THE CROWN OF THORNS

Heaven's glory crowned the Garden
Flowing rivers, crystal-clean
Eden's flowers spread their fragrance
All its grandeur could be seen.

Paradise in all its splendor
Never ceased to overflow
Violets danced among the roses
Not one thorn allowed to grow.

Oh, what sweet communion followed
God with man each glorious day
Without fear of one tomorrow
Promised joys would always stay.

Then a slithering Snake intruded
Speaking subtle-tempting lies
"Just one taste" he often chided
"and, like God, you would be wise!"

Sin soon birthed life's thorns and thistles
Jagged stems their vines were seen
Death and hell brought fear and horror
By this Madman's devilish schemes.

But the Man-of Sorrows entered
God-in-flesh His plan was set
Took the thorns of sin that bound us
Formed a crown! Full payment met!

Hallelujah! What a Savior
Praise the Lamb for sinners slain
Hearts and hands in holy worship
With one voice proclaim His name!
Ben Pent

GOD'S AWESOME PLAN

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

HIS AWESOME PRESENCE

As I knelt before His presence

Wrapped in garments stained by sin

I could not look up to heaven

For the shame revealed within.

Then the Lamb of God incarnate

Stood in robes of spotless white

As His holy justice vanquished

Every pretense from His sight.

Tears of anguish broke upon me

Waves of guilt exposed my soul

As repentance ceased my wanderings

I became as white as snow.

Then His words of love came flowing

From above the Mercy Seat

Where the nail prints of His justice

Offered grace for my defeat.

Shouts of praise began to fill me

Freedom's song began to flow

As the honor and the glory

Rose to Christ who loved me so.

--B. Pent