ON THOUGHTS AND INTENTIONS Poem Devotional

Posted on September 5, 2017 by ilmaarts

September 5
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I am the one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person.
-Revelation 2:23(NLT)
ON THOUGHTS AND INTENTIONS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Can someone really know what you’re thinking?
The Lord can, he is all-powerful and all-knowing
No one knows you better than he does
Even your own self, you cannot trust.
Do not assume you know other people’s intentions
Or you will open up doors for more temptations
Leave the searching to the one true God
You won’t be able to do it; it is really hard.
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When I was a stage actress, I studied the character I am portraying to the minutest detail. I had to understand why I say things and act the way I do or I won’t give justice to my character. The whole production staff brainstorm the entire play. Production usually runs for three to four months of daily rehearsals. We have to study the character even on and off the production sessions. During the pre-prod, we discuss the totality of the story; it’s ups and downs. With the director’s expertise, we are led to look at the idiosyncrasies of the role we play and how he or she is part of the whole story. We cannot make up or add our own thoughts or we won’t give justice to the character as written by the playwright.
The bible says that only God can search our hearts and minds. He alone knows.
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PRAYER
Lord, forgive me when I try to search other people’s thoughts and intentions.
REFLECTION
How can we search our own thoughts and 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

WORK IS VANITY Poem Devotional

Posted on September 3, 2017 by ilmaarts

September 3
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Has not the Lord of Heaven’s Armies promised that the wealth of nations will turn to ashes? They work so hard but all in vain. – Habakkuk 2:13(NLT)
WORK IS VANITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you work to gain wealth
It isn’t beneficial for your spiritual health
It is working in vain when you do it for your gain
It is a form of idolatry instead of giving God praise.
To work for your own advantage isn’t really a treasure
It compromises your growth when you seek pleasure
To work so hard for self-seeking reason is vanity
To serve the Lord and others benefits humanity.
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Our world today focuses much on performance. Each person’s value is proven by how hard they work and how much wealth they have incurred. Here in North America, people marginalize those who don’t work or those who earn money. You become worthless in the world’s standard if you don’t contribute to the country’s wealth gains. When I moved to Canada, it was difficult to continue my teaching and art careers. I was looked down by others because I didn’t earn much income as I did back in the Philippines.
The bible says that the Lord looks down on those who pursue wealth for personal gains. He said that wealth of nations will turn to ashes and the work they put on such worldly pursuits are all vain.
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PRAYER
Lord, help me to focus on depending on you instead of proving my worth through work.
REFLECTION
Why do you think the bible says that work can be a form of vanity?
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

KNOWING GOD’S WILL Poem Devotional

Posted on September 2, 2017 by ilmaarts

September 1
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Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you which is good and pleasing and perfect.
-Romans 12:2(NLT)
KNOWING GOD’S WILL
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you any clue what God’s plan is for you?
If you are hungry for him, you will seek his truth
You need to constantly relate and bond with him
He will transform your ways and change how you think
Then you’ll learn to know God’s will which is pleasing
You will discern what is good and you’ll avoid sinning
His voice will be clear if you stay tuned to his word
Then you will heed his plans and overcome this world.
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Many people including some Christians have no clue what God’s will is for their lives. There were many years of my Christian life that I didn’t know his plans for me either. I was too busy living according to the world’s standards and ways that I missed out on hearing his voice. How can I hear it when I stuffed my mind with so many toxic things and was too focused on myself? How can I feel his presence when I didn¬¬¬’t even have time to be quiet and relax or focus on him? How will I know his plans when I never consulted him for anything? The bible says that if you allow him to transform your thinking, you will learn his will.
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PRAYER
Lord, teach me to consult you for everything.
REFLECTION
How can you let God transform your thinking?
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 THERE IS DIVISION Poem Devotional

Posted on August 31, 2017 by ilmaarts

August 31
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If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth and their own sins condemn them. -Titus 3:10-11(NLT)
WHEN THERE IS DIVISION
A poem and essay by ILMA
When there is division among the body of Christ
It needs to be addressed or it will lead to more fights
The person causing division have turned away from truth
Someone needs to warn them and get to its root.
When someone creates division amongst others
They are stirring up their sisters and brothers
Turn away from them when they continue to divide
Have nothing more to do with people who don’t abide.
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I have experienced a few sisters in Christ who creates division in our church. It is sad to watch that those who are the leaders are the ones who stir up troubles. No wonder we are not able to receive a revival in our church. It is a discouraging thing to watch especially when the act is so subtly done. The newly committed Christians will probably miss what’s going on, but to those who are spiritually mature, it won’t be unnoticed. I did gently confront them but they pretended it didn’t happen. As this verse say, have nothing more to do with them after you have warned them. These people have already stayed away from truth.
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PRAYER
Lord, stir the hearts of those who creates division especially in your church.
REFLECTION
Why should we gently confront people who divide?
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 TRUTH Poem Devotional

Posted on August 30, 2017 by ilmaarts

August 30
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Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. -Titus 2:8 (NLT)
TEACH THE TRUTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you teach the truth, you can’t be criticized
Some people may deny it which is unwise
The truth will always stand against evil
Those who don’t believe it, open doors to the devil.
Teach the truth in love and be bold about it
You need not apologize for the gift of the Spirit
Those who oppose the truth will not be protected
They will live in darkness and will always be enslaved
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In 2 Thessalonians 2:10 Paul associates truth with one’s salvation. He says that those who oppose and refuse to accept it will perish. They will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth (verse11). What a scary thing to happen if a believer decides not to seek the truth and believe and follow it. But what a lot of people do not accept is the fact that God gave us his truth so we can be set free. It is truth that protects us from further moving away from God. It is sad to hear other believers say that truth is relative or twist it so that it will fit their desires and whims. As Christians, we need to teach the truth and faithfully obey what it says.
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PRAYER
Lord, give me courage and boldness to declare your truth.
REFLECTION
What godly truths have set you free from bondage?
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

REFLECTING INTEGRITY Poem Devotional

Posted on August 29, 2017 by ilmaarts

August 29
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And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. -Titus 2:7(NLT)
REFLECTING INTEGRITY
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you committed your life to Christ
You ought to reflect his character in your life
You yourself must follow what he modeled
Take the word and apply it and you’ll find favor.
Let the truth prevail by living it faithfully
It will show your love and loyalty
Reflect a life full of integrity and humility
Then you will be a light to all of humanity.
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The definition of the word integrity that struck me most is “the state of being whole and undivided.” If you take the opposite of integrity, it would be dishonesty. If we look again at what integrity means, therefore we can say that a dishonest person is not whole and is divided. Isn’t this so true? We were made in God’s image and when we do dishonest things, it is not our default setting. Paul talks to Titus in this verse how integrity is fundamental in a Christian’s life. If we do not have it, we will be shattered to pieces. The enemy will have a feast on continually working on defeating us. This is why the bible always tells us to guard our hearts. We ought to follow the example of Jesus life of integrity.
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PRAYER
Lord, let me always embrace a life of honesty.
REFLECTION
What do you think causes a person to lose integrity?
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

DEAD TO SIN’S POWER Poem Devotional

Posted on August 29, 2017 by ilmaarts

August 28
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When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. – Romans 6:10-11(NLT)
DEAD TO SIN’S POWER
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you believed in Christ, your sins died
His blood will cover you and bring you to life
He broke the power of sin by his blood
That’s how much we are loved by God.
Now that Christ was resurrected and alive again
He literally opened for us the door of heaven
So consider yourselves dead to the power of sin
With Christ’s blood, he broke sin’s power so you can win.
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Many Christians take for granted the power of the blood of Jesus. No wonder they do so much to work at their salvation. Jesus Christ died only once, so we are all saved once and for all from the bondage of sin so we can live free lives. We need to believe and commit that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. When we dwell and ruminate on the consequence of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we will be able to enjoy our lives. We will be able to grasp the power we have through Jesus Christ and use this authority over sin. We must therefore believe that sin has no longer any power over us.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for sacrificing your life so we can be free.
REFLECTION
Why do some Christians still struggle with sin?
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

INCESSANT PRAYERS Poem Devotional

Posted on August 25, 2017 by ilmaarts

August 25
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She never left the temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. -Luke 2:37(NLT)
INCESSANT PRAYERS
A poem and essay by ILMA
A devoted life to Christ includes incessant prayers
It is a life full of worship to their beloved Maker
We are required to pray at all times and on every occasion
This is a guarantee that we will overcome all temptations.
When you lift up your heart to your Heavenly Father
You will experience all his glory and power
Fasting and prayers leads you to have breakthroughs
It strengthens your spirit and brings out the new you.
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Is it possible to pray incessantly? Many people will probably be uncertain if this is highly likely to happen. Another similar question is this: “Is it possible to have a faithful and devoted relation to someone?” I think the second question would likely be more feasible to happen. Would you agree? I’d like you to get out of the box of your mind and take the concept of prayer out of its stereotypical notion. I think it is possible to pray unceasingly. Just imagine staying faithfully devoted after taking your vows and following through all the days of your life to love and cherish your spouse. When you pray, you are relating to this beloved. When your thoughts are full of the Lord’s truth and choose a lifestyle of obedience to his will, it is just like never-ending prayers.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank you for giving us a chance to relate with you in prayer.
REFLECTION
How can praying be similar to relating?
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

AS GREAT AS THE HEIGHT OF THE HEAVEN Poem Devotional

Posted on August 22, 2017 by ilmaarts

August 22
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For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heaven’s above the earth. -Psalm 103:12(NLT)
AS GREAT AS THE HEIGHT OF THE HEAVEN
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you ever been loved so much unconditionally?
There is no greater than a love that lasts infinitely
Your heavenly Father values you as a prized possession
Are you able to reciprocate his great devotion?
God’s unfailing love to those who revere him
It is as great as the height of the heaven
He has proven his love through the sacrifice of Jesus
Why do you doubt that you are valued and precious?
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The word “doubt” is derived from Latin dubitare or dubius from which we get “dubious.”
Doubt is defined as unbelief, rejection, denial, agnosticism, faithlessness, reservation, skeptical, questioning, wavering, indeterminate. If we go back in Genesis, we will be reminded that the first sin was to instill doubt in Eve’s mind about the character of God. Genesis 3:1 tells us that the serpent asked this question to Eve to make her doubt God: “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” This question made Eve start getting dubious. She now couldn’t obey God without question. She started to waver in her loyalty. The bible tells us how much we are loved by God and that his love is as great as the heavens. So, why do we usually tend to doubt instead of believe?
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PRAYER
Lord, please free me from any form of unbelief.
REFLECTION
How can doubts corrupt one’s 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

GREATEST ADVOCATE

Posted on August 21, 2017 by ilmaarts

August 20
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But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. – 1 John 2:1(NLT)
GREATEST ADVOCATE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you been supported by someone all the way?
Does anyone ensure that you don’t go far and stray?
Is there someone passionate about your concerns?
Give up your worries for Jesus is your faithful friend.
When you sin, an advocate pleads for your case
He is passionate to fight for you each and every day
The greatest advocate who is so faithful, is Jesus Christ
He wants you to know that he is concerned for your life.
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When you have been exposed to much traumas, you will be able to comprehend the degree of helplessness that may be brought about by the painful experiences. One of the hardest thing to deal with when traumatized is the fact that many don’t feel the pain you are going through and have no compassion or understanding of the effect it has on your total being. This can be very discouraging. A support system is vital when we go through much suffering but it may be hard to find this kind of help.
The bible tells us that the greatest advocate is Jesus Christ. He totally understands what you are experiencing and he is there to plead for your case to God.
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PRAYER
Thank you for your support all the way in all my trials and tribulations.
REFLECTION
How can the presence of Jesus in your life change your perspective on suffering?
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

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