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 into the faithful race
so I’m cushioning my soul
with God’s mercy and His 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

 

The Source of My Confidence ~

The Lord is the source,
of my confidence
His grace gives me
needed temperance.

He holds the answer,
to all of my fears
His mercy tells me
He sees all my tears.

The Lord is my reason,
to keep on living
unto Him my trust
I will keep on giving.

He is the cause,
my faith isn’t shaken
for He will keep my foot
from ever being taken.

The Lord is the source,
of my hope and trust
my confidence in Him
for me, is a daily must!

~~~~~~~~

Proverbs 3:26

“For the Lord
shall be thy confidence,
and shall keep
thy foot from being taken.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

In It To Win It ~

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

Shattered, but not crushed,
weak, but not frail
for there’s no way
Satan’s taking 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 . . .
that’s why you won’t see
me ever give up or quit!

~~~~~~~~

Ephesians 6:12

“For we wrestle not against
flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness
of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

Seeking God’s Favor ~

Those who seek God’s favor,
before they start their day
find protection for their soul
as they go about their way.

Our early cries to God,
our morning meditation
are for our troubled soul
the best kind of medication.

Those who seek God’s mercy,
with a heart full of praise
find peace and tranquility
along life’s winding maze.

Our pleas for daily strength,
our prayers for our enemy
are our souls best defense
with an everlasting remedy.

Our requests to God,
our petitions for endurance
are for our thankful souls
a shield of assurance.

Those who seek God’s favor
in the early morning light
are the ones who are filled
with His power and His might!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 5:1-3

“Give ear to my words,
O Lord, consider my meditation.

Hearken unto the voice of my cry,
my King, and my God: for unto
thee will I pray.

My voice shalt thou hear
in the morning, O Lord;
in the morning will I direct
my prayer unto thee,
and will look up.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

A Time for God ~

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

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

A time for serenity,
in the midst of the buzz
a time to find harmony
as God always does.

A time to listen,
and to be still
a time to wait
for His perfect will.

A time for calmness,
when composure is gone
a time for quietness
and to God, be drawn.

A time to trust,
without any fear
a time for the Lord
to bring us near.

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

A time for silence,
and an open 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 wing.

A time to know,
He won’t leave or forsake
a time for God . . .
we all need to make!

~~~~~~~~~~

Ecclesiastes 3:1
King James Version

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

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

The Race Of A Lifetime ~

The race we are running,
is the race of a lifetime
we must run it well . . .
or else we’ll be left behind.

If we’re going to succeed,
we must run it to win
the only way to victory
is to run away from sin.

For Satan is on the chase,
after our souls he is gunning
we must be sure from him
to always keep on running.

We need to stay focused,
on the goal that is ahead
we must be sober and alert
so we can be Spirit lead.

It’s a race of endurance,
not one of swiftness or speed
we must depend on God . . .
for the stamina that we need!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Hebrews 12:1
King James Version

“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,”

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

The Cost of Endurance ~

The Bible says to run the race,
with endurance in our steps
to jump over any obstacles
to pass by the risky objects.

This race is not an easy one,
there’s a cost for enduring
most of us can’t stay the course
because sin can be so alluring.

But, we are called to this race,
to be patient and persistent
and in our daily run with faith
we must be pressure resistant.

Before we step onto the track,
we must warm-up our endurance
then work-out any resistance
so we’ll run with God’s assurance.

There will be many roadblocks,
each day we’ll face head on
but, if we trust in God’s power
to them we won’t be drawn.

In this race we’ll have to give up,
things that bring us pleasure
but, when we set them aside
we’ll add to our eternal treasure.

The faithful race is long and hard,
no one said it was trouble-free
but, if we keep our eyes on the goal
we’ll run it filled with joy and glee!

~~~~~~~~

1 Corinthians 9:24-25
King James Version

“Know ye not that they
which run in a race run all,
but one receiveth the prize?
So run, that ye may obtain.
And every man that striveth
for the mastery is temperate
in all things. Now they do it
to obtain a corruptible crown;
but we an incorruptible.”

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

Keep on Keeping On ~

Some days it is so easy,
to run the faithful race
for I know at the finish line
I’m going to see Jesus’ face.

When my eyes are on the goal,
of meeting Jesus at the end
I run with confidence
around every twist and bend.

Then there are the days,
when I am not up to the race
for I’m running in my pride
not in the favor of His grace.

It’s funny how on those days,
every hurdle becomes a trap
and I feel like giving up
before I make another lap.

I know to run the good race,
on Jesus, I need to concentrate
if I’m going to see the insides
of heaven’s pearly gates.

I know to be dedicated,
to keep on ~ keeping on . . .
I’ll need God’s strength
and the Holy Spirit’s brawn!

~~~~~~~~

Philippians 3:14
King James Version

“I press toward the mark
for the prize of the high calling
of God in Christ Jesus.”

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

Entering the Race ~

 

I’m putting on my sneakers,
going to enter into the race
so I’m cushioning my soul
with God’s mercy and grace.

The contest that’s before me,
seems a million-miles long
and I must trust in Jesus
if I’m going to finish strong.

With Him running with me,
I’ll stay focused on winning
the confidence He’ll provide
will keep me from sinning.

I’ll have a sense of purpose,
His love will be in my stride
I will stay true to the course
knowing He is at my side.

I’ll run with His strength,
He’ll provide the assurance
the crown of life is my prize
if I run with endurance!

~~~~~~~~

1 Corinthians 9:24
King James Version

“Know ye not that they
which run in a race run all,
 but one receiveth the prize?
So run, that ye may obtain.”

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka