The thief on the cross and the Man in the middle

He knew so little then,
but that he had no right
to enter after death
that heaven pure and bright.

But knew he would go there,
for he had asked this man
who gave his word, his gift,
as only Jesus can.

If we look at our life
to judge how good we are,
we will be quite depressed
at all we see laid bare.

Though some may think they’re good
enough to please the Lord:
their pride is foolishness,
their judgement is absurd.

So look away, ask Him
who was upon the cross
for life eternal as a gift,
and he in grace will bless.

Tune: 66 66 eg Ibstone by M Tiddeman, tune of ‘Thy way not mine, O Lord’

The ‘Healing’ all need

It’s not just that we do what’s wrong,
but that we tend to do what’s wrong,
without a deep desire sure
for what is right and good and pure.

We do not notice when we lie,
or else excuse it – want to try
to make our way and maybe cheat
if that provides a benefit.

Or maybe try to turn away
when feel temptation leads astray
but do not have the power or will
such faint desire to fulfil.

But He who offers pardon gives
a life made new, His Spirit lives
within to give desire and might
now – healed to live more in His light.

Tune: LM

Come, pray …

Why scorn all thought of one great God?
a God who came to earth
as babe, and when a man, did good,
was kind. and taught the truth.

He understood amd welcomed all
– the Friend of sinners, He
helped those now sorry for their fall,
hated hypocrisy.

Just so He’ll gladly hear your prayer –
Ask Him to help you ‘see’
His Kingdom comes, soon everywhere
the world will bow the knee.

Tune: CM eg tune of ‘Amazing Grace’

Be Prepared!

Though it isn’t the norm,
prepare for the storm
by building your house with foundations.

Though strong winds may blow,
and rain-floods may flow,
your home will survive wild conditions.

And those who have heard
Christ’s wisdom, God’s Word,
can choose to obey or discard them.

But those who obey,
when storms come their way
will stand firm whatever assails them.

But those who discard,
will find when life’s hard,
their principles tumble around them.

cf Matthew 7:24-27 in the Sermon on the Mount: The wise and foolish builders

Jesus Christ divides!

Some accept, in Him delight,
some reject His truth, His light,
some fall – down, away, or back,
unaware of what they’ll lack.

Some are lifted up, made wise,
to new lives by grace arise.
Jesus Christ – the Cornerstone,
but a tripping stone for some.

Time divided by his advent –
BC, AD – some resent.
Some feel sad they must reject –
ponder, and return – accept!
Tune: 77 77
“a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in Him will never be ashamed … a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”
1 Peter 2:6,8