Tag Archives: poetry

GRACE BUILDS YOU UP

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November 2
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And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself. – Acts 20:32(NLT)
GRACE BUILDS YOU UP
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you go through trials and feel discouraged
Focus on the grace of God so you will be encouraged
He will not allow you to be tested beyond your capacity
His grace is there to build you up in all your suffering and frailties.
When you cannot understand what you are going through
Grace gives you comfort by leading you to His truth
You need not understand why he unconditionally loves you
Just receive grace, thank the Lord and be renewed.
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The word “grace” used in the bible like forgiveness, repentance, regeneration, and salvation, mean something as broad as describing the whole of God’s activity toward man or as narrow as describing one segment of that activity. An accurate, common definition describes grace as the unmerited favor of God toward man. It was hard for me to comprehend “grace” before I became a born again Christian. I was raised in the concept of working for my salvation. I wouldn’t be saved if I didn’t do good works. It enslaved me to think that I wasn’t going to be saved because I wasn’t good enough. God’s unconditional love for me is manifested in his grace.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to see the grace I receive from you daily.
REFLECTION
What might block you from receiving 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

DANGERS OF THOUGHTLESSNESS Poem Devotional

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November 1
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Don’t act thoughtlessly but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
– Ephesians 5:17(NLT)
DANGERS OF THOUGHTLESSNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you listen to what God is saying?
Do you hear his voice as you are praying?
Don’t act thoughtlessly, heed his word
Keep your minds uncorrupted by this world.
When thoughtlessness becomes a habit
You will grieve the Holy Spirit
Think of what God wants you to do
Seek the Lord and you’ll know what is true.
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Have you ever met someone who is thoughtless? I have been in relationship with many thoughtless people in the past. It was a struggle to maintain sanity and intimacy with people who have an “I don’t care” attitude. No amount of explanation will make them understand the importance of relating with someone. When someone does things without thinking, they are bound to commit mistakes or hurt someone. Speaking out something thoughtlessly will most likely bring a tactless and insensitive statement or comment. When we are absorbed with our own selfish desires or wants, we are unable to hear God’s will for us. The bible tells us to consult the Lord in all things, big or small. We are also asked to love one another like he loves us. One of the dangers of thoughtlessness is that we miss out on what God is saying to us and fail to receive his promises and blessings. Thoughtlessness kills relationships. It isolates us from others.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me an ear to hear what you are saying.
REFLECTION
How can one become more thoughtful?
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

BLINDED BY INDIFFERENCE Poem Devotional

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October 31
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You say, “I am rich, I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing! And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.
– Revelation 3:17(NLT)
BLINDED BY INDIFFERENCE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you been walking independently from God?
Do you find time to worship and praise the Lord?
Are you thankful for everything you are given?
Do you focus on Jesus Christ, the Son who was risen?
Be humble and declare your needs to the Lord
Do not be blinded by indifference; seek God’s word
Bow down to the one who sacrificed his life for you
Rekindle your relationship with him so he can make you new.
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A lot of people think that the opposite of love is hate. The word of God tells us that indifference is the opposite of love. “Indifference” is defined as lack of interest, concern or sympathy. Some synonyms of indifference are: emotionlessness, unconcern, apathy, passivity, nonchalance. Indifference is a spirit that blinds us to care and love for God and others. When a person’s motto is “I don’t care” we are probably going to find someone who lives an indifferent life. In Revelations 3, the church in Laodicea is being reproved for their indifference. In verse 19, we are called to be diligent which is the antidote to indifference. When we press on to continue to love despite all odds and hardships, we gain courage to continue to pursue a relationship with God and with others.
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PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from apathy.
REFLECTION
How can we protect ourselves from indifference?
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

SPIRIT OF JEZEBEL Poem Devotional

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October 30
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You are permitting that woman-that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet to lead my servants astray. She teaches them to commit sexual sin and to eat food offered to idols.
– Revelation 2:20(NLT)
SPIRIT OF JEZEBEL
A poem and essay by ILMA
When the spirit of Jezebel is present
There is control, idolatry and sins of the flesh
Don’t allow this spirit to prevail in Christ’s body
It defiles God’s people who are living holy.
When you allow this spirit to thrive
It will destroy anything that has life
Rebuke in Jesus’ name this evil by exposing it
Scripture has power to cast it out and cleanse it.
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1 King 16:29-32 gives us an account of how King Ahab began to rule over Israel and reigned in Samaria for twenty-two years. He married Jezebel and began to bow down in worship of Baal. He built a temple and altar for Baal in Samaria. In Kings 18:4-5, we get a picture of what kind of woman Jezebel was. She tried to kill all of the Lord’s prophets but Obadiah hid 100 prophets in two caves. She had been behind all of the plots to kill God’s people by controlling her husband. She was determined to annihilate God’s people and propagate the pagan god Baal. This Jezebel spirit lurking in people’s mind and heart, churches and relationships need to be casted out in Jesus’ name and blood. Let us shine Jesus light on this spirit.
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PRAYER
Lord, deliver us from the Jezebel spirit and expose it when it manifests.
REFLECTION
Share any encounter you’ve had with the Jezebel 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

REWARD OF SUFFERING Poem Devotional

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October 29
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Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life. – Revelations 2:10(NLT)
REWARD OF SUFFERING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you cringe when you have difficulties?
Be warned when the enemy attack your frailties
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer
You always have the Spirit, who is your helper.
When you encounter tests and suffering
Be joyful for it help you to be constantly growing
Remain faithful to the Lord despite all of these anguish
You will enjoy the life eternal and you will be lavished.
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Many people in our society today do not know how to deal with suffering. We react at the onset of something that is uncomfortable or anything that will pose a challenge or threat to our status quo. We like to get our way and what we want instantly. This is why we don’t have the wisdom or strength to endure pain or suffering. The book of James tells us that we have to be joyful when we encounter suffering because our faith has a chance to grow and we gain strength and endurance which will make us perfect and needing nothing (James 1:2-4). Revelations tells us to focus on the crown of life when suffering.
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PRAYER
Thank you Lord for all the endurance you have granted me.
REFLECTION
How can we change our worldly perspective on suffering?
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

REFLECT THE GLORY OF THE LORD Poem Devotional

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October 28
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So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord who is Spirit makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. – 2 Corinthians 3:18(NLT)
REFLECT THE GLORY OF THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you a faithful follower of Jesus?
He wants you to know you are very precious
When he removes all of the veil that blinds you
You will be able to reflect a God who is glorious.
No human effort can make us imitate Christ
Only God’s Spirit can stir us and change our lives
The Lord wants us to become like him in all things
His Spirit knows and guides us how we can win over sins.
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What is the true mark of an authentic Christian? Is that person someone who goes to church on Sunday and yet treats his family member unkindly? Is it someone who is a stickler to the church rules and yet continually judge people with his measuring stick? In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus taught his followers that they are the salt and light of the earth. He says that if salt has lost its flavor, it is useless. He also tells us that no one lights a lamp and hides it. Paul tells us that believers must reflect the glory of the Lord by being salt and light of the earth.
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PRAYER
Lord, cleanse my heart so I can always reflect your glory to the world.
REFLECTION
What hinders you from shining and reflecting God’s radiance?
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

FREEDOM IN CHRIST

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October 27
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For the Lord is Spirit, so wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
-2 Corinthians 3:17(NLT)
FREEDOM IN CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you a slave of something?
You can always be delivered from sin
Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ
It will transform your very life.
For the Lord Jesus is Spirit
Believe in him and you’ll be free
There are no bondages he can’t break
Have faith in Christ, for goodness’ sake.
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Freedom is defined as the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. This is the worldly meaning to freedom. Sadly, many people abuse this state of being unrestrained by stepping over other people’s own freedom. We cannot claim that we are free if we do not respect other people’s boundaries.
The bible defines freedom in John 8:34 when he tells that true freedom comes from a life that is holy. In John 8:34, Jesus said that everyone who sins is a slave of sin. In verse 36, is the antidote to bondage; if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.
Galatians 5:1 tells us that Christ is the bondage breaker. He has truly set us free. He warns us to ensure that we stay free and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. If we believe in Christ, we will be free.
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PRAYER
Thank you Lord for breaking the bondages as soon as we believed in you.
REFLECTION
What areas of your life still needs to be set free?
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

TREACHEROUS ACTS Poem Devotional

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October 26
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Wealth is treacherous, and the arrogant are never at rest. -Habakkuk 2:5(NLT)
TREACHEROUS ACTS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you seeking to gain more wealth?
Do you find yourself loosing rest?
Obsessing on wealth is dangerous
It is tricky and can be treacherous.
When you are constantly busy and restless
The devil may be leading you towards blindness
Behind that compulsion to be busy is arrogance
Watch that you don’t give in to the tricks of Satan.
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John 10:10 clearly says that the enemy’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy us while the Lord gives us an abundant life. There are many tricks the enemy throws at us. The sad thing is that we don’t even see them. He does it subtly and hides it cleverly like an undercover agent, making sure that he penetrates into the weaknesses of their subjects.
The book of Habakkuk was written by a prophet who was concerned about social justice. He asks the question “If God exists, why do the wicked so often prosper? Habakkuk preached before Babylon’s fall in 586 B.C. God answers Habakkuk in this book, asserting him that he will judge all people and righteousness will ultimately prevail.
In this verse, we are warned against the treacherousness of wealth and that restlessness can be a form of arrogance. Isn’t it so true that when we obsess about possession, we are relentless at getting it?
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PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from the love of money and arrogance.
REFLECTION
How can busy-ness be a manifestation of arrogance?
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

WISDOM IS TO BE SHARED

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October 25
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Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. – Colossians 3:16(NLT)
WISDOM IS TO BE SHARED
A poem and essay by ILMA
Has the Lord given you counsel?
Why then do you falter?
When you have received wisdom
Teach it so you’ll experience freedom.
Godly knowledge is to be shared
You can’t hoard; it has to be heard
He commissioned each one to spread it
It is not yours to keep says God’s Spirit.
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When I started my art career, most artists never shared their painting techniques. They kept it to themselves in the fear that someone would copy their style. Even chefs and restaurants owners made sure that no recipes are publicly known or they may go out of business. Most people kept their secrets to ensure that no one can benefit from something that you originally thought of. Thirty years later, google and social media was invented. There was an information explosion. Almost everybody shared even the most intimate information about themselves on Facebook, hoping that they can draw attention to their profile. People started to share how they actually do something and the more you share it, the more viral it became. Then you become popular.
The bible talks about how God’s counsel are far more important than getting advice and direction from the world. If God counsels you, he expects you to pass it to others so he can be glorified. ________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, give me a big heart to never hoard the wisdom you give me.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God wants us to share the counsel that he gives ?
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

FOUNTAIN OF KNOWLEDGE

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October 24
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For the Lord grants wisdom. From his mouth comes knowledge and understanding
– Proverbs 2:6(NLT)
FOUNTAIN OF KNOWLEDGE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you want to understand things in life?
Are there struggles resulting from losing insight
Run to the Lord who is the fountain of knowledge
When he reveals his wisdom, it is a privilege.
From the Lord’s mouth comes understanding
When you consult him, you will keep on winning
He is the source of all truth and wisdom
In him alone will you experience freedom.
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I’ve lived many decades of my life thinking that knowledge comes from different books and experts on certain fields of studies. I read many books for many years and yet I wasn’t peaceful and joyful. I made many foolish choices which led to struggles and sufferings. It wasn’t until I got revelation from the Lord that I was getting knowledge from the world and not from him. That was the reason why I failed despite the work I put into making my goals met. It was based on the world’s imperfect knowledge. The Lord’s Spirit led me to start reading and studying his word. Then he gave me discernment to understand the meaning of his truth and how I had to apply it in my life. It’s sad to see many believers who don’t have God’s wisdom because they never ask him or seek his truth. They don’t acknowledge that he is the fountain of knowledge.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me always consult you in every little or big thing.
REFLECTION
What is the difference between worldly and godly 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