Tag Archives: poetry

MANIFESTING YOUR LOVE Poem Devotional

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August 16
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But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. -1 John 2:5(NLT)
MANIFESTING YOUR LOVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you love someone, do you illustrate through actions?
Showing without saying is better than just verbalizations
Those who obey God’s word truly manifest their love
It is the highest display of your faithfulness to him up above.
How can one claim they love someone without proof?
It only negates what they vowed to be truth
When we follow God’s word and live it
We are ensured of a life that’s full of the Spirit.
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When you love someone, what are the ways you show this person that you truly care for him or her? In parental love, parents do their best to understand and know how their child thinks, responds or behaves. Each child is different so if they have the same expectations for all their kids uniformly, they are in for trouble. What makes parents inclined to like one of their children is based on how their son or daughter obey what they command them to do. Just like parents, God treats us the same. We can show our love for God through obedience. Jesus obeyed God’s will despite the pain and suffering he was going to suffer. That is why God placed him on is right hand. He was obedient.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to obey all your commands
REFLECTION
Why do you think God gives so much emphasis on obedience?
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

AVOIDING UNPRODUCTIVITY Poem Devotional

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August 15
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Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others then they will not be unproductive. – Titus 3:14(NLT)
AVOIDING UNPRODUCTIVITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you having difficulty in accomplishing things?
Do you find time fly by as you do something?
Believers must learn to do good and avoid unproductivity
How often do you reach out to help somebody?
God expects us to meet others’ urgent needs
Do you go out of your way to do a good deed?
Bless others by giving them a helping hand
It is one way to show obedience to God’s command.
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How often do you get robbed of time by the enemy? Sometimes, we even have no awareness about this. We work at performing at our jobs, relationships and other goals. We toil from day till night but never pay attention to others around us who are in pain or in so much need. We take for granted opportunities that could have been giving us spiritual fruits to harvest. We get so wrapped up in our small tiny world and pay no attention to someone just nearby who needs all they help they can get.
The bible tells us that one of the reasons why we become unproductive is because we are doing works of the flesh instead of works of the Spirit. If we meet the urgent needs of others, we will produce more spiritual fruits.
PRAYER
Lord, show me always when there is an opportunity to meet others’ needs.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God commands us to care for those in need?
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

AVOIDING YOUR SINFUL NATURE Poem Devotional

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August 14
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So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. -Galatians 5:16(NLT)
AVOIDING YOUR SINFUL NATURE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Human nature wants to satisfy the flesh
This is why we tend to end up in a mess
Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives
This way, you won’t be suffering in life.
When the Spirit leads, he shows you wisdom
He tells you what to do so you can live in freedom
By living in the Spirit, you avoid your sinful nature
By allowing God to move, you become spiritually mature.
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There were many years of my life that I was living according to my desires. I just did what would give my body and mind pleasure. This was how I grew up. I was told to work at meeting my own needs. I worked at getting things and making dreams come true. I never relied on anyone, not even on God. It made my life very difficult and full of struggles. I lived to perform and to prove to everyone that I had worth and that I was entitled to get paid for all the work I put on my goals and ambitions. It was a joyless life.
The bible says that if we are believers, we must allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. We can’t do God’s work, only his Spirit can.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to hear your Spirit inside me always.
REFLECTION
What do you do so the Spirit of God will constantly be alive inside 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

CONSULTATION: AN ACT OF LOVE

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August 13
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But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced. – Philemon 14(NLT)
CONSULTATION: AN ACT OF LOVE
poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you consult with someone you love
You are actually showing reverence for God
By asking others, we make them feel validated
When you are overlooked, you may feel violated.
Consultation can bring much unity and harmony
It shows your love for others and can bring victory
Whenever you ask Gods’ opinion on certain matters
You gain wisdom in life and circumstances get handled.
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“Consult” is defined as to go to someone for advice; to ask for the professional opinion of someone; or to talk about something with someone in order to make a decision. When I was a Speech Teacher, many of my colleagues consulted me with syllabi and programs to enhance effective communication as teachers. It felt good to be validated but it also benefitted the school’s academic vision. I was a bookworm and would oftentimes borrow over 300 books in our library for the year. They were different subjects I read, not just those topics I taught. I always consulted experts so I can learn about things and grow.
The bible tells us how important consulting someone is in a relationship. It shows that you respect their views. It manifests humility and respect.
PRAYER
Help us to consult other believers before we make choices and decisions.
REFLECTION
Why is asking for consent vital in a relationship?

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

ANSWERING FOR YOUR BROTHER Poem Devotional

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August 12
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If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me.
Philemon 18(NLT)
ANSWERING FOR YOUR BROTHER
A poem and essay by ILMA
If one of your brothers or sister has been wronged?
Do you stand up for them to make them strong?
Answering for the children of God pleases him
It shows accountability and brings much blessings.
If you forgive anyone who has done your wrong
It reveals how much you have spiritually grown
Answering for your brother shows love for the Lord
Caring for others’ welfare gives Jesus Christ laud.
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Have you ever done something good for someone who is a fellow believer? The apostle Paul writes to Philemon who was a believer in the church at Colosse. Philemon owned a slave named Onesimus, who became a great help to Paul while he was in prison. He wrote to him so that he could forgive Onesimus for fleeing from him. Paul gives us a clear example how to take responsibility and care for another believer. He did Onesimus a favor because he knows that he is one with him in believing the Lord.
It is very different when you do another Christian a favor compared to doing one for an unbeliever. When you do it for believers, you are actually glorifying God’s because you are doing it to follow God’s word of stewardship. If you do it to unbelievers, it may lead them to Christ.
PRAYER
Thank you for have fellow believers who care for us.
REFLECTION
Why is stewardship important amongst Christians?
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

ON ANGELS Poem Devotional

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August 11
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And God never said to any of the angels,” Sin the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.” Therefore, angels are only servants-spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.
– Hebrews1:13-14(NLT)
ON ANGELS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you believe that God created angels for a reason?
They were made to serve God’s plan for salvation
Like us, we are made to be servants for God’s kingdom
They were created so we can continue to live in freedom.
Angels don’t have the place of honor that God gave his Son
Only Jesus can free us from bondage and let the devil run
Don’t put angels on a pedestal as you would Jesus Christ
Their purpose is to protect and to help us win the fight.
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In the 80’s angels were a “craze” in my country of origin. I got into this fad myself. I collected angel statues and sculptures. I even prayed to them and taught my son to do so. There is a prayer for angels which goes like “Angel of God, my guardian dear. To whom his love commits me here. Ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.”
The bible says we should only pray to God the father, Jesus and to the Holy Spirit. Anything other than them is idolatry.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for angels who protect us.
REFLECTION
Why do you think we are cautioned not to put angels at par with 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

THINK ABOUT GOD Poem Devotional

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August 10
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What sorrow for those who get up early in the morning looking for a drink of alcohol and spend long evenings drinking wine to make themselves flaming drunk. They never think about the Lord or notice what he is doing. – Isaiah 5:11,12(NLT)
THINK ABOUT GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you get up each morning to satisfy yourself?
Do you think about God and ask for help?
What sorrow for those who obsess with pleasures;
And also for those who seek worldly treasures.
Think about God and notice what he is doing
Read his word daily so you can keep on obeying
It protects you from the enemy’s ploy and distractions
It brings you closer to Christ and enjoy his salvation.
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Isaiah 5 warns us of so many things that can defile us and that can make us unfruitful as children of God. In verse 11, the prophet Isaiah convicts people who live to drink. I think it is not bad to drink wine or alcohol once in a while but to seek it early in the morning and to get drunk till the wee hours of the night is bad. Being drunk distracts us from realities of life and keep our focus away from the Lord. It is the enemy’s tactic to get his foot on the door of our hearts so he can tempt us. Think of the Lord and know his word.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your conviction not to be drunk.
REFLECTION
Why do you think we are warned not to get obsessed with drinking?
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’S VINEYARD Poem Devotional

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August 9
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The nation of Israel is the vineyard of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. The people of Judah are his pleasant garden. He expected a crop of justice, but instead he found oppression. He expected to find righteousness, but instead he heard cries of violence.
– Isaiah 5:7(NLT)
GOD’S VINEYARD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord
They are considered part of God’s vineyard
They are expected to treat others fairly
Their hearts succumb to him faithfully.
God expects righteousness from his children
He wants them to store riches in heaven
Those who follow his commands and truth
They will have a strong foundation and bear fruits.
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What does it take to make wine? It all starts in the vineyard along working its way into the bottle. It is a lot of hard work, very physical undertaking. It is time consuming and you need a lot of patience. In the winter, you prune the vineyard and tend to the wine in the vats or barrels. In the Spring, you bottle and cleanup the vineyard from the winter by fixing the trellis system so it will be strong enough to carry the load of the fruit.
The bible tells us that we are God’s vineyard. He tends to us and ensure that we are all protected and nurtured so we can bear fruits of righteousness and justice.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for nurturing and protecting me.
REFLECTION
How has God cared for your spiritual growth? Are you considered the vine that produces sweet wine?
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

ON MOCKING GOD Poem Devotional

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August 8
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What sorrow for those who drag their sins behind them with ropes made of lies, who drag wickedness behind them like a cart. They even mock God and say, “Hurry up and do something! We want to see what you can do. -Isaiah 5:18-19 (NLT)
ON MOCKING GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you aware of the sins you commit?
Do you keep denying that they exist?
What sorrow for those who lie about their sins
They even mock God to see what he can do to win.
To those who do not repent and stay obedient
Your foundation will be uprooted, so why not repent
Never challenge the Lord for he is good and faithful
Our mind will never fully understand; he is truthful.
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There was a very dark times in my life when I mocked God. I was in my late twenties when the Spirit convicted me to leave my sinful life and turn to God. I was so arrogant and bargained that I will only go back to him, if he granted me the job I wanted so badly that time. I waited patiently but only to hear that the job wasn’t for me. I was so enraged and gave a big tantrum fit by breaking most of my furniture and mirrors in my small studio apartment. I mocked God. Later that week, God gave me a better job than what I wanted.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never question your plan for my life.
REFLECTION
Why is denial of sin something that God doesn’t want you to do?
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

WISE IN THEIR OWN EYES Poem Devotional

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August 7
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What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever.
-Isaiah 5:21(NLT)
WISE IN THEIR OWN EYES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you consider yourself wiser than others?
Do you put down others and think you know better?
What sorrow for those who think they are clever
They will have trouble if they consider themselves smarter.
The Lord wants us to love others as ourselves
He wants us to respect them and not focus on the “self”
Do not be haughty and think you are the best
Or you will be humbled and put into a test.
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There are many people who put so much pride in their knowledge and wisdom. They think that it came from them. They remove God in the equation. I used to be this way, until the Lord showed me that it was foolish do think that I was wiser or smarter than others. We are all made differently with different strengths and weaknesses. The Lord made us the way we are so we can complement others. Our weaknesses can be others’ strength and vice versa. When we compare ourselves with others, we question what God has created. He made us all equal in his eyes, who are we to question that. The bible says that those who think they are wise in their own eyes will have sorrow.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never be haughty but treat others as I would treat myself.
REFLECTION
What do you think is the result of arrogance or pride?
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