Embracing The Cross ~

Everyday we need to be,
the cross embracing . . .
each day we should be
like Jesus behaving.

We need into His image,
keep on transforming
and to the world ways
stop being conforming.

Everyday we need to be,
grace and love’s reflection
so with the unsaved
we can make a connection.

We need to resemble,
Jesus’ saving light
so in man’s foolish heart
our hope will shine bright.

Everyday we need to be,
to the cross adhering
so more can be ready
for His next appearing!

~~~~~~~~

Luke 10:2

Therefore said he unto them,
The harvest truly is great,
but the labourers are few:
pray ye therefore the Lord
of the harvest, that he would
send forth labourers
into his harvest.

1 Corinthians 1:18

For the preaching of the cross
is to them that perish foolishness;
but unto us which are saved
it is the power of God.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Choose Words Consoling ~

Choose words consoling,
let them be wise and kind
use words that will bring
to someone peace of mind.

Use your words carefully,
think before you speak
pray before you say a thing
to be humble and meek.

Use words that will inspire,
encourage and support
let them be full of tenderness
always offering up comfort.

Control your own impulses,
use words filled with grace
let others hear loving words
their heart’s can embrace.

Our words can be healing,
bringing relief and peace
or they can be toxic . . .
by the poison they release!

~~~~~~~~

Proverbs 16:24

Pleasant words are
as an honeycomb,
sweet to the soul,
and health to the bones.

James 3:8

“But the tongue
can no man tame;
it is an unruly evil,
full of deadly poison.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2015 Revised 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

For My Soul ~

I do not trust,
those in control . . .
I won’t give them
a piece of my soul.

For it is God,
on whom I depend
and my faith in Him
to death I’ll defend.

I do not believe,
in what they say
I won’t be lead . . .
down that wide way.

For I do not fear,
what man can do
for my life oh Lord
I have given You.

To God my soul,
belongs solely . . .
for I’m on the side
of all things holy!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 118:6

The Lord is on my side;
I will not fear:
what can man do unto me?

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Life In The Narrow Lane ~

Life in the narrow lane,
needs to be taken slow
and you must be willing
to go with the flow.

You’ll need to keep up,
with the stressful pace
if you want to finish
the faithful race.

Life in the narrow lane,
leads to the gate
that will determine
your eternal fate.

You’ll need to be aware,
of the bumps in the way
that may cause you
from the truth to stray.

Life in the narrow lane,
was paved before us
by the saints who put . . .
in Jesus all their trust!

~~~~~~~~

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 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Oh, What A Gain ~

Oh, what a gain,
it’s going to be
when my Savior
I finally see.

Though I may lose,
on earth my standing
one day in heaven
I will be landing.

Oh, what a joy,
it’s going to be
when my Father
I’ll at last see.

Though in the world,
I have been hated
God’s love for me
has never abated.

Oh, what a gain,
for me it will be
if living like Christ
means heaven I’ll see!

~~~~~~~~

Philippians 1:21

For to me
to live is Christ,
and to die is gain.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Those Who Love Jesus ~

Those who love Jesus,
are on the same path
for they know to turn
away from God’s wrath.

They have a fellowship,
of peace, hope and grace
together life’s challenges
they are willing to face.

Those who love Jesus
know He is in the midst
they understand the devil
they will need to resist.

They have a kinship,
of brotherly love
for they all are related
to their Father above.

Those who love Jesus,
to each other cleave
and just like Him . . .
promise never to leave!

~~~~~~~~

Matthew 18:20

For where two or three are
gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them.

Proverbs 18:4

The words of a man’s mouth
are as deep waters, and the
wellspring of wisdom as a
flowing brook

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Blessed Are The Pure In Heart ~

Blessed are the souls,
that have been purified
for their hearts have been . . .
changed from the inside.

For they are committed,
to a lifestyle of holiness
and strive to achieve
a lifetime of godliness.

Blessed are the souls,
whose thoughts and desires
are to do everything
that God so requires.

For the lusts of the flesh,
brings them no pleasure
for it is up in heaven . . .
they store their treasure.

Blessed are the pure in heart,
for God ~ they shall see
they gladly live a life holy
with delightful joy and glee!

~~~~~~~~

Matthew 5.8

Blessed are the pure in heart:
for they shall see God.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Blessed Are Those Merciful ~

Blessed are the merciful,
those who do believe
it is better to be forgiving
then to injure or aggrieve.

For they know they must be,
kind, gentle and polite
so that for Jesus . . .
they can reflect His light.

Blessed are those merciful,
those who are generous
for their deeds of charity
are done with reverence.

For they know they should be,
compassionate and caring
for the love of God . . .
they are always bearing.

Blessed are those merciful,
those who do believe
for their acts of kindness . . .
mercy from God they’ll receive.

~~~~~~~~

Matthew 5.7

Blessed are the merciful:
for they shall obtain mercy.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Show Someone Some Grace ~

Show someone today,
some grace, regardless . . .
so it can work through
your own heart’s hardness.

Think about Jesus,
and what He did for you
then His love will flow . . .
from right inside of you.

Show them some mercy,
even if it, you don’t feel
so that any bitterness
in your soul it can heal.

Think about your Father,
how daily it He releases
then watch how your own
forgiveness increases.

In others time of need,
show some grace and mercy
even if you don’t think . . .
of it, they are even worthy!

~~~~~~~~

Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly
unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in
time of need.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Words Of Truth ~

Words of truth,
we need to use
not the ones
that abuse.

For the tongue,
speaks from the soul
and we must be
of it in control.

Words timely,
seasoned with grace
will help others
their doubts to face.

For the mouth,
can help uplift
those whose faith
has gone adrift.

Words edifying,
we need to speak
not ones to God
that stink and reek!

~~~~

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupt communication
proceed out of your mouth,
but that which is good to the use
of edifying, that it may minister
grace unto the hearers.

Colossians 4:6

Let your speech be always
with grace, seasoned with salt,
that ye may know how ye ought
to answer every man.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Secret Sin ~

Secret sin,
cannot hide
no matter . . .
how hard tried.

For God sees,
into the heart
where sinfulness
roots and starts.

Hidden sin,
can’t be concealed
for to God . . .
all sin is revealed.

For what we think,
is out of His sight
He still can see
through His light.

Secret, hidden sins,
can’t be suppressed . . .
but God will cleanse them
when they’re confessed!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 19:12

Who can understand his errors?
cleanse thou me from secret faults.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Wisely Walking ~

Father I thank You,
today for Your grace
and the wisdom I need
to wisely run the race.

For, I know of the evil,
I will witness today
and to walk cautiously
must be my mainstay.

Father I thank you,
today for Your direction
for the wisdom to have
in the world no connection.

For, though times are dark,
You make it clear to me
how living like a fool
I do not want to be.

Father I thank you,
for helping me to walk wise
so that I can be mindful
of satan’s traps and lies!

~~~~~~

Ephesians 5:15-17

“See then that ye walk circumspectly,
not as fools, but as wise,

Redeeming the time,
because the days are evil.

Wherefore be ye not unwise,
but understanding what
the will of the Lord is.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018 Revised 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

Have You Heard The Call ~

Have you heard the call,
from the world to depart
have you heeded to the cry
to its ways don’t be a part?

Have you met the challenge,
that by it you won’t be accepted
have you come to the terms
that you will be by it rejected?

Have you considered you’ll be,
harassed and persecuted
have you thought for your faith
you could be prosecuted?

Have you reflected about,
how by others you’ll be hated
have you pondered
for your belief you’ll be berated?

Is your life a reflection,
of your Father’s from above
is your heart ready to serve
those who hate you with His love?

~~~~~~~~

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.

John 15:18

If the world hate you,
ye know that it hated
me before it hated you.

2 Timothy 3:12

Yea, and all that will live
godly in Christ Jesus shall
suffer persecution.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Nail It To The Cross ~

Whatever temptation,
may come your way
nail it to the cross . . .
and there it will stay.

When lust and greed,
enter into your mind
nail them to the cross . . .
and God’s peace you’ll find.

When sinful thoughts,
have you trembling
nail them to the cross . . .
for faith strengthening.

When bitterness,
foams within your heart
nail it to the cross . . .
and your pain will depart.

For, up on the cross,
Jesus willingly died . . .
and nailed onto Him
was our sinful pride!

~~~~~~~~

Galatians 5:24

And they that are Christ’s
have crucified the flesh
with the affections and lusts.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2013 Revised 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

A Broken Spirit ~

Lord, give me a broken spirit,
one in itself no esteem
one who knows for its sins
only You can redeem.

Let it see it has no worth,
how it is totally wretched
how that for its salvation
to You it’s wholly indebted.

Bring it down to its knees,
let it see its fallen state
so it may find the way
through the narrow gate.

Let it know how bankrupt,
it would be if not for You
how only You can save it
not what it thinks it can do.

Lord give me a broken spirit,
a heart that is contrite
so I may be to You . . .
a sight of pure delight!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 51:17

The sacrifices of God are a
broken spirit: a broken and
a contrite heart, O God, thou
wilt not despise.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Striving For Perfection ~

I strive for perfection,
and many times I fail . . .
but, whenever I do
I get back on the trail.

For what I know is good,
is worth my going for
and when I need strength
I ask Jesus to give me more.

I strain to find God’s will,
but, it I don’t always see
but, I am not deterred
to find His plan for me.

For what is acceptable,
is worth my pursuing
and when I need a push
I ask Jesus for renewing.

I strive for perfection,
I know I can achieve it
for, I know its attainable
through the Holy Spirit!

~~~~~~~~

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.

Matthew 5:48

Be ye therefore perfect,
even as your Father which
is in heaven is perfect.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

On A Road Trip ~

I’ve been on a road trip,
for many of years . . .
some days filled with joy
others soaked in tears.

It hasn’t been an easy ride,
God knows its been hard
but His love left me . . .
by the pain unscarred.

At times it was a struggle,
others were but a breeze
and often I found myself
down on both my knees.

I know it is not over,
until God says so . .
so I’m going to endure
till it’s time for me to go.

I’ve been on a road trip,
filled with up and downs
but, I won’t give up . . .
until I get my life’s crown!

~~~~~~~~

James 1:12

Blessed is the man that endureth
temptation: for when he is tried,
he shall receive the crown of life,
which the Lord hath promised to
them that love him.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

I Want To Be For Jesus ~

I want to be for Jesus,
a shinning example
I want His life in mine
to glowingly resemble.

So I will need to work on,
having true humility
so that I can radiate
His loving tranquility.

I want to be for Jesus,
a vivid, promising light
I want His peace in me
to beam ever bright.

So I will need to work out,
my own salvation
so I can emit for Him
my joy and elation.

I want to be for Jesus,
what He is to me . . .
I want His love to be
all that people see!

~~~~~~~~

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 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

The Poor In Spirit ~

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
those with no self-esteem
those who know for their sins
only Jesus can redeem.

For they know they’re nothing,
without God’s mercy and favor
they believe He sent His Son
to be their Lord and Savior.

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
those who rely on God’s grace
for their spiritual short-comings
they’re willing to fully embrace.

Blessed are those who know,
just how badly they’re wretched
those who know for their salvation
to Jesus are wholly indebted.

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
who to sin are no longer a victim . . .
for they know they can do nothing
to enter into God’s kingdom!

~~~~~~~~

Matthew 5:3

Blessed are the poor in spirit:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

The Race I Entered ~

When the race I entered,
I didn’t know the distance
nor that there would be
so much resistance.

I didn’t think how far,
I would be running
nor how satan after me
would still be coming.

I didn’t think how much,
courage it would take
as I kept aiming
for the narrow gate.

I didn’t think how few,
had the faith to hold fast
nor how many of them
I could actually outlast.

When I entered the race,
I didn’t know it was so long
and it’s only because of Jesus
that I’ve kept going strong!

~~~~~~~~

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 Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

You Can’t Take It With You ~

Hearses don’t pull trailers,
filled with earthly treasures
they don’t tow your assets
or your worldly pleasures.

They don’t carry the living,
with their prized possessions
they only bring along coffins
to the grave side processions.

You can’t take it with you,
all you’ve got will turn to rust
what you adore and cherish
will be left behind in the dust.

You can’t haul away your stuff,
there’s no place in heaven for it
one day all you own and love
you will be forced to forfeit.

There is no trailer hitch,
attached to that black hearse
all your valuables down here
others one day will disperse.

You can’t take it with you,
so you might as well let it go
for where your heart is . . .
to the world it will show!

~~~~~~~~~~

Matthew 6:20-21

“But lay up for yourselves
treasures in heaven,
where neither moth
nor rust doth corrupt,
and where thieves do not
break through nor steal:
For where your treasure is,
there will your heart be also.”

Copyright 2013 Revised 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

My Brother’s Keeper ~

I am my brother’s keeper,
I help him to understand
I encourage him to put
his life into God’s hand.

I am my sister’s keeper,
I help her to see the light
I encourage her to grow
to keep Jesus in her sight.

I am my mother’s keeper,
in her old age I help her out
I hold her hand when lonely
to calm her fears and doubt.

I am my father’s keeper,
I lift to God, his very soul
I pray each day and night
Jesus will make him whole.

I am my children’s keeper,
I listen to their concerns
I pray for God to give them
the wisdom to discern.

I am my neighbor’s keeper,
I pray for their daily needs
I tell them to always heed
to follow where God leads.

The Lord is my keeper,
He is with me every day
He watches over me . . .
as I travel the narrow way!

~~~~~~~~~

Genesis 4:9

“And the Lord said unto Cain,
Where is Abel thy brother?
And he said, I know not:
Am I my brother’s keeper?”

1 John 2:10

He that loveth his brother
abideth in the light, and
there is none occasion
of stumbling in him.

Copyright 2014 Revised 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Wisdom From Above ~

Wisdom from above,
is pristine and spotless
it’s full of mercy
impeccable and flawless.

It fruits are good,
they are reasonable
for it sees all people
as being redeemable.

It is full of peace,
it is gentle and kind
for, it knows God’s love
is for all of mankind.

It speaks no evil,
it is never critical
for it knows Jesus’ grace
is not political.

Wisdom from above,
is compassionate
for, after righteousness
it is God’s advocate!

~~~~~~~~

James 3:17-18

But the wisdom that is from
above is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, and easy to be intreated,
full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown
in peace of them that make peace.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Staying The Course

Lord, this hasn’t been easy,
but, I’m staying the course
only because You’ve been . . .
my strength’s sole source.

You’ve never let me down,
for me You’re always there
ready to take upon Yourself
the weight of all my care.

Lord, You’ve been with me,
throughout the race so far
compelling me to endure
so I can be where You are.

You’ve given me patience,
when mine was running low
helping me to keep the faith
so that Your joy I may know.

Lord, You got me started,
in this race I am in . . .
and when I finish it
I’ll have victory over sin!

~~~~~~~~

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 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Now More Than Ever ~

Today more than ever,
we need to reach out
and encourage others
who with hope are without.

We need to extend,
the arm of God’s love
so others onto our trust
can take a firm hold of.

We need to share,
a Son lit smile . . .
to help others to go
that long extra mile.

We need to lend a hand,
to all those in need
by planting in their hearts
faith’s mustard seed.

Today more than ever,
we need to be reaching
those who do not know
about Jesus’ teachings!

~~~~~~~~

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.

Philemon 1:6

That the communication
of thy faith may become
effectual by the acknowledging
of every good thing
which is in you in Christ Jesus.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

When The Grass Browns ~

When on the other side,
the grass starts to brown
when the green fades
and all you see is ground.

That’s when you’ll find,
the fence doesn’t matter
it’s just your credit cards
that have become fatter.

When your envy pales,
and is no longer green
and your savings account
has become too lean.

That’s when you’ll know,
jealousy is a fickle thing
and true happiness
it can never bring.

For when we learn,
how to be truly content
over what others possess
will no longer torment!

~~~~~~~~

Philippians 4:11

Not that I speak in respect of want:
for I have learned, in whatsoever
state I am, therewith to be content.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Be A Contender ~

Lord, let me be a contender,
a competitor in the race
so I may be a testament
of Your life-saving grace.

Help me to finish well,
so the prize I can earn
by guiding me around
each bend, every turn.

Let me be a front-runner,
to living a life sinless
so I may be for You
everyday a witness.

If You should ever see me,
fall off the narrow track
I pray You will quickly
guide me to You back.

Lord, let me be a contender,
one who runs with dignity
let me be a champion
of love and charity!

~~~~~~~~

Jude 1:3

Beloved, when I gave all diligence
to write unto you of the common
salvation, it was needful for me to
write unto you, and exhort you that
ye should earnestly contend for the
faith which was once delivered
unto the saints.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Like A River Tree ~

I want my faith to grow,
like a river tree . . .
so my life will reflect
Lord, my love for Thee.

I want my hope to tap,
into the blood of life
so I will not wither . . .
underneath all the strife.

I want my assurance,
to always represent
my hope and belief
in the new covenant.

I want my trust to form,
and be firmly grounded
so my fruit will be . . .
abundant and well-rounded.

I want my faith to grow,
like a tree by the river
always giving thanks . .
Lord, to You my life-saver!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 1:3

And he shall be like a tree
planted by the rivers of water,
that bringeth forth his fruit
in his season; his leaf also
shall not wither; and whatsoever
he doeth shall prosper.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

To Walk In The Spirit ~

Walking in the Spirit,
is not so easy to do
especially when you know
the world’s watching you.

For the lusts of the flesh,
must not be satisfied
for we know with Jesus
we have been crucified.

Holy Spirit walking,
takes His guidance
lest we fall under
the world’s influence.

For our natural nature,
can be easily mislead
unless we are willing
to be Holy Spirit lead.

To walk in the Spirit,
takes one step at a time
so that with God’s will
our own will align!

~~~~~~~~

Galatians 5.16

This I say then,
Walk in the Spirit,
and ye shall not fulfill
the lust of the flesh.

Galatians 5.22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against
such there is no law.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Living The Good Life ~

A life living good,
to God is obedient
it knows for success
its the only ingredient.

For a life that lives well,
follows God’s leading
and everyday its Bible
it’s studying and reading.

Living a good Life,
takes courage and guts
for the rest of the world
will think it is nuts.

But it knows its a pilgrim,
just passing through
and doing good works
is what it needs to do.

Living the good life,
can be time consuming
but the end results . . .
are worth our pursuing!

~~~~~~~~

Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus unto
good works, which God hath
before ordained that we should
walk in them.

Galatians 5.22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against
such there is no law.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

A Faith Filled Life ~

A faith filled life,
in God has confidence
it trusts and believes
in His providence.

It never waivers,
it’s rooted and grounded
its hope in Jesus
is full and well-rounded.

A faith filled life,
is fully persuaded
it knows its soul
by God was created.

Its mind and heart,
have been transformed
to the world ways
it is not conformed.

A faith filled life,
lives by the Spirit
it knows God’s Kingdom
it will inherit!

~~~~~~~~

Romans 1:17

For therein is the righteousness
of God revealed from faith to faith:
as it is written,
The just shall live by faith.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Know ye not that the unrighteous
shall not inherit the kingdom of God?
Be not deceived: neither fornicators,
nor idolaters, nor adulterers,
nor effeminate, nor abusers of
themselves with mankind,
Nor thieves, nor covetous,
nor drunkards, nor revilers,
nor extortioners,
shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5.22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against
such there is no law.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~