Tag Archives: spoken word

STUBBORNNESS DESTROYS Poem Devotional

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October 16
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Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery. -Proverbs 29:1(NLT)
STUBBORNNESS DESTROYS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Is your life full of hardships and suffering?
Have you been obstinate in following?
Those who can’t take criticism
All they want to do is to argue and win
They will be destroyed beyond recovery
The devil will continually con them into slavery
The Lord detests defiance and rebelliousness
He considers it witchcraft when you are lawless.
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The life of Christ is full of obedience and humility. This is the reason why he was able to save humankind from our folly and sin. Christians are summoned to live a life like Jesus in order to thrive in this life. The world on the other hand offers us a very different way to live. The world focuses on material gain, power and winning by disobedience and disrespect.
I was a very stubborn person for many decades of my life and I can attest to this verse because it surely destroyed me and led me to more sins. Each act of lawlessness was equivalent to endless troubles and sufferings. This stronghold was one of those many that God delivered me from. I thank him that he pulled me out of it. It took over 50 years to get out of it which was a result of my resistance and denial. Learn to accept criticism and learn from it.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to have an openness to your convictions.
REFLECTION
Why do you think stubbornness is considered witchcraft or divination according to 1 Samuel 15:23?

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

MANAGING RESOURCES Poem Devotional

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October 15
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Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds, for riches don’t last forever, and the crown might not be passed to the next generation.
-Proverbs 27:23-24(NLT)
MANAGING RESOURCES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you aware of the state of your responsibilities?
Do you care for your flocks and watch them carefully?
The Lord has given us resources abundantly
Are you tending to them faithfully and responsibly?
Don’t take for granted all your riches and possessions
They all need to be carefully watched with great supervision
Stewardship is very important in order to thrive and prosper
Seek the Lord first and tend to his kingdom and you’ll be richer.
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Have you seen businesses that have thrived for many years? What do you think is the secret of those who have successful enterprises? One of the keys to prosper in business is to ensure that you have hands on management on it. I have seen many entrepreneurs who didn’t last long because they left everything to other people’s managerial skills who lacked the care and love that the owners actually have for the business. It is important to steward your own flock, in other words, you have to be wise enough to study and care about the health of your business.
The bible tells us that we must pay attention to all the resources we have for it may not last long.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for giving me all the resources I need.
REFLECTION
Why is stewardship important in our lives?
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

ONE WHO CAN FORESEE Poem Devotional

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October 14
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A prudent person foresees danger and take precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. – Proverbs 27:12(NLT)
ONE WHO CAN FORESEE
A poem and essay by ILMA
The wise person is able to foresee danger and be warned
They are tuned in to what they do and never hurry or run
They are observant and creative of their surroundings
They can tell if there is evil and wickedness lurking.
The Holy Spirit guides them and makes them wise
They listen to God’s spirit for guidance or advise
That is why they can foresee what will transpire
They hear God’s voice, they heed and they abide.
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Have you ever been with someone who is so careless and reckless at the same time? I knew someone who just don’t care what they do or how it affects others. He is physically present yet his heart and mind is somewhere else. He says something and pretend he cares but deep inside, he has no concern for anything but to get what he wants or follow his routines. It is like watching a dead person walking and doing things. They have no life. They are physically alive but spiritually dead. They live life just for the sake of living. They don’t dream big, they live in a box and trapped there.
The bible says that the one who can foresee are the wise while fools just go through life recklessly.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, please give me wisdom to foresee danger.
REFLECTION
What do you do when the Holy Spirit warns you about something?
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 CAN DO ANYTHING Poem Devotional

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October 12
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I know you can do anything and no one can stop you. – Job 42:2(NLT)
GOD CAN DO ANYTHING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you ever doubt if God can deliver his promises?
Do you trust him fully in times of crisis?
Faith in him may benefit you during difficulties
God can do anything; he has no weaknesses or frailties.
Are you assured that he will be faithful to give provision?
You must believe in him and not trust human intuition
Never question God’s will or you will be frustrated
Rely on him for anything and ask so you will be provided.
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What do you think is the difference between someone who have faith and a person who do not believe in God? Blessings and contentment are clearly seen among those who are authentic believers. Bitterness, complaining and not having enough are the clear manifestations of an unbeliever’s life.
There were years of unbelief during my early teen years. I became bitter and whiny because I relied more on my own efforts to get my goals and needs met. I didn’t have enough faith in the Lord that he will provide for me. I was proud and never really cared about God those years and I really had a hand to mouth existence. I was like the proud Job who forgot that God can do anything and no one can stop him.
PRAYER
Lord, let me remember how powerful and merciful you are always.
REFLECTION
What has God done in your life that manifested his power and might?
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 CAN’T LIE Poem Devotional

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October 11
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God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind.
-Numbers 23:19(NLT)
GOD CAN’T LIE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you been betrayed by someone’s lies?
There is one who never lies and that is Jesus Christ
He became human but he is supreme over all man
He is not weak like us, he is majestic and grand.
Christ’s very nature is love so he can’t engage in lies
He sees all things and always do what is right
God is love so he is can only do loving things
He is faithful and perfect and will never engage in lying.
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According to mentalfloss.com, in a 2002 study conducted by the University of Massachusetts, 60% of adults can’t have a ten-minute conversation without lying at least once. We lie to everyone. Our parents get the worst of it, according to The Day America Told the Truth, with 86% of us lying to them regularly, followed by friends (75%), siblings (73%), and spouses (69%). But in general we lie about things that aren’t important.
I think the first lie ever told is when Adam and Eve committed the original sin and was asked what they have done. Both of them lied, pointing at each other. Our fallen nature makes us lie, but we can avoid lying supernaturally by God’s power alone.
PRAYER
Lord, keep me from all kinds of lies.
REFLECTION
How do lies affect relationships? How can we avoid lying?
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

HAVE COURAGE! GOD IS WITH YOU Poem Devotional

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October 10
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Be strong and courageous and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged for the Lord God, my God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. -1 Chronicles 28:20(NLT)
HAVE COURAGE! GOD IS WITH YOU
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you beset by an illness or failed relationship?
Have courage and don’t be afraid of hardships
Trials and challenges come to each and every person
Continue to believe in Christ who died and was risen.
God is with you always and will not leave
Better to cling to him so you will receive
Blessings and mercy are bountiful to those who love
Seek his kingdom and keep your eyes on him up above.
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Courage is defined as the ability to do something that frightens one or the strength in the face of pain or grief. For someone to be called courageous or brave we can deduce that fear factor was handled successfully by that person. Courage is not absence of fear but it is victory over it. There are 365 verses in the bible that mentions fear. Why would God warn us about what we fear or feel insecure about?
The bible says that we must be strong to do the work he asked us to do. He reassures us that we will not fail in doing his work, for he will never forsake us. He is with us always.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your presence in our life.
REFLECTION
When was the last time you were afraid and felt God’s presence comforting 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

UNCHANGEABLE GOD

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October 9
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I am the Lord and I do not change. – Malachi 3:6 (NLT)
UNCHANGEABLE GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you been let down by someone’s indecision?
Are you tossed and turn by some situations?
Have you been heartbroken by someone’s unreliability?
Are there broken promises resulting from instability?
The Lord, your God never changes
You can depend on him to face all challenges
He is always faithful and merciful to his children
His unchanging love and character, he has freely given.
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Have you ever been with someone who is so unstable that your life became compromised? I once lived with someone who constantly changed his mind and can never come up to a decision. He is always seeking to satisfy himself and expects everyone around him to succumb to gratify himself. You’ll never know what he is thinking or feeling. He can be nice one moment and flip into a monster the next second. I walked on eggshells living with this person. I started to doubt myself and became more insecure and unstable as a result of being around him. I felt unloved, belittled and neglected. I felt non-existent because everything was about him and he never cared for anyone else except to get what he wants from those around him.
The bible describes God as someone who is unchangeable. He is constantly loving, merciful and faithful. He is the epitome of love and stability.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you that I can rely on you at all times for you never change.
REFLECTION
How has God’s faithfulness shaped your life as a Christian?
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

FAITH MAKES US RIGHTEOUS Poem Devotional

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October 8
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He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. – Romans 4:21-22(NLT)
FAITH MAKES US RIGHTEOUS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you believe that God keeps his promises?
Do you continue to trust and have peace?
Are you convinced that God is faithful?
What do you do to show him you are grateful?
Faith makes us right with the Lord
Believing him brings him glory and laud
Press on and continue to grow your faith in Jesus
You are loved so much; to him, you are precious.
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One of the ways that the enemy traps us is by making us focused on the self. Human nature desires to gratify the self. The only way we can be focused on others is by the grace of God. Otherwise, we can fall into the pit of showing off or performing to get approval. I grew up thinking that I could work my way to being righteous. I followed the ten commandments religiously but the more I do, the more I sinned. The bible tells us that we were freed from the law when Christ died on the cross. If you believe in Christ, you are under his grace.
We are made righteous only through faith just like Abraham. Romans 3:22 declares us righteous by our faith in Christ.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to grow my faith in you.
REFLECTION
Why do you think faith in Jesus is essential in our lives?
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

UNWAVERING FAITH Poem Devotional

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October 7
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Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger and in this, he brought glory to God. – Romans 4:20(NLT)
UNWAVERING FAITH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you think that uncertain faith gives God praise?
What does the Scriptures say about having faith?
Continue to believe God’s promises and never waver
Keep on trusting despite not seeing; it makes you stronger.
Don’t dither for a person with divided loyalty is unbalanced
They are like the waves that tosses and turns by chance
What brings God glory is a faith that never changes
It is incessant believing even when faced with challenges.
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Mustard seed are very small, usually about 1 to 2 millimetres in diameter and may be colored from yellowish white to black. They are important spice in many different countries. They can grow as tall and wide as twenty feet. In Matthew 13:31-32, Jesus likens the Kingdom of Heaven to a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches. He requires us all to have faith just like mustard seeds. It only takes 1-2 millimetres of faith to grow it huge. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger and in this, he brought glory to God.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to never be tossed and turn by doubts.
REFLECTION
What are the ways we can grow our faith in our Lord Jesus 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

WHEN YOU PUT GOD FIRST Poem Devotional

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October 6
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Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. -Matthew 6:33-34(NLT)
WHEN YOU PUT GOD FIRST
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you make God your priority
You actually let go of idolatry
Seek God first and be right with him
When you take your eyes off God, you sin.
Worrying brings out more fear and sorrow
Let go of all your concerns about tomorrow
Today’s trouble is enough, so give up anxiety
Instead, put God first and you will have victory.
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What is the first thing you do as soon as you wake up? Do you run to the shower or rush to do your stuff? I learned early to say a prayer before anything else. Having been brought up to follow religious rituals paid off after all. As I habitually prayed as young as seven years old, the Holy Spirit taught me to find meaning in rote praying. He invited me to converse and tell Jesus my heartaches and troubles. So, at an early age, I had a personal relationship with Christ.
The bible tells us that when we put God first in everything, live a holy life following Jesus, we will be granted all our needs. We need not worry about anything.
PRAYER
Lord, help me whenever the enemy distracts my attention from you.
REFLECTION
What happens when you take off your eyes off Jesus?
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