That Mighty Tree 5-31-08

A storm had bent the grasses, and brought this tree to seed,
and it became a mighty tree, a mighty tree indeed.
Nothing seemed to waver it. It was two centuries old.
Sunshine showered grace on it and turned the grasses gold.

Amassing all attention to leaves so large, serene.
Blue sky, its only limit, was hidden by its green.
The trunk had held so many limbs that grew its branches high.
The world beheld its greatness. It seemed touch the sky.

Among the several grasses, in multitudes stood we,
and too, beheld its beauty, a wonder all could see.
But holding up its branches beneath the earth was more -
roots like roadways everywhere, one evil at its core.

Within that mighty tree, deception grew and grew.
Many were deceived themselves, yet truth a handful knew.
Not blinded by its root of greed that ran so very deep,
which traveled down, taxing all, putting us to sleep.

Those of us who knew the truth, it was a sight to see,
for nothing ever crashed so hard as that big mighty tree.
From Hollywood to Washington with roots to Reapers' hell,
some enjoyed the greatest times until that big tree fell.

Those that perished quickly deserved just what they got.
The Reaper had come quickly and hesitated not.
He felled that tree and grasses within that evil gust.
That tree that put its faith in ‘green’ and not “in God we trust”.

If trust, we in ourselves alone, and lose belief in God,
we'll tax us to corruption and turn ourselves to sod.
The reaper had his hold on them firmly by the collar.
Did they see 'God almighty' or - the 'almighty dollar'?

Rocket science cannot put a value into paper,
but where the root of evil thrives turns it into vapor.
A storm against the colonies had brought this tree to seed.
The storm that felled it hard - was one of mighty greed.

Most forgot the basics that were written long ago,
but liberally, the love for more always seemed to grow.
"We hold these truths ... self-evident" once had made us free.
It only took one evil root to fell this mighty tree.

Where root of evil lingers, vast millions surely die,
the sea of green will swallow those - where love of money lie.
When multitudes become corrupt causing great upheaval,
'Love of money" is the root - the root of every evil.

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

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This Dandelion 5-29-08

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From the house, a father and son,
work together for the good,
a family - just like one.

They pull weeds from this perfect lawn,
so impeccable 'cept for me.
A lone weed - the rest gone....

They do this work and they never owe,
they feed and water just enough.
He mows - but lets me grow.

All the world's rules and every great law,
keeps them all busy and wind driven,
yet here I stand in awe.

Often I see father cut the lawn.
It's impeccable.
They pull weeds - 'til all gone.

The child stands near, so his father knows -
this priceless lone dandelion,
is the one that he chose.

Feeling naked as I look about,
one dandelion in a lush green lawn –
but through faith, not a doubt.

Though I’m ugly and so very wrong,
as the world creates rules.
Is this where I belong?

If grass could see, they'd scoff and sigh.
The son protecting me as-
the mower comes nearby.

Why stand I here for all to see -
imperfect on the father's lawn?
The son’s forgiven me!

All can see that I’m still a-livin'
alone here on this perfect lawn -
No, not perfect. Just forgiven.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

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Give And Take 5-18-08

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"For God so loved the world, that He gave...

His only Son" - to a borrowed cave...

...for a world that put Him in that grave.

Why?

Here's an example of love and sin:

With Him, crucified, were two men,

One saw truth and then confessed,

Jesus forgave and he was blessed.

The other, self-centered, without belief,

He loved himself and died a thief.

For man so loves the world, he takes...

earning each one of his many mistakes...

...in a world where man believes he creates.

Why?

Right here on earth between truth and lie,

We look at 'success' and say, "What a guy!"

Many had thought they could conquer the earth,

or their little corner - but what was it worth?

But God's looking down in the palm of His hand.

He knows His whole world and where we all stand.

Where is our focus and what's our reply?

What is the truth that we seem to deny?

We must look at our lives and then ask ourselves,

'Why'?

For God so loved the world, He gave...

so Who do we love OR what do we crave?

There's nothing in this world to get,

unless to Jesus, we submit;

and if we crave our earthly coffer,

God has nothing else to offer.

It's no secret life's unfair,

so help me love, Lord –

that's my prayer.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Luke 23: 39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 "And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." 42 And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" 43 And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."

Greater Power 5-4-08

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A volcano could inspire me,

when sulfur’s flames shoot higher;

But I turn from temptation

and run from hellish fire.

An earthquake could defeat me,

when its shaking takes my feet.

Though I might fall or stumble

I'll not quit or retreat.

A tornado could surround me,

in deafening roaring sound;

but oh, if I am humbled,

I'll lie still on the ground.

A storm or flood could swallow me,

when sheets of water fall;

but of God's truth, Noah knew,

faith floats above it all.

Gods powers - the world will always see,

above and throughout the sea;

still, I'm amazed with greater power -

that He can still love me.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Allowed or Commanded? 4-29-08

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God allows the evening rain - allows the morning dew.

God allows the grass to green yet makes the oceans blue.

God allows such simple things to fly around the sky.

God allows so many things but many don't know 'why'.

God allows successfulness and He allows mistakes.

God allows life-saving herbs but also deadly snakes.

Birds were then allowed to pull the worms up from the sod.

A serpent was allowed removing us from our own God.

God allowed a garden to produce for Adam's need,

then God allowed that serpent to expose his very greed.

God allowed the several plagues to circle around Job

He allows so many things to happen 'round the globe.

But God does not decide for us. He makes it very plain.

God allows that if we want - can work for world gain.

While God does not decide for us, He is in full control,

yet He allows that most of man will lose their very soul.

God allows deception, corruption, lies and sin,

yet He allowed a virgin birth to set things right again.

God demanded His own Son while holding full control.

and God allows the smallest seed to save the wretched soul

If man thinks He has fixed it all and all our work is done,

then why's the world so evil with its people on the run?

God demands not many things - though many we dismiss,

yes, man still lives oblivious and blind to the abyss.

Though Satan cannot master all creations' only God,

in ignorance man stumbles over Satan’s wink and nod.

God allows for all good things - yet He allows the bad,

but He demands an answer too - to fix what once we had.

God did not create the world that He might run it all.

He put us all in charge of it - yet knowing we would fall.

God allows us our free will to do what we might please.

so do we live it purposeful or live a life of ease?

Do we have eyes to see the truth? Tell me if you can,

Where will this whole world end up? What's written in His plan?

Do we have ears to understand? Tell me if you will,

What revelations are for us? What plans will He fulfill?

God allows so many things. What will He not control?

Does God allow so little faith - yet hold my very soul?

God commands the world now but some things does allow.

Does God accept so little faith? Who will He disavow?

If indeed, our faith is strong, as Job's was long ago,

and if our faith is in the Rock, why should we worry so?

If indeed, my faith is strong, just what have I to lose?

God allows both hot or cold. My faith I still can choose.

If we claim to be the clay, willing freely to His hands,

we must accept His final truth: God allows His own commands!

God allows so many things and this I know is true,

and God allows me in His hands. How about you?

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Believe 4-25-08

Father, thank You for transportation.
Cruise control, comfy seats, air conditioning, of course heat....
but thank You, Father, most of all -
thank You for my feet.

Father, thank You for employment.
Exercise, break time, five o'clock, pay checks, insurance plans....
but thank You, Father, most of all -
thank You for my hands.

Father, thank You for knowledge.
Ears to hear, education, understanding seas and skies....
but thank You, Father, most of all -
thank You for my eyes.

Father, thank You for exploration.
Vacations, airline travel - so many things to find....
but thank You, Father, most of all -
thank You for my mind.

Father, thank You for entertainment.
Games, puzzles, hobbies, sports, carnivals, recreation, fun -
but thank You, Father, most of all -
thank You for Your Son.

Father, thank You for all beauty.
Mountain streams, meadows, fish in oceans, flying geese above...
but thank You, Father, most of all -
thank You for Your love.

Father, thank You for all creation.
Newborn babies, mothers, grandmothers, people of every race....
but thank You, Father, most of all -
thank You for Your grace.

Father, thank You for government.
Great people, great battles, great nations - many down You hurled....
but thank You, Father, most of all -
that You so loved Your world.

Father, thank You for tribulation.
Temptations, separation, disease, pain and even death....
but thank You, Father, most of all -
for choosing us by faith.

Father, thank You for Your awesome power.
Hurricanes, volcanoes, earthquakes, the forgiveness we receive....
but thank You, Father, most of all -
for helping me believe.

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Solid Rock 4-20-08

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Because of God, there is creation.

Because of creation, there is truth.

Because of truth, there is love.

Because of love, there is grace.

Because of grace, there is Christ.

Because of Christ, there is virgin birth.
Because of virgin birth, there is perfection.
Because of perfection, there is sacrifice.

Because of sacrifice, there is crucifixion.

Because of crucifixion, there is blood.

Because of blood, there is forgiveness.

Because of forgiveness, there is death.

Because of death, there is resurrection.

Because of resurrection, there is life.

Because of life, there is joy.

Because of joy, there is peace.

Because of peace, there is hope.

Because of hope, there is belief.

Because of belief, there is faith.

Because of faith, there is study.

Because of study, there is knowledge.

Because of knowledge, there is understanding.

Because of understanding, there is duty.

Because of duty, I tell you.

On Christ the solid rock I stand, protected by His nail-scarred hand.

He leads me by the waters blue, He's everything I think and do.

My life complete - is full and free, for I rest in Him faithfully.

And certainly, some day I'll die - but in His arms I will not cry.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Our God Reigns! 4-10-08

Mary was a virgin the angel did adorn...

and Christ was born. (Luke 1)

Peter and Andrew, fishermen, and in the net they hauled...

for Jesus called. (Matt 4)

The storm was fierce. On deck the waves had swept...

but Jesus slept. (Matt 8)

The disciples were frightened and thought that they'd be killed...

but Jesus stilled. (Matt 8)

Seeing something on the water Peter questioned, talked...

but Jesus walked. (Matt 14)

So Peter stepped out - and tried he would...

but Jesus could. (Matt 14)

A multitude, five thousand! The disciples unprepared...

but Jesus shared. (Matt 14)

There were only two fish and five loaves of bread...

but Jesus fed. (Matt 14)

Lazarus had died. Four days in a tomb, was kept...

and Jesus wept. (John 11)

They thought it all impossible. They had it all appraised...

But Jesus raised. (John 11)

The disciples would not realize and off to sleep they'd fade...

but Jesus prayed. (Mark 14)

The cup didn't pass and betrayed by a kiss...

Would He remiss? (Luke 22)

Pilate questioned. He hurt the peoples pride...

so Jesus died. (Matt 27)

To stop another miracle, because He many healed...

the stone was sealed. (Matt 27)

The linen lay there neatly. The stone was rolled away...

to their dismay. (Matt 28)

Though dead from head down to His toes...

yes, Jesus rose. (Matt 28)

A lifetime full of miracles - yet some still doubted much...

so Thomas touched. (John 20)

A still, small voice is calling, though the world hates -

He still awaits. (1 Kings 19)

Jesus healed many. The faithful He forgives -

because He lives! (Matt 28)

He loosens all sins darkest chains.

Yes, hallelujah! Our God reigns! (Psalm 47)

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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EASTER Query 3-23-08

Pride is where all evil lurks.
Where is grace and where are works?
Where is Caesar and his men?
Where does history start again?

Where's the silver - thirty pieces?
Where is faith when it all ceases?
Where's Barabbas? Where's the Christ?
Where's the root of evils' price?

Where's the elders and chief priests?
Where's the first and where's the least?
Where's the charge and what's His stance?
Where's the truth and what's its chance?

Where is Pilot? Where's the fault?
Where's the anger and assault?
Where's the sin and where's the quiet?
Where's the screaming and the riot?

Where are those with lying lips?
Where's their words and where's the whips?
Where were Peter, James and John?
What was said (when came upon)?

Where's the mob and where's the scourging?
What had brought the crowds emerging?
Where's the robe of fancy scarlet?
Where's the reed and every threat?

Where's the thorn upon His head?
Where's the king who reigned instead?
Where's the cross and all sins weight?
Where was Simon? Where's the wait?

Where's Golgotha? Where's the thrill?
Where's the blood which had to spill?
Where's the insults and abuse?
Where's the final, last excuse?

Where's the path where He was led?
Where's the charge above His head?
Where's the robbers - left and right?
Where's the rope that bound them tight?

Where are those who took commands?
Where's the nails that pierced His hands?
Where's the nail that set His feet?
Where were Angels, His retreat?

Where are those that took the lead?
Where are those who made Him bleed?
Where are those who blasphemed, mocked?
Where are those in awe and shock?

Where did Jesus take the cup?
Where were His prayers offered up?
Where's the last breath when He died?
Where's the sword that pierced His side?

Where's our sins that He could take?
Where's the thunder and the quake?
Where's the veil that tore in two?
Where's the many - and the few?

Where's the place where Jesus died?
Where's the place of all who lied?
Where's the stone and where's the tomb?
Where's the linen and perfume?

Where's the stone that rolled away?
Where's our thoughts of Him today?
Where's the seal upon the stone?
Where's the truth of the unknown?

Where's their teaching? Where's its flaw?
Where is grace and where is law?
Where's the cross where He was nailed?
Where's the past? Who has prevailed?

Where's the evening and the dawn,
and where's our risen Savior gone?
Where is death and where's its sting?
Where's the past and everything?

Where's the Easter of that day?
What's the Easter we portray?
Where's the hope in Easter eggs?
Where's my strength within my legs?

Except for He who reappeared,
where's the things that disappeared?
Where's the things of rot and rust?
Where's the people - turned to dust?

Where's the aged? Where's the youth?
Where's our thoughts of every truth?
Where's His grace and its reply?
Where's my faith and where am I?

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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True Humility 3-20-08

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How many times do I regret

decisions that I make,

then seem to think I know what's right -

and make one more mistake?

How is it I so oft' forget

the friends I have so near?

Why is it that I lose sight of

the ones I should hold dear?

I live in full deception for

I know what lies ahead,

and humbleness will conquer me

right after I am dead.

Yet if I focus on God's love

and what He's done for me,

it's only then that I can live

in true humility.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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