Not I, But CHRIST ~

Not I, but Christ,
is why I have grace
to keep to the course
to stay in the race.

For without Jesus,
I’d couldn’t go the distance
and to temptation
I’d have no resistance.

Not I, but Christ,
is why I can cope
to remain steadfast
to maintain the hope.

For, without Jesus,
I’ve not the might
nor the power
to sustain the fight.

Not I, but Christ,
makes all possible
for with Jesus . . .
I am unstoppable!

~~~~~~

John 3:30

“He must increase,
but I must decrease.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

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Taking Up My Cross ~

First thing in the morning,
before I get out of bed
I take up my cross . . .
so by Jesus I can be lead.

For, when I pick it up,
it gives me the grace
to keep my arrogance
in its rightful place.

First thing in the morning,
I disrobe myself of pride
I lift up my cross
and let it be my guide.

For when I pick it up,
it gives me liberty
from vanity holding me
in conceit’s captivity.

First thing in the morning,
before I get up and get dressed
I take up my cross . . .
so with humility I’ll be blessed!

~~~~~~~~~~

Luke 9:23

“And he said to them all,
If any man will come after me,
let him deny himself, and
take up his cross daily,
and follow me.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Eternally Secured ~

You may try,
but, I can’t be moved
for my soul to Jesus
is irreversibly glued.

You may attempt,
but, I can’t be pried
for my heart to Jesus
is indefinitely tied.

You may endeavor,
but, I won’t be persuaded
for my life to Jesus
is securely barricaded.

You may aspire,
but, I cannot be lured
for my mind to Jesus
is eternally secured.

You may try,
every trick in the book
but my soul to Jesus . . .
is permanently hooked!

~~~~~~~

Psalm 62:1-2

“Truly my soul waiteth upon God:
from him cometh my salvation.
“He only is my rock and my salvation;
he is my defence;
I shall not be greatly moved.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Faith Muscles ~

If we’re to have,
spiritual grit . . .
we must keep
our faith muscle fit.

God’s Word we must engage,
so trust can develop
then joy, peace and hope
our lives will envelop.

If we’re to be,
spiritually strong . . .
we’ll need to stop doing
what we know is wrong.

We’ll need to workout,
the sin that is hidden
and to all of our idols
we must say good-ridden.

The muscle of our faith,
we all need to exercise
for it is the very heart . . .
of our eternal prize!

~~~~~~~

1 Timothy 4:8

“For bodily exercise profiteth little:
but godliness is profitable unto
all things, having promise of the
life that now is, and of that which
is to come.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

When Faithfulness You Befriend ~

When you trust in the Lord,
you’ll want to do what is right
and pleasing Him will become
what you’ll do day and night.

You will dwell in peace,
your heart will be at rest
and you’ll touch others
so they too can feel blessed.

When faithfulness you befriend,
you’ll find an easier road
so you too can help others
with their burden and load.

When you daily follow God,
your path will be straight
so you too can lead others
to the narrow gate.

When you trust in the Lord
and you befriend faithfulness
to others your love for Him
you will always express!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 37:3

“Trust in the Lord, and do good;
so shalt thou dwell in the land,
and verily thou shalt be fed.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Look Not ~

 

Look not to the past,
don’t stop and turn your head
instead look to the future
with Jesus up ahead.

Don’t reminisce,
on that which is already done
rather let your heart
to Jesus be eternally drawn.

Look not to the past,
remember not your regrets
instead look to the future
and the soon coming events.

Don’t agonize,
over what once gave you pleasure
rather let your mind
dwell on your heavenly treasure.

Look not to the past,
don’t look to where you’ve been
instead look onto the cross . . .
and the washing of your sin!

~~~~~~~~

Philippians 3:13-14

“Brethren, I count not myself
to have apprehended:
but this one thing I do,
forgetting those things
which are behind,
and reaching forth unto
those things which are before,

I press toward the mark
for the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Life Is Like A Road Trip ~

 

Life is like a road trip,
a long winding excursion
requiring from us
lots of physical exertion.

But we often get,
mentally fatigued
and need a rest stop
so to be relieved.

Jesus is that stop,
the oasis of our hope
where living waters fill us
with the strength to cope.

Life is a lengthy journey,
each one of us is on it
and the wear and tear
can drag down our spirit.

We get exhausted,
from the grit and grind
and we need a brake
for our heart and mind.

Jesus is that break,
it’s in Him we find rest
a perfect place to stop . . .
when weary or stressed!

~~~~~~~

Isaiah 57:10

“Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way;
yet saidst thou not, There is no hope:
thou hast found the life of thine hand;
therefore thou wast not grieved.”

Matthew 11:29

“Take my yoke upon you,
and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly
in heart: and ye shall
find rest unto your souls.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Be Not Angry ~

Be not angry,
don’t be resentful
let your attitude reflect
all for which you’re grateful.

Be not bitter,
don’t be contentious
let your words chosen
bring to Jesus awareness.

Be not wrathful,
don’t try to get even
let your posture resemble
the reason you’re forgiven.

Be not ill-tempered.
don’t fly off in a rage
let your Bible become
your behavior gauge.

Be not angry,
don’t into sin descend
lest when the sun rises
wrath will be your only friend!

~~~~~~~~

Ephesians 4:26

“Be ye angry, and sin not:
let not the sun go down
upon your wrath:”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Walking In His Light ~

The children of God
walk in His light . . .
for they know everyday
darkness they’ll fight.

They are battle ready,
their armor they put on
for the children of God
to His Word are drawn.

The children of God,
by His Spirit are lead
for they know the traps
satan’s has for them ahead.

They know the difference,
between right and wrong
for the children of God
are wise and strong.

The children of God,
walk in His light . . .
for their strength is in
His holy might!

~~~~~

Ephesians 5:8

“For ye were sometimes darkness,
but now are ye light in the Lord:
walk as children of light:”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

That’s Why ~

The world is full of people,
dishonest and unfaithful
that is why to God . . .
I am forever grateful.

For God is trustworthy,
in every single way
that is why I give Him
my praise night and day.

The world is full of people,
selfish and two-faced
that is why in God . . .
my trust is only placed.

For God is dependable,
in every single way
that is why from Him
I will never stray.

The world is full of people,
greedy and self-centered
that is why to Jesus . . .
my life, I’ve surrendered!

~~~~~~

Philippians 2:21

“For all seek their own,
not the things which
are Jesus Christ’s.“

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

God Will Stop At Nothing ~

God will use everything,
to draw us to Him nearer
He’ll do anything
to make His image clearer.

He will use our pain,
to take us that much deeper
He’ll use our sorrow
to make us a true believer.

God will use our guilt,
to make us more grateful
He will use our shame
to make us forever thankful.

He’ll use our weaknesses,
to make us even stronger
He will take our frailties
to make our faith tougher.

God will use anything,
to bring His image out in us
He will stop at nothing . . .
until He has all of our trust!

~~~~~

Colossians 3:10

“And have put on the new man,
which is renewed in knowledge
after the image of him that
created him:”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Seesawing Faith ~

Is your faith teetering,
is it hard to keep upright
do find yourself struggling
in doing what is right?

Does your joy get deflated,
at the first sight of trouble
do trials burst right through
your confidence bubble?

Is your trust like a seesaw,
that goes up and down
are you still trying to find
that piece of solid ground?

Does your hope seep out,
when temptation you face
do you forget all about . . .
Jesus’ love and grace?

Is your faith teetering,
seesawing from hot to lukewarm
they pray and ask God . . .
your mind again to transform!

Romans 12:2

“And be not conformed to this world:
but be ye transformed by the renewing
of your mind, that ye may prove what
is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Offend Me Lord ~

Offend me Lord,
with Your Word
let me be convicted
by the truth heard.

Insult me Lord,
with Your commands
so with false teachers
I’ll not shake hands.

Offend me Lord,
let me feel the sting
that Your reproof
in my life will bring.

Shock me Lord,
let my ears hear
no sinner in heaven
will You let near.

Outrage me Lord,
go ahead and offend
so with the world . . .
I’ll not be a friend!

~~~~~

John 6.61

“When Jesus knew in himself that his
disciples murmured at it,
he said unto them,
Doth this offend you?”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Heaven Getting ~

Lord, let me not honor You,
with my lips only
but with a heart that is . . .
devoted to You solely.

Let me not profess,
my undying love to You
only to go into the world
and follow what others do.

Let me not disobey,
the commands You taught
by living a life of hypocrisy
and doing whatever I want.

Let me not think,
it’s all about heaven getting
but, about right here and now
and any sin that is besetting.

Lord, let me not fool myself,
thinking hidden sin You can’t see
lest I hear You say one day . . .
you never really knew Me!

~~~~~~

Matthew 7:21-23

“Not every one that saith unto me,
Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but he that
doeth the will of my Father which
is in heaven.

Many will say to me in that day,
Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied
in thy name? and in thy name have
cast out devils? and in thy name
done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them,
I never knew you: depart from me,
ye that work iniquity.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Strive For Peace ~

Don’t let your bitterness,
make you sour . . .
lest it’ll take from you
the Holy Spirit’s power.

For, bitterness will cause,
discontentment to grow
propelling your temper
to erupt and blow.

Don’t let any resentment,
enter into your soul
lest anger and frustration
will start to take control.

For resentment ignites,
the fires of animosity
and begrudging others
only inflames hostility.

Don’t let your bitterness
stir up resentment and strife
but rather strive to find . . .
God’s peace in your life!

~~~~~~

Hebrews 12:14-15

“Follow peace with all men,
and holiness, without which
no man shall see the Lord:

Looking diligently lest any man
fail of the grace of God;
lest any root of bitterness
springing up trouble you,
and thereby many be defiled;”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

A Victorious Life ~

A life victorious,
is a life that overcomes
for, to the old man it dies
and the new one it becomes.

A life triumphant,
is a life that’s no longer
engrossed with the world
and all it has to offer.

A life unbeaten,
is a life that’s defeated
the desires of the flesh
from its hearts are deleted.

A life confident.
is a life that’s conquered
picking up its own cross
no longer feels awkward.

A life victorious,
is a God-fearing one
for it’s a life that reflects
the life of His Son!

~~~~~~~~

1 John 5:4

“For whatsoever is born of God
overcometh the world:
and this is the victory
that overcometh the world,
even our faith.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

This Is My Cross ~

This is my cross,
it is mine to carry
and it is up to me
the old man to bury.

This is my death,
this is my demise
so that a new life
in Christ can arise.

This is my cross,
this is me dying
this is me on myself
no longer relying.

This is me denying,
all my own plans
this is me leaving
all in God’s hands.

This is my cross,
this is my funeral
this is me becoming  . . .
for Jesus usable!

~~~~~~~~

Mark 8:34

“And when he had called the people
unto him with his disciples also,
he said unto them, Whosoever will
come after me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross, and follow me.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Silencing of the Sheep ~

There’s a silencing today,
of many of the Lord’s sheep
for the mention of sin . . .
under the carpet they sweep.

There’s a dumbing-down today,
sheep don’t say what they should
for what they know is bad
they now call fine and good.

There’s a suppressing today,
the sheep are now mute
immorality no longer
is something they dispute.

There’s a muzzling today,
truth sheep no longer speak
for the true Word of God . . .
they irredeemably tweak.

There’s a shushing today,
of those on the narrow path
for the sheep have forgotten
evil will meet with God’s wrath.

In God’s flock today,
there is a silencing
and this sheep thinks . . .
it’s woefully frightening!

~~~~~~

Isaiah 5:20

“Woe unto them that call evil good,
and good evil; that put darkness
for light, and light for darkness;
that put bitter for sweet,
and sweet for bitter!”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Today’s Idols ~

Today’s idols,
are made of many things
and oh the joy . . .
to us that they all bring.

We cradle them in our arms,
with them we sit, we walk, we stand
we’d never think to leave our home
without one of them in our hand.

Today’s idols.
are made of plastic and steel
and oh the joy . . .
from using them that we feel.

We connect to them each day,
when our morning’s begin
and when we retire at night
with them we’re still plugged in.

Today’s idols,
are just like the one’s of old
for to their idleness . . .
each one of us has been sold.

They are made up by man,
to keep us all connected
so that with God . . .
we’ll become disconnected!

~~~~~~

Psalm 135:15

“The idols of the heathen
are silver and gold,
the work of men’s hands.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Finger Pointers ~

If we’re not to be,
finger pointers . . . .
then why are we still
reputation spoilers?

If we’re not to gossip,
or stab in the back
then why do we still
let our lips smack?

If our tongues,
we need to bite
then why are they still
in a rush to fight?

If our lips,
we need to restrain
they why do we still
lash out in disdain?

If we we’re to see past,
our own smugness . . .
our fingers would point
right back at us!

~~~~~~~

Psalm 34:13

“Keep thy tongue from evil,
and thy lips from speaking guile.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Sounding Brass ~

Sounding brass,
sharp and shrill
the call to charity
they can’t fill.

They seem to appear,
so strong and wise
but yet so oblivious
to charity’s cries.

Tinkling cymbals,
sound so sweet
but give no charity
to those they meet.

They look sincere,
so meek and small
yet still can’t hear
charity’s needy call.

Sounding brass,
tinkling cymbals
have not agape love . . .
plain and simple!

~~~~~~~

1 Corinthians 13:1

“Though I speak with
the tongues of men
and of angels,
and have not charity,
I am become as
sounding brass, or a
tinkling cymbal.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Wholly, Holy Living ~

Wholly, holy living,
righteous and true
is what Jesus calls . . .
for all to be and do.

Wholly submitted,
not just in part
Jesus wants the all . . .
of each soul and heart.

Wholly, holy living,
pure and undefiled
are those who in Jesus
have been reconciled.

Wholly committed,
not partly submersed
in Jesus we’re to be
completely immersed.

Wholly, holy living,
faithful and steadfast
is what Jesus calls . . .
the world’s outcasts!

~~~~~~~~

Isaiah 56:8

“The Lord God, which gathereth
the outcasts of Israel saith,
Yet will I gather others to him,
beside those that are gathered unto him.“

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Restarts and Retakes ~

God is a God,
of new beginnings
for He is a God
who is forgiving.

When we sin,
repent and confess
He gives us more grace
to onward press.

God is a God,
of fresh, clean starts
for He is a God
who knows our hearts.

When we fall,
or should we stumble
He helps us to be
more meek and humble.

God is a God,
of restarts and retakes
for God pardons . . .
all of our mistakes!

~~~~~~~~

James 4:6

“But he giveth more grace.
Wherefore he saith,
God resisteth the proud,
but giveth grace unto the humble.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka