The Pain Of Sin 12-14-08

.
It has started every war.
Don't believe, and see what is in store.
It deceives. It’s rotten to the core.
Sin's killed millions – hundreds of millions -
and it will kill millions more.

Have you ever cried and screamed out loud - to stop man's ugly riot?
Someone lies to everyone. Despite all efforts, you can't forget.
Have you had nightmares, where you're in pain, and break out in a sweat?
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night - when it is all but quiet?

Have you ever cried and screamed out loud - but no one hears a peep?
Someone wrongs you, no one hears - as pain hits bottoms' deep.
Have you had nightmares, where you're in pain, but have no tears to weep?
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night - and can't go back to sleep?

Have you ever cried and screamed out loud? You've heard the same old song.
Someone hurts a lot of folk. You could see it all along....
Have you had nightmares, where you're in pain, though you have done no wrong?
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night - and knew you don't belong?

Have you ever cried and screamed out loud - and yelled, "I told you so!"
but it doesn't do a bit of good - as you hear their hot air blow?
Have you had nightmares, where you're in pain, because of "quid pro quo"?
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night – and sometimes yell out "NO!"?

Have you ever cried and screamed out loud - but it's all inside your head?
Someone kills a lot of folk - and you can see them dead?
Have you had nightmares - where you're in pain? Could it be you instead?
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night - as you see it ahead....?

It has started every war.
Don't believe, and see what is in store.
It deceives. It’s rotten to the core.
Sin's killed millions – hundreds of millions -
and it will kill millions more.

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
www.ganderpoems.org
-------

Now That's Christmas!! 11-10-08

.

Sending the gifts to place under the tree -
or

sending His Son - in place of me?

Presents all wrapped under colorful bows -
or

a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes?

Watching a tree, its flashing star -
or

watching three wise men come from afar?

Seeing a horse pull a grand open sleigh -
or

seeing a babe fast asleep on the hay?

Knowing that children are still waking up -
or

knowing that Jesus must drink from the cup?

Children all screaming at presents galore -
or

people all screaming, their anger outpour?

Children who struggled with patient surprise -
or

Jesus who struggled with tears in His eyes?

Proof there was chocolate I got with a whiff -
or

proof that God loves us with His special Gift?

Gifts from our mother and father we love -
or

gifts of blessings from our Father above?

Sharing the truth with each, one another -
or

sharing Jesus to our sister and brother?

A warm embrace -
or

His matchless grace?

Giving -
or

forgiving?

Now that's Christmas!
The greatest gift!

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Tickled Ears 11-1-08

We do things in life to make our ourselves happy.

remembering also, our friends and our family.

Sometimes we say things to make someone proud.

If others can hear us we might say them loud.

Compromise happens if jobs we must keep,

even though words come in multitudes, cheap.

Here we might bend - or waver some there,

but why does it matter and why should we care?

Sometimes it goes on for years and for years,

as everyone listens with fun-tickled ears.

But truth must ignore both the wink and nod....

Should we care what man thinks - or rather God?

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

------- 

2 Timothy 4:3 (NASB)

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,"

Child-like Faith 11-1-08

You spanked me when I stole or lied,

yet always hugged me when I cried.

When I knew not just what to do,

I trusted you to see me though.

I felt so safe from all the crime,

as you helped me in your spare time.

Remember visits - Grandma's house,

when I spilled Kool-aid on her blouse?

I remember the circus and clowns;

Elephants, tigers – all the sounds.

I love the animals in our zoo,

but mostly mommy, I love you.

Last year, mom, when I was seven,

You spoke of Jesus, God in Heaven.

Please hold my hand, it's dark tonight.

Jesus holds my other, tight.

Your eyes say I won't make it through,

but I know Jesus loves me too.

You're worried, mom, but please don't be -

Jesus has reached down to me.

I see big scars in the palms of his hands.

He must have worked hard on Heaven's plans.

Forgive me mommy when I wasn't good,

because Jesus did. He understood.

Jesus grips my other hand.

I must let go, He tugs me and -

I wish there was another way -

but let go mommy... it's okay.

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Only One, Times Millions 9-2-08

I sit alone. The birds fly past.
They soar with wings, a world so vast.
I sit alone. A butterfly,
so beautiful, floats silent by.

I sit alone. The breezes blow.
They pass me by, but do not know.
I sit alone, the sky deep blue.
The clouds roll by. I think of you.

I sit alone. No child I know,
for you were taken, long ago.
I sit alone. Who is aware?
Who can change it? Someone care?

I sit alone, the world "removes".
The world ignores, the world approves.
I sit alone, but cannot stay.
The world forgets, so I must pray.

I go alone, just one more tear.
I cry out loud, year after year.
I go alone - now very weak.
I’ve no more tears for either cheek.

I go alone, with millions lost.
Oh, who can stop this holocaust?
I go alone, while one more throat,
is slit again. Who needs my vote?

I go alone. Nothing I say,
can bring you back to me today.
I go alone, but never you,
for you're with God. He saw you through.

only one deathly choice, times millions,
only one abortion, times millions,
only one tiny tear, times millions,
only one repenting, times millions,
only one work of grace, times millions,
only one act of love, times millions,
only one forgiving, times millions,
only one humble prayer, times millions,
only one faithful voice, times millions,
only one good work, times millions,
only one lonely vote, times millions,
- with only one almighty God - not millions…

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

WWJS? 8-10-08

Circumstances do arise,
for all we're going through,
and in response, we ask ourselves,
"What would Jesus do?"

She had faith and touched His hem,
His garment she could feel;
another held his treasures, so
Who did Jesus heal?

Spiritually or worldly -
will God or man we fear;
and when we say our daily prayers,
Who will Jesus hear?

Disciples, they were sleeping,
as Jesus down, did kneel;
sweating then, as drops like blood,
What did Jesus feel?

Hate and anger ruled the crowd,
propelled their sudden haste;
and as they hung Him on the cross,
What did Jesus taste?

Few are humble, many smart,
but vital is this key;
when now He looks into your heart,
What does Jesus see?

To everyone, both you and I,
death calls one final day;
so when we stand before our Judge,
What will Jesus say?

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

This Old Scrap Of Burlap 7-21-08

This big, bright world,
is like a drawer full of lace,
though I feel like a leftover rag;
quite awkward, uneasy,
and so out of place.

Lace is chosen
by those with whom they connect.
and selecting their own special piece;
they want their lives
to be so perfect.

Then stew they will
when things go terribly wrong.
Their lace gets soiled, stained and tattered.
For this worlds special lace
doesn’t last too long.

They’re all sewn up,
still seeking what cannot mend....
But this leftover rag, this old scrap of burlap;
though nowhere near perfect,
is your special friend.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Where Would I Be? 6-13-08

.
Lost in a wilderness without direction?
Where would I be without Jesus?

Thirsting and thirsting with nothing to quench?
What would I be without Jesus?

Storing up treasures that rust and decay?
Who would I be without Jesus?

Hearing no knock as there’s nobody there?
Where would I be without Jesus?

A tree without fruit that will wither and die?
What would I be without Jesus?

A house upon sand washed away by the rain?
Who would I be without Jesus?

Tossing and turning in waves on the sea?
Where would I be without Jesus?

Drooling in anguish and demon possessed?
What would I be without Jesus?

Crippled in body with paralyzed thought?
Who would I be without Jesus?

Drawing a net that is empty of fish?
Where would I be without Jesus?

Without understanding and totally blind?
What would I be without Jesus?

Futilely living on greed, lust and hate?
Who would I be without Jesus?

Weary, heavy-laden with no place to rest?
Where would I be without Jesus?

Among rocks and thorns left to wither away?
What would I be without Jesus?

Without loaves and fishes and nothing to eat?
Who would I be without Jesus?

Tripping and stumbling on life’s rugged trail?
Where would I be without Jesus?

A hopeless lost sheep that is locked up in chains?
What would I be without Jesus?

Hung on a cross and to pay for my sins?
Who would I be without Jesus?

And sentenced to Hades without parole?
Where would I be without Jesus?
What would I be without Jesus?
Who would I be without Jesus?

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

------

Our God Reigns! 4-10-08

Mary was a virgin the angel did adorn...

and Christ was born. (Luke 1)

Peter and Andrew, fishermen, and in the net they hauled...

for Jesus called. (Matt 4)

The storm was fierce. On deck the waves had swept...

but Jesus slept. (Matt 8)

The disciples were frightened and thought that they'd be killed...

but Jesus stilled. (Matt 8)

Seeing something on the water Peter questioned, talked...

but Jesus walked. (Matt 14)

So Peter stepped out - and tried he would...

but Jesus could. (Matt 14)

A multitude, five thousand! The disciples unprepared...

but Jesus shared. (Matt 14)

There were only two fish and five loaves of bread...

but Jesus fed. (Matt 14)

Lazarus had died. Four days in a tomb, was kept...

and Jesus wept. (John 11)

They thought it all impossible. They had it all appraised...

But Jesus raised. (John 11)

The disciples would not realize and off to sleep they'd fade...

but Jesus prayed. (Mark 14)

The cup didn't pass and betrayed by a kiss...

Would He remiss? (Luke 22)

Pilate questioned. He hurt the peoples pride...

so Jesus died. (Matt 27)

To stop another miracle, because He many healed...

the stone was sealed. (Matt 27)

The linen lay there neatly. The stone was rolled away...

to their dismay. (Matt 28)

Though dead from head down to His toes...

yes, Jesus rose. (Matt 28)

A lifetime full of miracles - yet some still doubted much...

so Thomas touched. (John 20)

A still, small voice is calling, though the world hates -

He still awaits. (1 Kings 19)

Jesus healed many. The faithful He forgives -

because He lives! (Matt 28)

He loosens all sins darkest chains.

Yes, hallelujah! Our God reigns! (Psalm 47)

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

ONE WAY 3-19-08

It's my job to make a living -
rise up and not digress;
The owner wants my very best,
and him I must impress.

If I'm to take up my own cross,
if I'm to be like Him;
then I should do a wee bit more
than sing my favorite hymn....

On one hand I'm to follow God,
on the other, pay my bills.
Have I been so conditioned that -
I forgot abortion kills?

Does Jesus shed a little tear
for every child who dies?
And what was I so busy at
I failed to hear the cries?

Some day I must ask myself,
“Who IS my real boss?”
What pieces do I still take up -
the silver or the cross?

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

(NASB) Matt. 27:

3 Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

4 saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood."

-------

Out Of The Rut 9-5-07

.
His yoke is easy. His burden is light.
until we come in and say we are right.
Just like the Pharisee’s that had the right answer,
deceiving them selves like death from a cancer.

There are songs about Jesus. Many more of His love,
but to us are meaningless - if not looking above.
There are songs about God. Many more of His grace.
Again, all are meaningless - if we can't see His face.

We dig our rut in knowledge and follow it for years.
The answers few - but dig we do - as questions bring more tears.
We plow down deep for meaning and sing our merry song,
confused - and not amusing - for us who are so wrong.

But we continue digging, with blinders on our head,
plodding forward fervently - with selfish want unfed.
We dig and dig from college on. We earn a new degree,
but can't believe, nor have that faith, without humility.

Opinions and beliefs are ours - the former to the latter.
We believe what ‘ere we want. All else just doesn't matter.
After all, we know it all. We've learned it all in college....
but nothing replaces a childlike faith. That God will acknowledge.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

Matthew 11:25 [ Rest for the Weary ] At that time Jesus said,
"I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children."

Matthew 18: 2) He called a little child and had him stand among them.
3) And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children,
you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
4) Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5) And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me."

-------

The Great Reward 9-1-07

In Jesus' day (some time ago),
there were no toys or balls to throw.
There were no bikes or baby chairs,
erector sets or teddy bears.

No strollers rolled down dirt streets.
No snacks to munch on for their treats.
No marbles, checkers, kaleidoscope -
yet every child learned to cope.

They didn't have those spinning tops,
nor ice cream cones or lolly pops,
no toy soldiers, dolly names,
movie shows, computer games.

They never missed their favorite show.
They never saw a night light glow.
They didn't feel the least depraved
when pizza wasn't micro waved.

They didn't ski, go out for sports,
have special shoes, designer shorts.
Suspenders held their trousers up.
They said, "yes sir" and never "yup".

Words weren't written on their shirts,
or on their shorts right where it hurts,
but in their heart's most inner core,
so non-existent anymore.

They didn't own a motorboat -
but had their cow, their hen, their goat.
Our pets today eat so much better.
They're not used for coat or sweater.

They didn't know they acted "cool".
No dirt bikes then ran out of fuel.
Before they learned what dirt could yield,
they pulled by hand the rocks from field.

They didn't have to mow the lawn
or pull the weeds 'til they were gone -
though at times they might be fickle,
cutting hay with father's sickle.

No birthday cakes with frosting glitter.
Those veggies really weren't so bitter.
Now don't forget the outdoor "john".
All summer long, no AC on.

And faucets just did not exist.
They carried buckets in their fist.
Kids learned to work just like an ox -
and often without shoes or socks.

They worked to learn and did their best
and had no cushy couch for rest.
No Frisbee’s, yoyo's, or a sled -
but so content to go to bed.

On cold nights, they got a chill.
No doctors came when they got ill.
So now you know what kids had then -
yet thanked the Lord and said "Amen".

They learned their Bible inside out
and really didn't go without.
Rewards were great - not like today,
when kids had much more time to pray.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

God Loves Me 4-25-07

.
When I was just a little child, so many years ago,
joy and gladness filled my face wherever I would go.
I never had to worry. I had no earthly care.
I'd play all day and then that night, I'd say my evening prayer.

But then, as I grew older, some pain would fill my face,
I'd scrape my knees and elbows - once broke mom's pretty vase.
Then passing through my teenage years, I learned so very much,
but opinions got the best of me and stole the Masters touch.

Years had passed - and decades too - in my tenacious life.
Oh, I had pounded my own drum and blew my little fife.
Like a tree with trunk and limbs - I knew each branch, their twigs.
I grew in all directions - in twisted zags and zigs.

As God exposed His beauty - in me, in every leaf,
I soaked up all that certainty, with faith in my belief.
One by one leaves opened, full proof for all to see -
but I forgot about my roots and what God's plan might be.

One day while sitting on my throne - in educated bliss....
I wondered (Bible in my hands) what secret did I miss?
I panted in my studies. I prayed in earnest pleas....
It hit me like a ton of bricks - and crushed me to my knees.

My mighty tree had crashed in vain. It timbered from the sky....
Yes, only God knows everything – every truth and lie.
God found that long lost child once more as tears poured down my cheeks,
and I found that special joy again. I listen when He speaks.

I follow in His footsteps. I let his Spirit heal -
and once again, as long before, the Master's touch I feel.
In faith I lay me down to sleep - my deathbed He can see,
and nothing really matters now, except that God loves me.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org

-------

Our Church Doors 12-20-06

.
At our Church there are two doors -
there is both "in" and "out".
On either side it may be still,
or you might hear a shout.

So what's the difference you might ask,
-betwixt the other side?
You'll find that one is very different,
and the other side denied.

It's your choice which side you choose.
Indifference won't convey.
You won't stand in the doorway.
You cannot block the way.

Each one of us - individually,
is full of love or hate.
It's a personal decision -
not based in unknown fate.

Some choose to lie and steal.
Some choose to rule and scare.
Others choose the truthful way,
and humbly kneel in prayer.

Terrorists may come inside,
and havoc they can raise;
but never fear - the love and strength,
of God who gets our praise.

When we go out, let's show God's love,
and smile from ear to ear;
never holding back the truth,
-and not retaining fear.

In boldness we must always seek,
whether dark and bleak;
and focus on the rugged cross,
-turning the other cheek.

So what side do you stand on?
In God do you believe?
If on Heaven's truth you win,
but on Satan's deceiving, grieve.

With every door, there are two sides.
That's what it's all about.
We cannot serve two masters.
- We're either in or out.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

-------

Separation of church and state 5-15-06

There IS separation of church and state,

And you'll never hear me recriminate.

Never before have I heard such a jeer,

And heard it so often - year after year.

Change every rule, and rule every change.

Then change every fool so that they become strange.

Scream bloody murder, and see if I care,

Then sue everyone, with all the hot air.

For only One Truth - can be absolute,

And everything else falls pointlessly mute.

You can have the vast killing galore,

-By pulling our God from each school door.

For if you make legal, murder and lies,

We’ll all be innocent - in even your eyes.

So open you may, your Pandora’s box,

But beware when it comes to your door and knocks.

Have you not read the 10 Commandments?

Or even know what it all represents?

It's not from a sect, a synagogue, or church,

So get with it now and do your research.

God never says to lust, murder, or steal,

But to love everyone and help them to heal.

Keep separate the church - for there's no debate,

But you can't separate our God from our state.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------