Tag: Delight in God

Resurrection Sunday 2026

Happy Resurrection Sunday 2026

On this Resurrection Sunday 2026, (and for that matter every single day) we have reason to rejoice!

God sent us His Son Jesus who rose victoriously from the Cross.

Here, the apostle Peter shares the beautiful promise that is ours as believers in salvation through Jesus.

3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. – 1 Peter 1:3-5, (NASB).1

God is Sovereign and All-Powerful.

Christ’s resurrection, so long ago and yet the cornerstone of our faith throughout the ages, is proof that we will share in this victory over death.

Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ important?

It proves who Jesus is. It demonstrates that God accepted Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. It shows that God has the power to raise us from the dead. It guarantees that the bodies of those who believe in Christ will not remain dead but will be resurrected unto eternal life. – gotquestions.org.2

Happy Resurrection Sunday 2026

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Easter Sunday!

Happy Easter 2026

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.

2 Quotation from gotquestions.org from Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ important? n.d., para. 8. Web. Accessed April 3, 2026. Retrieved from Resurrection of Jesus Christ

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Baby-Faced Wonder in God’s Creation

Cuteness Overload: Baby-Faced Wonder in God’s Creation

Okay, I admit it.

I love looking at photos of cute animals – so much that I can easily lose track of the time.

Puppies, bunnies, baby horses . . . the list goes on and on.

And, just when I think I’ve seen them all, another picture (or video) shows up and I am, once again, captivated.

Recently, I saw a photo that not only made me laugh, I couldn’t believe that this little amphibian is so darn cute.

Meet the Mexican “Axolotl” – a type of salamander.

Baby-Faced Wonder in God’s Creation

The expression!  Enough to make my heart melt.

I would love to tell you how to pronounce the name “Axolotls”, but there are several different opinions on that very thing.

These adorable amphibians may seem insignificant to unbelievers.

However, God created the world for His glory.

And, as believers, we get to enjoy and appreciate what He has made.

God created the world and that also means that He created you and me.

Maybe we’re not as cute as a salamander (speak for yourself!), but God included us as a part of His plan and that means everything.

As believers, it is us who will one day live in His presence forever.

For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. – Romans 11:36, (NASB).1

Delighting in God’s Creation: the Baby-Faced Axolotl

This baby-faced wonder in God’s creation eats a diet of fish and insects.

And, get this: while the rest of us start showing signs of aging over the years, the axolotl never grows up!

They retain their baby-like features.

What’s truly amazing though is that “the axolotl can regenerate (replace) almost any part of its body.“ 2

That’s helpful – especially if an invasive fish bites your leg off.

Sadly, they are an endangered species.

Let’s hope this can turn around someday.

In the meantime, this baby-faced wonder is a delight for the eyes – another reason to thank God for His sovereignty and creation.

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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.

2 Quotation from Britannica Kids. Retrieved from “Axolotl,” n.d. para. 2. Web. Accessed March 26, 2026.

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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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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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