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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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?
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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

Comfortable? 6-7-11

Was He in comforts of His home

or in a quiet place -

did He have friends supporting Him

or sleeping in disgrace?

Did a multitude, He have,

and did a riot start -

or did He stand in court alone

with still and quiet heart?

Did He turn His AC on

while in His leather seat -

or was the load too heavy for

His sore and dusty feet?

Did He have mega speakers that

impressed all of His peers -

or did He hear the insults that

had pierced His humble ears?

Did He have His favorite cocktails

or open soda cans -

or was He holding something else

in torn and painful hands?

New shoes are quite impressive for

the upper-class elite -

or were new shoes not needed with

a nail through His feet?

Did He have roses - vibrant red,

and crimson sky that warns -

or was the red that streaked His face,

from unforgiving thorns?

Did He receive great pleasures in

all that He could consume -

or was He the great sacrifice

who laid inside a tomb?

The world cannot be bothered with,

these things that sound so grim -

but when we love our comforts so,

we can't give all to Him.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http:/www.ganderpoems.org/

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I SURRENDER ALL

All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

I surrender all,
I surrender all.
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!

Words by Judson W. Van DeVenter, 1896:

":The song was written while I was conducting a meeting at East

Palestine, Ohio, in the home of George Sebring (founder of the

Sebring Campmeeting Bible Conference in Sebring, Ohio, and later

developer of the town of Sebring, Florida). For some time, I had

struggled between developing my talents in the field of art and going

into full-time evangelistic work. At last the pivotal hour of my life

came, and I surrendered all. A new day was ushered into my life. I

became an evangelist and discovered down deep in my soul a talent

hitherto unknown to me. God had hidden a song in my heart, and

touching a tender chord, He caused me to sing."

Valentine's Day 2-7-10

"Love our dear Valentine" we always say,
whenever we think of Valentine's Day.

Big hugs and kisses and also some fun -
is love's expression for our 'special one'.
Flowers, dinner, and maybe some wine -
as we treat our 'sweethearts' especially fine.

But oh, long ago on one fateful day -
when we threw our greatest of loves away -

Hatred surpassed all the love we had won -
as hugs were not there when the nailing begun.
Thorns replaced flowers, and then sour wine -
and that's how we treated our Lord divine.

"Love our dear Valentine" we always say,
but how do we love the Savior today?

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

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The Christmas Tree Story 12-20-09

If Jesus told a story
about a Christmas tree,
would Christmas lights be mentioned
in ways that we could see?

Would He describe the garland
or other fancy things -
like mistletoe and sparkles
and pretty angel wings?

Would He mention ornaments
in colorful designs?
Would He explain the colors -
and present wrapping shine?

Or would He paint a picture
of something more oblique -
of something more descriptive -
of something more unique?

Would His tree not have needles -
but rather be quite grim?
Would His tree not have branches -
except a couple limbs?

Would ornaments be mentioned
or dropped from His details?
Would He, Himself replace them -
along with cruel nails?

Would thorns replace the angel -
that's perched way up on top?
Would love surround that very tree
in blood from every drop?

Would He describe the lighting
that turned so very dark?
And would the mountains echo
His final last remark?

His tree was seen by many folk,
remembered their own way -
but it was very different.
It's priceless still today.

If Jesus told the story
about His Christmas tree -
would it have any impact
on folks today, like me?

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

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Looking Up 11-25-09

Is forgiveness easy? Is love enough?
Why is living today so tough?
Some days are better , some certainly not -
when crying through pain a lot.

I go on living - remembering 'bad' -
with so many memories sad.
Oh, why is forgetting so awfully hard -
in blocking memories scarred?

If I could go back a number of days -
maybe had turned some other ways....
but nothing can change, as facts seize me tight -
these truths I can never fight.

Do I still cry out reserving my cup -
or drop it and tilt my head up -
to thorns on the head and nails in the hands -
of Jesus who still understands?

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

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Matthew 26:39 (KJV) And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

EASTER Query 3-23-08

Pride is where all evil lurks.
Where is grace and where are works?
Where is Caesar and his men?
Where does history start again?

Where's the silver - thirty pieces?
Where is faith when it all ceases?
Where's Barabbas? Where's the Christ?
Where's the root of evils' price?

Where's the elders and chief priests?
Where's the first and where's the least?
Where's the charge and what's His stance?
Where's the truth and what's its chance?

Where is Pilot? Where's the fault?
Where's the anger and assault?
Where's the sin and where's the quiet?
Where's the screaming and the riot?

Where are those with lying lips?
Where's their words and where's the whips?
Where were Peter, James and John?
What was said (when came upon)?

Where's the mob and where's the scourging?
What had brought the crowds emerging?
Where's the robe of fancy scarlet?
Where's the reed and every threat?

Where's the thorn upon His head?
Where's the king who reigned instead?
Where's the cross and all sins weight?
Where was Simon? Where's the wait?

Where's Golgotha? Where's the thrill?
Where's the blood which had to spill?
Where's the insults and abuse?
Where's the final, last excuse?

Where's the path where He was led?
Where's the charge above His head?
Where's the robbers - left and right?
Where's the rope that bound them tight?

Where are those who took commands?
Where's the nails that pierced His hands?
Where's the nail that set His feet?
Where were Angels, His retreat?

Where are those that took the lead?
Where are those who made Him bleed?
Where are those who blasphemed, mocked?
Where are those in awe and shock?

Where did Jesus take the cup?
Where were His prayers offered up?
Where's the last breath when He died?
Where's the sword that pierced His side?

Where's our sins that He could take?
Where's the thunder and the quake?
Where's the veil that tore in two?
Where's the many - and the few?

Where's the place where Jesus died?
Where's the place of all who lied?
Where's the stone and where's the tomb?
Where's the linen and perfume?

Where's the stone that rolled away?
Where's our thoughts of Him today?
Where's the seal upon the stone?
Where's the truth of the unknown?

Where's their teaching? Where's its flaw?
Where is grace and where is law?
Where's the cross where He was nailed?
Where's the past? Who has prevailed?

Where's the evening and the dawn,
and where's our risen Savior gone?
Where is death and where's its sting?
Where's the past and everything?

Where's the Easter of that day?
What's the Easter we portray?
Where's the hope in Easter eggs?
Where's my strength within my legs?

Except for He who reappeared,
where's the things that disappeared?
Where's the things of rot and rust?
Where's the people - turned to dust?

Where's the aged? Where's the youth?
Where's our thoughts of every truth?
Where's His grace and its reply?
Where's my faith and where am I?

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Lost Sheep 7-18-06

Like a lost sheep, and all alone - sins danger followed me;
And crept along in shadows dark, although I didn't see.

I made my way along life’s path not knowing where I'd go;
But, oh, the farther I traversed - the danger sure did grow.

One day unexpectedly, when I was down and out;
I threw my hands up in the air and lost it all in doubt.

Now you will not believe this. You'll just look at me and stare;
But something lifted, raised me up while my hands were in the air....

I found myself among my friends sitting in this very fold;
So now I'm sitting in the warmth of love - not out there in the cold.

Yes, He found and lifted me and brought me to this shore;
-And now I live a life that's free where dangers are no more.

He rejoices - I was found - more than the ninety-nine...
Rejoicing lifts my heart now too, as I'm added to His vine.

We all were lost among the thorns, but we, through Him, were found.
The Shepherd has us in His fold - now going homeward bound.

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

Luke 15: (NASB)
4 "What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?
5"When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6"And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'
7"I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

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