Tag Archives: poetry

TEACH YOURSELF! poem devotional

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May 8
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You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth. Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? – Romans 2:20-21(NLT)
TEACH YOURSELF!
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you think you can instruct the ignorant about the truth?
Only you have the choice to take God’s word and let it take root
Who are you to insist on others to follow the law and be legalistic?
Your actions reveal either your humility or tendencies to be egoistic.
Why teach others what you cannot follow or put into action?
Doesn’t that breed lies, confusion and lots of distortions?
Teach yourself to be true and obedient to God’s word
It is the only way you can set an example to this fallen world.
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I had many wrong notions about teaching when I began as a teacher. I thought that teachers were supposed to command and tell them what to do. What I realized later on in my teaching career was that it was I who became the student because they were teaching me something about myself and were motivating me to become a more excellent person. I learned to teach by example, not by words and instructions alone. We are asked to live by God’s truth and not pound it on others through words and the law.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to set an example to be like you.
REFLECTION
How do you teach yourself something you are struggling with?
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

HEAVEN REJOICES

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May 7
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In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are right and haven’t strayed away.
-Luke 15:7(NLT)
HEAVEN REJOICES
A poem and essay by ILMA
When a sinner repents and returns to the Father
Heaven rejoices because each person matters
God rejoices when one sinner returns to him
It is all He longs for; He wants us free from sin.
There is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner repenting
Than over ninety-nine others who are right and not straying
Remember that you are very precious to your Lord and Savior
He sent his own Son so you can be free and an overcomer.
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If you are a parent, you will understand how God feels when one his children repents and comes back to him. When my son was around two years old and he disobeyed something I asked him not to do, I taught him to apologize right away and not let it stay long inside him. He eventually got the habit of apologizing quickly but sometimes I felt it was just an automatic act he does out of fear of the consequences rather than out of love.
The bible says that heaven rejoices over one lost repentant sinner than over ninety-nine who have never gone astray. He longs for us to love him back the way he loves us.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to listen to your voice when I go astray.
REFLECTION
Why does God values so much those who are repentant?
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

HOW TO WIPE YOUR SINS AWAY Poem Devotional

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May 6
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Repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.
-Acts 3:19(NLT)
HOW TO WIPE YOUR SINS AWAY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you have sins lurking in your heart?
Confess and repent so you can have a new start
You need not live in guilt and condemnation
He sent Jesus so we can hear his convictions.
Allow yourself to be moved by his word
Listen to the Spirit so you can conquer the world
Turn to God and never let sin rule your life
Your sins will be wiped away if you stay in his light.
________________________________________In the Hebrew of the Old Covenant two words are used in the concept of repentance, they are: NAHUM – to lament, to grieve (describing the emotions that are aroused when motivated to take a different course of action and SHUB – expresses a radical change of mind toward sin and implies a conscious moral separation from sin and a decision to forsake it and agree with God. There are three Hebrew words that are translated “Sin” in the Old Testament: iniquity, perversity, depravity and guilt. So, when we sin, we can choose to just grieve or take action and give up the sin.
The bible commands us to repent of our sins and turn to God so that our sins may be wiped away. Without God’s grace, there can be no repentance.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to have a genuine repentance when I disobey you.
REFLECTION
What was the result when you gave up sin that you have been keeping for so long?

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

COMMAND TO REPENT Poem Devotional

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May 4
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God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone to repent of their sins and turn to him. – Acts 17:30(NLT)
COMMAND TO REPENT
A poem and essay by ILMA
The Lord forgives you seventy times seven
He is merciful but you need to aim for heaven
He can overlook some of your weaknesses
He wants you to repent of your trespasses.
He is a god who loves and cares for you
He wants your heart pure and mind renewed
Turn to him and give up all forms of evil
He will ensure that you’ll win over the devil.
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Human nature wants us to be independent and follow our own will. When we do this, we are compromising our relationship with the Lord. He created us so that we will completely depend on him for everything. Whenever we think we can accomplish things with our own independence, the enemy brings on more temptations to strive and use your own effort to draw you farther away from the Lord.
The bible talks about how God has overlooked people’s ignorance about idolatry and other sins, but now, he has commanded everyone to repent of their sins and turn to him. Why did God give us this command? In order to be able to fulfill all that he planned for us. He wants us to be close to him because independence blocks spiritual intimacy.
PRAYER
Lord, draw me close to you always.
REFLECTION
How often do you confess your sins and repent? Do you recognize sin at early onset?
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.co

HELP US LORD! Poem Devotional

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I have heard all about you Lord. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. -Habakkuk 3:1(NLT)
HELP US LORD!
A poem and essay by ILMA
When I am sad, lonely and feeling beaten
Will you help me Lord, so I can be strengthened?
In times of my deepest need for comfort and reassurance
Will you be there to grant me mercy and patience?
You have delivered me many times from many afflictions
Will you listed to my cries for help in all my tribulations?
I am filled with awe by your amazing works and power
Will you lift up my spirit, so I can let the enemy cower?
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Many people fear the word “pray.” They have no idea that when they acknowledge God in their weaknesses and trials and use the word “help me!”, they are actually intimately praying. Praying is an act of humility that acknowledges the presence of God and that you need him. How often do you say “Help me, Lord?” If you have never asked help from anyone or from God, you are in serious trouble.
The bible says that we only need to say the magic words, “Help me, Lord.” He wants us to acknowledge our need for his forgiveness, blessings, grace and mercy. When was the last time you asked God for help?
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to ask help from you always.
REFLECTION
Why do you think it is hard for some people to ask help 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

GOD’S SPECIAL TREASURE Poem Devotional

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May 2
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They will be my people, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. – Malachi 4:1(NLT)
GOD’S SPECIAL TREASURE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you realize how important you are to Christ?
He cherishes every detail in your life
He wants to protect and ensure your salvation
He pleads you to listen to his word and be in relation.
God considers you as his child, his treasure
He wants you to obey and bring him pleasure
Like any other parent, he spares those who are obedient
Seek his will and follow it and he will show you his radiance.
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When you join a club or an organization, one thing that people will want is the guarantee that they will grow or gain something out of being part of it. This is why we become members of a group. When I joined a cycling club back in the Philippines, I did so in order to improve my cycling skills and challenge myself to beat my own record and be better at it. I was the only woman cyclist in a fifty-member club. I felt special knowing that I can be protected and gain skills from this club.
The bible says that we are God’s special treasure and that he promises protection to those who obey him.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for making me part of your family.
REFLECTION
Do you treasure yourself as God treasures 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

AWARENESS OF GOD’S GLORY Poem Devotional

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May 1
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For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord. – Habakkuk 2:14(NLT)
AWARENESS OF GOD’S GLORY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you look at the skies and get reminded of your creator?
Has someone blessed you today and made you feel better?
Did you experience a breakthrough that was unexpected?
Was a prayer answered that made you so joyful and excited?
Have you wondered how the sea was filled with water?
Did you have an awareness of God’s magnificence and power?
For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will see God’s glory
Bask amidst God’s creation and you will experience true beauty.
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So many people are living like zombies. They wake up, do their routines, rush to work, go back home, eat, sleep. They have no time to even look at the wonderful creation of God. They don’t stop to look and enjoy what God has given them in nature. They miss out the drama that the clouds bring against the sky in a stormy day. They hardly even see the sun dropping down at the horizon and show off it’s colorful reflections in the sky. They hardly go out of their boxed life to see God’s glory through their surroundings. The bible says that we will be filled with awareness of God’s glory as the waters fill the sea.
PRAYER
Lord, let me remember to look at all your wonderful creation.
REFLECTION
Why do people miss out the good stuff 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

SINCE BIRTH Poem Devotional

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April 30
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I was thrust into your arms at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born. – Psalm 22:10(NLT)
SINCE BIRTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
You claimed me as your child from the day I was born
You walked me through life and now I am grown
You have been my one true God since birth
You allowed me to experience both pain and mirth.
Each time I try to do things on my own, I get in trouble
You are always there to pull me out of the rubble
Thank you for claiming me to be your beloved daughter
I am grateful that you who live inside of me is greater.
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One of my favorite verses is Psalm 139:13 which says “For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb and also Jeremiah 1:15 says “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” What an amazing God he is that he already planned our lives even before we were born. He claims us as his children. It was these two verses that actually busted all the enemy’s lies about my true identity in Christ.
The bible tells us that God has claimed us as his own from the time we were born. He destined us to be his children.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for claiming me as your child.
REFLECTION
Do people see you as God’s true child?
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 FEELING ABANDONED Poem Devotional

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April 29
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My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? -Psalm 22:1(NLT)
WHEN FEELING ABANDONED
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you feel that God is far away
Don’t despair, instead, go to him and pray
God knows exactly what you are experiencing
Do not allow the enemy to control your feelings.
When you feel alone and forsaken
Remember all those who are broken
He died for all the oppressed and rejected
So do not allow yourself to feel dejected.
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I used to always feel lonely and sad when I get triggered with memories of being neglected or abandoned. It is not a very pleasant feeling. The enemy twisted my perspective about being forsaken. He made me believe so many lies about my true identity in Christ. He whispered words to me such as “I don’t deserve to be loved.” It drove me to a point of desperation for about two decades of my life, but I thank God that he has delivered me from this bondage and set me free. I don’t feel despair anymore but he replaced my discouragement with courage and boldness to use all my traumatic experiences to share the gospel.
The psalmist in this verse actually felt abandoned. Our feelings are not always necessarily true. God never leaves us. He only allows us to experience pain so we can grow and be strong.
PRAYER
Lord, give me courage whenever I feel dejected.
REFLECTION
How can you overcome feelings of abandonment?
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 GOD WHO CARRIES US poem devotional

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April 28
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Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude.
-Psalm 68:19(NLT)
THE GOD WHO CARRIES US
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever we experience pain or suffering
God carries us through so we can go on living
Each day he brings us strength to overcome our trials
He wants us to praise him and join his Spirit’s revival.
Proclaim God’s greatness and shout out his glory
He will always be faithful to bring you out of misery
He provides for all that we face and lead us to victory
Like a parent, he will carry us through all adversities.
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Have you noticed how little children want to be carried? Most babies and toddlers crave for closeness with family, especially their mother (the one who brought them into this world). I remember my son was almost always in his baby carrier right in my chest. I was a single mom and couldn’t afford babysitters, so I brought him everywhere: the stores, market and even the school where I taught. He always felt secure if he knew I was beside him.
God wants us to rely on him just as a child would rely on their parents. He wants us to know that he will always be there for us no matter what. He carries us through all circumstances whether we acknowledge it or not. He never forsakes us.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for carrying me through all odds.
REFLECTION
When did God walked you through a difficult circumstance? Did you give thanks and praise?
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