A Callous Heart ~

A callus heart,
edges are rough
getting through to it
is more than tough.

But there’s one thing,
that is for sure
God it’s coarseness
can heal and cure.

A callus heart,
is thick and dense
being cynical
is its only defense.

But God can make it,
soft and pliable
so that it can be
for Him viable.

A callus heart,
is crass, coarse and cold
but God can turn it
into a heart of gold!

~~~~~~~~

Ezekiel 36:26

“A new heart also will I give you,
and a new spirit will I put within
you: and I will take away the stony
heart out of your flesh, and I wil
l give you an heart of flesh.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

My Heart’s Response ~

My mind said to me,
look at what you can do
my heart responded . . .
Lord, not without you.

My mind told me,
all this could be yours
my heart answered . . .
don’t open those doors.

My mind stressed to me,
see all you can enjoy
my heart advised . . .
don’t fall for satan’s ploy.

My mind reasoned with me,
you needn’t be concerned
my heart spoke clearly . . .
that’s not what you’ve learned.

My mind said to me,
ah, go ahead and just do it
my heart told me . . .
don’t listen to that evil spirit!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Matthew 4:8-10

Again, the devil taketh him up into
an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth
him all the kingdoms of the world,
and the glory of them;

And saith unto him, All these things
will I give thee, if thou wilt fall
down and worship me.

Then saith Jesus unto him,
Get thee hence, Satan: for it
is written, Thou shalt worship
the Lord thy God, and him only
shalt thou serve.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Tongue Control ~

We all need,
tongue control
we all should
our lips patrol.

For the words,
we choose to use
can light a fire
with their fuse.

We all need,
to think ahead
before the words
that are said.

For the tongue,
can be unruly
spewing its own
poison cruelty.

We all need,
to give over the rein
of our tongues
to Jesus, to tame!

~~~~~~

James 3:3-10

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

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

The Very Best Of Me ~

Oh, God I want to give You,
the very best of me
so go ahead and search
and tell me what You see.

If there be anything,
You want to alter
my whole life to You
I willingly offer.

Oh, God I want You to be,
in my life clearly greater
so go ahead and try me
till I simulate my Savior.

If in my heart You find,
anything to You grievous
purge it now from my life
so I’ll be more like Jesus.

Oh, God I want to give You,
the whole heart of me . . .
so search, test and try
till more of You I see!

~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 139:23

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

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Light Walking ~

Light walking,
is more than just talking
it’s knowing . . .
when our sins are showing.

It requires from all of us,
in Jesus blood to trust
to help us not to stray
while on the narrow way.

Light walking,
is more than just a calling
it’s a willingness
to avoid all evilness.

Then a real community,
of non conformity
will come together
as hearts to God surrender.

Light walking,
takes more than just talking . . .
it takes with Jesus a relationship
to form a true light fellowship!

~~~~~~~~

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light,
as he is in the light, we have
fellowship one with another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ
his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

The Gold in Silence ~

Lord may my mouth,
to You be pleasing
may my words never . . .
be to You grieving.

May my speech reflect,
the Life and the Way
may I tell the Truth
in all I have to say.

Lord, may my mouth,
heed Your instructions
let my lips not speak
words of destruction.

May I discover,
the gold in silence
may I give my words
to You for guidance.

Lord, may my mouth,
keep it’s lips tight
so that my words
embody Your Light!

~~~~~~

Proverbs 13:3

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth
his life: but he that openeth wide
his lips shall have destruction.

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Putting Faith Into Practice ~

Lord, help me to put,
my faith into practice
so I don’t appear
phony, fake or plastic.

Help me to live,
with hope abounding
so like a skeptic
I am not sounding.

Lord, help me to put,
faith into my behavior
so other’s will see
the love of my Savior.

Help me to perform,
my faith in You out
so I may be a witness
to a world full of doubt.

Lord, let not Your Words,
pass right through my ears
but let them go and do
everything they hear!

~~~~~~

James 1:22

But be ye doers of the word,
and not hearers only,
deceiving your own selves.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

To Know the Fear of God ~

Oh, to know the fear,
of God that is awesome
is to learn how to live
in this world with caution.

For, His Word warns us,
to be not the world’s friend
or with it godless ways
to mix in or to blend.

Oh, to know the wisdom,
of Godly instruction
is to know being of the world
leads to death and destruction.

For, His Word cautions all,
to be alert and sober
for the time Jesus returns
is always getting closer.

Oh, to know the fear,
that makes one respectful
is to honor God . . .
by living a life not regretful!

~~~~~~~

Proverbs 15:33

The fear of the LORD is
the instruction of wisdom;
and before honour is humility.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Lips Zipped ~

If more people would keep,
their lips zipped . . .
less hearts would be
torn apart and ripped.

If more people would use,
their words carefully . . .
less hearts would feel
so dreadfully.

If more people would hold,
their angry words at bay
less hearts would be
hurt by want they say.

If more people would use,
their words thoughtfully . . .
less hearts would be
feeling so awfully.

If more people would keep,
their lips zipped and sealed
more hearts to Jesus . . .
could be won and healed!

~~~~~~

Psalm 141:3

Set a watch, O Lord,
before my mouth;
keep the door of my lips.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

A Cheery Giver~

God loves a giver,
cheerful and cheery
He loves when we help
the weak and weary.

He loves a donor,
who gives freely
in the name of Jesus
gifts of charity.

God loves a giver,
happy and joyful
He loves when we aid
the poor and woeful.

He loves a supplier,
without any strings
for they seek no return
for the gifts they bring.

God loves a giver,
cheery and cheerful
He loves seeing us give
with a heart joyful!

~~~~~~~

2 Corinthians 9:7

Every man according as he purposeth
in his heart, so let him give; not
grudgingly, or of necessity:
for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Acts 20:35

I have shewed you all things,
how that so labouring ye ought
to support the weak, and to
remember the words of the
Lord Jesus, how he said,
It is more blessed to give
than to receive.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Sandpaper Christians ~

Sandpaper Christians,
grate on your nerves . . .
their abrasive thoughts
they don’t conserve.

Raspy and rough,
full of harshness
need God to replace
their heart of hardness.

Sandpaper Christians,
rub the wrong way
thinking not before
the words they say.

Like an emery board,
that’s lost its grit
forget they are filled
with the Holy Spirit.

Sandpaper Christians,
gruff and so bold
need to learn just how
their peace to hold.

Outspoken and snarly,
their words are brutal
need to seek how to make
their lips more fruitful.

Sandpaper Christians,
on the nerves grate . . .
need God’s wisdom
to set them straight!

~~~~~~

Proverbs 11:12

He that is void of wisdom
despiseth his neighbour:
but a man of understanding
holdeth his peace.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Finishing Well ~

Whatever you begin,
finish it well . . .
let the power of God
rise in you and swell.

Be faithful all the way,
as you run the race
hold on to the hope
of the Gospel of grace.

Whatever you start,
finish it well . . .
let the Holy Spirit
your fears quell.

Trust and believe,
Jesus is your strength
to go the distance
no matter the length.

Whatever you do,
finish it joyfully . . .
so you may complete
the course triumphantly!
~~~~~~~~

Acts 20:24

But none of these things move me,
neither count I my life dear
unto myself, so that I might
finish my course with joy,
and the ministry, which I have
received of the Lord Jesus,
to testify the gospel of
the grace of God.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Rise Up ~

Some people are paralyzed,
with fear and dread . . .
some are just hanging on
by a thin thread.

But, Jesus wants to heal,
our guilt and our shame
just like He did for . . .
the sick and the lame.

Some people are crippled,
by the sins of their past
some are hampered by
their wanderings so vast.

But, Jesus wants to cure,
our spiritual sickness
by offering us the gift
of grace and forgiveness.

Some people are immobilized,
by guilt, shame, fear and dread
but, Jesus wants us to rise up . . .
and have faith in Him instead!

~~~~~~~

Mark 2:11

I say unto thee,
Arise, and take up thy bed,
and go thy way into thine house.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Smooth Sailing ~

Today there’s smooth sailing,
the water’s calm and still
it is such a gorgeous day . . .
to just sit back and chill.

Got nothing on my mind,
my heart seems to be at rest
my worries are but few
I am feeling at my best.

As I go about my morning,
I forget to say my prayers . . .
but, for now it seems okay
for I haven’t me many cares.

The sun outside shines brightly,
calling me to come and read
but, I leave my Bible on the table . . .
for I haven’t any pressing need.

Suddenly there comes a breeze,
stirring up the peaceful water
and I can almost hear God say . . .
don’t drift too far ~ My daughter!

~~~~~~~

Hebrews 2:1

Therefore we ought to give
the more earnest heed to the
things which we have heard,
lest at any time we should
let them slip.

Public Domain
King James Version

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

If We’re Not To Judge ~

If others we are not,
to call out or judge
then why do we still hold
against people a grudge?

If we’re not to condemn,
but rather to show grace
then why do we criticize
other’s right to their face?

If we’re not to deplore,
but rather understand
then why do we still hold
the gavel in our hand?

If we’re not to accuse,
or bear false witness
then why is our nose
in others business?

If we believe God,
will have the final say
judgment for others
we’ll save for that day!

~~~~~~~~

James 4:12

There is one lawgiver,
who is able to save and
to destroy: who art thou
that judgest another?

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Purging and Pruning ~

He deletes,
He rids, He clears
those who have
no Godly fear.

He prunes,
He snips, He trims
so we who remain
can be more like Him.

He purges,
He cuts, He chops
so He can grow
a righteous crop.

He tests,
He exams, He tries
to find those willing
to self to die.

He prunes,
He snips, He pares
so more fruit
for Him we’ll bear.

~~~~~~~~

John 15:2

Every branch in me that beareth
not fruit he taketh away:
and every branch that beareth
fruit, he purgeth it, that it may
bring forth more fruit.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Knitted Together ~

Knitted together,
with the strands
of love and grace
held in God’s hands.

Hearts joined,
with assurance
to run the race
with endurance.

Stitched collectively,
to become one
with the riches found
in Father and Son.

Clothed in righteousness,
the fabric of our life
so to encourage others
through worldly strife.

Knitted together,
by God’s hand . . .
so we may become
one single strand!

~~~~~~~

Colossians 2:2

That their hearts might be comforted,
being knit together in love,
and unto all riches of the full
assurance of understanding,
to the acknowledgement of
the mystery of God,
and of the Father,
and of Christ;

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Let Your Light Shine ~

Let your Light shine,
let it glow, let it burst
so that more hearts
after Jesus will thirst.

Let your Light beam.
let it radiate, let it spread
so that more souls
to Jesus will be lead.

Let your Light sparkle,
let it gleam, let it glisten
so that more minds
about Jesus will listen.

Let your Light shimmer,
let it transmit, let it radiate
so more of the lost
to Jesus will migrate.

Let our Light ooze,
let it seep, let it exude
so that Lord, Jesus . . .
we can bring more to You!

~~~~~~~~~

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 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Stand Fast ~

Stand fast,
stay firm
be strong
don’t squirm.

Hold on,
cling tight
be ready
for a fight.

Be watchful,
stay sober
be alert
not a dozer.

Remain fixed,
stand sound
until the end
hold ground.

Stand firm,
hold on
be strong
in God’s Son!

~~~~~~~~

1 Corinthians 16:13

Watch ye, stand fast
in the faith, quit you
like men, be strong.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Abiding In God’s Love ~

Abiding in God’s love,
is something you must do
now that the Holy Spirit
lives inside of you.

For, He has called you,
to walk in all His ways
and when you step out
His love you must display.

Abiding in God’s love,
is a choice you need to make
your past attitudes
you will need now to forsake.

For He has called you,
into a fruitful living
so that you will learn
the meaning of forgiving.

Abiding in God’s love,
we all need to do . . .
for Father we know
it brings glory to You!

~~~~~~~

John 15:7-10

If ye abide in me, and my words
abide in you, ye shall ask what
ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Herein is my Father glorified,
that ye bear much fruit;
so shall ye be my disciples.

As the Father hath loved me,
so have I loved you:
continue ye in my love.

If ye keep my commandments,
ye shall abide in my love;
even as I have kept my Father’s
commandments, and abide in his love.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

If We’d Put Aside ~

If we were to put aside,
all our hate and malice
we would not come across
as so cold and callous.

If we were not filled,
with pride and envy
we would come across
as genuine and friendly.

If we were to behave,
less hypocritical
we would come across
not so judgmental.

If we were not always,
speaking of things evil
we would come across
as being more peaceful.

If we were to crave,
the earnest, true milk
our words would be
as smooth as silk!

~~~~~~

1 Peter 2:1-2

Wherefore laying aside all malice,
and all guile, and hypocrisies,
and envies, and all evil speakings,

As newborn babes,
desire the sincere milk
of the word, that ye may
grow thereby:

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Because I am Loved ~

Because I am loved,
I am humble . . .
under my cares
I don’t crumble.

Because I am humble,
I am set free
from the devil
I am able to flee.

Because I am free,
I am forgiven
to holy living
I am driven.

Because I am forgiven,
I am saved
to the world’s ways
I’m no longer a slave.

Because I am saved,
I am strong
no more desire
I have to do wrong.

Because I was loved,
by Jesus first . . .
after righteousness
I hunger and thirst!

~~~~~~~~

1 Peter 5:6-10

Humble yourselves therefore under
the mighty hand of God, that he
may exalt you in due time:

Matthew 6:33

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

1 John 4:19
We love him,
because he first loved us.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

That Beam ~

God’s Word will remove,
that beam in your eye
if only the truth . . .
you’ll readily apply.

It will take that beam,
of vanity and pride
and help you to see
your own faults inside.

God’s Word will expose,
that beam in your sight
if only the truth . . .
you’ll see in His light.

It will reveal that beam,
of spitefulness and envy
and help you to see
their your own worst enemy.

God’s Word will unmask,
that beam in your soul
so judgment of others . . .
you’ll learn to control!

~~~~~~

Matthew 7:1-5

Judge not, that ye be not judged.

For with what judgment ye judge,
ye shall be judged: and with what
measure ye mete, it shall be
measured to you again.

And why beholdest thou the mote
that is in thy brother’s eye,
but considerest not the beam
that is in thine own eye?

Or how wilt thou say to thy brother,
Let me pull out the mote out of
thine eye; and, behold, a beam
is in thine own eye?

Thou hypocrite, first cast out
the beam out of thine own eye;
and then shalt thou see clearly
to cast out the mote out of thy
brother’s eye.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Spare-Tire Christians ~

Spare-tire Christians,
smooth and tread-bare
only have faith . . .
when they lose air.

Calling on God,
only when deflated
the rest of the time
their ego’s inflated.

Spare-tire Christians,
come out of the trunk
only when they run . . .
out of good luck.

Praying to God,
for an easy, quick fix
then they speed off
back to their old tricks.

Spare tire Christians,
they are all around
they only need God . . .
when they break down!

~~~~~~~~

2 Timothy 3:5

Having a form of godliness,
but denying the power thereof:
from such turn away.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

It’s Hard to Love ~

It’s hard to love people,
who are always difficult
it’s not easy to show grace . . .
when you they insult.

It’s hard to love people,
who publicly hate you
it’s not easy to be meek . . .
to those who evil do.

It’s hard to love people,
who are openly ungodly
it’s not easy to show mercy . . .
when wickedness they embody.

It’s hard to love people,
who are your sworn enemy
it’s not easy to be humble . . .
when they mock you steadily.

But as Christian we know,
like Jesus we must love them too
for that is what He commanded . . .
us to go, live and do!

~~~~~~

Galatians 5:14

For all the law is fulfilled
in one word, even in this;
Thou shalt love thy neighbour
as thyself.

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 2019
Deborah Ann Belka