daily rehearsals. We have to study the character even on and off the production sessions. During the pre-prod, we discuss the totality of the story; it’s ups and downs. With the director’s expertise, we are led to look at the idiosyncrasies of the role we play and how he or she is part of the whole story. We cannot make up or add our own thoughts or we won’t give justice to the character as written by the playwright.
The bible says that only God can search our hearts and minds. He alone knows.
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PRAYER
Lord, forgive me when I try to search other people’s thoughts and intentions.
REFLECTION
How can we search our own thoughts and intentions?
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

WORK IS VANITY Poem Devotional

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September 3
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Has not the Lord of Heaven’s Armies promised that the wealth of nations will turn to ashes? They work so hard but all in vain. – Habakkuk 2:13(NLT)
WORK IS VANITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you work to gain wealth
It isn’t beneficial for your spiritual health
It is working in vain when you do it for your gain
It is a form of idolatry instead of giving God praise.
To work for your own advantage isn’t really a treasure
It compromises your growth when you seek pleasure
To work so hard for self-seeking reason is vanity
To serve the Lord and others benefits humanity.
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Our world today focuses much on performance. Each person’s value is proven by how hard they work and how much wealth they have incurred. Here in North America, people marginalize those who don’t work or those who earn money. You become worthless in the world’s standard if you don’t contribute to the country’s wealth gains. When I moved to Canada, it was difficult to continue my teaching and art careers. I was looked down by others because I didn’t earn much income as I did back in the Philippines.
The bible says that the Lord looks down on those who pursue wealth for personal gains. He said that wealth of nations will turn to ashes and the work they put on such worldly pursuits are all vain.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to focus on depending on you instead of proving my worth through work.
REFLECTION
Why do you think the bible says that work can be a form of vanity?
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