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

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

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

The Gift of Servitude ~

There’s a gift you can give,
it’ll cost you nothing
for it you don’t even need
to go out for it shopping.

It is a unique gift,
one that is invaluable
and to you it’s always
ready and available.

You already have it,
it’s at your disposal
if you would offer it
you’d hear no refusal.

It is a special gift,
no two are the same
and it’s up to you . . .
this distinct gift to claim.

God has given it to you,
it’s the gift of servitude . . .
and it begins with having
a good steward attitude!

~~~~~~~~~

1 Peter 4:10

As every man hath received the gift,
even so minister the same one to
another, as good stewards of the
manifold grace of God.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

From The Get-Go ~

From the beginning,
God loved His creation
it brought to His heart
pure joy and elation.

But, then one evil day,
satan into it entered in
introducing to man
temptation and sin.

From the get-go,
man always had a choice
to walk with God
or listen to satan’s voice.

But man chose to follow,
the ways of the devil
bringing grief to God’s heart
on every single level.

From the beginning,
God knew the mind of man
so He gave His only Son . . .
to fulfill salvation’s plan!

~~~~~~

Genesis 3:2-4

And the woman said unto the serpent,
We may eat of the fruit of the trees
of the garden:

But of the fruit of the tree which is
in the midst of the garden,
God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it,
neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

And the serpent said unto the woman,
Ye shall not surely die:

Genesis 6:6

And it repented the Lord
that he had made man on
the earth, and it grieved
him at his heart.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Unmovable ~

God’s Kingdom,
is unconquerable
His powers
are undefeatable.

God’s mercy,
is unshakable
His promises
are unbreakable.

God’s grace,
is unfaltering
His Words
are unwavering.

God’s love,
is unchanging
His compassions
are unfailing.

God’s Kingdom,
is unshakeable
His powers
are unmistakable!

~~~~~~~

Hebrews 12:28

Wherefore we receiving
a kingdom which cannot be moved,
let us have grace, whereby we
may serve God acceptably with
reverence and godly fear:

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

Today Is Thanksgiving ~

Today is Thanksgiving,
a time of fullness
a time to thank God . . .
for His steadfast goodness.

A time to be blessed,
to give blessings too
a time to thank God . . .
for all He does for you.

Today is Thanksgiving,
a time of appreciation
a time to thank God . . .
for His fortification.

A time to be nourished,
to give nourishment too
a time to thank God . . .
for daily enriching you.

Today is Thanksgiving,
a time of heartfelt gratitude
a time to thank God . . .
with an appreciative attitude!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 107:1

O give thanks unto the Lord,
for he is good: for his mercy
endureth for ever.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

In every thing give thanks:
for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning you.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

 

~ Have a blessed Thanksgiving ~

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

The Thorn of Pride ~

I got me this thing,
it’s stuck in my side
it looks just like . . .
the thorn of pride.

It’s making me feel,
rather unconformable
it’s making me weak
to satan vulnerable.

It’s bringing me down,
not in a humble way
I’m more haughty
the longer it stays.

It’s a disgrace to me,
so full of arrogance
it makes me believe
in my own intelligence.

I got me this thorn,
its got me feeling low
I know it’s my pride . . .
and God wants it to go!

~~~~~~~~~

2 Corinthians 12:7

And lest I should be exalted above
measure through the abundance of
the revelations, there was given
to me a thorn in the flesh,
the messenger of Satan to buffet me,
lest I should be exalted above measure.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

The Cornucopia of Contentment ~

Thanksgiving is the time,
of finding true contentment
a time to praise God . . .
without any resentment.

A time to discover,
the secret of gratitude
a time to let thanksgiving
become our daily attitude.

Thanksgiving is the time,
of finding satisfaction
a time for appreciation
no matter our condition.

It’s a time to be thankful,
to God for everything
a time to be grateful
for whatever He may bring.

Thanksgiving’s a cornucopia,
of having true contentment
for all those who on God . . .
are genuinely dependent!

~~~~~

Philippians 4:11-13

Not that I speak in respect of want:
for I have learned, in whatsoever
state I am, therewith to be content.

I know both how to be abased,
and I know how to abound:
every where and in all things
I am instructed both
to be full and to be hungry,
both to abound and to suffer need.

I can do all things through
Christ which strengtheneth me.

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

My Heart’s Response ~

My mind said to me,
look at what you can do
my heart responded . . .
Lord, not without you.

My mind told me,
all this could be yours
my heart answered . . .
don’t open those doors.

My mind stressed to me,
see all you can enjoy
my heart advised . . .
don’t fall for satan’s ploy.

My mind reasoned with me,
you needn’t be concerned
my heart spoke clearly . . .
that’s not what you’ve learned.

My mind said to me,
ah, go ahead and just do it
my heart told me . . .
don’t listen to that evil spirit!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Matthew 4:8-10

Again, the devil taketh him up into
an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth
him all the kingdoms of the world,
and the glory of them;

And saith unto him, All these things
will I give thee, if thou wilt fall
down and worship me.

Then saith Jesus unto him,
Get thee hence, Satan: for it
is written, Thou shalt worship
the Lord thy God, and him only
shalt thou serve.

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

Itchy Ears ~

Itchy ears,
God, no longer fear
don’t want anymore
the truth to hear.

Sound teaching,
causes them to run
straight to preachers
who to sin will shun.

Itchy ears,
God, no longer follow
His Words to them
all now just hollow.

Gospel’s altered,
is what they want
so their sinful lusts
don’t come to haunt.

Itchy ears,
satan has deafened
to the truth . . .
hearts now deadened!

~~~~~~

2 Timothy 4:3-4

For the time will come when
they will not endure sound doctrine;
but after their own lusts shall they
heap to themselves teachers,
having itching ears; And they shall
turn away their ears from the truth,
and shall be turned unto fables.

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

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

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

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

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