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

YOU'RE NOT ALONE

The day was filled with promises
As I awoke renewed in strength
I took the time to read and pray
Before the duties of the day.

The sweet reminder in His Word
God's Presence to fulfill each task
Gave me the courage to embrace
The challenge of the new day's race.

But soon the stormy clouds of fear
Began to crash against my mind
The Tempter's snare led me to doubt
God's mighty hand could help me out.

The darkening clouds began to form
I felt so hopeless and alone
The sin of pride and self-control
Brought bitter anguish to my soul.

But when I cried: "Lord Jesus help!"
His hand made light the task I faced
For from the presence of His Throne
He made me know I'm not alone.
B. Pent

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

Zechariah 1:7-17 - The Man Among The Myrtle Trees

The curtain rises with a start!
A rider on a horse appears
And stands among some myrtle trees
Where other colored steeds are seen.

But who is he who stands alone?
And why do angel riders roam?
It is the Angel of the Lord
Whose word is like a piercing sword.

The sweating steeds had just returned
Patrolling earth's remotest end
And found the world at peace and rest
While Judah still remained oppressed.

Then in the valley of despair
A voice is heard in fervent prayer
As God the Son stands in their place
Imploring Yahweh for His grace.

The Lord spoke kind and loving words
With promises they would be heard
His Temple will again be raised
With Israel's shout: "the Lord be praised!"
--B. Pent

THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1. The first thing Zechariah sees is a rider on a red horse standing in a ravine (v.9). Who is this rider (v.11) and what might "the ravine" suggest
about where Israel found itself at this time?
2. What is a "christophany" and why would He appear as an angel and not man as indicated in John 1:14?
3. Since we are not told the meaning of these colored steeds (v.8b), what do the colored horses in Revelation 6:1-7 represent and might there be
some parallel? Do you wonder if perhaps they are the same? Why? or Why not?
4. Verse 12 pictures the Angel of the Lord praying to Yahweh on behalf of suffering Israel. We find a similar passage in John 17 between Jesus
and His Father. How should this encourage us during our times of greatest need?

ISRAEL MY GLORY

The lines are drawn upon the Land
The written Word is His command
A curse or blessing does not change
When Yahweh swears by His own Name.

His covenant to Israel's seed
Which clearly marks their title deed
Is given to a people blessed
And pledged upon His righteousness.

Just mark the course of Nation's past
Their rise and fall are clearly cast
Against their treatment of the Jew
Their conquered lands lie in review.

So how can we imagine less?
When our great Nation He has blessed
Betrays its pledge to give a hand
And thinks God's curse will skip our Land?

Just wait till money looses gain
And failing crops and floods bring pain
Utopian dreams will fade away
Because His Glory could not stay.
--B. Pent

FEELING LONELY!

I feel alone today
I knew you could not stay
I saw you walk away
You said, "I have to go!"

I wander in the dark
Each day we are apart
And leave my lonely heart
You say, "I will return?"

But time has had its chance
As chimes begin to dance
I dream as in a trance
You're coming back to me.

But morning shines its light
So radiant and bright
I know it is not right
You stay away so long!

But I will wait for you
And if the promise true
Should spark our love anew
My hopes will be fulfilled.

Until that day appears
I will await with cheers
Then all my dreams and fears
Will fade in your embrace.
--B. Pent

MY LOOKING WINDOW

I look out my window
And stare at the lake
A picture reminds me
You're waiting to take
A ride to an Island
That's built in the sky
And angels invite us
Where people don't die.

The clouds are unfolding
Like melting ice cream
With ripples of chocolate
And fuggy whipped cream
With silvery spoons
You're sitting with me
Forever together
Through eternity.

Oh why must we linger
And be far apart
When you have a piece
Of my lonely heart
The puzzle is simple
The mystery is clear
Come back to my Island
So we can be near.

I wait for your answer
In patience, my love
I pray for the day
When the Lord from above
Shortens the path
From your house to my home
Forever I promise
I'll never more roam.
--B. Pent