WWJS? 8-10-08

Circumstances do arise,
for all we're going through,
and in response, we ask ourselves,
"What would Jesus do?"

She had faith and touched His hem,
His garment she could feel;
another held his treasures, so
Who did Jesus heal?

Spiritually or worldly -
will God or man we fear;
and when we say our daily prayers,
Who will Jesus hear?

Disciples, they were sleeping,
as Jesus down, did kneel;
sweating then, as drops like blood,
What did Jesus feel?

Hate and anger ruled the crowd,
propelled their sudden haste;
and as they hung Him on the cross,
What did Jesus taste?

Few are humble, many smart,
but vital is this key;
when now He looks into your heart,
What does Jesus see?

To everyone, both you and I,
death calls one final day;
so when we stand before our Judge,
What will Jesus say?

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

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The Old Locomotive 7-24-08

The old locomotive moves "we the people" on our way.
It's gained a lot of speed from then - until right now, today.
Where is this locomotive? Where is it headed to?
We need to know - for after all - it holds both me and you.

Gold and silver limits us, so those we did not need.
With paper it was easier to satisfy our greed.
Bureaucracy has taxed us all. It taxed us as we grew,
taxes those that sell us food and taxes dishes too.

It taxes every kitchen, every bathroom, every yard.
It taxes every one of us without the least regard.
It taxes all our products and taxes all our goods.
It puts a tax right where we live and even taxes woods.

It taxes every home and car and taxes all our fuel.
It taxes every thing we have - including heat and cool.
It taxes all our income and it taxes what we sell,
and if it had ability could tax its way to hell.

Our borders have been broken and are leaving us so bare,
and then when there's a killing.... do politicians care?
They talk and talk and talk some more and find someone to blame.
but then when they are finally done - continues on the same.

In the dining car we ride - merrily on our way.
Never do we say a word lest we become their prey.
The bureaucrats that wish to ride up in that locomotive,
just do their job oblivious - to legislators' motive.

We go to work to pay some more and ship our kids to schools,
It matters not what they are taught - for we must follow rules.
But when they mess our children up - it's not their fault you see,
as every finger pointing - is at either you or me.

We get accustomed in our rut, accustomed to their cause,
because of fear, accept it all, and do not question laws.
The locomotive speeds along the tracks now ever faster,
but no one has a clue for what becomes a sure disaster.

It glides along so easily as feelings conquer facts,
but all will soon be over when it sails beyond the tracks.
With lifeless bodies everywhere - the poor to those of fame –
at least we all can rest assured - that none will point in blame.

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

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This Old Scrap Of Burlap 7-21-08

This big, bright world,
is like a drawer full of lace,
though I feel like a leftover rag;
quite awkward, uneasy,
and so out of place.

Lace is chosen
by those with whom they connect.
and selecting their own special piece;
they want their lives
to be so perfect.

Then stew they will
when things go terribly wrong.
Their lace gets soiled, stained and tattered.
For this worlds special lace
doesn’t last too long.

They’re all sewn up,
still seeking what cannot mend....
But this leftover rag, this old scrap of burlap;
though nowhere near perfect,
is still your special friend.

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

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PRICELESS 6-17-08

PRICELESS is AIR - to a drowning man.
PRICELESS is FOOD - or starve we can.

PRICELESS, a TRUTH - that shall never flee.
PRICELESS our EYES - or we could not see.

PRICELESS our EARS - or we could not hear.
PRICELESS is PATIENCE - year after year.

PRICELESS is RUNNING - the four minute mile.
PRICELESS is SEEING - a tiny one smile.

PRICELESS is MILK - for a baby newborn.
PRICELESS is REST - for the weary and worn.

PRICELESS are YOU - my friend and much more.
PRICELESS is PEACE - for a world at war.

PRICELESS is FREEDOM - and tasting fresh air.
PRICELESS is TRUST - to someone in care.

PRICELESS is WATER - for our desert thirst.
PRICELESS is LOVE - lest we all be cursed.

PRICELESS is GOD - and His only Son.
PRICELESS is CHRIST - the Trinity, One.

PRICELESS am I - so loved, that He died.
PRICELESS is LIFE'S magnificent ride.

PRICELESS is GRACE - for a lost, dying world.
PRICELESS is FAITH - when judgment is hurled.

PRICELESS was TOUCH for this lonely, lost lamb.
and PRICELESS is KNOWING the Great God, 'I AM'.


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

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Where Would I Be? 6-13-08

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Lost in a wilderness without direction?
Where would I be without Jesus?

Thirsting and thirsting with nothing to quench?
What would I be without Jesus?

Storing up treasures that rust and decay?
Who would I be without Jesus?

Hearing no knock as there’s nobody there?
Where would I be without Jesus?

A tree without fruit that will wither and die?
What would I be without Jesus?

A house upon sand washed away by the rain?
Who would I be without Jesus?

Tossing and turning in waves on the sea?
Where would I be without Jesus?

Drooling in anguish and demon possessed?
What would I be without Jesus?

Crippled in body with paralyzed thought?
Who would I be without Jesus?

Drawing a net that is empty of fish?
Where would I be without Jesus?

Without understanding and totally blind?
What would I be without Jesus?

Futilely living on greed, lust and hate?
Who would I be without Jesus?

Weary, heavy-laden with no place to rest?
Where would I be without Jesus?

Among rocks and thorns left to wither away?
What would I be without Jesus?

Without loaves and fishes and nothing to eat?
Who would I be without Jesus?

Tripping and stumbling on life’s rugged trail?
Where would I be without Jesus?

A hopeless lost sheep that is locked up in chains?
What would I be without Jesus?

Hung on a cross and to pay for my sins?
Who would I be without Jesus?

And sentenced to Hades without parole?
Where would I be without Jesus?
What would I be without Jesus?
Who would I be without Jesus?

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

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Patience 6-1-08

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Each one of us stand here.
From God we all came.
But He molds each different.
We aren't all the same.

If God is our potter
and we are His clay;
how does He shape us -
how slow is His way?

I run in great circles -
with schedules galore;
busy with children,
opinions and more.

Though time is fast fleeting
each hour of each day;
Lord, mold within me -
great patience, as clay.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

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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

.
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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