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

BEYOND THE VEIL

How quick life's journey finds its end
As shadows press inside the gate
The clock winds down almost unheard
What's left to gain is now too late!

Youth was so vibrant at the start
The future filled with busy dreams
There was no time to fret or sigh
Were not the toys of life to glean?

How soon the Reaper passes by
The scent of dust is felt around
And mourners hear the silent groans
While teardrops fall without a sound.

The spirit rises through the mist
And dazzling lights come into view
A voice then beckons all to come
The righteous path is for the few.

Familiar faces can be seen
Of friends and family coming near
The welcome party rise in song
The end of suffering, death and fear!

The Gates of heaven open wide
The King is seated on His Throne
The voices of ten billion saints
Lift praise to Jesus Christ alone!

And then in wonder glory shines
As we behold His Paradise
Fulfilled in love through streams of Grace
Eternal life, His gift: the prize!
Ben Pent

EDEN

How beautiful the flowers bloomed on Eden's brow
The lion feeding with the lambs together grew
And perfect peace became the pledge for all to see
God's awesome glory and eternal majesty.

No virgin love could ever match two hearts that day
As heaven's Presence followed them at work or play
The Tree of Life whose leaves brought healing to all men
Gave Paradise one glorious hue of color blend.

But pride began to question freedom's right to choose
The Serpent's plan apart from God seemed better news
So in the course of time the fruit to make one wise
Became the sting of death that caught man by surprise.

But why this veil of night so cloaked in haunting fears
Would man exchange God's righteousness for mortal tears?
It was the price that disobedience had to pay
That formed this chasm touching every man today.

Yet from the ashes of despair the Lamb was slain
To bridge this separation from sin's crimson stain
So while He calls for you to meet Him face to face
Receive this priceless Gift of God's redeeming grace.
--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.

THE CROSS

Crosses come in all sizes, colors and shapes. We see them at cemeteries, in churches, homes, stationary, mugs, and rings and around people's necks. We have wooden crosses, ceramic, silver and gold crosses. But the Cross is more than a fetish or good-luck charm. It is the central theme of Scripture. It was born in the heart of God and pre-dates history. It is the symbol of victory and will post-date history. It is God's masterpiece of redemption! "as a lamb slain from the creation of the world" (Rev.13:8). The Cross reaches upward, downward and outward. It is a personal invitation for all to come and find peace, forgiveness and fullness in Christ. It is offered equally to the rich or poor, religious or irreligious, the young or old, educated or ignorant. The offer is the same: "whosoever will may come!" That's what the murderous thief on the cross found when he reached out in faith for God's forgiveness. Through a repentant heart he cried out, "Jesus, remember me!" and Jesus responded "today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:42,43). Have you made that your prayer?
REMEMBER ME!

Bitter the cries
Haunting the sounds
Cursing the pain
Sin's quilt had found
Lost in the night...
Comes Jesus the giver
And offer of Light.

If you're the Christ!
The thief demands
Come down at once
And loose our bands
And set us free...
Then Jesus responds
There's freedom in Me.

Remember me!
Mine is the blame
Open the fountain
Blot our the stain.
Jesus replies...
Today I will take you
To paradise.

REFRAIN
Heaven rejoices
Praise fills the air.
Jesus has conquered
Sin and despair.
--B. Pent