Tag Archives: poetry

GIVING CREDIT TO GOD Poem Devotional

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June 16
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It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
-Philippians 2:13 (NIV)
GIVING CREDIT TO GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you able to achieve the things you dream about?
Do you give credit to God by opening your mouth?
Speak to others what he has done in your life
It will give him glory and will bring you light.
It is God who works in you to will and act accordingly
Without him, you won’t be able to do things righteously
He is the only reason why you have life and blessings
He alone must be given praise for his goodness and mercy.
________________________________________I volunteered to help in curating an exhibit for an art contest where I live in. Because I had many years of curating experiences, I thought that I could do the town a favor by helping. They only had one day of set up for about 100 paintings in a very small room at the town library. I came in early to help and saved them about an estimate of four hours work because they needed to open the show that same day. To my surprise, when acknowledgements were mentioned, the two people I helped took credit for my work.
The bible tells us that it is God who gave us the will to act according to his good purpose. Without it, we can’t do good.
PRAYER
Lord, please let me always give you praise for what you do for me.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to give God the credit in everything?
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

THOSE WHO ARE QUICKLY PROVOKED

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June 15
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Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
-Ecclesiastes 7:9(NIV)
THOSE WHO ARE QUICKLY PROVOKED
A poem and essay by ILMA
When there is a spirit of offense
There is temptation to use defense
Those who are quickly provoked
Their spirits have been hurt and broke.
For anger resides in the lap of fools
Their fury or rage can make them cruel
Watch out when you are reactive and explosive
A hardened heart can make you be very impulsive.
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One of the generational sins that I inherited from my family of origin is the spirit of offense. Most of the people who raised me had anger issues. Some of them are explosive but others are implosive. I learned at a very young age to guard what I do or say because it might get me in trouble and be deprived of love and attention. I literally walked on eggshells because I don’t even know why they get to be so easily angered even when I just ask simple questions. It was inevitable that I learned their ways because I was too young to process and understand why they behave in such impulsive and reactive ways. I learned it the hard way when I became a high school teacher. Some of my students got my implosions and on some occasions my explosions as well. The bible tells us not to be easily angered.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for my spirit of offense.
REFLECTION
When have you regretted an explosion, irritability or implosion?
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

ENTRY TO THE NARROW DOOR

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June 12
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Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom for many will try to enter but will fail. -Luke 13:24(NLT)
ENTRY TO THE NARROW DOOR
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you always choose the easy way to do things?
Do you avoid inconveniences at all cost to achieve?
Watch out, for the gate to hell is wide and open
But narrow is the door that leads to God’s kingdom.
You must work hard to enter this challenging gate
Many will try but will fail because they lose faith
Persist and never give up for it will welcome you
God will be waiting patiently till you get through.
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In this day and age of convenience, most individuals want a piece of comfort. If anyone will be given an opportunity to take the short cut and the easy way, they would. In the past, I would always take that choice, to do the easiest way at doing something. The path to God’s kingdom is not always an easy road to take. In fact, the bible says that it is a narrow door that leads to God’s kingdom and not all people who take the road are able to get through. Why do you think God makes it harder for people to get into his kingdom? That’s because our world is not God’s kingdom. He has different prerequisite to enter it.
PRAYER
Lord, never let me choose the easy way, but have patience to see what you are teaching me.
REFLECTION
Why do you think people choose the wider door rather than the narrow door to heaven?
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

Little things can grow big Poem Devotional

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June 11
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It is like the yeast, a woman used in making bread, even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough. -Luke 13:21(NLT)
LITTLE THINGS CAN GROW BIG
A poem and essay by ILMA
Just like a baby can grow into a big man or woman
Small tiny steps toward faith can save humans
Making one decision to move towards Christ
Will go a long way to improve your life.
Like a yeast that makes the dough grow
We can make a difference to change tomorrow
Little things done consistently according to God’s will
It will reap a big harvest of fruit and make us healed.
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When my son was born, I was a single parent who had no idea how I will be able to survive raising a family on my own. I used to worry a lot about what’s going to happen, it made me sick literally because I wanted to take care of my future very much and it robbed me of joy and peace. The bible says tomorrow will take care of itself in Matthew 6:34. Little steps we make is likened to a dough used for making bread. Only a little yeast is needed and it goes a long way to permeate every part of the dough, which makes the bread grow in size. We can do little things which will eventually grow.
PRAYER
Lord, don’t let me underestimate the importance of little steps of faith.
REFLECTION
When did you make little steps that led to a breakthrough 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

THOSE WHO EXPERIENCE INJUSTICE Poem Devotional

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June 10
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God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
Matthew 5:6(NLT)
THOSE WHO EXPERIENCE INJUSTICE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you experiencing unfair treatment now?
Don’t lose hope, put a smile on instead of a frown
For those who experience injustice will be satisfied
They will be lifted up in God’s eyes and be dignified.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice
They will be taken cared of and eventually have peace
Remember that Christ came for those who are oppressed
God never forsakes you; He is there and you are not helpless.
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How many of those who are mistreated unjustly can readily say that they will continue to be hopeful? Man’s limited mind cannot understand why God allows injustice in this world. Our little brain cannot think and see God’s perspective because we usually focus on our carnal desires rather than seeing it from the viewpoint of God. Oftentimes, when we analyze, we fail to see the bigger picture so we get focused on our selfish selves, our pain, our hurt, then we join the pity party.
God has a big promise to those who are treated unjustly. He said that those who hunger and thirst for justice will be satisfied. His promise goes beyond circumstances. It is over and above whatever emotions are overwhelming us. God’s faithfulness surpasses all human understanding and delivers us from any evil.
PRAYER
Lord, help me resist revenge when I am oppressed.
REFLECTION
Why should we look forward to God’s promise of satisfaction?

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

DON’T TEST THE LORD YOUR GOD Poem Devotional

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June 8
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Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.”
-Matthew 4:7(NLT)
DON’T TEST THE LORD YOUR GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you rebel against authority and force your demands
You are actually testing and questioning the Lord and his commands
When you are selfish, arrogant and think you know everything
You are challenging the Lord for a fight over something.
Don’t test the Lord your God for he knows what’s best for you
His thoughts are not your thoughts because he knows the truth
Whenever you don’t believe in his goodness and his character
You are asking for a fight that you will surely end up as the loser.
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The book of Matthew chapter 4 narrates the temptation of Jesus by the devil during his forty days of fasting. The devil used all kinds of tricks to entice Jesus to prove that he is the Son of God. The devil tempted Jesus to turn stone to bread, then to give Jesus the glory of his worldly kingdom if Jesus will worship him, then ask Jesus to jump off the cliff so he can be saved by God’s angels from falling. All of Jesus’ response started with “The Scriptures say” and in the end he says “Don’t test the Lord your God.”
We can test the Lord by unbelief, asking him to prove himself, slandering his character and grieving his spirit.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me when I allow the enemy to use me to test you.
REFLECTION
When have you ever tested the Lord your 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

PRESS ON TO KNOW THE LORD Poem Devotional

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June 7
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In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence. Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring. -Hosea 6:2-3(NLT)
PRESS ON TO KNOW THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you press on to know the Lord and his ways
You will be restored and live in his presence always
He will respond to you as surely as the arrival of dawn
He will answer and rescue you so you won’t wait long.
If you press on to study God’s character and truth
He will build a strong foundation that will take deep roots
If you constantly seek him, you will become more like him
You will know the truth, be set free and be redeemed.
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“Press on” is defined as: to continue to be determined despite setbacks, to apply direct pressure to something. There are elements that are present in “pressing on.” It involves pressure and moving forward or going against the pressure. We can’t press on, if there is no pressure or resistance involved.
The bible tells us that we need to press on knowing the Lord. It is by seeking Him that we win over the pressures of this world. It is by pushing forward to him that we are restored.
PRAYER
Lord, help me press on to you.
REFLECTION
Why do we need to continue to seek and study the Lord and his word?
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

THE PERFECT HUSBAND Poem Devotional

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June 6
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I will make you my wife forever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion. I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as the Lord. – Hosea 3:19-20(NLT)
THE PERFECT HUSBAND
A poem and essay by ILMA
The Lord promised to believers that we are his wife
He is faithful and committed to you your whole life
Don’t forget that he will be there to strengthen you
No matter what, he will be with you to get you through.
You need not worry about his frailty for he is perfect
He knows you inside and out and is always there to help
He longs for more intimacy with you each and every day
Will you allow him to lead you and show you the way?
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Haven’t we been let down by our partners in one way or another? One of the reasons why we feel this way is because there are times when we expect something from them without even verbalizing it and then we end up setting them up for trouble. We have unrealistic expectations that no one can fulfill and then we get upset after watching them unable to live up to it. The Lord is the only perfect husband we can have. He knows everything and understand our expectations, motives or intentions and our feelings. Acknowledge the perfect husband in Jesus and he will complete you.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being my husband faithfully.
REFLECTION
When have you felt the clear manifestation of God as your husband?
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