Jesus Came To Give ~

Jesus came to give,
to all abundant life
to deliver us from
work’s toil and strife.

And so He became,
the Door to the Way
for He saw how some
led His flock astray.

Jesus knew the thieves,
would rob and steal
His sheep from Him
so to destroy and kill.

And so He became,
the Good Shepherd
to settle with the robbers
salvation’s record.

Jesus came to save,
His sheep from the wolves
so they could recognize
the sound of their hooves!

~~~~~~~~

John 10:8-12

All that ever came before me
are thieves and robbers:
but the sheep did not hear them.

I am the door: by me if any man
enter in, he shall be saved,
and shall go in and out,
and find pasture.

The thief cometh not,
but for to steal,
and to kill, and to destroy:
I am come that they
might have life,
and that they might have
it more abundantly.

I am the good shepherd:
the good shepherd giveth
his life for the sheep.

But he that is an hireling,
and not the shepherd,
whose own the sheep are not,
seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth
the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf
catcheth them,
and scattereth the sheep.

Matthew 7:15

Beware of false prophets,
which come to you in sheep’s
clothing, but inwardly they
are ravening wolves.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

I’ll Never Forsake You ~

I’ll never leave or forsake you,
for you I will always care . . .
I understand your feelings
how much you have to bear.

I’ll never leave or quit on you,
I am always for you near by
I know what you’ve been through
in My bottle are the tears you cry.

I’ll never leave or desert you,
even when you think I’m far away
I know each step you have taken
I have been with you all the way.

I’ll never leave or give up on you,
even though you feel I’m not there
I’m always watching out for you
I have gone with you everywhere.

I’ll never leave or forsake you,
all your thoughts I know and see
I’m always here to listen to you . . .
now can you say the same ~ for Me?

~~~~~~~~~~~

John 10:27

“My sheep hear my voice,
and I know them,
and they follow me”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2014 Revised 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

The Giver Of All Things Good~

Everyday is a gift from God,
a present for us to unfold
the blessings of His splendor
in the green pastures of His fold.

It is there where we will find,
a Shepherd to lead us
into valleys peaceful
filled with strength, faith and trust.

Everyday is a gift from God,
a treasure for us to explore
the bounty of His goodness
to soak in and to absorb.

It is there where we will find,
all that is good and perfect
coming from the Father of lights
for us daily on which to reflect.

Everyday is a gift to us,
from the Giver of all things
a treasure trove of blessings
that each new morning brings!

James 1.17

“Every good gift and every
perfect gift is from above,
and cometh down from the
Father of lights,
with whom is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

All My Soul Needs ~

The Lord is my Shepherd,
I want nothing more
then the joy and glory
for me He has in store.

He satisfies my thirst,
my hunger He fills
my anxiety and fears
He calms and stills.

The Lord is my Shepherd,
I want not a thing
for my heart is set
on the peace He’ll bring.

He is my saving Light,
He is my High Rock
I’m so blessed to be
a part of His flock.

The Lord is my Shepherd,
there’s nothing I lack
my faith in Him is all . . .
He want’s me to give back!

~~~~~~~

Psalm 23.1

“The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka

My Twelve Days of CHRISTmas ~

On the first day of CHRISTmas,
my Father gave to me . . .
faith in what I cannot see.

On the second day of CHRISTmas,
my Father gave to me . . .
a Light unto the world
and faith in what I cannot see.

On the third day of CHRISTmas,
my Father gave to me . . .
peace eternally
a Light unto the world
and faith in what I cannot see

On the fourth day of CHRISTmas,
my Father gave to me . . .
my Lord and Savior
peace eternally
a Light unto the world
and faith in what I cannot see.

On the fifth day of CHRISTmas,
my Father gave to me . . .
hope everlasting
my Lord and Savior
peace eternally
a Light unto the world
and faith in what I cannot see.

On the sixth day of CHRISTmas,
my Father gave to me . . .
a Wonderful Counselor
hope everlasting
my Lord and Savior
peace eternally
a Light unto the world
and faith in what I cannot see.

On the seveth day of CHRISTmas.
My Father gave to me . . .
the Captain of my Salvation
a Wonderful Counselor
hope everlasting
my Lord and Savior
peace eternally
a Light unto the world
and faith in what I cannot see.

On the eighth day of CHRISTmas.
my Father gave to me . . .
joy perpetually
the Captain of my Salvation
a Wonderful Counselor
hope everlasting
my Lord and Savior
peace eternally
a Light unto the world
and faith in what I cannot see.

On the ninth day of CHRISTmas,
my Father gave to me . . .
my Good Shepherd
joy perpetually
the Captain of my Salvation
a Wonderful Counselor
hope everlasting
my Lord and Savior
peace eternally
a Light unto the world
and faith in what I cannot see.

On the tenth day of CHRISTmas,
my Father gave to me . . .
love unconditional
my Good Shepherd
joy perpetually
the Captain of my Salvation
a Wonderful Counselor
hope everlasting
my Lord and Savior
peace eternally
a Light unto the world
and faith in what I cannot see.

On the eleventh day of CHRISTmas,
my Father gave to me . . .
a Babe in a manger
love unconditional
my Good Shepherd
joy perpetually
the Captain of my Salvation
a Wonderful Counselor
hope everlasting
my Lord and Savior
peace eternally
a Light unto the world
and faith in what I cannot see.

On the twelfth day of CHRISTmas,
my Father gave to me . . .
His begotten Son
a Babe in a manger
love unconditional
my Good Shepherd
joy perpetually
the Captain of my Salvation
a Wonderful Counselor
hope everlasting
my Lord and Savior
peace eternally
a Light unto the world
and faith in what I cannot see!

~~~~~~~~

Luke 2:11

“For unto you is born
this day in the city
of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

Do Not Go Astray ~

Do not lose heart,
do not go astray
from the Good Shepherd
be not lead away.

Do not give up,
do not give in
do not let temptation
ever, ever win.

Do not wander,
do not roam around
do not lose the faith
that you have found.

Do not turn,
do not separate
do not get distracted
from the narrow gate.

Do not leave,
do not go your own way
do not let sin tempt you
from God to ever sway!

~~~~~~~~~~

Isaiah 53:6

“All we like sheep
have gone astray;
we have turned
every one to his own way;
and the Lord hath laid on him
the iniquity of us all.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2015
Deborah Ann Belka

Counting Sheep ~

Sometimes at night,
I am unable to sleep
I try but I cannot  . . .
conjure up any sheep.

My mind is too busy,
counting on other things
like the joy and gladness
Jesus’ return will bring.

I number all the ways,
He shows His love for me
then I tally them up
till heaven is all I see.

I combine together,
His mercy and His grace
let my mind travel off
to when I’ll see His face.

Sometimes at night,
when I cannot sleep . . .
I praise the Lord I’m counted
as one of His little sheep!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 79:13

“So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture
will give thee thanks for ever:
we will shew forth thy praise
to all generations.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2015
Deborah Ann Belka

Never Forsaken ~

I’ll never leave or forsake you,
even when you think I don’t care
I understand all your feelings
how much you have to bear.

I’ll never leave or desert you,
even when you think I’m far away
I know each step you’ve taken
I have been with you all the way.

I’ll never leave or forget you,
even though you feel I’m not there
I’m always watching out for you
you have always been in My care.

I’ll never leave or forsake you,
your every thought I know and see
I’m always here to listen  to you . . .
can you say the same ~ for Me?

~~~~~~~~~~~

John 10:27
King James Version

“My sheep hear my voice,”

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

The Good Shepherd ~

The Lord is my Shepherd,
I’ve everything that is good
for He tenderly cares for me
as a Good Shepherd should.

He keeps me from danger,
protects my every step
He won’t let my foot slip
He saves each misstep.

He’s skilful and faithful,
to care for His flock
He keeps me from wandering
watches me like a hawk.

When I call out His name,
He comes running to me
for He recognizes my voice
from temptation I’m free.

He tends to my desires,
knows what I will need
I’ll  not go hungry
for on His goodness I feed.

I shall find satisfaction,
all the days of my life
for  He took upon Himself
the lot of my strife!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 23:6
King James Version

“Surely goodness and mercy
shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

In The Valley ~

In the valley dark and deep,
amid the shadows of despair
the beast of the world hides
looking for those he can snare.

On rebellions valley floor,
where misery loves to sleep
in the fields of hopelessness
lies the defiant little sheep.

Pastures once green and lush,
now covered with sin’s sludge
the wayward one is frightened
to meet its eternal Judge.

The rush of life-giving waters,
arouses the backslidden one
a soul entrenched in darkness
sobs for the light of the Son.

In the valley dark and deep,
the errant one turns to God
the beast of the world flees
to find another soul to trod.

Out of the shadows it emerges,
into pastures once more green
the wayward sheep now rests
on His mercy, it now leans.

In the valley deep and dark,
lies more defiant little sheep
and for each one of them
the Good Shepherd weeps.

If you are a rebellious one,
if you too have lost your way
come to where His mercy flows
and return to Him today!

~~~~~~~~~

Isaiah 53:6

“All we like sheep
have gone astray;
we have turned every one
to his own way;
and the Lord hath laid
on him the iniquity of us all.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

It’s All in His Name ~

It’s all . . .

A valley too deep . . .
~ The Good Shepherd waits

A hungry soul wants . . .
~ The Bread of Life gives

A rocky road fails . . .
~ The Sure Foundation stands

A time of darkness grows . . .
~ The True Light shines

A door is closed . . .
~ The Door is opened

A life tossed by storms . . .
~ The Captain of Salvation calms

A widow’s cry . . .
~ The Bridegroom comes

A dying soul is lost . . .
~ The Eternal Life saves

A contentious heart clamors . . .
~ The Mediator brings peace

A gloomy night dims . . .
~ the Bright and Morning Star sparks

A crumbling relationship fails . . .
~ The Chief Cornerstone builds up

A doubting heart wants . . .
~ The Faithful and True comes through

A sinner confesses . . .
~ The Word of Life forgives

. . . in His name

 
~ His name is Jesus ~

~~~~~~~~~~~

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka