SURPRISED BY JOY!

I pass by the graveyard
My loved ones lie there
As memories fall round me
Emotions I share.

The laughter of children
At mealtime and play
The stories at bedtime
Then mommy would pray.

But youth and adulthood
So quickly pass by
With pain and life's pleasures
Then death bids me cry.

Soon hope floods my darkness
Of gloom and despair
The grave that contains them
Is empty and bare!

The message of Easter
The angels declare:
"The Lord has arisen
He's no longer there!"

My soul fills with wonder
As joy floods my heart
With Jesus my Savior
We're never apart.
---B. Pent

THE SHADOW OF A CROSS

Lingering in the shadow
Standing on Golgotha's street
I catch sight along a hillside
Of a skull whose gaze I meet.

Voices seem to echo
From the hallow of its lair
Cries of bitter accusation
Poisoning words hang everywhere.

Peace from Pax Romana
Is the empty promise made
Clanging armor is the vise-grip
That rebellion often paid.

Crowds begin to gather
As the shadow passes by
Seems the bloody figure walking
Is condemned to hang and die!

Via Delarosa!
Crosses often pass that way
Carried by some guilty sinner
Blood-stained prints are seen by day.

Terrifying anguish
As the spikes pierce hands and feet
Soldiers hoisting up the cross-bars
Hear the tear of bone and meat.

Then a Voice speaks clearly
With the Gift of saving Grace
"Father grant complete forgiveness
Through My blood to Adam's race."

I alone am standing
Tears keep falling from my eyes
Death and hell the load I carry
Jesus ransom is the prize!

"Take my sin, dear Savior 
Nail it to that cursed Tree
Come and rule my heart Lord Jesus
By Your Spirit set me free!"

I am His forever
Heaven's Gates are open wide
All who call on Jesus' name
Through His death, are Justified!
--B.Pent

FREE AT LAST

Once I lived for earthly pleasures

By sin's blindness I was bound

Chained by guilt & things they offered

Only darkness hung around.

Then I heard that Jesus loved me

That He came to set me free

And His death for my redemption

Was the price for you and me.

Oh the pain He bore on Calvary!

From His lips He spoke my name

"Please forgive this guilty sinner!"

Then He died to take my blame.

When I saw the God of Glory

Pouring out His life for me

I cried out in faith for mercy

Then He came and set me free.

Now I stand redeemed, forgiven

All the past is wiped away.

To the Lamb be all the glory

I am saved by grace today!

--B. Pent