PERFECT TIMING Poem Devotional

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March 2________________________________________
When we were utterly helpless. Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.
– Romans 5:6(NLT)
PERFECT TIMING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you ever know someone who’s got perfect timing?
Is this person always timely to aide your suffering?
When we were utterly helpless and needing help
He died for us so he can pick us up and give us strength.
Christ chooses the perfect time and place
He showers with blessings all of human race
Are we blocking his perfect timing and his plan?
Are we cooperating with God’s one and only Son?
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Timing is crucial in many things in life. The birth of a child, marriage, move to a new home, new job, new community and many more are some of the events or changes that can benefit with perfect timing. Sometimes our drive or obsession to get something or to embrace something new can be so powerful that we lose out on choosing the best time to do so. Another thing that can impede our triumph over some dreams or goals is the fact that our plans do not jive with what God intends for us. Who can better know and see what is good for us but our heavenly father?
Christ had perfect timing. When we were so desperate, helpless and almost hopeless, he died for us so we can be free and live an abundant life.
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PRAYER
Lord, I am so grateful for all your perfect timing to bring joy, healing and peace in my life.
REFLECTION
How can we miss out on Christ’s perfect timing?

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

RECEIVE A RICH LIFE Poem Devotional

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March 1________________________________________
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. – John 10:10(NLT)
RECEIVE A RICH LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
What does the enemy steal from you?
God promises a rich and a life renewed
Satan will try to kill and destroy your new life
Anchor your whole faculties to Jesus Christ.
Receive the blessings and satisfaction he can bring
Allow yourself to enjoy life, worship him and sing
He is powerful over than the spirit in this world
You can overcome and triumph if you obey his word
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There are many occasions that I wasn’t even aware that I have an enemy whose purpose is to steal, kill and destroy me. For many years, I fought this evil within me by my own effort. I take things personally which have crippled me physically, emotionally and spiritually for many decades. Then the word of God convicted me in John 10:10 that brought out in the light all the evil schemes of the enemy. I learned that people were not my foe. It was the devil using those around me, especially those who I am in relationship with to destroy, kill and steal from me. I need not shout at him “Get thee out from me” always. I can fight this wicked creature with the love of Jesus and declare truth aloud so he can’t lie to me.
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PRAYER
Lord, keep my eyes and heart open when I am being attacked.
REFLECTION
How can you be more aware when you are being attacked?
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

PUTTING ON GOD’S PRESENCE Poem Devotional

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February 28________________________________________
Instead clothe yourselves with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ and don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. – Romans 13:14(NLT)
PUTTING ON GOD’S PRESENCE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you wear your heart on your sleeves?
Or do you choose Christ and believe?
Clothe yourselves with God’s presence
You will overcome lies and all pretense.
Don’t let yourself indulge in evil desires
Purify yourself and renew your mind in Christ
Put on God’s presence and he will be with you
Let go of your old ways and you will be renewed
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When you wake up each day, don’t you change your clothes to go to work or just welcome a new day? We put on clothes so we can protect our bodies from the elements around us. What about our spirits? How do we protect it from attack of the enemy? It is so sad to know that some people spend so much time looking good on the outside and yet never really reflecting on their spiritual lives. In my 20’s up to my late 50’s I spent so much time dressing up for the day. I want to look good and coordinated in my attire. God convicted me of this vanity. He wanted me to put on his presence so that the enemy will not be able to attack me. This way, I will protect myself from evil desires.
PRAYER
Lord, I welcome you in my life.
REFLECTION
How can you consciously wear God’s presence?
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

HOW TO RECEIVE GOD’S GRACE Poem Devotional

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February 26________________________________________
Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God.
– Hebrews 12:15 (NLT)
HOW TO RECEIVE GOD’S GRACE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you committed yourself to Jesus?
Do you know how much you are precious?
If you want to receive God’s grace
You must do what the word says.
Look after each other so no one fails to receive it
Then you will be harvesting the fruits of the Spirit
He commanded us to care for one another
Are you showing your love for your sisters and brothers?
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The word ‘grace’ (CHEN in Hebrew, CHARIS in Greek), as it is used in the scriptures, literally means ‘favour’, to bend or stoop in kindness to another as a superior to an inferior. It has the idea of graciousness in manner or action. When used in reference to God, it is the benevolent action of Him stooping down to us in His kindness to reach us in our need, and convey upon us a benefit. What an awesome God! He stoops down to our level just so he can show his love for us. Have you ever been loved this much by anyone?
The bible tells us that there is a requirement to receive the grace of God. He wants us to look after each other so that we won’t miss it. By loving others, we show that we love him.
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PRAYER
Show me how to live in your grace always.
REFLECTION
Why do some Christians fail to live in 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

MERCY EACH MORNING Poem Devotional

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February 25________________________________________
Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. -Lamentations 3:23(NLT)
MERCY EACH MORNING
A poem and essay by ILMA
To those who love the Lord with all their heart
They will have mercy each morning; what a start!
God’s love is unconditional and unfailing
Be faithful in return so you won’t keep falling.
Is there anyone else who could forgive you each time?
He waits for you to return when you commit a crime
Great is his faithful, his mercies begin afresh each day
Seek him constantly; he is faithful to those who obey.
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There were many years that I tortured myself with guilt when I did something wrong. I sometimes punished myself for my sins. It was a life full of remorse and condemnation. I never felt that I was good enough for anyone especially for God. I always critiqued myself harshly. I get so down and hopeless at times when I know I broke a rule or a law of the church. I did not realize that these attitude and thinking were the result of the legalism I grew up into. Corporal punishment was the way adults disciplined children. So much rules, but very little love and affection.
The bible tells us that God is faithful and he forgives and gives us grace and mercy each morning. We need not compare God with our parents and other caregivers. He is a merciful God.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness and mercy.
REFLECTION
What are the ways that you can manifest mercy to 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

SORROW REFINES US Poem Devotional

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February 23________________________________________
Sorrow is better than laughter for sadness has a refining influence on us.
-Ecclesiastes 7:3(NLT)
SORROW REFINES US
A poem and essay by ILMA
When we go through trials and challenges
We can stay broken or embrace changes
Let grief bring us closer to Christ
It can refine us and transform our lives.
Losing something or someone can bring pain
Looking up to Jesus will turn that agony into gain
Allow the Holy Spirit to comfort and console you
If you learn to live with sorrow, you’ll be renewed.
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There are many people who do not deal with grief or loss in a godly manner. Some people stay stuck in blaming, anger or wallowing in pity. I got stuck in anger for many years simply because I didn’t acknowledge the loses I went through. I fixed myself and covered up the anger with performance and achievements. I was deceived by the enemy into thinking that I can patch up all my pain with worldly pursuits. So it took over five decades of running around in circles of anger which later turned into rage. It wasn’t explosive outward fury. It was a very subtle slow form of wrath that imprisoned my spirit. Because I didn’t acknowledge the many loses I had, it opened the door for more sins. The bible tells us that sorrow is better than laughter for it refines us and brings us on our knees to God.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to have a positive attitude towards sorrow.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you grieved over someone or something? Did it make you strong?
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

YOUR DESTINY Poem Devotional

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February 21________________________________________
Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there’s no use arguing with God about your destiny. – Ecclesiastes 6:10(NLT)
YOUR DESTINY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you aware of what your destiny is?
God decided how you will live in bliss
He knew already what each person would be
He gave you gifts to spread his word and bring
There is no point in arguing what you are made for
He created you in his image so you can explore
Our heavenly Father has a plan to bring all in his kingdom
Live in his love, peace, blessings and enjoy your freedom.
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I lived many years arguing with God what my destiny was. I didn’t even realize then that I was living out of his will because I didn’t know what he wanted me to be. No one has told me about God’s truth in his word, so I coasted along for so many years conforming to this world’s standards. I didn’t acknowledge and praise God for whatever gifts I had because I thought that I was entitled to such gifts after all the pains and traumas I have been through. It was many decades later that I found out that I had been resisting the plans God had for me by following worldly ways. There’s no use contesting what has already been planned for your life.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to live according to your plans.
REFLECTION
What was the result when you argued with God about your destiny?
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 WATCHES AND RESCUE Poem Devotional

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February 20________________________________________
But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine. – Psalm 33:18-19(NLT)
GOD WATCHES AND RESCUES
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is troubling you today?
Don’t you believe what the word says?
Those who rely on his unfailing love
They will be guarded from up above.
He sends his army of angel to recue you
Believe his word for it is right and true
God watches and rescues all those who fear him
Are you one of those who want to be redeemed?
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Trust is an integral factor in relationships. Without it, there is no way that the relationship can thrive. In a parent-child relationship, the children, especially before they turn to adolescents have no choice but to trust and believe what their parents say. Parents are entrusted their offspring and expects parents to love and care for them. When parents are not living up to the responsibilities that are entrusted to them by God, they are not faithful to God’s plan for them.
God loves children so much that no one can enter his kingdom unless they are like little children. He watches and protects them from any danger and ensures they are nourished and nurtured. He is the same way to all those who believe in him. He is faithfully watching and rescuing them.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being such a good father to all your children.
REFLECTION
Why is faith very important in your relationship with 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

GOD KNOWS EACH PERSON’S HEART Poem Devotional

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February 19________________________________________
From his throne he observes all who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do. – Psalm 33:14-15(NLT)
GOD KNOWS EACH PERSON’S HEART
A poem and essay by ILMA
Who can ever know what is in a man’s heart?
Who knows you through and through from the very start?
God made every living creature and each human being
He patterned them in his image so there is no hiding.
God knows each person’s heart from the very core
He can understand how it works even before it is formed
There is no point in running away from your heavenly father
He knows everything; after all, he is your maker.
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Before I was a born again Christian, I had this habit of guessing people’s intentions and thinking. I think I learned this ungodly behavior from my work as a stage manager and an actor. When we make a character sketch of the role we are playing, we presume and assume certain traits of the person based on what they are saying and doing in the manuscript. I didn’t realize that this habit intersected my real life. I began guessing what people think and judge their actions.
1 Samuel 16:7 says that God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. Only God knows each person’s heart for he made us all.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me never to try to interpret people’s hearts.
REFLECTION
Why is it dangerous to assume or presume other people’s 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

JOY TO GOD’S PEOPLE Poem Devotional

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February 18________________________________________
What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance. – Psalm 33:12(NLT)
JOY TO GOD’S PEOPLE
A poem and essay by ILMA
What joy for those who believe in the Lord
They will be victorious and overcome this world
If you are committed to Christ, you will be his heir
You will experience his joy for he is generous and fair.
He will shower his people with an overflow
They will reap a harvest from the seeds they’ve sown
Rejoice and be glad for you will have an abundance
He will gladly fulfill his promises and hand you an inheritance.
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For so many years, I didn’t know how to enjoy life. I strived and worked so hard at every dream or goal I set. I was so consumed with I, me and myself? I think it’s impossible to experience joy if one is so self-centered and self-driven. There is always that nagging thought that I have to possess more or that I have to perform well in anything I get myself into. I have to aim for perfection. When things do not go well as I envisioned it, I become so frustrated and feel like a failure. Then I beat myself up to reach the maximum effort or performance. What a tiring and stressful life. No wonder, I had so much trouble. The bible says that joy comes only from choosing God.
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PRAYER
Lord, show me how to be faithful to you so I can experience joy always.
REFLECTION
What manifestations of joy have you experienced after choosing Christ?
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