BETHLEHEM'S CRY

It took nine months before that cry was heard!

The strangers could not find a room that night

Yet labor pains had forced them from the Inn

To find a stable bed to birth a King.

The Virgin Mary wiped His tears away

While Joseph cleaned the stable cave that day

The Baby's cry once heard on Christmas morn

Foreshadowed days His heart for man was torn.

One day beside the tomb of His dear friend

The Savior wept because of sin's dread curse

He later cried when Judah turned from grace

By spewing hate upon His thorn crowned face.

On Calvary's hill a painful cry was heard

“Oh! why have You forsaken Me, My God?”

Another cry soon echoed through the night

“Tetelestai! then Satan fled from sight.

One final cry will shake the world again

The Lord Himself from heav'n to earth descend

The Church in white will rise to meet the Groom

His promise to return is very soon.

B. Pent

LORD MOST HIGH

Lord most Holy, in Your Presence

We are gathered round Your Throne

Seeking freedom from distraction

Finding joy in You alone.

Worldly cares and vain ambition

Garments stained by selfish pride

Lord, remove the sin that binds us

That Your Presence may abide.

Fill our hearts in holy worship

By Your Spirit sanctified

That in body, soul and spirit

You alone be glorified.

REFRAIN

Holy, Holy, in Your Presence

We bow down to crown You Lord

Lifting holy hands in worship

Bind our hearts in one accord.

B. Pent

THE NAME OF JESUS

We stand amazed in your presence today

Where justice and mercy are written in blood

Forgiveness is granted, the price has been paid

Released from all bondage through Jesus is made.

Clothed in His likeness, transformed by His grace

Free from the shackles of sin and disgrace

Finding through Jesus the joy we have sought

Praising the One by whose love we are bought.

REFRAIN

Jesus, the name above all other names

Wonder in counsel and mighty to save

Father of ages and Lord over all

We lift our praises, before you we fall.

B. Pent

IGNITE YOUR CHURCH AGAIN

The night is pressing in upon us, Lord

The gates of hell are opening wide

The only refuge that can guard us

Is the cross in which to hide.

The Church once bathed in holy passion

Seems to flounder on its way

The world, the flesh is so alluring

We've changed the Rock for straw and clay.

We hear the noise of distant thunder

The promises of later rain

A stirring deep within our soul, cries:

“Lord! Ignite Your Church again!”

Refrain

Breath of God, sweep through Your Church today

The hour of Your return is near

Renew our love, ignite the flame

To faithfully serve in Jesus name.

B. Pent

ALMIGHTY SAVIOR

El Shaddai, Almighty Father

Elohim, Almighty Lord

You have raised us by Your mercy

Through the power of your Word

We lift high the Name of Jesus

Every knee before You bows

Heaven and earth proclaims Your glory

Holiness enthrones Your brow.

So in glad and full surrender

May Your Glory light the Flame!

Blessed, Blessed Holy Spirit

Worship crowns Your Holy Name.

Spirit bind us in Your fullness

Melt the dross, ignite the Flame

That in body, soul and spirit

Holy, blameless we remain!

B. Pent

HERE IS SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious.  But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and he carries his banners openly. But the traitor moves among those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the galleys, heard in the very hall of government itself. For the traitor appears not a traitor—he speaks in the accents familiar to his victims, and wears their face and their garment, and he appeals to the baseness that lies deep in the hearts of all men. He rots the soul of a nation—he works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the pillars of a city—he infects the body politic so that it can no longer resist. A murderer is less to be feared  "---Cicero, 42 B.C.  

THE EAGLE'S BROKEN WING

How beautiful to see the Eagle fly

With wings of strength to soar the azure sky

The current winds that blow against the mountain peaks

Display in mystery's symbol what our Nation seeks.

The Eaglet's feel secure within their nest

They have protection near their mother's breast

No predator would dare to harm its young by day

Because the Eagle's power is near to thwart its prey.

At times the red tailed Hawk appears in sight

The threat of death seems certain in its flight

Distraction turns the Eagle's eye to other things

And suddenly the Eaglet lies with broken wings.

How subtle is the trap that bates its prey

As warning signs unheeded look away

What once was black or white we changed to gray

When first we pity, then endure, then disobey.

America, the land for freedom fought

With liberty and justice for each man sought

Because it has exchanged God's Word for earthly things

The Eagle's strength is gone because of broken wings.

B. Pent

WHERE WATERS FLOW

Empty and tired my heart longs for rest

All that this world gives is promise at best

Is there a well for this soul thirsty heart

Flowing with joy that will never depart?

Trying so hard for approval from men

Working and striving my pride to defend

Leaving me empty, depressed and alone

Seeking for freedom my soul to atone.

Jesus the Fountain, the Wellspring of life

Oh how my heart longs for freedom from strife

Springs welling up is the promise You make

Thirsty I drink let me always partake.

REFRAIN

Jesus, I come to this Fountain today

Quench the deep thirst in my spirit, I pray

May the sweet springs from your infinite love

Flow from within as I drink from above.

B. Pent

YOU TOUCHED MY HEART

               (A Wedding Song)

What kind of love is this I've found

Like buried treasures in the ground

A feeling never felt before

Like ocean waves just reaching shore?

When first I saw you pass my way

My heart began to dance and play

Like bluebirds soar from tree to tree

For just another chance to see.

And then one day you touched my heart

Your tender love set me apart

I wanted you to be my mate

So none but death could separate.

REFRAIN

Now here I stand pledging my love

Asking the Lord Who reigns from above

“Give us a heart that is tender and true

Walking together as one, serving You.”

B. Pent

HERE I AM LOOKING AT YOU

            (A Wedding Song)

Memory takes me back to yesterday

When first I saw you turn my way

I caught a glimpse of hope within your eyes

Twas then my heart was taken by surprise.

It was no dream or game of chance

That providence allowed this glance

For every time I looked within your face

My heart and soul desired your embrace.

Our paths have now become as one

We've placed our trust in God's own Son

This covenant we pledge for all to see

The union of two hearts in harmony.

REFRAIN

So here I am looking at you

Pledging my love, a promise that's true

What God has now joined, let no man destroy

This is my pledge to you I employ:

“All of my life, through all of your life!”

(Lyrics: Ben Pent; Music: Josee Weigand)

YOU AND YOU ALONE

                        (A Wedding Song)

How wonderful that God chose you for me

It was no accident that day we met

So when I read the message in your eyes

It caught my heart a little by surprise.

Soon Providence began to form a plan

And in my dreams I saw you walk my way

The beauty of your life became the spark

A marriage made in heaven from the start.

I've come to know and love you more each day

They'll never be another one like you

I want to spend my life with you alone

You are the gift that makes our love a home.

So here I stand to pledge my troth to you

This covenant of grace til death us part

We'll take a lifetime walk through this short life

In joyful praise, as husband and as wife.

REFRAIN

You and you alone I choose

For the rest of my life

You and you alone I need

For the rest of my life

To you my love, this vow I make

For the rest of my life.

Lyrics:Ben Pent; Music:Josee Weigand

OUR WEDDING PRAYER

As we gather in Your presence

Pledging vows that bind the heart

Gracious Lord, safe-guard this union

Until we in death do part.

We are conscious of the weakness

When two lives must blend as one

Yet three chords not easily broken

Find their strength in Your Dear Son.

So today we claim Your promise

In the vows these rings proclaim

Let eternal oneness join them

Through the power of Your Name.

Lord, our hearts are filled with wonder

As this bride and groom embrace

All the blessings these vows promise

We bring in prayer before Your face.

B. Pent

MY LOVE,BEST LOVE

                  (A wedding Song)

The first time I saw you I'll never forget

Our eyes sent a message that lovers had met

The warmth of your smile that greeted my heart

Meant love from that moment would never depart.

The time spent together has helped us to grow

The blending of spirits has lead us to know

This love demonstrated the truth of our word

Now promises given, God's mightiest sword.

REFRAIN

My love, best love, I pledge to you today

Forever through this life with you I'll stay

You are the priceless gift I now embrace

For blessing us with His amazing grace

My love, best love, I pledge to you today.

B. Pent

HOME AT LAST

The clock of time that filled my days

With gifts of pain combined with praise

Were heaven's thorns to lead my path

To where sweet flowers always last.

Dear grieving loved ones left on shore

The home I've loved, I've traded for

The sounds and sights beyond compare

A place my Savior planned with care.

I heard the songs the angels sing

I felt the stirring of their wings

I wish you could have seen that sight

While heading Home; my upward flight!

I saw the lights within the Gate

The call to come! I could not wait!

For in the endless arms of grace

I felt a welcome to that Place.

The curse of death has been removed

All tears have ceased to flow today

Now in the presence of the King

I have no need for anything.

B. Pent

ONCE UPON AN ISLAND

An Island trip down memory lane

And fantasies begin to dance

With sights and sounds that inter-play

That bid you come and longer stay.

Gills Rock is just the starting point

As Richter's Ferry rides Death's Door

The Captain gives us his advice:

“We're getting close to Paradise!”

Like video clips that history frames

Where Indians, traders often met

One hundred fifty years now past

And still their stories seem to last.

The Rev. Chitwood saw the need

To build a church for sailing crews

Just by the shores of School House Beach

The message of the Cross was preached.

The list of clergy through the years

Who told of Jesus love and grace

Still blesses both the weak and strong

By placing in their heart's a song.

My wife and family walked these shores

A call to serve at Bethel Church

Became the place that we called home.

With lots of space in which to roam.

I still remember Cliff's old truck

Each morning chugging passed the church

To Jackson Harbor's fishing port

With different kinds of fish to sort.

A half a century now has past

And still sweet memories fill our hearts

Two daughters born at Hagland's place

Must grant to us some status space!

As Bethel grew, two building plans

With added sanctuary space

Made possible a gym for youth

For fun and sharing Bible truth.

The messy mimeograph is gone

With modern printers now in place

What often took Arbutus days

Computers with a click replace.

I hear the bell begin to ring

And Jack with his guitar is late

But Gladys at the organ plays

Though often there were short delays.

The message preached has never changed

Though different methods clarify

The risen Christ of Calvary

Alone through faith can justify.

So now its time to take my leave

A thousand memories still remain

But I can tell you loud and clear

If you look close, you'll find a tear.

B. Pent

JESUS LORD BE GLORIFIED

El Shaddai, Almighty Savior

Adonai, our risen Lord

As we wait before Your Presence

Bind our hearts in one accord.

Jesus, You alone are worthy

From our spirits we lift praise

Come in fullness Holy Spirit

Let our worship be ablaze.

REFRAIN

Come Almighty to deliver

By Your Spirit sanctified

So in body, soul and spirit

Jesus, Lord be glorified!

B. Pent

THE SOLDIER'S BATTLE SCARS

The Soldier stood before the Captain of the Guard

The wounded lay between the living and the dead

The battlefield was marked by stains of blood from war

Now only memories follow those still left on shore.

Their graves are marked with epitaphs on marbled stone,

And every year the tears still fall in silent groans

The Purple Heart was his, not ours to hold with pride

He is the hero in the grave who fought and died!

The Captain of the Guard then spoke in accent clear

“Where did you go when bugle called to face the foe?”

One Soldier, trembling answered, that he ran away

He was afraid of fatal wounds or scars that day.

Just then there flashed across the Eastern sky, a Cross,

The scars of Battle could be seen on hands and side

The Captain bore those wounds in love for you and me

So through His death enslaved mankind could be set free.

We are the Soldiers that are called to fight the Foe

It is for each to use the Sword while here below

The question that disturbs and moves my heart by far

Is what we'll tell Him if we have no wound or scar!

--B. Pent

AWAKEN OUR HEARTS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86y-WUQuv_k

As we come into your presence

Sensing guilt and shameful pride

Melt our cold, unyielding spirits

Burn the dross we feel inside.

We desire heart-felt worship

Offering praise to you alone

So these worldly cares that bind us

Can be freed before your throne.

Lord, to you we lift our praises

Awaken our hearts

By the fire of devotion

Fill the church through all its parts

And our heart-felt worship

Offering praise to you alone.

One in body, soul and spirit

We lift holy hands in praise

Offering you our love in worship

Jesus, Lord our voices raise.

We desire heart-felt worship

Offering praise to you alone

So these worldly cares that bind us

Can be freed before your throne.

Lord, to you we lift our praises

Awaken our hearts

By the fire of devotion

Fill the church through all its parts

And our heart-felt worship

Offering praise to you alone.

This fellowship he gave us

To restore and preach His Word

Christ, He is our source of comfort

Alone for you, our hearts are stirred.

We desire heart-felt worship

Offering praise to you alone

So these worldly cares that bind us

Can be freed before your throne.

Lord, to you we lift our praises

Awaken our hearts

By the fire of devotion

Fill the church through all its parts

And our heart-felt worship

Offering praise to you alone.
 (Ben Pent & Josee Weigand)

HEART-FELT WORSHIP

Teach me Lord, to freely worship

From a pure and contrite heart

So the radiance of Your glory

May fill every yielded part.

Bowing in Your holy presence

Lord, I long to see Your face

So each worldly thought that hinders

May find cleansing by Your grace.

Holy is the ground I stand on

Lifting hands I bring You praise

May the gift of true devotion

Crown Your name through endless days.

RERAIN

Jesus, Lord be lifted higher

Holy, holy is Your name

Heaven and earth reveals Your glory

Through eternity proclaim.

B. Pent

HALLELUJAH! HE IS RISEN!

Night had settled in Judea 

Death had claimed the crucified 
But the stone rent from its mooring 
Where the Lord lay wrapped inside. 

Soldiers kept a careful vigil 
Pilate's seal could not be torn 
But the power of God descended 
On that early Easter morn. 

Jesus rose the mighty Victor! 
Death no longer held its prey 
Captive souls once held in bondage 
Were released that Easter day. 

Saints and angels join the chorus 
Christ has risen from the dead 
Heaven echoes back the story 
He has risen as He said. 

Chorus 
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! 
Christ is risen from the dead 
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! 
He has risen as He said. 
--B. Pent

CALVARY'S EXCRUCIATING CRY

MY GOD! MY GOD!

Why have You forsaken Me?

Why must I hang here alone?

We walked before in holy light

So why this banishment from sight?

MY GOD! MY GOD!

The crushing blow of death is near

The weight of sin has torn My heart

I am a worm! Hell cries my shame!

The curse I bear is Satan’s blame.

MY GOD! MY GOD!

The mocking crowd around Me sneer

While gaping wounds pour out My blood

Yet if your wrath for sin is paid

Redemption's plan for man is made.

MY GOD! MY GOD!

The Victor's shout will soon be heard

The serpent’s head will then be crushed

So out of death when I arise

A ransomed Bride will be the prize!

--b. pent

BROKEN CHORDS

The call had gone forth

For the music to start

There were old and young players

Who were given a part.

The orchestra leader

Who headed the band

Found strings that were broken

Unfit in their hand.

The master-conductor

Called each to the stand

So chords that were broken

Could be placed in his hand.

When all that caused discord

Came under his rule

Sweet music flowed outward

Harmonious and pure.

When God our Creator

Gave Jesus control

Redemption brought pardon

And life to our soul.

The music of heaven

Indwelling the heart

Restores broken vessels

So each play their part.

B. Pent

I CAUGHT HIS EYE!

I followed Christ along life’s way

It was so sweet to hear His voice.

But then I failed to watch and pray

And soon I wandered far away...

Until I caught His eye.

I warmed up by the flame of sin

And failed to own my sinful pride

It was so innocent a thing

To find excuse and try to hide...

Until I caught His eye.

I felt my soul all torn apart

I had no lasting peace within

Then bitter tears flowed from my heart

As I confessed my guilt and sin...

Because I caught His eye.

Refrain

I’m sorry Lord I turned away

I did not mean to go astray

Return Your joy within my heart

And never more from me depart.

--B. Pent

EARTH'S DARKEST HOUR

Dark the night of sin surrounds Me

Heaven hides His holy face

For the One who made the heavens

Could not save this hell bound race.

Hear the cries of desperation

That reveal sin’s guilt and shame?

Calvary’s cross is heaven’s judgment

For the curse man is to blame.

“O My God! I hang forsaken!

Why must I die all alone?

Can this bitter cup I’m drinking

Through My blood for man atone?”

Satan’s taunts from hell oppress Me

By this awful weight of sin

But the cry “My God forgive them!”

Offers peace that’s born within.

“It is finished!” death is conquered!

As the empty tomb proclaims

Christ the Lord indeed is risen

Praise and magnify His name!

--B. Pent

MY QUIET TIME

I'm overwhelmed this quiet time

I find it hard to comprehend

That He Who formed the universe

Should stoop to be my special Friend

The angels round His throne may sing

Proclaiming glory to the King

But when redemption's work was done

He claimed me as His blood-bought son.

The message of this love proclaims:

“The door of Grace is open wide!”

All those who come in Jesus' name

Are called to be His chosen Bride.

But why should He have chosen me

A hopeless slave of sin and shame

I cannot understand such grace

But praise and magnify His name.

So while I'm sitting here alone

I bow in worship and in praise

To Him who sits in heaven's throne

Both now and through eternal days.

--B. Pent

THE OLD OAK TREE

I look out my window

And see the oak tree

So strong and unbending

Deep rooted and free.

The winds of Northeaster

That blew in the Fall

Have stolen the beauty

Few leaves left at all!

The snow now has covered

The ground where it stands

Yet branches reach outward

With uplifted hands.

I see a leaf clinging

So cold and alone

Still wanting a reason

For staying so long.

The sun seems to whisper

That soon Spring will come

The warmth will awaken

A new day begun.

The sap is all ready

To flow through the trees

The summer is calling

“Come shade us with leaves!”

--B. Pent

REVIVE OUR HEARTS

The winds of change are blowing fast

Amidst the graying shades of light

While hearts once burning bright and clear

Are falling prey to dread and fear.

Where is the joy when first we met

The Carpenter of Nazareth

When love tore through a world in shame

And victory conquered in His name?

Is it perchance the world's allure

Has turned our eyes toward other gods

While we refuse to bear His cross

And for His sake count all things loss?

The Trumpet-Call will soon announce

The coming of our Lord and King!

The world will never find their way

Until ablaze, we watch and pray

REFRAIN

Lord! Shine upon us once again

Remove the sins that mar Your Name

Restore the Spirit's quickening power

That we may serve each day and hour.

B. Pent

THOUGHTS & OPINIONS

I WOULD BE GREATLY BLESSED AND ENCOURAGED IF YOU WOULD LEAVE A NOTE FROM TIME TO TIME AFTER YOUR HAVE READ AN ARTICLE OR A POEM I HAVE POSTED.  IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS OR HELPFUL FEEDBACK I WOULD BE DEEPLY GRATEFUL.  IF A POEM HAS BLESSED YOU, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEND IT OFF TO SOMEONE YOU KNOW THAT NEEDS ENCOURAGEMENT. IT IS ALL FOR THE GLORY OF OUR LORD JESUS.

THE HEART OF LOVE

We are so prone to walk away

When duty calls for us to share

The oil of grace, the wine of joy

So others know we really care.

We look for ways to show our thanks

For what the Lord has done for us

Yet fail to see, that outstretched hands

Are needing loving hearts to trust.

If just a cup of water shows

How much we claim to own His Name

Then shouldn't we do what He commands

And bind the wounds still held by shame?

The world can only understand

How God can fill the troubled heart

When by our love we show to them

His peace that never will depart.

--B. Pent