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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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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With Jesus Back 1-5-13

The clouds had wept, yet sun had kept
enough light on my mind -
that I could see weak memories -
that I could never find.

I, at a loss, to see this cross
and of its fuller meaning -
had pondered some and when was done
had saw it all as 'feeling'.

But truth be told, it is of old,
the crafty serpent lied.
So overflowed, that grace of gold,
the day that Jesus died.

Was God's design that sunlight shine
on my eternal soul?
Did I assess my faithfulness?
For He is in control!

A ray of hope, a saving rope
with hallowed grace divine -
relieved my stress through Holiness
for true forgiveness, mine.

When faith survived, death was deprived
on earth, as up above.
Death isn't black. With Jesus back
I'm flooded with His love!

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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A Perfect Masterpiece 12-3-12

Peered I, up to the heavens. So stunned, I stood in awe.

His hand swept over East to West and this is what I saw...

A sight exposing every truth, that made me nearly faint.

A sight, that in a million years, no man could ever paint.

A special, brand new masterpiece that God creates each day.

A special, brand new vision that He gives along my way.

I see a vast creation that is pure outside and in

before His work is tarnished by horrendous, evil sin.

He paints His skies so differently. No two are just the same.

He paints the creatures on the earth - the wild and the tame.

The sunsets over mountain peaks are not identical -

and snowflakes falling from the sky - not precisely equal.

The clouds float freely with the breeze while rolling on thin air.

Though no two skies are just alike, they share the canvas there.

And no two meadows look the same as I walk down His path.

I see no trees identical when grown through nature's wrath.

Not equal are the mountain streams or creatures of the wild.

And so unique the sunsets are - as faces of a child.

So patiently, a flower bud waits ready to unfurl.

A swirl of brilliant petals bloom.  I see a little girl.

Her whole life laid in front of her that she became forthwith -

another link within the chain this world had yanked her with.

Priorities had dragged her from her work to shopping mall.

And every day, a masterpiece - yet she had missed them all.

Now richly dressed as all the rest who never seemed to care,

she peered inside a cancer ward and saw young children there.

She saw the face of one small boy with cute and chubby cheeks -

and though the tears had dried away she saw the many streaks.

They washed away the happiness in life so short, but giving -

as sin has made the sky to fall on innocent still living.

God waves His hand across the sky, but have I failed to see -

out way beyond my own routine, beyond my vanity?

God paints a perfect masterpiece on each and every child.

I finally saw His masterpiece when that young child smiled.

Peered I, up to the heavens. Through tears, I prayed in awe.

His hand swept over East to West and that is what I saw...

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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E and M 5-28-12

Here,

take the letters 'E' and 'M'

and you will plainly see -

that if you switch the letters 'round,

you'll get a word called 'ME'.

Meaningless, the 'E' and 'M'

unless they're switched around.

They have a different meaning and

of course, a different sound.

Now though the word 'ME' supersedes

the letters you can see.

the meaning of this simple word

is greater far than 'ME'.

For 'ME' is such a simple word

and if I have no breath -

there won't be any living 'cause

without life there is death.

So, 'life' is even greater than

a pile of all our words -

for living in His image is

as farthing for two birds.

Two birds that are not purchased

will fall to desert sod,

but grace is breath for you and 'ME'

and it is all of God.

So,

if 'ME' is more than letters,
and 'life' is more than 'ME',
and God is more than life itself,
then it's all plain to see.
If meaningful, this profound truth
then what are we to do?
What does life eternal mean
and who is God to you?

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 10:29 (KJV)

"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing?

and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father."

A Younger Poet 5-1-12

I dab some ink on end of quill,

and draft a poem right until,

my paper stack is all used up

and empty is my coffee cup.

My hand that shakes all on its own,

is held in place by fragile bone

so every verb and every noun

is marred when they are written down.

It seems to me to be so cruel,

for such a weak and senile fool,

with varicose and bulging veins

with all my many aches and pains,

to write more words until they're right

this poetry - despite my sight,

that grows so weak so often now.

I wonder if I still know how...

Yet may my writing not disguise

that God is good and God is wise -

for God has blessed and has in store

His endless grace and all the more.

We often think we know it all

and brag before our humble fall -

yet may we learn this simple truth:

that ink can change a prideful youth.

So I will write 'til truth is taught

and everlasting grace is sought.

Before I die, for what it's worth,

I'll pray for one more poets birth -

to carry on, to take my place,

to teach more youth of every race.

So dab I ink, on end of quill,

until a younger poet will...

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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My Pencil War 7-4-11

It will erase the phrase it writes,

that's written on a page -

at other times it writes more words...

it's difficult to gauge.

There is a war that's going on,

that's not on land or sea.

A thousand times my pencil flips,

the two just can't agree.

The selfish lead, the soft eraser -

the two can't get along.

They both appear so far apart.

Each thinks the other wrong.

Their battles seem to linger on -

Confusion wills to grow.

This poem is of truth and love.

Conclusions, can we know?

Am I just like my pencil,

that I take off the shelf -

fumbling between my fingers,

at war within myself?

Am I just like my pencil,

in incoherent bind?

Does warring begin or finish,

within my mixed-up mind?

Seek I, the left, or to my right -

or back, or simply stop?

My mind runs in full circles as

the pencil fights nonstop.

The truth still lives - the answer, one,

to settle this whole score -

until then I, a traitor am,

inside my pencil war.

The truthful words, I'll never find,

or my complete reward -

unless I search the Holy Word

and listen to my Lord.

I compromise my writing,

and it is always blurred -

if I can't lay my pencil down

to comprehend God's Word.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http:/www.ganderpoems.org/

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Plugged In? 5-24-11

Are we a mere computer,
or have we skin and souls?
Have we hearts that often break -
with sometime mixed-up goals?

This world has seen some changes,
and many, not so good.
We often think of only 'self'
instead of what we should.

Maybe fault is not our own -
as when we are abused.
Eden's Garden, this is not -
when innocent are 'used'.

Can people be deleted?
Do friends no longer stay?
Are people simply 'products' that
some use - then throw away?

We plug in our computers
and we are 'plugged in' too -
but sometimes we will sit alone -
when real friends are few.

Computers do not have a heart,
and neither have they pain -
but people hurt from inside-out
and often times complain.

Brand new software will not work
when 'human' minds compute.
When control-alt-delete won't work,
we simply don't reboot.

When computers go awry -
we wipe the hard-drive clean -
but people cannot soon forget,
and must on shoulders lean.

Water kills computers,
and they don't cry in tears -
but people have the right to weep
to God who always hears.

FOR GOD knows every truth there is,
and pain He will erase -
if we will only seek His truth
and troubles squarely face.

We either love this life we have
on pathways we have trod -
or we can get unplugged from earth,
and get 'plugged in' to God!

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http:/www.ganderpoems.org/

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Lonely Acorn 9-10-10

Lonely is the acorn
from way atop the oak -
tumbling fast through branches,
down past all other folk.

Lonely, not the squirrel
emerging from its hut -
and storing safe for winter,
that lowly, little nut.

Lonely is the acorn,
buried in the ground -
who once survived in sadness,
where truth was seldom found.

Lonely, not the the hunter
who stands behind his gun,
who aims at his next target,
who shoots it on the run.

Lonely is the tap root
that grows down in so deep,
drawing up the moisture,
so life itself, can keep.

The hunters haunt the hunted
with minds so twisted, twirled -
and satisfied will never be,
in this defining world.

Not useful as a mortal nut,
no longer living free -
so bury it, if that's the wish,
but some day it will be...

...a mighty tree in stature,
where truth still grows it more,
and though it very lonely,
has acorns by the score.

A tree that feeds the hunted
and hunters faithfully -
but tree still very lonely,
if that's how life must be.

Lonely are the fragile,
and lonely are the weak -
so lonely are the trampled,
and lonely too, the meek.

Popular the answers taste,
for queries others feed -
and hunger pangs will linger on,
until all truth is freed.

But springs of living water,
is where God's truth is found -
so count it as a blessing,
when buried in the ground.

Numerous and popular
are lies that pass the tooth -
but lonely still, the acorn,
and lonely too, the truth.

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

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Deuteronomy 6:14 (NASB)
"You shall not follow other gods,

any of the gods of the peoples who surround you..."

John 4:10 (KJV)
Jesus answered and said unto her,

If thou knewest the gift of God,

and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink;

thou wouldest have asked of him,

and he would have given thee living water.

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.

Silhouette (against the sky) 12-2-09

Four-thirty in the morning came.
The night was cool, the winds were tame.
As with birds, time quickly flies -
in silhouette against the skies.

Deceptions twist and bend the truth -
for men and women, aged and youth.
Seek these hints with open eyes -
in silhouette against the skies.

Sin's deception ruled the earth -
for our forgiveness, His rebirth.
Hear the echo of His cries -
in silhouette against the skies?

God's truth and I, we walk abreast -
deceptive lies we so detest.
So He reveals as He supplies -
in silhouette against the skies.

Now Jesus came to shed the light -
it was okay, forgiveness right.
See His cross still standing high -
in silhouette against the sky?

Now listen... as His voice breaks free,
Can you not hear, can you not see -
glimmering hope - that is why,
in silhouette against the sky?

If masks were shed and truth be told,
each one of us is getting old.
Morning breaks, the end draws nigh -
in silhouette against the sky.

Yes, God is love and grace is free!
My little fragile faith tests me...
So in shadow, will walk I -
in silhouette against the sky?

Promises great, followers few -
do you know Him as He knows you?
Seek Him first and you will spy -
in silhouette against the sky.

Four-thirty in the morning passed,
the weather cool. Now winds blow fast.
As with birds, time quickly flies -
His glimpse of truth against the skies.

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

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Matthew 6:33 (KJV) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Perfection's Promise 11-8-09

There is no perfect paper,
there is no perfect pen.
There is no perfect poem
that can be told by men.

There are no perfect phrases,
that offer perfect rhyme.
There are no perfect voices
to comfort us this time.

We chart our many poems
and give them all a grade -
or pass them off as faulty -
ignore, lest truth invade.

Poems by the millions
can offer but a clue -
to how our Savior really felt
when He was torn in two.

Though not a bone was broken,
though not a word was said -
Jesus broke that perfect mold
and showed us love instead.

If we can't see perfection,
from love that God bestowed -
from love that Jesus gave us,
from love that Jesus showed -

If you can't see perfection
in poetry and all -
then you will never understand
and God will never call.

So take this very poem
and rip it all to shreds -
if you can't see the promise
in what our Jesus said.

However, if your heart is soft,
if humble you can be -
if you can rip yourself from pride -
then Heaven you will see.

There is no perfect poem.
Perfection never starts -
unless we see God's promises
down deep within our hearts.

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

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John 3:16 (KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Of Tree And Book 9-11-09

Creation: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word -
was with God and the Word was God. Unbridled truth occured.

Then from dust of the earth, He formed this simple, feeble man
and from this vast creation, two worlds of our God began.

Then man sinned. Yet with the Tree of Life and man's Garden gone
God still prepares a special place, and soon a perfect dawn.

He, through His sure time, from Genesis to Revelation,
allows He the pit of death and all misinterpretation.

And through this time - from the Tree of Life to the Book of life,
truths are still held in His Word - just as sin held Adam's strife.

When truths are exposed, sin is found and fully uncovered.
Truth hurts, as pain pierces with facts which are finally discovered.

Truth sought me out also - but then I didn't want to hear.
I roamed in circles daily and was lost from year to year.

But though my ears were opened, I still lived sins horrid pain -
with hands on my ears, I screamed and cried in futile vain.

Thirty nine lashes there would be. So very loud I'd shout.
"Oh ye of little faith" God said as His grace sought me out.

My sin burned as smoke in my eyes - but when I knelt in awe,
with mind and soul united, understanding I then saw.

His Word close, I hold to heart, as I read it every day -
and from its truths and words of wisdom, I will never sway.

From chapter to book, phrase to word, I'll never be accursed,
for God's truth doesn't bend a bit, nor dance from verse to verse.

I, a measure of faith God gave, as He is just and fair.
I pulled my hands off both my ears, then closed in humble prayer.

Will paper from the Tree of Life, and cross Christ hung upon -
with blood that inked the Book of Life, contain my name thereon?

The Tree of Life had perfect root - t'was pleasing to the eye,
the Book of Life contains the truth - produced what fruit, have I?

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

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Genesis 2:9 (KJ) And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Revelation 3:5 (KJ) He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Stephen 8-15-09

Can hate and anger comprehend,
that love and peace protects, defends?
How can earthly warring cease
with hate and anger, love and peace?

Stephen, honest from his youth,
spoke in pure unbridled truth.
A man of love - to God attached,
A reputation, few had matched.

This man, so trusted many years
had brought to surface others' fears.
When evil rulers questioned acts,
dear Stephen merely stated facts.

They were enraged, became disgusted
with the man who others trusted -
though of faith and Spirit-filled,
Stephen was the man they killed.

Rulers, sin had so distracted
by their thoughts that they'd enacted,
stepped forth from an evil clan -
and stoned to death this Godly man.

From evil men - among their hurds -
sometimes stones are spiteful words.
Hate is used, still used today -
when words are used to kill who may.

Who may walk in step with God,
where evil men will never trod?
For evil men will never hear
the promises that cause them fear.

How can earthly warring cease
with hate and anger, love and peace?
Can't hate and anger comprehend,
our love and peace protects, defends?

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

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Will We Learn? 6-28-09

As wars break out, hurt innocent,
through torture, hate and lie.
To see these deaths, it saddens me -
and words are hard to come by....

When schools teach our children
that God we can deny -
with morals low, it saddens me -
and words are hard to come by....

When churches want to compromise,
compassioned speech supply -
When truth is dead, it saddens me -
and words are hard to come by....

When parents through their anger
will see their children cry.
This child abuse so saddens me -
and words are hard to come by....

When judges, with our documents,
our wants, through law imply -
abortion deaths, they sadden me -
and words are hard to come by....

Oh, sin on earth grows daily -
hate escalates so high.
When sinful actions sadden me -
the words are hard to come by....

Point your finger, pass the buck.
Actions speak - so hear them cry.
Their louder voices sadden me,
and words are hard to come by....

So if you must - accuse me quick -
if truth refuse to buy.
Oh, will we learn on judgment day -
that words are hard to come by...?

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

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Hanging On 6-8-09

You looked to Me - why stay lukewarm?
Temptations always bring a storm.
Although My truth is flowing free,
why cast your heavy doubts on Me?

Still to that cross, I'm hanging on,
so tell me who you look upon?
Although My Spirit's flowing free,
why, so oft', can you not see?

Still nailed to mine, as suffering soared.
I did not leave - but took the sword.
You know My grace is flowing free,
so why, such little faith, have ye?

I did not leave - but did you, yours?
-despite the pain, despite the sores?
And while My wrath is flowing free,
why (holds pride) your rigid knee?

As trials come... You hanging on?
Now tell me who you call upon!
Although My love is flowing free,
why no prayers? -but now blame Me?

My work is done. Father commands.
Just take a look at both my hands.
Don't look at self - but look to me,
and all temptations lies will flee.

Sufficient is Our perfect grace -
but faith must focus on My face.
So don't forget My rugged tree -
and safe in arms you'll always be.

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

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Tears (of living water) 4-26-09

I pray across this blessed land -
and sit here now, with pen in hand.
Truth is not just for the birds,
so seek ye truth among these words...

There was a tree along my drive
appearing very much alive.
Others lived there all around -
but this one grew on shallow ground.

That tree had basked out in the sun,
and from the birds it didn't run.
Yet its roots did not reach down
and soon its leaves were turning brown.

Receiving moisture, as the rest,
but didn't drink despite its quest.
It didn't draw from nature's love -
was lacking nurture from above.

Though it rained all summer long
and though I nursed it all along -
truth revealed no life ahead,
so that tree stood completely dead.

I gave it time - another year,
but it was dead and that was clear.
Though it stood there so straight and tall -
I pulled it out. Yes, roots and all.

Holding fast to 'here and now',
do I drink milk, forget the cow?
Thinking of each choice I make,
can I still pray, "my soul to take"?

Do we so love our good Creator -
or do we, His creation more?
Many still, reject His grace
as tears of sadness, soak His face.

Now this, for me, is ample proof -
His teardrops pour upon my roof.
Through the window - what a scene!
My grassy yard is turning green.

With her doll, she always cuddles,
jumping in abundant puddles.
Playing, I can see my daughter -
we're so blessed with living water.

Now here I pause, with pen and ink,
I ponder this. It makes me think,
if I reject the truth I see -
then I, just like that tree will be.

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

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Time 2-4-09

Time is elusive.

God made it that way.

Because man's abusive,

man must pass away.

If man lived forever,

would Caesar still bring -

a power so clever

that he'd still be king?

We need to take pause -

look truth in the eye.

Sin is the cause,

and we know that's why.

God has a purpose

for both you and I.

We might make a fuss,

but we will soon die.

Time is elusive

but stands in our way.

Because sin's abusive,

man will pass away.

Truth's hard to swallow.

Life can be brutal.

But if God we follow -

life won't be futile.

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Hebrews 9:27 (KJV)

 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Tickled Ears 11-1-08

We do things in life to make our ourselves happy.

remembering also, our friends and our family.

Sometimes we say things to make someone proud.

If others can hear us we might say them loud.

Compromise happens if jobs we must keep,

even though words come in multitudes, cheap.

Here we might bend - or waver some there,

but why does it matter and why should we care?

Sometimes it goes on for years and for years,

as everyone listens with fun-tickled ears.

But truth must ignore both the wink and nod....

Should we care what man thinks - or rather God?

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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2 Timothy 4:3 (NASB)

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,"

One Precise Location 9-16-08

There’s one precise location - where lies and truths abide.

It's proven in this big old world where sin and love collide.

With fights and angry battles, with bombs and deadly wars -

yet also acts of kindness - love, forgiveness, open doors.

Now if all wars were ended - and battles could subside,

and wars’ dust finally settled - and guns were set aside;

still sin and love would be at war – battling years and years,

and sin would deceive many - as love would dry the tears.

Deep down inside all soldiers of war torn battled states,

and way down deep inside us all - are two specific gates.

The 'will' that we were given and the trails we would choose,

are sin that shuns, or love that puts - us in our Godly shoes.

Was Jesus much too busy - to heal a withered hand,

to heal the blind or heal the lame - so we might understand?

Jesus loved His enemies – even while on the cross,

and how we love each other is - deep below our gloss.

God still loves the least of these. I cannot answer why,

but when I stumbled on that truth, it made this old man cry.

From one precise location, our Lord was ripped apart.

That very place for our own cross, is deep within our heart....

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 5:44-45 (NASB)

"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”