From Self-Centered to God-Centered

From Self-Centered to God-Centered

From self-centered to God-centered

Lord, we humbly ask You
for a revival of hearts and minds.

If you’ve glanced at the news headlines lately, is it any wonder that we live in a sinful world?

Which begs the question: is it too late for our nation to turn back to God?

First, we must repent of our sins and remember that God brought us life-saving grace through the name which is above every other name, Jesus Christ.

This is the Gospel’s good news that can change lives, even in the darkest of places.

A necessary pre-cursor of any great spiritual awakening is a spirit of deep humiliation growing out of a consciousness of sin, and fresh revelation of the holiness and power and glory of God. 

– John Raleigh Mott, American evangelist.1

Nationwide repentance can transform us from having lives that are self-centered to God-centered.

I don’t know about you, but I am praying for a revival and, if it is in God’s providence, that it will happen soon.

To God be the Glory!

Do you need inspiration for your own spiritual revival prayer request?

The following poem inspired me so I’m eager to share.

We Need A Revival

Lord, we need a revival,

a head bobbing, banner raising

hand clapping, foot stomping
Holy Spirit filled revival.

Lord we need an awakening,

a gospel preaching, heart turning

sin repenting, life changing
Holy Spirit filled awakening.

Lord we need a quickening,

a daily living, life-long giving
fruit bearing, love sharing

Holy Spirit filled quickening.

Lord, we need a renewal,

a world reaching, grace saving
thirst quenching, mind drenching

Holy Spirit filled renewal.

Lord, we need a revival,

a roof raising, earthshaking
God-fearing, soul saving

Holy Spirit filled revival!

~~~~~~

Acts 2:2

“And suddenly there came
a sound from heaven
as of a rushing mighty wind,
and it filled
all the house where
they were sitting.“  – King James Version,
Public Domain.

Copyright 2026
Deborah Ann Belka

~ to GOD be the GLORY 

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1 Quotation by Charles John R. Mott, American Evangelist, (1865-1955) courtesy of courtesy of Christian quotes.info.

2 Poetry courtesy of Deborah Ann Belka, “We Need A Revival.” [online post], February 19, 2026, Web. Accessed March 10, 2026. Retrieved from We Need A Revival.

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Jesus – Humanity’s First Responder

Jesus – Humanity’s First Responder

Well, this happened.

Never in a million years did I think that I would be standing at the doorstep of a local fire station asking for help.

Oh, the joys of being a Siberian Husky owner.

The other day I was taking one of our two Sibes out on a leash.

Here she is in one of her more angelic moments.

Our youngest Sibe in an angelic moment

The weather was terrible outside.

It was dark, windy, and we heard the sound of thunder as the storm clouds rolled in.

The last place I wanted to be was outside holding a leash with a young dog who just wanted to play.

In true husky fashion, she tried to run, jerking me and the leash along with her.

Ouch!

Instant pain set in on my wedding ring finger.

I should have paid more attention to it, but it was a crazy busy day and I let it go.

The next morning, not only was my finger swollen up like a sausage, my wedding ring was now so tight it wouldn’t come off.

Uh oh.

I tried all of the internet’s suggestions, but they didn’t work. There was no getting the ring off my finger and the swelling looked worse.

It was at that moment that I realized that my Goliath-sized finger needed more help.

A friend whose husband is a firefighter suggested I get to the station double quick.

So there I was at the fire station door looking desperate.

Jesus – Humanity’s First Responder For Eternal Salvation

That day, five (count ’em, five!) first responders gathered in a circle around me eager to help.

They took a look at my monster finger and started gathering tools to cut it off – my ring, that is!

They put me at ease as they worked. My favorite comment was when one of them said, “I’m trying to save the ring.”

I have so much respect for these heroic men and women.

Of course my issue was minor compared to what first responders could see on a daily basis.

Their mission is to save lives.

Does that remind you of Anyone?

Jesus is “Humanity’s First Responder” and saver of souls. 

As Peter openly proclaimed in front of the Sadducees, priests and other leaders:

Salvation in no one else

Jesus, only Jesus.

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Situational Awareness in a Fallen World

The Importance of Situational Awareness in a Fallen World

This week I wanted to write about something that hits way too close to home.

Someone I know was almost taken against her will from a local store parking lot. 

I know firsthand how horrific that could have turned out because an attempted kidnapping also happened to a friend of mine in Houston . . . and to me (more about that later).

Christian or not – the importance of having situational awareness can not be overstressed.

I’m sure you’ve seen the same disturbing headlines that I have regarding violent crime.

Men, women, or children – no one is immune to the possibility of dangerous encounters with evil people in this world.

Sadly, I know there are some people who still think that violent crime would never happen in their small town.

And, granted, there’s a delicate balance between showing Christian kindness to strangers, but also keeping yourself safe.

The fact is we are living in a fallen world with evil people in it.

Is that being negative? No, it’s being smart.

Situational awareness in a fallen world is absolutely essential.

Otherwise, ignoring your God-given red flags could result in you or your loved ones becoming a heartbreaking statistic.

Situational Awareness: Fear Can Be A Gift

Situational awareness in a fallen world

Although my own dangerous encounter happened years ago, I’ve never forgotten about it.

I had just finished my grocery shopping and was taking my bags out to the car.

As I approached, I saw an old beat-up vehicle back up into the open parking spot right next to my car. Two guys were just sitting in it staring at me.

Thank You Lord that my red flags started going off.

In retrospect, I should have just turned around and gone back inside the store to ask for a store manager to accompany me, but I didn’t.

In what could have been a terrible mistake, I walked to my car anyway and tried to get my grocery bags into the hatchback as quickly as I could.

That was when the driver got out, walked around his car and started coming towards me.

I didn’t even hear his door open and yet all of a sudden he was there.

The other guy in the passenger seat was looking down and acting awfully strange.

The driver walking towards me said something about having some perfume for sale that he wanted to show me.

It was at that instant that something I learned about in a self-defense class kicked in.

As loud as I could I yelled “NO” – loud enough that other shoppers could hear me.

I could tell the bad guy was startled by my loud outburst. That gave me a few precious seconds to unlock my car and get in as fast as I could.

He turned around quickly got in his car and he and his partner immediately drove off.

Petrified, I remember calling my husband and the police to report what could have been the worst day of my life.

A recommendation online said that if you are approached in a parking lot and you feel those red flags coming on, you could say something like, “STOP! You need to back up, I don’t know you.”

Suffice all this to say – being situationally aware could save your life.

Situational Awareness: Bathrooms in Public Places

Situational awareness in public places

Thankfully, I have a husband who will stand outside a public ladies restroom if I have to go inside.

Why not the same for parents and kids at their sports activities?

The other day I saw a video of a mom who said that, at her kid’s games, even if she has the public restroom in her line of sight from the bleachers, she will always go with her child to the restroom.

Not only that, she will check it out inside before she allows her child to walk in.

Why? Because someone could be lurking inside one of the other stalls. 

Look, I hate talking about this kind of stuff, but the truth is that evil is all around us.

As a former reporter, I covered an SA trial in Louisiana and it just about tore me up inside.

It would be incredibly naive to think that it’s unchristian to be cautious in today’s world. 

I believe God has given us a gut instinct that we should listen to.

The best news is that one day in God’s timing, praise the Lord, He will put an end to all of this evil we are seeing.

The following verse is from a Psalm of David to the people of Israel.

Its relevance to modern times demonstrates God’s love for His people throughout the generations.

For evildoers will be eliminated,
But those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land. – Psalm 37:9, (NASB).1

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1 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

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Jesus is Waiting

Jesus is Waiting

Christian camp

The first time I ever picked up and read the Bible was at – get this – a horse camp.

You just never know where God will first speak to your heart. 🙂

This week-long summer camp had a lot to offer – trail rides, archery, skill-building games, swimming, plus arts and crafts.

Although it was a Christian camp, I didn’t know much about what that meant at the time.

As a 6th grader and huge horse lover, all I wanted to do was get on a horse and go riding every day.

When the camp’s billboards went up around town, my next-door neighbor, her little sister, and I couldn’t wait to sign up.

“Camp week” couldn’t come fast enough.

One of the must-bring items on our packing list was a Bible.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have one growing up because I was raised in a different faith. So, I took the only religious book we did have at our house which was a book of Parables. Thankfully, my cabin leader had an extra copy of the Bible which she let me borrow.

Every night we attended a chapel service which included a rousing sermon and some singing.

At the end of the week, the service ended with an “altar call.” I had no idea what that was, but I was intrigued.

We were asked to close our eyes.

Through my admittedly, partially-closed eyes, I watched a few campers who had raised their hands be led off to a little room behind the stage.

What was that all about?

Part of me wanted to go there too because I was curious, but I held back.

After that fun-filled week was over, I returned home with a lot of questions about why we didn’t talk about Jesus more, but never got any real answers.  

I didn’t realize it then, but God was speaking to my heart.

Jesus was waiting there for me, but I wasn’t ready to open that door just yet.

Jesus is Waiting: Have You Answered His Call?

Jesus is waiting

Fast forward to today, my love for horses is still there.

I think they are one of God’s most beautiful creatures. Little did I know how much a part they would play in my own embrace of true Christianity – through the good and the bad.

I never knew how much I needed Jesus until certain life events brought me to my knees.

15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need. – Hebrews 4:15-16, (NASB).

Praise the Lord now my faith, praise, and worship are dedicated to our one and only Savior.

Everyone’s faith journey is different, but without a doubt, I see the evidence of God working behind the scenes throughout my life.

If you haven’t yet given your life to Christ, Jesus is waiting for you.

It will be the best decision “of” your life, and “for” your life.

This song about seeking the Lord is one of my favorite praise songs.

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1 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

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Edge-Of-Your-Seat Christian Suspense

Edge-Of-Your-Seat Christian Suspense Books

edge-of-your-seat Christian suspense books

On a cold winter day have you ever felt like curling up by the fireplace with a warm blanket and a good book?

Recently, with the cold weather (plus a significant ice storm), there was nothing I wanted to do more than just stay inside and be cozy.

As you know, choosing a good book to read is not always easy. There are many options in all genres to choose from.

Add to that you also have the choice between purchasing an e-book or a real book that you can actually hold in your hands.

Call me old-fashioned (thank you by the way), I prefer the latter. I’d rather physically turn a page than swipe a screen.

Anyway, I’m thrilled to say that I stumbled upon what has now become a new hobby.

Reading Christian fiction suspense novels.

Sound boring? Oh, I don’t think so 😊

I’ve become a big fan of bestselling author Alana Terry. Her books have captured my attention.

Currently, I’m reading “Leviathan Rising: Alaska-Based Christian Survival Thriller” which she cowrote with Scott Somers.

This book has me on the edge-of-my-seat!

Many of Alana’s faith-filled books cover current hot-button topics, and also notably, in my opinion the dialogue between the characters is believable.

Obviously, we have a choice on what kind of reading material we want to spend time with.

Christian suspense fiction

Spending leisure time reading a secular novel filled with bad language, explicit themes, or political rants doesn’t interest me at all.

No thanks. There’s enough of that junk on TV every day.

I highly recommend Alana Terry’s books to anyone looking for an edge-of-your-seat Christian suspense novel.

So far, I’ve finished “Save Me Once” and “Secluded.” Next is “Unplanned.”

Don’t say I didn’t warn you when you realize that her books are hard to put down!

Books hard to put down

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