Reminiscing 1-12-13

Something way down deep inside

my lost and lonely soul -

had eaten me until I died

of all my self-control.

Someone special lent a hand

that I did not deserve -

and touched an inner fragile strand -

a close and tender nerve.

I knew not what to make of it -

that kind, unselfish act.

My knees got weak and I admit -

was thankful.  That's a fact.

And then I sensed a flicker as

a flame on candle waves -

and saw their bumper sticker

that read, "Smile!  Jesus Saves!"

Then something in my reddened eyes

had made it hard to see -

choked up, I was, and all my cries

came pouring out of me.

So stunned in awe, I stopped to think

of all I'm guilty of.

I know my sin - once set in ink -

was wiped away with love.

Now, reminiscing has a way

to judge my many years -
so hymns in church on Sunday's now -
still well my eyes with tears.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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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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My Fuel 5-25-11

Whoa! I take a second look!

I turned my head and eyed -

the sleekness of the sporty lines.

Now that's a fancy ride!

Shiny chrome and glossy wheels,

style, impressive too.

So numerous, the gadgets -

great quality clear through.

The leather seats, the clock and cruise,

the 'cockpit' steals my soul,

the gauges, so exquisite -

I lose all self-control.

The engine starts. It comes to life -

and roars to the extreme.

It sucks the gas from finite tank

in non-stop, steady stream.

My focus and attention,

are drawn by things of men -

which lose me in a cloud of fog,

which seek another sin.

In many ways, we 'sin' in style -

by boat or plane or car.

Though man can reach to moon and Mars,

can only get so far...

There's limits to the spending,

there's limits to the days,

there's limits to the envies of,

man's many sinful ways...

Yet grace, the engine of man's soul -

is ready, always willing.

And God wills that we come to Him -

but gas tank still needs filling.

Just one alone, the fuel is,

if focused we will be.

Though greater is the mustard seed -

faith fuels men, like me.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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100% 12-7-06

I hear you say, "I need that car-
look, shiny paint and chrome!"
But listen up you foolish one,
it's breaking up your home.

Your spouse is mad, your children cry,
your bills are piled high.
It's envy, greed- not self-control.
It's just a sinful lie.

Trust in anything will wither,
no matter how it shines.
Time rots and rusts our newest wants,
can you not see the signs?

So turn your head, and turn your mind,
away from all that flaunts-
and set your eyes on God above.
Ignore all other wants.

Now should you hold back hope in Him,
a quarter or an eighth?
No, put ALL trust in God above,
oh, ye of little faith!

The armor from our God above,
shall never rust or dent-
by faith in God who meets our needs,
one hundred full percent.

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

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