Gander Story Poems

August 4, 2007

If All The World Were Christian 8-4-07

Just imagine a world without theft, keys, burglar alarms or guns....

If all the world were Christian and everybody prayed,

you could walk down any street and wouldn't feel afraid.

And if someone were stranded, you'd lend a helping hand,

because without a single crime, all's safe on sea and land.

If all the world were Christian and everybody prayed,

you could travel anyplace and give your neighbor aid.

And if someone were hurting, you'd know just what to do,

because without a greedy soul, you'd see your neighbors through.

If all the world were Christian and everybody prayed,

you wouldn't be so selfish but honest in your trade.

And if someone were happy, you'd be right by their side,

because if you're a Christian, your smile's a mile wide.

If all the world were Christian and everybody prayed,

you could hear a child cry while other children played.

And if some child should hunger, you'd bring them milk and bread,

because if you're a Christian, there's joy when they are fed.

If all the world were Christian and everybody prayed,

you would know each day's a gift. The days will never fade.

And if someone were thirsty, you'd give sufficient drink,

because if you're a Christian, God’s wisdom makes us think.

If all the world were Christian and everybody prayed,

there would never be a war. No nation would invade.

And if someone should hurt you, you'd show him Godly love,

because if you're a Christian, your strength's from God above.

If all the world were Christian and everybody prayed,

we would not feel guilty but know our sins are paid.

And if by some small, tiny chance - we all could live on truths,

this world would be a better place, with "pleases" and "thank you's".

If all the world were Christian and everybody prayed,

we would not feel weary, but rest in Heaven's shade.

Then on our deathbed we'd be laid - on satin sheets so soft,

and all would look upon our shell - as our spirits soar aloft.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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July 2, 2007

Be Like Him 7-2-07

.
THIS dungeon's filled with bones
that roll and crush beneath my feet -
I'm shoved one way and then another,
with no place to retreat.

Shackles bind my hands and feet
so tightly to my skin,
Abrasions, cuts and bruises send
the sharpest pain down in.

I was chained to selfish lusts -
my greed, my wants, my toys,
With ever constant groaning heard
from sins persistent noise.

With dying souls everywhere -
I find no firm foundation,
And stumbling over lies, deceit -
I fell into temptation.

I try to find some elbow space -
in anger push and shove,
Among the evil sinners here
who hold no thread of love.

Our pride surpasses everyone
and starts another fight,
To seize another's elbow space
in this dark world of blight.

Sin implants deception -
then all darkness covers me.
It's cold and damp with stench so ripe
my burning eyes can't see.

It burns my skin and nostrils.
I can no longer cope -
But I am froze in time right here
without one shred of hope.

My ears hear death throughout the day.
There's not one ray of light.
The piercing screams continue on
throughout the endless night.

The serpents’ small deception came.
For a moment I agreed,
Now locked in sinful pestilence
through all eternity.

YET love is like the rolling sea -
beyond all, you can't see -
Pouring waves of constant love -
that roll in endlessly.

---

Love is like the bluest sky
God made in perfect hue -
Sunlight exposing beauty too -
and sunsets all for you.

God is love - Heaven's footing.
So picture if you will,
Waves of blessings rolling in.
Eternity's to fill.

God will freely give to you -
His bountiful supplies,
Because of God's most precious grace –
just find His loving eyes.

Away from all the guilt and hate -
away from gun and knife,
Heaven's purpose - vast, complete,
can give to you new life.

God's blessed you , oh, so very much.
I bet it's quite a chore -
Receiving keys to Heaven's gates
without you bringing more...

Our neighbors never went with us
to Church or Sunday School.
Hiding all God's grace from them
is selfish and is cruel.

People all around you are
so blind, they cannot see -
They're chained to Satan's sinfulness
like dirty, filthy me.

When will someone go without
and get up off their pew,
And go in love's humility?
The time is overdue.

You have a chance to save a soul.
I ask you – don’t delay,
So what can you accomplish now?
What is your job today?

Many have already died –
vast others just like me,
Who can't escape the sinful chains.
We cannot get that key.

How can they call on the One -
in whom they've not believed?
How can they believe in One
whose word they've not received?

How can they hear without your work,
preaching that event?
And how can you preach to them
unless you have been sent?

Can you hear our voices still?
Pains echo from the hills.
Rescue them from Satan's lies -
vast numbers he still kills.

They’re still chained in darkness now.
In sin, they have no clue.
They’re waiting there for you to come.
God's love is up to you.

This world is very troubled.
This world is very grim.
Jesus Christ taught others.
Shouldn't Christians be like Him?

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

Romans 10:14) How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15) And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

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June 29, 2007

Wake Up Time 6-29-07

Wake up time must come so open up. Your mind is closed.

And take some time to ponder this - that truth might be exposed.

There's more to life than selfishness and satisfying greed.

It's all about the real love and the world's real need.

We are no longer serious. This nation is no more -

unless we understand the hate that takes us off to war.

The truth of our foundation crumbles into great disguise,

entrapping us beneath its weight from small, deceptive lies.

Time is so deceptive when we're young and somewhat foolish.

We want the world to wait on us - fulfilling every wish.

There are more important things than to look upon our self -

so take a moment, read these poems and set those on the shelf.

This world seems to think that making light of God is funny -

parties, joking, swearing, and making lots of money.

The silver Christ collected wasn't used to comfort Him,

but rather used for others when their lives were looking grim.

He healed many people on His journeys through the land,

once with just some dust inside His loving, healing hand.

He calmed the storms, stilled the waves when even ships would toss,

but He never hurt a single soul - even dying on the cross.

Is that not amazing? After all we did to Him?

That he would never harm us now despite our lives of sin?

Why are ten commandments hidden from our very school,

and distancing ourselves from them is seen as somewhat cool?

What is wrong with 'Do not worship any other gods but Me'?

Satanic hate brings guns to school so innocent must flee.

God is love. He is not hate. Is Jesus not the proof?

Protect our children from the hate. Don't let lies run aloof.

What is wrong with 'honoring' and 'rejecting false objects'?

What is wrong with 'do not steal' and 'respect the other sex'?

What is wrong with 'do not murder' and 'do not lie or steal'?

Are these things so terribly wrong? Will this nation ever heal?

So why do we still hate God so and what's our real need?

And why are we the same today - with anger, hate and greed?

Showing off to other people is embarrassing at best.

Popularity or friendships aren't from beating on our chest.

What happened to Victorian times with people dressing proper,

instead of showing everything with skin that's tanned like copper?

The outside doesn't matter - all the jewelry and the fluff,

our hair, our face, the clothes we wear and other fancy stuff.

Freedom from religion puts man under lock and key -

enslaving us to dungeons' chains in deaths dark misery.

Freedom of religion brings true love and makes us free,

it's then the world will find true peace and freedoms victory.

Hollywood discriminates on status, name and skin,

but really what should matter most is what's down deep within.

We cannot focus on ourselves - but Jesus' perfect love,

and bring back peace to conquer war through strength from up above

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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June 28, 2007

Strength Through Love 6-28-07

There is no love in sin.

There is no sin in love.

Sin is like a vulture, but.

love, like the snow-white dove.

If anyone thinks that they can hide a little sin inside,

They hate our God in Heaven and mock our Lord who died.

Don't look at me to judge my God for only God's correct.

Just look inside and search yourself for something to perfect.

Sin's author is deceptive.

Sin is anger, death and hate.

But do not hate the person -

just save him from its bait.

Love forgives, forgives, forgives,

It's patient and it's kind.

Love loves the person,

But hates what kills mankind.

There's no love in vultures.

They aren't in Heaven above.

We must be totally humbled,

to gain God's strength, through love.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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June 26, 2007

Arms Still Open Wide 6-26-07

In this world of greed and hate, where sin and love collide;
God reveals man's pestilence with arms still open wide.

Little children, come to Him. In Him you can abide;
He calls to you, He loves you - with arms still open wide.

Men and women, come to Him. Put all your work aside;
He calls to you and comforts - with arms still open wide.

Since our birth we've all denied - so come to His dear side;
God is love, He will provide - with arms still open wide.

Listen, sinner, hear His voice, "Forgive them," Jesus cried;
For on that cross He held your nails - with arms still open wide.

©2007 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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An Old, Odd Nail 6-26-07

A nail holds most anything, above foundation's stone.
The hammer hits the flattest end and drives the sharp end home.

If the nail isn't hard, it's purpose is unsure,
When on it's head it's hammered and bends beneath pressure.

Why must one end be so sharp, but the other very flat?
Must it be firm so it won't bend? Just think about all that.

The world is like the hammer, which drives the nail in -
through hands of a Carpenter who took our every sin.

A nail isn't any good, unless it's always buried;
in the hands of Christ Himself with blessings wide and varied.

Live like this old, odd nail - that doesn't break or bend,
under pressures of each day – in Jesus to the end.

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

Psalm 108:1 [ A Song, a Psalm of David.]
My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing, I will sing praises, even with my soul.

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June 19, 2007

Focus 6-19-07

God is love – please do understand.
God created and gave us His plan.
Adam and Eve received their supply,
but warned with one, if eaten, would die.
The serpent said, Now Eve, it's cool, -
so then they broke God’s only rule.
Found they were naked, felt guilty and odd,
put on coverings and hid from their God.

He threw them out to till their own soil,
and sin continues man's futile toil.
For sin holds no love. It's totally void,
of God's great creation so life is destroyed!
Sin has killed scores - millions and millions,
sent them to graves - soldiers, civilians,
Since the beginning, from man's lustful eye,
demanding a larger, big slice of the pie.

But in Heaven - there's no speck of sin,
and only God knows us all within.
God stands at our door and knocks.
But do we hide behind our locks?
God is love and sin is hate.
They can't be woven or conjugate.
We live on Earth, a precarious place,
Right in-between both Hell and Grace.

We know that "I" is the center of 'pride
and after we stumble, the center of 'tried'.
We climb on each other to get to the top,
and focused on self, we cannot stop.
'I' was born between 'S' and 'N',
right in the middle of the big word, 'sin'.
Only grace can pull out this 'I',
and slip it in 'faith' in loving reply.

Like Paul, I was lost and totally blind,
until I realized that God was so kind.
When I am focused on Him and not me,
it's then that His love sets me totally free....
I pray that you all can now understand,
why sin and wars encompass this land.
And why we covet, envy, and lust,
and why we all need God's love in us....

©2007 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www/ganderpoems.org/

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June 12, 2007

Reflection 6-12-07

Feeling sad and lonely?

Do wrinkles own your face?

Does guilt still stalk your sinful past -

temptations big disgrace?

Focus on our Father as

He puts us in this place.

He knows what He is doing.

So faithful, His embrace.

Lets walk along together -

just imagine you and I,

strolling past His quiet stream -

below His rich, blue sky...

His grasses and flowers seem

to bow as we go by.

Along His stream

His huge trees stand -

leaves curtsy way up high.

God never changes. God never fails

in Heaven or here below.

All nature exposes God above,

today as long ago.

He opens all His beauty, since

the beginning, so we know -

and looking back down to His stream,

we’ll see His waters flow.

It trickles over rocks and stones

down to an open pass,

to a pond so still and tranquil -

that no man could surpass.

As a mirror proves all truth -

His sky, His trees, His grass -

there it all rests quietly,

this pond as smooth as glass.

Carefully lean over and

smile without a fuss.

Take a look at God's creation -

there's nothing to discuss....

Peer upon the water,

don't trust the two of us.

If our faith and love is strong,

our smile reflects Jesus.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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June 5, 2007

An Obvious Need 6-5-07

“Dear Lord and Savior, hear my plea.
I've one request - wait, two or three....
This time though, I'm in a fix,
so maybe there'll be five or six....

Please answer quickly, hear me now
and I'll pray daily - that's my vow.
Unlike before, please don't postpone,
for really Lord, You should have known.

I've sacrificed so much for You,
for years been nagged by 'you know who'....
The children too, yell at the spouse -
we really need a larger house....

My boat is bleached from Your hot sun
so I really need a brand new one.
My wardrobes full - but can't wear those,
for Heaven knows I need new clothes.

You know I just went out to eat,
‘all I could eat' - wow, what a treat -
topped it off with cream and cake -
so take away my stomach ache.

I've tried so hard to lose some weight,
from all this fat that You create....
I feel so tired and weak somehow,
so give me strength - I need it now.

Oh, thank You for my new guitar,
my brand new camper, one more car,
but vacation's what I really need -
roller coasters, lots of speed.

You are so great. I know You care,
so answer now, my simple prayer.
These aren't mere words, these are my needs
and if You grant, I've more good deeds....

There's so much more I'd ask of You,
with credit cards long overdue....
But you, dear Lord, must surely know,
the fish are biting. I must go.

I only ask for what I need.
These are not 'wants' so please proceed.
Stay close to me. I'll call again.
Please grant me what I need, Amen.”

©2007 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 6:9-13 (KJ)

9After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11Give us this day our daily bread.
12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.
Amen.

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June 1, 2007

Creator and Destroyer... 6-1-07

In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the earth,

with love, perseverance, and His gift through Mary’s virgin birth.

In the end, man destroys - for what it's really worth.

What's our goal? Where's the truth in what we have in store -

for have we focused selfishly - not on what went before?

Yes, God created, but man destroys through hate and angry war.

Man demands an answer. He's asks himself, "But why?"

He prays to God or Allah, seeks for peace from way up high -

then withdraws to his own measures - to truth he will deny.

Sin IS the cause for everything that's lacking in this world -

and that's why man destroys it all in wars that he has hurled.

Oh, but God will someday come. His wrath will be unfurled.

Man still seeks an answer though - in one he can agree....

but he won't find it in himself despite his loudest plea.

The answer still awaits him yet, through full humility....

Is there hope? God only knows - what all man desecrates,

through all of our self-centeredness, and sin that still awaits.

Will man continue to destroy - or love what God creates?

Man is educated, wise - with tools at his command,

but that age, old answer eludes him. Does he really understand?

Is the answer in our self - or is it in God's hand?

In the beginning, God created - through truth and grace, His love.

In the end, man destroys - to love he gives a shove,

-as he focuses on sin and self, instead of God above....

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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May 15, 2007

Yellow Stained Page 5-15-07

I sat in my room with Bible in hand,

trying to fully, to best understand;

But as I looked down, all I could see -

was a yellow stained page, staring back at me.

I turned my mind to another thought,

became discouraged, became distraught;

I concentrated - but all I could see,

was a yellow stained page, staring back at me.

I peered at times out the huge windowpane,

and knew that I shouldn't at all complain;

So I glanced back down but all I could see -

was a yellow stained page, staring back at me.

The big, red sun was settling down,

and longer shadows grew around;

I refocused my eyes but all I could see,

was a yellow stained page, staring back at me.

For quite some time I sat and thought,

for hours and hours my eyelids fought;

I pushed them up, but all I could see -

was a yellow stained page, staring back at me.

I stayed up half the night it seems;

then went to bed with the weirdest dreams;

Against dark blackness all I could see,

was a yellow stained page, staring back at me.

For many years, I sat at a loss....

I failed to fully understand the cross.

While I had eyes, I just couldn't see -

but the yellow stained page, staring back at me.

Yellow stains? You ask me why?
Teardrops felled from saddened eyes.
My vision blurred - I couldn't see,
but the yellow stained page, staring back at me.

By grace alone, I know my God.

He comforts me - His staff and rod.

And now through faith, no longer see -

a yellow stained page, staring back at me.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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May 12, 2007

Tender Kisses 5-12-07

How can one wee baby, who knows no right or wrong -

Come to know Mom's tender kisses - then grow up big and strong?

How could an old man wither, who knew both right and wrong -

Remember all those kisses - yet grumble all life long?

There comes a time in all our lives, in love, we'll all say, "Hi!"

Then life moves forward - not on back. If only we knew why.

There came a time in my life too, I had to say goodbye -

For life moves forward, never back - it just happens by and by.

How can someone live with Jesus, walk with Him each day -

Experience His special love - but for silver then betray?

How can someone live with me and talk with me each day -

Experience my special love - but grow so cold and gray?

There comes a time in all our lives, our "hi" we will imply -

Then life moves forward - not on back. If only we knew why.

There came a time in my life too, I had to say goodbye -

My life moved forward, not on back - it just happened with a sigh.

How can some not understand the things I once had missed?

Through wisdom learn the obvious. It certainly exists.

How so often I forget, great things to reminisce -

Experience that deep true love - but betray it with a kiss?

There comes a time in all our lives, we look each in the eye -

Then life moves forward - not on back. If only we knew why.

There came a time in my life too, I had to say goodbye -

My life moved forward, not on back - and God sure knows I tried.

How can someone blabber on? We know which camp they're in.

They ignore the most important points but know them deep within.

The truth is all that matters now. They got beneath my skin.

So gather 'round and follow me. Let our fellowship begin.

There comes a time in all our lives, we know our true ally -

Then life moves forward - not on back. If only we knew why.

There came a time in my life too, I had to say goodbye -

To all Moms’ tender kisses - and it was then I cried.

How can I be so patient, how can I be so kind -

How can I be so loving - when the sinners go unwind?

How is God so patient? How is God so kind?

How is God so loving - when I had been so blind?

There comes a time in all our lives, true love we do defy -

And life moves forward - not on back - and only God knows why.

There came a time in my life too, I had to say goodbye -

Those tender kisses passed away - and there, that day, I died.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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1 Cor. 13: 4-8 and 13

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.... ...And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

April 29, 2007

IF 4-29-07

.
IF, for someone that I love, I do for them some good,
How should I feel afterward - if I’m misunderstood?

IF, for someone that's a friend, I lend a helping hand,
How would I feel afterward - if more they would command?

IF, for someone that I know, I encourage and advise,
How would I feel afterward - if they screamed selfish cries?

IF, for strangers I should meet, and their anger wished my head,
How would I feel afterward - would I love them all instead?

IF, for enemies that I see, as I save their life, am maimed,
How would I feel afterward - if for their bruises, I were blamed?

How do I feel toward God Almighty - who gave His only Son?
Do I really thank Him for His gift - or do I wallow in my fun?

Do I misunderstand, command of Him, or blame when things go wrong?
Or love another as He so loved - as His witness all life long?

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

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April 25, 2007

God Loves Me 4-25-07

When I was just a little child, so many years ago,
joy and gladness filled my face wherever I would go.
I never had to worry. I had no earthly cares.
I'd play all day and then that night, I'd say my evening prayers.

But then, as I grew older, some pain had filled my face,
I'd scrape my knees and elbows - once broke mom's pretty vase.
Then passing through my teenage years and though I learned so much,
opinions got the best of me and stole the Masters touch.

Years had passed - and decades too - in my tenacious life.
Oh, I had pounded my own drum and blew my little fife.
Like a tree with trunk and limbs - I knew each branch, their twigs.
I grew in all directions - in twisted zags and zigs.

As God exposed His beauty - in me, in every leaf,
I soaked up all that certainty, with faith in my belief.
One by one leaves opened, full proof for all to see -
but I forgot about my roots and what God's plan might be.

One day while sitting on my throne - in educated bliss....
I wondered (Bible in my hands) what secret did I miss?
I panted in my studies. I prayed in earnest pleas....
It hit me like a ton of bricks - and crushed me to my knees.

My mighty tree had crashed in vain. It timbered from the sky....
Yes, only God knows everything – every truth and lie.
God found that long lost child once more as tears poured down my cheeks,
and I found His great joy again. I listen when He speaks.

I follow in His footsteps. I let his Spirit heal -
and once again, as long before, the Master's touch I feel.
In faith I lay me down to sleep - my deathbed He can see,
and nothing really matters now, except that God loves me.

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

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