FEELING BETRAYED

I'm torn apart, so full of pain
Its arrows shatter all my dreams
My heart is filled with bitter shame
I feel betrayed while given blame.

The anger that disturbs my rest
Has made all trust a distant friend
And like a ship that's lost at sea
Its waves are crashing down on me.

Why did this jagged cross appear
Inflicting so much pain and tears?
Is this the price that I must pay
For following Jesus every day?

Tis then I hear the Shepherd's voice
While clinging to His nail-scared hands
"It is My cross you're called to bear
It is My love you're called to share."

So from the ashes of my grief
The Potter forms a vessel rare
And yielding to His will I find
The Treasure that He has in mind.
--B. Pent

FEELING FREE

I was born in sin's dominion
Held a captive by the Foe
Prison bars were my companions
Dark and dreadful, full of woe.

Cruel the master that enslaved me
Fear became my dreaded chains
While the auctioneer gave orders
To be sold for piteous gains.

Then amidst the frenzied bidding
There appeared the Son of Man
With the highest price as payment
His own blood, redemption's plan.

Suddenly the doors swung open
As the fetters loosed their grip
I ran out and fell before Him
Freed from Satan's horrible pit.

Then He called me to His family
As a dear beloved son
Now by grace I stand forgiven
Through my Lord, the risen One.

Praises fill my inmost being
Once a captive now set free
Glorious is my Lord and Master
I am His eternally.
--B. Pent

THE VALLEY OF DEATH

Cliff was in a comma! The tubes throughout his body gave evidence that cancer was claiming his life. The family knew it was only a matter of time!

As a boy, Cliff had attended our Sunday School. But Christ was not a part of his growing up years. Later, his job, family and sports took up most of his time. Then cancer struck! Surgery, radiation and chemo did little to stop its progress.

When I got the call to see him , I felt helpless! While driving to his bedside I prayed for an opportunity to share Christ. Miraculously, he awoke! I explained God's plan of salvation. While doubting God's mercy so late in life, I told him of the penitent thief crucified beside Jesus who cried: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" and He answered, "today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:42-43).

After inviting Christ into his life, an unspeakable radiance and peace came over him. Later that night, he went to be with Lord and his memorial service was one of celebration and victory.

If there is any doubt you are outside of God's mercy, His promise is the same to you as it was to that thief on the cross. His promise is guaranteed! But you must decide before you walk through the valley of death.

FEELING DISAPPOINTMENT

There are times in life we carry
Disappointments and distress
And we try to find its meaning
During days of loneliness.

When a pledge for life together
Finds loves dream walk out the door
Bitter anguish knows no measure
As in death, life is no more.

If your dearest friend has failed you
And its tearing you apart
Or you feel you've been forsaken
There's one Friend that won't depart.

You are not alone this journey
These sharp thorns that mark your path
Are like those He bore on Calvary
To prepare you for life's task.

So when disappointments tempt you
To give way to bitterness
Look to Christ the source of comfort
He'll bring joy and happiness.
--B. Pent

CHARACTER AND REPUTATION

Abraham Lincoln stated: "character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing." Character is what a person is on the inside. Like the backbone in the body, character is the spinal column of the will. Originally, the word "character" signified a sharp pointed instrument or engraving tool. It is like a sharp scalpel in a surgeon's hand.

When James asks: "can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?" (James 3:12) he was linking character to conduct. In other words, the quality of character will be reflected in the quality of our conduct. Just as a good tree is judged by the kind of fruit it produces, so Christian character is measured by the way we live.

Daniel was snatched from his home and placed in a godless environment. Yet the influence of a permissive Babylonian society did not tarnish his character. He resolved not to defile himself (Daniel 1:8). Honesty and integrity were the hallmarks of his character.

What makes the difference? It is the quality of character that is God centered. James states: "who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom" which results in "a harvest of righteousness" (James 3:13,18). Let Christ shine through your character and a harvest of "fruit" will result!