September 25
________________________________________
I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. -John 14:12(NLT)
DO WHAT CHRIST DID
A poem and essay by ILMA
Christ wants us to follow his example
That is the sign of a true disciple
Anyone who believes in him does what he did
They follow him and choose to do good deeds.
Truly, truly, Jesus wants us to do the same works
Like him, we are precious to God and have worth
He sits beside the Father and wants us to be there too
Only in doing what he did will we be saved and renewed.
________________________________________
When Jesus was with his disciples, he shared with them many truths and promises. One of these truths says that the proof of our faith lies on what we do. It didn’t mention that it is based on what we say. Some Christians live double lives. They declare that they believe in Jesus and yet they live worldly lives and believe in so many lies that the enemy present in their lives. I, too am guilty of this when I was bound with the spirit of religion. I did what my religion required which was not what always Jesus did when he was still alive. We are asked to follow his example if we claim to be Christians.
PRAYER
Lord, let me always follow your example.
REFLECTION
Why do you think people don’t do what they say?
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
Tag Archives: spoken word
DISCERNING GOD’S INCREDIBLE GREATNESS
September 24
________________________________________
I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. -Ephesians 1:19(NLT)
DISCERNING GOD’S INCREDIBLE GREATNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
When was the last time you were awed by God’s creation?
Isn’t it amazing how a mother blooms as she goes through conception?
Have you meditated on how the Spirit directs you to Christ?
What silent miracles has God done that changed your life?
Pray that you will understand God’s incredible greatness
Soak in his love and learn his amazing mercy and faithfulness
If you continue to believe in God’s power, he will give you wisdom
It is by faith that you will be experience peace, joy and freedom.
________________________________________
Social media, material things, relationships can veer us away from God. The enemy does his best to steal our time, joy and peace so that we will not experience the life God wants us to have. I sometimes still have trouble keeping focused on Jesus. There is always something or someone that Satan uses to keep us tempted or eventually fall into sin. There are times that in my conversations with God, I find my thoughts going all over the place. The old self can get the better of me and win in getting my attention away from the Lord. The bible tells us to pray that we will have discernment of God’s incredible greatness.
PRAYER
Lord, keep me always focused on you.
REFLECTION
What do you think is the benefit of focusing on God’s greatness?
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
LIFE BY THE POWER OF HIS NAME Poem Devotional
September 23
________________________________________
But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.
-John 20:31(NLT)
LIFE BY THE POWER OF HIS NAME
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you experienced challenges, failures or defeat?
Scriptures were written so that you can learn to win
The words of God focuses on Jesus, the Messiah
When faced with trials, do you run to Him or cry out?
Believe and you will have life by the power of his name
Live by his grace and you will get over your shame
The Son of God came so that you will have power
By believing in him, you will make the devil cower.
________________________________________
There were many years of my life that was wasted by thinking that it was me who have control over things and situations. I relied so much on myself and have totally forgotten that without Christ, I won’t have anything. Life without Jesus was a very difficult and daunting task, but when I accepted him as Lord of my life and my Messiah, I was transformed. I think it was because I was given discernment by the Holy Spirit how to deal with the same situations in a way God wants me to. Scriptures were written so we can have life by the power of his name.
PRAYER
Thank you for transforming me Lord.
REFLECTION
What’s the difference of a life committed to Christ and an unbelieving 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
LIGHT THAT COVERS ALL DARKNESS Poem Devotional
September 22
________________________________________
I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. -John12:46(NLT)
LIGHT THAT COVERS ALL DARKNESS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Is there any area of your life that remains in darkness?
If you believe in Jesus Christ, he will shine over these areas
The Son of Man came so that he can be a guiding light
Look up to him so that you can have freedom in this life.
God’s one and only Son is the light that covers gloom
He transforms you like a flower, so you can bloom
Build your trust in him so you can live out of slavery
He is the light that takes you out of all forms of misery.
________________________________________
People need exposure to light because sunlight provides ultraviolet B (UBV) rays that help the body produce vitamin D. Vitamin D helps balance the calcium that the body needs in order to maintain healthy bones and teeth. Sunlight and light generally also help prevent and treat depression and sadness in people of all ages. The brain begins producing the mood-influencing chemical called serotonin upon first exposure to light in the morning. Just as our bodies need light, our spirits need a beacon to free us from all forms of bondage. Jesus came so that he can be that light that covers all darkness.
PRAYER
Let me never live in darkness anymore, Lord.
REFLECTION
How can a believer stay in the light that covers all darkness?
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 these poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com
BOLD AND CONFIDENT IN CHRIST poem devotional
September 21
________________________________________
Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. -Ephesians 3:12 (NLT)
BOLD AND CONFIDENT IN CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you often fearful to speak out your faith?
Because you trust Jesus, you are in a different place
His Spirit dwells in all those who trust him completely
You will have boldness as you share the gospel confidently.
He promised to make all things possible to believers
Have courage to face trials and you’ll defeat the deceiver
Don’t boast! Only in Christ can you be confident and bold
He is there for you and will direct you on the right road.
________________________________________
In the past, I had a very wrong notion of boldness and confidence. I was a Speech teacher for 15 years and I wished I had known God’s word during those times. I taught my students confidence but not the same one that the bible speaks about. I empowered my students to believe in themselves. It would have given me different results if I knew the ultimate source of boldness and confidence.
The bible tells us that because we believe in Christ, we can now be bold and confident because the Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts. We can both be humble and yet self-assured that God will use us for his kingdom purpose. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your Spirit who makes me brave and bold.
REFLECTION
What was the boldest thing you did for 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
GOD’S SUPERVISION
September 17
________________________________________
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. -Psalm 32:8(NLT)
GOD’S SUPERVISION
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you are a believer, you are being watched
The Lord shines his light upon your path
He will advise you and lead you to his righteousness
He will never allow you to be trapped in wickedness.
God promises protection and comfort for his children
He will never abandon them until they reach heaven
Our heavenly Father will show us the best pathway in life
Always choose the way he wants you to go and focus on Christ.
________________________________________
Do you remember how much your parents hovered and watched over you when you were a very young kid? Your dad or mom probably won’t let you out of their sight. This is the same way God watches over his beloved children. He cares for them so much that he oversees everything they do. Unlike some parents who can become overbearing and controlling, God allows us to make the choices with his loving supervision. If we decide to choose the wicked path, he still watches over us and allows us to experience the consequences of our decision to live out of his will. He sometimes uses these painful experiences to teach us and make us learn patience and endurance. You are never alone if you are a believer.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for watching over me all the time.
REFLECTION
How does God’s supervision affect the life you live?
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
GIVING GENEROUSLY Poem Devotional
September 15
________________________________________
The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers. -Psalm37:21(NLT)
GIVING GENEROUSLY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who are wicked borrows and never repay
The godly are generous givers each and every day
When you share what you have been given
You are acting like Jesus Christ who was risen.
Those who are able to bless others wholeheartedly
They are reflecting God’s heart to others so kindly
Give enthusiastically and you will reap rewards later
It blesses you, your family and your heavenly Father.
________________________________________
There are many things we can generously share or give to others. It doesn’t have to be money. You could share your knowledge, talents, resources, time and whatever it is that God is asking you to bless others with. The problem with the world today is that we don’t go out of our way to give others what we are given by God. We think that we possess these resources on our own and need to hoard it or keep it to ourselves. This is dangerous for our spirits when we only think of ourselves. This is how the enemy wants us to behave. He wants us to be selfish and not give. Sometimes when we give, we expect to be given back what we have shared. This is not giving. It’s a business transaction. The bible says that the godly gives generously.
PRAYER
Lord, give me opportunities to bless others.
REFLECTION
What can you generously share to others that God has given you? What are the benefits of giving?
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
WORSE THAN UNBELIEF Poem Devotional
September 14
________________________________________
Those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers. -1 Timothy 5:8(NLT)
WORSE THAN UNBELIEF
A poem and essay by ILMA
If you are a believer of Jesus, you will heed his instructions
Obeying his commands will let you overcome temptations
He also called you to love others as you love him and yourself
That includes loving all your relatives and giving them help.
When you do not care for your immediate family members
You are worse than the wicked and those who are unbelievers
You can show your faith in God by loving your sisters and brothers
Best of all, prioritize those who are closest to you than any other.
________________________________________
We are all created in God’s image. God is love therefore we can also be love like him. Pain and suffering result from a life that is not ruled by love. I know we can also experience physical pain from illnesses and accidents. The enemy wants to steal, kill and destroy our relationship with God so he comes up with all kinds of strategies to keep us from loving.
The apostle Paul talks to Timothy about God’s instructions to love and care for our relatives, especially those in our own household. He compares these unloving people to unbelievers and considers them worse than them. This is a command for us to be stewards of our kin.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to be a loving family member to my relatives.
REFLECTION
Why does God command you to care for your family?
TRUE WEALTH Poem Devotional
September 13
True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.
– 1 Timothy 6:6-7(NLT)
TRUE WEALTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Wealth and possessions are all temporary
They can be used against you by the enemy
Too much love for your money and belongings
They open the door for much longings.
Godliness and contentment are true wealth
They make us preserve our joy and health
What really matters is how you enjoy life
Staying away from idols keeps you close to Christ.
Many of us have the wrong notion about wealth. Human nature wants us to possess and own stuff in this world so we can be recognized or respected. We study and get degrees so people can look up to us. We buy things so that we can say to ourselves that we are better off than others. We work hard to earn money and mostly compromise our own families. We get ourselves so busy gaining recognition and wealth that we lose our sense of priorities. We leave out God in the equation. No wonder we don’t get far.
The bible tells us that true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. When we were born, we had nothing, so when we die, we can’t take anything with us too.
PRAYER
Lord, please teach me how to be contented and live a simple life.
REFLECTION
How can contentment be considered true wealth?
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
THROUGH FAITH ALONE Poem Devotional
September 12
________________________________________
Can we boast then that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. -Romans 3:27(NLT)
THROUGH FAITH ALONE
A poem and essay by ILMA
What can we do to be accepted by Jesus Christ?
Can we boast that we have overcome difficulties in life?
Can we show off that we have done many good deeds?
Can following the rules be a good way to overcome sin?
There is no way we can work at our salvation
Only through faith alone we can be granted redemption
Our exoneration from sin is possible through faith
Only by trusting God can miracles be part of our fate.
________________________________________
I spent many years of my life performing. I did my best to live up to my parents’ expectation to be academically excellent. I became obsessed being a good parent to my only son. I proved my worth to everyone by being a painter, a stage actress, manager, photographer and teacher. I didn’t know that it was futile to do so because God already loves me anyway. It was all that should have mattered but I was so busy fixing myself and others around me that I missed out on what really God requires from us.
The bible tells us that we cannot boast of anything we have done to be approved by God. Only faith alone matters to him.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for just loving me the way I am.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God requires faith for us to be saved?
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








