One Wee Mustard Seed 9-22-22

                                      

Did God not create all the stars in the sky -

and put them in motion, Did they not comply?

Did God not create all the things of this earth,

from evenings to mornings, to growing from birth?

Are we so perplexed when we see Jesus still

the winds and the rains and the seas - all at will?

So why do we question what God can accomplish?

Oh, where is our seed of wee faith in His wish?

Disciples and others, now off from the shore,

could not seem to handle the tempest's loud roar.

Would stiff winds and violent waves now condemn

as faith dissipated and fear overtook them?

We've faith in our keys that our cars will all start,

and faith in our chairs that they won't fall apart.

Yet we can't trust God to grant one little need?

Lord, grant me the faith of one wee mustard seed.

©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Lost Wealth & Health 9-19-22

Banks took my wealth,

Satan, my health,

but I am not depressed.

I shall not whine,

for nothing's mine -

yet I have been so blessed.

Just fathom Job.

Put on his robe.

Consider all he had.
There's no debate

that God is great

yet God had more to add.

For through God's touch,
t'was twice as much

that Job had than before.

If patient be,

His gifts you'll see
and God will bless you more.

But it's not wealth
nor my ill health
that matters to me now.
For Heaven's gate,

is where I wait.
Not here with dirt and plow.

©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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My Prayer 9-10-22

Dear Lord,

Keep me honest. Keep me pure.

Keep me humble and secure.

Should my wisdom, you increase,

give me strength and lasting peace.

My whole life I've lived in vain,

Through the cross, I gave You pain.

Please forgive my evil ways.

I will serve You all my days.

Draw attention? None to me,

but to You so others see.

Draw me to the spiritual,

so I can leave the physical.

Though I falter here and weep,

forgive me Lord. Grant me sleep.

Raise me up from here below

so I'm with You. Please make it so.

Amen.

©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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A Stubborn Lot 8-1-22

Can a penny buy a morsel of some dried unleavened bread?

Can a nickel have some meaning to apologies unsaid?

Can a dime hide a confession that we want to keep inside?

Can a quarter take the place of the regrets when we have lied?

Can a dollar buy a drop of love from someone we have pained?

Can a ten buy us full freedom, though it's we ourselves we've chained?

Can a hundred cover up our sins so we can't be enslaved?

Can a Million pay for all our sins so that we can then be saved?

Can a Billion buy a sliver from the cross where Jesus died?

Can a Trillion buy a seat in Heav'n so we can't be denied?

ALL the money in the world can't buy one SPECK of space

in Heaven where the God of Love bestows sufficient grace.

It's loving dedication and full faithfulness we owe.

Our money is so worthless - yet we idolize it so.

We are a spoiled people in our air conditioned cars.

We're over-entertained by our most fav'rite superstars.

We are a prideful people and we're such a stubborn lot -

but owe to Jesus EVERYTHING and EVERYTHING we've got.

©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Outside the Gates 7-28-22

(Based on Luke 7:11-17)

So sick and dead - not in a trance,

nor by bad luck, nor by perchance.

With dying souls, our God awaits

before our graves outside the gates.

With rugged, jagged timbers crossed,

God's providence came with a cost -

where innocence had met pure guilt

through grace and love when blood was spilt.

And then, BEHOLD, I saw His skies,

for Christ had opened up my eyes

outside the gates with spirit dead,

where I met Christ and life instead.

With multitudes of people here -

the cries of mourning turned from tear -

for they had witnessed such a love

that they would long be speaking of...

©2022 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Luke 7:11-17 (KJV)

11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.

12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

Your Spirit Lives 7-1-22

So you have problems you can't fix and no one seems to listen.

You can't fight back.  Things will not change and you're in bad position.

So where is God to fix these things that put you on your knees?

Just where is this amazing God who calmed the stormy seas?

This earth is not like Heaven, for Heaven's free of sin.

No matter how we live our lives, our problem's deep within.

Our likes, our wants, our needs and cravings put us in this fix.

No matter what our burdens are, they're like ton of bricks.

My body's having problems but I live within the Spirit

I stamp my feet and clap my hands and let the world hear it.

The body dies.  I can't live there and that I must accept.

I live a life within God's will and that is where I'm kept.

You cannot see the Spirit realm unless your eyes are closed.

You ears can't hear His still, small voice unless they're predisposed.

Do not seek God with earthly thoughts that tear you all apart.

If honestly you speak to Him, you'll find Him in your heart.

So close your eyes and see God's light and hear His still, small voice.

Then shut your ears to earthly sounds for that is all your choice.

Our spirit lives in Heaven's realm where beauty is most stunning -

where struggles end with peace within and everybody's loving.

©2022 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Vacation 6-1-22

I'm going on vacation soon, alone or so it seems.

I won't do any packing or going to extremes.

I will not need my wallet, for everything is free.

And I won't need my brand new phone, for there's so much to see.

I will not take a big jet plane or ride a fancy bus,

yet I'll be meeting my best Friend. There's so much to discuss.

And all will meet Him one fine day - not many, but a few.

I will not keep you in suspense, for you should know Him too.

---

Now first I'll need to be in court.  It's all or nothing there.

My Friend will be there for me too.  I'll not be in despair.

His Father is the highest judge of anyone around.

And quietly, I will stand there, in awe without a sound.

My Friend is there to defend me.  My faith in Him is strong.

He sacrificed His everything.  His grace blots out all wrong.

For those, through faith, believeth Him, His grace pours from above.

The Judge will tap His gavel soft.  His countenance shows love.

AND THEN all Heaven will rejoice, in unison will sing-

as I enjoy this paradise, vast love and ev'rything.

---

Though body soon will turn to dust as earth can clearly see,

don't shed a single tear for me.  I'm alive as I can be!

The masses run through widest gate.  The narrow allows few.

So many store up treasures here.  Is gate too small for you?

Possessions are not needed there- and yours won't leave this earth.

For God prepared a place for us alone with immense worth.

You, too, will see this paradise, at least I pray you do...

Yes, I'll be on vacation soon and I'll wait there for you.

©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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A Winning Poem 5-1-22

Sometimes my poem's a winner

but often times it's not.

And yet I spend a lot of time

to give it all I've got.

But one thing I will never do

because it's oh, so true.

I will not thank my hand because

God's hand is in it too.

No, never take the praise because

you write for God alone.

Take all your selfishness and pride

and clear your ev'ry bone.

Before you write, please thank the Lord.

Convey a sincere prayer,

that you will do your very best

and write with utmost care.

When you give God the glory first,
from the start to finish,

you'll receive His blessings so your

work will not diminish.

For we're around a world of sin

while He is up above.

So give Him full and total praise

and show Him all your love.

Use a thesaurus if you must

when you can't find the words.

Make your poem flow off tongues

with all your nouns and verbs.

Then go right back and pray again.

The poem's His, not yours.

And work it over perfectly

so poem long endures.

©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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But Should Have Been 4-2-22

They slept and slept with weary eyes

while Jesus prayed with teary eyes.
He prayed in earnest while they slept,

but answered faithful. He'd accept.

It wasn't me.

The night was looking mighty grim.

Then came, they, and arrested Him.

The charge was simple: blasphemy.

He didn't plead nor disagree.

It wasn't me.

And this is how the story goes:

They stripped Him of His humble clothes.

With bone-tipped violence He was whipped

and ev'ry time His skin was ripped.

It wasn't me.

It wasn't something He could toss.

He dropped that very heavy cross.

None could stop them, stop them now

as sweat poured off His heavy brow.

It wasn't me.

They mocked Him with a crown of thorns.

The hate, the words, the sword, the scorns.

It's hard to fathom these details,

then sore, He bore barbaric nails.

It wasn't me.

His sacrifice was perfect love

both here on earth and Heav'n above.

It could have been a total loss

but Christ, Himself, endured that cross.

It wasn't me.

God's solemn will would then prevail,

and tore from top to bottom, veil.

Yes, Christ was hung for my sins then.

It wasn't me... but should have been.

©2022 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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He Too Was In-between 3-1-22

It isn't seen

when you're between

a hard place and a rock.

May be unfair.

Who put you there?

The time goes slow, tick tock.

Though you may shout

there's no way out.
It overwhelms the mind.

Yet on your own

it can't be known,

so answer, you must find.

Did you eclipse

relationships?

Or could it be your debt?

Was it your fault

or some assault?

You wish you could forget.

But here you are -

can't travel far -

for blocking you are sins.

If you stay here

in all your fear,

please tell me now, who wins?

So to escape

you must reshape

your mind.  Don't think it odd.

Won't help to fuss,

it's up to us

to call upon our God.

The answer's still

upon the hill

at our Lord's final task.

The answer's clear,

the answer's near,

if only we would ask.

God never fails.

Christ bore the nails.

Did Jesus intervene?

Because of grace

He took our place.

He, too, was in-between.

It takes a toll

on your poor soul

if you're too proud to pray.

So fold your hands

and understand

there comes a brighter day.

©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Bright Twilight Summers 2-16-22

Betty is sad because friends will all tease her.

Jimmy is mad at his new 4th grade teacher.

Joseph is crying.  His allowance is paltry.

Ruth screams loud because her corn is too salty.

Mary's self centered, says her penniless spouse.

And David is sick of repairing his house.

John still simply envies his neighbor's new car

as Suzie complains that the store is too far.

But Katie has joy despite her bone cancer.

How she loves Jesus who holds ev'ry answer.

God hears those complaining when things don't go right,

but He loves His children content in their fight.

Whatever the challenge, whatever the test,

remember that Jesus knows hardships the best.

So many see crosses on ev'ry small thing...

and they miss the best of what life has to bring.

And don't get wrapped up in the drama of others,

Live God's warm colors of bright twilight summers.

©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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That Old Deep Well 2-1-22

That old deep well

could not repel

the thoughts that came to mind.

It had a job.

I did not sob

but sought what I might find.

I could not run

in this hot sun

and had a healthy thirst.

I can't deny

my mouth was dry

so I put myself first.

I stepped on plank,

turned hard the crank,

but it seemed to refuse.

It didn't care

that life's not fair

but I'm not one to lose.

So I had hope

in that old rope

to lift that bucket full.

With all my might

I grabbed rope tight

and then commenced to pull.

To fill tin cup,

the rope wound up.

around that rustic log.

On weathered board

I questioned Lord.

Then barked, my lazy dog.

Sometimes I think

to get a drink

that I must- on my own-

work very hard

with disregard

for what I should have known.

Now I might think

refreshing drink

should cure my ev'ry ill,

but it does not

though God forgot

those sins that hurt me still.

Did woman at

the well react

to her specific need?

To sin no more,

I think it's for

the rest of us to heed.

God does forgive

the way we live

like woman at the well:

But she had grasped

what Jesus asked,

so others she could tell.

My old tin cup
can't measure up

to God's tremendous flood.

We'll never thirst

when God is first,

for Christ had spilled His blood.

Our water chills.

God's water fills

displacing all our strife.

We must begin

to offer Him

our dedicated life.

©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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John 4:7-14

The Woman of Samaria

7 A woman of Samaria *came to draw water. Jesus *said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away to the city to buy food. 9 So the Samaritan woman *said to Him, “How is it that You, though You are a Jew, are asking me for a drink, though I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus replied to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who is saying to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” 11 She *said to Him, “[c]Sir, You have no bucket and the well is deep; where then do You get this living water? 12 You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well and drank of it himself, and his sons and his cattle?” 13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again; 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never be thirsty; but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.”

Should Time Be Up 1-1-22

I bow my head and fold my hands.

My faithful Father understands

the depths of my great sorrows.

With my heart's cord

I beg the Lord

to fix all my tomorrows.

He knows it's bad.

His heart is sad.

All Heaven mourns for me.

But if God's will

is that I'm ill,

then it was meant to be.

Some do attest

God takes the best

away from evil earth.

But problem's this:

that I will miss

my child's tremendous worth.

We all will die

and so I cry,

but through storms, I still bow.

Should time be up,

Lord, take my cup.

in peace, for You know how.

You've let me stay

another day

to spend with my dear child.

And that is why

now tears are dry.

Through blessings - I have smiled.

But if Your will

should take me still

then I will gladly go;

no more to roam,

I'll be at home

with You, who loves me so.

©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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