SPEAK THE TRUTH Poem Devotional

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December 14                                            The Power of God’s Word
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.
– Proverbs 12:22 (NLT)
SPEAK THE TRUTH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Lies can be exposed when one know the truth
It is vital to seek God’s word to have the Spirit’s fruit
If we constantly seek to please the Lord
He will ensure our protection from fraud.
The Lord detests those who tell lies
It opens up the door for the enemy to entice
Speak the truth by declaring God’s word
It will cut the lies perpetuated in the world.
Can you detect when someone is lying? One can never know a person’s intention or motives when they say something. There is a way to know if someone lies to you. The spirit of God tells you. This is called the fruit of discernment or knowledge given to those who have been walking with the Lord. The world calls it a “hunch”, “intuition” or “gut feeling.” Because they do not know God and his word, they have a different term for it. You can also observe the actions of the person telling the lie. They can’t look at you in the eye.
The bible says the God detests lying lips but he delights in those who tell the truth. The only way we can speak the truth is if we know the word of God.
PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from liars.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God hates liars?
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

WEALTH SLIPS FROM SINNERS Poem Devotional

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December 13                                                            The Power of God’s Word
God gives wisdom, knowledge and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him. – Ecclesiastes 2:26 (NLT)
WEALTH SLIPS FROM SINNERS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you seek the truth and abide in God’s word?
Are you ruled by the standards of this world?
God gives wisdom, knowledge and joy to the godly
He takes care of them and gives them prosperity.
If a sinner becomes rich and wealthy
God takes it away and gives it to the needy
Their possessions last only momentarily
He gives it to the righteous to alleviate their poverty.
One of the causes of poverty is selfishness. When we do not give, we do not reap so much as well. God wants a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). This verse says that God provides for all our needs and if we give generously from our hearts, He will give us an overflow and still have plenty leftover to share with others.
In Ecclesiastes, God promised a reward to those who please him: wisdom, knowledge and joy. He warns sinners who accrue riches. Their wealth will slip away from them because he will give them to those who are faithful to him.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to seek you and be generous to others.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God strips sinful wealthy people of their wealth?
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

UNCOMPROMISED LIFE Poem Devotional

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December 12                                                                   The Power of God’s Word
Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil and they walk only in his paths.
– Psalm 119:2-3 (NLT)
UNCOMPROMISED LIFE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Joyful are those who obey the Lord
They will never stop giving him applaud
Their lives reflect only God’s faithfulness
They don’t compromise with evil but choose righteousness.
When evil tempts them, they are unwavering
When challenges arise, they keep on hoping
They walk on the road that God prepared for them
They look forward to the promise that they will be redeemed.
Do you ever compromise with evil? Many people do. Sometimes they don’t even realize it. What does a compromised life look like? Are you depressed, negative, moody, angry, lazy, irresponsible, dishonest or fearful? These are only some of the symptoms of a life that is compromised.
The bible says that those who are true believers of Christ have joyful hearts and are obedient to God. They do not negotiate with the devil. They don’t have anything to do with evil ways. Pleasing the Lord is their business. They will press on when there are obstacles presented and look forward to the promises that God gave them.
PRAYER
Lord, guard me from evil.
REFLECTION
What parts of your life are still compromised? Have you asked God to break it?
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

CLEANSED THROUGH FAITH Poem Devotional

canadablooms 019 (2)December 11                                                                    The Power of God’s Word
He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith. – Acts 15:9 (NLT)
CLEANSED THROUGH FAITH
A poem and essay by ILMA
God created each one of us uniquely
Yet, the Heavenly Father loves us all equally
He made no distinction between us
He wants his children to completely trust.
The Lord cleansed our hearts through faith
When God transforms us, we change our fate
Our whole being is washed by believing
Rely on him and you will keep on growing.
What is the purpose of cleaning? We clean our houses so we can have order, peace and harmony. We clean our bodies to be more acceptable to others and ourselves. We clean our minds so that we can think better and become wiser. We clean our hearts so we can stay focused on God and open doors for the enemy to infiltrate our lives. We detoxify our bodies so that we can be healthier.
God created us in his image. He gives us equal promises to be fulfilled in our lives if we believe. The cleansing agent in our spiritual growth is faith in the Lord. Without it, we won’t be redeemed. Without believing, we are not covered by the blood of Jesus. We will still be covered in sin, without the cross.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the blood of Jesus that purifies me.
REFLECTION
What do you do to clean your hearts, mind and bodies?
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

BREATH THAT BRINGS FAITH ALIVE

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December 10                                                                    The Power of God’s Word
Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. – James 2:26(NLT)
BREATH THAT BRINGS FAITH ALIVE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you believe in God like Abraham did?
He was God’s friend when he believed
Abraham was ready to do anything for the Lord
He was willing to give his son to bring God laud.
Faith alone will not totally glorify God
It will fire it up but does not show true love
Good works will be the breath that brings faith alive
It is when we put faith in action that brings light and life.
We come to Christ through faith but he has commanded us to love one another and it is best shown in acts of kindness. The book of James boldly challenges believers to show their faith through works. He says that faith without good deeds is dead. He poses questions for practical application of our faith in James 2:15-16. Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Goodbye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”- but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to show acts of kindness to others.
REFLECTION
Why do we need to do good works?
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

FORGIVE MUCH Poem Devotional

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December 9                                                                        The Power of God’s Word
I tell you, her sins-and they are many-have been forgiven so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.
– Luke 7:47 (NLT)
FORGIVE MUCH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you keep a record of wrongs?
Don’t stay in “unforgiveness” for long
It brings resentment, anger and bitterness
It makes you further away from God’s forgiveness.
God wants us to forgive much for it shows great love
When we don’t forgive, we hurt our Father up above
Forgiveness releases joy, peace and prosperity
Give it up so you can have serenity?
There is so much havoc that unforgiveness can do to someone’s life. It can ruin your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. When you don’t forgive, you go through life with so much resentment, anger and bitterness. These are all poisons in your mind, body and spirit that will eventually get you down. I read some articles that say that a lot of cancer patients have unforgiveness that they clung to.
The bible tells us that when we forgive more, we are actually showing love. When we forgive less, we are exhibiting less love. Luke talks about the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. The Pharisee was condemning this woman and told Jesus that she was a sinner. Jesus forgave her many sins.
PRAYER
Lord let me have a forgiving heart.
REFLECTION
Who haven’t you forgiven 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

REBELLION BRINGS RUIN Poem Devotional

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December 8                                                                 The Power of God’s Word
What sorrow awaits my rebellious children, says the Lord. “You make plans that are contrary to mine. You make alliances not directed by my spirit, thus piling up your sins. – Isaiah 30:1(NLT)
REBELLION BRINGS RUIN
A poem and essay by ILMA
Those who believe the Lord and continue to sin
They will be held answerable to only Him
If you want to stay faithful to your creator
You acknowledge that no one else is greater.
Those who continually rebel and disobey the Lord
They will find sorrow at the end of the road
If you makes alliances not directed by God’s spirit
You will find out later that the enemy is the culprit.
Do you have any idea how a rebel’s life is like? Rebellion brings ruin. I can testify to the validity of this statement. I was a strong willed child and was brought up by 2 strong willed parents. Another strong willed aunt added to the picture of many strong willed people living with each other. It brought so much ruin and sorrow to our family. God revealed to me that these strongholds of rebellion were passed on from many generations.
Isaiah 30:1 says that sorrow awaits those who are lawless. He also says that the more you rebel, the more you get buried in sin. Obedience was something that Jesus exampled in his life. He saved our sins through perfect obedience.
PRAYER
I will obey you Lord.
REFLECTION
What other areas of your life need obedience?
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 SAFE PLACE Poem Devotional

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December 7                                                              The Power of God’s Word
My God is my rock, my fortress and my Savior; my God is my rock in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my Savior, the one who saves me from violence. I called on the Lord who is worthy of praise and He saved me from my enemies.
-2 Samuel 22:3-4(NLT)
A SAFE PLACE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Where do you run, when someone chases you?
Who can deliver you from ungodly views?
Who will be your fortress to protect you from evil?
How do you hide from the tactics of the devil?
God is my rock, my fortress and my Savior
He will not allow me to be consumed and devoured
He is my refuge, the one who saves me from violence
He is worthy of praise, omnipotence and magnificence.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed with burdens? Do you seek comfort from a friend or family? Do you go to a favorite spot to clear your mind? The bible tells us that God is our rock and our fortress. He is the shield that will protect us and keep us safe especially when in trouble. Run to the throne for refuge
PRAYER
Lord, let me only seek your refuge and no one else.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to seek God’s help first than any other human being?
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 JEALOUS GOD Poem Devotional

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December 6                                                                           The Power of God’s Word
Therefore, I myself, the Sovereign Lord, am now your enemy. I will punish you publicly while all the nations watch. Because of your detestable idols, I will punish you like I have never punished anyone before or ever will again.
– Ezekiel 5:8-9 (NLT)
A JEALOUS GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you professed your love for Jesus
Did you ever consider that he can be very jealous?
He wants you to love him very faithfully
He doesn’t want competition and hates idolatry.
If you put everything else before him
He will reveal to you that it is a sin
He detests idols and considers it adultery
He wants your complete faithfulness and loyalty.
Have you ever experienced jealousy in any of your relationships? In human relationships, jealousy can be a negative behavior. Do you ever wonder where jealousy comes from? In Exodus 34:14, God’s very name is Jealous. So, we must have gotten jealousy it from our spiritual DNA. In God’s economy, jealousy is very different from our worldly view. God is jealous because he knows what is best for us. We were given a glimpse of the wrath of God in Ezekiel 5:8-9 when the Israelites were having idols. God actually showed them how he detested idolatry. James called it adultery in his book.
PRAYER
Lord, keep me faithful to you.
REFLECTION
Do you make God first in everything?
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

CHRIST, ANTIDOTE TO DEATH Poem Devotional

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December 5                                                                   The Power of God’s Word
That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.. – John 8:24 (NLT)
CHRIST, ANTIDOTE TO DEATH
A poem and essay by ILMA
Does unforgiveness rule your heart?
Give it up for it will tear you apart
Do you struggle with hatred and lawlessness?
Are you still clinging to pride and stubbornness?
Christ is the only answer to your iniquities
If you believe in him, you will have victory
Have faith that he is the way, the truth and the life
If you insist on staying in darkness you will lose sight.
Many people have no clue that Christ is the only light amidst this very dark world we live in. Some people stay in their past and cannot move on to the present. They miss out so many opportunities to love others because they are consumed by their baggage.
The bible tells us that it is only in Christ that we will die to sin. In other words, only Christ can make us conquer all our sins, bad habits and strongholds that we might have inherited from past generations. Faith is essential in conquering sin. If we stay doubtful as to what the Lord can do in our lives through Christ, we are good as dead.
PRAYER
Lord, make me a loving person always.
REFLECTION
How can you overcome your weaknesses?
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