JUST A MOMENT!

A moment here, a moment there
Our lives are lived with minutes here.
We plan and live like time won't end
But do not see beyond the bend.

Youth has its moments in the sun
It has no time to stop and think.
The path seems filled with endless days
It speeds ahead amid the maze.

The family finds a place to roam
Where children have a happy home.
But soon the nest is hallow space
As life moves quickly through the race.

The aged note the falling leaves
Amid the winter blowing breeze.
The clock of time begins to show
How soon life ends before we know.

Then comes the time in life we fear
When loved ones gather with a tear.
And say goodbye with heavy heart
A life so quickly torn apart

So while I have this moment here
Before eternities appear.
Help me not run the race in vain
But hear "well done" the prize to gain.
--B. Pent

MY GOD! MY GOD!

My God! My God!
Why have you forsaken me?
Why must I bare it alone?
And now, your face in darkness hides
My broken heart I lift to you.

My God! My God!
The agony of death is near.
The mocking throngs surround.
I am a worm, the man of sorrows
My nail-pierced hands I raise to you.

My God! My God!
This cup of death I'm drinking
My strength is drained within.
But if your wrath for sin is quelled
My precious blood I offer you.

My God! My God!
I lay me in the dust of death.
The weight of sin has bound me
But if the Serpent's head be crushed,
A ransomed Church will praise you.
--B. Pent

DARKNESS COVERED THE EARTH

I thought I knew what darkness felt like! I remember one very dark night after lights out, still being able to see my hand close to my face. Then one day I took an elevator down a shaft deep into the earth and with a guide, was led through a mile-long cave. The lighting along the narrow path was enough to keep me safe through its many passages. The beauty of the stalagmites and stalactites took my breath away! In the middle of our tour, our guide asked if we really knew what total darkness was like. Most of us nodded in assurance. Then she told us not to move around as she switched off the light. Its darkness was so complete I could feel it. I was not only stunned but also immobilized. I couldn't move! I dared not move! For the first time in my life I experienced total darkness.

Matthew 27:45 tells us that in the middle of the day while Jesus hung on the cross the sun-light was turned off and darkness fell over the earth. Everyone had to stop what he or she was doing. For three hours man was forced to stop, reflect and wonder. There is nothing to compare with life lived in total darkness. Earlier in His ministry Jesus made it clear, "I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). Hell is described as a place of "outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matt.25:3).

The crowds surrounding the cross were forced into silence during those three hours of darkness. Its parallel to the dark condition of man's sinful heart is striking. All the sins of the world came crashing down upon the Son of God. Even the Father had to turn His back on His Son! The agony of this separation forced Him to cry out, "My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me?" He took our sin upon Himself so that His Light could forever dispel our darkness.

The wonder of His cross should forever lead us into worship and praise and in Horatio Spafford's words sing out: "my sin--O, the bliss of this glorious thought, my sin--not in part but the whole, is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!"

When was the last time you thanked Him for dispelling your darkness?

HE WAS BETRAYED!

Dusty the highways where Jesus was found
Healing the sick and raising the dead.
Yet, just a few gave heed what He said
While drinking the wine and eating the bread.

Mockers united to cast Him away
Though He had offered forgiveness for sin.
Cries of a cross began to be heard
Crucify! Crucify! Jesus the Lord!

Alone in the Garden weeping was heard
Jesus was drinking the cup we deserved.
Peter denied while Judas betrayed
The innocent Lamb on the cross was laid.

CHORUS
Betrayed! He was betrayed.
Condemned to die on a tree!
Great was the price redemption is free
Pardon is granted to sinners like me.
--B. Pent

THE CROSS

Crosses come in all sizes, colors and shapes. We see them at cemeteries, in churches, homes, stationary, mugs, and rings and around people's necks. We have wooden crosses, ceramic, silver and gold crosses. But the Cross is more than a fetish or good-luck charm. It is the central theme of Scripture. It was born in the heart of God and pre-dates history. It is the symbol of victory and will post-date history. It is God's masterpiece of redemption! "as a lamb slain from the creation of the world" (Rev.13:8). The Cross reaches upward, downward and outward. It is a personal invitation for all to come and find peace, forgiveness and fullness in Christ. It is offered equally to the rich or poor, religious or irreligious, the young or old, educated or ignorant. The offer is the same: "whosoever will may come!" That's what the murderous thief on the cross found when he reached out in faith for God's forgiveness. Through a repentant heart he cried out, "Jesus, remember me!" and Jesus responded "today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:42,43). Have you made that your prayer?
REMEMBER ME!

Bitter the cries
Haunting the sounds
Cursing the pain
Sin's quilt had found
Lost in the night...
Comes Jesus the giver
And offer of Light.

If you're the Christ!
The thief demands
Come down at once
And loose our bands
And set us free...
Then Jesus responds
There's freedom in Me.

Remember me!
Mine is the blame
Open the fountain
Blot our the stain.
Jesus replies...
Today I will take you
To paradise.

REFRAIN
Heaven rejoices
Praise fills the air.
Jesus has conquered
Sin and despair.
--B. Pent