Tag Archives: spoken word

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT Poem Devotional

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October 6________________________________________
Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses. – 1 Timothy 6:12(NLT)
FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT
A poem and essay by ILMA
As you become a follower of Christ
You ought to pursue peace in your life
Fight the good fight for true faith
Don’t engage in conflicts that derails your fate.
Hold on tightly to the eternal life you are called for
Don’t’ walk blindly or live life in a stupor
Boldly declare your trust in your Lord and Savior
Live a full life that is passionate and full of fervor.
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We are called to pursue peace at all cost by the Lord Jesus Christ. Embracing peace does not mean that you won’t have an active stance at confronting evil or that you will just be quiet when you ought to be the light that shines for God. 1 Timothy 6:12 calls us to fight the good fight for true faith. It means that we need to be a true disciple of Jesus, following what he commissioned us to do: to preach the Good News and make disciples of all nations. It means that we shouldn’t compromise our integrity by following the world’s ways. We need to equip ourselves with the armor of God mentioned in Ephesians 6 so that we will be able to fight the good fight.
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PRAYER
Lord, help us to be able to fight evil and live in your will.
REFLECTION
How are Christians nowadays compromised when it comes to following Christ?
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

TEACH THE RICH Poem Devotional

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October 5________________________________________
Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. – 1 Timothy 6:17(NLT)
TEACH THE RICH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Teach the wealthy people not to idolize their riches
Since they are material, they can be stolen or disintegrate
Remind them to focus on the giver of their possessions
They are mere stewards of God’s wonderful creation.
God promised us all to provide our needs
No need to hoard and live with the spirit of greed
Trust only God who blesses us abundantly
Don’t focus on things especially on the love of money.
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I was quite surprised when I read this verse that instructs us to teach the rich not to trust their money which is so unreliable. I don’t have much friends who are wealthy but this poses questions in my mind how to approach a rich person and remind him or her that it shouldn’t be all about their possessions and money. I have yet to meet someone filthy rich and serving the Lord. I don’t think it goes together. The bible says that we can’t serve two masters. Either we serve God or we serve money. If we use it for our selfish motives, it is an idol. If we use it to serve God’s purpose, then we are good stewards.
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PRAYER
Lord, remind me never to love money.
REFLECTION
Why is it harder for the rich to focus on 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

LIGHT TO THE FARTHEST CORNERS Poem Devotional

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October 4________________________________________
I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth. – Acts 13:47(NLT)
LIGHT TO THE FARTHEST CORNERS
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you commit your life to Jesus Christ
You have been pulled out from darkness into his light
You are commanded to bring light to farthest corners
No matter how remote, you must reach out to others.
The Lord expects you to shine his light through your life
By spreading the Good News, you are exuding his light
Bring salvation to the ends of the earth, that’s his instruction
All is welcome; no one exempt to partake of his redemption.
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According to Smith’s bible dictionary, the Gentiles were all the people who were not Jews. They were alien from the worship, rites and privileges of Israel. The word was used contemptuously by them. In the New Testament, it is used as equivalent to Greek. The Gentiles were far less sharply differentiated from the Israelites in Old Testament than in New Testament times. They were simply non-Israelites, not from the stock of Abraham, but they were not hated or despised for that reason and were to be treated almost on a plane of equality, except certain tribes in Canaan.
The people of God were commanded to reach out to all Gentiles to bring salvation even to the farthest corners of the earth.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me bring the Good News of your salvation to all especially those who do not know you.
REFLECTION
Why does God ask his people to reach out without partiality?
¬¬¬¬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

OFFENSE MAY COME Poem Devotional

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October 3________________________________________
Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!” – Luke 17:1(NKJV)
OFFENSE MAY COME
A poem and essay by ILMA
In life, offenses are unavoidable
It may eventually happen; it’s inevitable
We can let offense consume us
Or we can forgive again and trust.
We are commanded to forgive without limits
When wronged, choose peace and let God’s Spirit in
To initiate offense is being rebellious and lawless
Choose to let it go instead of being bitter and ruthless.
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Many decades of my life was stolen by the enemy using offense to bring most of my relationships down. Because I wasn’t brought up in a Christian environment and forgiveness wasn’t role modelled to me, I was prone to be offended. The people around me showed anger and revenge when they were wronged. As a child, I imitated what I saw. I learned to react quickly when someone does me wrong. It went on for the next decades until the Lord revealed to me that I need not harbor negative reactions. Instead, I was commanded to forgive seventy times seven. In other words, unlimited.
The bible warns us to offend someone purposely because we will be answerable and pay for it if we do. Luke tells us that offense is inevitable and it will come in our lives one way or another.
________________________________________PRAYER
Lord, help me to forgive quickly and not hold on to offense.
REFLECTION
How can the spirit of offense hold people captive?
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 REVELLING OVER OTHER’S SUFFERING Poem Devotional

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October 2________________________________________
You should not have gloated over their destruction when they were suffering such calamity. -Obadiah 13(NLT)
ON REVELLING OVER OTHER’S SUFFERING
A poem and essay by ILMA
There are some people who gloat over other’s anguish
They compare and think they’re better off than others
We are warned not to revel at our neighbor’s misfortune
Pray for them so that they will focus on the important
Help them to focus on the Lord instead of their troubles
It will bring them to God’s light and out of the rubbles.
Comfort others who are going through difficulties
Revelling on others’ trials is listening to the enemy.
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I knew someone in the past who likes to compare herself with others. I didn’t understand how dangerous it was at that time, but now I know that it was really a sin to do this. The bible tells us that we are made in the image of God in Genesis and in John it says that God is love. If we are designed in his likeness and He is love, therefore, we are love. That is simple logic, but is also the truth. When we act in a way that is not loving, we are operating in the system of the world. The bible also says that the prince of this world is not Jesus, but Satan. The prophet Obadiah warned us of revelling over other’s suffering. It is not godly do so.
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PRAYER
Lord, forgive me if I unknowingly gloat over other’s mishaps.
REFLECTION
Why isn’t it a good practice to compare ourselves 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 SHIELD AROUND ME Poem Devotional

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October 1________________________________________
But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. – Psalm 3:3(NLT)
A SHIELD AROUND ME
A poem and essay by ILMA
When things get rough and I am compromised
The Lord protects me and puts a shield around me
My Lord is the one who holds my head high
He loves me deeply and wants to transform my life.
I will not fear anything for He is always beside me
If I continue to seek Him and his word, I will have peace
His truth is liberating; the word of God pierces
It exposes the enemy’s tactics and it defeats him.
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In this chaotic world, wouldn’t it be great to have a shield of protection wherever you go? Many of us are aware of physical dangers around us. We spend much money on installing alarm systems to ensure that we are safe. Many business establishments hire security guards to minimize the risks of danger and theft. Rich people and politicians hire body guards to safeguard their lives. Different nations have their own defense armies to protect their countries from being overtaken or conquered by another ruler.
How do you protect yourself from spiritual danger? The bible says in Ephesians 6 that we are not just made of physical bodies, but we all deal with unseen enemies around us. God is the only shield who will protect and make you victorious.
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PRAYER
Lord, keep me safe from my own dark side.
REFLECTION
How secure do you feel with the truth that God is always on your side?
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 DELAY AFFIRMATION Poem Devotional

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September 30________________________________________
It is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him. – 2 Corinthians 2:7-8 (NLT)
DON’T DELAY AFFIRMATION
A poem and essay by ILMA
When someone you love is hurting
Don’t delay affirmation giving
Or they may be overcome with discouragement
If it is within your power, give encouragement.
Forgive and comfort those who need it
You’ll be rewarded with the fruits of God’s Spirit
Take good care of those who are vulnerable
God’s love for them is so immeasurable.
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Many people delay giving love and affirmation. According to Dr. Gary Chapman’s best selling book on the five love languages, “words of affirmation” is one way that we can show our love for someone. According to Dr. Chapman, expressing affection through spoken affection, praise, or appreciation is what this love language means. Our world today would be a better place if people told each other how much they mean to one another. Many people are love starved for affirmation.
This love language is one of my poverty. I grew up not being told that I have value and that I have no worth. I wasn’t affirmed so I always doubted people’s intentions and got very discouraged and desperate when I was a teen. The bible tells us that we shouldn’t delay giving affirmation or others may be overcome with discouragement.
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PRAYER
Lord, help those who are poor in receiving affirmation.
REFLECTION
How can giving affirmation change someone’s 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

WRITING WHEN TROUBLED Poem Devotional

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September 29________________________________________
I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you.
– 2 Corinthians 2:4 (NLT)
WRITING WHEN TROUBLED
A poem and essay by ILMA
Some people find it comforting to write
It releases the anguish deep inside
Be careful not to dwell on misery
Let it out so you can have victory.
Writing when in trouble can bring relief
Confront gently in love and not in grief
Letting other people know you love and care
Frees you from bondage and the devil’s snare.
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As a very young girl, I learned to resort to writing in order to communicate with my father who was abroad most of the time. It also became a regular activity to write letters to Jesus. When I felt alone and empty and no one gave me attention or acknowledged my existence, I felt relieved each time I wrote letters of anguish and pain to my Lord and friend. I was not given the freedom to air out my feelings or thoughts at home. It was impolite to do so according to my caregivers. So, when I wrote down what I cannot actually say, I felt free and stronger to bear the troubles I was experiencing. The bible encourages us to gently confront in love those whom we are in relationship with.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me a gentle spirit to write and confront those whom I love.
REFLECTION
Why is being openly vulnerable to your loved ones encouraged in the bible?
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

BY YOUR OWN FAITH Poem Devotional

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September 28________________________________________
We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy, for it is by your own faith that you stand firm. – 2 Corinthians 1:24 (NLT)
BY YOUR OWN FAITH
A poem and essay by ILMA
By faith, one can have joy and peace
When you believe in Jesus, you will see
For it is by your own faith that you stand firm
Seek, trust and surrender only to Him.
Work with other believers so your faith can multiply
Seek the truth in love and make sure you follow and apply
By your faith, you can shine for the Lord Jesus Christ
It is by making God first that you transform your life.
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There are some lax Christians who don’t build up their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. They think that by declaring him as their Lord and Savior, they are already saved and need not do anything anymore. It is true that we live by God’s grace alone, but he also appreciates those who are faithful to obey and seek him and do what he commands. The book of James tells us that when we have trials, we have a chance to grow our faith because God gives us the strength to endure when we go through difficulties. He can always make miracles but he also wants us to grow our faith because it is by our own faith that we become strong and joyful.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to grow my faith in you.
REFLECTION
How can working together with other Christians help grow our faith?
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 ENABLES YOU Poem Devotional

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September 27________________________________________
It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us. – 2 Corinthians 1:21(NLT)
GOD ENABLES YOU
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you feel discouraged, down and weary
Remember that he always loves you unconditionally
God enables you to go through life’s obstacles
Believe in him and you will encounter miracles.
God has commissioned you to preach the good news
Through Christ he will anoint you; don’t refuse
He commands you to make disciples of all nations
He will equip you, so don’t give in to temptations.
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Vine’s Greek New testament defines “enable” which is “endunamoo” in Hebrew as “to render strong, power or inwardly strengthened suggesting strength in soul and purpose. In 1 Timothy 1:12, we hear that it is Christ who strengthens us. 2 Corinthians 9:8 tells us that God is able to make all grace abound to us that we will always have all sufficiency in everything and may have abundance for every good deed we do. In Luke 10:19, we have been given the authority to tread on serpents and scorpions and have power over the enemy and nothing will injure us.
The King James Version dictionary further expounds on its meaning. It means to furnish with competent knowledge or skill, and in general, with adequate means. God enables his people through Christ and has commissioned us to preach the Good News and make disciples of all nations.
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PRAYER
Thank you Lord for enabling me to do your commission.
REFLECTION
Why do some Christians fail to do the commission we were given?
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.STUD¬¬IO@gmail.com