Tag Archives: spoken word

FAITH EXPRESSED IN LOVE Poem Devotional

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December 26                                                                         The Power of God’s Word
For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love. – Galatians 5:6 (NLT)
FAITH EXPRESSED IN LOVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you express your faith in loving ways?
When you believe, you need to show care
Faith without love is pretending
Love is the expression of believing.
For when we place our faith in Christ
We are no longer bound by the regulations
Faith expressed in love brings us close to light
Love will always bring you close to salvation.
Do you know why a lot of people have lost their faith? So many Christians walk only in faith and not by expressing them in loving ways. James specifically challenges believers not just to be hearers of the word, but also doers. He also poses questions regarding our responsibility to those who need our help, those who are poor and vulnerable.
Paul talks about the importance of faith expressed in love in his letter to the Galatians. He urged them to free themselves from the law, because as soon as Christ died on the cross, the only thing we are bound to follow is the law of love. It is through the expression of love that we can actually manifest our faith in Christ.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your sacrifice on the cross.
REFLECTION
How do you manifest your faith to others?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

VIRGIN BIRTH Poem Devotional

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December 25                                                                          The Power of God’s Word
This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.
– Matthew 1:18 (NLT)
VIRGIN BIRTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
What makes Jesus different from humans?
His mother Mary followed God’s command
His virgin birth proves he is the son of God
She didn’t question God and was given laud.
Her purity and obedience made her worthy of praise
Mary was chosen because she was pure and chaste
The Holy Spirit conceived Jesus in her womb
Rejoice that Christ was born to save us from doom.
If an unbeliever questions you how you can prove that Jesus was the son of God, how would you answer it? I had a therapist who actually claimed that Jesus was only a teacher and just like any other human being.
The bible tells us that the fact that Jesus was born of a virgin and was conceived by the Holy Spirit makes him totally superior than any human. Another proof that he is a God is that he fulfilled the Scriptures prophecy long before he was born. It says that he will come from the lineage of David and that he will be born of humble origins.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to give you praise.
REFLECTION
How can you continually believe the Messiah amidst trials and suffering?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST

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December 24                                                         The Power of God’s Word
After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. – Luke 2:17-19(NLT)
THE BIRTH OF CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
The coming of a baby to a family
Is a day to celebrate kinship and ancestry
When Jesus was born in a manger
We were given hope to be out of danger.
The birth of a baby, a mother will always delight
These memories are kept deep inside her heart
All who heard Jesus’ birth was astonished
Mary treasured these moments that she lavished.
The birth of a child is one of the most magical moments a woman and a father can experience. You can’t stop looking in amazement because you can’t fathom that this baby came from you. I am sure, it is also the same experience for the father. It makes the parents leap for joy after waiting nine months to behold the product of their love come to life.
When Jesus was born, the shepherds couldn’t stop telling everyone the amazement they beheld, but Mary was quietly enjoying the precious moment of her child being born. She locked it in her heart.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for Jesus.
REFLECTION
How can you lock in your heart the birth of Christ?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

AN ASSURING GOD Poem Devotional

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December 22                                                                    The Power of God’s Word
But the angel reassured them, “Don’t be afraid”, he said, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” – Luke 2:10(NLT)
AN ASSURING GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When doubts and fears arise in life
Take refuge in God for assurance and insight?
If you feel overwhelmed and confused
Trust in your heavenly Father who always reassures.
He is faithful and gave you Jesus for your salvation
Do not give in to fear, doubts or apprehensions
An assuring God does not allow dread to thrive
He will be there to ensure that you win and survive.
What are you fearful of these days? Our world is full of confusion and so much chaos. The enemy infiltrates us through all sorts of noise and distractions to make us avoid relying and focusing on the Lord. Satan breeds doubt, fear, conflicts, illnesses, and many other negative feelings.
Do you know how many times the phrase “Fear not” or “Do not be afraid” appeared in the bible? It appeared 365 times. Isn’t God amazing to give us one reminder of it each day of the year?
When the angels appeared to the shepherds to tell them that the Son of God was born, they were reassured by the angel not to be afraid because this good news will bring great joy to all.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your assurance of your love.
REFLECTION
What are you still currently afraid of in your life?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

WHAT GOD REQUIRES Poem Devotional

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December 21                                                                   The Power of God’s Word
O, people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
– Micah 6:8 (NLT)
WHAT GOD REQUIRES
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you know what the Lord wants for you?
Do you follow his will in all that you do?
God requires you to do what is right
It will give you victory in this life.
He wants us to love mercy
He exampled how to walk humbly
He requires us to be blameless
It will lead us to uprightness.
Many people live their lives without even knowing what is required of them to have a successful life. So, they go around in circles without a direction. They chase the wind and live futile lives.
The bible says that God requires us to do what is good and what is right. He also wants us to love mercy and to walk humbly. Jesus lived a life that God required. What does it mean to do all these things that God asks from us? Do you wonder why he wants us to follow these guidelines?
Just like you follow requirements to pass a course, we are also expected to be able to go through all that is needed to maximize our potentials and receive the promises of God’s salvation.
PRAYER
Lord, guide me daily.
REFLECTION
What among God’s requirements are you struggling with?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

SOAR LIKE EAGLES Poem Devotional

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December 19                                                                    The Power of God’s Word
Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
– Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)
SOAR LIKE EAGLES
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you feel vulnerable and weary
It is time to trust God to get victory
Those who have faith in him will find strength
They will walk and they will not faint.
The Lord works best when you are weak
Be sure to run to him and be meek
You will soar high on wings like eagles
You will experience triumph over the devil.
Eagles can climb to up to 3000 m (10,000 ft.) in the air. They can soar for hours using these currents. When cruising, they can fly about 65 km/hr. They can reach speeds of up to 160 km/hr (100 mph) when diving.
The bible speaks of the promise of the Lord to those who trust in him. He will renew their strength and let them soar like eagles. They will not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. This shows God’s faithfulness to his people. He will restore and ensure that those who believe will never be defeated and will come out stronger than before they started. They soar like eagles, the epitome of strength and endurance.
PRAYER
Lord, renew me when I am weak.
REFLECTION
Why do we need to rely on the Lord for strength?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

SECRET TO SUCCESS IN EVERYTHING Poem Devotional

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December 18                                                                      The Power of God’s Word
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. – Joshua 1:8(NLT)

SECRET TO SUCCESS IN EVERYTHING
A poem and essay by ILMA
There is a secret to succeed in all you do
Open the book of instruction to know the truth
You will find treasures in each word you read
It quenches your hunger and makes you see.
It is the secret to triumph over everything in life
It instructs you to love each other and embrace the light
Without the Scriptures, there will be chaos and defeat
It is the main ingredient to be able to succeed and reap.
Society puts so much emphasis on wealth and power as an indication of success. It disregards the other manifestations of success such as in relationships, spiritual growth, managing resources, financial management, time management, having a job they enjoy and many more.
The bible tells us that the secret to prosperity and success in all we do is to study the bible continually, meditating on it day and night so we can be sure to obey it. Just like a manual for any appliance, it is our handbook for living. It contains all instructions to make our lives a success.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your book of instruction.
REFLECTION
What new instructions have you discovered from the bible lately?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS (PUSH) Poem Devotional

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December 17                                                                The Power of God’s Word
I will not stop praying for her until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a burning torch. – Isaiah 62:1 (NLT)
PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS (PUSH)
A poem and essay by ILMA
Is there someone you love who needs to return to Jesus?
Are they bombarded with conflicts and pressing issues?
Pray that their hearts will recognize their need for the Lord
Pray that they give up rebellion and seek God’s word.
Pray that your life will be a reflection of Christ’s life
Pray that amidst all darkness, they will see the light
Never cease praying until something good happens
The Lord hears the plea of those whose hearts are open.
We get so wrapped up in the “busy”ness of life that we only pray when something overwhelms us such as an illness, relational conflicts, financial difficulties, death of a loved one, etc. We do not realize that prayer can do so much to us. It can bring miracles in our lives.
The bible shows us how powerful prayer is when Daniel plead to God to save Israel in chapter 9 and how the Lord answered his prayer while he was still saying it. Isaiah intercedes for Israel too in chapter 62. He continually prayed until the Lord grants his promise about rebuilding Israel. Like Daniel and Isaiah, we can continually pray until something happens.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me how to pray.
REFLECTION
What have you been continually praying for lately?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

EXEMPLARY LIFE Poem Devotional

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crawford lake 2013 048December 16                                                                        The Power of God’s Word
Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith and your purity. – 1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)
EXEMPLARY LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you living your new life as Jesus did?
Are you exuding love in all your deeds?
Be an example to all believers by your faith
Be a witness to Christ; it can change their fate.
Do you speak the truth by declaring God’s word?
Store it in your hearts and use it like a sword
Keep your hearts pure and walk in love
It brings glory and it magnifies God.
It is challenging to go through our lives without having someone to follow. That is why the bible tells us to fellowship with other believers because isolation is not an option in the Christian walk (Proverbs 18:1-2). We were all made to be in loving relationships.
The bible tells us to live exemplary lives. What we say, how we live, how we love, how much we believe and how pure we keep our hearts for Jesus affect all who we come in contact with. We can create confusion and misguide other believers if don’t live what we believe. We open doors to the enemy when we live a life lacking integrity.
PRAYER
Lord, let me follow your life.
REFLECTION
Why is integrity essential in our walk as believers?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

A CONSISTENT GOD Poem Devotional

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December 15                                                                 The Power of God’s Word
But you are always the same, you will live forever. The children of your people will live in security. Their children’s children will thrive in your presence.
– Psalm 102:27-28 (NLT)
A CONSISTENT GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When everyone else around shows inconsistency
Be glad that you can turn to God who loves you faithfully
His character never fluctuates; his love never changes
He is always the same, stable and very consistent.
You can count on God always
Seek his word and know what he says
You and your children’s children will live securely
He will take care of all needs, bringing them prosperity.
I used to walk on eggshells when I was in a relationship with a very troubled man. I never knew when he was going to explode. He was a very controlling person, always telling me what needs to be done. I always felt manipulated into doing something I wouldn’t normally do. It was a very tiring and depressing time of my life when I was with him. I became insecure and confused.
The bible tells us that God is a consistent God who is always the same and will live forever. With him, you will have no chance to be confused or insecure. His children will always be provided with all their needs and will thrive in his presence.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being consistent.
REFLECTION
Why do we need to follow God’s consistency?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com