Tag: Christian

Mercy to the  Merciful

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Earlier today I watched a docudrama entitled, The Thing About Pam. Now I normally don’t watch these type of shows, but, since my husband had already started it I decided to watch, while we ate our dinner.

After it was over I prayed for all those who were affected by the crimes committed. This I did while washing dishes and cleaning the kitchen. Naturally as I spoke to God I wanted Him to know I wasn’t judging or condemning this person, that’s not for me to do, because judgement is for Him.

But as I continued washing dishes I heard the word mercy. It reminded me of the scripture in Matthew 9:12,13, which reads;

When Jesus heard, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. “

As a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, as a Christian, I’m not called to judge or condemn others. However Christians are  called to stand on God’s Truth, but, not from a judgemental view, but from a merciful view. Because the Lord Jesus came to call sinners to Him and if we’re being completely honest, we’ve all sinned, we all fall short of the glory of God.

Bless the Lord God Almighty for His mercy, compassion, love and grace. None of us deserved it, but He gave it anyway. So  before it’s too late let every Christian evaluate their walk with Christ. Because Jesus is coming back and I pray that all who call themselves a Christian, are not only reading God’s Word, but putting them into practice.

If you find yourself unsure where you stand with God, if you find yourself judging or condemning people who have committed crimes, I urge you to fall on your knees and repent.

Because God gives mercy to the merciful!

Grudges

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Many people, including Christians, find themselves holding on to grudges. This may be with a family member, a neighbor, an employer, fellow employee, customer service representative, a teacher, a retail clerk or anyone working in the public.

For me, it was my 3rd grade teacher. You see, I was sitting on the top level of the ladder of the school monkey bars when I was pushed from behind. I landed on my face breaking my nose and blood going everywhere. My teacher at the time got out of her chair came over to me looked closely at my face, tried wiping my face off to some degree and said, you’re ok. Of course when my mother who also worked at the school found out she was livid and rushed me to the hospital. Everything turned out fine but I had two black eyes, a swollen nose, and a busted lip. Unfortunately, nothing could be done except for me to rest, take it easy and allow my body to heal over time.

All these years later I hadn’t realized that I was still holding onto this grudge against my former teacher. And the only way I found out was while I was praying I asked God to remove anything from me that wasn’t becoming to my King. Before long this memory came flooding back. I believe God wanted me to forgive so much that He had the Holy Spirit bring it to my attention.

So as a Christian I know the importance of letting go of these stored up grudges and having the power of the Holy Spirit to guide us in forgiveness. Regardless of what someone does to us, we’re called to forgive them. Maybe this is just one of the reasons why our prayers go unanswered, because of a lack of forgiveness toward others.

Notice how the Lord Jesus Christ addressed this in Mark 11:25,26 when He stated;

And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.

While Jesus didn’t state that forgiveness hinders prayer, He did say while you’re praying if you have anything against anyone, forgive him. Basically the Lord Jesus is saying if you don’t forgive, you won’t be forgiven your trespasses. And don’t forget what the Lord said while hanging on the tree during the time of His sacrifice in Luke 23:34;

Then Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.

While letting go of grudges is difficult, the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth says, it’s necessary if we expect to be forgiven our trespasses. If you pray to the Father and ask Him to remove anything that is unbecoming to Him, to our King, know this, He will do it.

You just better be prepared to let go of them!

Blessed are Those who Mourn

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I often hear preachers say, at the end of their sermon, if you repent of your sins, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ you will be saved. While this is absolutely true, personally, the step of repenting of our sins should be one of that is much more detailed. We should lament over what we have done against God. In other words, we don’t recite a simple little prayer and state, I repent of my sins and then expect to be changed.

Because when you look at the Scriptures, when one repented of their sins there was lamentation over them. Meaning, there was grief there was sorrow over what they had done. It wasn’t a moment reciting a few words and expecting God to forgive us. NO! When the people from the Scriptures repented they had a very passionate cry to God over what they had done. It was sorrow cut straight from the heart and feeling guilt, regret and remorse over their sins and how they were lead astray.

Maybe this is why some Christians still struggle with sin. After all many preachers lead us to believe by reciting this generic prayer and lumping all our sins together, we’ll be forgiven of them and we’re no longer obligated to repent. Sure, we’ve all probably said a prayer but was it really heart felt? Did we “really” feel bad over our sins, cry and weep for a few moments, till the service ended and then went back to our normal day in life?

So this brings up many questions for me and leads me to believe that while this prayer maybe a first step, we shouldn’t stop repenting over our sins until we’re given a sign, a word by God or even a dream. And it also brings up the question, if one doesn’t display the same type of lamenting over their sin as in the Scriptures, have they truly been forgiven? Maybe God is calling His people to REPENT the same way they did in Biblical times. Which leads me to the Scripture;

Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s Grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted]. Matthew 5:4 AMP

As a Christian, if you’re still struggling with sin, maybe you need to humble yourself before God Almighty and start naming each of your sins before Him and display the same type of lamenting that the people of God did throughout the Scriptures.

May God’s Grace bless you daily,
bring you closer to the Lord Jesus Christ
and Sanctify you in God’s Truth!

What Jesus Can Do

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There is not a fear,
that Jesus can’t conquer
there’s not an enemy
that He can’t capture.

There is not a problem,
that Jesus can’t correct
there is not a life . . .
with whom He can’t connect.

There is not a burden,
that Jesus can’t lift
there is not a load
that He can’t shift…

CHRISTian poetry ~ by deborah ann

Mark 10:27

And Jesus looking upon them saith,
With men it is impossible,
but not with God: for with God all
things are possible.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 20130 Revised 2024
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

What Jesus Can Do ~

With All Our Heart

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When we love God,
with all of our heart
from Him we’ll never
what to be apart.

We will pursue Him,
night and day
we will praise Him
when we pray.

When we love God,
with all of our soul
our lives He’ll heal
and make whole…

CHRISTian poetry ~ by deborah ann

Deuteronomy 6:4-5

“Hear, O Israel:
The Lord our God is one Lord:

And thou shalt love the Lord
thy God with all thine heart,
and with all thy soul,
and with all thy might.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

With All Our Heart ~

Be Kind to All

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If you read the Bible one of the first things you’ll notice in the New Testament is just how humble and compassionate the Lord Jesus was to the Israelites when He walked among them.

He walked throughout Israel healing, casting out demons, raising the dead and preaching the Good Message of the Kingdom, all while teaching God’s Chosen people the right way to live. He showered the people with mercy, forgiveness, compassion  and love.

He also taught we should be kind to all people, including, loving our enemies. For many Americans this is difficult, especially, with what’s happening within our Country today. But since I’m a follower of Christ I know I must have the same mindset. Because the Lord Jesus said;

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:44,45

For me, this Scripture says it all. So my prayer is that all Christians realize this message before it’s too late. Jesus left us a blueprint for living the right way through His teachings. But He also gives us the ability to make our own choice. To follow Him, or, follow the ways of this world.

Why Christians Shouldn’t Go to Gay Marriages

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It’s sad and very telling when I see Christians struggling with the issue of a gay marriage. Many Christians throughout America are wondering if they should attend a family, or friend’s, gay wedding. And many will use the argument that Jesus called us to love our fellow man, just as He loved us. But remember, Jesus’s love is different from worldly love because worldly love involves things such as pleasures, lust, sexual immorality, impurity, and indecent behavior. So, how can we as Christians know if we are operating in the love of God or a worldly love? First we should always pray to God to seek answers to these worldly issues, study His Word while allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and direct our steps in harmony with the Spirit of Truth who will lead us to all Truth. God’s Word provides scriptures to help us navigate these turbulent times, such as;

1 John 2:16 – For all that is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life – is not from the Father but is from the world.

Romans 8:5-8 – Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God.

We know we must always stand in God’s Truth regardless of how the world pushes against us. God’s Word, the Scriptures, and the teachings of the Lord Jesus or clear, those who follow this world belong to the world those who follow the Lord Jesus Christ, belong to Christ. And Jesus reinforced the Old Testament scripture when He stated;

Matthew 19:8 – Jesus answered, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”

As a Christian, I can’t support a gay lifestyle, relationship or marriage and while this may seem offensive to some, I must stand on God’s TRUTH. I do NOT judge others for their choices because it’s important to understand that we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. This is why as a believer, as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ it’s important I stand on God’s Truth without accusing, judging, condemning or becoming angry with others while sharing the Good News. Believers are expected to speak and share God’s Truth even when the world is against us.

Earthquake Coming

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Lying in bed early this morning I heard words which spoke of a natural disaster coming to a particular country. The words spoken were very clear and purposeful for this country and  while I wasn’t given a specific reason as to why this event would take place, I was given particular Scriptures to help with further understanding.

The words spoken was a warning that a 9. magnitude earthquake would soon hit Venezuela. While debating if I should post this on the blog, I was reminded of the scripture;

What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops.

Matthew 10:27

This scripture refers to the Lord Jesus speaking to His disciples when He sent them out on their mission. He also encouraged His disciples by telling them not to be afraid because things that are hidden will be revealed. The Scripture reads;

So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.

Matthew 10:26

I believe there is a deeper meaning that will unfold in this situation. Since I clearly heard the words being spoken to me, I believe there will be a revealing in Venezuela. Because the next scriptures Jesus spoke states;

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 10:28

Jesus was warning His disciples, His followers, not to fear these people regardless of the actions they take against them. But instead to fear Him who can destroy the soul and body in the lake of fire.

Unfortunately, many people are doing the exact opposite of what Jesus taught and are fearing what is transpiring all around them. While it is human nature to have fear, Jesus taught, those who follow Him must overcome fear. We don’t need man’s weapons, but only the weapons God provides.

We do this by clothing ourselves with the Lord Jesus, by putting on the Armor of God and by standing firm in Faith. We are being urged to be obedient to the Lord Christ Jesus, to follow Him and not to deny. The scripture reads;

Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in Heaven. But whoever denies Me before Men, I will also deny him before My Father in Heaven.

Matthew 10:32

As a believer of Christ, one who seeks to do His will, I will be obedient to Him, to His teachings and to the Father. I will continue to confess the Lord Jesus Christ even in difficult times regardless of the consequences. When we fail to do what He tells us, we’re being disobedient. When we know what the right thing to do is but refuse to stand up for it, it becomes sin. For me it’s not man I fear, but Him who will destroy both soul and body in the lake of fire, as the scriptures reads;

And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:15

While my purpose for writing this is not to scare people but to prepare them and to be obedient. Regardless of what diaster one faces, there is ALWAYS HOPE in the Lord Jesus Christ. And if you don’t know Him start here.

Who Will You Choose?

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For those of us who live in the United States we’ve never really experienced Christian persecution as a result of our Faith. Television, radio, and social media platforms are targeting those who believe in Jesus Christ and the message of Truth which He taught. But many Christians are failing to recognize the direction we’re headed and the decision each will have to make. While many Christians are more concerned with worldly issues instead of eternity, the scriptures teach us differently;

Do not love the world are the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

1 John 2:15-17

But laws are being enacted which could make speaking God’s TRUTH a hate crime. And if you look at the chaos and lawlessness taking place within America today you know the world is about to change. For those who earnestly seek to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and worship God, there’s no doubt, we will be hated.

If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.

John 15:18,19

But as a Christian, I’m not called to judge non-believers or even other Christians, but, I am called to speak God’s Truth in a loving manner to all people. And the Truth is;

For God so loved the world that He gave
His only begotten Son, that whoever believes
in Him should not perish but have everlasting
life. For God did not send His Son into the
world to condemn the world, but the world
through Him might be saved.
John 3:16,17

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved! But without repentance and deep sorrow over our sins toward God, it’s all in vain.

We must sincerely feel convicted over everything we’ve done which goes against God. All the lies, stealing, sexual immorality, filthy language, putting others before Him and living worldly. Once we confess all our sins to God we must believe in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Who left His heavenly home and took on flesh. He was born of a virgin, preached the Good News of the Kingdom, and was sacrificed on the cross for our sins, rose on the third day and appeared to His Apostles and over 500 brothers at once. Then, we must be baptized to receive the Holy Spirit.

This is the only way!

Peace Instead of Choas

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Our world seems to be spinning further out of control. While many have lost hope, my hope, is in the Lord Christ Jesus, the Son of God, who came to save the world. Which means as a believer I must speak God’s truth. Which is the same Truth Jesus (Yeshua/Yehoshua), the Christ (Messiah), of Nazareth taught. Since I believe in Him all of my belief, my trust, my faith and my hope is in Christ Jesus, along with everything He taught. One of those teachings Jesus taught is the need to love our enemies and do good to them. But it doesn’t stop there, because the Apostle Peter also taught something similar, the scriptures read;

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

1 Peter 3:9-12

From Jesus teachings to the teachings of the Apostles, it’s pretty clear, violence, riots, insurrections, and protests was never intended for a believer. Unfortunately, many Christian believers are abandoning these teachings and purchasing guns and stocking up on ammunition. Jesus never condoned violence and He taught His Apostles the same. So, why is it many Christians are more concerned with their families, property, and earthly treasures instead of following the Lord Jesus teachings? Remember what Jesus said;

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 10:28

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we should be encouraging one another, building each other up and standing firm in the Faith. We cannot fear but must proclaim the Truth Jesus taught. It’s better to die in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, then it is to shoot someone all in the name of protecting your earthly treasures.

Glory be to God and if you’re not a believer, Get to Know the Lord Jesus Christ in the Post, What is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Speaking One’s Mind

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One of the hardest things for me to overcome as a new Christian was the issue of speaking my mind. For those who are outgoing but mixed with an opinionated personality, it can be very difficult. And from time to time, it wants to rear it’s ugly head. But we can overcome these worldly traits in several ways. First, by praying to God and acknowledging this issue within us and asking for His help. Second, meditating on scriptures which speaks of these very things. And thirdly, by memorizing those same scriptures so we can recall them when they’re needed most. One of my favorites reads;

Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice,
deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander.
1 Peter 2:1

The reason I like this scripture so much is the word hypocrisy. Because it reminds me of the teaching Christ gave about removing the plank from your own eye before pointing fingers at someone else to remove theirs. It’s a great lesson, a reminder and invaluable as I continue my journey through the scriptures.

In A Broken World

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In a broken world,
you can see the pain
you can feel the hurt
the stress and the strain.

You can hear the cries,
the howling’s of grief
you can more than sense
the need for relief.

The only way to fix,
a world that is broken
is to truly listen to . . .
the words once spoken.

For Jesus came to tell us,
about a more perfect way…

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

John 10:9

I am the door:
by me if any man enter in,
he shall be saved,
and shall go in and out,
and find pasture.

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2021
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY ~

CHRISTian poetry ~ by deborah ann
In A Broken World ~

Repossess

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As a Christian, a follower of Christ, I’ve spoken many times on the depravity I see unfolding in America. The United States is being possessed by every unclean Spirit imaginable. But it hasn’t always been this way.

The United States was founded on God. Prayer was given to open Congress and the House as far back as September 1774. Then, prayer was added into the school system and children were happy, content and safe. But in 1962 the Supreme Court ruled against it citing it was unconstitutional.

With the removal of prayer from our schools it has left the United States vulnerable and empty. Today, we see mass shootings in schools, an array of mental health issues, assaults, rapes, transgender ideology being pushed, drug use, sexual immorality, along with a host of other issues. It’s truly a disgrace to our Lord and Creator, God Almighty.

But don’t be mistaken, just because we see all these things transpiring, remember, America were founded on God. And what the Holy Spirit told me was, repossess. Since the United States was founded on God, God will repossess it! It reminds me of the scriptures, which read;

Then he says, I will return to my house from which I came. And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order.

Matthew 12:44

When God was removed from our Schools, Government offices, Employers, and even some of our churches became empty. Many have chosen to follow doctrines of demons instead of following The Way which Christ taught. But don’t forget;

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

Galatians 6:7,8

Reflecting Love

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Some of the most profound scriptures found in the Bible are those of love. While all of scripture is wonderful, those which speak to God’s love and how we as Christians should carry ourselves is amazing. For instance, in one of the scriptures I’m seeking to memorize, reads;

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32

Although, this scripture doesn’t specifically have the word love in it, it’s the very reflection of love. Being kind to people, tenderhearted, and forgiving, shows we have God’s love within us. Unfortunately, in the world today Love is a rare commodity. Sure we may love our family members but even so, families argue, they feud. But, if we have God’s love within us, we’re able to exhibit the qualities listed in this scripture regardless of what comes our way.

Personally, this is something I’ve had an issue with and constantly battling against. I say this because in the past, I’ve been very opinionated, critical, even judgmental. And, as someone raised in the West, we’re often seen as argumentative, proud and even arrogant. While Christians are not called to quarrel and argue, we are called to reason with others and sometimes this may come across as one who likes to argue. It’s a delicate line and I admit, an area I’m still being refined in. But gracious is God’s mercy and love for us! Since God is the very essence of love, I know He will ensure through the Holy Spirit I learn this lesson along with many others.

God bless you and remember, Jesus Christ is our Hope regardless of what this world throws at us…

Think of Others

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Often we get so caught up in our daily lives that we fail to see the hurt and pain someone else maybe going through. I’m reminded of the biblical story where Jesus was asked to dinner by one of the Pharisees named Simon.

As Jesus sat down to eat, a woman came in bringing a flask of fragrant oil and stood at His feet behind Him weeping. It’s at this point she begins to wash His feet with her tears and wipe them off with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. When the Pharisees saw this he remarked to himself, “This man, if He were a Prophet would know what type of woman was touching Him, a sinner.

Jesus tells a story to Simon about two debtors who owed money to a creditor. One debtor owed 500 denarii and the other debtor owed 50 denarii. Neither had no way of repaying the debt so the creditor forgave them both. Jesus asked Simon, who do you think will love him more? Simon answered, “I suppose the one who owed more.” Jesus said to Simon, you have rightly judged.

Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, Do you see this woman? I entered you house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is for forgiven, loves little. Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
Luke 7:44-48

We never know what someone may be dealing with. Traumatic issues can occur in numerous way and may appear as family issues, breakups, the loss of a child, medical issues, loneliness or mental anguish. I know as a Christian, we are to encourage, build each other up, but, one scripture which really stands out to me, reads;

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in
humility consider others more important than yourselves.

Philippians 2:3

Just like the woman, I want to have that same kind of love that she demonstrated for Christ, with my brothers, sisters and yes, even my enemies.

God Bless you all…