Show The Lord 3-11-13

Now everyone was nervous here.  It didn't make much sense. 

The Judge had entered quietly.  The room was very tense. 

"Let's only hear the gospel truth and accusations quench!

This court is now in session." said 'His Honor' from the bench. 

The 'Whip' was not at all deterred and spoke up suddenly, 

"Alive, He was, when I was done - untied and then set free! 

But I had noticed something else when He had left my place. 

I saw Him with the rugged 'Cross'.  Now there's your real case!" 

The 'Cross' responded bluntly and without an ounce of tact, 

"It wasn't me, Your Honor sir, and that is just a fact! 

I didn't do a single thing and really, I did care. 

I merely was the backdrop.  It's the 'Nails' that held Him there!" 

The 'Nails', three, were hence accused but chimed in unison, 

"It wasn't us who had Him killed (God's one and only Son). 

When all the three of us looked up, the truth had come to light - 

that wicked 'Crown' had pierced His scalp and made a gruesome sight!" 

It hushed, the crowd, who set their eyes on such a cruel 'Crown' - 

but it had sought the mercy of the Judge with sorry frown. 

And then it weaved so carefully a short and subtle lie, 

"It wasn't I who killed Him sir, the 'Whip' caused Him to die!" 

And so it was that blame was passed around, around again - 

so tell me, "What had killed Him then - just plain and simple sin?" 

So then that Judge, with piercing eye, had raised his brow at me, 

and said, "You are the guilty one!  I sentence you to be..." 

But then that very instant, a gentle voice was heard. 

The sound had calmed the courthouse down - and every heart was stirred. 

"Unbind those who've repented and were faithful through and through - 

for I have paid the highest price and saved their souls too." 

The Judge slammed down His gavel hard and said, "I will it so!" 

And that is where this story ends.  Are you prepared to go? 

The heart you have you made yourself.  You're humble or you're proud - 

so if acceptance you must have, you're lost among the crowd. 

Don't be the Whip, Cross, Nails or Crown who passed their guilt along - 

who tried to blame somebody else and claimed they did no wrong. 

How long has pride now stole your soul?  Days, weeks, or months, or years? 

Don't pass your guilt to someone else, but show the Lord some tears... 

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Secret Admirer 2-18-13

(from a woman's perspective...)

Damp were the petals, kissed by the dew,

on bright, vibrant rose held up for my view -

from soft velvet fingers and unweathered skin

from one faithful heart full of true love within.

The rose was exquisite, so perfect to see -

with flower now open so beau-ti-ful-ly.

It seemed to rest easy on leaves of bright green -

(if now, you could only imagine the scene).

Behind that great gift was another one too -

who whispered poetically, "Oh, how I love you!"

It floated from voice so familiar to me

that stopped my whole world - instantly, briefly.

He caught me off-guard and I must concede

that inside his heart was a great love indeed.

For there behind raised arm, so patient and mild -

I saw the cute face of my very own child.

Reached, I there down - and speaking in prose,

I said, "Thank you child." accepting the rose.

And then to the side, I gave curtain a push -

and sure enough missing, my rose from rose bush.

But forced I a smile and gave him a kiss -

for this is one day that I'll soon reminisce.

His innocent countenance had drawn me to pray,

"Thank you, dear Lord, for my child today."

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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I Wander Yonder 1-31-13

I wander yonder over hills where those before me trod -

though aimlessly through wants and needs, yet find it somewhat odd.

I wander yonder guessing so and pay a heavy price -

by following some friends I have and words of ill-advice.

I wander yonder through my life and laugh along the way -

deceiving self, believing I am happy every day.

I wander yonder up until the day I get so old -

a speck of truth will be revealed that I had not been told.

I wander yonder 'til the time that I begin to ponder -

about God's good and loving Son, so full of grace and wonder.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Circle Of Love 1-29-13

. . . . and bring our love around again in selfless peace that has no end -

as with a circle bright and true, is love of fam'ly, love of friend -

though some may laugh while others grieve, forgiveness we can sure achieve,

through God's vast blessings scattered 'round so those in need can hence receive -

the Son of God who's virgin born - through whip and nails and piercing thorn -

our sacrifice, the ultimate - a perfect Savior, bloody, torn -

because God loved and likewise we, bring certain hope that others see -

these blessings of a risen Lord so that they too could also be

in peace that's pure as snowy dove while singing praise to God above -

while standing faithful hand in hand in this, our circle filled with love . . . .

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Will The Circle Be Unbroken?
Lyrics
(written 1907 by Ada R. Habershon with music by Charles H. Gabriel)

There are loved ones in the glory
Whose dear forms you often miss.
When you close your earthly story,
Will you join them in their bliss?
(Chorus)
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?

In the joyous days of childhood
Oft they told of wondrous love
Pointed to the dying Saviour;
Now they dwell with Him above.
(Chorus)
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?


You remember songs of heaven
Which you sang with childish voice.
Do you love the hymns they taught you,
Or are songs of earth your choice?
(Chorus)
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?


You can picture happy gath'rings
Round the fireside long ago,
And you think of tearful partings
When they left you here below.
(Chorus)
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?


One by one their seats were emptied.
One by one they went away.
Now the family is parted.
Will it be complete one day?
(Chorus)
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?
---

Can The Circle Be Unbroken?
Lyrics
(`1935 - Carter family)

I was standing by my window
On one cold and cloudy day
And I saw the hearse come rolling
For to carry my mother away
(Chorus)
Can the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Oh, I told the undertaker
Undertaker, please drive slow
For this body you are hauling
How I hate to see her go
(Chorus)
Can the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Lord, I followed close beside her
Tried to hold up and be brave
But I could not hide my sorrow
When they laid her in the grave
(Chorus)
Can the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Went back home Lord, My home was lonely
Since my mother she had gone
All my brothers, sisters crying
What a home so sad and lone
(Chorus)
Can the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

The Lions' Den 4-26-12

King Darious signed - and it became law.

Beware of the rulers.  Beware of their flaw.

Beware of their rule.  Beware of their claw.

Beware of their lion. Beware of their jaw.

---

"I tell you Daniel, he is king -

you must obey in everything!

Behind his seal, he signed in pen!

Beware of death in lions' den!

"I ask you Daniel, hear the din?

They know the house you're living in!

Bow down in public now and then!

Beware of vicious lions' den!

"Oh, tell me Daniel, what's the use?

Prayer every day is pure abuse!

You pray to God - again, again!

Beware, lest thrown in lions' den!

"Oh, tell me Daniel, what'd you do?

The fault - all yours, you got into!

You're not at all like other men!

Beware! You're now in lions' den!

"Now tell me Daniel, what's God doin' -

shutting jaws of every lion?

He stopped a feast that should have been!

A miracle in lions' den!

"Oh, tell me Daniel, could it be -

they took you out and now you're free?

We're so amazed, we scream 'AMEN!'

Beware of God and not the den!

"Please show us Daniel, how to pray

a humble prayer just like you say.

We'll pray sincerely every day

and follow God the faithful way!"

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org

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Daniel 6 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Daniel Serves Darius

1 It seemed good to Darius to appoint 120 satraps over the kingdom, that they would be in charge of the whole kingdom, 2 and over them three commissioners (of whom Daniel was one), that these satraps might be accountable to them, and that the king might not suffer loss. 3 Then this Daniel began distinguishing himself among the commissioners and satraps because he possessed an extraordinary spirit, and the king planned to appoint him over the entire kingdom. 4 Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him. 5 Then these men said, “We will not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God.”

6 Then these commissioners and satraps came by agreement to the king and spoke to him as follows: “King Darius, live forever! 7 All the commissioners of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the high officials and the governors have consulted together that the king should establish a statute and enforce an injunction that anyone who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, shall be cast into the lions’ den. 8 Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document so that it may not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.” 9 Therefore King Darius signed the document, that is, the injunction.

10 Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously. 11 Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. 12 Then they approached and spoke before the king about the king’s injunction, “Did you not sign an injunction that any man who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, is to be cast into the lions’ den?” The king replied, “The statement is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.” 13 Then they answered and spoke before the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the injunction which you signed, but keeps making his petition three times a day.”

14 Then, as soon as the king heard this statement, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel; and even until sunset he kept exerting himself to rescue him. 15 Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, “Recognize, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or statute which the king establishes may be changed.”
Daniel in the Lions’ Den
16 Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions’ den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.” 17 A stone was brought and laid over the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet rings of his nobles, so that nothing would be changed in regard to Daniel. 18 Then the king went off to his palace and spent the night fasting, and no entertainment was brought before him; and his sleep fled from him.

19 Then the king arose at dawn, at the break of day, and went in haste to the lions’ den. 20 When he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel spoke to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.” 23 Then the king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. 24 The king then gave orders, and they brought those men who had maliciously accused Daniel, and they cast them, their children and their wives into the lions’ den; and they had not reached the bottom of the den before the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.

25 Then Darius the king wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language who were living in all the land: “May your peace abound! 26 I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel;

For He is the living God and enduring forever,
And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed,
And His dominion will be forever.
27 “He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders
In heaven and on earth,
Who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”

28 So this Daniel enjoyed success in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

One Exceptional Word 2-22-12

For hours and hours I lay in my bed

as thoughts of new poetry enter my head.

I want to help others - so many abused -

and wonder if one special word could be used...

With each crying mother, child or dad -

what one perfect word can stop making them sad?

Can there be some comfort with something inferred?

...or maybe there is one exceptional word.

One single word that forgets all our past -

one single word that brings peace at last.

One single word that is really worthwhile -

replacing our tears into our biggest smiles!

So could it be 'faithful' or could it be 'grace' -

or maybe it's 'love', if even a trace...

Maybe 'forgiveness' or maybe 'confessed' -

or maybe it's 'thankful' or maybe it's 'blessed'.

It might be 'repentance' or even 'salvation' -

or maybe its 'Bible' or 'sanctification'.

It still could be 'cross' if anyone cares...

or maybe, just maybe, it's in all our 'prayers'...

So here in my bed, I've laid hours and hours -

some day to replace it with casket and flowers.

Oh, how will I say it and will it be heard -

when lips utter, 'Jesus' - my very first word?

Yes,

that 'word' - just a 'name' - but it happens to be,

the Name above all names. He cares about me.

He cares for you too so get down on your knees -

(even if one of the 'least of these')...

'Jesus' - the word that belongs to God's Son -

'Jesus' - the Name who still 'loves' everyone.

Jesus 'forgets' everything in our 'past' -

Jesus, our Savior, who grants 'peace' at last.

Physical, emotional pain - all there is...

He takes all our scars - and He puts them on His.

Soon, we will forget all our fears and our tears -

when living with Jesus, eternity's years.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Sin Still Stinks! 1-24-12

BASED ON A TRUE STORY
during gooseberry picking season, 1934
as told to me by my mother, Ruth.

---

On our old North Clayton farmstead -
my brother, sister, I -
were picking berries with our mom,
when brother caught my eye.

In each our hands, a bucket with,
our minds on all our work.
We each were very diligent
'til brother went berserk.

Wisconsin's early summer brought us
many ripe gooseberries -
but never could we match what mom,
within her bucket carried.

God's trees stretched high above our heads,
His briers pulled our clothes -
yet creek ran faithful, east to west -
while heat, with sun, had rose.

You may not know our brother yet,
but all of us could tell,
that trouble followed him around
and knew him very well.

He said, "Look at this big kitten!"
He poked it with a stick -
but when it turned and raised its tail,
our mother shouted quick.

Although it wasn't humorous,
we giggled in our fun.
But when mom said it was a skunk -
we sure knew how to run!

Now sin can sure deceive us.
It's fun, this world thinks -
but it is not to play with so,
remember, sin still stinks!

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Nothing More To Fear 4-18-11

It's greener on the other side,

in wanting, we will go -

the other side of the mountain,

or over the great rainbow...

to eye-catching colored places,

to fun and friends galore -

to shopping malls and diners -

to parties, clubs and more.

We watch our favorite movies,

we know each actor's name -

we talk about our sports team -

we play our favorite game.

We pick and choose our pathways,

we hide in our own way -

we talk until life's over when

there's nothing else to say.

In nakedness, we stand alone,

in all our filth and pride -

with lack of faithfulness exposed,

there's no more place to hide.

God sits alone on His great throne

when over, are the games -

and fair and just the truth will be -

green pastures or the flames...

Be fruitful as you live your day.

Be faithful in your walk.

Be diligent in all you do.

Be humble in your talk.

As long as God still give us breath,

as long as we're sincere -

as long as we repent of all -

there's nothing more to fear.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/ 

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Isaiah 35:4 (KJV)

Say to those with anxious heart, "Take courage, fear not Behold, your God will come with vengeance; The recompense of God will come, But He will save you."

The Strongest Man 1-11-11

When we are asked, "Who's stronger?"

we think so 'physical'.

We often think of Sampson -

not strength within the skull.

The strongest Man who ever lived -

had not a fist fight won -

but He had conquered challenges

and never quit 'til done.

He handled every mocking

and hateful, slimy spit.

He handled every whipping

while skin from scourging split.

Stronger was the 'weaker' Man,

who walked a lonely road.

Wearing thorns, they mocked Him and,

collapsed He, under load.

Huge nails set His hands and feet,

while teeth were tightly grit -

but never had He wavered.

He never once had quit.

Screams may echo over hills,

against the stormy skies -

but stronger is the faithful Man -

despite His painful cries.

Many brag and pound their chest -

their muscles, we can see -

but where you hear the loudest cry,

the strongest Man will be.

©2011 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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This Harp 11-18-09

The dust completely covered
the memories of old,
as I sat in my attic,
as melodies turned cold -
though still completely faithful
for all these many years,
I had no lone ability
to perk up hungry ears.

Until the seed was planted,
forgiven all, times seven -
until I grew through practice -
a harvest seen in Heaven -
until revived with water -
until restored with oil -
this harp was all but worthless,
lacked spirit through my toil.

BUT THEN set to a purpose
and held in humble love,
full notes created music
which floated high above.
This harp exposed a message,
and melodies took wing -
but only when His fingers
strummed each and every string.

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

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Psalm 147 (KJV) 6 The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.
7 Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:
8 Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.

The Sands Of Time 11-9-09

Time is ever constant
on table's level line -
the hourglass sets steady.
It's all in God's design.

Will pride still hold me hostage,
tied tightly to my chair
and sitting at my table -
while sands are sifting there?

When I see that hourglass
and wear, if I, a mask -
questions must be answered,
if questions I can ask.

Will guilt and sorrow overcome
when sinful shadows cast -
if humble, I, right where I am,
repent of failures past?

Will perseverance ponder
tempations endless goal -
if faithful, I stand steadfast
in whom I can extol?

Final sand still empties out
and grains, will fewer be.
The hourglass sifts steady.
The sands of time test me.

When the hourglass stands empty,
and life's race I have run -
will God look back upon my life
and say the words, "Well done"?

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

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Matthew 25:29,30 (NASB)
29 "For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.
30 "Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

Insignificant? 11-7-09

Are we so blind in our own little world -
can't see our own ship's demise -
and feel deep down an emptiness
with insignificant eyes?
Yet do we love life's dangers,
and into the tempests lean -
with all our focused attention on
this world's corrupted scene?

Are we so deaf in our own little world,
when waters send warning tears -
that we can't discern the crashing waves
with insignificant ears?
And do we love life's dangers
which envies of sins enjoy -
with all of our selfish actions,
with insignificant noise?

Are we so wrapped in our own little world,
balled up as some yarn and strings -
yet hanging from a single thread,
with insignificant things?
Oh, the storms that God allows
as we tighten ourselves in our chains -
we cannot break free from the greed and lust
with insignificant brains.

When temptations storms keep tossing
our ships on the mighty sea,
are we so lost in our own little world -
we can only think about "me"?
When waters keep breaking and crashing
our ships on the angry waves -
will cries be heard in Heaven to
this Jesus who truely saves?

Would God send His Son with His infinite love,
with such insignificant goals -
then have Him die on an old rugged cross
for insignificant souls?
Certainly not! We're meaningful -
we faithful sons and daughters.
Grace is sufficient against all storms.
Let Jesus calm Life's waters.

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

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Galatians 3:26 (NASB) For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

Faithful Footsteps 5-20-09

Okay, here's a 'twist'.
The word that rhymes is not in this poem.
I've inserted another word.
(just for fun)

Can you guess all the rhyming words?

(no peeking, they're at the bottom)

---

An old man lived on the outskirts of town,
wore an old suit that was tattered and
gray.

His hair, snowy white, was always unkempt.
Because kids made fun, he was full of con-
sideration.

When he was in school, he too made mistakes.
He once, on her desk, put poisonous -
mushrooms.

Now he didn't know that the mushrooms were bad.
and when she arrived, she got really -
pleased,

because she liked mushrooms on all types of things,
pizza and pasta - and on chicken
soup.

But then she noticed - removed them from sight.
She knew about mushrooms and knew these weren't -
edible.

She asked who had done it. This very young child,
didn't admit it - but sat there and -
felt guilty.

Despite good intentions he misunderstood.
He couldn't admit it, now tell me, who
is he?

His conscience held hostage, he couldn't ignore,
Was this still a child that mom could -
forgive?

Though all his emotions were torn far apart,
he learned a good lesson and made a new -
Friend.

He started to give and help out the others,
helping with strangers, sisters and -
with their needs.

Just when we think that we've figured life out,
We let out our holler and let out our -
chest.

I learned that humbleness Satan will thwart,
and with good intentions, we still will fall -
far,

far from Gods promise, far from above.
Once sacrifice fixed it but now it's His -
grace.

He later admitted to teacher, Miss Laurie,
"I thought they were good ones, I am very -
wrong."

Well, she understood and the story ends here.
He learned a good lesson and had a good -
education.

Wisdom was gained far back in his childhood,
He wasn't perfect but he knew he was -
bad.

Will Heaven we see, if we're very proud?
Will our pride cripple? Will we be -
dead?

Jesus gives life! Don't let Satan deceive,
for we are forgiven if we'll only -
have faith.

For even the demons - they're shuddering still.
Do they believe, and do His good -
commands?

Yes, Jesus proves faithful, time after time,
so follow His footsteps and you'll always -
rhyme!

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

-------

Just in case you're unsure of some of the 'rhyming' words... here they are:

Brown

Contempt

Snakes

Mad

Wings

Right

Smiled

Would

Adore

Start

Brothers

Shout

Short

Love

Sorry

Year

Good

Allowed

Believe

Will

And of course the last word "rhyme" is correct

Final Walk 4-13-09

Now forty lashes - minus one
The torture, anguish has begun.
Thirty-nine lashes, horrid pain,
I can't endure - but won't complain.

A crown of thorn cuts in so deep,
Energy gone, I've got to sleep.
But on my back, a timber placed -
it weighs a ton, blood/sweat I taste.

I feel the cross beside my face
I cannot walk a faster pace.
Skin rips open - each time I slip,
so tighter, I must keep my grip.

Each step I take is harder still
when trudging up this cruel hill.
The slivers pierce me as I trod,
both big and small - oh, help me God.

Please give me strength - for Heaven sakes
for every muscle in me aches.
With that huge cross along my back,
my knees buckle.  My legs go slack.

Exhausted, I can hardly crawl
and then I drop it as I fall.
My shoulder hurts, the pain intense.
They all stare in awed suspense.

I can't hold it any more
yet I know next, what is in store.
My lungs hurt so, I've lost my breath -
but give me strength before my death.

Finally, at the top I rest -
but now this cross, my final test.
I love you all - am faithful still,
right here on top of Calvary's hill.

All the pain endured thus far

cannot erase the sins that are.

Sacrifice, death - wages of sin -

demands the pain on the cross begin.

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

--------

Wheel Barrel Christian 11-20-08

I pulled you hard from deep within,
from a trash heap dead in sin.
From your true and certain peril -
I lifted you - a wheel barrel.

You long outlasted rusty peers
and persevered for many years.
Diligent, you worked all day -
never asked an ounce of pay.

Your tire worn - you didn't care.
At times you'd need a little air.
Your wooden sides were warped and bowed
but never once, refused a load.

Working streets or fields of clover
you, at times, would tip right over.
Though humbled there, one might expect,
you hadn't any disrespect.

So willing you, without excuse -
would faithful take all sins abuse.
Whether weeds or rocks contained,
you never, ever once complained.

And burdened down with dirt or stone,
you never once had worked alone -
for I was there - I pushed a bit,
because I knew you'd never quit.

I gave you every push and shove -
but did it all in Godly love.
Yes, you surpassed the near and far,
and you, my faithful servant are.

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

2 Peter 1:4-8 (NASB)
4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.

5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge,

6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,

7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.

8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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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/

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A Little Lesson 11-18-07

Do we attempt to “create” our own God? because we think we know what He should be doing or what is best for us or our “religion”? With all the mistakes I make, I’m glad God doesn’t always answer my prayers the way I think they should be answered….

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I learned a little lesson. Let me share it with you now.
I should have told you years ago but didn't know quite how.

God is like the sunshine that blesses us for years,
Jesus, like the ocean breeze that dries our several tears.

God is faithful to us all. He doesn't fail or stray
He is like the morning sun that rises every day.

Jesus knows our troubles. He knows our every hope.
He knows which crosses we can bear. He knows that we can cope.

While death is like the darkness with troubles everywhere.
Life is like the sunshine - its brightness we all share.

This little lesson I had learned before my final day -
that I am not the 'Potter' - and God is not the clay.

©2007 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

Isaiah 29: 15-16 (NASB)
15Woe to those who deeply hide their plans from the LORD, And whose deeds are done in a dark place, And they say, "Who sees us?" or "Who knows us?"
16You turn things around! Shall the potter be considered as equal with the clay,
That what is made would say to its maker, "He did not make me"; Or what is formed say to him who formed it, "He has no understanding"

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Life's Crossroads 2-9-05

Have you wandered, through the woods, with underbrush so thick,
and seemed to know which way to go, but then got lost so quick?
There are trails you can find - in life, both here and there -
and where they lead, we often go, completely unaware.

Your life's journey lies ahead - you should not look confused.
There is a way that you should walk but one that you will choose.
Years ago I walked a path, along with mom and dad,
It sometimes made me happy - and sometimes made me sad.

One day I saw a trail. The way seemed to entice.
With trees and flowers so pretty, it seemed so very nice.
Rays of sunlight shone on down and lit up spots of ground.
Red and yellow wild flowers shone bright there all around.

My life was very special then. My travels had begun....
I watched some others on the path - as they were having fun.
I didn't wander far - from the path I knew was true,
but I followed them a little while, as soothing breezes blew.

The way was free and easy. I loved that path I took.
The fun and beauty took me in - so back I didn't look.
I walked on down my chosen way. Some hiked along the ledge,
but when the trail got rougher - some slipped off the edge.

I knew better. I knew well - for I was in control.
I'd fight along this rougher path. It now became my goal.
The path I broke was now all mine - and I was my own guide.
That little corner of my world, I owned with all my pride.

The way became much tougher. Branches blocked my way.
Thorns and nettles poked my face. The sky had turned to gray.
Problems covered me like leaves - that carpeted the ground.
Sin's tight grip had hold of me. Through habits I was bound.

So wildly I pushed and shoved - with all my strength inside,
-shoving anyone in my path. I very often lied.
Suddenly my feet gave way. Sharp rocks - they slit my hand.
I tumbled down a rocky slope, and hit the sinking sand.

I don't know - it happened quick. My feet – they sunk right in -
I tried with all my might to not be swallowed up by sin.
Start again? Who can do that? I can't go back in time -
nor could I pull myself back up - I had no strength to climb.

I chose the path that I had trod, I played the Devil's game.
I did not know which way to turn - I'd no one else to blame.
Sin pulled me down. I wanted out. I wished I could go back,
but sank below the surface then, and everything went black.

That's the way the story ends for many that we see,
but thanks to God's most precious gift, it happened not to me.
For long ago, God cleared a trail - a very narrow path,
so I would not be burdened or - receive His righteous wrath.

For all have sinned -we all fall short. Our way is certain death,
but Jesus chose the path of love right to His dying breath.
Faithful walk the straight and narrow. Just listen to His voice.
We all stand at the crossroads now. Our path is still our choice.

©2005 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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