Flexing Your Faith Muscle ~

There is no temptation,
no trap, no snare, no lure
that satan won’t use on you
so your soul he can secure.

He will throw out anything,
that he thinks will entice you
and he knows before hand
just what He has to do.

But, God has promised us,
whenever we are tempted
our prayers for help . . .
will be by Him intercepted.

For there’s is no enticement,
that’s not common to all of man
God knows what we can bear
and He has for us an exit plan.

So, next time satan tempts you,
and he tries to confuse or perplex
just rely on the Lord’s strength
then let your faith muscle flex!

~~~~~~~~~~

1 Corinthians 10:13

“There hath no temptation taken you but
such as is common to man: but God is
faithful, who will not suffer you to be
tempted above that ye are able; but will
with the temptation also make a way
to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things
through Christ which
strengtheneth me.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2013 Revised 2023
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

For My Soul ~

I do not trust,
those in control . . .
I won’t give them
a piece of my soul.

For it is God,
on whom I depend
and my faith in Him
to death I’ll defend.

I do not believe,
in what they say
I won’t be lead . . .
down that wide way.

For I do not fear,
what man can do
for my life oh Lord
I have given You.

To God my soul,
belongs solely . . .
for I’m on the side
of all things holy!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 118:6

The Lord is on my side;
I will not fear:
what can man do unto me?

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Show Me Your Ways Lord~

Lord, show me Your ways,
reveal them to me
lead and guide my steps
to where they should be.

Grant me Your mercy,
always be by my side
for the road is too rough
and the path is so wide.

Instruct and teach me Lord,
in the way I should go
for the hills are too lofty
and the valleys so low.

Encourage me daily,
to hold on to Your hand
for the canyons are too steep
and the mountains so grand.

Lord, show me Your path,
teach me in Your ways
let Your light lead me . . .
for the rest of my days!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 32:8

“I will instruct thee and teach thee
in the way which thou shalt go:
I will guide thee with mine eye.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2013 Revised 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

In God’s Almighty Hands ~

Sometimes troubles come,
changing all our plans . . .
making it ever clearer
all things are in God’s hands.

Hands that long to hold,
to comfort and to console
hands that want to heal
the ache within the soul.

Hands that desire to reach,
far into the heart and mind
hands that hold perfect peace
for fearful ones to find.

Hands that crave to embrace,
grieving hearts in the night
hands that yearn to lead
all to His saving light.

Hands that are capable,
hands confident and sure
hands that calm the storms
hands that holds life’s cure.

Sometimes troubles come,
and we must change our plans
so that we may come to rest . . .
in His almighty hands!

~~~~~~~~

Isaiah 41:10

“Fear thou not;
for I am with thee:
be not dismayed;
for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee;
yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee
with the right hand
of my righteousness.”

Psalm 37:24

“Though he fall,
he shall not be utterly
cast down:
for the Lord upholdeth
him with his hand.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2013 Revised 2022
Deborah Ann Belka

Renewed Daily ~

Each day I’m being renewed,
in the recess of my mind
as I find in my Bible
blessings of every kind.

As my faith is restored,
my trust in God improves
I can see through my life
how the Holy Spirit moves.

A new man in me He makes,
as I put off the former things
my strength is refreshed
as I grow my eagle wings.

A clean heart He bestows,
His spirit now lives in me
the joy of my salvation
I want every one to see.

Though my body is perishing,
I’m being renewed day by day
and the inward man is rejoicing
singing hallelujah and hooray!

~~~~~~~~

2 Corinthians 4:16

““For which cause we faint not;
but though our outward man
perish,yet the inward man is
renewed day by day.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2013 Revised 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

Me and My House ~

As for me and my house . . .
I’m asking Jesus to come to live
my heart and my soul to Him
I’m going to open up and give.

But, first I’ll make it ready,
and clean up the dirty mess
I’ll search my heart to see . . .
any hidden sin to confess.

Then I’ll toss out my idols,
keeping me away from Him
the ones new and shiny
all those growing old and dim.

I will toss them all out,
replace them with my Bible
with the books of preachers
whom I know are reliable.

I’m making sure I am ready,
so the Lord I can serve
because me and my house . . .
know it’s what Jesus deserves!

~~~~~~~~

Joshua 24:15

“And if it seem evil unto
you to serve the Lord,
choose you this day whom
ye will serve; whether the
gods which your fathers
served that were on the
other side of the flood,
or the gods of the Amorites,
in whose land ye dwell:
but as for me and my house,
we will serve the Lord.”

King James Bible
Public Domain

Copyright 2013 Revised 2020
Deborah Ann Belka

Captive Thoughts ~

Capture my thoughts Lord,
gird me in Thy truth
let me follow Thy Word
as in the days of my youth.

With childlike faith,
take custody of my mind
keep me close to Thee
so Thy ways I can find.

Control and restrain me,
release not me from Thy hold
may my heart for Thee
turn not luke-warm or cold.

Let me not be disillusioned,
by the wisdom of man
seize upon my belief
show me Thy perfect plan.

Capture my thoughts Lord,
in my mind be in  control
I give to Thee my life . . .
let not man conquer my soul!

~~~~~~~~

2 Corinthians 10:5

“Casting down imaginations,
and every high thing that exalteth itself
against the knowledge of God,
and bringing into captivity
every thought to the obedience of Christ;”

King James Bible
Public Domain

Copyright 2014 Revised 2020
Deborah Ann Belka

My Warts and All ~

I kissed me a prince,
but he turned into a toad
then he sent me packing . . .
down the lonely road.

So I went out searching,
looking for someone to love . . .
thought he’d be here on earth
instead He came from above.

With all of my ugly warts,
Jesus saw what was inside
for He discovered in me . . .
what other’s tossed aside.

He peered into my soul,
looked deep into my heart
so I took a leap of faith and found
my True Love from the start.

So if you are out there looking,
for a Prince to forever love . . .
stop chasing after all the toads
and just look to Jesus up above!

~~~~~~~~

1 Samuel 16:7

“But the Lord said unto Samuel,
Look not on his countenance,
or on the height of his stature;
because I have refused him:
for the Lord seeth not
as man seeth; for man looketh
on the outward appearance,
but the Lord looketh on the heart.”

King James Bible
Public Domain

Copyright 2013 Revised 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Hold on To Me, Jesus ~

Hold on to me Jesus,
I’m losing my grip
hold me ever tight . . .
do not let me slip.

Hold on to me Jesus,
I’m falling apart
hold me ever tight . . .
calm my restless heart.

Hold on to me Jesus,
I am losing control
hold me ever tight . . .
bring peace to my soul.

Hold on to me Jesus,
do not let go of me
hold me ever tight . . .
till its Your light I see.

Hold on to me Jesus,
this burden I can’t bear
come and give to me . . .
Your gentle yoke to wear!

~~~~~~~~~

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come unto me, all ye that labour
and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Jesus Is ~

Jesus is . . .
my eternal Friend
the Deliverer of my soul
the One who completes me
the One who makes me whole.

Jesus is . . .
my Redeemer
the Forgiver of my wrongs
the One who blesses me
the One who keeps me strong.

Jesus is . . .
my Helper
the Comforter of my heart
the One who I always turn to
the One who’ll never depart.

Jesus is . . .
my Shepherd
the Light in which I see
the One whose Word is Truth
the One who leads and guides me.

Jesus is . . .
my Healer
the  Hope living inside me
the One who perfects me
the One whose image, I pray to be.

Jesus is . . .
my Savior
the Risen Lord and my King
the One who promises to everyone
I will make new all things!

~~~~~~

Revelation 21:5
King James Version

“And he that sat upon the throne said,
Behold, I make all things new.”

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

The Stairway to My Soul ~

The stairway to my soul,
once was long and dark
to Satan, I was indeed
just another easy mark.

He hid in the shadows,
waiting around for me
for, God’s eternal light
he didn’t want me to see.

Each step I would climb,
he’d throw a fiery arrow
he knew how to keep me
off the straight and narrow.

Still, I kept my sights on,
the safe landing at the top
knowing his attacking me
would never end or stop.

The stairway to my soul,
now floods with God’s light
though, Satan’s still after me
I stand ready for the fight!

~~~~~

Ephesians 6:16
King James Version 

” Above all, taking the shield of faith,
wherewith ye shall be able to quench
all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Captured Thoughts ~

Capture my thoughts Lord,
gird me in the truth
let me follow Thy Word
as in the days of my youth.

With childlike faith,
take into custody my mind
keep me close to You
so Your ways I can find.

Control and restrain me,
release me not from Thy hold
may my heart for You
not turn luke-warm or cold.

Let me not be disillusioned,
by the wisdom of man
seize upon my belief
show me Your perfect plan.

Capture my thoughts Lord,
in my mind be in  control
I give to You my life . . .
let not man conquer my soul!

~~~~~~~~

2 Corinthians 10:5
King James Version

“Casting down imaginations,
and every high thing that exalteth itself
against the knowledge of God,
and bringing into captivity
every thought to the obedience of Christ;”

Copyright
Deborah Ann Belka

S. O. S. ~

Save us ~ Oh Lord,
Save Our Souls, in every storm
save us from the darkness
let Your light, heal and transform.

Save us from our enemy,
save our hearts, for only You
save us from temptation
let Your way, bring us through.

Save us from all danger,
save our minds, when in stress
save us from being weary
let Your love, be our compass.

Save us ~ Oh Lord,
save our heart, soul, and mind
save us from every storm
so Your peace, we can find!

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

Philippians 4:7
King James Version

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

My King is Coming ~

My King is coming,
He will soon be here
I cannot wait
for Him to near.

He will reign,
upon His throne
the world’s sins
He’ll not condone.

He will take over,
be in complete control
the universe is His
as well as every soul.

There will be peace,
the drying of tears
no longer Satan
will we have to fear.

The father of lies,
will be cast into hell
and his followers
with him will dwell.

But for those of us,
who sins are forgiven
with Jesus we will be
in a new earth and heaven.

My King is coming,
all things will be new
and He wants to be
your King too!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Revelation 21:1
King James Version

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth:
for the first heaven and the first earth
were passed away; and there was no more sea.”

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Instant Gratification ~

We live in a world,
of want, want and want
and what we can’t have
just comes back to taunt.

Some have an attitude,
“of gotta’ have it now ”
no matter what it costs
“gonna get it some how.”

Borrow on the mortgage,
pay with a credit card
finding money somewhere
just isn’t very hard.

Some just cannot wait,
they need instant gratification
much to the devil’s delight
he has their full cooperation.

We live in a greedy world,
Satan will use any device
to get us what we want . . .
but oh, what the price!

~~~~~~~~~

Matthew 16:26
King James Version

“For what is a man profited,
if he shall gain the whole world,
and lose his own soul?
or what shall a man give
in exchange for his soul?”

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

My Hope ~

While my flesh,
withers away . . .
my hope is in
a better day.

The time coming,
when I’ll be at peace
while I’m waiting
my hope won’t cease.

As I wait,
for the Lord to come
on my heart-strings
my hope will strum.

Looking onward,
Jesus in my sight
eternal life . . .
hopes greatest delight.

While my flesh,
withers away
my hope rests in
that glorious day!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 39:7
“And now, Lord,
what wait I for?
my hope is in thee.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

With All of My Heart ~

With all of my flaws,
where sin hit its mark
I come to you Lord
with all of my heart.

With all of my doubt,
that has kept us apart
I come to you Lord
with all of my heart.

With all of my pain,
and every weak part
I come to you Lord
with all of my heart.

With all of my fears,
I had from the start
I come to you Lord
with all of my heart.

With all of my scars,
where sin did its part
I come to you Lord
with all of my heart.

With all of my heart,
I come to you Lord
praying for the day
with You ~ I will part!

~~~~~~~~

2 Corinthians 4:16
King James Version

“Therefore we do not lose heart.
Even though our outward man is perishing,
the inward man is being renewed day by day.”

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Lord, I Will Seek You ~

Lord, I’ll seek you in the morning,
I’ll seek you throughout the night
I’ll seek You through the day
I’ll seek You with all my might.

I’ll seek You in the good times,
I’ll seek You when things go wrong
I’ll seek You when I am weak
I’ll seek You when I’m strong.

I’ll seek You with a longing heart,
I’ll seek You with a weary mind
I’ll seek You with a thirsty soul
I’ll seek You until Your peace I find.

Lord, I will seek you every day,
I will seek You everywhere
Lord, I will seek deep and wide
for You ~ I will seek anywhere!

~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 63:1
King James Version

“O God, thou art my God;
early will I seek thee:
my soul thirsteth for thee,
my flesh longeth for thee
in a dry and thirsty land,
where no water is;”

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

The Road Home ~

When we begin to wander,
go about our own way
the Lord takes notice
knowing we will stray.

As we drift off the path,
of truth and understanding
He knows we’ve departed
from the road everlasting.

He recognizes our error,
He sees that we are inapt
to seek and find for ourselves
the road that’ll take us back.

He won’t leave us for dead,
not one soul, He’d have perish
for every one that He loves
He does forever cherish.

But, He knows we are fragile,
we can’t make it all alone
so, He sends the Holy Spirit
to help and guide us home.

He waits at the door,
to restore the wandering soul
so we can stand before Him
in faith, complete and whole!

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

Proverbs 21:16
King James Version (KJV)

“The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding
shall remain in the congregation of the dead.”

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Our Joy ~

This CHRISTmas . . .
I wish you a merry day
with family and close friends
whether near or far away.

I wish you true happiness,
a day filled with sheer delight
a time to snuggle closely
by the warming fire light.

I wish you contentment,
a heart full of gladness
a soul filled with glee
and of cheerfulness.

I wish you true peace,
a home filled with tranquility
surrounded in the perfect love
of God’s amazing serenity.

But mostly I wish you joy,
lasting all the year through
so the light of your salvation
will reflect inside of you!

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

Psalm 35:9
King James Version

“And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord:
it shall rejoice in his salvation”

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

On The Wings of A Dove ~

Sweet Savior Jesus,
perpetual love . . .
sends me His Spirit
on the wings of a dove.

Whispers my name,
on His soaring flight
cooing to me
to be His delight.

Spreading His wings,
to shelter me in
nuzzles my heart
to get closer to Him.

Lands on my soul,
nudges me the way
I follow after Him
all of my days.

Sweet Savior Jesus,
eternal love . . .
sends me His peace
on the wings of a dove!

~~~~~~~~

Song of Solomon 2:14
King James Version

O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock,
in the secret places of the stairs,
let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice;
for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.”

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

A Humble Heart ~

Lord, give me a humble heart,
teach me to have a meek attitude
take from me my selfish pride
fill my soul with eternal gratitude.

Disrobe me of my self-importance,
strip my conceit and arrogance
remove the smugness on my face
rip away any self-imposed relevance.

Cloth me in Your righteousness,
wrap me in Your truth and love
cover me with the Holy Spirit
bind me to Your Father up above.

Lord, give me a holy humbleness,
so that I can be more like Thee
take from me my self-centeredness
let humility bend my prideful knee!

~~~~~~~~~~

James 4:6

“But He gives more grace. Therefore He
says: ” God resists the proud, But
gives grace to the humble.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

Absolute Surrender ~

Absolute surrender,
Lord, I give my life to You
in absolute surrender
do what You must do.

Absolute surrender,
my mind to You I yield
in absolute surrender
so I may be Spirit filled.

Absolute surrender,
my heart is Yours to mold
in absolute surrender,
my thoughts for You to hold.

Absolute surrender,
my soul is in Your hand
in absolute surrender
on You I’ll firmly stand.

Absolute surrender,
my body to You I give
in absolute surrender
to Your will, I will live.

~~~~~~~~

Galatians 2:20
King James Version

“I am crucified with Christ:
nevertheless I live; yet not I,
but Christ liveth in me:
and the life which I now live
in the flesh
I live by the faith
of the Son of God,
who loved me,
and gave himself for me.

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

On My Feet ~

When my troubles are many,
and my burdens are too great
when my knees fold and buckle
under worries immense weight.

When my heart grows weak,
and my soul is full of sorrow
when I need more that a hug
to even begin to face tomorrow.

When my legs can’t carry me,
and my back is in a slump
when I’m needing extra muscle
to get me over the next hump.

When my mind is dazed,
and confusion has me in a fog
when I need a clear thought
so I can see through the smog.

I lift up my drooping arms,
and raise my trembling hands
I give Jesus my anxious heart
so on my feet ~ I can stand.

He takes from me my burdens,
lifts the weight off my soul
He heals my current affliction . . .
and makes a way for my soles!

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

Hebrews 12:12-13
King James Version

“Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down,
and the feeble knees; And make straight paths
for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned
out of the way; but let it rather be healed.”

Full Submission ~

There is a love,
that’s for God alone
and in our hearts  . . .
He must sit on the throne.

This love must be,
for Him conclusively
for He desires . . .
our hearts exclusively.

For God, is a jealous God,
He will not tolerate
a heart where His love
does not generate.

There cannot be,
another lover of our soul
His Kingdom must be
our eternal goal.

For His mercy and grace,
will be in our reflection
as He becomes the only
object of our affection.

So give to Him,
His high and lofty position
then let your heart to Him
be in full submission!

~~~~~~~~~

Exodus 34:14

“For thou shalt worship
no other god: for the Lord
whose name is Jealous,
is a jealous God:”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

No Matter the Hour ~

Lord, the day is now over,
the night is drawing new
I need to get some rest
so my soul You can renew.

I am thankful just to know,
that You never doze or sleep
for, no matter what the hour
You still tend to Your sheep.

When I am up and stirring,
You lead me on Your way
when in bed and covered
You are planning my next day.

Lord, my mind and my soul,
are constantly at peace . . .
for, no matter what the hour
Your love will never cease!

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

Psalm 121:8
King James Version

“The Lord shall preserve thy going out
and thy coming in from this time forth,
and even for evermore.”

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

In His Hands ~

Sometimes problems come,
changing all our plans . . .
making it ever clearer
all things are in God’s hands.

Hands that long to hold,
to comfort and to console
hands that want to heal
the ache within the soul.

Hands that desire to reach,
far into the heart and mind
hands that hold perfect peace
for anxious ones to find.

Hands that crave to embrace,
grieving hearts in the night
hands that hunger to lead
the lost into His saving light.

Hands that are capable,
hands confident and sure
hands that calm the storms
hands that holds life’s cure.

Sometimes problems come,
and we must change our plans
so that we may come to rest . . .
in His almighty hands!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 37:24

“Though he fall,
he shall not be utterly
cast down:
for the Lord upholdeth
him with his hand.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

My Heart’s Desire ~

My heart’s desires,
come my way
when in the Lord,
I trust my day.

All my needs,
are given to me
when to the Lord
I place my plea.

My heart’s desires,
are granted to me
when in the Lord
I’m delighted to be.

All my longings,
are being fulfilled
when in the Lord
my spirit is filled.

My heart’s desires,
do come my way
when with the Lord
I cherish my stay!

~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 37:4

“Delight thyself also in the Lord:
and he shall give thee the desires
of thine heart.”

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

Show Me Thy Ways ~

Lord, show me Thy ways,
reveal them to me
lead my soul
to where I should be.

Show me Thy light,
be by my side
the road is rough
the path is wide.

Show me Thy ways,
help me to know
guide my life
the way it should go.

Show me Thy truth,
hold on to my hand
the hills are too steep
the mountains so grand.

Show me Thy ways,
each day direct me
the valleys are deep
the path I can’t see.

Lord, show me Thy truth,
teach me Thy ways
let Thy light lead me
for the rest of my days!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 32:8
King James Version

“I will instruct thee and teach thee
in the way which thou shalt go:
I will guide thee with mine eye.”

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

The Window of Your Soul ~

If God should look into,
the window of your soul . . .
will He see a loving heart
or spot an empty hole?

As He peers into the glass,
smeared with the streaks of sin
will He see His strength inside
or find weakness deep within?

As He peeks into the cracks,
of a broken windowpane
will He see delight and joy
or sight the shattered pain?

As He pulls away the curtain,
and unveils the hidden man
will He see a life close to Him
or will there be an empty span?

If God should look into,
the window of your soul . . .
will He see a heart of flesh
or will it be stony cold?

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

Ezekiel 36:26
King James Version

“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 will give you an heart of flesh.”

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

He Restores Souls ~

He restores my soul,
whenever I stray
He brings me back
to His righteous way.

Though I may error,
His grace remains
He removes the blemish
of sins ungodly stains.

He restores my soul,
He renews my mind
His goodness and mercy
I can always find.

Though I may wander,
He’ll not turn me away
He is always there
for those who go astray.

He restores my soul,
He’ll restore yours too
just turn back to Jesus
He’s waiting for you!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 23:3a
King James Version

“He restoreth my soul: “

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka