November 22 The Power of God’s Word
Don’t point your finger at someone else and try to pass the blame!
– Hosea 4:4 (NLT)
BLAMING: A FUTILE FEAT
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you point your finger at someone when things don’t turn your way?
Do you really think that blaming will make others hear you out and pay?
Blaming opens door for the enemy to get in
It is futile for you and it brings relationships to ruin.
Blaming is a feat that brings you defeat
It will only fire up others and make you feel beat
Blaming is not taking responsibility for the consequences of your actions
It is cowardly to charge others; it generates mistrust, defense and reactions.
Have you ever participated in the blame game? It is a sickening cycle to be in; it is frustrating to watch others destroy their relationships by pointing fingers at the other.
The bible talks about God’s confrontation to Israel in the book of Hosea. In Chapter 4, he reproves the Israelites and asked them to stop pointing their fingers at someone else for all their iniquities. If you have been a Christian for a long time, you would know the plight of God’s chosen people, the Israelites. It took 40 years for the Israelites to take an 11 days journey to the Canaan. Why? They were rebellious, complaining, blaming, idolaters and didn’t trust God.
PRAYER
Lord, keep me away from blaming.
REFLECTION
How can you avoid the act of blaming 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
Tag Archives: spoken word
JOY COMES FROM KNOWING CHRIST Poem Devotional
November 21 The Power of God’s Word
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice – Philippians 4:4 (NLT)
JOY COMES FROM KNOWING CHRIST
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you wake up each morning to thank God for another day of life?
Are you passionate about blessing someone regularly and bring God’s light?
The joy of the Lord emanates from those whose hearts are pure
They radiate God’s love and are not tempted or easily lured.
Light shines on the godly; they are thankful for what they receive
Joy is a fruit of the spirit and what you get when you cheerfully give
Godly people rejoice no matter what circumstances they go through
The knowledge Christ living in them makes them overcome any trouble or rue.
The pursuit of happiness is an undertaking that most of us obsess about. It is very different from having joy. Happiness is defined as a “state of well being” or a pleasurable and satisfying experience. Joy, on the other hand means “to feel a great delight”, to welcome” or “be glad.” Happiness is momentary and external while joy is very internal and a result of having an intimate relationship with Christ. The apostle Paul teaches us how to be joyful even in the most adverse or trying circumstance. His joy comes from knowing Christ and no matter how difficult his situation is, Jesus is with him.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to rejoice more each day.
REFLECTION
What are the manifestations of joy 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
THE THINGS YOU NEED TO THINK ABOUT Poem Devotional
November 19 The Power of God’s Word
Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.– Colossians 3:2 (NLT)
THE THINGS YOU NEED TO THINK ABOUT
A poem and essay by ILMA
What are the things you think about?
Are they stuff that would make the world light up?
Is your mind full of noise and concerned about getting?
Do you concoct things that are upsetting?
Are you concerned about the welfare of others?
Do you care only for yourself or think of your sisters and brothers?
Think about the things of heaven which are pure and lovely
Let go of worldly matters that do not let you grow spiritually.
What things fill your mind? Are they work-related, wealth obsessing or are they truth that comes from the word of God? Do you find yourself pondering on what you don’t have or do you thank God for every little thing you are blessed with?
Many people think that they have no control over where their minds go. The bible says that as a man thinks, so is he in Proverbs 23:7. Where your mind goes is usually where your heart is. Usually, what you think is also what will come out of your mouth. That is why we are cautioned to control our tongues because it is a deadly weapon that can destroy someone. We need to focus on things that are from heaven and not from this world.
PRAYER
Lord, guard my mind.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to feed on heavenly things?
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
LIVE IN PEACE & THANKSGIVING Poem Devotional
November 19 The Power of God’s Word
And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
– Colossians 3:15 (NLT)
LIVE IN PEACE & THANKSGIVING
A poem and essay by ILMA
Is your life an act of thanksgiving and praise to God?
Do you acknowledge the giver of life and give him applaud?
Do you choose to live in peace and harmony?
Have you given up resentments in order to embrace unity?
Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts
For it keeps you close to Him and you will never be apart
All believers are called to live in peace and gratitude
Give up your sinful nature and let God change your attitude!
The word “peace” in English conjures up a passive picture, one showing an absence of civil disturbance or hostilities, or a personality free from internal and external strife. The biblical concept of peace is larger than that and rests heavily on the Hebrew root slm, which means “to be complete” or “to be sound.” The verb conveys both a dynamic and a static meaning” to be complete or whole” or “to live well.”
The bible tells us that peace comes from Christ and that we should let it rule our hearts. As Christians, we are called to live and embrace peace and always be thankful.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to choose peace always.
REFLECTION
How can you be thankful to God daily?
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
WARNING ABOUT END OF DAYS Poem Devotional
November 18 The Power of God’s Word
For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. – 2 Timothy 3: 2, 3 (NLT)
WARNING ABOUT END OF DAYS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Look around you and carefully hear the warning
Are you constantly in pursuit of owning or possessing?
Are you keeping a record of wrongs that people did to you?
Are you participating in evil and surrounded with people who are cruel?
God has warned us about the end of days
People will love themselves and follow their own ways
They will be unruly, unloving and unforgiving
They will slander and rely on human reasoning.
Are you witnessing today all the signs that Paul gave us in his letter to Timothy? Take a look at the world we live in. Clamor for power, wealth and fame dominate our society. Many people are hard hearted, unloving, unforgiving and have no self-control. Some people thrive on cruelty, abuse, arrogance, idolatry and greed. All these signs that we were warned in the days of Jesus are so crystal clear today. The desires of the flesh compete with the longing to please God.
PRAYER
Lord, keep me focused on you at all times.
REFLECTION
Do you live your life in such a way that it warns others of the end days?
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
SPIRITUAL CIRCUMCISION Poem Devotional
November 17 The Power of God’s Word
When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision-the cutting away of your sinful nature. – Colossians 2:11 (NLT)
SPIRITUAL CIRCUMCISION
A poem and essay by ILMA
When you run to Christ, your life is going to be transformed
You will see the lies and deception perpetuated by the world
God will ensure that sin has no power over you any longer
He will make your minds renewed and you will be stronger.
When you surrender to Christ, you will have wisdom and mature
He spiritually circumcised and cut away your sinful nature
You were buried with his Son when you were baptized
You were raised to a new life just like our Lord, Jesus Christ.
“You must cut off the flesh of your foreskin as a sign of the covenant between me and you.” –Genesis17:11. The Lord said that a time is coming when he will punish all those who are circumcised in body but not in spirit. –Jeremiah 9:25. God also told his people through Jeremiah in 4:4 –“O people of Judah and Jerusalem! surrender your pride and power. Change your hearts before the Lord.
When we came to Christ, we received spiritual circumcision where our sinful nature was cut off. We need to honor that covenant with God.
PRAYER
Lord, free me from corruption of this world.
REFLECTION
What impurities do you need to bring to the cross 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
SEEKING INTIMACY WITH GOD Poem Devotional
November 14 The Power of God’s Word
The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hearts their cries for help and rescues them. – Psalm 145:18-19 (NLT)
SEEKING INTIMACY WITH GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you spend time with God regularly?
Are you seeking to know him intimately?
The Lord is close to all who call on him
He grants their desires and helps them overcome sin.
The heavenly Father hears the cry of all believers
He rescues them by giving his Son as their Redeemer
Come to him, seek his will and you’ll fulfill his plan for you
You will have peace and you will be totally transformed and renewed.
What is the status of your relationship with God? Do you pray regularly and feed on his word daily? It amazes me that a lot of those who claim to be Christians do not even have an intimate relationship with Jesus.
The bible tells us that when we are close to Jesus, he provides for all our needs and he hears our cries for help. He also comes to their rescue. He is a very faithful lover and never cheats on us but is patient and a good provider.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to seek your truth and focus on you daily.
REFLECTION
Why is spiritual intimacy important in reaping the fruits of the Holy Spirit?
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
GOD LISTENS TO THE NEEDY Poem Devotional
November 13 The Power of God’s Word
He has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned his back on them, but has listened to their cries for help. – Psalm 22:24 (NLT)
GOD LISTENS TO THE NEEDY
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have your needs been minimized and neglected?
Do you think that people don’t see and you feel rejected?
Has someone you love made it appear that your needs don’t matter?
Do you feel that you are a sinking ship that has lost its rudder?
Be joyful because God listens to the needy
He is there to give you help and is always ready
He will never belittle the suffering you encounter
He never turns his back on any of his believers.
What kind of message does it relay to you if your needs were totally ignored by your loved ones. When I experienced minimization in the past, I’d feel angry and rejected. Thank God that he has delivered me from neediness.
The bible says that God listens to our cries for help. He never ignores or belittles any of our needs, sufferings or pain. Despite the lies that Satan perpetuates in people’s minds that usually sounds like, “You and your needs are not important,” or voices inside that says “You don’t deserve anything!” Many years of my life were stolen by the enemy with these negative thoughts. I thank God he freed me.
PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from lies.
REFLECTION
How can lies be busted?
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 YOU SAY FLOWS FROM YOUR HEART Poem Devotional
November 12 The Power of God’s Word
A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. -Luke 6:45 (NLT)
WHAT YOU SAY FLOWS FROM YOUR HEART
A poem and essay by ILMA
What have you been saying these days?
Does it exhibit love and care?
Are they encouraging and helping others?
Do they bring you closer to your sisters and brothers?
What you say flows from what is in your heart
Avoid using words that break people apart
If you only speak the truth from God’s word
You will never be consumed or corrupted by this world.
How often have you said something that hurt others or has alienated someone from you? Words can make or break someone. This is why we are cautioned in the bible to watch what we say for it has a big effect on those who hear it.
The gospel of Luke stresses the importance of guarding your heart. It says that a good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart while an evil person brings out wickedness from an evil heart. What comes out of our mouth is a manifestation of the condition of our heart.
PRAYER
Lord, guard my heart so I can only utter words from your truth.
REFLECTION
Why is it important to free our hearts from corruption?
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
GIVE YOUR BURDENS TO GOD Poem Devotional
November 10 The Power of God’s Word
Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. – Psalm 55:22(NLT)
GIVE YOUR BURDENS TO GOD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you afraid of something or someone?
Have you been rejected or abused by anyone?
Has someone betrayed your confidence and trust?
Do you feel defeated, frustrated or downcast?
Give your burdens to the Lord and trust in him
No matter what your circumstance or how hopeless it seems
The Lord will not permit the godly to slip and fall
He is faithful to those who repent, confess and call.
What is in your heart lately? Is it an unsaved loved one, a marriage falling apart, a prodigal child, financial burdens or physical illnesses? We ought to pray and ask the Lord for guidance and strength to go through life’s challenges. He will never give you anything you cannot handle. He doesn’t also guarantee a trouble free life. In fact, the closer you are to God, the more tests you undergo. He wants to strengthen you for his greater glory.
A true believer cast his cares and burdens to the Lord while unbelievers tend to do things their own way. They heavily rely on themselves while believers trust and surrender all things to God. He works out things for good and never for bad.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness.
REFLECTION
What burdens do you need to surrender to God today?
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