A Plate of Grace ~

Come this Thanksgiving . . .
there’ll be no turkey with dressing
I’m only going to serve a plate
of gratitude for God’s blessings.

As a substitute for candied yams,
we’ll feast on His loving kindness
taste the sweetness of His favor
as we reflect on His righteousness.

There’ll be no rolls and butter,
instead, we’ll eat of the Bread of Life
with gratitude we’ll give our thanks
to Jesus for bearing our strife.

In place of mashed potatoes,
there’ll be praise piled just as high
we’ll sing our adoration
in place of having pumpkin pie.

The only beverage we will drink,
will be from the one True Vine
with humility on our lips
our thanks will be as sweet as wine.

Come this Thanksgiving . . .
there’ll be no traditional dinner
instead I’ll serve a plate of grace
to anyone who is a sinner!

~~~~~~~

Psalm 7:17

I will praise the Lord
according to his righteousness:
and will sing praise to the name
of the Lord most high.

Ephesians 5:20

Giving thanks always for all things
unto God and the Father in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ;

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2012 Revised 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

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

Rejoice, Rejoice In the Lord ~

Rejoice, rejoice in the Lord,
be glad and shout out with joy
for He will uplift you . . .
and your doubts He’ll destroy.

For those who trust in the Lord,
haven’t anything to fear
because they know to them
He is always close and near.

Rejoice all who love the Lord,
with delight give Him your praise
His power and strength is yours
when the shield of faith you raise.

Stand up against the wicked one,
don’t believe in his lies
for God blesses all who trust
with a heart that is wise.

Rejoice, rejoice in the Lord,
and again I say rejoice . . .
lift up your jubilant praise
let God hear your joyous voice!

~~~~~~~~~~

Philippians 4:4

“Rejoice
in the Lord alway:
[and] again
I say, Rejoice.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2012 Revised 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

I am Thankful ~

I am thankful for,
God’s love steadfast
how He lift’s me up
when I’m downcast.

I am grateful for,
God’s mercy tender
how a new life He gave
upon my surrender.

I am appreciative for,
God’s gift of a Savior
how He gave my soul
His grace and favor.

I am delighted for,
God’s holy commands
how He keeps me safe
in His mighty hands.

I am thankful for,
God’s love enduring
for the Holy Spirit’s
continuous outpouring!

~~~~~

1 Chronicles 29:13

Now therefore, our God,
we thank thee, and praise
thy glorious name.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

In The Eye of The Beholder ~

In the eye of the Beholder,
you are a precious thing . . .
that is why He protects you
under His almighty wings.

For you are the object,
of His undying affection
forgotten you’ll be not
nor will you face rejection.

In the eye of the Beholder,
an apple to Him you are
that is why He promises
from you He is never far.

The mercy He has for you,
nothing could ever sever
and so He shelters you
underneath His feathers.

In the eye of the Beholder,
you are to Him a treasure
He loves you with a love . . .
without limit or measure!

~~~~~

Luke 12:6-7

Are not five sparrows sold
for two farthings, and not
one of them is forgotten
before God?

But even the very hairs of
your head are all numbered.
Fear not therefore: ye are of
more value than many sparrows.

Psalm 17:8

Keep me as the
apple of the eye,
hide me under
the shadow of thy wings,

King James Version
Public Domain

Oh, To Know The Power ~

Oh, to know the power,
that Jesus’ death brings
is to have the saving faith
to trust Him for all things.

For in His resurrection,
we’re eternally transformed
and by the power of His Spirit
we are forever conformed.

Oh, to know the power,
that Jesus’ life brought
is to know your sins
on the cross He bought.

For in His death springs,
new birth, new purpose
for your very soul
He endured to purchase.

Oh, to know the power,
Jesus brings to everyone
is to know being saved . . .
a new life has just begun!

~~~~~~

Philippians 3:10

That I may know him,
and the power of his
resurrection, and the
fellowship of his sufferings,
being made conformable
unto his death.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Father, How Can I Show My Gratitude ~

Father, how can I show my gratitude,
my gratefulness for all You’ve done
how can I show my thankfulness
for the eternal gift of Your Son?

What can I do to repay You,
for the kindness You’ve shown me
what can I give back to You
so my appreciation You can see?

How can I render my thanksgiving,
the sense of my true gratification
how can I ever prove to You
the full delight of my satisfaction?

Father, how can I show my gratitude,
my gratefulness for all You do
how can I show my thankfulness
if I am not always praising You?

~~~~~~~~

Colossians 3:17

And whatsoever ye do
in word or deed, do all
in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God
and the Father by him.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2013 Revised 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Take the Plunge ~

Go ahead,
dive right in
be washed
from your sin

Take the plunge,
into the waters
that are Living
without borders.

Go ahead,
jump into the Well
save yourself
form the pit of hell.

Take the leap,
into the Spring
life everlasting
to you it’ll bring.

Go ahead,
drink thereof . . .
the Living Waters
of God’s love!

~~~~~

John 4:10-11

Jesus answered and said unto her,
If thou knewest the gift of God,
and who it is that saith to thee,
Give me to drink; thou wouldest
have asked of him, and he would
have given thee living water.

The woman saith unto him,
Sir, thou hast nothing to
draw with, and the well is deep:
from whence then hast thou
that living water?

John 4:14

But whosoever drinketh of the water
that I shall give him shall never
thirst; but the water that I shall
give him shall be in him a well of
water springing up into everlasting life.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

A Shadow Descends ~

A shadow follows me,
wherever I may go . . .
I see its silhouette
upon morning’s glow.

It shrouds me,
in my Father’s light
it changes not a bit
from day to night.

A shadow falls on me,
from a secret place
from where it comes
back to heaven I trace.

It blankets me,
with wings of love
mercifully spread
by my Father above.

A shadow descends,
a silhouette I see
I know it is God . . .
watching over me!

~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 91:1

He that dwelleth in the secret place
of the most High shall abide under
the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 57:1

Be merciful unto me, O God,
be merciful unto me: for my
soul trusteth in thee: yea,
in the shadow of thy wings
will I make my refuge,
until these calamities be
overpast.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

 

A Time of Thankfulness ~

A time of thankfulness,
a time for gratitude
a time to consider . . .
a new daily attitude.

Not just for the season,
but all the year through
Lord may we be grateful
for all for us You do.

A time of blessings,
a time for application
a time to show God
our heartfelt adoration.

A hourly appreciation,
for all and every thing
Lord may we be thankful
for whatever You bring.

A time of gratitude,
a time for thankfulness
a time to bless God with . . .
seamless gratefulness!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 34:1

I will bless
the Lord at all times:
his praise shall
continually be in my mouth.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Itchy Ears ~

Itchy ears,
God, no longer fear
don’t want anymore
the truth to hear.

Sound teaching,
causes them to run
straight to preachers
who to sin will shun.

Itchy ears,
God, no longer follow
His Words to them
all now just hollow.

Gospel’s altered,
is what they want
so their sinful lusts
don’t come to haunt.

Itchy ears,
satan has deafened
to the truth . . .
hearts now deadened!

~~~~~~

2 Timothy 4:3-4

For the time will come when
they will not endure sound doctrine;
but after their own lusts shall they
heap to themselves teachers,
having itching ears; And they shall
turn away their ears from the truth,
and shall be turned unto fables.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Grace Is A Mender ~

Grace is a mender,
of flaws running deep
it is a collector
of the tears we weep.

Grace is a healer,
of vessel’s broken
it is a free gift
God set into motion.

Grace is a liberator,
of evil and oppression
it is a deliver
of earthly transgression.

Grace is a giver,
of eternal redemption
it is a perfecter
of faith and salvation.

Grace is God’s mercy
pity and favor . . .
grace is God’s free gift
of Jesus our Savior!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace are ye saved
through faith; and that
not of yourselves:
it is the gift of God:

Not of works,
lest any man should boast.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Gratitude Believes ~

Gratitude believes God,
is in absolute control
it trusts His provision
with a meek, humble soul.

Gratitude shows God,
how much it is thankful
daily it has an attitude
of being heartily grateful.

Gratitude has true rest,
peace and contentment
for what life may bring
it holds no resentment.

Gratitude finds real joy,
upon the dawn of day
it shows God adoration
whatever He sends its way.

Gratitude if full of praise,
thankfulness and gladness
gratitude rejoices . . .
over God and His goodness!

~~~~~~~

Psalm 118:24

This is the day
which the Lord hath made;
we will rejoice
and be glad in it.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

To Busy To Be Still ~

Often we find ourselves,
too busy to stay still
that we become careless
searching for God’s will.

Our lives are so chaotic,
obsessively constricted
that our time alone with God
is neglectfully restricted.

Often we find ourselves,
on God not at all waiting
and our lives become
discouragingly frustrating.

Our days run together,
weeks become but a blur
that we cannot even sense
when the Holy Spirit stirs.

Often we find ourselves,
in a headlong, frantic rush
when God would rather instill . . .
His stillness into us!

~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 46:10a

Be still,
and know
that I am God:

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Prayer Simply Said ~

Sometimes my prayers,
are really pretty simple . . .
for what I have to say
takes a word single.

Help,
is all my spirit can express
for I know God knows
the true depth of my distress.

Sometimes my prayers,
run really pretty deep
for what is on my heart
reduces me to weep.

I pour out to the Lord,
my worry and my care
and not a single word
do I reserve or spare.

Prayer doesn’t have to be,
too simple or too deep
for God hears no matter
how many words we speak!

~~~~~~~

Romans 8:26

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:
for we know not what we should pray for as
we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession
for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Psalm 34:17

The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth,
and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Thanksgiving Time ~

Thanksgiving time,
again is drawing near
a time to let God . . .
our gratitude hear.

But we need to go past,
just this time of the year
and make sure God always
our thanksgiving hears.

Thanksgiving time,
isn’t just for the holidays
for a grateful heart . . .
is thankful for all its days.

For no matter the season,
to God we must raise
continual offerings
of our heartfelt praise.

Thanksgiving isn’t the only time,
for us to be thankful
it is the daily fruit . . .
of those who are truly grateful!

~~~~~~~~~

Hebrews 13:15

By him therefore let us offer
the sacrifice of praise to God
continually, that is, the fruit
of our lips giving thanks to
his name.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

An Appointment with God ~

Every disappointment,
is with God an appointment
so He can bless you with . . .
hope and encouragement.

Every heartbreak,
is a chance to find His love
each sorrow besetting you
is a date with God above.

Every hardship,
is a reason to be still
each trial coming your way
is a means to know His will.

Every apprehension,
is a time to give God your fear
each anxious feeling you have
is a chance to draw Him near.

Every day is an appointment,
with God you need to make
each day is an engagement
with God you need to take!

~~~~~~~~

Acts 17:27

“That they should seek the Lord,
if haply they might feel after him,
and find him, though he be not far
from every one of us:”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2013 Revised 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Eager Heart’s Waiting ~

May the love of God,
our eager heart’s still . . .
may we have His peace
waiting for His will.

For what He promised,
is yet to be done . . .
as we anticipate
the coming of His Son.

May the love of God,
our heart’s safely keep
as one of His own
beloved and dear sheep.

For what He has spoken,
will surely come true
when Jesus returns
one day for me and you.

May the love of God,
our patient heart’s fill . . .
as we eagerly await
may His calm they still!

~~~~~~~

2 Thessalonians 3:5

And [may] the Lord direct
your hearts into the love of God,
and into the patient waiting for Christ.

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

If Today You Hear ~

If today you hear,
God’s beseeching voice
it will cause His people
to cheer and rejoice.

For one more sheep,
in His green pasture
is one more soul
satan can’t capture.

If today you heed,
Jesus’ invitation
you’ll receive the gift
of eternal salvation.

For one more person,
in His flock gleaned
is one more life
from satan redeemed.

If today you pray,
for God your heart to heal
one more rejoicing knee . . .
to Him will bow and kneel!

~~~~~~

Psalm 95:6-7

O come, let us worship
and bow down: let us
kneel before the Lord
our maker.

For he is our God;
and we are the people
of his pasture, and the
sheep of his hand.
To day if ye will
hear his voice,

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

From Brokenness to Wholeness ~

In the broken places,
is where Jesus meets us
so we may find the strength
in Him to fully trust.

He is able to see through,
the cracks and holes
for He can look into
the depth of our souls.

In the broken spaces,
of our shattered hearts
Jesus understands
why we’re falling apart.

He knows the anguish,
of our desperation
He gets the despair
in our supplication.

In the broken places,
filled with hopelessness
it’s when Jesus brings us
healing and wholeness!

~~~~~~~

Psalm 147:3

He healeth the broken in heart,
and bindeth up their wounds.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

In This Believer’s Eyes ~

In this believer’s eyes,
God’s beauty I behold
about a time to come
once long ago foretold.

I see a world receding,
as darkness turns to light
I see the glory of my Lord
and no more gloom of night.

I envision a paradise,
like none I’ve ever seen
I foresee a new earth
where everything is pristine.

I visualize a new heaven
where fear will have no reign
I can picture a place with . . .
no tears, no death, no pain.

In this believer’s mind,
I behold a coming day . . .
where all the former things
will have passed away!

~~~~~~~

Revelation 22:5

And there shall be no night there;
and they need no candle, neither
light of the sun; for the Lord God
giveth them light: and they shall
reign for ever and ever.

Revelation 21:4

And God shall wipe away all tears
from their eyes; and there shall be
no more death, neither sorrow,
nor crying, neither shall there be
any more pain: for the former
things are passed away.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Under The Shade of An Olive Tree ~

Under the shade,
of an old olive tree . . .
is where Jesus often
meets alone with me.

It’s where we converse,
after prayers are said
it’s where I find myself
by His Spirit being lead.

I sit there for a spell,
listen to His prodding
with my eyes shut tight
and my head nodding.

It’s then that I open up,
my mind for His access
so on my heart His lessons
He can instill and impress.

Under the cool shadows,
of an old olive tree . . .
is where I meet Jesus
so He can disciple me!

~~~~~~

John 18:1

When Jesus had spoken these words,
he went forth with his disciples
over the brook Cedron, where was
a garden, into the which he entered,
and his disciples.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Through Life’s Trials ~

Through life’s many trials,
there can be no denials
for those who in God trust
well knowing He is just.

Victory we can claim,
when we call upon His name
though tested are we still
we yet seek to know His will.

Through life’s tribulations,
come various temptations
for those with a Savior
redeemed by grace and favor.

Victorious we can be,
for God helps us to see
the evil in the darkness
so to flee its wickedness.

Through life’s many upsets,
there can be no regrets . . .
for those who Jesus believe
satan cannot deceive!

~~~~~~~

1 Corinthians 15:57

But thanks be to God,
which giveth us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka