May 27________________________________________
Giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. -Psalm 50:23 (NLT)
THANKSGIVING HONORS GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Each time you are thankful
You become more bountiful
Being grateful is an act of humility
You are giving praise to the Lord Almighty.
When you have an attitude of gratitude
You will increase wisdom in such magnitude
Give thanks to the Lord who is so good
His mercy is fresh each day, he always soothes.
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Two psychologists, Dr. Robert A. Emmons and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the have done much of the research on gratitude. In one study, they asked all participants to write a few sentences each week, focusing on particular topics. One group wrote about things they were grateful for that had occurred during the week. A second group wrote about daily irritations or things that had displeased them, and the third wrote about events that had affected them (with no emphasis on them being positive or negative). After 10 weeks, those who wrote about gratitude were more optimistic and felt better about their lives. Surprisingly, they also exercised more and had fewer visits to physicians than those who focused on sources of aggravation.
The bible tells us that gratitude truly honors the Lord. Whenever we count our blessings and focus on the things we can be thankful for, we are humbling ourselves to glorify the one who gave us all, the Lord Almighty.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me a thankful heart always.
REFLECTION
How can gratitude change our negative attitude?
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
Tag Archives: poetry
GOD IS IN CONTROL Poem Devotional
May 26________________________________________
We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall. -Proverbs 16:33(NLT)
GOD IS IN CONTROL
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you think you have it all
You are in for a great fall
You may take the lead in many things
Only God knows each and everything.
You may plan where to go and what to do
God’s in control, he knows best for you
Do not be obsessed with your own will
The Lord alone can determine and see.
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I lived many years of ungodliness in my youth up until my fifties. I lived by the world’s standards, making my own plans and seeking after success and achievements. I even took a job in the theatre that gave me much control over the performances as a stage manager. I plan, I disciplined myself, trained and made sure I was knowledgeable. I was a perfectionist and a planner and took so much pride in running things for the performance oriented job.
My personal life was also lived like a micro-manager. I planned my day, my career, the roles I played and my future. Because I didn’t grow up in a loving environment and everyone controlled me, I became fastidious and took control of ever aspect of my life. I lived a very independent and self-sufficient life, never relying on anyone for help. God opened my eyes and heart that he wanted me to relinquish control to him.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to let go of control and let your will be done.
REFLECTION
Why do you think humans love to take control?
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
DISCRETION Poem Devotional
May 25________________________________________
Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools. -Proverbs 16:22(NLT)
DISCRETION
A poem and essay by ILMA
When someone always exercises discretion
He or she is ready to overcome temptations
When one reveres the Lord and introspects
He or she learns to easily exercise respect.
Discretion generates a life-giving fountain
Discipline is not for fools, they won’t have it
When you choose to be sensitive and discreet
You will enjoy the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
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Discretion is defined as the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information. It is also the freedom to decide what to be done in a particular situation. How many of us really apply this concept? We are all so busy living our own lives, we forget to focus on others around us. We don’t have time to consider other people’s feelings and be tactful or sensitive enough to take their challenges and difficulties. How many believers really have the confidence to decide what to be done in a particular setting applying truth and following God’s will?
I have yet to meet people who really have discretion and discipline in their lives. If there is a bounty of such kind of individuals, we will have less conflicts, misunderstandings and hurting people. The bible says that discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it.
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PRAYER
Lord, guide me always to be discreet and sensitive to other people’s situations and needs.
REFLECTION
How can we develop discretion and discipline 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
WHAT LEADS TO WISDOM Poem Devotional
May 24________________________________________
Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor. -Proverbs15:33(NLT)
WHAT LEADS TO WISDOM
A poem and essay by ILMA
The fear of the Lord teaches wisdom
It delivers you from slavery to freedom
When you revere the Lord and worship him
You will discern his ways and overcome sin.
The humble gives honor to the Father
It leads them to be closer to others
Seeking the Lord brings you near him
Fear of God makes you win over the enemy.
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People view wisdom very differently. Most individuals view wisdom as a feat that is achievable through accumulation of information. Some think wisdom can be learned from experiences. The bible tells us that wisdom is a by-product of the fear of the Lord. This may sound bizarre to those who have never heard of God, but most believers are taught that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge in Proverbs 1:7. When we seek him first and his righteousness, he will add all these things to us (Matthew 6:33)
Fear of the Lord means that we worship him and we won’t do anything to displease him. When we revere him, we will want to know what he wants for us. We will obey his commands so that things will go well with us. He also puts emphasis on the importance of humility in our lives because it results in respect and wisdom. When we respect him, we worship him.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to always honor and worship you.
REFLECTION
Why should fear of the Lord come first in everything 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 REJECT CORRECTION Poem Devotional
May 23________________________________________
If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. -Proverbs 15:32(NLT)
WHEN YOU REJECT CORRECTION
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you reject correction, you will harm yourself
But if you listen to discipline, you’ll grow in wisdom
Make sure that you don’t stay in bondage
Truth will definitely keep you in constant freedom.
When you allow the Holy Spirit to guide you
Your mind will be transformed and you will be “new”
Let the mind of God change the way you think
You will discern how to stay free and out of sin.
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Why do you think it is very easy for us to rebel or disobey? The source of this natural response has its roots from the first sin in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve were pretty much given everything they needed, without having to work for anything. They had a very comfortable life but when the serpent came to convince them that God was keeping them from the tree of knowledge of good evil so they won’t have the same powers as his, it all changed. Greed was introduced in their hearts and the desire to have equality with God became the source of all sins.
The bible says that God corrects all those he loves. We need to listen to his correction so that we will grow in understanding.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to always hear you out when you correct me.
REFLECTION
How can heeding to correction lead one to his or her own growth?
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
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM Poem Devotional
May 22________________________________________
If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.
-Proverbs 15:31 (NLT)
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM
A poem and essay by ILMA
When someone gives you constructive reproach
Listen to it so you can learn and find a new approach
Without someone wise to evaluate your life
You won’t make it far; you’ll struggle to navigate.
Listen to the rebuke of those who have wisdom
They live by truth that will lead you to freedom
Heed to wisdom and you’ll move forward in life
If you avoid it, you will definitely lose insight.
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I worked as a manager and actress onstage for over twenty-five years before I became a teacher. Criticism is the blood line of theatre. Without it, the director won’t be able to squeeze the best out of actors, designers and managers. Criticisms make actors have an overview of how they are actually going to attack their roles and make it believable and engage the audience. When I became a teacher, I needed to change the way I evaluate my students. I couldn’t use the harsh criticisms I was so used to in the theatre because I was dealing with very sensitive young minds who are all still in their formation years.
It is good to hear and listen to constructive criticisms but a demeaning or belittling remark is another thing. If you heed good and wise evaluation, you will be comfortable with the wise.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to be accepting of wise constructive criticisms from wise people.
REFLECTION
Why is it unwise to always react negatively to constructive criticisms?
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
LOOKING CHEERFUL Poem Devotional
May 21________________________________________
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.
-Proverbs 15:30(NLT)
LOOKING CHEERFUL
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you think about your Lord Jesus
You can’t help appreciate all that is precious
Looking cheerful will be the result of gratitude
Good news brings good health and a great attitude.
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart of others
It changes darkness and brings light to one another
When you know the Lord, you will manifest joy
When you love the Lord, you will live a life that’s full.
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One of the obvious signs of an authentic believer is “joy.” Although we walk through many different stages of our Christian walk, the worst thing to see is a grumpy Christian. When we whine and complain and live in regret, we are actually not giving a good example to others, especially to those who do not know the Lord. Some people walk their whole lives wondering what it would be like to live with all their wishes and dreams given to them. They do not even thank the Lord for all the blessings they have received and still expect things from God.
I lived seeing many of those cantankerous people who claim they know God, but cannot even see a smile on their faces. The Lord wants us to have a cheerful look because it brings joy to the heart.
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PRAYER
Lord, remind me to always give a smile generously no matter what I feel.
REFLECTION
How can a smile or cheerful countenance change someone’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
LOVED EVEN BEFORE THE WORLD BEGAN
May 20________________________________________
Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began.
– John 17:24(NLT)
LOVED EVEN BEFORE THE WORLD BEGAN
A poem and essay by ILMA
Jesus loves all those who faithfully stay with him
He promises to share his glory to all those repent of sin
Christ was loved by God even before the world began
Everything God made was all for His one and only Son.
To everyone who will believe in Christ, they will be saved
God is always faithful to his people he will keep them brave
He will ensure that they will all share the glory he gives Jesus
He considers each of his faithful believer as very precious.
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Do you have an idea how much you are loved by your heavenly Father? Just as he loved Jesus before the world began, he also loved each and every thing and person he created. When you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be able to have a glimpse of that unconditional love that he gives all those who love him. He gave his only Son so we could be saved from sin, why do we even doubt that he can forgive us of all our transgressions?
Though we are unworthy, God still gave his only Son to make sure we are saved.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to accept your unconditional love no matter how much I’ve sinned.
REFLECTION
How does God loved Jesus before the world began?
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
JUST LIKE CHRIST AND THE FATHER Poem Devotional
May 19________________________________________
I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one -as you are in me, Father and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
– John 17:21(NLT)
JUST LIKE CHRIST AND THE FATHER
A poem and essay by ILMA
Jesus prays for all believers to be unified
He doesn’t want anyone to diversify, but to be united
Like him and the Father, he likes us all to be in harmony
That is the best way we can stay in relationship and unity.
Just like Christ is never separated from the Father
He likes us to stay faithful to him and to one another
It will bring us victory whenever there is no division
Let us stay in love and passionate in our relations.
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One of the most fervent prayers that Jesus has for all believers is that we should stay united with the Father and him just as he is very intimate with God. Because of their intimacy, Christ never did anything to make him different from God. He follows everything his heavenly Father does. He says what he says, follows his will and would never do anything that would compromise his relationship with him. Are we like this to our Father or to Christ?
Harmony and unity is essential in any form of relationship or love dies and it doesn’t last long.
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PRAYER
Lord, keep me always intimate with you.
REFLECTION
What can separate us from 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
BELIEVE THE MESSAGE Poem Devotional
May 18________________________________________
I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message -John 17:20NLT)
BELIEVE THE MESSAGE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Go and believe the message from the Holy Spirit
It will surely help and you’ll benefit from it
All believers will pray for all who follow Christ
That is why God gave us each other in our lives.
Believe the truth that comes from the Good News
God gave his only Son to save us and make us new
Believe the message that comes only from his word
And you’ll have victory to overcome this crooked world.
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All believers are asked to preach the good news to everyone and bring the message that God loves them so much and gave us his only begotten Son so we can all be saved and have eternal life. But how many believers actually believe and appreciate this message? We are also asked to pray for all those who believe in the message. Do we actually do all these?
Some Christians do not even understand or appreciate the great love and sacrifice that the Lord Jesus Christ did for them. I didn’t either for many years because I was so wrapped up with my selfish desires. My prayers were all for my own benefit, but the Lord revealed to me and gave me the ability to spread the message and pray for other believers.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me the desire to always spread your message.
REFLECTION
Why is it important for us to pray for all those who believe God’s message?
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