Hand In Hand 2-4-07

Grace and Faith go hand in hand,
As a button bound by thread;
As hands create a handshake,
Or a man and woman wed.

Grace is mercy. Grace is love.
It's why He came to die.
Grace descends to even me
It's something I can't buy.

Faith, my shield that leads me on,
Is essential to possess;
To extinguish all the arrows,
to go forth and profess.

Faith is what I need to have,
Grace is what He's done;
They're not works by any means
But truths I cannot shun.

By Grace He reaches down to me,
Through Faith I understand;
He leads me by still waters,
As we walk hand in hand….

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

Ephesians 2:8 (NASB) “For by grace you have been saved through faith...”

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Follow Me 1-29-07

I stood out on a sandy beach - waves crashing on the shore,
I wondered why I was alone. The waves hit with a roar,
I knew the fish kept close in schools, way out there in the sea -
and then I heard a still small voice, "Have faith, and you will see..."

I wandered by our big, old oak. Its branches, breezes sway.
I wondered why I was alone. I heard birds chirp away.
I knew that birds stayed closely by, protected in that tree -
and then I heard a still small voice, "Have faith, and you will see..."

I sat there by my window – heard noises that were made..
I wondered why I was alone as all the children played.
I knew that children in their way, stayed close and played so free -
and then I heard a still small voice, "Have faith, and you will see..."

My teary eyes were buried in my favorite chair, so soft.
I wondered why I was alone as prayers floated aloft.
I prayed. My trembling hands clasp tight - was blind, it couldn't be -
and then I heard a still small voice, "Have faith, and you will see..."

I waited for an answer but my patience had run out.
I wondered why I was alone. Proof verified all doubt.
Jesus, just before the cross, was denied His final plea -
again, I heard that still small voice, "Have faith, and you will see..."

I'm gone, but not so much alone. I'm here with Heaven's King.
Our Savior sits beside Him! Can you hear the angels sing?
My hands I hold up, way up high! Heaven's riches I now see!
So listen to His still small voice, "Have faith, come follow me."

©2007 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Psalm 23:4 (KJ) “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

Rev. 2:10 (KJ) “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

Our Crossroad 1-28-07

I'm always at a crossroad. Decisions make it so.
My head spins in circles but - I choose which way I go.
The world flies past every day. They race both to and fro.
They seem to know just what they want, but do they really know?

They push, and shove, and like a bull - they charge with all their hate,
-Struggling on mountains - and in valleys under weight.
Then they pull around sharp corners - their rocky burdens great.
They lie, steal and murder - but to that I can't relate.

Many times it's their entire fault. The edge they like to skirt.
They lean way out but want to be - protected from all hurt.
At times they work through dinner but their work still tastes like dirt,
And when it comes to getting paid, demand their full dessert.

Each road leads to other burdens as all had led to Rome.
Ways deceive with wealth and pleasure. Through deserts some will comb.
But no matter which way they turn, we know they'll always roam.
And carrying their burdens on - they'll never find their home.

Some don't find an answer so - decisions they won't make,
Yet doing nothing is but a - decision of mistake.
They cannot sleep through heartache and - they cannot take a break,
For each and every morning problems greet when they awake.

Once I crawled inside of me, collapsing in my skin,
Yet couldn't push the world out as I crawled back deep within.
The answers not inside of us, so now we must begin,
For what is our direction when our pity draws us in?

All three hundred sixty degrees, our decisions are no joke.
From our hub of life we see and test our every spoke.
Although the way is not so clear because of lies and smoke,
There’s One who will cut through it all. He does for honest folk.

We must pray and then step up to face our flaming arrow.
He leads us by still waters as we walk the straight and narrow.
I look down on one side - to streams of pain and sorrow.
Way up the other, burdens' rocks - yet He protects the sparrow.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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In His Sandals 1-20-07

I cannot serve two masters. I serve, but only one,

for if I love some sinfulness, I hate God's only Son.

Could I walk in His sandals? Do I really understand?

Of what would it encompass? Of what would it demand?

Could I put up with some abuse, and could I humbly be,

a whipping board of insults, for all to scoff at me?

Could I withstand a whipping? Tell me, would I know,

the pain down in my open wounds, torn flesh from every blow?

Could I, but bear the privilege - to be a king renowned,

my face stained in bloody streaks from such a thorny crown?

And would I know the cost of love, our God's most precious grace,

or would I simply think of me and hate the human race?

Could I endure the anguish then, as ropes bind hands and feet,

so knotted up so tightly that - I'd give in to defeat?

There on my back, could I stare at - a spike set on my skin,

then watch them take a heavy stone and slam it deep within?

Oh, I would know what's coming next.  I'd clench my other fist.

Could I endure another nail- or would I just resist?

Then tortured even further, could pain be so complete,

when to the cross I'm nailed with- another through my feet?

Slowly ropes raise cross and I. The base slides in the hole.

Then in ghastly, horrid pain, would that jerk shake my soul?

So there I'd hang, alone up high- for all to mock and hate.

Could I endure the anguish then? Can I, to that relate?

Could I survive for several hours in pain and endless shame -

and would I ask forgiveness for the ones that I could blame?

And could I die for ALL the world- their sinful sacrifice -

and know that few would love me? Would that, for me, suffice?

And would my final miracle then call for heavenly hosts -

or would I yield to Father's will and then give up the ghost?

No, hate and anger would not end.  The sword would pierce my side....

Oh, would I slip away and hide? Which way would I decide?

His sandals are too large to fill. His time, so long ago,

and Heaven- much too far away, while I'm down here below.

But could I wear His sandals- if I was called upon,

and are my trials greater that- I'd gladly put His on?

He demands my little faith. He holds no speck of wrath,

when He's a lamp unto my feet- a light unto my path.

Yes, I wear His sandals- for I've been called upon

and faithful every morning now, I slip them boldly on.

This poem may explain it- but who really understands?

For every sin that we commit puts nails through Jesus' hands.

We cannot serve two masters. We serve, but only one.

We have to hate all sinfulness, to love God's only Son.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

Luke 16:10 (NASB)
"He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much;
and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.”

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Grace 1-18-07

Faults have consequence - always entwine.
My faults are many. My sins all mine.
If I could forget. But I know not how
and failures still haunt me, even now.

Always stalking, collecting many,
the burdens I bear - they are aplenty.
Even one burden that's heavy and great,
crushes me totally under its weight.

What have I done? And what is the cure?
My guilt is too heavy. I cannot endure....
I could change it - make it all disappear-
if I could relive each wayward year.

I cannot go back, but if i could,
would my new actions be perfectly good?
I guess I know that this miserable soul
could not relive it, to make me whole.

I'm all torn apart - from limb to limb.
My hope is but gone, my life bleak and grim.
My head is spinning. Emotions are tossed.
Oh, woe am I – I am totally lost!

If the world could smell my putrid old blood,
they would drag my body through all the mud.
And If I was judged by truth and jury,
they'd hang me quick in their own fury.

And if the judge was fair, cold and just,
was shown my failures - rot, odor and rust;
he'd throw the whole world of death down at me,
and hang me high from the tallest tree.

I'd be happy and sure would not run-
if I could wish it completely undone!
But I cannot change a single thing,
I must sacrifice. I will now bring-

all my possessions, all my good stuff,
my house, my car, my job... is that enough?
Take my wealth, put it all under key.
Is that not enough? Please just agree.

No, even that is so insufficient,
for I am so lost - ugly, deficient;
No work I can do, will fix up my past,
nor heal one scar of failures sharp blast.

Really, the answer is not mine to give,
I can't change history. I cannot relive....
Please! My burden, could someone now lift?
It would be the greatest, most special gift!

Who could love so much - to take such a loss,
and die Himself - on a rugged old cross?
The answer was gifted from one loving face-
from God's act of mercy and glorious grace.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Romans 11:6 (NASB) “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.

Faith 1-10-07

.
At first my faith was in my mother, and her two loving hands.
But then I had faith in my father, in his wisdom, work and plans.

Then I put faith in the whole wide world, it's size so large and immense;
But then when I learned of its problems, I built up my little fence.

So then I put faith in someone else, I'd know and always agree;
Faith that I had in abundance - was in honest, trustworthy me.

But I couldn't find all the answers, so in others I'd confer;
Because two heads are better than one, we all then should concur.

So I put my faith in our Church, for I started long ago;
And I spent my time in fellowship, but I didn't seem to grow.

As I circled in deep despair, lost in my lonely, selfish groans;
Determined to find something; to heal my ever, fragile bones.

I put my faith in all my works, for without it, faith is dead;
But again I failed in all my works, so looked to grace instead.

And I put all my faith in grace alone - which was the final blow;
As I sat back expecting - but never once prepared to grow.

It never seems to cross my mind, that my chair might soon collapse;
But yet I question God in prayer. Do I trust Him? Well, perhaps....

Age and wisdom has surely proved that I can't do it on my own.
I've always had faith in something else, but now it's in God alone.

©2007 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Missing Ingredient 1-3-07

God, the covenant, and man – the law in stone was cast.

But broke, all men, the covenant before Moses breathed his last.

A new covenant began, that man might touch the stars.

But man would break the newest one and needed Jesus' scars.

Now what are we to do today? Sufficient is God's grace.

So what ingredient is missing as we sit here in disgrace?

To fulfill God's newest covenant takes more than prayer and song.

And "grace believing's" all and good - but by itself is wrong.

For even demons all believe! In cringing truth, they shutter,

So we've researched 'theology' and other endless clutter.

Has every soul on Earth been saved? Was assurance known by Saul?

Did someone cure his blindness and was his name changed to Paul?

Decision, yes, we had made. Of course our works are dead,

so now upon foundation's rock let's move 'belief' ahead.

God performed His gracious act. It was by Him alone.

By grace, ye are saved through faith. So may our faith be shown.

Faith is the missing ingredient, in God's covenant with man,

from demons, we are separate, completing His full plan.

Do not let Satan deceive you blowing feelings to and fro.

The world grabs for grace alone, but they need faith also.

Remember, Jesus healed the sick. Their faith had made them well.

They then went out and told the world. What stories they could tell!

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

We must throw out all other gods - on Jesus’ name must lean.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Romans 3: 21-27

21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested,
being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe;
for there is no distinction;
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;
25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith.
This was to demonstrate His righteousness,
because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed;
26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time,
so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
27 Where then is boasting?
It is excluded By what kind of law? Of works?
No, but by a law of faith.

The Contrast 1-1-07

.
Man is not God - so many are lost,
and it's not just a matter of odds....
When creation rejects the Creator,
it proves we're men - not gods.

The Creator begat His own earthly birth,
His creation cut a tree for the cross.
His faithfulness carried that burdensome tree,
and our selfishness rode on the loss.

His humbleness exposed - first a manger,
but our pride buried Him. He was dead.
His wrath - into swine - removed demons,
but our anger poked thorns in His head.

His generosity drew multitudes to Him,
but our greed nailed hands held wide.
His knowledge pierced the Pharisee's lies,
but our gossip pierced through His side.

In loving kindness, He cried, "Abba Father!"
but our hate mocked His sweat drops of blood.
His mercy gave paradise to one alongside,
but our sin took His life like a flood.

His power, from death, removed the stone,
but our weakness moves from mask to mask.
His peace resides up in Heaven.
Now the war in our souls is at task.

God is perfect, sinless, true.
While creation wanders lost;
many are called, but few are chosen,
yet for His mercy and grace, no cost.

He paved the way through thick and thin,
so that we, in Him, can cleave.
Grace can save every man from sin -
if we - through faith - believe!

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

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That Special Tree 12-06

When I was nine, we all were poor -

lived in a house with wooden floor.

At eight o'clock the clock would chime

and then I knew that it was time.

It was okay; I had but three -

Christmas presents just for me!

No gold, frankincense, and myrrh –

but ‘funner’ toys I would prefer!

I snatched the first one - it was small,

tore the wrapping, threw it all.

Pulled back the tape, opened it.

I then plopped down in one big fit.

In the bottom of the box,

I saw sand and a few rocks.

A note said, "Son - I know you care

about the Magi way back there."

They traveled far through desert sand,

not knowing where the star would stand.

It stopped above a stable where -

a baby laid in loving prayer."

As I looked up not very far

on top our tree we had a star....

I sat below that pretty tree,

all decorated, just so for me.

The second present – beautiful,

but what'd I find? -A ball of wool.

The note said, "Son, some shepherds came.

They glorified and praised His name.

“Our house is comfy and so warm,

no chills come in from snow or storm;

But not the stable there of old -

it was drafty, dusty, somewhat cold..."

But now the biggest one of all -

the third and last and oh, so tall;

I carefully unwrapped the bow -

with widened smile my face aglow.

I pulled the wrapping off a bit -

to read the box for what I'd get.

The box was simple. Just plain brown,

so then I tore the wrapping down.

Anticipation turned to shock,

as I spied in that bigger box.

I froze in full bewilderment.

I didn't know quite what it meant.

For it was empty. Nothing there!

Just a present full of air!

Except for yet another note,

signed by daddy - here's his quote:

"Baby Jesus, our present.

In His service, His intent,

He took our burdens, sin and strife,

so you might have eternal life.

Empty? No. This box is not -

and never will its contents rot.

This box is full. Don't think it's odd.

It's filled with love. A gift from God."

Then I woke up - was just a dream!

It wasn't daddy's funny scheme!

So many presents - many mine.

I put God off. There wasn't time!

First I'd enjoy my favorite day,

Full of candy, fun and play.

So many days - it finally came!

Christmas day - so I took aim!

I scrambled off my bed and ran,

down the hall with my big plan.

The tree looked tall. It seemed so far -

and way on top a big, bright star.

And in my socks across the floors,

I slid along past all the doors.

Down that hall into the room,

were many presents I'd consume.

The tree I ran to down the hall -

was somewhat different, somewhat small.

And I was caught quite unaware

as I stopped beneath our star up there.

Just like the wise men from afar,

that followed their revealing star.

Above the stable where it’d stay,

where donkeys stood and Jesus lay.

I could have sworn up there on top -

I thought I heard, "You're here, now stop."

But not above a stable's top -

this time below our tree I’d stop.

Not like the tree of long ago

but bright with ornaments aglow.

Not heavy timbers tied across,

where Jesus died upon the cross.

When only He could make me glad,

I wanted gifts from mom and dad.

Oh, those presents full of toys,

I ripped apart and made some noise.

“Dear God and Jesus - wait a bit.

I’ll play awhile and then I’ll quit.”

How awful, selfish, I became

as I trampled Jesus' name.

But later on, I humbly bowed,

on that floor not one bit proud.

I cried a lot. I cried out loud –

and let him cleanse my sinful cloud.

So through me see that special Star -

always near, not off afar.

-Still upon that special tree,

where Jesus died for you and me.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Our Church Doors 12-20-06

.
At our Church there are two doors -
there is both "in" and "out".
On either side it may be still,
or you might hear a shout.

So what's the difference you might ask,
-betwixt the other side?
You'll find that one is very different,
and the other side denied.

It's your choice which side you choose.
Indifference won't convey.
You won't stand in the doorway.
You cannot block the way.

Each one of us - individually,
is full of love or hate.
It's a personal decision -
not based in unknown fate.

Some choose to lie and steal.
Some choose to rule and scare.
Others choose the truthful way,
and humbly kneel in prayer.

Terrorists may come inside,
and havoc they can raise;
but never fear - the love and strength,
of God who gets our praise.

When we go out, let's show God's love,
and smile from ear to ear;
never holding back the truth,
-and not retaining fear.

In boldness we must always seek,
whether dark and bleak;
and focus on the rugged cross,
-turning the other cheek.

So what side do you stand on?
In God do you believe?
If on Heaven's truth you win,
but on Satan's deceiving, grieve.

With every door, there are two sides.
That's what it's all about.
We cannot serve two masters.
- We're either in or out.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

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Who, What, Where, When, Why? 12-18-06

I claim inside, there is no greed -
-But just one important need.
He knows, for others, I've done much,
Therefore, give me this - I plead.

Who do I see in the mirror?
Who do I hear in my ear?
Who sets me high in position?
And whom do I put in the rear?

Who do I see in the mirror?
Who do I hear in my ear?
Who sets me in this position?
- It’s God who has put me here.

"What," may I ask, "is my purpose?"
What must I do to be glad?
What has obstructed my pathway?
And what seems to make me so mad?

"What", may I ask, "is my purpose?"
What must I do to be glad?
What has obstructed my pathway?
Selfishness - it makes me sad.

Where in this world is my present?
"Where", might I ask, "is my gift"?
Where's that thing that matters to me?
And where's my emotional lift?

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

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The Vision Division 12-10-06

Behold, the vision, and its division;

Infinite Heaven - to Earth's final end.

God is unchanging, but we keep chasing,

For a God that we can't comprehend.

Many years ago, right here down below,

Humbled in a lowly manger;

A pure simple Dove, poured full of His love,

Yet all those that feared truth, felt danger.

Committing no crime, yet after a time,

He was brought to Pilate alive.

After all the assault and finding no fault -

In harsh anger the multitudes cried:

Screaming, "Crucify Him!" - then it turned grim.

After hours of suffering He died.

They buried the Son. For three days they won.

Then the stone proved that He was alive!

The question confronts our stubborn wants.

Each direction we turn there's none.

We look for more clues and one we will choose;

The true answer is found in God's Son.

The vision's not new. We must think it through.

Will the answer come altogether?

With us way down here - and God way up there -

Only Christ can bring us together.

In sin and despair, you're not with God there,

And that is the vision division.

For up from the earth, Christ offers rebirth,

We all have to make that decision.

©2006 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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A Loving Kiss 11-27-06

There sits a mom - without her baby,
hands clasp and trembling in her lap alone;
She still ponders how it could have happened,
and now can't hold the girl she could have known,

There sits a dad crying deep inside,
the girl who 'could have been' is but a blur.
Torments endless curses keep him hanging,
on absent memories that just never were.

There's a child who never saw her parents -
was not allowed a single hug to give;
Nor allowed to say, "I love you mommy."
She had no rights - not even just to live....

Forever lost - a life of innocence -
receiving, not one speck of human love!
Yes, pain and sorrow is all around us,
but God’s in control. He waits there up above.

We fall short and fail - believe it's over.
Sadness ruptures the heart of every size.
Heartache spawns yet more excessive sorrow,
all caused by deaths dark cold, black, evil lies.

Understand one thing - that we aren't perfect.
Nowhere can we turn our vain and evil face!
There's no hope to quell one sin within us,
except by faith in Him who showers grace.

Our possessions will rot and turn to dust,
but forgiveness comes - from the God of peace!
Persevere through faith - your full trust in Him.
His love is full and it will never cease.

There's a child who never saw her mother,
but forever, we must remember this;
That God, in love, reached down and took her -
and gave her, in His arms, a loving kiss.

©2006 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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1 Timothy 1:5 (NASB)
“But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart 
and a good conscience 
and a sincere faith.”

The Candle 7-28-06

I know I'm but a candle,
pulled from a little box,
and set among the vexing thorns
in this big world of rocks.
Then being weary, I sat down
in shading of a tree -
and there in shadow of my sin,
I sat in misery.

I thought I had the answers too,
but did not have the spark.
I sat alone in torment then -
cold, ignorant, dark.
I was an unlit candle
and not worth anything
until one day I saw the light -
from under thorns, a King!

I sat among the shadows, black -
but flicker in His Word
had stunned me when it whispered -
and still, small voice I heard.
That Light had died for just three days,
but showered me with grace,
and love was lit throughout the world,
to all the human race.

When I stepped out and saw the light
from under that old tree,
right then was lit with flames of hope -
which made me wholly free!
Oh yes, a strange thing happened -
and happened long ago.
My ears could hear, my eyes could see,
His warmth in all its glow.

My heart was lit and came to life -
though just a humble light -
but with the flames from all of us,
He shines so very bright.
I light the places where I go.
It is my job you see,
to be a Christian candle.
There's nothing else to be.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

John 8:12
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “ I am the Light of the world;
he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."

John 12:46
" I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.”

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Consider it 7-26-06

.
Consider it a privilege –
For not one prayer to Heaven is unheard.

Consider it helpful -
For those times you’re taught by God's Word.

Consider it love -
For His grace is sufficient for all.

Consider it joyous -
For His wonders.

Consider it peaceful -
For seeing His forgiveness.

Consider it patience -
For those times you instruct others.

Consider it kind -
For helping those in need.

Consider it good -
For experiencing trials.

Consider it faithful -
For being a servant of God.

Consider it worthy -
For being a child of God.

Consider anything at all -
For no one in the graveyard can.

©2006 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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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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Contentment's Glove 7-18-06

We thirst for it. We grab for it - contentment's out of reach.
We think of it. We dream of it - that perfect sweetest peach.
Some beg for it. Some steal for it. Sin grows a longer vine.
Some fight for it. Some die for it and tangled they entwine.

Growing anger, hate and madness continues on to seed;
And then with pride so many die, in wars through hate and greed.
I, too, once packed, and walked away. I took my tiny tent;
As a lady, so deep depressed, I just was not content.

I saw this girl. She hugged a glove. She wore it on one hand;
She seemed to be enjoying it. I couldn't comprehend.
From where I stood, She looked a mess, with mud caked on her face;
She smiled big from ear to ear. How'd I come by this place?

I raised my nose and pursed my lips, ignored her every call.
But then she ran - caught up to me, and stopped along a wall.
To be polite, I said to her, "Your glove had caught my eye."
She tugged at me, then said with glee, "Please tell my dolly 'hi'."

And then my thoughts turned negative, as she grinned ear to ear;
She's so happy. I'm so depressed. Does this girl not know fear?
So then I said, "If that was mine, I wouldn't be so proud.
I'd hide it good - or throw it out - not show it to a crowd."

"Why, she's my friend, my 'pretend' doll. I like to keep her near.
And if you want, I'll share with you, go on and hold her - here."
She held it out in trusting love. I knew not what to say;

Then I found out she had her trials, and seen her parents death;
She lived alone without a home, and that had seized my breath.
She clung to me - gave me a hug, it had to be pure love;
Was all she had, and then again, held out that special glove.

Then my focus fell off of me, I’d surely lost my case;
In tailored clothes with makeup on, I lost my perfect face.
I have so much - her so little, she hugged me as I tried;
To hold the flood of many tears, but I broke down and cried.

I spent the day with my new friend, contented as a pearl;
And as we walked, She gave her 'doll' to yet another girl.
There is nothing, more special than, to be a real glove;
Once I had less than this small child - of pure, unselfish love.

Greed and envy, hate and anger, will see no Nation through;
It's who you are and what you do - results are up to you.
You have to be that unique doll, that special one to love;
A tailored suit cannot replace, or be contentment's glove.

©2006 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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There Comes A Time... 7-8-06

There comes a time in all men's lives,

-When he questions all he's done.

Should he continue on his course -

Or finally say, "Well done"?

There comes a time his children leave,

They seem to be so busy.

Should we wait for them to call?

Or call them? It makes us dizzy.

My wife and I became a pair,

So many years ago;

But things became so different as,

I watched her knit and sew....

Now faster time accelerates.

I buried half of me.

I sit alone in disbelief -

so lonely I will be.

And now my time will surely come,

It's sooner than I think.

There'll come a time in your life too,

Be watchful - do not blink.

I'm torn in two as tears begin

to wet my wrinkled face....

At least I know we'll be, one day,

together in one place....

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Our Treasure Cove 7-7-06

I am human. My God divine-
but yet I cling to what's not mine.
I hold on tight and won't let go,
but finally give a mite or so...

I drove one day. I drove and drove-
away from my dear treasure cove.
I saw His beauty was so free,
but there was not one speck in me.

I tried to run far from the truth,
and tried to buy back all my youth;
but then God spoke so brutally,
and crushed my heart that I might see.

I was no cup with just some cracks,
but crushed to dust. It's just the facts.
He paid just once - but paid it all,
so why not me? I heard His call.

We are human, God divine,
you might have yours, but God has mine.
My treasure cove is very bare.
God owns it all. It's only fair.

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

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