2018:THE ROAD BEFORE US

The course of life is like a race
And every man is on the team
The valleys or its mountaintops
Are strewn with obstacles between.

Decisions come in various ways
And are the signs that mark the path
But only those who rightly choose
Can see the value of their task.

Some find the race too burdensome
While others seek escape from pain
But only those who follow strong
Will not have run their race in vain.

There is a road each man must take
And only two around each bend
There’s one that leads to Heaven’s Shore
The other to a Christless end.
B. Pent

A CHRISTMAS PRAYER

O God of Love, we stand amazed
That One so pure in radiant Light
Should stoop to offer saving grace
To our rebellious human race.

O Lamb of God how can it be
That flesh should clothe Your Deity
And birth from Mary's womb, a Plan
Your Blood, the Gift, for sinful man!

O Breath of God, Whose Spirit fills
The barrenness of our human heart
Remove all dross, ignite the flame
That we might glorify Your Name!

O Church of God, the hour's near
The Bridegroom soon will call us Home!
Proclaim His Word, we soon shall meet
To cast our crowns at Jesus' feet!
Ben Pent
 

THE GIFT

A thousand gifts may come your way
To bring you joy this Christmas day
With brilliant lights around the tree
For every boy and girl to see.
Yet if you miss the One who came
There is no joy that will remain.

Sweet carols fill the ethereal sky
Like angel choirs once sang on high
Of peace on earth to every man
While Christmas memories fill the land.
But fear can tear the life apart
If Christ no longer rules the heart.

As busy shoppers seek to find
The perfect gift with love in mind
A voice breaks through life’s empty space
"Give Christ a chance to fill its place!"
For if you fail to crown Him King
There is no lasting peace within.

God’s greatest Gift came down to earth
So we can have redemption’s birth
He is enough, so please take heed
Receive His Son, that’s all you need.
Then you will find fulfilled in Him
Life’s deepest joy without, within!
B. Pent

THE INNKEEPER

The Keeper missed it all!
It was a busy time, you know
With weary travelers needing rest
The Inn was full, he did his best.

The knock seemed out of place
"No vacancy" was clear to all
There was no room left anywhere
For Nazareth folk for him to share.

A noise was heard next door!
The lowing sheep and cattle stall
Was found to be the only place
For God's dear Son to find a space.

The Virgin soon gave birth
Upon a dirty stable floor
The Baby's cry was heard that night
While angels bathed the earth in light.

The Keeper missed it all!
The promised King had come to earth!
Had he but known, would he have shared
Some little space? Would he have cared?

Yet Christmas comes again
And yuletide music fills the air
Stop long enough to hear His voice
He knocks and waits! Make Him your choice.
B. Pent

THE STAR APPEARED

The star appeared! The Eastern sky
Burst from its lair as if to shout:
"A Light has dawned! The Day is come!
Prepare the way to birth a Son!"

Before the ages came to be
Eternal plans were set in place
The prophets had foretold His Birth
God's special Gift to men on earth.

The Virgin Mary then was told
That Deity would fill her womb
The Word in flesh became a Son
Emanuel, the promised One!

The shepherds heard the angels sing
That Jesus was that new born King!
Then wise men later saw the star
And came to worship from afar.

"Behold the Lamb of God!" claimed John
Whose blood took on the sinner's curse
Is now the offer of His grace
To every child of Adam's race.

The Star of David is that Light
Who is the Source of truth and life
"Come unto Me" He calls today
He'll walk beside you all the way.
B. Pent

MY BOUQUET OF PRAISE

 
I'm walking today through my garden of praise
Picking fresh flowers to brighten my day
Thinking of all that the Lord has bestowed
Counting each blessing to lighten my load.

Cutting the stem of a beautiful rose
Fragrance and beauty each peddle disclose
Thorns of anxiety led me astray
Calvary's love gently blew it away.

Lilies of peace that are gathered in tears
Precious reminder God's freedom from fears
Christ's blood-bought family are part of His plan
Bright'ning His Table with gifts from His hand.

Think of your flowers this Thanksgiving Day
Gath'ring bouquets as a tribute of praise
Bring them as gifts to the Father above
Jesus the Source of all blessings and love.
B. Pent

FREE AT LAST

Once I lived for earthly pleasure
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 Blood for my redemption
Was the price He paid for me.

Oh the pain He bore on Calvary!
On the Cross He spoke my name
"Please fotgive this Hell-bound 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 to 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
 
 

LITTLE JOHN DOE

Fifty-five million sweet faces appear

Torn from a womb without feelings or fear

Simply a blob of some tissue to scrape

Clearing the mind of some awful mistake!

Time that heals wounds are like ghosts from the past

Memories that haunt us with pictures that last

Children at play with such joy and delight

Then Little John Doe appears in the night.

Graduates receiving diplomas one day

Little John Doe could be seen in the fray

A medical doctor! Inventor! On stage!

To influence a Nation: a saint or a sage!

Where does this curse of abortion begin?

Is there forgiveness from this mortal sin?

Even though ignorance has driven the plan

God’s loving grace is extended to man.

Millions of children surrounding God’s Throne

Their Angels rejoicing!  They’re all safely Home!

Each Johnny Doe wants the family complete

Give Jesus your burden find peace at His feet!

Ben Pent

THE PAIN OF REJECTION

A cheerful look may sometimes mask a troubled heart
A friend may even fail to see you're torn apart! The pain that brought those tears that no one knows
Are chains that bind the mind where struggle grows.

A child unwanted and passed on from home to home
And like a waif is left to fend alone 
Will wrestle all their life to ease rejection's pain
And sometimes think that he alone bears all the blame!

Each life is marked by scars we try in vain to hide
We spend our days rebuilding broken dreams inside.
Is there a Hand to guide us through this maze of night
To shun excuses and take hold of freedom's light?

There is a place where hearts can shed their heavy load
It's at the blood-stained cross we call the Calvary Road
Christ was rejected and He knows the pain
And only He can turn our loss to gain.
Ben Pent

APOCALYPSE

 We gazed in awe and wondered why
The sun refused to show its face?
The moon pulled down the shade of night
As eagerly its path we traced.

But why did this mysterious flare
Eclipse a pathway through our Land?
Were these apocalyptic signs
That judgment might be near at hand?

Then came the threat of hurricanes
That brought destruction in their wake
The floods engulfed their homes and land
As myriads fled for safety sake.

Now fires burn throughout the West
A million acres quickly gone
The devastation that they bring
Is robbing joy from every song.

With rumbling earthquakes underground
And war clouds threatening far and near
The lack of National unity
Can keep us in the grip of fear.

But Scripture calls His faithful few
To humbly pray and turn from sin
Then God Himself will intercede
And heal our Land without, within.
B. Pent

WHY GOD IS SILENT!

I heard God’s voice so clear at first
His Word spoke deeply to my heart
I knew just what to do right then
It was His presence from the start.

Then other voices soon were heard
That made me turn my mind to see
If this was now the only choice
That God intended just for me!

So when my thoughts led me astray
Confusion followed me around
The Voice that once was loud and clear
Became a shallow, empty sound.

As I was wandering in the night
My troubled soul was gripped by fear
Until confession brought me back
To where His leading became clear.

Now when I hear the Shepherd’s voice
I follow closely by His side
Assured that when He speaks again
I know He'll be my faithful Guide.
--B. Pent.

DANIEL'S PROPHETIC VISIONS

Were you ever asleep and awoke with a start
by a dream that seemed real with some monster at your heel?
With a sudden surprise as I opened my eyes
some giant-like screen dropped down from the skies.

I sat there amazed with these visions ablaze
there were beasts coming near and I shuddered with fear.
I saw lions and bears with a leopard around
yet no one to rescue, no help to be found.
yet no one to rescue, no help to be found.
Then a monster-like Beast indescribably cruel
with ten horns on it head arose to its feet
and like Rome with its iron in league with the clay
it was weakened in strength and began to decay.

Looking closer I found in the midst of its horns
a master-deceiver proclaimed as the Christ
He rose in this vision like a demon from hell
and with wondrous signs began to foretell.

The world was amazed that this Leader from Rome
could so quickly arise to Europe's gold throne
Then a treaty of peace was signed with the Jews
and the Temple was built with deception it's ruse.

Soon a Dragon was seen with its fury unleashed
with destruction and death causing pain and distress
knowing soon his demise would reveal his disguise
with the kingdoms of earth coming under God's curse.

Then a Stone could be seen rolling down from a cliff
making chaff of this Frame bringing Nations to shame
for the Sword of His mouth will make dust of this clod
and the earth will give birth to the Kingdom of God.

Then the heavens rejoiced as the King took His throne
with the Bride at His side who through Christ did atone
For a thousand year reign heaven's Ruler of Peace
will send Satan to Hell and all wars will then cease.
B. Pent

A LONGING FULFILLED

In a world of noise and clamor
From the voices that distract
Comes a quiet desperation
To find peace that really lasts.

War and violence, death and sorrow
Broken dreams and aching hearts
Little hope for our tomorrow
In a world all torn apart.

Feeling lonely mid'st this madness
Thinking stuff will gratify
Longing for a joy and gladness
That can truly satisfy.

Jesus offers Living Water
That will fill your life each day
Call in faith, receive His promise
All you have to do is pray.
B. Pent

ONE GRAND REUNION!

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 pleasure
Then death bids me cry.

But hope floods my darkness

From gloom and despair
The "tent" where they lived in
Is empty and bare!

The Day is approaching

We'll meet in the air!
The Rapture will take us
To meet with them there.

My soul fills with wonder

As joy floods my heart
With Jesus my Savior
We're not far apart!

B. Pent

WHY ME?

Along the shores of time the wounded lie
All torn apart with little hope, they sigh!
The battle scars of life seem oft in vain
Confused, at times, that maybe God's to blame!

But why this cross that we must bear today
That seems so heavy and so hard to pray?
Is there no promise that will calm the heart
Before all hopes and dreams are torn apart?

Some things in life are hard to understand
We fail to note the reason God has planned
Omniscience charts the course that brings Him praise
He is the Source of strength through all our days.

The cup that Jesus drank was for our sake
That through His blood eternal life partake
The trials we all face are here to show
So others find the Christ we claim to know.
B. Pent

QUESTIONS OF THE MIND

Questions often plague the mind
Babies born completely blind
Accidents that kill a teen
Tragedies around unseen!

Life and death bring joy and pain
Everything at times seems vain
Money earned for things that rust
Soon to see them turn to dust!

Scripture calls it meaningless
Trying to hide from loneliness
Christ alone can fill the heart
When He's Lord of every part.

God provides for every need
When through prayer we intercede
Worship flows in joyful praise
When we seek Him all our days.
B.Pent

TAKE ME ALONG!

I GOT YOUR NOTE, IT MEANT ALOT
"JUST ONE MORE DAY" VACATION'S SPOT!
I'LL FOLLOW YOU TO OCEAN'S SHORE
TURN BACK MY CLOCK AND WISH FOR MORE.

I'LL WATCH YOU PLAY ALOT OF GAMES
AS AUSTIN STIRRS THE ROOM WITH FLAMES
AND EVERY MORNING WALK TO TOWN
WITH LOTS OF COFFEE, HANG AROUND!

I'LL WALK THE OCEAN BEACH EACH DAY
I LOVE IT'S BREEZE, I LOVE TO PRAY
SO EACH OF YOU CAN GROW IN GRACE
AND FIND IN CHRIST YOUR HIDING PLACE.

SO IF THE WATER HITS YOUR FEET
JUST IMAGINE THAT WE MEET
"JUST ONE MORE TIME" AND I'LL BE GLAD
I'M FILLED WITH JOY, NO LONGER SAD!
B. PENT

ECHOES FROM THE PAST

It seems like yesterday you said goodbye
I sit today alone and wonder why?
I live in memories from the past
As muffled echoes that don't last.

What lured your absence from my sight
Was it a phantom-dream you saw one night?
You heard the love beat in my heart
The promise we would never part!

I'm blowing kisses that may find their place
In memories of your tender, strong embrace
If echoes reach life's distant shore
Come home, be mine for evermore.
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, with Jesus as Lord. 

REFRAIN

My love, best love, I pledge to you today

Forever through this life with you to 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

A MARRIAGE VOW

What makes a marriage last through life
Is there a secret to be found?
Does chance alone fulfill this dream
Or are there mysteries yet unseen?

When couples meet becoming friends
And love is stirred within their hearts          
Their differences become the stage
For both to write a brand new page.

A man's attraction for a wife
Is built with passions from the mind
But in response a woman's need
Is affirmation's tender deed.

As marriage plans fall into place
Two hearts must seek to join as one
But conflict comes if either mate
Build walls with locked-up iron gates.

Love is a triad that God planned
The "eros"man must understand
That "philos" builds a wife's esteem
When Jesus' love is made supreme.

The marriage vow is then complete
As man and wife kneel at His feet
Committed vows communicate
A life-long pledge to validate.
B. Pent

TEARS

What have I done that tears should come my way
That sorrow's piercing sword should crush my soul
With hidden fears that trouble me today
And leave me helpless, torn, too weak to pray?

Death struck and buried all my hopes and dreams
The light of day has turned to darkest night
And memory past no longer whispers peace
But only haunting echoes are released!

The grave that stole the joy within my heart
And left tomorrows hopes all torn apart
Cries out in loneliness and deep despair
To hear some promise of God's love and care.

The One Who sees each tear fall from our eyes
Was wounded for our sins and crucified
He conquered death to set the captive free
And through His Name we claim the victory!
B. Pent
　

DADDY! COME HOME!

The house seems so empty since you went away
You promised to call me and come back to stay
But time has forgotten, I feel so alone
Oh daddy! Oh daddy! Why don't you come home?

I thought you loved mommy she cared about you
The struggles you're facing seemed only a few
But love's disappointments had torn you apart
Oh daddy! Oh daddy! Come back to my heart!

I have only memories to comfort my days
The tears keep on flowing I live in a daze.
I wanted my daddy to give me away
And walk down the Isle on my wedding day.

I pray every morning that you will come back
And help heal the hurting from bitterness past.
God's love can unite us restoring the flame
Oh daddy! Oh daddy! Please call on His name.
B. Pent

JESUS IS CALLING

I knocked at your door this morning

"Could We meet together in prayer?"

I knew the pressures you're facing

Were needing the touch of My care.
 

I stood there waiting beside you

But you were too busy to ask

Thinking the choice you were making

Was the easiest part of the task.
 

Decisions resulted in conflict

Confusion filled most of your day

While quietly I tried to whisper:

“My peace would have guided your way!”
 

So now that your day is soon over

Disrupted by strain and despair

I would like once again to ask you:

"Could we meet together in prayer?”

B. Pent

THE SOLDIER'S PLEDGE

The Soldier stood before the Captain of the Guard
His comrades fought and died to keep our Nation free
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 theirs, not ours to hold with pride
They are the heroes 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?"
The 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

WOUNDED

 The wounds are deep that trouble me
Its pain seems more than I can bear
The broken pieces of my past
Are hard for me to want to share.

Why did the Light that marked my path
So quickly change to gripping fears?
Why did God's peace that gave me rest
Now fill my eyes with blinding tears?

It's hard to bear this cross alone
I need a Friend to share my pain
If Jesus is the truth, the way
Let me not call to You in vain!

"Jehovah-Healer meet my need
Restore your peace in every part
I claim by faith in Jesus' name
The Victor's crown within my heart!"
B. Pent

JUST ONE MORE VISIT

It seems like only yesterday
We shared our last goodbyes
I thought I heard your voice today
Which caught me by surprise!

I knew when Jesus took you Home
He felt your work was done
But how I wish just one more chance
To share some family fun.

I miss the wisdom of your words
Those tender moments shared
The love and laughter we enjoyed
The knowledge that you cared.

If God should let you come just once
To touch my longing heart
One quick embrace would let me feel
We're never far apart.
B. Pent

THE ROOSTER'S CROW

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
When 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

BEHOLD THE LAMB!

Before the worlds were flung in space
A Master plan was put in place
Omniscience saw the fall of man
God would provide a Spotless Lamb!

When sin had marred earth's paradise
And skins were used to cover shame
Its blood, a symbol of the price 
One day The Lamb would sacrifice. 

Before Egyptian slaves were freed
Each Israelite would kill a lamb 
The door posts where the blood was spread
Meant no one in that home was dead.            

The Law and offerings that were made
Spoke of the promise that one day 
A perfect Lamb would shed His blood  
The sacrifice of Grace and Love         

When John stood by the Jordan shore
And saw the Lord come into view
Aware He was the Son of Man
He cried aloud: “Behold the Lamb!”

Upon the Cross the Lamb of God
Poured out His blood, redemption's price
So every one who comes by faith
Can have the gift of saving grace.

When Christ returns to earth again
The Lamb will rule as Sovereign King
In faithfulness and truth He'll reign
And all the world will praise His name.
B. Pent

HOME AT LAST

The clock of time that filled our days
With gifts of pain combined with praise
Were heaven's thorns to lead our path
To where sweet flowers always last.

Dear grieving loved ones left on shore
The home we've loved, we've traded for
The sounds and sights beyond compare
A place our Savior planned with care.

We heard the songs the angels sing
We felt the stirring of their wings
I wish you could have seen that sight
While heading Home, our upward flight!

We saw the lights within the Gate
The call to come! we could not wait!
For in the endless arms of grace
We 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
We have no need for anything.
B. Pent

I GRIEVE FOR ME!

I grieve for me beside your grave
I want to give one last farewell
There are so many little things
That I just long to tell.

So if from heaven's portal gate
You're given one more fleeting glance
To look upon my lonely heart
Please give me one more chance.

Remember when we pledged our troth
When virgin love burst forth in bloom?
Our hearts began to beat as one
Each evening, morning, noon.

Then hand-in-hand we walked life's road
We built our castle strong and true
Where happy children learned to grow
And trust our blessed Savior, too.

Then time began to speed its course
The nest was empty once again
We used our gifts to serve the Lord
For He had promised great reward.

But since you left my aching heart
Your touch of love is felt no more
So I must tread life all alone
Until we meet on yonder Shore.

So tell me dearest, if you can
Since there's a mansion just for you
Could I stop by your open door
For just a glance or two?

Life's comfort would sustain me then
While you wait there for me
And when death's angel calls me Home
We'll share eternity.
--B. Pent

SO WHY THIS PAIN?

Pain knocked upon my door today

I did not ask it to come in
Yet suddenly it pushed its way
An uninvited guest within.

I sought for comfort in distress
A balm to ease the ache and pain
But cries for mercy and relief
Were unattended and in vain.

So why this cross of heavy weight
Be given me so weak and frail?
Must this be carried to my grave
Without some purpose to avail?

Twas then a vision came to light
A Man of sorrows crushed by blows
Was seen with nails and blood-stained brow
So by His stripes real healing flows.

God's every purpose will prevail
His nail-pierced hands reach from above
So those who seek His healing touch
May find through you His grace and love.
--B. Pent

TO SING AGAIN

The winter's chill seems here to stay

The sound of joy has taken flight

The sun that once shown bright and clear

Has given way to shades of night.

The wounds are deep that pierce the soul

The cooing of the Dove is gone

The empty space that once was filled

No longer hears the blue bird's song.

How can one find the road back home

Where music calls the heart to dance?

When will the birds begin to sing

So Spring is not a game of chance?

The summer rays that warm the soul

Are Spirit borne on wings of praise

Just trust the One Whose promise stands

His music will renew your days.

--B. Pent