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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Touched? 7-26-11

When all goes well, you do not call,

you do not whisper prayers at all.

but when you're sick or feeling bad,

I hear a prayer that makes Me sad.

You pray that I should comfort you,

and tell Me all that I should do -

but then when you are well again,

your prayers are empty, hollow, thin.

So where's your trust when you are well?

I need your faith so I can tell -

you're not a fake or hypocrite,

but sincere friend who can commit.

Commit to church, commit to Me,

commit to friends and family.

Until that day, you're torn apart,

torn in two, straight through your heart.

So pray when things are going grand

so I can tell right where you stand.

Not lukewarm, but hot or cold -

for lukewarm souls, I will not hold.

For I so love this world too -

the worst of men, including you.

I will save you from your sin -

but you must first, invite Me in.

So patiently, at your hearts door,

I stand and knock to offer more.

For from this world, you'll soon depart,

so let me touch your broken heart.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http:/www.ganderpoems.org/

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Complete 5-10-10

How can I live without Jesus?
What can I learn with lies?
Can I believe the unbridled facts -
with wool pulled over my eyes?

Empty my ways without the truth,
as death draws near below sod.
Lonely the ways without my Lord -
and futile, days without God.

My life is nailed tight to the truth.
My cup overfills the brim.
Jesus, my firm and faithful rock.
My life is complete in Him.

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

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Jeremiah 48:30
"I know his fury," declares the LORD,
"But it is futile;
His idle boasts have accomplished nothing.

Angel Wings 4-27-09

(for my cousin, Louise, who was always smiling, 1955-2009)

When life seems empty, it's no fun.
When everything's hopeless, what can be done?
When all life's work goes down the drain...
when I look back, it's all insane.

What if I knew that few people care,
and where are the answers from government there?
What can I do when I've lost earthly hope?
Oh, what can I do at the end of my rope?

Let go, let God,
with wink and nod.
For it's worthwhile.
to smile awhile.

With faith I just
rely on trust.
I feel so free.
Don't cry for me.

From all earths harms,
I'll drop in arms,
against His chest -
for I'm His guest.

In graveyard no,
don't look below,
but up should look,
for me He took.

When life looks bleak,
give God a peek,
You'll find Him too
with life anew.

Trust has no strings,
an angel sings,
when Jesus brings
us angel wings...

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

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A Cardboard Christian? 2-26-09

Are you a cardboard Christian - who folds so neatly out,
then goes to church on Sunday - yet seldom goes without?

Do you look good to others - yet void beneath the skin -
a box that never carried fruit, a box that should begin?

Wake up! and look to Jesus! Do not be weary eyed!
Did He not pray profusely - that night before He died?

Are you a cardboard Christian - a shadow on the wall,
a ceiling fan that spins around but never hears His call?

He calls from that old rugged cross - the perfect sacrifice.
Do we deny like Peter - not once, not twice, but thrice?

Is your sword made up of plastic? Is your helmet made of tin?
Is your breastplate sounding hollow? Is your shield paper thin?

Take up your cross and follow Him. Take up your yoke and plow.

Was that huge stone not rolled away? Is He not living now?

Don't focus in the mirror - but on our God above.
for we are merely blood and guts - but He's the God of love!

Some questioned Jesus and His ways. Don't be a doubting Thomas.
Focus on the "least of these" and listen to His promise!

Wake up! and smell God's roses! Lift up your voices, sing!
Raise high your hands and stomp your feet and praise our Lord and King!

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

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Talk Is Cheap 1-20-09

When words are empty, talk is cheap.
when words are parsed, talk is cheap.
when gossip travels like a missile, talk is cheap.
when the ends justify the means, talk is cheap.
when eyes expose an angered heart, talk is cheap.
when half-truths build as a skyscraper, talk is cheap.
when manure is spread upon the heap, talk is cheap.
when rationalizing trumps the rational, talk is cheap.
when an agenda overrides the purpose, talk is cheap.
when tongues repeat the hollow points, talk is cheap.
when innuendo paints the masterpiece, talk is cheap.
when the snake oil slips along the slime, talk is cheap.
when truth is obvious between the lines, talk is cheap.
when words invest for a return on flattery, talk is cheap.
when words are used for self preservation, talk is cheap.
when words are spit out with forked tongue, talk is cheap.
when words become more colorful than a rainbow, talk is cheap.
when words are tailored like a thousand dollar suit, talk is cheap.
when ten dollar words are used on a two-cent thought, talk is cheap.
and when money is the purpose behind the words, talk is worthless.

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

Psalm 78: (NASB)
35And they remembered that God was their rock,
And the Most High God their Redeemer.
36But they deceived Him with their mouth
And lied to Him with their tongue.
37For their heart was not steadfast toward Him,
Nor were they faithful in His covenant.

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