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

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

Thanksgiving Time ~

Thanksgiving time,
again is drawing near
a time to let God . . .
our gratitude hear.

But we need to go past,
just this time of the year
and make sure God always
our thanksgiving hears.

Thanksgiving time,
isn’t just for the holidays
for a grateful heart . . .
is thankful for all its days.

For no matter the season,
to God we must raise
continual offerings
of our heartfelt praise.

Thanksgiving isn’t the only time,
for us to be thankful
it is the daily fruit . . .
of those who are truly grateful!

~~~~~~~~~

Hebrews 13:15

By him therefore let us offer
the sacrifice of praise to God
continually, that is, the fruit
of our lips giving thanks to
his name.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

An Appointment with God ~

Every disappointment,
is with God an appointment
so He can bless you with . . .
hope and encouragement.

Every heartbreak,
is a chance to find His love
each sorrow besetting you
is a date with God above.

Every hardship,
is a reason to be still
each trial coming your way
is a means to know His will.

Every apprehension,
is a time to give God your fear
each anxious feeling you have
is a chance to draw Him near.

Every day is an appointment,
with God you need to make
each day is an engagement
with God you need to take!

~~~~~~~~

Acts 17:27

“That they should seek the Lord,
if haply they might feel after him,
and find him, though he be not far
from every one of us:”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2013 Revised 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Eager Heart’s Waiting ~

May the love of God,
our eager heart’s still . . .
may we have His peace
waiting for His will.

For what He promised,
is yet to be done . . .
as we anticipate
the coming of His Son.

May the love of God,
our heart’s safely keep
as one of His own
beloved and dear sheep.

For what He has spoken,
will surely come true
when Jesus returns
one day for me and you.

May the love of God,
our patient heart’s fill . . .
as we eagerly await
may His calm they still!

~~~~~~~

2 Thessalonians 3:5

And [may] the Lord direct
your hearts into the love of God,
and into the patient waiting for Christ.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

If Today You Hear ~

If today you hear,
God’s beseeching voice
it will cause His people
to cheer and rejoice.

For one more sheep,
in His green pasture
is one more soul
satan can’t capture.

If today you heed,
Jesus’ invitation
you’ll receive the gift
of eternal salvation.

For one more person,
in His flock gleaned
is one more life
from satan redeemed.

If today you pray,
for God your heart to heal
one more rejoicing knee . . .
to Him will bow and kneel!

~~~~~~

Psalm 95:6-7

O come, let us worship
and bow down: let us
kneel before the Lord
our maker.

For he is our God;
and we are the people
of his pasture, and the
sheep of his hand.
To day if ye will
hear his voice,

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

Through Life’s Trials ~

Through life’s many trials,
there can be no denials
for those who in God trust
well knowing He is just.

Victory we can claim,
when we call upon His name
though tested are we still
we yet seek to know His will.

Through life’s tribulations,
come various temptations
for those with a Savior
redeemed by grace and favor.

Victorious we can be,
for God helps us to see
the evil in the darkness
so to flee its wickedness.

Through life’s many upsets,
there can be no regrets . . .
for those who Jesus believe
satan cannot deceive!

~~~~~~~

1 Corinthians 15:57

But thanks be to God,
which giveth us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

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

My Feet Have Slipped ~

My feet have slipped,
a thousand times . . .
they have stumbled into
satan’s land mines.

They have wandered,
both far and wide
they have retreated
in a race to hide.

My feet have plunged,
into many a pit
they have caused me
from the truth to split.

They have traveled,
without a thought
they have ventured
from all once taught.

My feel have roamed,
they have strayed and slipped
yet, by the mercy of God . . .
He kept them in His grip!

~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 94:18-19

When I said, My foot slippeth;
thy mercy, O Lord, held me up.

In the multitude of my thoughts
within me thy comforts
delight my soul.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Problematic ~

Some like sheep,
follow whatever herd
no longer caring . . .
if the truth is blurred.

Making decisions,
not at all godly
not bothering to think
exactly how costly.

Some like sheep,
go whatever way
to altered gospels
they easily sway.

Wandering off,
the road that’s straight
forgetting just how
narrow is the gate.

All we like sheep,
have become erratic
tis why the church today . . .
is so problematic!

~~~~~~

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 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

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

I Can Do Zip ~

I can do nothing,
zip, nada, nil . . .
for I alone don’t have
the will or skill.

But, with God,
I know I can do
what’s impossible
when His strength I pursue.

I can do nothing,
zero, zilch, naught . . .
for I alone don’t have
the heart or thought.

But, with God,
what is unthinkable
with His mighty power
is accomplishable.

I can do nothing,
but, God can do it all . . .
for He has the power
on which for me to call!

~~~~~~

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through
Christ which strengtheneth me.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

My Forever Friend ~

Some people have friends,
they call them their best
but, I have only One . . .
who gives me perfect rest.

With me He never leaves,
by my side He remains
whatever I need of Him
He never complains.

Some people have friends,
they call them their pals
but, I know of only One . . .
whose love never fails.

With me He provides,
all that I could want
my requests of Him
never come back to haunt.

Some people have friends,
they call them whatever . . . .
but, Jesus is my Friend
who will be there forever!

~~~~~~~~

Proverbs 18:24

A man that hath friends
must shew himself friendly:
and there is a friend that
sticketh closer than a brother.

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

There’s Good News ~

There’s Good News,
for when days are bad
there is hope . . .
for when you feel sad.

There is light,
for when all seems dim
there is rest  . . .
that comes from Him.

There is grace,
for when needing more
there is trust . . .
when God you implore.

There is strength,
for when you awake
there is new mercy . . .
upon morning’s break.

There is warmth,
for when you feel cold
there is power . . .
to make you bold.

There’s Good News,
for when you are low
there is peace . . .
when God’s love flows!

~~~~~~~

Proverbs 25:25

As cold waters to a thirsty soul,
so is good news from a far country.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

A Merciful God ~

A Tower of Strength,
a daily Retreat
a Light in the dark
a Love concrete.

A Pillar of Fire,
a solid Rock
a safe Harbor
for souls to dock.

A Fortress on High,
a Lofty Tower
a Mighty Strength
a Divine Power.

A Protecting Shield,
a Lasting Stronghold
an Anchor to grasp
a firm foothold.

A Merciful God,
a Gracious Son
a Secure Haven  . . .
to we can run!

~~~~~~

Proverbs 18:10

The name of the Lord
is a strong tower:
the righteous runneth
into it, and is safe.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Dig In ~

When I read my Bible,
I dig in . . .
to see how the race
I can win.

I explore,
until I unearth
all the reasons
for my rebirth.

When I study my Bible,
I burrow in
and discover why
God hates sin.

I sift and poke,
I prod all around
so to temptation
I’ll not be spellbound.

When I read my Bible,
I dig, poke and prod
so I’ll not be ashamed
before the Lord, my God!

~~~~~~~

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Lessons On The Sea ~

On the sea of doubt,
I have learned to be
fearless as the waves
come crashing over me.

For, I know to be strong,
even when I’m frightened
my grip on Jesus . . .
must remain tightened.

On the sea of worry,
I have learned to be
not so overwhelmed
by what I cannot see.

For, I know to be brave,
even when I’m terrified
my eyes on Jesus . . .
musn’t be cast aside.

The lessons on the sea,
of worry and doubt . . .
have taught how to shut
fear and apprehension out!

~~~~~~~~

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and of a good courage,
fear not, nor be afraid of them:
for the Lord thy God, he it is
that doth go with thee; he will
not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

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

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

Our Hope On A Rope ~

Jesus is our anchor,
our hope on a rope
He helps us daily
to manage and to cope.

We hold on tightly,
to His sufficient grace
whenever new trials
we may have to face.

Jesus is our tower,
where we safely dock
we know He is to us
our pillar and our Rock.

We cling to Him,
when there’s a storm
He keeps us moored
as our trouble’s form.

Jesus is our anchor,
our pillar and our Rock
He’s our rope of hope
all around the clock!

~~~~~~~~

Hebrews 6:19

Which hope we have
as an anchor of the soul,
both sure and stedfast,
and which entereth into
that within the veil;

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka