Born Again 12-11-12

Oh, how I thought I knew it all when I was in my youth -

but as I turn in circles now I find an ugly truth -

that time had shut a door on each decision I had made

and now I have to suffer from the high price I have paid.

Now Jesus led me as a youth but I had vainly went

the stubborn way I wanted to. My whole life I had spent -

going my own selfish way through each and every door -

and thinking that each new one was much better than before.

But then I looked around me as the final door slammed shut.

So stunned, I was - completely - as it echoed in my gut.

I walked through each door willingly to get to where I am -

and now my soul is naked as I stand in front of Him.

But then my God allowed me there to reach back with my hand

and open up that final door. I didn't understand...

I stepped back through and found myself where I had been last week -

and then I saw another door so took another peek.

It too, had opened up for me - so I stepped through again -

and there I was two weeks ago right back where I had been.

So on and on I went through doors as fast as I could run -

until I was a child again - then back where I'd begun.

Now this time I will have no pride and this time I won't fight.

I'll follow in His footsteps and I'll follow Him just right.

Now each door that God opens makes us one close happy team -

and everything goes perfect 'til I wake up from my dream.

---

I only had one lonely chance to live an upright way -

but I messed up. I put me here. There is no more to say...

except that Jesus pulls me from my putrid, sinful grime -

and gives me one more final chance to get it right this time.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

The Garden Of Eden 6-26-11

The Garden of Eden, perfect...

Not because the trees there had

so many tasty fruits,

not because the roadways had

the smoothest, shortest routes.

Not because they had new cars,

and pleasure-drove for miles,

not because the malls had sold

the latest fig-leaf styles.

Not because their bank accounts

had endless lines of cash,

not because computers didn't

ever, ever crash.

Not because the stores there gave

them everything for free,

not because the weather was

a constant seventy.

Not because attorneys there

would never, ever sue,

not because the skies there were

a perfect, bluish hue.

Not because the locks on doors

had solid gold keys,

and not because the oceans had

the perfect rolling seas.

Is perfection for our comfort,

that God so amply serves -

or for our reverent, humble prayers

that He so much deserves?

The Garden of Eden - perfect,

but after poor advice,

God had to send His only Son -

our perfect sacrifice.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http:/www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

When All Doors Close 8-23-09

Dominion over land and sea,
God granted this to you and me.
We all can sit here and complain,
or use our feet, our hands, our brain.

Faith, He measured, gave to all.
Will He excuse if man does fall?
So tell me what am I to do?
Are my good fruits long overdue?

As Enoch, Job and Noah knew -
have I both brains and body too?
Were grumblings heard with snide remark -
when Noah worked to built the ark?

Is my mind quick to always judge -
my firm opinions never fudge?
Question: Is God's harvest done?
Am I a Christian on the run?

Or do I see my wayward walk?
Or do I study, only talk?
And though I judge as others 'crawl' -
am I now ready, should God call?

In my tall building, many floors,
and God has opened several doors.
Oh, maybe I have selfish views,
and that's why I could never choose.

Day to day and year to year,
Do I tremble, do I fear?
But God is 'fair' and God is 'just' -
Faith's measured portions I can trust.

Yes, God loves each and every soul,
it's not His fault if we're not 'whole'.
For God has given ample grace
before our bodies see His face.

The harvest, plenty 'round the globe -
have faith like Noah, Enoch, Job.
On judgement day when all doors close,
God will know which door I chose.

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

-------

Hebrews 11:5 (NASB) By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.

The Master's Key 5-18-06

Have you ever lost a key and couldn't find it anywhere?
Or ever had that special one and held it in your care?

Some are bright and shiny working fancy doors in town.
But it doesn't matter how they look as long as they are found.

Some keys will open just one door but some can open many.
Others open big, old doors, but some won't work on any.

Some we use most every day. Some stay on the wall.
Every key will have its task - but only one can open all.

Who holds the key to earth and space and hangs it all in perfect place?
Who sends it off in balanced pace and began the human race?

Who controls the wind and sea, the largest beast, the smallest flea?
Who grants to us our humble plea - through answered prayer - who could it be?

What's in your heart, you will hold dear - whether cars or sports or rancid beer;
Some special times might bring a tear, but if God's there He'll hold you near.

So if your heart is way too small - with no room for even two;
Then it's time for thorough cleaning because your heart is full of you.

Evil lurks in all dark shadows – behind doors falling apart.
There are so many keys in life – but only One can heal your heart.

It doesn't matter who, what - when, why, or how.
The Master's Key will fit and fix the mess you're in right now.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------