Riddles

Riddles paradoxical,
Answers quite ironical,
Life just being mystical;
And death appearing horrible—
       to the unsaved man.
      
Philosophers, getting more confused;
Reason, becoming more unused;
Knowledge seekers, more profuse;
And God becoming less amused—
       with man in general.

But praise be to God,
Who is in the quad,
And though we deserve the Rod,
Has saved us from the Fall—
       whom He did elect.

- D. Benning

God's Love

   This was one of those moments when God just gave me the words and the tune simultaneously.  During an evening church service.  Our Pastor was preaching on the cross of Christ and its vast importance and he said something about God's love for us is shown in the Nail Prints on His hands.  I quickly wrote out the first verse and the chorus and made notes as to how the tune would go.  I finished the song the next morning.

The music may be listened to here (look for "God's Love").

God's Love has called us from death to Life;
His Blood has bought us from endless night
Into the Kingdom of His Dear Son
With Joys unceasing—endless delight!

            Refrain
      God's Love unbounded—how deep and wide—
      Poured out around us on ev'ry side!
      Oh, plunge me into that blessed flow
      Till Jesus only is all I know.

How rich His Mercy!  How great His Love!
How sweet His Favor!  How grand His Grace!
Such Love demands our most joyful praise!
By Love unmeasured, we see His Face!


            Refrain

Christ's Love has conquered, shattered our bonds:
Where once in darkness, we're brought Above.
His hands are outstretched, bidding us come
Behold His Kindness—Nail Prints of Love!

            Refrain

- D. Benning

Out of God's Love

This started as a poem, probably in 1980.  And there it sat for 20 years until I was inspired to tweak it, adjust it and set it to music.  The end result is much more flowing, much more lyrical and conveys the sense of wonder at God's unbounded love toward us that I had initially tried to give.  It is out of His love that any of us are saved—rescued from wrath.  It is not from anything that we have done, "but according to His mercy He saved us."  (Titus 3:5)

The mp3 may be found here.

Cool is the rushing wind of God,
dancing o'er parched and barren ground,
     bringing life,
     bringing rain,
bringing love where strife did abound.

Deep is the flowing Love of God,
rippling throughout eternity,
     bearing fruit,
     yielding fruit,
echoing of Calvary!

Dark are God's mysteries:
giving up His Son.
Dying for us our life to bring;
sacrifice of Love so staggering!
    Amazing!

Bright is the morning in God's Plan,
cascading from His wounded hands:
     risen Lord,
     saving Lord;
see His children all adore Him.

 

Loud are the chords which in heaven ring,
praising the Lord, His Holiness:
King of Kings and Lord of Lords,
Sov'reign God by earth adored.
     Praise to His Name,
     Praise now His Name,
which ev'ry tongue shall confess!

- D. Benning