Great Democratic Debate, The 10-13-15

With crowd, ecstatic, you might think

that truth might finally win.

But no, deceptions lingered on

in shallow, selfish din.

The candidates deceive us all.

Pet projects, each discusses.

They came to this, the 'Great Debate'

in jets and campaign buses.

The smiles they wore were painted on.

So sly, those hungry foxes.

And all of them were standing tall

on top of their soapboxes.

---

The 'stomach' growled greedily,

"Hey, I'll do much more taxing.

I'll gouge the ones who go to work

so you can be relaxing."

The 'hand' said, "I will snatch the purse

of ev'ry working man.

I'll give you fruits of their hard work.

Now do you understand?"

The 'tongue' spoke up quite sharply then,

"You've heard me, one and all!

Benghazi, no, is not my fault -

because I don't recall...

I fell down and hit my head

before that legal hearings.

I would've shown up if I hadn't

lost my fav'rite earings.

I'll tell that hearing anything -

and lie, for goodness sake -

Who cares about ambassadors?

What difference does it make?

We need a woman president!

We need a leader NOW!

We need to have a first "first man"

I need you to allow...

me to be a president.  Because I've always wanted

to be since smoking pot in college with Bill..

And I don't care if this rhymes or not

because I JUST WANT TO BE PRESIDENT!!

(The moderator covered this

with manufactured cough.

And when the viewers had enough

they turned their TVs off.)

We do not need a woman.

transvestite, or a man.

We do not need a socialist

but someone true who can.

We don't need someone 'statesman-like'

but rather someone real.

If not, we'll some day be blown up

by bad atomic deal.

Now even if we save the whales

and stop all soil erosion -

global warming we will get

with nuclear explosion.

Yes, 'presidential' they may look

and 'presidential' sound -

but what they do is critical

for answers to be found.

The Constitution has them all -

so maybe we should look.

Love country this time.  Let us not

elect another crook.

The last one you had voted in,

in EV'RY aspect failed -

then violated sev'ral laws!

So why is he not jailed?

Now here's another "great" debate.

With empty words, each shares...

What diff'rence does it really make?

It tells me this:  Who cares?

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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I Want To Share 10-10-15

I once thought I was happy 'cause

I had good friends and cars.

And sadly, so mistaken, I

would visit clubs and bars.

Though I was locked in sins distress,

I thought surroundings true.

And nothing said could make me change.

No, nothing else would do.

Sin won its way deceiving me.

Its lies chained me to walls.

I thought my life successful 'til
I heard those whispered calls...

Throughout my life, I heard those words -

but sin allowed no choice.

A question echoed "Who are you?"
I heard in my own voice.
---
Yes, in a rut, I lived my life -
in dungeon, it had seemed.
But nothing changed, no matter how,
how loud that I had screamed.

That cold, dark dungeon seemed to speak -
so then I'd laugh and joke.
But scoffing echoed back at me
each time that I had spoke.

Then through sins darkness, I had heard
a key that seemed to cry.
The lock had turned in agony
but I had not known why.

From dungeon's depth, a creak I heard.

That heavy-laden door

unlocked to let a crack of light

expose me on that floor.

Light filtered through the musty dust

that hung thick in the air.

I, for the first time, realized

how pointless it was there.

And so it was, I saw myself

in my dark world of sin.

I smelled the odor of my life

and felt the filth within.

The shackles, I myself had locked,
weighed heavy on my legs.

But even if, I wanted out -
who'd hear my humble begs?

And then those rusty hinges squeaked -
above the rust rebelling.
"Forgive them Father!" I had heard
against cries, screams and yelling!

I held my hands tight to my ears.
So deafening, the riot!
Then suddenly, a stillness came -
and everything grew quiet.

Then once again, I heard that voice -

yet... no one I could see.

But oh, the freedom I had felt

when chains fell off of me!

I made my way toward ray of light.

So weak, I had to crawl.

As dungeon's door kept opening -

more light of truth I saw.

I then confessed all black and white

and ev'ry shade of gray!

I saw rich colors in His world!

I saw the light of day!

I saw His palms, His nail scars -

then cried through my repentance!

That breath of fresh air woke me up!

It all made perfect sense!

The brightness of His rainbow-ed world

was more than I could bear!

He raised me up onto my feet -

so now I want to share.

I want to share to those I see -

so proud of their new cars -

inviting me to ride with them

to parties and to bars.

There's too much thrill in Jesus' arms

to go back to those chains.
And even through my failures here,
God's love for me remains.

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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And Can It Be

Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

Music: Thomas Campbell 

Tune: SAGINA, Meter: 88.88.88 with Repeat

1. And can it be that I should gain 

an interest in the Savior's blood! 

Died he for me? who caused his pain! 

For me? who him to death pursued? 

Amazing love! How can it be 

that thou, my God, shouldst die for me? 

Amazing love! How can it be 

that thou, my God, shouldst die for me? 

2. 'Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies! 

Who can explore his strange design? 

In vain the firstborn seraph tries 

to sound the depths of love divine. 

'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; 

let angel minds inquire no more. 

'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; 

let angel minds inquire no more. 

3. He left his Father's throne above 

(so free, so infinite his grace!), 

emptied himself of all but love, 

and bled for Adam's helpless race. 

'Tis mercy all, immense and free, 

for O my God, it found out me! 

'Tis mercy all, immense and free, 

for O my God, it found out me! 

4. Long my imprisoned spirit lay, 

fast bound in sin and nature's night; 

thine eye diffused a quickening ray; 

I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; 

my chains fell off, my heart was free, 

I rose, went forth, and followed thee. 

My chains fell off, my heart was free, 

I rose, went forth, and followed thee. 

5. No condemnation now I dread; 

Jesus, and all in him, is mine; 

alive in him, my living Head, 

and clothed in righteousness divine, 

bold I approach th' eternal throne, 

and claim the crown, through Christ my own. 

Bold I approach th' eternal throne, 

and claim the crown, through Christ my own.

These Two Short Words 10-5-15

I'm just a short and simple poem with two short words to say

and though forgotten, I will be - these words won't pass away.

They're given to the ages, to people large and small.

They're given to us freely and they're given to us all.

Though I am insignificant - a poem of the hour,

forget my words, but share these two.  They have tremendous power.

Do not expect that I'll depict a nature scene with birds -

for soon you'll see me disappear - so first find these two words.

Now Jesus healed the lost and sick and lame in His good time.

He calmed the sea and fed the crowds, but never did the crime.

Yet still today, man scoffs although He never hurt a soul -

and that's why these two words will live beyond the written scroll.

Yes, you'll forget this little poem and soon forget the rhymes,

and soon go back to other things and entertaining times.

But don't forget these two short words and hold them very near.

For these two words, "Jesus Saves!" shall never disappear.

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Arguing With 'Joy' 10-1-15

(arguing with 'joy')

I know that you are kidding me!

I am not a believer!

It's happiness I care about.

You're but a deceiver.

My entertainment is a must.

I want to laugh and joke.

Do you think you can handle that?

Now give me one more 'smoke'.

I want the comforts I hold dear.

I like my TV show.

I want to watch my team play ball -

and I want you to go.

I'd rather be intoxicated

on fine, red berry wine.

I'd rather live in merry bliss

than walking your straight line.

I have a bad hangover now,

so please just go away.

If some day I should be content,

I'll let you, with me, stay.

---

An evil life, man can now live

and he, his life destroy -

but only God has perfect love
which will bring perfect joy.

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Arguing With 'Love' 9-29-15

(arguing with 'love')

There's not one speck of you in me.
I'm macho, tough and strong!
Go back to those who have soft hearts.
Go back where you belong.
I have no fear of anything
as long as I have breath.
I have no fear of failure and
I have no fear of death.

You make me whimper in my pride

You're not for men like me.

You are so difficult to say
and cause such jealousy.
My ears have heard the saddest songs

that man could ever sing.

You cannot give me what I want -

You are not comforting.

You melt my heart and kill my soul

when everything goes wrong.

You make me sad.  You make me blue.

You string me out so long...

...then break my heart and make me cry.

You made me very sad.

You make the tears run down my cheeks.

I've no more words to add.

For God so loved the world, you say -
a world with many views.
So am I not to judge all those
who don't live in my shoes?

Their cultures are so different

so tell me, must I start -

to show you to my enemies

so they can see my heart?

You also tell me Someone died -

that sacrifice begins

(despite a very cruel death)

to save me from my sins...

...that you are something different -

and something I must share -

to someone I don't even know -

so that they know I care.

Am I but showing off to friends?
Will they make fun of me -
if they should see me shed a tear
or see me on one knee?
Well, humbled, I will tell of you
until I get to Heaven -

for you are the most precious gift

that God has ever given.

©2015 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Arguing With 'Truth' 9-23-15

(arguing with 'truth')

You make me sick!  You pester me
right here in my dominion.
Don't contradict what I have said!
I've rights to my opinion!

Get out of here!  You're in my way!
I stumble over you!
The 'ends' will justify my 'means'.
I have great things to do.

I know that only I'm correct.
So hear me!  I protest!
My education proves me right.
I really know what's best.

I argue with you all the time!
You never care a wit!
You never, ever compromise.
You never bend a bit.

I fight you and abhor you too!
You never reassess -
your stubborn, hard validity.
Indignant righteousness!

You speak, but then don't listen and
ignore my arguments.
The silence really angers me.
I'm not at all content.

Your stubborn facts confuse me so.
You make me very mad.
But oh, my friends support me so.
Deception's not so bad.

My mind was made up long ago.
You can't get hold of me.
I'm all wrapped up in my belief
I chase religiously.

Rock solid was your steadfastness.
I thought you were a joke~!
...but wish I'd paid attention to
my conscience when you spoke.

You made me feel so guilty that
I blamed it all on you.
Now I'm alone and so depressed.
Deceptions were untrue.

Ignore you?  I can't any more.
All lies now seem so strange.
As God in all His glory there,
you'll never, ever change.

You've opened up my weary eyes.
Once blind, I now can see!
Thank God you've now accepted me -
for you have set me free!

©2015 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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In the Sand 9-20-15

The footprints in the sand have long ago been washed away,

by rising tides and sinful waves that we can see today.

We wander beaches daily searching for them all around,

then wonder why our Savior Lord is nowhere to be found.

We search through our theologies and search our world o'er.

We search so far and long and hard for evidence and more...

...as wars and chaos follow us.  The poor and migrants too.

We are so overwhelmed, we say.  Oh, what are we to do?

We pray for all our sicknesses and great financial woes,

but selfishness is evident and oh, it really shows.

It shows with more vacations and our thoughts in ev'ry pleasure.

It shows with bigger homes and faster cars and ev'ry treasure.

How can we find our loving God when buried in our stuff?

And when do you think God will fin'lly say He's had enough?

But memories still carry truth that someone carried us -

so when we glance back at the shore, remember, it was Jesus.

So don't forget to thank Him for the blessings that He gave,

then pray that He will idle tides and ev'ry sinful wave.

Indeed, if we can witness peace throughout both sea and land

it's then we'll notice once again those footprints in the sand.

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Flat On My Face 9-17-15

I labored at busy pace
before I fell flat on my face.

I cried in self-pity and shame.

But as tears subsided,
my eyes (once misguided),

convinced me that I was to blame.

Yes, as my tears dried up,
I saw them both close up -

those scars that went deep in His feet.

I couldn't erase
all the pain in His face -

so how I wished I could retreat.

I'd weasel away
from the viewing that day -

the scars in His feet that still fail -

to tell the whole story
of Christ in His glory

who lovingly took each dull nail.

Accepting the whipping,
the pain and blood dripping -

He watches my new life begin.

So there I had stayed,
because Jesus had paid -

His life that He gave for my sin.

I'm eating a diet
of thoughts.  It is quiet -

except for my own weeping sound.

I cannot compete
with His pierced dusty feet

while lying here flat on the ground.

For Jesus, the Master,
has given much faster -

a life that I've always longed for.

So more than my pain
is the lot of my gain

as I wait, reverently, Heaven's door.

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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His Stepping Stones 9-12-15

The trees had towered high above with leaves that blocked the sun,

except sporadic points of light with rays that danced in fun,
reflecting smooth and softened light off surface they would share,

from lazy stream meandering through lush, thick grasses there.

The random, yellow flowers sprinkled down along the bank,

had framed a lovely picture 'round the stream where sparrow drank,

as ripples crossed the mirrored stream where it was somewhat wide,

before that sparrow took to flight beyond the other side,

I prayed that I might also find a way beyond the stream,

but there was no where I could cross to realize that dream.

Determined that I'd have my way, I held each leather shoe

and started wading 'cross the stream to get another view.

But splash!  Face down I tripped and fell, then crawled out soaking wet.

I trudged myself downstream a bit.  His truth and my eyes met.

It's 'one' to 'zero'.  God has won and that's the final score.

Still soaking wet from head to toe, I started thinking more...

Sometimes through life we have no clue.  I ponder as I sit -

of what God's done for me and you, just there downstream a bit.

He gives us His instruction and a 'dose of wisdom' loans -

if patient, we can't learn to be, to find His stepping stones.

©2015 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Proverbs 1:7 (NASB)

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;

Fools despise wisdom and instruction."

My Special Friend 9-8-15

Sad I, the tiny sparrow was.

I wasn't very big.

Yet happy were my friends in flight,

from limb to branch to twig.

I couldn't eat as others did

and didn't seem to grow.

I'd follow quite a ways behind.

I was too weak and slow.

Yes, they had teased and laughed at me

when I was back in school.

They'd scoff, then fly away from me.

Some kids can be so cruel.

Yet growing up, I was okay
here living out-of-doors.

So optimistically I grew -

but when it rains, it pours.

A violent gust of wicked wind

had hurled me to the ground!

The other birds had seen me fall -

so they had gathered 'round.

A Shepherd came when I had felled -
so sudden and abrupt.

My sore and crippled body then

was in His hands He cupped.

I saw some ugly, rugged scars

cut deep into those hands.

My wing was hurt, I couldn't fly.

This wasn't in my plans.

He raised me up.  It frightened me!
The other sparrows hushed.

Because I didn't know His love

I thought that I'd be crushed!

Believing things that I could see,
I held to physical.
Unknown, the things that I could not,
I feared the spiritual.

Yet now He holds and cares for me

unlike those other birds.

I can't describe the peacefulness.

I just can't find the words.

It's odd that I once feared the Lord

when I was on the mend.

But I have learned He loves me so.

Now He's my special friend.

©2015 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

---

Matthew 10:28-30 (NIV)
28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.

Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?

Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.