In His Sandals 1-20-07

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then tortured even further, could pain be so complete,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And would my final miracle then call for heavenly hosts -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This poem may explain it- but who really understands?

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

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

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

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

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

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Grace 1-18-07

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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

Faith 1-10-07

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Missing Ingredient 1-3-07

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Romans 3: 21-27

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

The Contrast 1-1-07

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

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That Special Tree 12-06

When I was nine, we all were poor -

lived in a house with wooden floor.

At eight o'clock the clock would chime

and then I knew that it was time.

It was okay; I had but three -

Christmas presents just for me!

No gold, frankincense, and myrrh –

but ‘funner’ toys I would prefer!

I snatched the first one - it was small,

tore the wrapping, threw it all.

Pulled back the tape, opened it.

I then plopped down in one big fit.

In the bottom of the box,

I saw sand and a few rocks.

A note said, "Son - I know you care

about the Magi way back there."

They traveled far through desert sand,

not knowing where the star would stand.

It stopped above a stable where -

a baby laid in loving prayer."

As I looked up not very far

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

I sat below that pretty tree,

all decorated, just so for me.

The second present – beautiful,

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

The note said, "Son, some shepherds came.

They glorified and praised His name.

“Our house is comfy and so warm,

no chills come in from snow or storm;

But not the stable there of old -

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

But now the biggest one of all -

the third and last and oh, so tall;

I carefully unwrapped the bow -

with widened smile my face aglow.

I pulled the wrapping off a bit -

to read the box for what I'd get.

The box was simple. Just plain brown,

so then I tore the wrapping down.

Anticipation turned to shock,

as I spied in that bigger box.

I froze in full bewilderment.

I didn't know quite what it meant.

For it was empty. Nothing there!

Just a present full of air!

Except for yet another note,

signed by daddy - here's his quote:

"Baby Jesus, our present.

In His service, His intent,

He took our burdens, sin and strife,

so you might have eternal life.

Empty? No. This box is not -

and never will its contents rot.

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

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

Then I woke up - was just a dream!

It wasn't daddy's funny scheme!

So many presents - many mine.

I put God off. There wasn't time!

First I'd enjoy my favorite day,

Full of candy, fun and play.

So many days - it finally came!

Christmas day - so I took aim!

I scrambled off my bed and ran,

down the hall with my big plan.

The tree looked tall. It seemed so far -

and way on top a big, bright star.

And in my socks across the floors,

I slid along past all the doors.

Down that hall into the room,

were many presents I'd consume.

The tree I ran to down the hall -

was somewhat different, somewhat small.

And I was caught quite unaware

as I stopped beneath our star up there.

Just like the wise men from afar,

that followed their revealing star.

Above the stable where it’d stay,

where donkeys stood and Jesus lay.

I could have sworn up there on top -

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

But not above a stable's top -

this time below our tree I’d stop.

Not like the tree of long ago

but bright with ornaments aglow.

Not heavy timbers tied across,

where Jesus died upon the cross.

When only He could make me glad,

I wanted gifts from mom and dad.

Oh, those presents full of toys,

I ripped apart and made some noise.

“Dear God and Jesus - wait a bit.

I’ll play awhile and then I’ll quit.”

How awful, selfish, I became

as I trampled Jesus' name.

But later on, I humbly bowed,

on that floor not one bit proud.

I cried a lot. I cried out loud –

and let him cleanse my sinful cloud.

So through me see that special Star -

always near, not off afar.

-Still upon that special tree,

where Jesus died for you and me.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Our Church Doors 12-20-06

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Vision Division 12-10-06

Behold, the vision, and its division;

Infinite Heaven - to Earth's final end.

God is unchanging, but we keep chasing,

For a God that we can't comprehend.

Many years ago, right here down below,

Humbled in a lowly manger;

A pure simple Dove, poured full of His love,

Yet all those that feared truth, felt danger.

Committing no crime, yet after a time,

He was brought to Pilate alive.

After all the assault and finding no fault -

In harsh anger the multitudes cried:

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

After hours of suffering He died.

They buried the Son. For three days they won.

Then the stone proved that He was alive!

The question confronts our stubborn wants.

Each direction we turn there's none.

We look for more clues and one we will choose;

The true answer is found in God's Son.

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

Will the answer come altogether?

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

Only Christ can bring us together.

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

And that is the vision division.

For up from the earth, Christ offers rebirth,

We all have to make that decision.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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100% 12-7-06

I hear you say, "I need that car-
look, shiny paint and chrome!"
But listen up you foolish one,
it's breaking up your home.

Your spouse is mad, your children cry,
your bills are piled high.
It's envy, greed- not self-control.
It's just a sinful lie.

Trust in anything will wither,
no matter how it shines.
Time rots and rusts our newest wants,
can you not see the signs?

So turn your head, and turn your mind,
away from all that flaunts-
and set your eyes on God above.
Ignore all other wants.

Now should you hold back hope in Him,
a quarter or an eighth?
No, put ALL trust in God above,
oh, ye of little faith!

The armor from our God above,
shall never rust or dent-
by faith in God who meets our needs,
one hundred full percent.

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

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