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

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Lord, Tell Me What You See ~

Lord search my heart,
tell me what You see . . .
let me know if any evil
is still left inside of me.

Take a real close look,
for any sin yet hidden
any idols I hold onto
keeping me still smitten.

Once You point them out,
let me be finally rid of . . .
anything that still keeps me
from knowing Your prefect love.

Then put me on the path,
that leads to the everlasting
where I can learn the meaning
of peace without understanding.

Lord search my heart,
tell me what you see . . .
let me know how I can live
a life pleasing to only Thee!

~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 139:23-24

“Search me, O God, and know my heart:
try me, and know my thoughts:

And see if there be any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

The Love of The World ~

The love of the world,
is but foolishness . . .
all it has to offer
is truly meaningless.

It’s full of vanities,
prideful, greedy lust
one day all it offers
will tarnish and rust.

The love of the world,
is empty, grim and grave
once you desire of it
to it you’ll be a slave.

It teaming with sin,
too godless to mention
it’s where satan reigns
with all his henchman.

The love of the word,
is foolishness for sure
and the Light of Jesus . . .
is it’s only saving cure!

~~~~~~~~

1 John 2:15-17

“Love not the world,
neither the things
that are in the world.
If any man love the world,
the love of the Father
is not in him.

For all that is in the world,
the lust of the flesh,
and the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life,
is not of the Father,
but is of the world.

And the world passeth away,
and the lust thereof:
but he that doeth the will
of God abideth for ever.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

An Albatross ~

Some say I am,
an out-dated albatross
because I still cling
to Jesus on the cross.

They say I am,
liberation’s hindrance
because I believe
in Jesus’ saving grace.

They say I am,
progression’s impediment
because I have
a Godly temperament.

They say I am,
an obstacle in the way
because I follow
the Life, Truth and Way.

But, I do not care,
what they have to say
for nothing will cause me  . . .
from God’s Word to stray!

~~~~~

2 Timothy 3:16-17

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect,
thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Risky Business ~

It’s risky business,
thinking God can be mocked
it’s deceiving thinking
His wrath can be stopped.

It’s foolishness to think,
you won’t reap what you sow
it’s pure folly thinking
you sins, God will never know.

It’s ignorant to believe,
God sin will never judge
it’s hypocrisy
from your ways not to budge.

It’s unwise to keep on living,
conformed to this world
it’s arrogant to think
with God you can even quarrel.

It’s risky business,
thinking God you can mock
and on your sinful living . . .
it is time to take stock!

~~~~~~~

Galatians 6:7

“Be not deceived;
God is not mocked:
for whatsoever a man soweth
that shall he also reap.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Where’s Your Cross ~

Where is your cross,
did you forget it somewhere
did you put it down
was it just too heavy to bear?

Where did your cross go,
did you leave it behind
was it too big of a burden
for your heart and mind?

Where is your cross,
did you cast is aside
did you think in Jesus
it was too hard to abide?

Where did you discard it,
did it become an obstacle
was continuing to carry it
becoming for you impossible?

Where is your cross,
when will you retrieve it?
For it is your very soul . . .
that without it, you’ll forfeit!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Matthew 16:24-26

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,
If any man will come after me,
let him deny himself,
and take up his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life
shall lose it: and whosoever
will lose his life for my sake
shall find it.

For what is a man profited,
if he shall gain the whole world,
and lose his own soul?
or what shall a man give
in exchange for his soul?”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Oh, So Willing ~

Lord, You know we can’t do,
anything without You
You also know . . .
we’ll still try to.

You know in our flesh,
we’re so very weak
You also know . . .
it’s our own will we seek.

Lord, You know we want,
to always follow after You
You also know . . .
sometimes it’s hard to do.

You know our spirit,
is oh, so willing
You also know . . .
what our heart is feeling.

Lord, You know us,
better than we do
tis why we all need to . . .
surrender all to You!

~~~~~~~

Mark 14:38

“The spirit truly is ready,
but the flesh is weak.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

If Our Right Eye Offends ~

If our right eye offends,
then why do we keep looking
if it’s not to desire things of the world
then why are they still so alluring?

If our right eye offends,
then why do we look with the left one
if it’s not to regard the lusts of the world
then why is it not focusing on the Son?

If the right eye offends,
then why do we seek what’s morally wrong
if it’s not to be conformed to the world
then why after it do we still long?

If our right eye offends,
then why do we not look the other way
if it’s not to seek the world’s riches
then why to them do we still sway?

If our right eye offends,
then why does it roam all about
if it sees things so alluring and deceitful . . .
then why don’t we just pluck it out!

~~~~~~~~

Mark 4:19

“And the cares of this world,
and the deceitfulness of riches,
and the lusts of other things
entering in, choke the word,
and it becometh unfruitful.

Matthew 5:29

“And if thy right eye offend thee,
pluck it out, and cast it from thee:
for it is profitable for thee that
one of thy members should perish,
and not that thy whole body should
be cast into hell.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Humility ~

If you want humility,
you will need to find
a way to unveil haughtiness
in your heart and mind.

For, when you reveal,
the smugness deep within
humility will start . . .
to trickle right on in.

If you want humility,
you will need to see
just how self-absorbed
you can truly be.

For, when you uncover,
your self-righteousness
humility with expose . . .
God’s righteousness.

If you want humility,
you’ll need to discover
just how arrogant
you can be to others.

For, when you explore,
your self-obsessed feelings
humility will have you . . .
before God kneeling!

~~~~~

Proverbs 18:12

“Before destruction the heart
of man is haughty,
and before honour is humility.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

A Marathon To Run ~

I have entered,
a marathon
and my eyes
are set upon . . .

To run with grace,
and perseverance
to not let sin
be an interference.

To go for the goal,
to push, to strain
so my reward
I’ll be able to gain.

To be faithful,
to the very end
to with this world
not be its friend.

To stay the course,
to claw, to fight
to win the battle
with God’s might.

To be peculiar,
to finish well
lest for eternity
I’ll spend in hell.

 I’ve entered a marathon,
I am racing toward . . .
the day I will meet Jesus
my Savior and Lord!

~~~~~~~~

Hebrews 12:1-2

“Wherefore seeing we
also are compassed about
with so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us lay aside every weight,
and the sin which doth
so easily beset us,
and let us run with patience
the race that is set before us,

Looking unto Jesus the author
and finisher of our faith;
who for the joy that was set
before him endured the cross,
despising the shame,
and is set down at the
right hand of the throne of God.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

It’s Hard Work ~

Lord, its not easy
following after You
it’s hard work
staying to You true.

It’s not easy,
giving up my pride
it’s hard work
in You to abide.

Lord, it’s not easy,
staying on the narrow way
it’s hard work
bearing my cross everyday.

It’s not easy.
being patient in the race
it’s hard work
relying on Your grace.

Lord, it’s not easy,
staying to You committed
it’s hard work
keeping my life submitted.

But, I know it will be,
all worth it in the end
so from You I’ll not leave
to become the world’s friend!

~~~~~~~~

John 6:66

“From that time many
of his disciples went back,
and walked no more with him.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Danger Ahead ~

Life is full of danger,
challenges galore
problems too impossible
for us to ignore.

But, we who trust in God,
you’ll not see gloomy
for God is our refuge
when life gets stormy.

Life is full of perils,
hazards abounding
worries that leave
our hearts pounding.

But, we who trust in God,
rise over them and sing
for we have found our joy
in the strength He brings.

Life is full of risks,
unsafe and dangerous
but, we who trust in God
are always victorious!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 5:11

“But let all those that put
their trust in thee rejoice:
let them ever shout for joy,
because thou defendest them:
let them also that love
thy name be joyful in thee.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Fear’s Pitfall ~

When you’re feeling,
anxious and fearful
and your thoughts
turn dreadful.

Remember God’s might,
will give you power
in those frightful
fearful hours.

When you feel,
you’ll lose control
before you leap
into that pitfall.

Remember God’s love,
is your perfect restraint
so over your fears
you may have constraint.

When you feel,
you’re going to lose it
remember to call . . .
upon the Holy Spirit!

~~~~~~~~

2 Timothy 1:7

For God gave us a spirit not
of fear but of power and love
and self-control.

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Let Your Gentleness Ooze ~

When imperfections,
in others you see
don’t call them out
instead, like Jesus be.

For in your humility,
they’ll see their lack of
and for what’s not said
will be noted out of love.

When someone’s pride,
gets in your face
don’t go off on them
instead, show some grace.

For in your patience,
they will start to find
how their self-importance
rules their heart and mind.

When your own faults,
are pointed out to you
let it be your gentleness . . .
that oozes through!

~~~~~~

Ephesians 4:2

“With all lowliness and meekness,
with longsuffering,
forbearing one another in love;”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

I Will Overcome ~

I will overcome,
I’ll have victory . . .
I will not be taken in
by satan’s trickery.

To the devil’s traps,
I will not go into
to his every lie
I will not pursue.

To temptation,
I will not fall
to false religion
I’ll not heed its call.

To worldly wealth,
I’ll not concede
to its evil ways
I will not proceed.

To lustful pleasure,
I will not give in
to vain ambition
I’ll not be driven.

To hollow friendships,
I’ll not be charmed
to immoral living
I’ll not be warmed.

I will have victory,
I will overcome . . .
to the world’s darkness
I will not succumb!

~~~~~~~~~~

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

Old Things Gone ~

Old things gone,
no more desire
for worldly wealth
to acquire.

No more need,
to seek greed out
satisfied now
to do without.

Old things dead,
no more pleasure
worldly practices
no longer treasure.

No more wants,
indulgences filled
to old thoughts
no longer thrilled.

Old things gone,
all things new
self removed . . .
Christ now in you!

~~~~~~~~~

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creation.
The old has passed away;
behold, the new has come.

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

I Will Strengthen You ~

I will strengthen thee,
how simple this sounds
but, it can be so hard
when our troubles abound.

For, often we fail to take,
a hold on God’s promise
perhaps because in us . . .
there’s a little doubting Thomas.

I will strengthen you,
how easy this would be
if our pride we’d let go
His strength we could see.

But, we are too busy,
keeping our ego’s inflated
that God’s strength and power
often becomes deflated.

I will strengthen thee,
is God’s promise to us
if only we would . . .
in Him place our trust!

~~~~~~~

Isaiah 41:10

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee:
be not dismayed;
for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee;
yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee
with the right hand
of my righteousness.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Doing God’s Business ~

Each New Year,
I’m given a fresh start
three-hundred sixty-five days
on me, God imparts.

There’s no guarantee,
I’ll live out each one
so I need to be sure
I live them for His Son.

Each day I must be willing,
to do all I can
to share salvation’s story
with all of man.

Each second counts,
in these final hours
so I’ll need to call upon
God and His powers.

Each New Year,
has 525,600 minutes
for me to go around . . .
doing God’s business!

~~~~~

John 6:28-29

“Then said they unto him,
What shall we do,
that we might work
the works of God?”

Jesus answered and said unto them,
This is the work of God,
that ye believe on him
whom he hath sent.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

A Life Selfless ~

This coming year,
make a resolution new
to put aside . . .
any bitterness still in you.

Make up a list,
of what gives you strife
then ask God to renew
His peace in your life.

This coming year,
make it your ambition
to see the Holy Spirit
gifts come to fruition.

Write down the things,
that are impairing
you from being kind . . .
forgiving and caring.

This coming year,
let your resolution be
a life selfless . . .
so to set bitterness free!

~~~~~~

Philippians 2:3

“Let nothing be done through
strife or vainglory;
but in lowliness of mind
let each esteem other
better than themselves.”

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

If We Walk In The Light ~

If we’re to shine the Light,
then why more like Jesus aren’t we
why is His reflection in us . . .
so hard for others to see?

If we’re to act as the Light,
then why don’t we share
why to the Good News
don’t we make more people aware?

If we’re to live in the Light,
then why aren’t we a witness
why aren’t we spreading the truth
to those still living in darkness?

If we’re to be the Light,
then where is our power
why do we let satan . . .
our strength erode and devour?

If we walk in the Light,
our hope would radiate
and Jesus’ love for the world
we would always advocate!

~~~~~~

Matthew 5:16

“Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka

A New Foundation ~

This coming New Year,
I’m redoing my Foundation
for it has started to creak
and its turning my faith weak.

I am going to rebuild it,
from the ground floor straight on up
Jesus will be the Corner Stone
so by every wind, I won’t get blown.

This coming New Year,
I’m getting back to the basics
all the wood, hay and stubble I keep
I’ll put into a rubbish-heap.

I’ll get back to the Gospel Truths,
then I’ll lay them upon the Rock
I’ll make sure they’re God proven
not ones construed by some human.

This coming New Year,
my Foundation will be transformed
and I pray it will bear the fire . . .
so I’ll be saved when I expire!

~~~~~~~~~~

Ephesians 2:20

“And are built upon the foundation
of the apostles and prophets,
Jesus Christ himself being
the chief corner stone;”

1 Corinthians 3:11-15

“For other foundation can no man lay
than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Now if any man build upon this foundation
gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

Every man’s work shall be made manifest:
for the day shall declare it, because
it shall be revealed by fire; and the
fire shall try every man’s work of
what sort it is.

If any man’s work abide which he
hath built thereupon,
he shall receive a reward.

If any man’s work shall be burned,
he shall suffer loss: but he himself
shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka

God’s Gift of Love ~

A manger’s crib,
a virgin’s birth
a Babe is born
peace on earth.

Angels above,
glory, glory sing
over the coming
of the King of Kings.

A new hope,
a new day
a Savior born
to show the way.

Wise men travel,
from afar
to find the truth
behind the Star.

A new covenant,
a new joy
all wrapped up in
Mary’s little Boy!

~~~~~~~

Matthew 2:10-11

“When they saw the star,
they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

And when they were come into the house,
they saw the young child with Mary his mother,
and fell down, and worshipped him: and when
they had opened their treasures,
they presented unto him gifts; gold,
and frankincense and myrrh.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka

Staying On the Righteous Path ~

I’ve traveled many roads,
much to my dismay . . .
I walked along the path
of sin and decay.

I’ve climbed over mountains,
in my own egotistical pride
I walked in valley’s deep
with conceit as my guide.

But, I grew so very weary,
on the pathway’s of leeway
and the latitude I gave myself
on my soul began to weigh.

So, I began a new journey,
one that was Spirit lead
and now all the other routes
fill me with fear and dread.

For in God’s Word,
I discovered the path
guaranteed to keep me
from knowing God’s wrath!

~~~~~~

Proverbs 2:20

“That thou mayest walk
in the way of good men,
and keep the paths
of the righteous.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka