Before You Get Up ~

Before you get out,
of your warm bed . . .
make sure God’s Word
you have read.

Then as you rise,
you will be girded
in the truth before
you even get started.

Before you get going,
take up faith’s shield
so to satan’s deceit
you will not yield.

Then as you get ready,
you will be protected
with a breastplate keeping
you and God connected.

Before the door you open,
make sure you put on
the peace you have found
in Christ, Jesus the Son.

Then when you see,
a dart at you come flying
you will know it’s from
the one who’s always lying.

Before you retire,
while warm in your bed . . .
tuck away your Bible
under your trusting head!

~~~~~~

Ephesians 6:14-16

Stand therefore, having your loins
girt about with truth, and having
on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the
preparation of the gospel of
peace; Above all, taking the shield
of faith, wherewith ye shall be
able to quench all the fiery darts
of the wicked

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Making My List ~

It’s that time of year,
to start again planning
the season’s festivities
which are so demanding.

So, I’m making my list,
checking it anew . . .
making sure Jesus
it first includes You.

For with all the to do’s,
amidst the busyness
I don’t want to forget
the truth of CHRISTmas.

So, I’m taking a time out,
to pause and to ponder
to rejoice and to revere in
this time of great wonder.

It’s that time of year,
to list all the reasons
why I truly celebrate . . .
the CHRISTmas season!

~~~~

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given:
and the government shall
be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called
Wonderful, Counsellor,
The mighty God,
The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.

Luke 2:19

But Mary kept all these things,
and pondered them in her heart.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 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

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

Afternoon Ponderings~11.13.19

Sticky Note to God ~11.13.19~

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

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

Good Morning Quote ~10.27.19~

For Jesus Created ~

Hand molded by God,
for Jesus ~ created
knowing by the world
we would be hated.

Old man to new one,
awarded a rebirth
good works to do
here on the earth.

Guided and led,
by Spirit of knowledge
to His power and might
there is no stoppage.

Bearing good fruit,
full of God’s goodness
tempered with patience
of our faithfulness.

Created by God,
by His own hands . . .
the intricate design
of His eternal plans!

~~~~

Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus unto
good works, which God hath
before ordained that we
should walk in them.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

God Is All Around ~

Lord, You are inside me,
You’re in my heart . . .
new mercy each day
You give me to start.

You are over me,
You too are below
on me each morning
blessings You bestow.

Lord, You are around me,
You’re in my mind
every day Your hope
is mine to go find.

Lord, You are beneath me,
You are also above
each day You give me
peace, grace and love.

Lord, You are inside me,
You are beside me too
Your Spirit is in me . . .
and mine is within You!

~~~~~~~~~~

Ephesians 4:6

One God and Father of all,
who is above all,
and through all,
and in you all.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

The Face of Autumn ~

Lord it is time again,
to see the season change
to watch as Your beauty
the landscape rearrange.

So with wonder and awe,
I watch the face of Autumn
alter it’s many colors
ending Summer’s blossom.

Lord, it is time again,
to harvest the seeds sown
to see which ones for You
have ripened, matured and grown.

So with a grateful heart,
I gather up Autumn’s fruit
which over the span of time
have in You taken root.

Lord, it is time again,
for me to sit and reflect
how I can help to reach . . .
all those who You still reject!

~~~~~~~~~~

Matthew 9:37-38

Then saith he unto his disciples,
The harvest truly is plenteous,
but the labourers are few;

Pray ye therefore the Lord
of the harvest, that he will
send forth labourers into
his harvest.

Jeremiah 8:20

The harvest is past,
the summer is ended,
and we are not saved.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

The Beauty of Salvation ~

May the beauty of your salvation,
cause you to be jubilant
may the wonder of it all
make and keep you exuberant.

May the greatness of God’s mercy,
bow your grateful, thankful knees
may the vastness of His love
your whole heart, happily seize.

May the grandeur of your hope,
make you permanently indebted
may the elation that you feel
forever in your soul be embedded.

May the splendor of Jesus’ grace,
always keep you humble and meek
may your gleeful gratitude
be in every word you speak.

May the beauty of your salvation,
bring to you God’s eternal peace
may your delighted exuberance
to Him you jubilantly release!

~~~~~~~

Psalm 149:4

For the Lord taketh pleasure
in his people: he will beautify
the meek with salvation.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

God Knows My Tomorrow ~

God knows my tomorrow,
He’s planned it out for me
He knows what will happen
before daylight I even see.

I know I can trust Him,
to meet me along the way
tis why I have no fear
when I greet another day.

God knows beforehand,
the challenges I will face
I know He will give me
sufficient amounts of grace.

I believe He will lead me,
on the road He has chosen
I trust He has a purpose
for the path He’s woven.

God knows my tomorrow,
so I will seek Him first thing
for I know not what . . .
He’s considering to bring!

~~~~~~~~~~

Matthew 6:33-34

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

Take therefore no thought for the morrow:
for the morrow shall take thought for the
things of itself. Sufficient unto the day
is the evil thereof.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

On A Roll ~

Hope is the fuel,
of my soul . . .
it keeps my life
in God’s control.

It powers me,
to onward press
gives the oomph
not to stress.

Hope is the fuel,
in my step . . .
it revs my trust
renders me pep.

It propels me,
to safely stay
close to the Truth
the Life and Way.

Hope is the fuel,
of my soul . . .
it keeps my faith
on a constant roll!

~~~~~~~~~~

Titus 2:13

Looking for that blessed hope,
and the glorious appearing of
the great God and our
Saviour Jesus Christ;

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

Faith Unclouded ~

Faith that is foggy,
makes it hard to find
the road to having
eternal peace of mind.

For, we can’t navigate,
the turns and the bends
unless on Jesus . . .
we learn to depend.

Faith that is misty,
makes it hard to know
how the Holy Spirit
the way out will show.

For we can’t see through,
the haze lying ahead
so that we can be . . .
by Him guided and led.

Faith that is unclouded,
clear and pristine
is faith that believes . . .
beyond things unseen!

~~~~~~

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance
of things hoped for, the
evidence of things not seen.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

White-Knuckled Faith ~

White-knuckled faith,
holds on tightly to fear
has a hard time . . .
getting trust into gear.

It becomes panicky,
when danger is met
rather having peace
it knows only how to fret.

White-knuckled faith,
struggles often with hope
has a hard time . . .
knowing just how to cope.

It’s filled with the dread,
that scares and terrifies
over every concern
it panics and agonizes.

White-knuckled faith,
can be only cured
if into fear’s snare. . .
it stops being lured!

~~~~~~~~

Proverbs 29:25

The fear of man bringeth a snare:
but whoso putteth his trust in
the Lord shall be safe.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Faith Swells ~

Faith rises,
in the waves
for our Savior
we know will save.

Then when life,
comes crashing down
in troubles waters
we will not drown.

Faith swells,
in the surges
where hope in God
onward urges.

Then when challenges,
are all surrounding
our confidence
will keep abounding.

Faith rises,
above the swells
it comes from where
the Holy Spirit dwells!

~~~~~~~~

Matthew 14:30-31

But when he saw the wind boisterous,
he was afraid; and beginning to sink,
he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

And immediately Jesus stretched forth
his hand, and caught him, and said
unto him, O thou of little faith,
wherefore didst thou doubt?

Psalm 107:29

He maketh the storm a calm,
so that the waves thereof
are still.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Mercy and Truth Merges ~

Mercy and truth have merged,
redemption found on the cross
righteousness and peace kissed
God’s justice cleanses the dross.

Truth was raised from the earth,
from death came resurrection
eternal life rose from the grave
bringing to God reconciliation.

Love looked down from above,
forgiveness imparted to each soul
hope shall make way for His steps
so in Him all can be made whole.

For those who are beholden,
to the Life, Truth and the Way
will jubilantly celebrate
with Jesus in heaven one day.

Mercy and truth came together,
righteousness and peace have kissed
all who by grace through faith believe
will have glorious, eternal bliss!

~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 85:10-12

“Mercy and truth
are met together;
righteousness and peace
have kissed each other.
Truth shall spring
out of the earth;
and righteousness shall
look down from heaven.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2013 Revised 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Jesus Our Teacher ~

Jesus is our teacher,
we learn from Him daily
how to live our lives
fearlessly and bravely.

He leads and shows us,
how we should pray
when we need His help
throughout the day.

Jesus is our role model,
of how we need to live
for He shows us how
we can love and forgive.

He gives us the faith,
to believe in His grace
so we can remain strong
in the faithful race.

Jesus is our teacher,
to God our One connector
He is our faith’s . . .
generator and perfecter!

~~~~~~~~

John 3:2

“The same came to Jesus by night,
and said unto him, Rabbi, we know
that thou art a teacher come from God:
for no man can do these miracles that
thou doest, except God be with him.

Hebrews 12:2

“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 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Can You Hear Me Now ~

Sometimes I can’t hear,
what God has to say . . .
those whispers into my ears
do not make their way.

That tranquil voice is drowned,
by all the noise pollution
making it hard with God
to hold a conversation.

Sometimes that small hush,
can’t be heard over the uproar
and those quiet little breaths
I find are so easy to ignore.

That unseen presence,
can’t get my full attention
for so many things . . .
have become a distraction.

Sometimes I hear God say,
Can you hear me now?
and I answer Him honestly . . .
please show me again just how!

~~~~~~~

1 Kings 19:12

And after the earthquake a fire;
but the Lord was not in the fire:
and after the fire a still small voice.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

The Wonders Of Jesus ~

Lord, the first thing,
that’s stopping You . . .
is my lack of faith
in what You can do.

I know You can part seas,
walk on them too
and for me miracles
You also want to do.

Lord, the other thing,
that’s blocking You
is my lack of trust
to follow through.

I know You’ll give me,
the strength I need
as long as I let . . .
the Holy Spirit lead.

Lord, there is one thing,
imperative for me to do . . .
and that is to keep believing
in the wonders of You!

~~~~~~~~

Acts 4:30

By stretching forth thine hand to heal;
and that signs and wonders may be done
by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

Psalm 77:14

Thou art the God that doest wonders:
thou hast declared thy strength
among the people.

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