The Fiery Furnace 4-21-12

Nebuchadnezzar sent out a decree -

that you must bow down to the image you see -

bow to an image, an image of gold.

Do as he tells you.  Now do as your told.

This he demands and this he requires -

or you will be thrown in the hottest of fires.

Well everyone bowed - got down on a knee -

worshiping idols - except for these three...

Well Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego -

they didn't bow down, they wouldn't go.

The king found out (old Nebuchadnezzar),

that they said "no", that they said "never".

So then the great king with an angry old glance,

demanded they bow, gave them one more chance.

The king said to worship, worship it now,

but they wouldn't do it - they wouldn't bow.

So into the fire the three men were thrown -

but yet the Heavens, their prayers were well-known.

Though seven times hotter those wicked flames swirled,

the miracle? God's, for this is His world.

The three were found walking the big furnace floor,

the king had to see it, but then he saw... four.

Angelic, the presence, protecting the three,

so no one was injured, but how could that be?

So from the hot furnace, the king brought them out.

Their God had protected and there was no doubt.

Nebuchadnezzar and all his men learned

that no single hair [on their heads] was burned.

So the king was convinced and then had become -

strong in their faith because their God won.

Yes, God is much bigger than all He created,

protects all his children - even if hated.

The moral to story, of this Bible poem?

Follow God faithfully. Just start to know Him -

and next time you're tested, threatened or tried,

smile through your trials. Let God be your guide.

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Daniel 3

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The King’s Golden Image
1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, the height of which was sixty cubits and its width six cubits; he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. 2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent word to assemble the satraps, the prefects and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates and all the rulers of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. 3 Then the satraps, the prefects and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates and all the rulers of the provinces were assembled for the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 Then the herald loudly proclaimed: “To you the command is given, O peoples, nations and men of every language, 5 that at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe and all kinds of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up. 6 But whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire.” 7 Therefore at that time, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe and all kinds of music, all the peoples, nations and men of every language fell down and worshiped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.

Worship of the Image Refused
8 For this reason at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and brought charges against the Jews. 9 They responded and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king: “O king, live forever! 10 You, O king, have made a decree that every man who hears the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, and bagpipe and all kinds of music, is to fall down and worship the golden image. 11 But whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire. 12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. These men, O king, have disregarded you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.”

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in rage and anger gave orders to bring Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego; then these men were brought before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar responded and said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready, at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery and bagpipe and all kinds of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, very well. But if you do not worship, you will immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?”

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Daniel’s Friends Protected
19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with wrath, and his facial expression was altered toward Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. He answered by giving orders to heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. 20 He commanded certain valiant warriors who were in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego in order to cast them into the furnace of blazing fire. 21 Then these men were tied up in their trousers, their coats, their caps and their other clothes, and were cast into the midst of the furnace of blazing fire. 22 For this reason, because the king’s command was urgent and the furnace had been made extremely hot, the flame of the fire slew those men who carried up Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. 23 But these three men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, fell into the midst of the furnace of blazing fire still tied up.

24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astounded and stood up in haste; he said to his high officials, “Was it not three men we cast bound into the midst of the fire?” They replied to the king, “Certainly, O king.” 25 He said, “Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!” 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the furnace of blazing fire; he responded and said, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, come out, you servants of the Most High God, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego came out of the midst of the fire. 27 The satraps, the prefects, the governors and the king’s high officials gathered around and saw in regard to these men that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men nor was the hair of their head singed, nor were their trousers damaged, nor had the smell of fire even come upon them.

28 Nebuchadnezzar responded and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who put their trust in Him, violating the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies so as not to serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation or tongue that speaks anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego shall be torn limb from limb and their houses reduced to a rubbish heap, inasmuch as there is no other god who is able to deliver in this way.” 30 Then the king caused Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego to prosper in the province of Babylon.

Noah's Ark 4-19-12

It must have been a massive chore

to build an ark so large,

for such a man so elderly,

but man who did take charge.

It must have been a massive job

with those archaic tools,

(no power saws or cordless drills).

He seemed to break all rules.

It must have taken massive trust

to know what it was for -

to dedicate so many years -

to build so far offshore.

It must have taken massive faith

to face a sneering crowd.

To build the ark took many years

while they had laughed out loud.

It must have been a massive feat

corralling animals -

but two by two, they all had come -

the timid and the bulls.

It must have been a massive herd -

it must have been a sight -

from large to small they gathered 'round

but it came out just right.

It must have been a massive rain

that flooded all the ground -

and Noah could not save the lost.

God shut the door. They drowned.

It must have been a massive storm -

for forty nights and days.

But when the storm clouds did disperse,

God blessed in loving ways...

And bursting forth in massive hues,

a vibrant bowing arc,

as God's fantastic rainbow glowed

for Noah and his ark.

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Genesis 7 (NASB)

The Flood

1 Then the LORD said to Noah, “Enter the ark, you and all your household, for you alone I have seen to be righteous before Me in this time. 2 You shall take with you of every clean animal by sevens, a male and his female; and of the animals that are not clean two, a male and his female; 3 also of the birds of the sky, by sevens, male and female, to keep offspring alive on the face of all the earth. 4For after seven more days, I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights; and I will blot out from the face of the land every living thing that I have made.” 5 Noah did according to all that the LORD had commanded him.

6 Now Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of water came upon the earth. 7 Then Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives with him entered the ark because of the water of the flood. 8 Of clean animals and animals that are not clean and birds and everything that creeps on the ground, 9 there went into the ark to Noah by twos, male and female, as God had commanded Noah.10 It came about after the seven days, that the water of the flood came upon the earth. 11 In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on the same day all the fountains of the great deep burst open, and the floodgates of the sky were opened.12 The rain fell upon the earth for forty days and forty nights.

13 On the very same day Noah and Shem and Ham and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark, 14 they and every beast after its kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, all sorts of birds. 15 So they went into the ark to Noah, by twos of all flesh in which was the breath of life. 16 Those that entered, male and female of all flesh, entered as God had commanded him; and the LORD closed it behind him.

17 Then the flood came upon the earth for forty days, and the water increased and lifted up the ark, so that it rose above the earth. 18 The water prevailed and increased greatly upon the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the water. 19 The water prevailed more and more upon the earth, so that all the high mountains everywhere under the heavens were covered. 20 The water prevailed fifteen cubits higher, and the mountains were covered. 21 All flesh that moved on the earth perished, birds and cattle and beasts and every swarming thing that swarms upon the earth, and all mankind; 22 of all that was on the dry land, all in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, died. 23 Thus He blotted out every living thing that was upon the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky, and they were blotted out from the earth; and only Noah was left, together with those that were with him in the ark. 24 The water prevailed upon the earth one hundred and fifty days.

Coat Of Many Colors 4-15-12

If brothers plot to kill you -

they tease and taunt and gloat -

and it was taken from you -

your multicolored coat -

if sin and evil torture you -

and throw you in a pit -

if dry and dusty are those walls

yet you refuse to quit -

if try, you to convince them -

but heckles are aplenty -

if sold then into slavery -

for shekels, only twenty -

if sold again, again you are -

and lies persist unjust -

if after you are thrown in jail -

in God, you still will trust -

then after all is said and done -

and king and father see -

the tears of joy will flow again.

Forgiving there will be.

Oh, God will one day make amends

to them who were deceived -

and 'coat of many colors' is,

for those who have believed...

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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(The plot against Joseph starts in Genesis, chapter 37)

Hurry Up! 4-13-12

We rush to get ready,

grab wallet and keys,

unlock the old car door,

ignore the fresh breeze.

We start the small engine,

rotating the key,

then buckle our seat belts,

turn on the AC.

We roll down the window,

the radio hear.

Adjusting the mirrors,

we slip it in gear.

Our lives are so busy,

we hurry a lot -

of 'here and now' errands,

eternity not.

We run to appointments,

we run on a whim,

our souls unimportant -

until we see Him.

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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His Hands 4-12-12

"I've cried my eyes out every day.

My burdens, I've out-poured

in never-ending prayers to You.

Why can't You hear me Lord?

"Oh Lord, the stinging hurts me so.

They smear my wounds with salt.

My mind is scarred and You know why.

These burdens aren't my fault.

"And physically, I'm also scarred.

Each hurts a different way.

So tell me... once again I ask,

'Do You hear what I say?'"

"As days go by, I cannot cope.

Will nothing ever change?

If there were different burdens Lord,

I'd happily exchange.

"I'd trade all mine for other ones.

This pain is just too great.

Please let me trade my burdens in,

if it is not too late."

And then I saw my Savior's hands,

cupped high above my head.

He slowly lowered them down to me,

and this is what He said.

"If you wish, then I will trade.

Your Savior understands.

I'll take each burden you don't want.

Just place them in my hands."

Collected I, my burdens all.

They numbered as the stars.

But just before I threw them in,

I saw those nail scars.

Instinctively, I held them back.

Now I was at a loss...

I cannot trade my burdens for

His day upon the cross.

"Oh come, my dear and troubled child -

come rest in my embrace.

Have faith that I will vanquish them

and I will show you grace."

But once again, still weak in trust,

and hesitant, I feared -

Yet one by one I set them in

as each one disappeared!

Now I have grace...  And burdens?  None!

No cross of any kind!

I gave to Jesus everything -

and now have peace of mind.

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Good Samaritan 4-1-12

A doctor saw an angry mob -

and money they had stolen,

but then he passed the beaten man

now broke and cut and swollen.

A lawyer watched the boastful crowd

with sly and greedy grin.

He pondered many lawsuits but -

the man just wouldn't win.

A businessman was by the man

and picked up every stone.

A collector may pay hundreds

for each one they had thrown.

A priest was standing with the thieves.

He knew they needed teaching -

then gave the beaten man advice

with all his finest preaching.

Reporters interviewed the crowd

and printed many quotes.

A politician saw the group

and all their many votes.

He held a newborn baby and

he placed a tender kiss -

promised help for everyone -

ran for higher office.

At last, a good Samaritan

passed up the world's reward.

He cleaned his cuts and bandaged him

and paid for room and board.

Does money, fame or pride seize you -

through Satan's evil lies?

Then be 'a Good Samaritan'

and "go and do likewise."

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Luke 10: 25-37

25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him,
saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
 27 And he answering said,
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul,
and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
 30 And Jesus answering said,
A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves,
which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
 31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way:
and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place,
came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was:
and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
 34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine,
and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
 35 And on the morrow when he departed,
he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him,
Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him.
Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Are We There Yet? 3-28-12

Vacation! What a pleasure!

To relax, on beaches bask...

but seven blocks away from home,

my backseat driver asked,

Are we there yet?

Vacationing, we drive along -

just spending time together.

It seems that nothing goes our way,

and this time? Rainy weather!

Are we there yet?

Vacation, scenic landscapes.

Now is this all in vain?

Is this, the scenic way the best?

Should we have taken plane?

Are we there yet?

Vacation. What's the purpose -

the drive or destination?

And then distracted with my thoughts,

was handed a citation.

Are we there yet?

Oh, sometimes we are so confused

and so delirious -

living in a world of fun.

Are we too serious?

Are we there yet?

Vacation. Can we live one?

Restoring peace within...

Then broken from my deepest thoughts,

my youngest asks again,

Are we there yet?

So what's our destination

exposed behind each task?

Sweep, do we, sins under rug -

then have the shame to ask,

"Are we there yet?"

Once at our destination,

may judgment not be grave -

when God asks if we've lived for us

or all to Jesus gave...

Are we there yet?

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Tears No Longer 3-20-12

Behind the doors of many homes,

no matter where you go -

a multitude of people weep.

Their tears forever flow...

I sat behind my mommy in

the back seat of our car.

My daddy did the driving, but

we didn't get too far.

My mom and I were talking,

and we were smiling wide,

but someone ran the traffic light

and hit us hard broad-side.

The truck came out of nowhere -

the driver, DUI.

And buckled in her seat belt, mom

had watched my daddy die.

I woke up in a hospital -

in pain for several days.

Our fragile world turned up-side-down

in many, many ways...

"Jesus, heal my broken heart.

I feel emotion's tug,

whenever mommy holds me tight

and gives me daddy's hug.
Embraced below Your sunsets

through visions of the wreck -

I know my mom is crying too.

Her tears run down my neck.

"She says we'll be in Heaven there.

It is her only prayer.

Daddy, mother, also I -

are in Your precious care.

Though she forgives the driver -

forget? She never will.

And though the years are passing by,

our tears are flowing still.

"But please forgive me Jesus -

I can't get on my knees.

Fun and laughter, drugs and beer

is all the world sees.

Is several years of crying worth

some stranger's day of fun?

'They know not what they do' You said.

Our tears forever run.

"You hear all my petitions

My deepest thoughts I share.

Your great omniscient presence

surrounds my wheel chair.

And I am not discouraged.

Through faith in You, I know -

in Heaven, we'll be together -

where tears no longer flow."

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Lighthouse 3-11-12

What draws the eye to the lighthouse?

Oh say, what could it be?

Now how could a light on a mighty 'Rock'

forgive lost souls at sea?

There are no ropes to pull them in,

no maps of where to go -

and we hear cries from crashing waves -

under the beacon's glow.

Relentlessly, the wind blows now -

the noise, as a million drum!

The angry sea will swallow scores,

as the weak in faith succumb.

Through rain and hail and deadly fog,

sins weather strangely mixed -

a faint, but 'Guiding Light' shines through -

if eyes are firmly fixed.

The lighthouse sounds its foghorn out,

proclaiming, "Christ is King".

Our voices chime in harmony

as we rejoice and sing!

We find all comfort in the 'Rock'

as the faithful lighthouse calls.

It's then that storms surrender and

receding darkness falls,

What draws the eye to the lighthouse?

Oh say, now what could it be?

How can a Man on an old rugged cross,

help souls still lost at sea?

Secure in the 'Rock', we understand -

as the beacon lights the sky.

And as long as we see the halo -

forgive. "They know not why."

And tell them,

tell them if you dare!

Tell them when they're troubled.

Tell them with a prayer.

Tell them Christ is waiting.

Tell them God is fair.

Tell them Jesus loves them.

Tell them if you care.

Tell them God still loves the world.

Now go, and gospel share.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Adrift! 3-8-12

The waves were crashing everywhere -

port, starboard, forward, aft...

My troubles kept on pouring in,

upon my humble raft.

The typhoon winds of pain whipped up -

first one way, then the other.

My earthly troubles slashed about -

another and another.

Adrift on troubled waters vast,

but where? I did not know!

And here out on the stormy seas -

there was dark death below.

The shark infested waters there

that I remember still -

snapped temptations fangs at me

and broke my fragile will.

And then on top of everything,

it couldn't get much worse -

when wet, dense fog surrounded me -

my little faith, a curse.

I screamed from my position there,

"Do something! Please... You must!"

My fist shook at the Heavens.

I lacked sufficient trust.

I threw my hands up in the air

and wondered, "What's the use?"

Now isn't this the way life goes?

Then sodden ropes let loose!

The wicked waves tore at the logs.

My raft began to split.

Apart, my hopes had scattered off.

What could I do, but quit?

And then when giving up on life -

I saw - but could it be??

Walking troubled waters there -

my Lord had came toward me!

But my raft finished breaking up.

The waves were just too great...

My groping arms flung out to Him -

but He was just too late...

With remnants of my raft adrift -

this Jesus disappeared!

Out in the fog He vaporized -

a sick mirage, I feared.

The gift of life is special, but -

eternal life much more.

For Jesus was my sacrifice,

and who that cross was for.

Were hope and faith both obsolete

as waves crashed on my back?

Last remnants of my raft dispersed -

and everything went black.

Engulfed by churning breakers then,

my feet touched solid stone...

God's precious love threw me to shore!

I never was alone!

I'm thankful God broke up my raft.

Could I have asked for more?

That raft was really nothing with -

my Jesus on the shore!

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Psalm 23:4
 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

As God Whispers 03-02-12

Don't give me a brand new computer

to type all the words on my mind -

just give me an old scrap of paper

and maybe some words I can find -

to write with my old, stubby pencil,

a poem or two I think of,

to soften the hardest of hardened hearts -

and write a few words of God's love.

And no, I do not have erasures.

I used them up long, long ago -

for mine was the worst of all wicked hearts -

and lowest of all of the low...

I tried to erase every one of my sins,

that I scribbled for years on my heart -

but only a cross where Jesus shed blood

could give me a "born-again" start.

Though I am not better than anyone else

no matter how I have been livin'...

There's only one thing that has set us apart -

and that is, through faith, I'm forgiven.

So please give an old scrap of paper,

to someone contented to be -

writing, as God whispers breezes,

in shade of this old willow tree.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Hearts 2-24-12

This world has many prideful hearts

that pound like selfish drums,

and angry hearts that sting me so -

until great sorrow comes.

Some hearts are much too busy to

amass a caring thought.

So many think they know it all -

and they cannot be taught.

There are so many greedy hearts

that seldom weep or cry -

and people with a hardened heart,

will never even try.

Now that is when I'm really hurt

by those I could condemn,

but as God whispers soothing words -

it's then I pray for them.

Their hearts are mean and frigid -

and others, simply bad.

Some hearts grow very weary and,

some others are so sad.

Relationships will often die

before hearts carved in trees -

and only God can mend those hearts -

above two humbled knees.

Some hearts are very fragile -

as fine, thin window glass -

that break our friends to pieces when,

they see a loved one pass.

Their troubled hearts are shattered and -

some have been many years.

Those heavy hearts still only pump

up moisture into tears.

It seems that soft and tender hearts

hurt most when torn apart -

but it's okay God gave me one.

I'm blessed to have this heart.

And God once formed a special heart,

so lovingly and rare.

It is unique and that is why -

my mom's beyond compare.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Thank You! 2-23-12

I felt I was trampled by thousand-cow herd -

and hoped I could write it in poetic word -

but first I sat down and I started to pray,

and saw God's creation so all I could say,

was "Thank You!"

My eyes rose up high to a picturesque sky -

while thoughts ran off rampant to years gone by -

where burdens all settled on one special day,

that flooded my soul - so all I could say,

was "Thank you!"

Though breezes blow storm clouds around to and fro -

and every so often still trouble me so -

the sun always shines above all the fray,

dispersing the storm clouds - so all I can say,

is "Thank You!"

A rainbow appears o'er the old rugged cross -

a cross much more painful than my finite loss.

A sacrifice, perfect - but that was God's way.

And now tears are falling and all I can pray,

is "Thank You!"

"Thank You for mangers, Your great humbleness.

Thank You for crosses and all who You bless.

Thank You for being the God that You are.

Thank You for wearing those great many scar.

"Thank You for grace that's so endlessly pure.

Thank You for strength that will always endure.

Thank You for showing a new perspective.

Thank You for faith and a brand new directive.

"Thank You for children who make my heart glow.

Thank You for loving them now as they grow.

Thank You for teaching them how to respect.

Thank You for blessings despite my neglect.

"Thank You for lifting me out of sins' hole.

Thank You for Pastors who challenge my soul.

Thank You for churches, all joined at the hip -

and thank you for friends and the great fellowship."

So now when I'm trampled and my life is blurred -

I open my Bible - God's great living Word.

It's then I see clearly, it's then I can pray -

and though I'm tore open, it's all I can say.

"Oh, Thank You!"

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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One Exceptional Word 2-22-12

For hours and hours I lay in my bed

as thoughts of new poetry enter my head.

I want to help others - so many abused -

and wonder if one special word could be used...

With each crying mother, child or dad -

what one perfect word can stop making them sad?

Can there be some comfort with something inferred?

...or maybe there is one exceptional word.

One single word that forgets all our past -

one single word that brings peace at last.

One single word that is really worthwhile -

replacing our tears into our biggest smiles!

So could it be 'faithful' or could it be 'grace' -

or maybe it's 'love', if even a trace...

Maybe 'forgiveness' or maybe 'confessed' -

or maybe it's 'thankful' or maybe it's 'blessed'.

It might be 'repentance' or even 'salvation' -

or maybe its 'Bible' or 'sanctification'.

It still could be 'cross' if anyone cares...

or maybe, just maybe, it's in all our 'prayers'...

So here in my bed, I've laid hours and hours -

some day to replace it with casket and flowers.

Oh, how will I say it and will it be heard -

when lips utter, 'Jesus' - my very first word?

Yes,

that 'word' - just a 'name' - but it happens to be,

the Name above all names. He cares about me.

He cares for you too so get down on your knees -

(even if one of the 'least of these')...

'Jesus' - the word that belongs to God's Son -

'Jesus' - the Name who still 'loves' everyone.

Jesus 'forgets' everything in our 'past' -

Jesus, our Savior, who grants 'peace' at last.

Physical, emotional pain - all there is...

He takes all our scars - and He puts them on His.

Soon, we will forget all our fears and our tears -

when living with Jesus, eternity's years.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Feel The Breeze? 2-14-12

See the waves?

Hear the seas?

Smell the shore?

Feel the breeze?

WAVES of sin; Virgin birth;

God so loved; Walked the earth.

Healed the sick; Raised the dead;

Calmed the storms; Thousands fed.

SEAS of hate; "Crucify!"

Bloody Cross, standing high.

In my place, Jesus died;

God in flesh; Crucified.

SHORE of death; Crossed alone;

Buried deep; Sealed in stone.

God's command; Christ arose.

Death is dead; Hell exposed.

BREEZE of God, graces dawn.

Spirit fills; sin is gone.

Feed His sheep; Break His bread;

Drink His wine; Spirit fed.

See the waves?

Hear the seas?

Smell the shore?

Feel the breeze...?

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Gun Fight! 2-11-12

The sun was rising in the east
behind some hitching posts -
and weathered boards, on buildings old,
had nothing left to boast.

But I wore fancy cowboy duds,
I was a handsome sight.
A crowd of people gathered 'round
to watch this old gun fight.

The street was dead and empty
except for sin and I.
I somehow ended up out here.
I'm really not sure why.

A bullet? Very perilous
if we've no self-control -
and sin is much more dangerous,
because it kills the soul.

Now noon met with humidity.
The sun was dry and hot.
Some beads of sweat rolled down my face -
my stomach, in a knot.

But no, I wasn't nervous -
though duel had begun.
I counted out ten paces -
then turned and drew my gun.

But sin is faster, furious -
much quicker than the eye.
Oh please! Dear Lord and Saviour -
I do not want to die!

And then... in just an instant,
I dropped down to my knees.
I fell as peace passed over me
and felt the gentle breeze.

But something stood in front of me.
Its shadow crossed my face.
I then saw Jesus on that cross.
He took my very place.

Ashamed, I dropped my pistol.
My pride was killed that day -
as I pulled off my fancy boots
and flung my hat away.

Now humbled on the dusty street
with crowded eyes on me -
my every pride had vanished as
I learned humility.

In faithfulness, I stood again,
though I was at a loss...
Oh, how could Jesus love me so
from that old rugged cross?

The sun was setting in the west
behind some hitching posts.
And weathered boards, on buildings old,
had nothing left to boast.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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A Brand New Start 2-8-12

In the beginning God had made

foundation's rock where I have laid -

all my troubles, all my lies -

all my heartaches, all my cries -

all my burdens, all my sin -

all my heartaches here within.

But now, a Christian, I ride seas,

ride His oceans, ride His breeze -

ride His clouds where angels live -

optimistic, positive -

high on grace and high on love -

high on Jesus, free above!

A God of love, a God of peace,

a God of hope where sorrows cease -

where I have gained and hold no loss

because of Jesus and the cross -

because of grace that pardoned me -

because of faith that sets me free!

And all that my dear Savior knows,

my Comforter and Spirit shows -

in the Heavens, where God built -

a place where flowers will not wilt -

a place where Angels sing in voice -

a place where Christians will rejoice!

So pray for father, sister, mother,

brother, friends and one another,

fellow workers, enemies -

and ne'er forget the 'least of these'.

For those who give a broken heart -

will then receive a brand new start.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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A Joyous Life 2-5-12

Burned alive, my soul was,
despite my swings and thrashes -
and I had been completely dead,
a filthy heap of ashes.

And Heaven, I forgot about
when living with the masses.
So futile there, my soul was -
and learned life quickly passes.

Excuses weren't accepted.
Results were very vile.
I had to stop and think a bit -
and cry for quite awhile.

But that was then and this is now.
I want you all to see -
that I had no one else to blame
except for 'little me'.

Then sought I Jesus, by and by,
above the clouds and birds.
His grace was free. Now so am I
to leave these loving words:

If you would simply just repent -
and let His Spirit free -
through faith, you'll find a joyous life
and so contented be.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Sin Still Stinks! 1-24-12

Based on a true story
during gooseberry picking season, 1934
as told to me by my mother, Ruth.

---

On our old North Clayton farmstead -
my brother, sister, I -
were picking berries with our mom,
when brother caught my eye.

In each our hands, a bucket with,
our minds on all our work.
We each were very diligent
'til brother went berserk.

Wisconsin's early summer brought us
many ripe gooseberries -
but never could we match what mom,
within her bucket carried.

God's trees stretched high above our heads,
His briers pulled our clothes -
yet creek ran faithful, east to west -
while heat, with sun, had rose.

You may not know our brother yet,
but all of us could tell,
that trouble followed him around
and knew him very well.

He said, "Look at this big kitten!"
He poked it with a stick -
but when it turned and raised its tail,
our mother shouted quick.

Although it wasn't humorous,
we giggled in our fun.
But when mom said it was a skunk -
we sure knew how to run!

Now sin can sure deceive us.
It's fun, this world thinks -
but it is not to play with so,
remember, sin still stinks!

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Little Kitten 1-19-12

A tiny little kitten

whose feet were very sore,

wandered through the drifting snow

and right up to my door.

The weak meowing stirred me,

and drew me when she cried.

I crossed my room with aging feet,

inviting her inside.

She shivered and was hungry,

was frightened, very weak.

Confused, she wasn't trusting,

her future somewhat bleak.

Now even though I loved her,

I saw a troubled sign.

I thought about it for a bit -

compared her life to mine...

As she warmed up to me a bit,

I let her eat and rest -

but ran, she did, if I came close -

afraid of me, I guessed.

Now I was like that kitten,

and it became quite clear -

that I was frightened, ran away,

when Jesus got too near.

Then as the days kept rolling by,

she finally did prefer -

to be around and close to me.

She found that I loved her.

Before I learned that God so loved,

my life was very grim.

And though He loved me very much,

I had no faith in Him.

Knowing that I love her so

and take good care of her -

knowing that I listen when

I hear her prayerful purr -

defines a word called "faithfulness",

defines a true belief -

not wandering out aimlessly

in blowing snow and grief.

So now you'll find her in my lap,

a tiny ball of fuzz -

but she had taught me faithfulness.

I know it's true because -

I roamed once like this kitten,

where snow and drifting harms,

but now I lie in pastures green,

with Jesus- in His arms.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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