I’m In It To Win It ~

Beaten but not broken,
down but not out . . .
for I am in this fight
to win the bout.

Shattered but not crushed,
weak but not frail . . .
for there’s no way I’ll let
satan to take me to hell.

Tattered but not torn,
bleak but not resigned . . .
for my heart and God’s
will always be aligned.

Fragile but not hopeless,
mournful but not blue . . .
for nothing can shake
my faith Lord in You.

Beaten but not broken,
for I’m in it to win it . . .
tis why you won’t see me
ever give up or quit!

~~~~~~~

2 Corinthians 4:8-10

We are troubled on every side,
yet not distressed;
we are perplexed,
but not in despair;

Persecuted,
but not forsaken;
cast down,
but not destroyed;

Always bearing about in the body
the dying of the Lord Jesus,
that the life also of Jesus might
be made manifest in our body.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016 Revised 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 ~

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 ~

God Is My Strength ~

God is my strength,
on which I daily rely . . .
for, there’s no other way
I could ever get by.

Without Him I would be,
trembling with fear . . .
but, instead He’s my Rock
who is always near.

God is my Stronghold,
He too is my Fortress
I go to Him first . . .
whenever I feel stress.

For in His High Tower,
is my shield of trust . . .
and for my salvation
it’s to Him I entrust.

God is my refuge,
in Him I’m secure . . .
He gives me the faith
to persist and endure!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 18:1-2

The Lord is my rock,
and my fortress,
and my deliverer;
my God, my strength,
in whom I will trust;
my buckler, and the horn
of my salvation,
and my high tower.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

A Time To Let God ~

A time for patience,
and for some rest
a time to let God do . . .
what He knows is best.

A time for His Spirit,
to lead from above
a time to linger . . .
and abide in His love.

A time for endurance,
to run the good race
a time to stop running
and abound in His grace.

A time for calmness,
when composure is gone
a time to discover
how to be closer drawn.

A time to be quiet,
to sit and be still
a time to actively seek
what is God’s perfect will.

A time for silence,
of both mind and heart
a time for God only . . .
nothing keeping us apart.

A time to lie down,
in pastures green
a time to be protected
under His almighty wing.

A time to know and believe,
He’ll never leave or forsake
a time for God . . .
we all need to make!

~~~~~~~~~~

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 2014 Revised 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

 

Tests And Trials ~

Sometimes in our lives,
God sends a test . . .
to awaken us from
our false sense of rest.

He wants to see if we are,
still watchful and alert
so when satan attacks
his strikes we can avert.

Sometimes in our lives,
God sends a trial . . .
to see if we are living
a righteous life-style.

He wants to see if our faith,
has become obscure
or if we have the strength
in this world to endure.

Sometimes in our lives,
God tries and proves us
just to see the measure
of our faith and trust!

~~~~~~~~

1 Peter 4:12

Beloved, think it not strange
concerning the fiery trial
which is to try you, as though
some strange thing happened
unto you:

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

To Win The Faithful Race ~

The faithful race,
isn’t an easy course
it’s rough and bumpy
and at times coarse.

For us to stay on track,
takes a lot of grit . . .
and we need the power
of the Holy Spirit.

The faithful race,
isn’t an simple route
it’s trying and difficult
full of fear and doubt.

For we know there’ll be,
plenty of resistance
and without His strength
we can’t go the distance.

To win the faithful race,
we need to have endurance
and holding fast to Jesus
is our only assurance!

~~~~~~~~

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 ~

Patiently Enduring ~

I’m patiently enduring,
this race I am in . . .
but, I’ll need staying power
if I’m going to win.

If I am to sustain,
then I will need to be
persistent in my faith
for things I can’t see.

I must be unwavering,
in my quest to find
the peace that guards
both the heart and mind.

I will need to be strong,
if I am going to outlast
the tests that come
with a trust steadfast.

I’m patently enduring,
the trials of this race
but, I know I can do it
for sufficient is His grace!

~~~~~~~~

James 1:4

But let patience have
her perfect work, that
ye may be perfect and
entire, wanting nothing.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2021
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Sticky Note From God ~09.13.21~

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Afternoon Ponderings ~09.13.21~

Colossians 1:11

Good Morning Quote ~09.13.21~

Sticky Note to God ~09.13.21

Matthew 24:13

Good Morning Quote ~05.06.21~

Till Then I Must Endure ~

I don’t know the hour,
but I know for sure
Jesus will return . . .
till then I must endure.

For many will depart,
from the Life, Truth and Way
but on the narrow path . . .
I’m dedicating myself to stay.

I don’t know the moment,
nor does anyone . . .
only God knows the day
He will send back His Son.

So I need to be ready,
watchful, sober and alert
my eyes mustn’t ever
on Jesus turn or avert.

I don’t know when,
but I know it will be . . .
like a twinkling in my eye
when Jesus comes for me!

~~~~~~~~

Mark 13:32

But of that day and that hour
knoweth no man, no, not the
angels which are in heaven,
neither the Son, but the Father.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2021
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Afternoon Ponderings ~02.05.21~

Romans 5:3-5

Good Morning Quote ~02.05.21~

Sticky Note to God ~02.05.21~

Colossians 1:11

Love Bears ~

Love bears,
all things . . .
love protects
everything.

It trusts God,
without doubt
knows He’ll work
all things out.

Love forgives,
the sin of man
love is God’s
salvation’s plan

It hopes,
in better days
it believes
in God’s ways.

Love perseveres,
in all things
love endures
everything!

~~~~~~~~~~

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Beareth all things,
believeth all things,
hopeth all things,
endureth all things.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2020
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Entering Into The Faithful Race ~

 

I’m putting on my sneakers
entering in the faithful race
so I’m cushioning my soul . . .
with God’s sufficient 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

Afternoon Ponderings ~05.09.20~

Matthew 24:13

 

Afternoon Ponderings~04.28.19

Sticky Note From God ~12.22.18~

Make Straight My Path Lord ~

Make straight my path Lord,
let me not stray
in the Life and the Truth
lead me to the Way.

Make firm my steps Lord,
in You, make them secure
strengthen them for me
with a faith to endure.

Make steady my feet Lord,
keep them from tripping
into the things of the world
keep my soul from slipping.

Make my heart right Lord,
on Your way let me dwell
so I may be kept . . .
from the fires of hell.

Make straight my path Lord,
let me be Christ-seeking
for I put my hope and trust
in You, for safekeeping!

~~~~~~~

Psalm 5:8

Lead me, O Lord,
in thy righteousness
because of mine enemies;
make thy way straight
before my face.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka

In God I Put My Trust ~

In God I put my trust,
it abides safely there
it cannot be moved
no matter my care.

For, my God is faithful,
He is unchangeable
He’s true to His word
for it is infallible.

In God I put my faith,
it keeps me secure
whatever comes my way
I know I will endure.

For, my God is steady,
He is immovable
with His guidance
anything is possible.

In God I put my trust,
He is my confidence
I willingly abide  . . .
under His providence!

~~~~~~

Psalm 125:1

“They that trust in the Lord
shall be as mount Zion,
which cannot be removed,
but abideth for ever.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka

I Stood ~

I stood,
I knew it was a test
I knew when it was over
I would be blessed.

I hung on,
I did not break down
I knew I had to keep
my heart and mind sound.

I was firm,
I did not move
I knew my faith in God
He wanted me to prove.

I endured,
I did not waiver
I held on tight
to my Lord and Savor.

I persevered,
I did not let go
I knew my trust in God
He needed me to show.

I stood,
I kept on solid ground
I remained steadfast
I did not fall down!

~~~~~~

1 Corinthians 10:12

“Wherefore let him that
thinketh he standeth
take heed lest he fall.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka

Getting Through the Narrow Gate ~

If we’re to get through,
the narrow gate . . .
we need to work on
our stance and gait.

We need to keep,
our heads held high
we need to keep
Jesus in our eyes.

We need to run,
with endurance
we need to walk
with assurance.

We need to hold,
our shoulder’s back
we need to ward off
satan’s every attack.

We need to keep,
sin’s weight off
we need not care
if others scoff.

If we’re to get through,
the narrow gate . . .
we must keep our souls
pointing straight!

~~~~~~

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 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

Faith Stretching ~

Lord, today . . .
I’ll be exercising
for my faith can use
some real stretching.

I’ll be doing,
some strength training
so towards the mark
I can keep straining.

My perseverance,
seems a little wobbly
so I’ll be working on
a more trusting strategy.

I’ll need to do,
some heavy lifting
so my Bible I’ll pick up
to keep me from drifting.

My endurance,
I will be addressing
so into the goal . . .
I can keep on pressing.

Lord, today . . .
my faith I’m exercising
and I need Your Spirit
to do the energizing!

~~~~~

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 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 10.12.16

Lose the Weight ~

To stay in the race,
you must be fit
lest you will tire
and just want to quit.

You’ll need to lose,
transgression’s pounds
lest for sure they’ll
slow you right down.

The weight of the world,
you’ll need to shed
lest it will mess
with your heart and head.

You’ll need to drop,
the sin besetting you
lest it will encumber
the running you do.

To stay in the race,
don’t let sin drag you down
lest you may miss out . . .
on your victor’s crown!

~~~~~~~~~

Hebrews 12:1

“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,”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

Buckle Up ~

I’m putting on my helmet,
going to protect my head
I’m buckling up the straps
with Scriptures I’ve read.

I want to be protected,
from Satan’s mind game
the hope of my salvation
is his most likely aim.

Satan is really good,
at playing with my thoughts
but my helmet keeps me
from falling for his plots.

I want to be ready,
at every curve and bend
for I know he will chase me
right up to the very end.

Satan loves the pursuit,
he will never-ever quit
but my helmet will give me
the endurance and the grit.

I’m putting on my helmet,
lest I crash and burn
going to use the Scriptures
around each and every turn!

~~~~~~~

1 Thessalonians 5:8

“But let us, who are of the day,
be sober, putting on the
breastplate of faith and love;
and for an helmet,
the hope of salvation.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

A Lot More Assurance ~

Lord, today I will need,
a lot more assurance
that You will give me
strength and endurance.

For it’s a daily battle,
I’m fighting out there
and I’m feeling fatigued
from the wear and tear.

Lord, today I will need,
more or Your power
to fight off the enemy
no matter what the hour.

For, the conflict I’m fighting,
is between good and evil
and every day I’m thrown
straight into its upheaval.

Lord, today I will need,
strengthen and endurance
for the fight I fight . . .
is a constant occurrence!

~~~~~~~~

1 Timothy 6:12

“Fight the good fight of faith,
lay hold on eternal life,
whereunto thou art also called,
and hast professed a good
profession before many witnesses.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka