Tag Archives: ILMA’s Poem Devotional

PLEA OF AN ANGUISHED HEART Poem Devotional

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June 26
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I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart.
– Psalm 38:8 (NLT)
PLEA OF AN ANGUISHED HEART
A poem and essay by ILMA
Each day I feel crushed and lonely
I am tired and beat up from agony
My groans come from an anguished heart
It makes me feel so alone and apart.
Lord, I cry out to you so you can rescue me
Help me to overcome this weakness and be free
I plead you to bring me peace and ease my pain
Grant me freedom and let me not live in vain.
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I was a very hurt as a child and stayed wounded up until my fifties. I have no idea what joy meant because I was constantly in pain inside and out. The emotional anguish I lived with manifested in my mind and even in my body. I was always sick with all kinds of illnesses that affected my health. I tried to fix myself by performing and seeking approval from others. I pursued knowledge and studied persistently how I could be a successful woman and achieve all my dreams. I tried to bury all my pain so that no one will discover that I was suffering. I ran and ran from the fact that I was hurt and angry from many losses in my life. It exhausted me and completely crushed me. I cried out to God to help me.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to confront my pain and agony.
REFLECTION
What might happen if you have unresolved pain and anger?
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

GRIEF BRINGS PAIN

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June 25
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I am bent over and racked with pain. All day long I walk around filled with grief.
-Psalm 38:6 (NLT)
GRIEF BRINGS PAIN
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you are bent over and racked with pain
The hurt from a loss can make you insane
Grief brings much sorrow and numbness
It can make you consumed with sadness.
A loss in your life can make you lose determination
It can make you an easy prey to temptation
Bring your sorrow to the Lord so he can handle it
He will grant you peace if you accept his Spirit.
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It took me many years to realize that I have not been dealing with much losses in my life. The enemy robbed me of peace and joy for over five decades of my life. I was made to believe that I am okay and I minimized all the losses and just covered it up with work and ambitions. The funny thing about dismissing or burying your losses and skipping grief is that you are the last person to know that you are actually going through the motions of grieving. There are various stages of the grieving process and if we are not able to confront our losses, we get stuck in certain stages of it. I got trapped in anger for many years without even knowing it. The bible tells us to take our grief to the Lord.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to face all my losses and grief.
REFLECTION
How is it healthy to acknowledge our losses?
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

DISCARDING THE BAD Poem Devotional

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June 24
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Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. – Matthew 3:10 (NLT)
DISCARDING THE BAD
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is in your life that hampers your growth?
Is it your attitude that doesn’t honor the Lord?
Do you do everything the Lord commands?
Are you willing to give in to what God demands?
The Lord wants us to discard the bad and replace it with good
He will sever all that is impure and does not produce fruit
Remember to choose truth instead of living in lies
He wants us to join his fold so we can soar up high.
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I think it is human nature to be lawless and not follow what leads to the good. Most teenagers go through this phase in life. They are rebels without a cause. Sometimes, they just want to go against just for the heck of it or to exercise power and control over those they have no authority over. I was one of these rebels without a cause. I just wanted to prove I was right and they were wrong.
The bible tells us that we have to cut everything that doesn’t produce good fruit in our lives and throw it into the fire because in the end, the bad will be discarded.
PRAYER
Lord, help me never to choose the bad.
REFLECTION
What was the consequence of a bad choice you made in the past?
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

INCOMPLETE FAITH Poem Devotional

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You say you have faith for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? -James 2:19(NLT)
INCOMPLETE FAITH
A poem and essay by ILMA
When a believer declares his faith
It is the start to change his fate
Once you commit to the Lord as your savior
There will be transformations in your behavior.
When you continue with your old and sinful ways
Faith is incomplete when you are refuting what you say
If you only speak it without good deeds, it becomes useless
If you never renew your heart and mind, it is pointless.
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Many Christians have incomplete faith. They think that because they have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, it makes their faith complete. There are many promises given to us in the bible but there are also many prerequisites that allow us to reap the benefits that God has given us. Sadly, a lot of shallow believers who have not really lived the life Jesus want for them have led others to leave the Christian faith.
The bible tells us that accepting Jesus is just the first step to build our faith. It is incomplete if we never do anything that he says in the bible to love one another as we love him. Ignoring others’ show incomplete faith.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to always remember to live what I believe.
REFLECTION
How can you manifest faith in 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

CONVENIENCE OVER REPENTANCE Poem Devotional

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June 22
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As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient. I’ll call for you again.” -Acts 24:25 (NLT)
CONVENIENCE OVER REPENTANCE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you seek convenience more than anything?
Do you prefer comfort in everything?
Have you ever listened to the voice that convicts you?
The Lord wants you to repent and your mind renewed.
Why do you choose convenience over repentance?
Blessings are lost when you continue with your resistance
Listen and heed to God’s call for you to turn to him
That is the only way you can win and overcome sin.
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There are many people who continue to turn their backs to God despite many circumstances that leads to him. I am guilty of this myself during many years of rebellion and confusion. When we are confronted with choices and hear a nudge in our hearts to do the right thing, we usually end up minimizing what could have been good for us. Human nature wants to please the “self”. We would do anything to satisfy and pleasure ourselves. It takes a supernatural power from God to be able to resist pleasuring one’s self.
The bible tells us stories about how many people try to avoid confronting their sins because they don’t want changes. They chose convenience over repentance.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to never to ignore your voice.
REFLECTION
Why do you think people choose to ignore that voice inside that tell them to choose to do good?
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

SINS SWEEP US AWAY Poem Devotional

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June 21
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We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away into the wind. -Isaiah 64:6 (NLT)
SINS SWEEP US AWAY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Who among you can say they are without sin?
We all want to satisfy ourselves and win
When we display our righteous deeds
We wither and fall like autumn leaves.
Like falling leaves, our sins sweep us away
We must be constantly on our knees to pray
Our human nature is bent and sinful
But God is always forgiving and faithful.
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Autumn is one of the prettiest time of year. For an artist like me, I revel at this wonderful color tapestry in nature. When I moved here to Canada in my forties, my first experience of falling leaves was so amazing. I was like a little kid dancing in the falling leaves. The bible likens our sins to falling leaves in the autumn. Like the dead leaves that fall and is swept away by the wind here and there, our sins bring us to spiritual fall and death.
The bible says that no one is exempt from sin. We are all infected and impure with it. When we boast about our good deeds, it is such a shameful feat. It is not going to bring us closer to Christ.
PRAYER
Lord, help me never to show off my good deeds.
REFLECTION
Why do you think we are discouraged in the bible to show off our righteousness?
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

PROOF OF REPENTANCE Poem Devotional

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June 20
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Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.
– Matthew 3:8 (NLT)
PROOF OF REPENTANCE
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is the e the indication that you have repented?
Are you able to recognize the sin you have committed?
Have you confessed to God and asked for forgiveness?
Are you willing to turn to him and live in faithfulness?
Prove by the way you live that you are sorry for your sins
Mere words and talk is not enough to be redeemed
Show others that you have been transformed and cleansed
Take the straight path and you’ll never again be bent.
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Mere words such “I am sorry” does not necessarily mean that you have repented and turned to God. Sometimes people become sorry just because they don’t want to suffer the consequence of sin. They don’t have a true contrition and repentant heart. They just want to avoid discomfort or suffering. The bible says that if we confess our sins with our mouth and repent, we will be forgiven. The Holy Spirit shows us what we do wrong and guides us to the way out and ask forgiveness. All Scriptures teach us to do what is right and gives us a solution to our circumstances. The bible tells us to prove our repentant heart by the way we live and by turning to God.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for guiding me back to you when I fall.
REFLECTION
When was the last time the Holy Spirit stirred you and corrected 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

RIGHTEOUS LIPS BRING NOURISHMENT Poem Devotional

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June 18
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The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.
-Proverbs 10:21 (NIV)
RIGHTEOUS LIPS BRING NOURISHMENT
A poem and essay by ILMA
What comes out of your lips?
Does your word give good tips?
The lips of the righteous nourish
But fools say things that diminish.
Righteous lips declare God’s word
It asserts authority over the world
Those who are good lead others to truth
They bring Scriptures to take root and have fruits.
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I have experienced many harsh speaking people in my life for many years. When I entered adulthood, I made a decision to surround myself with positive speaking people. It was very hard to come by when you don’t align your will with God. If you surround yourself with unbelievers and sinners, there is no way that you can be nourished and be encouraged. They will always make you little, oppressed, ridiculed or minimized.
The bible tells us that the lips of the righteous nourish many but fools die for lack of judgment. Those who open their mouths to use it to benefit others will make a big difference in other people’s lives. They bring life and light, order and peace in their brothers and sisters. However, those who are wicked will not have wisdom and understanding and will always be unable to have the truth that sets them free and make them decipher Satan’s tactics and lies.
PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from those who do not speak life.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to filter our mouths with words that encourage?
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

KNOW YOUR PLACE BEFORE GOD Poem Devotional

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June 14
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Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth so let your words be few.
-Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NIV)
KNOW YOUR PLACE BEFORE GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you speak to the Lord, do you prepare what to say?
Do you have a stance or posture that you follow when you pray?
When you converse with God, do not be quick with your mouth
Remember that he knows already what you’re going to speak about.
Know your place before God; revere him with all your heart and mind
Do not lean on your own understanding so you can discern and find
God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few
He knows everything and can see things in a bigger view.
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Many different religions have different rituals and ways to worship and pray to their gods. What is so amazing with Christianity is that despite the fact that we have a very powerful and all-knowing God, he still wants us to have a personal relationship with him. He brought his Son amongst us so we can be closer to him. He gave the Holy Spirit so he can actually live in our hearts and direct us to the right path. The bible says that we must know our place before God.
PRAYER
Lord, remind me always where I stand before you.
REFLECTION
Why is it important never to forget our place in our 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

DANGER OF TOO MUCH WORDS Poem Devotional

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June 13
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When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
-Proverbs 10:19 (NIV)
DANGER OF TOO MUCH WORDS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you ask for something, be concise!
More words are not always right and precise
When words are many, sin is not absent
Hold your tongue and there’ll be no lament.
Use few words when you communicate
It lessens confusion and mistakes
Hold your tongue so you don’t open doors to sin
Lesser words will give your more chances to win.
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I love words. I think most writers do. But writers need to be wise in using lesser words than more. I find it difficult to use fewer words so I decided to take the route of writing poetry. The beauty of this genre is that you can use the least words and yet convey so much meaning in these fewer words. The challenge with writing poetry is to find the appropriate words that could rhyme or stir the readers’ attention through imagery and the different figures of speech. When I started reading the bible especially Proverbs, I learned that there is too much danger in too much words. It opens up more avenue to misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
The bible says that too much words put you at risk to sin. When you hold your tongue and think carefully what to say with few words, you learn prudence.
PRAYER
Lord, help us to communicate with less words.
REFLECTION
When have you used much words and led you to sin or confusion?
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