Take No Chances

Two thieves, condemned, on either side
of Jesus’ cross, were crucified;
the one released from sin and gloom,
the other sealed for eternal doom.

There’s hope for all till dying day;
but learn the lesson, here I pray,
if His every call is now bypassed,
do you think Christ will call at last?

fpn/undated



Picture: James J. Tissot, 'Pardoning the Repentant Thief' (1896), accessed online September 10, 2017






“The last business of Christ’s life
was the saving of a poor penitent thief.” ~D.L. Moody

In Time of Trial

My tears have been my food day and night, 

while people say to me all day long, 

"Where is your God?" Psalm 42:3

“Where is now thy God?”1
Why must there be this test,
when I have really tried
to give my very best?

Oh, God, I do not ask
for myself, “Are you real?”
whenever things go wrong
or because of how I feel.

But there are those who taunt
as though I have no God,
while day and night I grieve
and tears fall on the sod.

Our Savior, too, was tried;
the ridicule was gross;
“If God will have you now,
come down from off the cross!”2

But little did they know
that only three short days
would change the entire scene,
resulting in God’s praise!

No, I will not despair,
though bleak and dark the hour;
by faith I’ll reach ahead
for resurrection power.

The testing of my faith
I know is not for long;
and as I learn to trust,
God fills my heart with song.

fpn/undated

1. Psalm 42:3
2. Matthew 27:42

Picture: Crucifixion - Jacopo Tintoretto, 1565, accessed online, September 4, 2017

Blessed Paradox

Great confusion
by intrusion
of this Christ, divinely given.
Hostile faction
soon took action—
He was nailed; His side was riven.

What a story,
wondrous glory;
hear the strains of “Peace on earth.”
Contradiction?
Was it fiction?
Wars and more wars since His birth.

Did He fail?
Was betrayal
indication He was wrong?
Rest your fears,
dry your tears—
now, as then, he gives a song!

Earthly tyrants
are but migrants,
briefly clutching selfish gain.
The King Jesus,
by grace frees us—
His is the eternal reign.

fpn/’85



Photo Credit: Deposit Photos #19082455, standard license