Blessing Counting ~

Don’t number your burdens,
instead count your blessings
for burden counting, adding
can be gloomy and depressing.

So let your mind run free,
and add up all the ways
God has provided you . . .
with your needs each day.

Don’t list your complaints,
instead tally up God’s benefits
for complaining, tallying
has disheartening elements.

So let your heart begin,
to list the hopeful things
everyday into your life
Jesus sends and brings.

Don’t list all of your have-nots,
rather count the good things God has given
when your done the total sum . . .
will add up to the reasons you’re forgiven!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 103:2

“Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits:”

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

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Called By God ~

Called by God,
into righteous living
all because of grace
not of our own doing.

A holy pure life,
we’re to lead
so sin into it . . .
cannot breed.

Called to be saints,
without blame
in love and truth
without shame.

A fountain of life,
we are to be
so Jesus’ light in us
the world can see.

Called by God,
into a life holy
called to give up
our ungodly folly!

~~~~

2 Timothy 1:9

“Who hath saved us, and called us
 with an holy calling,
not according to our works,
but according to his own
purpose and grace, which
was given us in Christ
Jesus before the world began,”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Bold As Lions ~

Bold as lions,
are those who are righteous
they’ve nothing to fear
for they are virtuous.

Their conscience is clear,
they’ve no reason to doubt
for from the curse of darkness
they have found their way out.

Brave as lions,
are those who are Godly
they’ve nothing to dread
for they’ve ceased their folly.

Their hearts are right,
their evilness was replaced
with the love and mercy
of their Savior’s grace.

Bold and brave,
like lions are we . . .
for to our wicked ways
we were able to flee!

~~~~~~~~~

Proverbs 28:1

“The wicked flee when
no man pursueth:
but the righteous are
bold as a lion.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

A Heart Forgiving ~

A forgiving heart,
we must all acquire
so our resentments
on us don’t backfire.

For if we fail to do,
as Jesus did for us
bitterness our hearts
will slowly encrust.

A heart merciful,
we need to nourish
in God’s Word
for it to flourish.

For if our hearts try,
to forgive on their own
any malice left in it
will turn it into stone.

A heart forgiving,
speaks of no one evil
for it knows words can be
viciously lethal!

~~~~~~~

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 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Don’t Look Back ~

Lord, on the road to Life,
there are a lot of dark places
filled with dangerous curves
with treacherous open spaces.

But, with Your Word as my Light,
I know I will find my way
as it’ll give me the direction
so from You I will not stray.

Lord on the road to Life,
there’s a lot of scary things
situations so repulsive . . .
that living in this world brings.

But, with Your Word as my guide,
I know I will not get lost
for I’m aware of my options
and their hellish eternal cost.

Lord, on the road to Life,
there are plenty of hazards
and I fear what will happen
if I should look backwards!

~~~~~~~

Genesis 19:26

“But his wife looked back from
behind him, and she became a
pillar of salt.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Seasons ~

I’ve suffered through seasons,
with pain too much to bear
periods of ongoing grief
where tears became my prayer.

I’ve sailed though seasons,
with carefree, untroubled days
weeks, months and even years
singing nothing but my praise.

I’ve struggled through seasons,
with doubt propelling me
to question why I believed
in the things I couldn’t see.

I’ve strolled through seasons,
with faith so unshakeable
my hope and trust in God
was clearly unbreakable.

I’ve been through many,
different kinds of seasons
and through them all I found
God had for each a reason!

~~~~~~~~

Ecclesiastes 3:1

“To every thing
there is a season,
and a time to every
purpose under the heaven:”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

A Warning ~

Don’t be fooled,
though saved by grace
to these truths . . .
we must embrace.

Do not go down the road,
of sexual temptation
rather to immorality
have no association.

Don’t continue to sin,
or stay on the wide way
rather confess and repent
right now without delay.

Do not drift or fall back,
into godless living
rather into righteousness
keep yourself pressing.

Don’t fall victim,
to satan’s attacks
rather flee for your life . . .
and don’t look back!

~~~~~~~~~

Titus 2:11-12

“For the grace of God that
bringeth salvation hath
appeared to all men,

Teaching us that, denying
ungodliness and worldly lusts,
we should live soberly,
righteously, and godly,
in this present world;”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Old Creature Gone ~

Old creature gone,
exchanged for the new
the day Lord, Jesus
we came to follow You.

Old dirty habits,
old thoughts and ways
redeemed for the new
for the rest of our days.

Old bitter resentment,
old tempers and demands
substituted for the new
as we obey Your commands.

Old greedy desires,
old habits and lusts
converted for the new
when we began to trust.

Old creature gone,
exchanged for the new
all because Lord, Jesus
we’re beholden to You!

~~~~~~~~~~

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 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Put Jesus First ~

When you put Jesus,
first on your list
there He will be
right in the midst.

For when you meet,
with Jesus each day
He will by your side
unfailingly stay.

When you make Jesus,
your top priority
His Word you will keep
with all authority.

For when Jesus is taken,
more seriously
the more you will train
for the race rigorously.

When you trust Jesus,
fully and completely
you will go to Him
each day more routinely!

~~~~~~~~

Matthew 6:33

“But seek ye first
the kingdom of God,
and his righteousness;
and all these things
shall be added unto you.”

John 14:23

“Jesus answered and said unto him,
If a man love me, he will keep my
words: and my Father will love him,
and we will come unto him,
and make our abode with him.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Love Is Blind ~

Love is patient,
it doesn’t keep score
when it’s insulted
it doesn’t get sore.

Love isn’t self-centered,
it isn’t conceited
when it is put down
it isn’t defeated.

Love is kind,
it doesn’t get mad
when disappointed
is doesn’t get sad.

Love isn’t self-seeking
it isn’t disturbed
when it’s agitated
it isn’t perturbed.

Love is patient,
love is kind . . .
to other’s faults
love is blind!

~~~~~~~~

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

“Charity suffereth long,
and is kind; charity
envieth not; charity
vaunteth not itself,
is not puffed up,

Doth not behave itself unseemly,
seeketh not her own,
is not easily provoked,
thinketh no evil;”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Difficult People ~

Difficult people,
are everywhere
they can be at home
or out anywhere.

They are not easy,
around to even be . . .
yet, God’s love in us
we must let them see.

Difficult people,
are conflict driven
they don’t really care
about your opinion.

They are gunning,
to get on our nerves
yet, God’s mercies
on them we need to serve.

Difficult people,
each day we must face
and we must extend . . .
to them God’s grace!

~~~~~~~

Proverbs 15:1

“A soft answer turneth away wrath:
but grievous words stir up anger.”

Luke 6:36

“Be ye therefore merciful,
as your Father also is merciful.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Negative Thoughts ~

Negative thoughts,
coming from nowhere
bombarding our hearts
with distrust and despair.

From out of the blue,
they attack our mind
robbing us of our hope
leaving anxiety behind.

Negatives thoughts,
blown in like a whirlwind
til under their control
we find ourselves pinned.

From places unknown,
they come to the surface
assaulting our knowledge
of God and His purpose.

Negative thoughts,
we must take captive
to them we cannot be
inactive or passive!

~~~~~~~~

2 Corinthians 10:5

“Casting down imaginations,
and every high thing that
exalteth itself against
the knowledge of God,
and bringing into captivity
every thought to the
obedience of Christ;

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Putting On Mercy ~

Lord, help me to put on,
Your tender mercy
to all those who are
hungry and thirsty.

Help me to be kind,
to those who are needy
keep me always humble
not selfish and greedy.

Lord, help me to put on,
Your loving, forgiving heart
so when I am wronged
forgiveness I can impart.

Help me to be gracious,
give me Job like patience
to all who You send or bring
into my acquaintance.

Lord, help me to put on,
Your mercy every day
so for You I can lead . . .
others to the Truth and Way!

~~~~~~~~~

Colossians 3:12-13

“Put on therefore,
as the elect of God,
holy and beloved,
bowels of mercies,
kindness, humbleness of mind,
meekness,longsuffering;

Forbearing one another,
and forgiving one another,
if any man have a quarrel
against any: even as Christ
forgave you, so also do ye.”

James 5:11

” Behold, we count them happy which endure.
Ye have heard of the patience of Job,
and have seen the end of the Lord;
that the Lord is very pitiful,
and of tender mercy.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Some Needed Changing ~

This year in my life,
they’ll be some rearranging
and I will let Jesus
do the needed changing.

I am going to give Him,
my heart to reshape
until faith and trust
is its only landscape.

This year in my life,
Jesus will be occupied
working on the things
keeping me preoccupied.

I’m going to give Him,
free access into my head
so nothing will keep me
from being Spirit lead.

This year in my life,
they’ll be some reshaping
but only if I let Jesus . . .
institute the changing!

~~~~~~~~~~

Isaiah 43:19

“Behold, I will do a new thing
now it shall spring forth;
shall ye not know it? I will
even make a way in the
wilderness, and rivers
in the desert.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Wide Awake ~

When in the morning,
when I am wide awake
I read the Good News . . .
and not listen to the fake.

For when I turn on,
and tune in my television
there’s so much evil
streaming into my vision.

But, when I read my Bible,
the airwaves are full of love
peace, joy and eternal hope
airing to me from above.

The Scriptures broadcasts,
the wonder of God’s goodness
and I don’t need a satellite
to transmit to me His kindness.

When in the morning,
I rise from my warm bed
I shun my television
and read the Good News instead!

~~~~~~~~~~

Romans 15:4

“For whatsoever things
were written aforetime
were written for our learning,
that we through patience
and comfort of the
scriptures might have hope.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

My Crown of Glory and Honor ~

Lord, You gave me a crown,
of Your glory and honor
to wear on my head
while here on earth I labor.

But, often it slips,
right over my eyes
and I come up short
going for the prize.

As I push it back,
to it is proper place
I dash right back out
to keep going in the race.

But, sometimes I feel,
it only shows me down
and I question if it is
for me the right crown.

Child, I have given you,
My crown of glory to wear
but, keeping it on . . .
is not yours alone to bear.

If you want your crown,
to stay in its correct place
it needs to be secured . . .
by My mercy, love and grace!

~~~~~~

Psalm 8:4-6

“What is man, that thou art mindful of him?
and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

For thou hast made him a little lower than
the angels, and hast crowned him with
glory and honour.

Thou madest him to have dominion
over the works of thy hands; thou
hast put all things under his feet:”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Jesus Said So ~

Jesus said,
I don’t condemn
and for sinner’s
that’s quite a gem.

For, He’d rather save,
then to sentence
as He’d rather see
man’s true repentance.

Jesus said,
go and sin no more
to temptation
don’t open the door.

But for some,
this they don’t get
and to His warning
they opt to forget.

We must from sin,
clearly turn and go . . .
I know this to be true
because Jesus said so!

~~~~~~

John 8:11

“When Jesus had lifted
up himself, and saw none
but the woman,
he said unto her,
Woman, where are those
thine accusers?
hath no man
condemned thee?

She said, No man, Lord.
And Jesus said unto her,
Neither do I condemn thee:
go, and sin no more.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Love That Inspires ~

Let us not love in idle words,
that simply roll off our tongues
let us love in truthful actions
and deeds that are left unsung.

Let us not love with conditions,
that requires more of another
let us love in a forgiving measure
bracing and lifting up each other.

Let us not love over factors,
that causes us to clash and fight
let us love with assuring hearts
filled with joy and His delight.

Let us not love in competition,
that causes one to win or to lose
let us love with honest declarations
His truths be in the terms we choose.

Let us not love with a lofty heart,
that brings or puts another down
let us love with hope and bold faith
so others can see the truth we’ve found.

Let us love with pure, honest deeds,
so our conduct awes and inspires
another life to turn to our Lord
for that is what His heart desires!

~~~~~~~~~

Philippians 2: 1-3

“Therefore if there is
any consolation in Christ,
if any comfort of love,
if any fellowship of the Spirit,
if any affection and mercy,
fulfill my joy by being
like-minded, having the same love,
being of one accord,
of one mind.
Let nothing be done through
selfish ambition
or conceit, but in lowliness
of mind let each esteem
others better than himself.”

1 John 2:10

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

Copyright 2012 Revised 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Seek To Please God ~

When you seek to please,
God in all you do
nothing people say
will phase or daze you.

You will walk upright,
in a worthy manner
you will become known
as that faithful runner.

You won’t pay attention,
to what people may think
to their cruel ridicule
you won’t even blink.

You will stand up tall,
to evil you’ll not cower
for you know you’re filled
with God’s almighty power

When you seek to please,
God first in your life . . .
what others say or do
won’t cause you any strife!

~~~~~~

Galatians 1:10

” For do I now persuade men, or God?
or do I seek to please men?
for if I yet pleased men,
I should not be the servant of Christ.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

I Must Admit ~

I admit . . .
I am old-fashioned
for Jesus is
my one true passion.

I know people think,
I am out of it
when I say I’m filled
with His spirit.

I acknowledge,
I’m old-school
for I let Jesus
my heart rule.

I know people feel,
I’m a dinosaur
for holy living
I still stand up for.

I accept . . .
what they think of me
for still believing in
what I can’t see!

~~~~~~~

2 Timothy 2:15

“Study to shew thyself approved
unto God, a workman that needeth
not to be ashamed, rightly dividing
the word of truth.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Walking Wisely ~

 

Oh, Father I thank you,
today for Your grace
and the wisdom I need
for the world I’ll face.

For I know of the evil,
I will witness today
and walking wisely
must be my mainstay.

Oh, Father I thank you,
for Your constant guidance
as I strive for perfection
in a world filled with defiance.

For, I know the perversion,
that is going out there
for to its ungodliness
Your Word keeps me aware.

Oh, Father I thank you,
for the wisdom You give
for without it I don’t know . . .
how in this world I’d live!

~~~~~~

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

A Life-Giving Stream ~

Lord help me to be,
a life-giving stream
where love flows endless
without border or seam.

Let me be like a river,
flowing with peace
so worldly darkness
Your light can breach.

Lord help be to be,
like a babbling brook
flowing with the truth
found in Your Good book.

Let me be like a creek,
even if it be a small trickle
for I never know how . . .
You might use that ripple.

Lord, help me to be like a river,
a stream, brook or creek
keep Your Spirit flowing in me
whether strong or weak!

~~~~~~

John 7:37-38

In the last day,
that great day of the feast,
Jesus stood and cried,
saying, If any man thirst,
let him come unto me, and drink.

He that believeth on me,
as the scripture hath said,
out of his belly shall flow
rivers of living water.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Humbled ~

Humble me Lord,
show me my pride
I know it from You
I cannot hide.

Let me see where,
my ego’s overblown
so from its pedestal
it can be dethroned.

Humble me Lord,
take me to my knees
so that all the glory
I can give to Thee.

Let my eyes be opened,
to my narcissist ways
for You are the only One
worthy of my praise.

Humble me Lord,

as only You can do

for all of my praise . . .

belongs to only You!

~~~~~~

Matthew 23:12

“And whosoever shall exalt himself
shall be abased;
and he that shall humble himself
shall be exalted.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann

Into His Holy, Glorious Light ~

 

May God strengthen you,
with the power of His might
until with the saints you enter
into His holy, glorious light.

May you have endurance,
to run the faithful race
may you have a heart full
of praise, joy and grace.

May you hold onto the faith,
with patience and endurance
may all you say and do
be done with temperance.

May your life always be,
to your Father pleasing
may knowledge from His Word
you always be gleaning.

May God strengthen you,
in works that are good and right
may your fruits bring others
into His holy, glorious light!

~~~~~~~

Colossians 1:10-12

“That ye might walk worthy
of the Lord unto all pleasing,
being fruitful in every good work,
and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Strengthened with all might,
according to his glorious power,
unto all patience and longsuffering
with joyfulness;

Giving thanks unto the Father,
which hath made us meet to be
partakers of the inheritance
of the saints in light:”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Onward Press ~

Lord, today,
I must confess
it was truly
one big mess.

I bit the dust,
fell flat on my face
I couldn’t get up
if not for Your grace.

Lord, today,
I really blew it
failed to rely on
the Holy Spirit.

On my own,
I went off to fight
without relying
on Your might.

Lord, today,
was truly a mess
but I’m determined . . .
to onward press!

~~~~~~~~

Philippians 3:14

“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