King Garland 12-4-14

Oh, once upon a selfish time

King Garland had his reign,

but he had planned an evil scheme

that no one could contain.

Before the holidays arrived

his men would decorate.

Besieged with colored lighting grand,

while subjects would await.

Bright lights were hung and garland strung

from pillars through the halls,

but never was there quite enough

for old King Garland's walls.

He called his servants, gave to them

decree that he had signed,

to confiscate all garland 'round -

each piece that they could find.

So all his men went out that day

collecting all they could.

They entered every store and home

and left their walls bare wood.

They brought back all their garland, lights

and even decorations -

in hopes that they'd impress the king,

(win his admiration).

Well, mothers wept and children cried.

Oh, what were they to do?

Have Christmas without colored lights?

Their deep frustrations grew.

They came from every shop and home -

from even desert sand,

to protest theft of Christmastime

from all across their land.

They gathered at the castle walls.

The protesters would scream.

The king had fin'lly heard enough

and thought them most extreme.

Concocted, he, pathetic lies -

some great deceptive lines...

He'd either calm the crowd a bit,

or threaten them with fines.

But on his way to balcony,

we witnessed quite a sight.

At top of stairs, his crown got snagged

on just one garland's light.

He quickly grasped his priceless crown

so it would not fall off...

(the queen had started laughing but

she hid it with a cough).

From that point on it went downhill.

On garland, he had stumbled.

And then the laughter opened up

when we saw how he tumbled...

...bouncing down the stairway toward

the great, grand balcony

where ev'ryone was gathered 'round,

where ev'ryone could see.

Well, how it happened, we're not sure

but crowd was quite aghast.

The king, himself, embarrassed.

It happened all so fast.

With garland tangled 'round his foot

the crowd let out a cheer -

for king was swinging up-side-down

below the chandelier!

T'was then the king decided that,

(because of his bad fall),

that ev'ry single Christmas should

be lived by one and all.

So handed back, was ev'ry piece

of garland that he stole.

The people had their Christmas back -

while king had gotten coal.

The moral of this poem?

Do not be some pathetic fool

who let's greed have its way.

You cannot steal the Spirit from

the folk on Christmas day.

Treat others, not as subjects, but

respect them all instead.

If selfish, ever, you become,

may blood rush to your head.

©2014 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Precious Memories 12-2-14

As I sit in my rocker,

here looking at our tree,

the Christmas lights and ornaments

are shining back on me.

Oh those precious mem'ries

of places long ago.

Oh, those precious mem'ries,

a-sledding in the snow!

We wiggled as we giggled and

our faces were aglow!

Oh those precious mem'ries -

a-bouncing down we'd go!

As I sit in my rocker

just looking at your face,

your eyes reflect the sparkling

of flames in fireplace.

Oh, those precious mem'ries.

of trudging up the hill.

Oh, those precious mem'ries.

We sledded down until -

you tipped the sled right over and

it gave us both a thrill!

Oh, those precious mem'ries.

That snow gave us a chill.

As I sit in my rocker.

and you sit there in yours,

I realize we're holding hands

as faithfulness endures.

Oh, those precious mem'ries.

Again, we'd get a shove.

Oh, those precious mem'ries.

Remember your lost glove?

Remember way atop the hill

that seemed so far above?

Oh, those precious mem'ries -

the day we fell in love.

As we sit in our rockers,

and you begin to snore -

I realize that every day

I love you more and more.

Oh, those precious mem'ries.

Oh, those precious mem'ries..

Oh, those precious mem'ries...

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Did I Forget 11-26-14

If heart is hard, my eyes are dry.

Have I forgotten how to cry?

Can I still weep? Do I know how?

Where are my tears? Where are they now?

Did I forget the virgin birth,

that Jesus healed, of Jesus' worth?

Did I forget when Jesus prayed,

before arrest, was then betrayed?

Did I forget that they abused,

beat, mocked and whipped - and then accused?

Did I forget the gross details,

the crown of thorns, the piercing nails?

Did I forget He paid the price?

Did I forget His sacrifice?

Did I forget down through the years -

of Jesus' blood, of Jesus' tears?

Did I forget while knowing this -

I lived a life of ease and bliss

...my roof above, my car, my shoes,

that I have food, the clothes I choose?

If heart is hard, my eyes are dry.

Have I forgotten how to cry?

Can I still weep? Do I know how?

Where are my tears? Where are they now?

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Romans 12 (NASB)

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: ifprophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he whoteaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, withliberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Laying Bricks 11-22-14

My life, I'd built with heavy bricks -

each day set on another.

When mortared in with selfishness

I stacked them with another.

So proud I was of what I'd built,

a life of great success -

that I had so convinced myself

that God would surely bless.

But lies, deceit had ruined me

by devious elite!

My bricks came tumbling down one day

and crumbled 'round my feet.

Self pity drew long tears for years,

my future looked so dim.

No longer good for me to hold,

I gave those bricks to Him.

When He accepted all those bricks

I had no place to hide -

so humbleness came over me

and vanquished all my pride.

Oh, why had Jesus taken them -

those bricks that gave me loss?

My sins, my burdens, all those bricks

had nailed Him to the cross!

More tears began to soak my cheeks.

The floodgates opened wide.

Then Jesus took those very bricks

and set them all aside.

He soaked them in His loving grace,

then paved long streets of gold.

And then prepared, He more of them,

much greater to behold.

If we could only look beyond

our selfish, little wall,

we'd catch a glimpse of miracle,

the greatest of them all.

It rises up through wonderment,

past clouds of earthly lies,

to castle built with bricks of grace,

that reach the highest skies.

My tears no longer need to wash -

my selfish bricks away -

for I'm inside His castle now,

"forgiven" you might say.

Content and happy I am now

to know He's given me -

a life to prove my faithfulness,

through pure sincerity.

Yes, living in this castle that's

awash in loving hues -

awash in grace above it all,

a place 'the lost' can choose.

I look outside its window now

down to the busy street,

at people who are like I was -

where Christ, they too could meet.

But Jesus sees them walking by -

as they're too blind to see -

too blind by their distracting walls,

with lives that are not free...

...not free from selfish, sinful bricks

so mortared tight with pride,

they cannot see beyond their walls

to Christ on other side.

At times I see an infant child.

For 'wants' they had been sold.

But Jesus takes them in His arms,

though motionless and cold...

...and there on streets now paved with gold

where sin can be undone,

in loving hands, He breathes new life

into each little one.

Please tell me, can you shed some tears

to wash away your bricks -

your bricks of futile, selfish days

that only Christ can fix?

Please tell me, can you shed some tears

to wash away your days -

your days of labor laying bricks

for lighter, joyous ways?

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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When Under Knife 11-17-14

If Tom, the turkey, you had been -

what would you tell the Butcher when

he raised his knife Thanksgiving Day?

Well, listen to what 'Tom' would say:

---

"Remember children, love your mom.

Respect her as you did this 'tom'.

Oh, don't be selfish.  Don't be mean

and don't be giddy or obscene.

There's something I must let them do

and some day you may need to too.

You'll know, one day, what it's about

but do not fear and do not pout.

We sacrifice for those we love

as Jesus did once up above

when He was hung upon that tree

for people all around you see.

So do not think about yourselves.

Protect those eggs there on the shelves.

And live a life that God can bless,

a life of love and faithfulness."

---

At that, the butcher raised his knife

and ended then, a fulfilled life

that blessed the hungry, cold and weak.

When under knife, how would you speak?

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Path Beyond Trees, The 11-13-14

Do you only believe what's in front of your eyes,

not gravity ever - or winds that arise?

Are you blind to the truth
because of one tree?

Oh, where is the forest
that you cannot see?

And where is your faith when filled with temptation?

Do you trust mere eyes that see only creation?

Some worship mere trees
or shallow, lost sects

while some think they're priv'leged,
who God elects.

Yes, many are lost from Creator they seek,

the forest of truth is unknown and looks bleak.

They love themselves
instead of "these".
They can't see forest
because of the trees.

They think they know salvation.  They don't.
They think they'll see Jesus.  They won't.

They love their lives
and things on shelves.
They love attention,
and themselves.

Your faith is the key!  Unlock forest's door!

The path beyond trees finds grace and much more!

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 7:22, 23 (NASB)
22 "Many will say to Me on that day,
'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name,
and in Your name cast out demons,
and in Your name perform many miracles?'
23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you;
DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'

With His Remaining Breath 11-8-14

He overflows his plate with food,

anticipating taste.

He overflows his closets too

not caring of the waste.

He has to have the finest car

with leather seats and 'air'.

His bank accounts are just for him.

For poor?  He doesn't care.

Huge profits fill his bank accounts.

His profiting is fun.

He'd sell his soul to profit more.

He'd sell to anyone.

His home, he fills with furniture,

the finest he can find.

He then enjoys his fav'rite game

to ease his guilty mind.

He fills his days with everything

and his most latest whim.

And this 'enjoyment' fills his life.

He fills his life with him.

I pity such a person who

has no room in his heart -

for God or love or charity -

who fin'lly falls apart.

How guilty, lonely he will be

just days before his death.

Oh, he'll recall his life of 'self'

with his remaining breath.

©2014 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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We Have A Choice 10-15-14

My friends and I just hung around

in places one might find profound -

on maples, oaks and other trees -

because, you see, we were mere leaves.

The autumn winds, oh how they blew.

They made us dance and wiggle too.

Deception's lie rode in the wind

had made us 'want' and we had sinned.

The bees were buzzing in their hive.

It wasn't fair they were alive.

It wasn't fair that we weren't free

for we were stuck here on this tree.

But then my friends had found, one day,

just how to ride a special way.

They laughed and giggled by and by

upon the wind.  How they could fly!

So gaily and so selfishly,

they joked around so carelessly.

Exciting times, it seemed they had.

They thought it funny they were bad.

"Come join the party we will throw."

They taunted me and screamed, "Let go!"

My friends had left me one by one,

but wicked winds are never done.

The windy, frigid swirling air

had tortured me.  It didn't care.

Except for me, the tree was bare

and I was so alone up there.

Oh yes, temptation had its grip -

but I held on despite the whip

of winds that howled around the limbs.

For I had faith and gospel hymns.

I prayed and prayed to God above,

for He had shown me so much love.

My friends had fallen, didn't know

they now were buried under snow.

The moral of the story here?

Don't be deceived by friend or peer.

Just listen to God's still, small voice.

He gave His Son.  We have a choice.

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 7:13-14 (NASB)

The Narrow and Wide Gates

13 “Enter through the narrow gate;

for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction,

and there are many who enter through it.

14 For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life,

and there are few who find it.

Reach Out In Love 10-12-14

Each lonely tear ran down a cheek

not caring of another.

And each absorbed in selfish woe

did not know of the other.

Oh, how can we be any good

just thinking of ourselves?

And how can we become like Christ,

if locked inside our shells?

Don't be afraid to break your shell.

Give sacrificially.

Reach out in love with both your arms

and live life faithfully.

Each lonely tear ran down a cheek

not caring of another.

And each absorbed in selfish woe

did not know of the other.

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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One Fibber's Lies 9-19-14

Oh yes, those fibs that he had told,

repeated were, 'til they got old -

by his czars and Congress too.

But those who questioned?  Very few.

He promised 'hope' and promised 'change' -

but what we got was really strange.

Yes!  Keep your doctor, keep your nurse!

Sure!  Keep your wallet and your purse...

Began in Senate, tax bill was,

but care what's legal?  Why, because -

what, promised he, was better than

our current "bad" insurance plan.

So then he took his phone and pen -

and offered bribes again, again,

He offered things that weren't legit -

until it passed (to learn what's in it).

His fibs were sold, retold and cooked -

and oh, the folks who came to look!

His spite, spewed he, among the classes...

festered hate between the masses.

One more fiasco, his 'Exchange'.

Two dozen times his law would change

without the Congress or a bill -

but as a king there on 'the hill'.

Rates too high?  Forget your troubles!

The big surprise?  Deductibles!

 "Affordable", the biggest lie -

now we, the people cry and die.

Yes, some bought in to 'plan' they praised -

then lost their savings to his ways.

Death Panels spy the old and youth.

But some weren't duped.  We knew the truth.

Now 'we the people' scream and shout

until good 'change' will come about.

Protest it in each language spoken:

"You can't fix what isn't broken!"

You lied and lied but cannot force -

Americans to pay, of course -

to corporate greed and CEOs -

whose morals dropped to record lows.*

When selfishness and profits meet,

health care takes the driver's seat.

Deceiving minds of God's creation,

they love money - not the Nation.

Now it's okay they have huge clout

but really, what's it all about?

...health care or huge salaries?

Fair?  Tell us if you please.

It really eats inside my craw

they're living high on mandate's law.

If others pay my health care bill,

responsibilities we'll kill.

From elderly to babe's in cribs,

good health care lost to liar's fibs.

And who will count each one who dies -

because of just one fibber's lies?

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV)
"For the love of money is the root of all evil:
which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith,
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

-------

*http://www.healthcare-now.org/health-insurance-ceo-pay-skyrockets-in-2013

In Our Uncertain World 09-09-14

So blessed we are to live a life apart from evil gun -

where worshiping and liberty are free for everyone.

Please don't be so uncaring here with all our ease and fun -

and give in love abundantly - for we have much.  Them?  None.

---

Am I too poor to pray to God?  Too young to ask for aid?

I feel a bit inadequate and I was so afraid.

My story's not exciting but, here are the cruel facts:

Deny our true and living God or pay their heavy tax.

Their's isn't a religion - but a twisted, evil cult.

And most don't understand it all, so hence here's the result:

We now live in a little tent not far from evil guns.

Uprooted from our home, we were - and lost all our possessions.

My parents cry and pray a lot.  My brothers, sister too -

but evil sin is powerful, so what are we to do?

I'm certain you are thankful that you're not a refugee.

I'm living with my parents here because I am Iraqi.

I walk around our little tent on dry and sandy sod

and wonder when we'll all be saved by our almighty God.

I'm not quite sure how many weeks or months we can survive

but I have faith and thank my God that we are still alive.

There isn't any grocery store to buy some food and drink.

Oh, why have we been banished here?  My hunger makes me think.

And though our hunger hurts us so, we still have many fears.

Will we be safe another night protected by our tears?

Our God could strike the enemies of love, respect and hope.

With prayer, our only weapon, we survive and learn to cope.

We thank those nations everywhere who have their flags unfurled

in charity for all of us in this uncertain world.

---

So blessed we are to live a life apart from evil gun -

where worshiping and liberty are free for everyone.

Please don't be so uncaring here with all our ease and fun -

and give in love abundantly - for we have much.  Them?  None.

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Apple Butter 9-7-14

So many things just disappeared

forever with my mother.

Mom's apple butter's almost gone

and there won't be another.

But I can taste it.  Sure, I can!
It's not like any other.
Except for grandma, no one made it
quite as good as mother.

But now a silence fills her room.

Oh, how can I rejoice -

with not a hymn to listen to

nor her familiar voice?

All gone, her clothes and furniture.

No fragrance greets my nose.

No flower pots or nature's bloom.

At last, her door I close.

I close it on so many things

I'll never again see.

And apple butter, now all gone,

is just a memory...
So I sit back and close my eyes
here in my fav'rite chair -
where I can see her making more,
more apple butter there...

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

--------

Meant To Be (song lyrics) 8-26-14

(lyrics set to Hymn To Hope)

Selfish, was I?

I want-ed my own way.

and wanted it - to stay, that, way,

so I could life - enjoy...

But then the skies - poured - down -

and threw me to - the, mud-dy, ground

so then I tried - to run and hide

where I could not be - found.

Again - the skies - poured - down

and threw me to the muddy ground

so there, I - stayed, and prayed  

where sin could not - destroy. 

--- (short interlude / change of key)

Selfish?

I tried to close my eyes.

No matter how I tried and tried,

I couldn't hold my cries...

Selfish, was I?  Oh, why -

I shut, so tight, my wear-y - eyes.

No matter how I tried - and tried

I could-n't - hold my cries.

The tears - poured out - of - me

My life was blurred.  I could-n't see

the words my mother spoke -

that pain was meant to be.

The tears poured out - of - me.

My heart was blurred.  I could-n't see -

the cross where Jesus died -

(fade) that love was meant to - be...

(continue fade) ...that love was meant to be...

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Two Special Plaques 8-24-14

(A true story as told to me by my Aunt Luella at North Clayton, WI

until they (my mom, aunts and uncles) moved from the house on 3-1-1937)

The wind blew high, our barnyard dirt,

so cleaning was a must -

but after chores and after we

were cleaned of country dust.

Our farm house was quite simple and

our painted walls were bare -

except for those two special plaques

I still remember there.

The Ten Commandments took its place
above the other one.
It hung on wall with window and
it shared the setting sun.
I thought about their meanings each,
the words and every line -
and read and reread many times -
up through the age of nine.
Though we had moved, those words sunk in
I saw there on the wall,
with no TV or radio,
I'd memorized them all.

The second plaque, just seven words.

No picture or a frame.

But I remember to this day,

its message still the same.

It hung below the other there

and it, I too, still see.

Embossed down deep within my soul

its words still follow me.

Oh, "not My will but Thine be done."

So powerful the thought -

if Christ could give His very life

then I'd do what I ought.

I often looked at those two plaques.

What else was there to do?

I'm pleased to have remembered them

to share them now with you.

Our farm house was quite simple and

our painted walls were bare -

except for those two special plaques

I still remember there.

©2014 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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New Life Begins 8-21-14

Among bright bloom,

among good friends,

among our thoughts,

new life begins...

...begins with hope,

...begins with Thee,

...begins with grace,

eternally.

From breath of birth to end of day,

Come, Jesus, come -

and come what may.

The sun moves quickly through the sky.

Come, Jesus, come -

for we know why.

As brightness dims and all seems lost -

Come, Jesus, Come -

two timbers crossed.

It dims, the more and death we face.

Come, Jesus, Come -

You offer grace.

Repentance peaks as darkness looms.

Come, Jesus, Come -

Forgiveness blooms.

The sun surrenders to the west.

Come, Jesus, Come -

when laid to rest.

But Heaven calls bright morning sun-

Come, Jesus, Come -

to live as one.

Among bright bloom,

among good friends,

among our thoughts,

new life begins...

...begins with hope,

...begins with Thee,

...begins with grace,

eternally.

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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God's Special Child 8-12-14

Her hair was pushed back from her face,

her eyes a bit apart.

She didn't have the best of looks,

but love was in her heart.

She didn't wear the nicest clothes,

she slurred most every word.

The other kids would laugh and joke

and thought her ways absurd.

One day a peer had joked of her -

just where she kept her broom.

So after that she cried alone

in dark and lonely room.

The life she knew was so unfair.

Oh, why were movie stars -

all living under spotlights, awed -

in fancy clothes and cars?

Oh, why are they so popular

and why, have they, the fame?

Because they're cute and glamorous

in life's most cruel game?

She questioned God in all her prayers

and begged for answers too.

And then in tears she asked of me -

so now I'm asking you...

Just why do we discriminate

against God's special child -

this one who's only innocent,

so loving, meek and mild?

Why buy expensive tickets to

a movie or a show?

Why throw our money down the drain

and to 'rock concerts' go?

Why do our pleasures matter so?

Why is it "me, me, me"?

Why do we listen to ourselves

but not her humble plea?

Sometimes we are like movie stars.

We stand around with drinks.

We laugh, believing life's a joke.

I wonder what God thinks...

Why don't we help the least of these

before today is done?

Our lives won't be rewarded 'til -

we find God's special one.

You'll find her crying all alone

next to a pool of tears.

She's praying that you'll find her there -

and has been many years...

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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God's Little Pond 8-6-14

God's great creation's message is

one word that never moans -

as sounds of water capture me

now flowing over stones.

A stream of endless water smoothed

and brightened every one -

while winding down around a bend

reflecting morning sun.

The little stream just seems to know

exactly where to go.

The clear fresh water trickles on.

I watch it curve and flow.

Between some flowers beautiful

that set on fragile stems,

it finds its way into God's pond

where only man condemns.

Three little ducklings make their way

while mother swims beside.

The water ripples in their wake

across to other side.

Some red-winged blackbirds curtsy when

on cat-tail tops alight.

They sit a-spell while cat-tails bow

and then again take flight.

Under a branch of waving leaves

as I sit here below,

I contemplate serenity

as waters come and go.

The birds are chirping happily

in never ending song -

yet here I sit among the pure,

where I do not belong.

So tranquil God's creation is,

so simple and so frail -

unlike my life I complicate

where I so often fail.

I'm lost inside God's special world

while bright red card'nal sings.

The breeze picks up and starts to blow -

just as my cell phone rings.

But I can't tear myself away.

The ringing, I ignore -

for God has blessed with sights and sounds

and fragrances galore.

Man's evil gaze can take his eyes

off God's creative ways -

but I, for one, will always be

repentant of my days.

I sit among the Butterflies

of which I have grown fond.

They flutter 'round the wild flowers

next to God's little pond.

God's great creation's message is

one word that never moans.

That word is 'peace' so I'm content

now flowing over stones.

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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John 16:33 (NASB)

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace.

In the world you have tribulation, but take courage;

I have overcome the world.”

Where Am I? 8-3-14

On a scale up to one hundred, please heart, tell me where am I?

With Jesus at one hundred... or with Satan will I die?

I believe that I'm a Christian - so "Christ-like" and divine -

but am I par with Jesus?  Say, with whom do I align?

If I'm not at one hundred then I've missed my Jesus' call.

Have I not helped the "least of these" nor fed them much at all?

Am I too busy with my house, my new car or career?

Does dining out or shopping have me so entrenched right here?

Now when's the last time I have served?  Have I been caught off-guard?

Yes, when's the last time I've obeyed?  Is my heart soft or hard?

Yes, I can make excuses thinking I'm above the most -

but if not at one-hundred, I'm a liar and a boast.

'Ye ac-cursed ones, depart from Me, into eternal fire.

Yes, Jesus knows that I am just a weak, pathetic liar!

Sincerely and profusely I cry out, "Please God, forgive!"

It's then grace covers all my sin and I 'one-hundred' live...

My idols do deceive me as I live from day to day -

so have I walked with Satan... thinking it was Jesus' way?

On a scale up to one hundred, please heart, tell me where am I?

With Jesus at one hundred... or with Satan will I die?

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 25 (NASB)
The Judgment

31 “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; 33 and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38 And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39 When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’

41 “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; 43 I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’ 44 Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’ 45 Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’46 These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

The Great Poet 7-30-14

Oh, God is the great poet,

the universe of rhymes.

With perfect balance- all His stars

yet speak in these dark times.

Our Great Creator perfectly

sets worlds with his dictate -

while man discovers one small speck

then thinks that he is great.

He boasts of all his theories

and brags of every gain,

but can't interpret simple things -

or gravity explain.

He sits atop his buildings.

He peers down his long nose,

but topples with confusing words -

for that is how it goes.

Oh, God is the great poet -

the universe of rhymes.

With perfect balance- all His stars

yet speak in these dark times.

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Pretend 7-1-14

Pretending as I have since birth

right up to now, today -

those fun and selfish things I've spun

to get things my own way.

Well, I would always cry and whine

if I was not chastised -

and tantrums were my specialty

if wants weren't realized.

As teens, my friends and I would joke.

We'd smoke a cigarette.

We sometimes laughed at other folk,

without the least regret.

The beer I drank had proved me cool.

the drugs, to get me high.

Abortion took a precious life -

deception's selfish lie.

Yet at the top of my own list

were comforts by the score...

from better cars to bigger homes

and oh, so much, much more.

I thought about how good I was -

and things that I deserved.

I bragged about the good I'd done

and all the folks I'd served.

I slammed the door on all those things

I'd just as soon forget -

but stubborn guilt had gripped me so

and hadn't left me yet.

Convince myself, I still do try

and fool my closest friend -

but Heaven, though, cannot be fooled

and God does not pretend.

(author's note: I did not smoke, drink or do drugs)

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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