April 27
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Three things will last forever; faith, hope and love-and the greatest of these is love. Let love be your highest goal. -Corinthians 13:13-14:1 (NLT)
LET LOVE RULE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you are not able to get your way, let love rule
When things are unclear and hazy, let love rule
When someone abuses or neglect you, let love rule
When you lose someone and feel sad, let love rule
Whenever you see injustice and oppression, let love rule
When someone offends you and brings you down, let love rule
When someone you love is difficult and disrespectful, let love rule
When you are ostracized or marginalized, let love rule.
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Love is the most used and abused word in the English language. People use it to mean a strong liking to something or someone. In weddings, the famous Corinthians 13 chapter is widely used. Why do you think God puts so much emphasis on love than anything else? The bible says that God is love in 1 John 4:8. Genesis mentions that man is made in God’s image. Therefore, we could surmise that we are also made of love. When we do not do things out of love, we defy what our true character is. Whenever we don’t love, we suffer and experience pain. That is why God commanded us to love him first, then others as we love ourselves.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to operate in love.
REFLECTION
When should we exercise love?
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
BE INTO OTHERS Poem Devotional
April 25
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Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too. -Philippians 2:3-4(NLT)
BE INTO OTHERS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you overwhelmed with all your own interests?
Do you pay attention to others’ concern and happiness?
Don’t be selfish and try to boast only about your prowess
Take interest in others and don’t think only of your own progress.
Take time to know other people’s well being and diversions
Go also out of your way to know and discover their tribulations
Don’t look out only for yourself and your own family
Reach out to those who are in your church and your community.
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Do you take time out to know someone? The reason why I left the religious sect I use to attend was because I can’t find anyone in this church to really take interest in others. Each time I find an opportunity to connect and get close to them outside of the Sunday service, they wouldn’t even accept the invitation to fellowship or get to know others. They were all just too concerned with church activities.
The bible tells us to go out of our way to take interest in others. We need not be all concerned with church activities, but we need to personally reach out to others.
PRAYER
Teach me to reach out to others and not just focus on myself.
REFLECTION
Why does God want us to be concerned with others?
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
A GOD OF EMPATHY Poem Devotional
April 24
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Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. -Hebrews 2:18 (NLT)
A GOD OF EMPATHY
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you undergo trials and suffering in life
He is always there to ease your burden and bring light
Since he himself has undergone suffering and testing
He is able to understand what challenges you are facing.
He hears your cries and empathizes with our situations
He knows what is in your heart during tribulations
God is a god who sees everything in this world
Believe that he is there with you, just read his word.
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Have you ever been misunderstood? One of the tricks of Satan in my life is to create misunderstandings in my relationships. He has stolen so much of my peace and joy because of the spirit of confusion and offense. God is a god of order. He never brings chaos or disorganization in our lives. It is the enemy that lays down tactics so we will be lost and confused or offended. Be encouraged because we have a god who empathizes with us since he has gone through the same pain and suffering we are undergoing. In fact, I think that Jesus’ suffering will be unparalleled in this lifetime. Just reflect how much wounds and beatings his body underwent. He empathizes with your pains and sorrows. Run to him.
PRAYER
Lord, let me always run to you when I am in trouble.
REFLECTION
What is your deepest pain that God has consoled you 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
CROSS TO THE OTHER SIDE Poem Devotional
April 23
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Let us cross to the other side of the lake. – Mark 4:35 (NLT)
CROSS TO THE OTHER SIDE
A poem and essay by ILMA
What trials and sorrows have you gone through?
Did it result in your search for God and his truth?
Jesus can bring you to a better place than where you are
Just cross to the other side with him, it’s not that far.
He will walk you through the changes and challenges
Trust and obey him, you are loved and are precious
Hold his hands as you face the new life he has given you
Let him lead you a changed heart and mind that is renewed.
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Methathesiophoia is the fear of change or changing things. The origin of the word comes from Greek ‘meta’ meaning change and ‘phobos’ meaning fear. This specific phobia can reduce one’s will to live. Metathesiophobes often feel they have no control over their lives due to constant changes. She or he tends to live in the past and exhibit depression. Their phobia debilitates them to move to progress or to change anything from routine. The fear of change is natural to humans. Man has liked routine. Our internal predispositions such as heredity and genetics teach us to resist change mainly to ‘always feel in control’. Let go of control and let Christ lead you to a full life as he had planned for you.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for leading me to embrace your plans for me.
REFLECTION
How can we learn to let go of fear and step into God’s future for us?
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
LOVING WITHOUT SEEING Poem Devotional
April 22
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You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious; inexpressible joy. -1 Peter 1:8(NLT)
LOVING WITHOUT SEEING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you always have to see someone you love?
Have you ever seen the one true God?
Without seeing him, you still love him
Your faith is to believe which goes beyond seeing.
Though you do not see him now, you still trust him
Though you can’t see changes, you still believe
Christ brings victory, rejoice with a life full of joy
For the enemy’s tactics cannot rule or destroy.
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When I was in high school, I had a secret crush on someone from my school. I didn’t feel worthy to be even noticed by this boy who was popular and was sought after by a lot of girls. I would secretly say things to him as I walk in the corridors of the school and a lot of times, when I do this, he would just be right in front of me. I just poured out my love (which was more infatuation) for him and allowed it to grow inside me. One day, out of the blue, he approached and asked my name.
The bible says that we can continue to love God even if we don’t see him because we are so deeply connected to him inside our hearts.
PRAYER
Lord, let me trust you even when I don’t see.
REFLECTION
What happens when you continue to trust even when you don’t see results?
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
PROTECTION FROM JUDGMENT Poem Devotional
April 21
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God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. There is no judgement against anyone who believes in him. -John 3:17-18 (NLT)
PROTECTION FROM JUDGEMENT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you ever been judged by people around you?
Is what they are accusing you valid and true?
Do not be condemned by what others think or say
There’s no condemnation for those who follow his way.
God sent his son into the world to save but not to judge
Believers are protected from judgment and all kinds of grudge
Continue to grow your faith and believe in Jesus Christ
You will be guaranteed a shield of protection in this life.
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Because of our fallen nature as humans, it is easy for us to judge others. We are quick to find fault when we see someone unable to live up to our standards or expectations. But the bible says that we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God. We are all sinners and before we can point our fingers on someone, we should first take the log of our own eye (Matthew 7:5).
The bible says that God sent his Son into the world not to judge it but save it through him. There is no judgement against anyone who believes in him. God convicts us of sin but never condemns us.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for convicting me when I am wrong, so I don’t stray.
REFLECTION
Why is the act of judging something we should just leave to God alone?
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
HELMET AND SWORD OF GOD Poem Devotional
April 20
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Put on salvation as your helmet and take the sword of the spirit which is the word of God.
-Ephesians 6:17(NLT)
HELMET AND SWORD OF GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you prepared to face the spiritual war that you get into daily?
We battle with principalities and authorities unseen almost repeatedly
Put on salvation as your helmet and God’s word as your sword
When you do, you can defeat the devil who rules this world.
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will stand firm against the devil
He wants to steal, kill and destroy and tempt you to do evil
Remember the cross of Christ that brought you salvation
Speak out the word of God so you can overcome all temptations.
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Are you aware that even in your sleep, the enemy tries to steal, kill and destroy you? Many people have no clue what we are battling with every day. Can you imagine being a soldier and coming to war without any ammunitions? That soldier who is not trained and ready for battle will surely lose his life because he has no defense strategy.
The apostle Paul clearly gives us a strategy how to win over the enemy in chapter 6. He exposes the enemy’s tactics and gives us a guideline how to win the battle. He wants us to put on God’s armor so we will win the war.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to use your word to defeat the enemy in his tricks.
REFLECTION
How can God’s word help us win the spiritual battle we so often go through?
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
TRUE MINISTERS OF GOD Poem Devotional
April 19
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We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God.
-2Corinthians 6:3-4(NLT)
TRUE MINISTERS OF GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you ensuring that your heart is free of bitterness?
Have you repented your sins and asked forgiveness?
As true ministers of God, we need to live blameless lives
Believers need to set examples and shine as Christ’s light.
It is not words but actions that speak that you are true ministers
In everything we do, we are reflecting our Redeemer
Live in such a way that no one will stumble because of you
Or you will be responsible for all the persons you confuse.
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There are believers who do not pay attention to what they do and in turn cause some baby Christians to doubt or get confused with their new found faith. I have first hand experiences of believers who have been Christians a very long time, but have actually not been good examples to others. When we are reckless and careless about what we do or say, we are bringing in darkness instead of light.
Paul stressed that we ought to live in such a way that we will not cause others to stumble and not find fault in our ministry through our actions.
PRAYER
Lord, remind me what you would in a situation do before I act or speak.
REFLECTION
Share an experience when you have been discouraged by someone’s reckless behavior.
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
BLAMELESS LIVING Poem Devotional
April 17
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Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. -Psalm 15:1-2(NLT)
BLAMELESS LIVING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you an authentic believer of Christ?
Do you live a blameless life free of strife?
Do you choose to do the right thing?
Are you able to repent and confess your sins?
Speak the truth in love and be encouraging
Stop proving, testing, envying or mocking
Think only what is pure, honorable and true
It will protect you from evil and all kinds of rue.
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There is a big misconception about being holy or living a blameless life. They mistake it for religiousness or external piety. Amos 5:21 says “I hate all your show and pretense, the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies.” Even God himself hated religion. He did not die on the cross for us to have a religion but a relationship. As Christians, we are urged and summoned to live blameless lives. In James 1:27 it says that pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
The bible tells us that only those who live blameless lives, doing what is right and speaking the truth with sincere hearts will enter his kingdom.
PRAYER
Lord, convict me when I don’t live a blameless life.
REFLECTION
Why are we commanded to live holy lives? What does it do to us and to others?
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.
WALK WITH THE WISE Poem Devotional
April 16
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Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.
-Proverbs 13:20(NLT)
WALK WITH THE WISE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Who do you spend time with these days?
Are they reflecting Jesus in many ways?
Walk with the wise and you will become wise
If you associate with fools, you will hear many lies.
The Lord wants you to follow him always
If you associate with fools, you will learn their ways
Those who are wise usually bear fruits in their lives
Fools on the other hand end up in stagnation and dies.
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I’ve spent many years of my life associating and even living with fools. During the time I was living in or friends with foolish people, I lived a very unproductive and chaotic life. It is very stressful and tiring to live with fools. They drain you of your energy and drag you into their pessimism and passivity. The enemy has used these unwise persons in my life to keep me from realizing dreams and goals I have set for myself. Just recently, God convicted me of my boundary issues. I didn’t know what they were since I grew up in a family were most of my boundaries were violated. I thank God that he delivered me from such bondage to dwelling in the past and walking with fools. When I learned to set boundaries, I know better to set myself apart from fools.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for warning me about the way of the fools.
REFLECTION
Why is boundary setting important in relationships?
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







