On The Edge of Despair ~

 

I have been on the edge,
of complete, utter despair
I’ve looked over the ledge
not knowing what was there.

I’ve felt the bitter cold,
wrap me in it’s fearful grip
but, God had on me a hold
making sure I wouldn’t slip.

I have been to the threshold,
of total desperation
I’ve felt darkness enfold me
with fear and trepidation.

I’ve sensed the loom of doom,
engulf me with pure terror
but, God in the grasp of gloom
quelled my state of horror.

I have been on the edge,
of utter hopelessness
but, as I was on the ledge . . .
Jesus healed my brokenness!

~~~~~~~

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.

Psalm 34:17-19

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

The Lord is nigh unto them that are
of a broken heart; and saveth such
as be of a contrite spirit.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous:
but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Harden Your Heart Not ~

Harden not your heart,
to your spiritual condition
let it not turn cold
by your selfish ambition.

Let it not turn callous,
like the rebellious one
let it not become distant
by a grumbling tongue.

Harden not your heart,
to the Spirit’s leading
let it not turn frigid
by the sins you’re keeping.

Let it not become rigid,
by carelessly drifting
let it not be stubborn
by the life you’re living.

Harden not your heart,
by disbelief or doubt
let it not turn icy
by shutting God’s Word out.

Let it not turn you away,
from the hope of eternal peace
let it not turn to stone . . .
lest your faith in God may cease!

~~~~~~~~

Hebrews 3:13

“But exhort one another daily,
while it is called To day;
lest any of you be hardened
through the deceitfulness of sin.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2013 Revised 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

The Word Became Flesh ~

A child is born,
the Word became flesh
all things to be new
and gloriously fresh.

A Son is given,
a Counselor to all
a promise delivered
after mankind’s fall.

A Virgin’s birth,
a Gift perfect
a way back to God
for hearts to connect.

A Mighty God
a Prince of Peace
a Love never
to end or cease.

A Child is born,
God’s only Son
salvation is here
for everyone!

~~~~~~~~

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.

John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh,
and dwelt among us,
(and we beheld his glory,
the glory as of the only
begotten of the Father,)
full of grace and truth.

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

As The Storm Rages ~

As the storm rages,
as the gusts blow
as the reeling waves
mount up and grow.

Let Jesus your heart,
quill and quiet
till the battering winds
are calm and silent.

As the gales whip,
as they howl and roar
as the frigid rain
on top of you pours.

Let Jesus your mind,
still and settle
til the waves become
lulled and gentle.

As the storm rages,
as the winds intensify
hold on to Jesus
so they’ll not terrify!

~~~~~~~~

Luke 8:23-25

But as they sailed he fell asleep:
and there came down a storm of wind
on the lake; and they were filled
with water, and were in jeopardy.

And they came to him, and awoke him,+
saying, Master, master, we perish.
Then he arose, and rebuked the wind
and the raging of the water: and
they ceased, and there was a calm.

And he said unto them, Where is your faith?
And they being afraid wondered, saying
one to another, What manner of man is this!
for he commandeth even the winds and water,
and they obey him.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Treasures in Jars ~

Treasures in jars,
might be made of clay
but, when they are pressed
close to God they stay.

Oh, they may crack,
but, they will not weaken
for treasures in jars . . .
in God’s power believe in.

Treasures in jars,
they do not crumble
for God makes them
strong and yet humble.

Oh, they may get crushed,
but, they don’t fall apart
for treasures in jars . . .
trust God with all their heart.

Treasures in jars,
are not ever perplexed
for their hope in God
is eternally transfixed!

~~~~~~~

2 Corinthians 4:7-9

But we have this treasure
in earthen vessels,
that the excellency of
the power may be of God,
and not of us.

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;

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

How Much Longer God ~

Sometimes the reality,
of a world gone haywire
takes away all my joy
in the hairs of its crossfire.

For with all the evil I see,
and all the horror I hear
all I can do is ask . . .
why Jesus, aren’t You here?

Sometimes the truth,
of a world gone amok
takes away my peace
leaving me awestruck.

For with all the tragedy,
the death and the disasters
I can’t help but to wonder . . .
why Lord, can’t You come faster?

Sometimes the realness,
of a world gone roughshod
all I can do is pray and ask  . . .
how much longer, oh my God!

~~~~~~~

Psalm 10:1

Why standest thou afar off,
O Lord?
why hidest thou thyself
in times of trouble?

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

This Fight Is Yours Lord ~

Lord, this fight is Yours,
I give the conflict to You
for I am not sure . . .
what with it I should do.

The opposition,
is way too aggressive
outright obstinate
overtly progressive.

Lord, this contest is Yours,
I need You to take charge
the battleground for me
is just way too large.

The conflict that I am in,
is too overwhelming
my opponents are many
and oh, so unrelenting.

Lord this fight is Yours,
come save me . . .
from satan’s arrogance
and his prideful army!

~~~~~~~

Deuteronomy 20:4

For the Lord your God is he that
goeth with you, to fight for you
against your enemies, to save you.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

God Is Ever Present ~

God is ever present,
He is ever near
that is why you don’t . . .
have anything to fear.

Leave you He will not,
by you He will always stay
that is why you need . . .
to trust Him every day.

God is in every place,
He too is every where
He is above and below
with you He is right there.

Depart from you He won’t,
take leave from you He will not
that is why you must . . .
believe in Him with all you got.

God is right there with you,
with me He is here too . .
He has promised both of us . .
never to leave or forsake you!

~~~~~~~

Hebrews 13:5

Let your conversation be
without covetousness;
and be content with such
things as ye have: for he
hath said, I will never
leave thee, nor forsake thee.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

Because~

I love the Lord because,
He hears my every cry
I love I can pray to Him
till my tears all but dry.

I love that He hears,
every prayer I pray
I love that He listens
to each word I say.

I love the Lord because,
on Him I can always call
I love that my pleas . . .
on deaf ears never fall.

I love the that my voice,
He knows so very well
I love my prayers to Him
are as crystal as a bell.

I love the Lord because,
for me He’s always there
I love that I can trust Him
with my every prayer!

~~~~~~~

Psalm 116:1-2

I love the Lord,
because he hath
heard my voice
and my supplications.

Because he hath
inclined his ear
unto me, therefore
will I call upon
him as long as I live.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

More of You Lord ~

More of You Lord, more of You,
in the things I say and do
less of me Lord, less of me
so more like You I can be.

Lord, I give You my doubts,
take with them all my fear
move me closer to You
so I can draw to You near.

More of You Lord, more of You,
oh Dear Lord, can’t You see
I want to live just for You
and die to all of me.

Lord, I give You all my love,
take my heart and mind too
be my soul’s true reflection
till all I see is all of You.

More of Your will, less of mine,
give me eyes no longer blind
show me Your saving Light
so more of You I can find!

~~~~~~~

Philippians 1:21

“For to me to live is Christ,
and to die is gain.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2012 Revised 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

I Thank You God ~

I thank You God,
for Your Son
how He made me
with Him one.

I am thankful,
for the grace given
so that this sinner
could be forgiven.

I thank You God,
for being fair and just
so that in You
I may forever trust.

I am grateful,
to You I can pray
so that I can know
the Truth and Way.

I thank you God,
for mercy evermore
how You always have
for me more in store!

~~~~~~~

Psalm 136:26

O give thanks
unto the God of heaven:
for his mercy
endureth for ever. 

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

The Very Best Of Me ~

Oh, God I want to give You,
the very best of me
so go ahead and search
and tell me what You see.

If there be anything,
You want to alter
my whole life to You
I willingly offer.

Oh, God I want You to be,
in my life clearly greater
so go ahead and try me
till I simulate my Savior.

If in my heart You find,
anything to You grievous
purge it now from my life
so I’ll be more like Jesus.

Oh, God I want to give You,
the whole heart of me . . .
so search, test and try
till more of You I see!

~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 139:23

Search me, O God,
and know my heart:
try me, and know
my thoughts:

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

When You Lose Your Patience ~

When with God,
you lose your patience
remember with you
He’s more than gracious.

For, He gives you time,
to learn in Him to trust
until your confidence
is stable and robust.

When with God,
you get tired of waiting
remember with you
He’s love is unfailing.

For, He gives you grace,
without measure
as He works in you
His good pleasure.

When with God,
your patience you start to lose
remember that into you . . .
His will ~ He wants to infuse!

~~~~~~

Philippians 2:13

For it is God which worketh
in you both to will and to do
of his good pleasure.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka