Dust To Dust 1-26-09

From the ground with dust, formed man.
Oh, this world that God began.
He had only asked for 'trust'.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

And of the fruit, creation ate -
so plowed he fields, outside the gate.
Was from the garden thrown, unjust?
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Man confused, but thought so great -
so man, an idol did create -
which then decayed in rot and rust.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

So ascertain his final fate -
for man still thinks at this late date,
that knowledge proves he's so robust.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

The clock keeps ticking - marches on.
It's certain who we call upon.
Into the future we are thrust -
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Close it now, the vast division,
God or self, it's your decision.
Life moves swiftly, dawn to dusk.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

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

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Hebrews 9:27 (KJV) And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Another Shoe 1-23-09

Perfectly balanced as when it begun,
God's earth rotates around His sun -
so empty the pride, of yours, each shoe -
if you think this world revolves around you.

Now find any pair - which ever you choose -
and slip yourself in - another's shoes.
You'll soon realize, while walking in stride,
they're much too large and a bit too wide.

Professors, plumbers, doctors, police,
firemen, authors, teachers and priests -
don't ever assume you can't be replaced,
for your life on earth will soon be erased.

God made us different for very good reason,
so whatever the weather, whatever the season,
we're all on this earth here - bound with a tether,
so strip away pride and start working together.

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

Matthew 24:10 (NASB) At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another.

Talk Is Cheap 1-20-09

When words are empty, talk is cheap.
when words are parsed, talk is cheap.
when gossip travels like a missile, talk is cheap.
when the ends justify the means, talk is cheap.
when eyes expose an angered heart, talk is cheap.
when half-truths build as a skyscraper, talk is cheap.
when manure is spread upon the heap, talk is cheap.
when rationalizing trumps the rational, talk is cheap.
when an agenda overrides the purpose, talk is cheap.
when tongues repeat the hollow points, talk is cheap.
when innuendo paints the masterpiece, talk is cheap.
when the snake oil slips along the slime, talk is cheap.
when truth is obvious between the lines, talk is cheap.
when words invest for a return on flattery, talk is cheap.
when words are used for self preservation, talk is cheap.
when words are spit out with forked tongue, talk is cheap.
when words become more colorful than a rainbow, talk is cheap.
when words are tailored like a thousand dollar suit, talk is cheap.
when ten dollar words are used on a two-cent thought, talk is cheap.
and when money is the purpose behind the words, talk is worthless.

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

Psalm 78: (NASB)
35And they remembered that God was their rock,
And the Most High God their Redeemer.
36But they deceived Him with their mouth
And lied to Him with their tongue.
37For their heart was not steadfast toward Him,
Nor were they faithful in His covenant.

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If I Were God.... 1-19-2009

Bad things happen every day,

on waves and solid sod -

This world is in such disarray -

but not if I were God.

People fall off mountains -

People fall in ditches -

People fall for anything -

but not if I were God.

People will get greedy -

People will get sad -

People will get lonely -

but not if I were God.

People get diseases -

People get depressed.

People get so bothered -

but not if I were God.

People hurt so often -

People hurt so much -

People hurt each other -

but not if I were God.

No, if I were God,

there'd be no mountains.

there'd be no valleys,

lakes or drinking fountains.

No one would fall off of,

fall into, or drown.

No, if I were God,

you'd never, ever frown.

If I were God,

there'd be 'garden of Eden',

all would be happy,

with nobody leavin'.

If I were God,

you could do what you please,

there wouldn't be plagues,

locusts or fleas.

Yes, if I were God,

you'd sing la-la-la,

because I'd create

utopia.

Don't worry that you'd never be challenged.

Don't worry that you'd get a bit bored.

Don't worry that you'd be a robot -

with brains as dense as a board.

So did God have other intentions?

Does 'free will' mean much at all?

Did Jesus give us a challenge?

And are we to answer His call?

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 9:37 (KJV)

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

Focused Failures 1-18-09

Many will focus on money,
many will focus on fame,
many will focus on friendships,
many will focus on name.

Many will focus on family,
many will focus on courts,
many will focus on children,
many will focus on sports.

Some will focus on parties,
some will focus on news,
some will focus on women,
some will focus on booze.

Some will focus on travel,
some will focus on jets,
some will focus on sunshine,
some will focus on pets.

Few will focus on Jesus,
few will know of His grace,
few will know of His mercy,
few will look on His face.

Few will know of our Savior,
few will know of His love,
few will know of His service, and
few will see Him above.

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

Matthew 11: (NASB)
28"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
29"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.

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One Hundred Years From Now 1-17-09

Some are massive. Some are smart,
but every one shall soon depart.
All animals - both great and small,
will someday hear God's final call.

And even through their graceful motion
near the bottom of the ocean;
no matter what they could become,
all ocean fish will too, succumb.

While birds can soar above the rest,
they also take their final test.
Though they fly to their highest high -
they will also, surely die.

No matter where, what, why, or how,
Just one hundred years from now;
no matter if we've so persisted -
few will know that we existed.

So why go through our futile notions
exercising fruitless motions;
collecting things we cannot keep,
until we all fall fast asleep?

Sinners want to impress people
outside of the church and steeple.
But soon our chances will be past.
Only what's done for Christ will last.

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

Hebrews 9: 27 (KJ) And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

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Where Are You God? 1-17-09

Early mornings, I talk to You.
I pray until the sky is blue.
Faithfully I do my chores -
for You are mine and I am Yours.

I read the Bible, every verse -
but yet the world grows worse and worse.
So where's the bounty? Where's the fruit?
Did You get lost along our route?

Tell me now - where are you God?
You should be here. This is quite odd.
Do You just sit there on Your throne,
and leave me down here all alone?

A mustard seed - my faith exceeds.
I live a Godly life indeed.
I pour out Christian love each day -
spreading seed along my way.

So tell me why You're way up there.
and leave me here in such despair?
Please tell me, why are we apart?
Could I have followed my own heart?

Could it be, I followed me -
I never listened, couldn't see?
Yes, maybe I had took a turn,
because I didn't want to learn...

You are there and I am here.
Now I shall follow and not fear.
Early mornings, I'll hear You -
so guide me Lord, and lead me through.

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

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Psalm 23: (KJ)
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4Yea, 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.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
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GOD and MAN 1-14-09

(one mustard seed)

---

God creates
while man destroys.
God sustains
while man enjoys.

God forgives
while man awaits.
God is love
while man still hates.

God is peace.
Man is brutal.
God is life.
Man's is futile.

---

God returned,
Eden entered
knowing man be-
came self-centered.

Yet God loved,
He offered grace,
and put His Son
in our due place.

Heaven is
our Lord's reply -
so can we truly,
humbly cry?

---

Or has my past
became so scarred,
that my own heart
became too hard?

And has my faith
become a weed,
that I can't see
the mustard seed?

It's up to me
to be Christ-like,
when faith endures
another spike.

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

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John 14 (KJ)
1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions:
if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again, and receive you unto myself;
that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest;
and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Resolution Failure 1-1-09

.
Another day, another prey.
Another year, another beer.

Just a habit, you can't quit.
You can't forget the cigarette.

One tells lies. Another buys,
another dies, another cries.

Some will scramble - start to gamble.
Then will sweat, another bet.

Where's disaster? Where's the master?
When found, the grave - you find the slave....

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

Isaiah 24:17 (NIV)
Terror and pit and snare await you, O people of the earth.

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Gifts 12-28-08

Gifts surround my Christmas tree
from all the ones I love -
but none surpass the perfect gift
of Jesus up above.

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

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John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He sent His only..."

That Empty Rocker 12-27-08

Pull up that empty rocker - and spill your problems Dear.
I may have no solutions but my memory is clear.

No one can steal the memories - the memories I know -
of pine trees holding branches up - though drooping under snow.

There's only good in cold lakes if we're the frozen duck -
and that's how we find blessings - when we are down in luck.

No. Nothing's ever perfect - and we're not always glad,
unless we see the blessings - in both the good and bad.

We slide down every hillside - with chilly hands and toes -
but sunshine on our faces - should be how sledding goes.

I was told to "stick it out". It is what I was taught.
Yes, he and I were loving - despite what others thought.

Oh, often there were trying times - priorities to sort -
and working close together, our tempers could run short.

It took some perseverance when I was "up to bat",
but giving up comes easy - and many do just that.

Unlike many moms and dads, we always stuck together,
but Christmas time was special in any kind of "weather".

My gifts were quite abundant under every Christmas tree -
but what I lacked in substance I could hold in memory.

He wasn't always thoughtful, at Christmas year to year -
but he was my tremendous gift, as he was always here.

I know your troubled marriage. I sense it's no more fun -
but notice all my gifts are here - all my gifts but one.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Family Christmas 12-17-08

Aside from better and the worse,
aside from workers so perverse,
aside from friends who are diverse,
time with those I most converse,
is family.

Aside from jokes on my behalf,
aside from every quip or gaffe,
aside from the whole office staff,
time with those I'd rather laugh,
is family.

Aside from worldly wisdom's trend,
aside from strangers I befriend,
aside from those I can depend,
time with those I'd rather spend,
is family.

Aside from all the lights I see,
aside from all the joy and glee,
aside from any Christmas tree,
the all important thing to me,
is family.

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Christmas 12-16-08

.
Christmas is a time to care,
A time to love with gifts to share.
Lift your voice, sing carols out -
for that's what Christmas is about.

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
www.ganderpoems.org

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Lights Of Christmas 12-16-08

.
With people running to and fro
Christmas time would come and go.
All in smiles, in sunshine grow -
but I, in blackness, could not glow.

Inside living differently,
sorting through my mess -
yet nothing changed inside of me
Confused I lived in darkness.

Christmas days - I'd learn to cope,
I'd live through each quite aimless.
But this time though - a speck of hope,
pierced right through my darkness.

This Christmas night - a manger scene,
was lit under the blackness.
I saw it no more as routine -
as something pierced my darkness.

A simple manger in the night
that only God could bless.
And just that little speck of light
pierced right through my darkness.

That night a star - shone up above,
so bright the night could not suppress.
And that was when - a speck of love
pierced right through my darkness.

I saw that day - a baby boy,
Surrounded by all humbleness.
And then I knew - a speck of joy
pierced right through my darkness.

As I felt my sorrows cease,
and knelt there to confess,
was then I felt - a speck of peace
pierced right through my darkness.

I heard behind me snickering
I felt the chilly breeze.
but it was there I saw the light
while praying on my knees.

That blackness in me fell apart.
I knew there at that stable,
a light had pierced my buried heart.
I glow - for He is able.

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
www.ganderpoems.org

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Humble Child 12-15-08

.
Dreams, a wish, a want and cloud,
I chased a rainbow all allowed....
I saw futility.

Career, work, a job and more,
opportunities, times, an open door....
I grasped futility!

I entered life I could not shut -
in filth and mud - then in a rut....
I wore futility!

I scaled the ladder - oh, so high -
the lights below I couldn't buy....
I lived futility!

In total darkness, there I was -
you asked me "why"? I said "because"....
In full futility!

Then humbled there, I saw a child,
as I looked down, He saw I smiled....
- and then He set me free.

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
www.ganderpoems.org

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The Pain Of Sin 12-14-08

.
It has started every war.
Don't believe, and see what is in store.
It deceives. It’s rotten to the core.
Sin's killed millions – hundreds of millions -
and it will kill millions more.

Have you ever cried and screamed out loud - to stop man's ugly riot?
Someone lies to everyone. Despite all efforts, you can't forget.
Have you had nightmares, where you're in pain, and break out in a sweat?
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night - when it is all but quiet?

Have you ever cried and screamed out loud - but no one hears a peep?
Someone wrongs you, no one hears - as pain hits bottoms' deep.
Have you had nightmares, where you're in pain, but have no tears to weep?
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night - and can't go back to sleep?

Have you ever cried and screamed out loud? You've heard the same old song.
Someone hurts a lot of folk. You could see it all along....
Have you had nightmares, where you're in pain, though you have done no wrong?
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night - and knew you don't belong?

Have you ever cried and screamed out loud - and yelled, "I told you so!"
but it doesn't do a bit of good - as you hear their hot air blow?
Have you had nightmares, where you're in pain, because of "quid pro quo"?
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night – and sometimes yell out "NO!"?

Have you ever cried and screamed out loud - but it's all inside your head?
Someone kills a lot of folk - and you can see them dead?
Have you had nightmares - where you're in pain? Could it be you instead?
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night - as you see it ahead....?

It has started every war.
Don't believe, and see what is in store.
It deceives. It’s rotten to the core.
Sin's killed millions – hundreds of millions -
and it will kill millions more.

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
www.ganderpoems.org
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Where Is The Greater Love? 12-14-08

.
Where is the greater love?

when someone hugs another,
when a wee one hugs her mother,
when strangers hug each other?

Where is the greater love?

when a king respects his base,
when two enemies embrace,
when a smile grows on a face?

Where is the greater love?

in those who haven't any clue,
in those who cannot follow through,
in forgiving those who know not what they do?

Where is the greater love?

when truth is now uncovered,
when a babe is soon discovered,
when sacrifice is finally covered?

Where is the greater love?

when one forfeits his very gun,
when presents are for merely fun,
when God gave us His only Son?

Where is the greater love?

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
www.ganderpoems.org/

Luke 23:34 "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."
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Shattered Glass 11-24-08

A gold fish swam inside the bowl.
It's tail fin made the water stir -
against the glass. It peered beyond
but it could swim no further.

I reached out too - but couldn't through.
That invisible glass prevented me -
but living in our little worlds
just isn't meant to be.

We have our eyes but what deceives?
For everything will come to pass -
this side of the present tense,
and out beyond the solid glass.

Sins law, like glass, invisible.
It's nothing but a deadly lie.
I reached but couldn't feel His touch.
It held between my God and I.

For I was deep in waters sin,
within there is no air.
There is no grace inside the law -
and faith cannot live there.

But then one night some time ago,
in quietness, the world heard -
a star shone bright above a babe.
Something big on earth occurred.

Reputed, He, our wisdom there.
His death on earth did pass,
but heard before that quiet night -
the shout that shattered glass....

Yes, "Abba, Father" shattered it.
Sin's law shattered everywhere -
forgotten, forgiven, gone.
Grace unlocked us from despair.

Hope washed us ever closer then.
Free from circling without breath,
free from sinful bondage where,
the wages of sin is death.

Some day we'll occupy our graves -
yet sin no longer holds us slaves.
The glass is broken. Make no waves -
just tell the world that Jesus saves!

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Romans 6:23 (KJV) For the wages of sin is death;
but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Armor's Yoke 11-22-08

.
(Ephesians 6)

I STAND FIRM in
the armor of God. (vs. 13)
and in gospel's PEACE
my feet are shod. (vs. 15)

I STAND FIRM -
will not transgress. (vs. 14)
Wearing my breastplate
of RIGHTEOUSNESS, (vs. 14)

From each crevasse
in the world, (vs. 16)
fly flaming arrows
at me - hurled. (vs. 16)

I'm not slack
and will not yield - (vs. 16)
but raise up high
my FAITH, my shield. (vs. 16)

And with the belt
of TRUTH I'm gird. (vs. 14)
I seize the sword
which is His WORD. (vs. 17)

Darkness, wickedness -
I'll not allow. (vs. 12)
SALVATION'S helmet,
I take now. (vs. 17)

If perseverance
stays alert, (vs. 18)
I'll Pray and fast,
and won't get hurt. (vs. 18)

When I believe
and do what's right,
His Yoke is easy,
His burden, light. (Matt. 11:30)

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
www.ganderpoems.org

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Wheelbarrow Christian 11-20-08

I pulled you hard from deep within,
from a trash heap dead in sin.
From your true and certain peril -
I lifted you - a wheelbarrow.

You long outlasted rusty peers
and persevered for many years.
Diligent, you worked all day -
never asked an ounce of pay.

Your tire worn - you didn't care.
At times you'd need a little air.
Your wooden sides were warped and bowed
but never once, refused a load.

Working streets or fields of clover
you, at times, would tip right over.
Though humbled there, one might expect,
you hadn't any disrespect.

So willing you, without excuse -
would faithful take all sins abuse.
Whether weeds or rocks contained,
you never, ever once complained.

And burdened down with dirt or stone,
you never once had worked alone -
for I was there - I pushed a bit,
because I knew you'd never quit.

I gave you every push and shove -
but did it all in Godly love.
Yes, you surpassed the near and far,
and you, my faithful servant are.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org//

2 Peter 1:4-8 (NASB)
4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.

5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge,

6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,

7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.

8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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