The Gun Fight! 2-11-12

The sun was rising in the east
behind some hitching posts -
and weathered boards, on buildings old,
had nothing left to boast.

But I wore fancy cowboy duds,
I was a handsome sight.
A crowd of people gathered 'round
to watch this old gun fight.

The street was dead and empty
except for sin and I -
and how I ended up out here,
I'm really not sure why.

A bullet? Very perilous
if we've no self-control -
and sin is much more dangerous,
because it kills the soul.

Now noon met with humidity.
The sun was dry and hot.
Some beads of sweat rolled down my face -
my stomach, in a knot.

But no, I wasn't nervous -
though duel had begun.
I counted out ten paces -
then turned and drew my gun.

But sin is faster, furious -
much quicker than the eye.
Oh please! Dear Lord and Saviour -
I do not want to die!

And then... in just an instant,
I dropped down to my knees.
I fell as peace passed over me
and felt the gentle breeze.

But something stood in front of me.
Its shadow crossed my face.
I then saw Jesus on that cross.
He took my very place.

Ashamed, I dropped my pistol.
My pride was killed that day -
as I pulled off my fancy boots
and flung my hat away.

Now humbled on the dusty street
with crowded eyes on me -
my every pride had vanished as
I learned humility.

In faithfulness, I stood again,
though I was at a loss...
Oh, how could Jesus love me so
from that old rugged cross?

The sun was setting in the west
behind some hitching posts.
And weathered boards, on buildings old,
had nothing left to boast.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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A Joyous Life 2-5-12

Burned alive, my soul was,
despite my swings and thrashes -
and I had been completely dead,
a filthy heap of ashes.

And Heaven, I forgot about
when living with the masses.
So futile there, my soul was -
and learned life quickly passes.

Excuses weren't accepted.
Results were very vile.
I had to stop and think a bit -
and cry for quite awhile.

But that was then and this is now.
I want you all to see -
that I had no one else to blame
except for 'little me'.

Then sought I Jesus, by and by,
above the clouds and birds.
His grace was free. Now so am I
to leave these loving words:

If you would simply just repent -
and let His Spirit free -
through faith, you'll find a joyous life
and so contented be.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Sunday School Lessons 12-31-11

We walked to school each Sunday morn.

Those unique belfry chimes,

rang old familiar gospel hymns

we sang so many times.

In full respect, wore Sunday best,

the women, fancy hats.

The preacher sounded serious -

then after church, the chats.

I never understood it then,

the meaning never came -

but now I fully comprehend

and nothing is the same.

There's reason in my conscience.

It's true - all I was taught.

There's purpose in my actions,

and good in every thought.

God alone receives my faith.

I hold within the ranks.

I wear Salvations armor

and win, though Satan flanks.

He tries to interrupt me,

deceive and lead astray -

telling me that life is good -

to live it my own way.

But life is just a vapor

that hovers near the ground -

that dissipates so slowly,

until we're not around -

when one day we are breathless,

and blood no longer flows -

when warmth escapes the body,

and with it, soul goes.

Those times I went to Sunday School,

have taught me very well.

I pray for Godly wisdom so,

that I, in turn, can tell -

others who are hurting,

with pain within their face -

those also needing Jesus

and everlasting grace.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http:/www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Fragile Fog 8-3-11

Dawn breaks clear and breeze begins -

leans the many grasses -

rolling knolls, valleys green -

moving, it amasses -

moisture up from silent pond,

a vapor freely born -

confusing fogs of dampness, there's -

another one to warn -

of world's prideful ignorance,

of want and selfish greed.

Another one oblivious

to warnings he should heed.

Slow and patient hovering,

brings truth so plain to see -

but blindness seizes evil hearts

and there will never be -

changes to the inner soul

that lingers ever past.

Then fades away, the temperate fog -

as time has fleeted fast.

God creates, then man destroys

a life, so visible -

but Jesus comes to heal the sick,

the body, spiritual.

Jesus given for our souls,

our Father still awaits -

while life is like the fragile fog

which quickly dissipates.

Earth, or all eternity -
two choices we must weigh -
before the fog has lifted and
life vanishes away. 

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http:/www.ganderpoems.org/

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James 4:14 (NASB)
Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow.
You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.

The Mighty Floodgates 5-29-11

Speared I am, right through the heart.

My soul awakes,

my pencil shakes,

my paper takes...

the thoughts I've never wrote before.

I don't know why,

my eyes were dry,

I couldn't cry.

My former heart was cold and hard -

I did not know,

the melting snow,

the sunset's glow...

and found, I too, a reservoir -

of many years,

a wall of tears,

as flooding nears.

So sought I tear, where soft and warm -

among the weak,

among the meek,

on Jesus' cheek...

where it dripped down upon the ground -

where there was loss,

and there was dross,

beneath the cross.

So now it's soft, my broken heart -

a world stain,

a greater pain,

is greater gain -

and the mighty floodgates opened -

and now know why,

my eyes aren't dry,

and I can cry.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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If Days Could Talk 5-7-11

If days could talk,

what would they say?

What wisdom could we seek?

Listen to each one of them - Day by Day...

Monday says, "Get out of bed!"

as it gives you a jerk.

"Wipe that 'sleep' out of your eyes -

I'm putting you to work!"

Tuesday says, "All is okay.

You've been through this before.

If you could handle yesterday -

then you can handle more."

Wednesday says, "You're halfway done.

You've been through this day too.

Remember all the work you've done,

Reward is up to you.

Thursday says, "Let's plan to have -

an evening of some fun!

Go out and party Friday night.

Have fun with everyone!"

Friday says, "I've got you now -

wrapped around my finger.

Exciting times are just ahead -

so let temptations linger..."

Saturday? Well, here's the truth.

You slept through half the day.

"You did not heed the warning,"

you finally heard it say.

Mistakes were made. You know it.

The fault? Not always yours.

But now, some things will never change.

There are not always cures.

The world really does not care,

if anyone is hurt -

So live each day like Sunday so

more problems you'll avert."

For Sunday says, "Please come to Church.

Your soul is not a game -

and if you know there's more to life -

confess in Jesus' name."

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org

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True Love 3-16-11

So many things in body / soul

are empty, undefined -

but read this poem carefully,

and answers you may find.

The knowledge of the Love of God,

comes through in loving stages -

so see if you can find a clue -

within this couple's ages...

.......

The couple faced each other close,

while standing toe to toe.

The clear new day was very young.

They had no place to go.

His right hand held her left hand and,

His left hand held her right.

He slid a daisy through her hair.

She was a pretty sight.

The springtime breezes did not quell

the sun's most warmest rays.

As ocean waves kept rolling in,

they held the longest gaze.

Her face was like a sunshine's glow.

Her toes sank in the sand.

Her hair flipped in the open breeze.

Her fingers squeezed his hand.

Some folks had paused and stared a bit

when softly came the kiss -

but never would a moment pass,

a moment quite like this.

And with these two, that special time

would never go away -

for faithful is that one true love.

There is no better way.

So scenic was the sandy beach,

so beautiful, the pair -

yet only God creates true love

that I saw perfect there.

.......

Now just in case you're wondering,

what ages they could be...

Well, she's but two years younger than

his age of eighty-three.

So if assumptions, you had made -

in story told above -

you may have also missed the mark,

of true Agape Love.

Therefore, question all the writings,

discovered here and there,

that often miss the God of Love -

the hearer of each prayer.

And don't have shallow notions or,

wear blinders to 'believe' -

or come to some conclusion that

some well-known 'experts' weave.

Sometimes we think we know it all,

when several facts we weigh -

but we do not create the God

who loves us every day.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Footprints Found 12-24-10

From birth, thrown in a frightful scene,
as life unveils its scroll.
We travel to and fro until
a pathway finds our soul.
Our days are dark and dreary.
Our nights are long and cold.
But here on earth we break our trail -
until we all grow old.

...

I broke my lonely pathway.
I traveled all alone -
and it, a unique pathway -
none else had ever known.
I traveled my own pathway.
I'd everything to lose.
But no one knew my pathway and -
no one wore my shoes.

One day I happened on a trail
aside from sin and hate -
but few were drawn onto it -
so narrow and so straight.
And on it I saw footprints,
that wavered, not the least.
I followed them most carefully
though problems never ceased.

That pathway found no safety -
and I had questioned 'why?'.
I heard the growling animals.
Black vultures circled high.
A lion jumped in front of me.
I froze - my faith devoid.
My goal, career and future were
virtually destroyed.

I heard loud screams from others -
more painful shrieks and cries -
and yes, I still was frightened -
not cloaked from sin and lies.
A jungled mess of selfishness,
a shadowed woods misguided -
drove the anger ever close.
My fear had not subsided.

Yet... steady still, those footprints.
They wavered not a bit.
They never once had faltered.
That 'someone' never quit.
I stopped and rested quite awhile,
then carried on again.
Faith had urged me onward so -
to flee from evils sin.

Still wavered not, those footprints,
still spaced the same apart -
this 'Someone' had a purpose,
this 'Someone' had a heart.
They led straight to a clearing.
It was so peaceful there.
I stopped and saw a beauty, to
which nothing could compare.

My mouth fell open, as to speak.
Mere words were at a loss.
I saw those faithful footprints aim -
directly to a cross.
Then clumsily, I stumbled -
I grasped that mighty tree.
My 'little faith' reached for support,
until grace lifted me.

'Born again', I was that day,
when I was made complete.
I hugged that bloody, splintered cross -
'til back upon my feet.
And yes, my eyes were opened.
Spilt blood had left the hint.
For clearly seen in crimson was -
His faithful, final print.

...

God sees us run in circles as,
we leave prints deep in clay.
He sees our every footprint as -
we're lost along the way;
Our path is never narrow,
nor straightway Heaven-bound -
and feet are either on our paths -
or in His footprints found.

©2010 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 7:14 (King James Version)
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Nudge the Seed 2-3-10

Do you -

-remember well, the mustard seed -
so trivial and small?
Has our faith ever touched it yet -
or been close by at all?
Mere faith can move the mountains high,
and beckons at the call.

Remember well, the miracle
when Jesus calmed the storm?
Could once, we simply execute -
or tiny one perform?
How close could be our little faith
from halting one life storm.

Remember well, protection when -
God came with comforts aid?
Now bow we ever lowly for
mistakes so great we've made.
We ask for one more miracle
and humbly we have prayed.

With trouble, insurmountable -
will faith to death now bleed?
No! God provides for many 'wants',
supplies our every need!
Will our faith move the mountains too -
if we don't nudge the seed?"

First nurtured deep in grace and soul,
and watered too, must be -
then with a perseverance -
faith grows a mighty tree -
to carry off the mountain,
and throw it to the sea.

©2010 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Luke 8:15 (NASB)
"But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance."

Pirates! 8-20-09

I remember back, when young -
the pirate tales from grandpa's tongue -
where peg-legged men with but one eye
sought their treasures, chanced to die.

Captain Pirate had a hook
and he cared not from whom he took.
He boarded ships and stole their goods -
then hid his treasures in the woods.

On the ship - he had some men -
who helped him rob now and again.
At times they partied and they drank. -
If one was rude, he'd walk the plank.

Now this old pirate wasn't fair -
and got so drunk he didn't care.
It didn't matter who he killed -
just so his humor was fulfilled.

A wee bit close, I happened near -
lost both my boots and lost my gear.
They tied me up that very night -
my wrists had hurt, the rope was tight.

One pulled quick, his shiny sword -
then threw me on that weathered board.
The ocean deep, the water black,
the sword I felt, pressed to my back.

I stepped out - again, again,
with nudges felt from earthly sin.
The steps I took were very short
but that old plank gave me support.

I thought quick but took some pause -
reflecting on life's silly laws.
Blinded by life's codes and rules,
I had nothing - them, the jewels.

Hoping here on earth I'd stay,
stepped I through life from day to day.
And this I knew - could not pretend -
this plank was short. There was an end.

Weight pushed low the outer ledge.
My toes could feel the very edge.
No turning back, what's done is done -
no place to turn - no place to run.

Bodies end with earthly goals
as all life ends - but not the souls.
Emotions quake, as body shakes,
but after death - the soul awakes.

They held truth (though they got old)
those pirate tales that grandpa told -
but futile is a life that's wed,
with both the soul and body dead.

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Focused Faith 10-10-07

.

I had the 'gift' but through my pride,

Rampant my thoughts - Heaven's gates wide.

Your grace saved, unlike the world, this wretched soul from sin.

I didn’t know – what are these voids within?

Forgive me, Lord! Please hear my cry,

But can I forgive? Do I comply?

If clouds would open up a bit and I could see this Heaven,

Would I now forgive - to seventy times seven?

Lord, I believe! In You I've heard,

Studied Scripture, memorized Your Word.

I don't speak as those Pharisee’s of old,

But firm on theology, has my love grown cold?

Increase my faith I cry, oh God!

I seek perfect peace - is that so odd?

But deaf and blind, clouds Your everlasting love.

Can I not see - or fix my eyes above?

Oh, ye of little faith neglect,

Heaven's things - but you, the earth reflect;

And you worry, to gain your Holy birth,

Focused not on Godly things, but rather things of earth.

Then humble me, dear Lord I pray,

To Your cross, draw me nearer – lest I wayward stray.

Dare I take up my simple cross and also teach,

During tribulation - find other souls to reach?

Through this small truth, I now can see,

And my ears hear the still, small voice of Thee;

I see You faithful on that cross. Love in voice I hear.

So may my body die of self - and focused faith run clear.

©2007 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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In His Sandals 1-20-07

I cannot serve two masters. I serve, but only one,
for if I love some sinfulness, I hate God's only Son.
Could I walk in His sandals? Do I really understand?
Of what would it encompass? Of what would it demand?

Could I put up with some abuse, and could I humbly be,
a whipping board of insults, for all to scoff at me?
Could I withstand a whipping? Tell me, would I know,
the pain down in my open wounds, torn flesh from every blow?

Could I, but bear the privilege - to be a king renowned,
my face stained in bloody streaks from such a thorny crown?
Would I know the cost of love, and God's most precious grace,
or would I simply think of me, and hate the human race?

Could I endure the anguish, as ropes bind hands and feet,
knotted up so tightly that - I'd give in to defeat?
There on my back, could I stare at - a spike set on my skin,
then watch them take a heavy stone, and slam it deep within?

Oh, I’d know what's coming next - I'd clench my other fist.
Could I endure another nail - or would I just resist?
Then tortured even further, could pain be so complete,
when to the cross I'm nailed with - another through my feet?

Slowly ropes raise cross and I. The base slides in the hole.
Then in ghastly, horrid pain, would that jerk shake my soul?
And there I'd hang, alone up high - for all to mock and hate.
Could I endure the anguish then? Can I, to that relate?

Could I survive for hours, in pain and endless shame?
Would I ask Gods forgiveness - for those that I could blame?
Could I die for ALL the world - their sinful sacrifice -
and know that few would love me? Would that, for me, suffice?

Would my final miracle call for a heavenly host?
Or would I yield to Father's will and then give up the ghost?
Hate and anger would not end - the sword would pierce my side....
Oh, would I slip away and hide? Which way would I decide?

His sandals are too large to fill. His time, so long ago,
and Heaven - much too far away, while I'm down here below.
But could I wear His sandals - if I was called upon,
and are my trials greater that - I'd gladly put His on?

He demands my little faith. He holds no speck of wrath,
when He's a lamp unto my feet - a light unto my path.
Yes, I wear His sandals - for I've been called upon,
and faithful every morning I – slip them boldly on.

This poem may explain it - but who truly understands?
For every sin that we commit puts nails through Jesus' hands....
We cannot serve two masters. We serve, but only one.
We have to hate all sinfulness, to love God's only Son.

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

Luke 16:10 (NASB) "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.”

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