Tag Archives: spoken word

MERCY EACH MORNING Poem Devotional

Posted on by

eugenia falls and chasing clouds 579

February 25________________________________________
Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. -Lamentations 3:23(NLT)
MERCY EACH MORNING
A poem and essay by ILMA
To those who love the Lord with all their heart
They will have mercy each morning; what a start!
God’s love is unconditional and unfailing
Be faithful in return so you won’t keep falling.
Is there anyone else who could forgive you each time?
He waits for you to return when you commit a crime
Great is his faithful, his mercies begin afresh each day
Seek him constantly; he is faithful to those who obey.
________________________________________
There were many years that I tortured myself with guilt when I did something wrong. I sometimes punished myself for my sins. It was a life full of remorse and condemnation. I never felt that I was good enough for anyone especially for God. I always critiqued myself harshly. I get so down and hopeless at times when I know I broke a rule or a law of the church. I did not realize that these attitude and thinking were the result of the legalism I grew up into. Corporal punishment was the way adults disciplined children. So much rules, but very little love and affection.
The bible tells us that God is faithful and he forgives and gives us grace and mercy each morning. We need not compare God with our parents and other caregivers. He is a merciful God.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness and mercy.
REFLECTION
What are the ways that you can manifest mercy 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.com

LIVE FOR TODAY Poem Devotional

Posted on by

canadablooms 118

February 24

Don’t long for the good old days. This is not wise. -Ecclesiastes 7:10(NLT)

LIVE FOR TODAY

A poem and essay by ILMA

Don’t yearn for the good old days

They are long gone, just think of today

When you look in the past and pine for it

It will hinder your growth and block God’s spirit.

When you focus so much on tomorrow

It may bind you to worries and sorrows

Live for today and continue to pray

God’s perspective will easily be on the way.

Our world is beset by so much seeking for control. We want to have control over our health, our children, our spouse, our jobs, our time, our finances, and many more. The enemy has lured us all into doing things and being independent, which sometimes can go way over. It can dangerously lead us to isolation and self-reliance.  I had my share of this pursuit to take control of many things until God saved me from this detrimental obsession to take charge and fix things.  I participated in this futile act of “control” by worrying too much, planning unrealistically and overanalyzing things and situations. Anxiety over the future led me to have all kinds of illnesses. I didn’t realize that the stress was taking a big effect on my body and mind. Planning unrealistic dreams set up me up for frustrations. Now, God taught me how to live for today and rely on him.

PRAYER

Lord, help me to live one day at a time.

REFLECTION

How can focusing on the present allow you to stay healthy?

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

SORROW REFINES US Poem Devotional

Posted on by

pinery camping 2014 and others 552

February 23________________________________________
Sorrow is better than laughter for sadness has a refining influence on us.
-Ecclesiastes 7:3(NLT)
SORROW REFINES US
A poem and essay by ILMA
When we go through trials and challenges
We can stay broken or embrace changes
Let grief bring us closer to Christ
It can refine us and transform our lives.
Losing something or someone can bring pain
Looking up to Jesus will turn that agony into gain
Allow the Holy Spirit to comfort and console you
If you learn to live with sorrow, you’ll be renewed.
________________________________________
There are many people who do not deal with grief or loss in a godly manner. Some people stay stuck in blaming, anger or wallowing in pity. I got stuck in anger for many years simply because I didn’t acknowledge the loses I went through. I fixed myself and covered up the anger with performance and achievements. I was deceived by the enemy into thinking that I can patch up all my pain with worldly pursuits. So it took over five decades of running around in circles of anger which later turned into rage. It wasn’t explosive outward fury. It was a very subtle slow form of wrath that imprisoned my spirit. Because I didn’t acknowledge the many loses I had, it opened the door for more sins. The bible tells us that sorrow is better than laughter for it refines us and brings us on our knees to God.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, help me to have a positive attitude towards sorrow.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you grieved over someone or something? Did it make you strong?
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

YOUR DESTINY Poem Devotional

Posted on by

burks falls 2014,barrie,erin, stanley hoop 100

February 21________________________________________
Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there’s no use arguing with God about your destiny. – Ecclesiastes 6:10(NLT)
YOUR DESTINY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you aware of what your destiny is?
God decided how you will live in bliss
He knew already what each person would be
He gave you gifts to spread his word and bring
There is no point in arguing what you are made for
He created you in his image so you can explore
Our heavenly Father has a plan to bring all in his kingdom
Live in his love, peace, blessings and enjoy your freedom.
________________________________________
I lived many years arguing with God what my destiny was. I didn’t even realize then that I was living out of his will because I didn’t know what he wanted me to be. No one has told me about God’s truth in his word, so I coasted along for so many years conforming to this world’s standards. I didn’t acknowledge and praise God for whatever gifts I had because I thought that I was entitled to such gifts after all the pains and traumas I have been through. It was many decades later that I found out that I had been resisting the plans God had for me by following worldly ways. There’s no use contesting what has already been planned for your life.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, help me to live according to your plans.
REFLECTION
What was the result when you argued with God about your destiny?
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 WATCHES AND RESCUE Poem Devotional

Posted on by

barrie visit 2011 295

February 20________________________________________
But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine. – Psalm 33:18-19(NLT)
GOD WATCHES AND RESCUES
A poem and essay by ILMA
What is troubling you today?
Don’t you believe what the word says?
Those who rely on his unfailing love
They will be guarded from up above.
He sends his army of angel to recue you
Believe his word for it is right and true
God watches and rescues all those who fear him
Are you one of those who want to be redeemed?
________________________________________
Trust is an integral factor in relationships. Without it, there is no way that the relationship can thrive. In a parent-child relationship, the children, especially before they turn to adolescents have no choice but to trust and believe what their parents say. Parents are entrusted their offspring and expects parents to love and care for them. When parents are not living up to the responsibilities that are entrusted to them by God, they are not faithful to God’s plan for them.
God loves children so much that no one can enter his kingdom unless they are like little children. He watches and protects them from any danger and ensures they are nourished and nurtured. He is the same way to all those who believe in him. He is faithfully watching and rescuing them.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being such a good father to all your children.
REFLECTION
Why is faith very important in your 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

GOD KNOWS EACH PERSON’S HEART Poem Devotional

Posted on by

canadablooms 153 (2)

February 19________________________________________
From his throne he observes all who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do. – Psalm 33:14-15(NLT)
GOD KNOWS EACH PERSON’S HEART
A poem and essay by ILMA
Who can ever know what is in a man’s heart?
Who knows you through and through from the very start?
God made every living creature and each human being
He patterned them in his image so there is no hiding.
God knows each person’s heart from the very core
He can understand how it works even before it is formed
There is no point in running away from your heavenly father
He knows everything; after all, he is your maker.
________________________________________
Before I was a born again Christian, I had this habit of guessing people’s intentions and thinking. I think I learned this ungodly behavior from my work as a stage manager and an actor. When we make a character sketch of the role we are playing, we presume and assume certain traits of the person based on what they are saying and doing in the manuscript. I didn’t realize that this habit intersected my real life. I began guessing what people think and judge their actions.
1 Samuel 16:7 says that God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. Only God knows each person’s heart for he made us all.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, help me never to try to interpret people’s hearts.
REFLECTION
Why is it dangerous to assume or presume other people’s intentions?
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 PLAN IS UNSHAKEABLE

Posted on by

wasaga 3rd anniv picnic & beatrice 3rd visit 124

February 17________________________________________
But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.
Psalm 33:11(NLT)
GOD’S PLAN IS UNSHAKEABLE
A poem and essay by ILMA
There is only one plan that will be good for you
It is the Lord’s and only his that will get you through
Our creator is the one who knows what is best for you
Why do you continue to live out of his will or argue?
God’s plan is unshakeable and will stand firm endlessly
It is the best path to take so you can live victoriously
Why would you settle for a life that he didn’t plan?
He wants you to be triumphant that’s why he sent his Son.
________________________________________
I was a stage manager in the theater for over twenty years, it was very hard to give up control. As a stage manager, one has to foresee things that may happen that wasn’t planned. Stage managers must be able to think ahead and see many alternative solutions to possible problems even before they become problems. He or she must be decisive and multi-tasked and see things on a very objective perspective. Overseeing things and micromanaging is also imperative if you are in this profession. As a result of long years of working in this profession, I had trouble following God’s will for me because I always relied on my own judgment and decision making skills. The bible tells us that only God’s plan is foolproof and can never be shaken.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, make me obedient to your plans.
REFLECTION
What happens if you go against God’s will and plans for 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

LET EVERYONE PRAISE THE LORD Poem Devotional

Posted on by

barrie visit 2011 412

February 16________________________________________
Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him. For when he spoke, the world began. -Psalm 33:8-9(NLT)
LET EVERYONE PRAISE THE LORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
How much blessings and grace have you received?
Do you thank the Lord and continue to believe?
Let the whole world fear and revere a mighty God
Let everyone glorify the Lord and give him laud
For when he breathed and spoke, the world began
When man disobeyed and sinned, he gave his only Son
What have you done to bring him honor and glory?
If you walk in love and seek him, you will have victory.
________________________________________
Do you know anyone who just spoke and created something? When we plan something, it first enters our minds and then we speak about it and finally do something to have it realized or come true. There is power in speaking. What we speak is actually what is in our hearts. If we constantly say words of encouragement, we will reap good things. If we make a habit of saying negative things or complaining, we will reap bitterness and more suffering.
The bible tells us to revere and glorify the Lord. It is only right to do so because he created us all from nothing. He opened his mouth and said a word, and we became flesh. He didn’t use anything else to create the world and man.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, I praise and give you glory for all that you are.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to revere 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

WHATEVER IS JUST AND GOOD Poem devotional

Posted on by

winter 2013 landscapes 001

February 14________________________________________
He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.
Psalm 33:5(NLT)
WHATEVER IS JUST AND GOOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whatever is just and good is loved by the Lord
He doesn’t want evil and cruelty in this world
He designed us for righteousness and not evil
He doesn’t want us to be controlled by the devil.
Think only of what is pure and good and honorable
Then you will be godly and totally admirable
The Lord’s love is unconditional and unfailing
Do whatever is just and good so you won’t be sinning.
________________________________________
Do you ever wonder why people choose to do evil rather than do good? The apostle Paul talks about human nature. We usually desire good but end up doing the opposite. Why are we not victorious over our nature to be bent on satisfying our flesh? It took me many years to understand it because I was raised to believe that I make my own destiny and build my own dreams and career. I was foolish to think that I can do anything in my own strength. I believed that I can change myself, people around me and the world. What a dreamer!!!
The bible tells us that the Lord loves whatever is just and good and his unfailing love fills the earth. Do we allow his love to rule our lives?
________________________________________
PRAYER
Lord, help me to do only what pleases you.
REFLECTION
Why is it important do focus on God’s unfailing love for 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

TRUST IN THE WORD Poem Devotional

Posted on by

canadablooms 153 (2)February 13________________________________________
For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does.
-Psalm 33:4(NLT)
TRUST IN THE WORD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you need wisdom, run to the Word
It will guide you to navigate this corrupt world
When you need help and guidance
It gives you practical options and assistance.
Trust in the Word, for it holds true
We can be safe; it will deliver us from rue
The word is the sword that can beat all evil
Use it at all times to expose the lies of the devil.
________________________________________
It is a pity that a lot of Christians do not know the benefits of knowing and meditating on God’s word. I wasn’t aware of its benefit for many decades because I wasn’t surrounded by believers while I was growing up. There are many people who do not regard the bible as the main source of life. Without God’s word, we will all be living in the dark.
There are many advantages in knowing, meditating and memorizing Scriptures. It says in 2 Timothy 3:16 that all Scriptures is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. In Matthew 4, Christ used God’s word to answer the devil’s tempting. Trust in the word.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Please give me a hunger for your word, Lord.
REFLECTION
Describe a time when God’s word popped out of the pages and pierced your heart.
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