Now That I am Alive ~

Now that I am alive,
I no longer conform . . .
to the ways of the world
nor to it’s social norms.

For with Christ living in me,
I now have a new life
releasing me from the issues
once causing me strife.

Now that I am dead,
to sin and transgressing
I can see how eternal hope
was once absent and missing.

For now that I am awake,
sober, alert and aware
with the world and its ideals
I’ve no longer a love affair.

Now that I am alive,
with the world behind me
I long for the day . . .
when with Jesus I’ll be!

~~~~~~~~

1 Corinthians 15:22

For as in Adam all die,
even so in Christ shall
all be made alive.

Ephesians 2:3-5

Among whom also we all had
our conversation in times past
in the lusts of our flesh,
fulfilling the desires of the flesh
and of the mind; and were by
nature the children of wrath,
even as others.

But God, who is rich in mercy,
for his great love wherewith
he loved us,

Even when we were dead in sins,
hath quickened us together with Christ,
(by grace ye are saved;)

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2021
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Rise Up Again ~

We all take misguided steps,
causing us to stumble . . .
we all take a nose dive
when into sin we tumble.

But, we who have faith,
can rise up again . . .
for we know we need
from all evil to abstain.

We all say things we shouldn’t,
causing an avalanche . . .
of words we don’t mean
in the heat of circumstance.

But, we who have the Holy Spirit,
can tame our tongues
by letting Him take control
of our words before they come.

We all stumble at times,
we all use words carelessly
but, we who love God . . .
pray not to do so fervently!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 20:8

They are brought down
and fallen: but we are
risen, and stand upright.

James 3:5

Even so the tongue is a little member,
and boasteth great things. Behold,
how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2021
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

My Soul Aches ~

My soul aches,
to be compliant
it longs to be
on God reliant.

For I am in awe,
of His holiness
making me aware
of my lowliness.

My heart yearns to be,
onto God cleaving
so I may serve Him
through righteous living.

For to be obedient,
I need to walk
the voice I hear
when to me He talks.

My souls pines,
to keep God’s commands
my heart strives . . .
to do what He demands!

~~~~~~~~

Deuteronomy 13:4

Ye shall walk after
the Lord your God,
and fear him, and keep
his commandments,
and obey his voice,
and ye shall serve him,
and cleave unto him.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2021
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Say No To Negative Thoughts ~

Negative thoughts,
have no real place
in hearts and minds
flowing with grace.

For they will plug up,
and stop the flow
making being sober
harder for you to know.

Negative thoughts,
play with the mind
until a sound one
you no longer find.

For they’ll pull you down,
take complete control
and suck all the hope
right out of your soul.

To negative thoughts,
just say no . . . .
so the grace of God
can continue to flow!

~~~~~~~~

1 Peter 1:13

Wherefore gird up the loins
of your mind, be sober, and
hope to the end for the grace
that is to be brought unto
you at the revelation of
Jesus Christ;

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2021
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Child Of The Day ~

Child of the day,
children of the Light
put our trust in God
with all of our might.

Warriors on this earth,
fighting off evilness
pledge never to return
to our former wretchedness

Holy and righteous are we,
holding on to the Life
even though it causes us
worldly grief and strife.

Awake, sober and alert,
to the powers of darkness
son’s and daughter’s of God
full of awe and awareness.

Child of the Light,
children of the day
put all of our faith in . . .
the Truth, Life and Way!

~~~~~~~~

Thessalonians 5:4-5

But ye, brethren, are not
in darkness, that that day
should overtake you as a thief.

Ye are all the children of light,
and the children of the day:
we are not of the night,
nor of darkness.

Therefore let us not sleep,
as do others; but let us
watch and be sober.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2021
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

The Meaning To Life ~

Life has more meaning,
when in God you believe
it is more enjoyable . . .
when Jesus you receive.

It is more peaceful,
when others you forgive
it is more compatible
when love is what you give.

Life has more to offer,
when God you daily seek
it is more agreeable
when humble and meek.

It is more pleasant,
when you’re being kind
it is more courteous
when peace fills your mind.

Life is just plain better,
when in God you trust
it is just simply easier . . .
when Jesus lives in us!

~~~~~~

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man be in Christ,
he is a new creature: old things
are passed away; behold,
all things are become new.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2021
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Denying Ourselves ~

If we are in Jesus,
to believe and trust
faith in ourselves
we’ll need to adjust.

For when we’re on Him,
completely reliant
then to our own means
we’ll be less dependent.

If we are in Jesus,
to completely obey
then our self-interests
we’ll need to put away.

For to take up the cross,
we must ourselves deny
then to our old ways
we’ll no longer comply.

If we are in Jesus,
to trust and to believe
then through His Spirit . . .
the new man we’ll receive!

~~~~~~

Matthew 16:24

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.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2021
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

I Still Love You ~

I may not like,
what it is you do
but, I still need . . .
to be kind to you.

How I believe,
may make you upset
but, I’ll still treat . . .
you with respect.

I may not like,
what you say
but, I still need . . .
for you to pray.

You may laugh,
poke fun at me
but, Jesus’ light . . .
in me you’ll see.

We may not have,
the same point of view
but, I want you to know . . .
I still love you!

~~~~

Matthew 5:43-48

But I say unto you,
Love your enemies, bless
them that curse you, do good
to them that hate you,
and pray for them which
despitefully use you,
and persecute you;

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2021
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

A Bold Attitude ~

Be of good courage,
have a bold attitude
ask God to give you
strength and fortitude.

For He wants to make,
your faith in Him strong
so you won’t be defeated
when problems come along.

Be of good courage,
let your mind be at rest
be confident in knowing
God’s has for you His best.

For He wants you to live,
in a victorious way
then with grace you can face
the worries of each day.

Be of good courage,
be bold and and be brave
trust the Lord Himself . .
from your troubles will save!

~~~~~~~

Psalms 31:24

“Be strong and good courage,
and he shall strengthen your heart,
all ye that hope in the Lord. “

King James Bible
Public Domain

Copyright 2013 Revised 2021
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

The Halves and Half Nots ~

Some people’s glass,
always seems filled
while others only see . . .
what from it spilled.

Some people are happy,
with what from God they get
others over their portion . . .
grumble, bemoan and fret.

Some people’s glass,
is always brimming
while others only view . . .
how much is missing.

Some people are all right,
with their God given share
while others only think . . .
what is or is not fair.

Some people’s glass,
is always adequate
while others only watch . . .
how fast theirs dissipates.

But, we who trust in God,
don’t care how full the glass
for it is in heaven where . . .
our treasures we amass!

~~~~~~

Hebrews 13:5

Let your conversation
be without covetousness;
and be content with such
things as ye have: for he
hath said, I will never leave
thee, nor forsake thee.

Matthew 6:20

But lay up for yourselves
treasures in heaven, where
neither moth nor rust doth
corrupt, and where thieves
do not break through nor steal:

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2021
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

God’s Good Pleasure ~

Father, when I consider,
the good pleasure of Your will
it causes me to pause . . .
to be quiet and be still.

For out of Your goodness,
You sent Your beloved son
to offer redemption
to each and everyone.

Jesus, when I consider,
the richness of Your grace
it causes me to reflect
so Your life I can embrace.

For You came to fulfill,
Your Father’s adoption plan
gave up Your very own life
for all the children of man.

Father when I consider,
the depth of Your good pleasure
I see how much You love us all
without limits or measure!

~~~~~~~~

Philippians 2:13

For it is God which worketh
in you both to will and to do
of his good pleasure.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2021
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

True Love From God ~

True love comes from God,
then passed down to man
so we may too love . . .
as only Jesus can.

For our love is weak,
whereas His is strong
it shows us how to forgive
whenever we’re wronged.

True love comes from God,
is given freely to all
it brings redemption
when on Jesus we call.

For our love condemns,
but Jesus’ love atones
it shows us how not to be
the first to cast a stone.

True love comes from God
passed on to His Son
so we too like Him . . .
may love every one!

~~~~~

John 3:16

For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only
begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth
in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life.

John 13:34

A new commandment
I give unto you, That ye
love one another; as I
have loved you, that ye
also love one another.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2021
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Spiritual Air ~

Some times a spiritual breath,
we all need to take in . . .
to expel the soot and grime
of living in a world full of sin.

We need to slowly inhale,
the promises of God Word
so we can draw upon . . .
the truth we have heard.

Sometimes we all need,
to come up for spiritual air . . .
so God our hearts and minds
He can renew and repair.

We need to oxidize our souls,
with all of God’s goodness
till we’re at peace and rest
with His almightiness.

Sometimes we all need,
to take a long breather . . .
so we can remind ourselves
just why we are a believer!

~~~~~~~~

Job 33:4

The spirit of God
hath made me,
and the breath
of the Almighty
hath given me life.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2021
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

I Will Follow Jesus ~

I will follow Jesus,
wherever He leads
be it fields of clover
or ones full of weeds.

I will go after Him,
leave all behind me
so I can trust Him . . .
for what I cannot see.

I will follow Jesus,
my own cross I will bear
be it on stormy seas
or ones calm and fair.

I will stick by Him,
wherever He goes . . .
deny my very own life
for the one for me He chose.

I will follow Jesus,
right into His light
together the darkness
we will expose and fight!

~~~~~~~~

Luke 5:11

And when they had brought
their boats to land, they left
everything and followed him.

Mark 8:34

And calling the crowd to him
with his disciples, he said to them,
“If anyone would come after me,
let him deny himself and take up
his cross and follow me.

John 8:12

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying,
“I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me
will not walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2020
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Let’s Agree To Disagree ~

Can we agree,
to disagree . . .
can we concur
our differences
to defer.

For we’ll never see,
eye to eye . . .
for my love
for Jesus
I’ll not deny.

Can we agree,
not to offend . . .
can we decide
our rifts
to suspend.

For we’ll never see,
things the same . . .
for my faith
is in Jesus
His peace my aim.

Can we agree,
to disagree . . .
so we can
from bitterness
be set free!

~~~~~~~~

Ephesians 4:31

Let all bitterness,
and wrath, and anger,
and clamour, and evil
speaking, be put away
from you, with all malice:

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2020
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

A Kinder Place ~

I wish the world was,
a much kinder place . . .
I wish more would know
the power of God’s grace.

I wish it was filled,
with peace not strife
I wish more would find
in Jesus eternal life.

I wish the world was,
a better place to live . . .
I wish people would be
more willing to forgive.

I wish it were full,
of love and not hate
I wish more would find
the straight, narrow gate.

I wish the world was,
a much more kinder place . . .
I wish more heart’s were
tenderized by God’s grace!

~~~~~~~~

Ephesians 4:32

And be ye kind
one to another,
tenderhearted,
forgiving one another,
even as God
for Christ’s sake
hath forgiven you.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2020
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

The Light and Salt ~

If we’re to be the light,
where is our shine . . .
if we’re to expose evil
then where is our spine?

If we know with God,
all things are possible
then why aren’t we sharing
every sin is washable?

If we’re to be the salt,
then where is our grit . . .
if we’re to help save others
why are they still in the pit?

If we know Jesus,
is the Truth, Life and Way
then why are these words
so hard for us to say?

If we’re to be the light,
then let’s light up and glow
if we’re to be the salt . . .
then let us ~ let it flow!

~~~~~~~~

Matthew 5:14

Ye are the light of the world.
A city that is set on an hill
cannot be hid.

Matthew 5:13

Ye are the salt of the earth:
but if the salt have lost his
savour, wherewith shall it
be salted? it is thenceforth
good for nothing, but to be
cast out, and to be trodden
under foot of men.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2020
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Me and My House ~

As for me and my house . . .
I’m asking Jesus to come to live
my heart and my soul to Him
I’m going to open up and give.

But, first I’ll make it ready,
and clean up the dirty mess
I’ll search my heart to see . . .
any hidden sin to confess.

Then I’ll toss out my idols,
keeping me away from Him
the ones new and shiny
all those growing old and dim.

I will toss them all out,
replace them with my Bible
with the books of preachers
whom I know are reliable.

I’m making sure I am ready,
so the Lord I can serve
because me and my house . . .
know it’s what Jesus deserves!

~~~~~~~~

Joshua 24:15

“And if it seem evil unto
you to serve the Lord,
choose you this day whom
ye will serve; whether the
gods which your fathers
served that were on the
other side of the flood,
or the gods of the Amorites,
in whose land ye dwell:
but as for me and my house,
we will serve the Lord.”

King James Bible
Public Domain

Copyright 2013 Revised 2020
Deborah Ann Belka

Oh, My Unrepentant Friend ~

Oh my unrepentant friend,
don’t think you are good
for not one person . . .
does as they should.

That hate that you have,
embedded in your heart
will keep you and God
distant and far apart.

Oh, my tolerant friend,
don’t you be deceived
for everyone by sin
is sick and diseased.

By your liberal thinking,
you are being lead astray
the road you’re now on
is not the narrow way.

Oh, my progressive friends,
for you it’s not too late . . .
to turn back to the truth
leading to the straight gate!

~~~~~~~~~~

Matthew 7:13-14

Enter ye in at the strait gate:
for wide is the gate, and broad
is the way, that leadeth to
destruction, and many there
be which go in thereat:

Because strait is the gate,
and narrow is the way,
which leadeth unto life,
and few there be that find it.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2020
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Lord, May I Too ~

Lord, give me a faith,
just the same as Yours . . .
so I may too cross the sea
and meet You where You are.

Give me an attitude,
absent of any doubt
so I may too trust You
from my boat to come out.

Lord, give me a faith,
steadfast and true
so I may too be brave
to cross over to You.

Give me a nature,
bold and unafraid
so I may too embrace
how not to be dismayed.

Lord, give me a faith
just like You profess . . .
so I may too my fears
in Your name suppress!

~~~~~~~~~~

Matthew 14:25-29

And in the fourth watch
of the night Jesus went
unto them, walking on the sea.

And when the disciples saw
him walking on the sea,
they were troubled, saying,
It is a spirit; and they cried
out for fear.

But straightway Jesus
spake unto them, saying,
Be of good cheer;
it is I; be not afraid.

And Peter answered
him and said, Lord,
if it be thou, bid me
come unto thee on the water.

And he said, Come.
And when Peter was
come down out of the ship,
he walked on the water,
to go to Jesus.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2020
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

God’s Amazing Light ~

Lord, give me a warm heart,
a spirit that is bright . . .
let me see everything
through Your amazing light.

Let me see morning’s dawn,
even when it’s bleak
let me see Your splendor
whenever You I seek.

Let me be grateful,
for each new day given
let me be thankful
even when storm driven.

Let me see the sunshine,
even when there’s rain
let me see the blue skies
even when I am in pain.

Lord, keep my heart warm,
uphold my spirit bright . . .
so when the night turns dark
I’ll see Your amazing light!

~~~~~~~~~

1 John 1:5

“This then is the message
which we have heard of him,
and declare unto you,
that God is light, and in him
is no darkness at all.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2015 Revised 2020
Deborah Ann Belka

Don’t Be Misled ~

Don’t be misled,
don’t be duped . . .
with bad company
don’t be grouped.

For they’ll corrupt,
your biblical thinking
and soon to sin . . .
you too will be winking.

Don’t be tricked,
don’t be fooled
by bad friends
don’t be ruled.

For they’ll pervert,
your Christian mind
and soon you will too
by satan be blind.

Don’t be conned,
don’t be confused . . .
by bad company
don’t be amused!

~~~~~~~~~~

1 Corinthians 15.33

Be not deceived:
evil communications
corrupt good manners.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2020
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Count All Your Blessings ~

Count all your blessings,
every single blessed one . . .
add them all together
be grateful for the sum.

Be thankful for all you have,
convey your gratitude
let your appreciation
reflect in your attitude.

Appreciate your wealth,
no matter how great or small
show your gratefulness
to God who supplies it all.

Let your thankfulness,
reach across the whole land
freely give to others
what God’s put in your hand.

Count all your blessings,
so many have not any. . .
give to them all you can
even if it’s your last penny!

~~~~~~~~

Mark 12:41-44

And Jesus sat over against
the treasury, and beheld
how the people cast money
into the treasury: and many
that were rich cast in much.

And there came
a certain poor widow,
and she threw in two mites,
which make a farthing.

And he called unto him his
disciples, and saith unto them,
Verily I say unto you,
That this poor widow
hath cast more in, than all
they which have cast into
the treasury:

For all they did cast in of
their abundance; but she
of her want did cast in all
that she had, even all her living.

King James Bible
Public Domain

Copyright 2013 Revised 2020
Deborah Ann Belka

Entering Into The Faithful Race ~

 

I’m putting on my sneakers,
entering into the faithful race
so I’m cushioning my soul
with God’s mercy and His grace.

The contest that’s before me,
seems a million-miles long
but I will trust in Jesus . . .
to help me finish strong.

With Him running with me,
I’ll focus in on winning
the confidence He’ll provide
will keep me from sinning.

I’ll have a sense of purpose,
hope will be in my stride
I’ll stay true to the course
knowing He is at my side.

I’ll run with Jesus’ strength,
He’ll provide the assurance . . .
the crown of life will be my prize
for He’ll give me the endurance!

~~~~~~~~

1 Corinthians 9:24

“Know ye not that they
which run in a race run all,
 but one receiveth the prize?
So run, that ye may obtain.”

King James Bible
Public Domain

Copyright 2013 Revised 2020
Deborah Ann Belka

Numbering Our Days ~

When we learn,
to number our days
we will discover . . .
God’s righteous ways.

For then we will be,
well-advised and wise
how to keep our eyes
on the one real prize.

When we learn,
just how weak we are
we’ll find God’s strength
is never too far.

For then we will see,
without His power
we are nothing but . . .
cowering cowards.

When we learn,
our days our numbered
by our own foolish ways
we’ll not be encumbered!

~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 90:12

So teach us
to number our days,
that we may apply
our hearts unto wisdom.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2020
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Return ~

Everywhere I look,
everywhere I turn . . .
Lord, I see the need
for so many to return.

Return from wandering,
from going astray
return back to . . .
the Life, Truth and Way.

Everywhere I step,
everywhere I go
Lord, I notice those
just going with the flow.

Flowing with the world,
conforming to its ways
following that wide path
leading from You away.

Lord, everywhere I look,
everything I see . . .
shows me all the hearts
needing to return to Thee!

~~~~~~~~~~

Jeremiah 24:7

And I will give them an heart
to know me, that I am the Lord:
and they shall be my people,
and I will be their God:
for they shall return unto
me with their whole heart.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2020
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Spiritual Eyes ~

When you are given,
spiritual eyes . . .
you will keep them
on the prize.

For eyes focused,
on what isn’t clear
are eyes that know
Jesus’ return is near.

When you are given,
eyes that believe
true understanding
they will receive.

For eyes devoted,
to the Life and Way
are eyes to the Truth
always willing to stay.

When you have eyes,
spiritually discerning
to the world ways . . .
they’ll not be conforming!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 119:37

Turn away mine eyes
from beholding vanity;
and quicken thou me
in thy way.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2020
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Humble Me Lord ~

Humble me Lord,
into submission
help me to make
a heartfelt transition.

Teach me all about,
true obedience
so I may give to You
my full allegiance.

Humble me Lord,
no matter the pain
break me free from
sin’s cursing chain.

Show me how to live,
a life lowly and meek
give me the strength
to turn the other cheek.

Humble me Lord,
until I’m fully submitted
so I may tender to You . . .
a heart that is committed!

~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 25:8-9

Good and upright is the Lord:
therefore will he teach
sinners in the way.

The meek will he guide in judgment:
and the meek will he teach his way.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2020
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Heavenly Minded People ~

Saintly people,
right on earth here
waiting for Jesus . . .
to again appear.

Human bodies,
echoing God’s love
biding our time . . .
til we’re with Him above.

Earthly beings,
living in unity
awaiting to spend . . .
with Jesus eternity.

Foreigners and aliens,
born again anew
ready for Jesus . . .
to make all things new.

Heavenly minded people,
a body of one
reflecting the Life, the Truth
the Way of the Son!

~~~~~~~~~~

John 17:21

That they all may be one;
as thou, Father, art in me,
and I in thee, that they also
may be one in us: that the
world may believe that
thou hast sent me.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2020
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

A Walk Worthy Of My Talk ~

Lord, may my walk,
be worthy of my talk
may it resonate You . . .
in all I say and do.

May it be suitable,
to You applaudable
may it be observed
as a walk reserved.

Lord, may my walk,
be worthy of my talk
may it bring to You . . .
the glory You are due.

May it be regarded,
as a walk discarded
of a list of regulations
for one of regeneration.

Lord, may my walk,
be worthy of my talk
may there be unity . . .
in their pursuit of purity!

~~~~~~~~~~

Ephesians 4:1

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord,
beseech you that ye walk worthy
of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2020
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Keep Me Humble Lord~

Humble me Lord,
into submission
prepare my heart
for the transition.

Take away the pride,
still inside of me
so more like You
I can meekly be.

Humble me Lord,
remove my smug ego
so my self-assurance
I can at last forgo.

Teach me to have,
modest obedience
so I can pledge to you
my full allegiance.

Keep me humble Lord,
so I may bring You honor
keep my spirit meek . . .
so my pride I can conquer!

~~~~~~~~~~

Proverbs 29.23

A man’s pride
shall bring him low:
but honour shall uphold
the humble in spirit.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2020
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~