Tag Archives: spoken word

ON BEING LAZY Poem Devotional

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July 8
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Lazy people take food in their hand but don’t even lift it to their mouth.
-Proverbs 26:15(NLT)
ON BEING LAZY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever you choose not to do anything
You will most likely miss your blessings
Lazy people do not take time to work
They are used to being without effort.
Sluggishness brings poverty
Diligence makes a person wealthy
Those who are lazy thinks they’re entitled
They’ll drag you to their lives that are very limited.
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If you talk to a successful and wealthy person, you will probably hear their testimony that surely includes hard work and diligence. I saw a video of a motivational speaker that most successful people wake up early, exercise and dream big. They have a vision and focus on realizing these dreams. They didn’t get where they are now by being lazy. They exert effort to make their dreams come true. I was asked by someone lately how I am able to be so prolific in painting, photography and writing. I showed him my vision board. I told him that without a vision, you won’t know where you are going. The biggest part of my bounty in terms of gifts is because I make it part of my daily life. Practice makes perfect. Even during the days that I don’t feel like painting or writing, I still choose to do it, then it becomes second nature and effortless. Discipline is battling laziness.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for giving me choices to do what’s good for me.
REFLECTION
What do you think is the source of laziness?
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 YOU TRUST A FOOL

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July 7
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Trusting a fool to convey a message is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison.
– Proverbs 26:6 (NLT)
WHEN YOU TRUST A FOOL
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you trust a fool, you’ll be spun in their foolishness
They will do their best to keep you away from righteousness
When you trust a fool, you will not be away from trouble
It is compromising your life and getting into a big gamble.
When you trust a fool to pass on a message
It would be like jumping into a big wreckage
It is like drinking poison or cutting off your feet
You will continually experience instability and defeat.
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I lived with a fool for almost a decade. It was the most unproductive years of my life. I don’t blame everything on this man because, I too was a fool to even make that choice to relate with him intimately. It was an experience that led me to ruin. When I trusted this fool, I began to compromise my relationship with the Lord. I got involved with witchcraft because he was so much into it. Since he was way older than me, he was able to manipulate and corrupt my values. Because of the stronghold I had when I lived with him, I experienced spiritual death during those years I was linked to him. Trusting a fool brings you harm or death.
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PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from foolish people.
REFLECTION
Why do you think foolishness is harmful?
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 DEALING WITH FOOLS AND ARGUMENTS

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July 6
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Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are. Be sure to answer the foolish argument of fools or they will become wise in their own eyes.
-Proverbs 26:4- 5(NLT)
ON DEALING WITH FOOLS AND ARGUMENTS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Don’t answer senseless arguments of fools
It is one of the enemy’s tactics and tools
He wants you to engage in foolishness
It will surely derail you from righteousness.
Learn to confront fools with truth from God’s word
If you do, they won’t be able to drag you into this world
They’ll think highly of themselves if you don’t expose them
They will create more havoc if you don’t rebuke them.
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According to a commentary by Paul Koptak on the NIV application, these two contradictory verses are actually a form of parallelism where one idea builds upon another. Verse 4 warns against arguing with a fool on his own terms or we stoop to his level and become as foolish as he is. Verse 5, on the other hand, tells us that there are times when a fool has to be addressed so that his foolishness will not go unchallenged. This way, we are exposing his foolishness so he will see his folly. He may despise and reject the wisdom, but for truth’s sake and for those who are listening, we need to bring it out in the open. so they may see the difference between wisdom and folly and be instructed.
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PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from foolishness.
REFLECTION
How do you deal with fools?
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

HARM THAT RUMORS BRING Poem Devotional

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July 5
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Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart. -Proverbs 26:22(NLT)
HARM THAT RUMORS BRING
A poem and essay by ILMA
When someone spreads rumors about a person
It can sometimes go out of bounds and beyond reason
Rumors can tarnish someone else’s reputation
It generates toxic thoughts and brings more temptations.
Rumors are generally lies or exaggerated suppositions
It is wrong to air out your judgments or presumptions
It ruins the character and sinks deep into one’s heart
They are lies and without truth, it will never depart.
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When I was in the academe, there were a few of my colleagues who liked to spread rumors about me. They like to test the newcomers and they need to pass the test or they’ll be eaten up alive by those who are more tenured. I hated gossipers and my background in theater taught me how to confront people who spread lies about me or others. So, when I heard that one of the senior faculty member was creating a rumor why my son’s name wasn’t the same as my family name. I came straight to her one day and she was making small talk to me, fishing for more half-truths that she can weave a rumor on. So, on a very casual tone, I told her that my son has a different name from mine because I wasn’t married to his father. She was shocked but she stopped spreading more lies.
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PRAYER
Lord, protect us from those who like to tarnish our reputation.
REFLECTION
How can rumors be stopped?
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 STOPPING GOSSIPS Poem Devotional

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July 4
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Fire goes out without wood and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.
– Proverbs 26:20 (NLT)
ON STOPPING GOSSIPS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever we talk about others who are not around
It is easy speak on and on and and go out of bound
Just like fire goes without wood, we don’t need to chatter
Don’t discuss things that are ungodly or evil matters.
Speak only what is true, honorable, pure and encouraging
Do not share ungodly or toxic thoughts; they are damaging
Find time to pray for those who spread rumors and engage in babbles
The Lord will shut their mouths so they can’t bring more troubles.
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I grew up surrounded with extended family talking about those who are not around to hear it. I don’t think they realize the harm that they are causing when they criticize or make fun of those who are not there to defend themselves or concoct lies to kill the character of others. This sin is one of those that God freed me from when I became a born again Christian. It was a stronghold in our family. It is like a normal thing to talk and criticize someone who isn’t around. I used to wonder why the adults around me never get to tell the person themselves what they talk about to others. The bible says that when we stop gossips, quarrel stops. It fuels conflicts.
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PRAYER
Lord, please help me never to engage or listen to gossip.
REFLECTION
What are the dangers of gossip?
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

LET THE SPIRIT PERMEATE Poem Devotional

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July 3
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But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! -Galatians 5:22-23(NLT)
LET THE SPIRIT PERMEATE
A poem and essay by ILMA
If your heart’s garden is by the riverbank of God’s truth
Your trees will always be nourished and will have fruits
It will be watered by the blessings that he generously gives
There will be no drought; you will constantly receive.
Abide in the Lord and your heart will know goodness
He will grant you self-control, faithfulness and gentleness
When you feed on his word, it allows his Spirit to permeate
It builds strong roots so that no evil can infiltrate.
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What is the best proof of an authentic Christian? Some believers get stuck with religious rituals and external acts to show their love for Christ. The bible says that someone who allows the Spirit of God permeate in their heart, mind, body and soul will produce the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. In other words, if a Christian talks about these fruits but have no manifestation in their lives, they are only fooling themselves. A true believer will obey God’s command and revere God. They will honor their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and will never compromise or defile it. Our sins grieve and block the Spirit.
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PRAYER
Lord, remind me to never grieve your Spirit.
REFLECTION
What hinders the Spirit of God to live in 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

SEEK SO YOU WILL FIND Poem Devotional

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July 1
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The Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. – 2 Chronicles 15:2(NLT)
SEEK SO YOU WILL FIND
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you been looking for peace in your life?
Do you seek for wisdom and God’s light?
If you pursue God, he will stay with you
He will transform you and make you new.
Whenever you seek God, you will find him
He loves to show you how to always win
Look and hunger for him and his truth
Then you will enjoy all his Spirit’s fruits.
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The Hide-and-seek is a popular children’s game in which any number of players conceal themselves in the environment, to be found by one or more seekers. The game is played by one player chosen (designated as being “it”) closing their eyes and counting to a predetermined number while the other players hide. After reaching this number, the player who is “it” calls, “Ready or not, here I come!” and then attempts to locate all concealed players. In this game, the “it” will do his or her best to find them all. Isn’t this almost like what happens when we seek hard for the Lord? We get to find know where he is hiding. We get to learn about him and become closer and intimate with him. God promised that he will reveal himself to those who pursue him.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me a hunger to seek you always.
REFLECTION
How often do you pursue the Lord?
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

ARE YOU DEAF TO GOD’S WORD Poem Devotional

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June 30
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Haven’t you heard? Don’t you understand? Are you deaf to the words of God—the words he gave before the world began? Are you so ignorant? – Isaiah 40:21(NLT)
ARE YOU DEAF TO GOD’S WORD?
A poem and essay by ILMA
How long have you committed yourself to the Lord?
Have you given up the standards of this world?
Have you heard what he wants you to do for him?
Are you still deaf to God’s word and continue to sin?
The Lord has given you his word since it began
Have you been touched by the coming of his Son?
Jesus Christ modeled obedience and humility to all
Are you emulating him so you won’t easily fall?
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Studies have linked untreated hearing loss effects to: irritability, negativism and anger. fatigue, tension, stress and depression. avoidance or withdrawal from social situations. Isn’t this so true as well when we are deaf to the words of God? Don’t we get irritable, angry, pessimistic, tired, stressed and isolate ourselves? Our spiritual growth becomes hampered by the inability to feed and get nourished by the words that come from the mouth of God. What keeps us from hearing it or accepting it? Sin is one of the causes why we get deaf to hear what the word is teaching or telling us. Wickedness makes us turn our backs to God and disable us to hear his voice and discern his will.
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PRAYER
Lord, give us an ear that can actually hear your voice.
REFLECTION
What can hamper us hearing and discerning God’s 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

SHOUT! YOUR GOD IS COMING

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June 28
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Shout, and do not be afraid. Tell the towns of Judah, “Your God is coming!” Yes, the Sovereign LORD is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. – Isaiah 40:9-10(NLT)
SHOUT! YOUR GOD IS COMING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you expecting the biggest event in all history?
Shout and don’t be afraid to tell Christ’s story
Your God is coming, yes, he comes with power
Are you telling everyone to prepare for the hour
He will rule all over this world he has created
He will bring all the rewards to all his anointed
Are you screaming out loud to praise and honor him?
Preach the good news so all can overcome sin?
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When I became a born again Christian, I was very selective with the people who taught and preached the gospel. I thank God for social media and the internet. I know some people think that we can get all kinds of junk and false information online, but we can also hear the gospel being spread all over the world. What powerful vehicle to touch people’s hearts! I used to be biased with “preachy” sounding pastors or teachers. I realized that God anointed some to boldly and shout out the gospel and the coming of the Lord so many people will be saved before he comes back. Speaking out loud is powerful.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me boldness, never to be timid to declare the good news.
REFLECTION
Why do you think that shouting out loud is powerful?
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

IDOLS PEOPLE WORSHIP Poem Devotional

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June 27
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So I went in and saw the walls covered with engravings of all kinds of crawling animals and detestable creatures. I also saw the various idols worshiped by the people of Israel.
– Ezekiel 8:10(NLT)
IDOLS PEOPLE WORSHIP
A poem and essay by ILMA
People have turned their backs to God
Minds are twisted and hearts are hard
They worship all kinds of idols to replace Him
They disconnected to his love and lived in sin.
Wealth, people, money, even family are some idols
Living your life against his will is turning against the Lord
Religious acts and legalism bring hypocrisy at its height
Jesus died so we can have relationship, stop putting up a fight.
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Many decades of my life was wasted on idols. The Lord revealed to me these past six years the real reason why he transported me to Canada. I married a Canadian, so God used this decision (which I did out of loneliness) to pull me out of a country that was predominantly dominated by the spirit of idolatry and religion. It was amazing how I got freed from these strongholds that have kept me in bondage for many years. I kneeled on images in the past and not read any of his truth in the bible. I didn’t realize how cleverly Satan created idols in the form of my own child, spouse, career, knowledge, etc. I prioritized them instead of making God first in my life.
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PRAYER
Lord, forgive me each time I idolize and prioritize other things instead of you.
REFLECTION
How does God rank 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