Tag Archives: spoken word

PRINCE OF PEACE Poem Devotional

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December 21________________________________________
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders and he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6(NLT)
PRINCE OF PEACE
A poem and essay by ILMA
A child is born to us so we can be free
We will all be saved by the Prince of Peace
He is the epitome of all that is righteous
He is the one who saved us from darkness
He is called Wonderful Counselor for he guides
Whenever we have trials, run to him and confide
He is the Mighty God who has power on everything
He alone has dominion and rules over all things.
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There are many rulers and kings on earth but there is only one Prince of Peace. For so many years the enemy has ruled my heart and mind because of so many generational sins handed down to me. Satan kept me in the dark and I was a prisoner of my own needs and ambitions. No wonder peace can never have a place in my heart. Thanks be to God that he has freed me from all the lies that the enemy kept me believing for so many decades of my life.
The bible calls Jesus Christ as the prince of peace. It is only in Christ that we can find joy, peace, good counsel and ¬¬protection from the enemy.
PRAYER
Thank you for being my prince in shining armor Lord.
REFLECTION
What do you do when you lose peace?
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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

SPRINKLED WITH CHRIST’S BLOOD Poem Devotional

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canadablooms 153 (2)December 20________________________________________
Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean and our bodies have been washed with pure water. -Hebrews 10:22 (NLT)
SPRINKLED WITH CHRIST’S BLOOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Whenever guilt knocks on your heart
Confess the sin, so you can have a new start
You are made right with the blood of Jesus
Run to Christ so you can be made righteous.
If you go into God’s presence and trust him
Your guilty conscience will be cleaned
God never condemns you but he convicts
The enemy on the other hand, wants to trick.
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For many years of my life, I had a very guilty conscience. I picked up feeling guilty from a young age when people around me would use emotional blackmail to make me do things that they want me to do when I decline. I got drawn to people who made me feel guilty of a lot of things as I became an adult. I suffered a lot because I was just swirled around in a cycle of self-loathe and judgment. The church I went to for many years also used guilt to indoctrinate me and many other members of the congregation. The bible says that we have to go right into God’s presence so he can cleanse us from guilt by Christ’s blood.
PRAYER
Lord, help me never to feel guilty but only convicted by you.
REFLECTION
Where do you think guilt comes from?
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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

 

WARNING TO THE RICH Poem Devotional

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December 18________________________________________
Look here, you rich people. Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. – James 5:1 (NLT)
WARNING TO THE RICH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you ever envy those who are rich and wealthy?
Material things don’t last long and are temporary
Rejoice when you don’t possess a lot and are poor
Christ came for you so he can cleanse you to be pure.
The rich will have troubles and difficulties
Their wealth will bring many forms of idolatry
Unless they use their wealth for God’s glory
They will have a hard time being saved by the Almighty.
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In our world today, the rich are put on a pedestal by many because of their wealth. They dictate much of the world’s concern and issues because they are looked up to as symbols of ¬¬¬¬power and might. The poor on the other hand become desperate and desolate because of the inability to have their needs met.
The bible warns the rich. They are in for trouble. They will weep and groan with anguish because of their wealth. If you are someone who possess so much wealth and power on earth, it will be very hard for you to be saved. Hebrews 13:5 tells us to keep yourself free from love of money. The rich became rich because they value their money and wealth so much. They forget to serve the Lord who gave them all.
PRAYER
Lord, help me never to aim to be rich but to become more like you.
REFLECTION
How can the rich enter God’s kingdom?
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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 ANOINTING AND BLESSING Poem Devotional

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December 17________________________________________
What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that. Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans and all such boasting is evil.
– James 4:15-16 (NLT)
GOD’S ANOINTING AND BLESSING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you ask the Lord for anointing on things you are given?
If the Lord appoints us to do something, we will be driven
There is no need to boast about your own plans or gifts
Only God knows what is best and you will be totally equipped.
He wants you to believe that he has a purpose in your life
He created you so you can be faithful to Him and be right
God’s anointing and blessing will manifest if you are faithful
He loves those who are loving, obedient, joyful and hopeful.
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There are things in our lives that God has anointed and blessed us with. Some people never discover their anointing and blessings because they are so tainted with the world’s point of view. It took me many years to realize what God has anointed me with because I was so wrapped up in achieving my own goals and ambitions.
The bible says that we should never boast about our own plans but rely on what God has anointed us with. He gives us natural and spiritual gifts so we can spread the good news and glorify him.
PRAYER
Thank you for all the gifts you gave me.
REFLECTION
What has God anointed or blessed you with?
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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

ALL KNOWING GOD Poem Devotional

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December 15________________________________________
Your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him.
– Matthew 6:8 (NLT)
ALL KNOWING GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you ever met someone who knows you all the way?
God knows everything that you will go through today
He is there to help you when you are tempted
He is there to celebrate with you when you are delighted.
Your heavenly Father knows exactly what you need
Even if you think he doesn’t answer, he already did
Even before you ask him, he already anticipated
Run to him; ask him anyway then it will be granted.
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In my country of origin, the culture demands highly from God. God is treated like a vending machine to give what they ask for. We are so wrapped up in getting our needs met and forgot that God already knows what we need before we even ask for it. The problem with the requests lies in the fact that we actually ask for wants rather than needs. If we examine our lives, most of our needs are provided already by God. We are bombarded with marketing strategies to desire many wants and present them to us like needs. Just watch television and all the subliminal messages in the commercials will make you pine for something that you really have no need for. Have a close relationship with God and he will give you favor.
PRAYER
Lord, purify my view of what I really need in life.
REFLECTION
What are some wants that people usually turn into needs?
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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

NO LOOKING BACK Poem Devotional

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December 14________________________________________
Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God. – Luke 9:62(NLT)
NO LOOKING BACK
A poem and essay by ILMA
When the Lord calls you to follow him and do his work
There is no looking back whatever you are doing in the world
He wants you to let go of your concerns and obey
No more delays, he wants you to do it today.
Anyone who says they accept him yet cling to their old life
Is not fit for the kingdom and is not ready to shine his light
You cannot serve the world and claim that you are a believer
Don’t look back; commit to Christ to be a faithful follower.
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There are many believers who are swayed to and fro by the demands of their lives or by the circumstances they encounter. James 1:6 clearly said that we have to be sure that our faith is in God alone. We must not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. When I was serving myself, I was tossed back and forth by my divided loyalty to God and to myself.
In Luke, he said a similar statement. Don’t look back because if you do, you are not fit for God’s kingdom. If you commit to follow him, do it all the way.
PRAYER
Teach me to be firm and loyal to you Lord.
REFLECTION
Why is attachment to things of the world destructive?
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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

CHALLENGE TO BELIEVERS Poem Devotional

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December 12________________________________________
There will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers.
–Luke21:12(NLT)
CHALLENGE TO BELIEVERS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you ever been questioned for your faith in Jesus Christ?
Have you ever denied Him because of your fear for your life?
Discrimination and persecutions are rampant these days
Are you brave enough to stand up for Jesus today?
If you commit your life to the Lord, you will be astounded
He will show you that he cares and will protect the persecuted
It is a challenge to be bold for the sake of the Son of God
Are you willing to declare your faith a live a life that is hard.
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There are many Christians who are not bold or brave enough to stand up for their Savior. When I turned my back to God in my twenties, I was a coward to even declare that I was a Christian. I hid my faith for fear of being rejected or not being approved. I wanted to blend in society and did everything to fit in, even to a point where I denied Christ. I remembered a Christian who asked me the question “How come you never announce or pronounce your belief in God publicly?” God convicted me and challenged me to be bold for him.
PRAYER
Lord, please give me strength and courage to shout to the world my love for you.
REFLECTION
Have you ever been marginalized or persecuted because you are a Christian?
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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

FOR THE LOST Poem Devotional

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December 11________________________________________
For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. –Luke 19:10(NLT)
FOR THE LOST
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you confused, bewildered or perplexed?
Do you keep on running and find it hard to rest?
Rejoice! The Son of Man came to save the lost
This is the reason why Jesus died on the cross.
Do not be afraid to admit that you are weak
It is in your weakness that he convicts and speaks
Christ died to save us from sin; no need for denial
He wants us to run to him in our suffering and trials.
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How often do people admit that they are lost or confused? The world dictates that we hide our weaknesses and confusion. In God’s economy, we are encouraged to acknowledge or admit it. It is called humility to be able to recognize both one’s weakness or strength and use the knowledge to encourage or lead others to God. The enemy on the other hand wants to ensure that we deny it and keep on living in the lies so that there is more mix-up. It is a wide open door for the enemy to thrive when we are very proud to admit that we are vulnerable, weak and confused. The bible says that the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost and no need to deny it.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to remember that you came for the lost.
REFLECTION
Share an instance when God was present in your confusion and agony.
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For more darkness in our lives. 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.ARTSTUDIO@gmail.com

TOO WONDERFUL FOR WORDS Poem Devotional

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December 9________________________________________
Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! – 2 Corinthians 9:15 (NLT)
TOO WONDERFUL FOR WORDS
A poem and essay by ILMA
When someone gives you something incredible
Are you awed and consider it a miracle?
Do you express gratitude for the gift that you received?
Do you pass on the blessing to others and give?
Thank God for the gift of his Son, Jesus Christ
Without his blood, we will never be right
The cross is too wonderful for words
God saved mankind from this impure world.
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Are you a grateful person? Do you realize how God loves you so much? There were many years of my life that I didn’t know how loved I am by my heavenly Father. My mind cannot fathom unconditional love because the rejection I experienced clouded my ability to receive and view love without conditions. It didn’t come second nature to me to be thankful. I was bitter for so many years of my life because I didn’t know how to get my needs met. After over two decades of pessimism, I finally heeded to God’s conviction to change me into a grateful believer.
The bible tells us to thank God for the gift of his Son, Jesus Christ. Without God’s generosity we will still be prisoners of sin. While we were still sinful, he gave his only begotten son so that we will be free. He forgave us and gave us a clean slate.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your gift of love in Christ’s blood.
REFLECTION
How can you express gratitude to God?
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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.ARTSTUDIO@gmail.com

WRAPPED IN STRIPS OF CLOTH Poem Devotional

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December 8________________________________________
The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David. And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger. – Luke 2:11-12(NLT)
WRAPPED IN STRIPS OF CLOTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
The Savior was born in Bethlehem
After his birth, the world was never the same
He chose to come wrapped in strips of cloth
He wants to show us that we have so much worth.
He came to give us freedom from bondage to sin
He knows what we endure and where we’ve been
He wants to save especially those who are lost
This is the true essence of his blood and the cross.
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Why did God use poor and ordinary people to bring Jesus into this world? Why was Jesus wrapped in strips of cloth and born in a manger instead of being in a palace and surrounded by all the comforts? This is God’s way of shocking the world with the simplicity and the peace that comes from a silent night when Mary gave birth in a trough wrapped snugly in improvised blanket. God chose a baby, a vulnerable being to be the entry of Christ in this world. We will never experience God’s magnificence unless we are humble, weak and poor. God works best in our weaknesses.
PRAYER
Lord, let me never be dazzled by opulence and materialism.
REFLECTION
Share how God has worked in your weaknesses and poverty?
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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.ARTSTUDIO@gmail.com