HAVE COURAGE! GOD IS WITH YOU Poem Devotional

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October 10
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Be strong and courageous and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged for the Lord God, my God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. -1 Chronicles 28:20(NLT)
HAVE COURAGE! GOD IS WITH YOU
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you beset by an illness or failed relationship?
Have courage and don’t be afraid of hardships
Trials and challenges come to each and every person
Continue to believe in Christ who died and was risen.
God is with you always and will not leave
Better to cling to him so you will receive
Blessings and mercy are bountiful to those who love
Seek his kingdom and keep your eyes on him up above.
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Courage is defined as the ability to do something that frightens one or the strength in the face of pain or grief. For someone to be called courageous or brave we can deduce that fear factor was handled successfully by that person. Courage is not absence of fear but it is victory over it. There are 365 verses in the bible that mentions fear. Why would God warn us about what we fear or feel insecure about?
The bible says that we must be strong to do the work he asked us to do. He reassures us that we will not fail in doing his work, for he will never forsake us. He is with us always.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your presence in our life.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you were afraid and felt God’s presence comforting you?
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

UNCHANGEABLE GOD

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October 9
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I am the Lord and I do not change. – Malachi 3:6 (NLT)
UNCHANGEABLE GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you been let down by someone’s indecision?
Are you tossed and turn by some situations?
Have you been heartbroken by someone’s unreliability?
Are there broken promises resulting from instability?
The Lord, your God never changes
You can depend on him to face all challenges
He is always faithful and merciful to his children
His unchanging love and character, he has freely given.
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Have you ever been with someone who is so unstable that your life became compromised? I once lived with someone who constantly changed his mind and can never come up to a decision. He is always seeking to satisfy himself and expects everyone around him to succumb to gratify himself. You’ll never know what he is thinking or feeling. He can be nice one moment and flip into a monster the next second. I walked on eggshells living with this person. I started to doubt myself and became more insecure and unstable as a result of being around him. I felt unloved, belittled and neglected. I felt non-existent because everything was about him and he never cared for anyone else except to get what he wants from those around him.
The bible describes God as someone who is unchangeable. He is constantly loving, merciful and faithful. He is the epitome of love and stability.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you that I can rely on you at all times for you never change.
REFLECTION
How has God’s faithfulness shaped your life as a Christian?
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

FAITH MAKES US RIGHTEOUS Poem Devotional

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October 8
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He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. – Romans 4:21-22(NLT)
FAITH MAKES US RIGHTEOUS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you believe that God keeps his promises?
Do you continue to trust and have peace?
Are you convinced that God is faithful?
What do you do to show him you are grateful?
Faith makes us right with the Lord
Believing him brings him glory and laud
Press on and continue to grow your faith in Jesus
You are loved so much; to him, you are precious.
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One of the ways that the enemy traps us is by making us focused on the self. Human nature desires to gratify the self. The only way we can be focused on others is by the grace of God. Otherwise, we can fall into the pit of showing off or performing to get approval. I grew up thinking that I could work my way to being righteous. I followed the ten commandments religiously but the more I do, the more I sinned. The bible tells us that we were freed from the law when Christ died on the cross. If you believe in Christ, you are under his grace.
We are made righteous only through faith just like Abraham. Romans 3:22 declares us righteous by our faith in Christ.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to grow my faith in you.
REFLECTION
Why do you think faith in Jesus is essential 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

WHEN YOU PUT GOD FIRST Poem Devotional

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October 6
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Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. -Matthew 6:33-34(NLT)
WHEN YOU PUT GOD FIRST
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you make God your priority
You actually let go of idolatry
Seek God first and be right with him
When you take your eyes off God, you sin.
Worrying brings out more fear and sorrow
Let go of all your concerns about tomorrow
Today’s trouble is enough, so give up anxiety
Instead, put God first and you will have victory.
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What is the first thing you do as soon as you wake up? Do you run to the shower or rush to do your stuff? I learned early to say a prayer before anything else. Having been brought up to follow religious rituals paid off after all. As I habitually prayed as young as seven years old, the Holy Spirit taught me to find meaning in rote praying. He invited me to converse and tell Jesus my heartaches and troubles. So, at an early age, I had a personal relationship with Christ.
The bible tells us that when we put God first in everything, live a holy life following Jesus, we will be granted all our needs. We need not worry about anything.
PRAYER
Lord, help me whenever the enemy distracts my attention from you.
REFLECTION
What happens when you take off your eyes off Jesus?
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

UNBELIEVERS’ THOUGHTS Poem Devotional

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October 5
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So don’t worry about these things, saying “What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear? These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. – Matthew 6:31-32 (NLT)
UNBELIEVERS’ THOUGHTS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you fret and take hours to choose what to wear?
Do others find you difficult to deal with and to bear?
Do you worry about what to eat or drink each day?
Don’t you believe that God provides for you everyday?
All these thoughts are what dominates unbelievers
Their minds are filled by doubts given by the deceiver
Your heavenly Father already knows your needs
He wants you to ask in his name so you can receive.
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I have been a Christian since I was seven but for many decades of my past life was lived like an unbeliever. I didn’t read the bible until I was in my late twenties which would give you an insight as to why I led a very messy life then. How can someone think that they could navigate life without God’s direction? What kind of life would that be if you claim that you are a committed follower of Jesus?
The bible says that the things that dominates unbelievers are mostly worries and anxieties over very trivial things such as what to eat, drink or wear.
PRAYER
Lord, please deliver me from worries, anxieties especially over trivial matters.
REFLECTION
What do you think an authentic believer’s mind’s pre-occupation is as opposed to the unbeliever’s thoughts?
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 DETESTS LIES poem devotional

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October 1
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The Lord detests lying lips but he delights in those who tell the truth.
–Proverbs 12:22(NLT)
GOD DETESTS LIES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you ever told lies to anyone?
Have you ever been lied to by someone?
The Lord detests lips that are continually deceiving
Lies can block us from truth and receive blessings.
Lies are works of the enemy
It keeps you in constant slavery
Keep your tongue from evil and speaking lies
Speaking untrue things can ruin your entire life.
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One of the foundations of a good relationship is built on trust. When we don’t trust, it is impossible for us to have a healthy and thriving relationship. Trust is earned, it is never forced. We learn to trust as a result of being in safe situations, people and relations. We learn to trust early in life. Babies trust only those familiar faces they constantly see. They trust their mothers or caregivers because they see them constantly giving their needs. They learn to trust because these people keep them safe and secure.
I had a turbulent childhood where my trust was breached by all the people who were supposed to be responsible to care for me and keep me safe. I grew up surrounded by lies and unspoken truth. Because so many people betrayed my trust and never really cared about keeping me safe, it was hard to trust. God detests lies.
PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from liars and lies.
REFLECTION
How has lies and liars impacted your 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

PROMISE OF THE CROWN OF LIFE

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September 30
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God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12(NLT)
PROMISE OF THE CROWN OF LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you experiencing challenges and troubles?
If you endure them, it will bring you out of the rubbles
God blesses those who faithfully bear difficulties
Give up anxiety and surrender to Him all your worries.
The Lord promised the crown of life to those who love him
Are you holding on to his promise so you can conquer sin?
Have patience to suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ
You will be showered with and overflow of blessings in life.
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A crown is a traditional headwear worn by a monarch or by a deity, for whom the crown traditionally represents power, legitimacy, victory, triumph, honor, and glory, as well as immortality, righteousness, and resurrection. Crowns worn by rulers often contain jewels.
In the Christian tradition of European cultures, when a new monarch assumes the throne in a coronation ceremony, the crown is placed on the new monarch’s head by a religious official. It was a new experience for me when I became a Canadian citizen and pledge allegiance to the queen.
The bible promised all Christians the crown of life, a crown more important than any worldly crown. Continue to patiently endure so you will reap this promise.
PRAYER
Help me to endure so that I can receive your crown of life.
REFLECTION
What can hinder us from receiving the crown of 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

WHERE TO ASK Poem Devotional

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September 29
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If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. -James 1:5(NLT)
WHERE TO ASK
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you have a trial or need to pray for?
Is there a breakthrough you want to come forth?
Run to the throne of God and present your case
He will not reprimand you for all your cares.
Are you wanting to understand something?
Only God can show you wisdom on anything
Ask whatsoever in his name and he will give you
Open your heart and mind so you can be renewed.
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I think in every human, there is that desire to know or have wisdom. In this day and age, there is so much information flying around. If we are not careful, we can get some good ones and yet we can also be prey to bad sources. God gave us a mind and a heart so that both of these faculties will work together. If we only rely on head knowledge, it can bring us trouble. The enemy targets our mind first so it is easier to corrupt our hearts through our thinking and desires.
The bible says that if you need wisdom, ask God because he will be very happy to help you. He will never rebuke you for asking. He will grant you whatever your heart desires that is in line with his will.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to remember to ask only you for wisdom.
REFLECTION
What should we take caution of with regards to seeking wisdom?
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

SOURCE OF POWER Poem Devotional

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September 28
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Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength.
1 Chronicles 29:12(NLT)
SOURCE OF POWER
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you any weaknesses that needs firming?
Are you dejected and need strengthening?
Power and might comes only from the heavenly Father
He is the only source of wealth, honor and power.
Only at God’s discretion can people be made great
He alone is omniscient and knows your fate
Plug into his omnipotent source of wisdom
He can deliver you from bondage into freedom.
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In 1 Chronicle 29, we can witness David’s heart and how he gave God praise. We are clearly given a picture of David’s faithfulness, generosity and wisdom in this chapter. He knew God’s heart so well and he passionately pursue what pleases him. In this chapter, he gives willingly and donate more than 112 tons of gold and 262 tons of refined silver to be used for overlaying the walls of the temple of the Lord (verse 4) from his own treasures and collection. He clearly knows that God is the source of all his wealth, so he is cheerfully giving them all back to him. David’s prayer of praise in this chapter as a man who deeply loves his heavenly Father. He acknowledges the only source of wealth, honor, power and might.
PRAYER
Lord, please change my heart to one like David’s and yours.
REFLECTION
How can you honor God, the only source of power and might?
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

DO WHAT CHRIST DID Poem Devotional

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September 25
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I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. -John 14:12(NLT)
DO WHAT CHRIST DID
A poem and essay by ILMA
Christ wants us to follow his example
That is the sign of a true disciple
Anyone who believes in him does what he did
They follow him and choose to do good deeds.
Truly, truly, Jesus wants us to do the same works
Like him, we are precious to God and have worth
He sits beside the Father and wants us to be there too
Only in doing what he did will we be saved and renewed.
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When Jesus was with his disciples, he shared with them many truths and promises. One of these truths says that the proof of our faith lies on what we do. It didn’t mention that it is based on what we say. Some Christians live double lives. They declare that they believe in Jesus and yet they live worldly lives and believe in so many lies that the enemy present in their lives. I, too am guilty of this when I was bound with the spirit of religion. I did what my religion required which was not what always Jesus did when he was still alive. We are asked to follow his example if we claim to be Christians.
PRAYER
Lord, let me always follow your example.
REFLECTION
Why do you think people don’t do what they say?
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