When We Don't Talk 7-13-12

I know that you get busy with the things that have to be,

but oh, if you could put yourselves in my shoes so you'd see...

a world imploding inward and- that leaves me high and dry,

a world that's ever-changing and- still makes me hurt and cry.

Again, another tune is heard. Another text arrives.

You're tuning out the real world, ignoring real lives.

Oblivious to what's around, engrossed inside your games,

you wouldn't really know it if your house was up in flames.

Bad habits, you're addicted to- on games of every kind,

on tunes and 'apps' that master you- control and seize your mind.

You're focused on your chat or text- and yes, that's really why

you cannot hear the words I speak or look me in the eye.

There's many little gadgets in, your world of make-believe.

They hold your full attention in, that world so hard to leave.

But one day you will not escape. Temptation's underneath,

where it conceives great weeping and- the gnashing too, of teeth.

I do not need those gadgets there, but oh, I love to hear

your "please's" and your "thank you's" as- you pray from year to year.

My pain was most unbearable when I was crucified,

so don't forget to talk to Me and set your world aside.

---

Yes, pain is quite unbearable, when children do not call.

They think our conversations are, most trivial and small.

This poem is about a world that will grow gravely grim -

and now we know, how Jesus feels- when we don't talk to Him...

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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1 Thessalonians 5: 12-22 (NASB)

12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you,

and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction,

13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work.

Live in peace with one another.

14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted,

help the weak, be patient with everyone.

15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil,

but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.

16 Rejoice always;

17 pray without ceasing;

18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not quench the Spirit; 20 do not despise prophetic utterances.

21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;

22 abstain from every form of evil.

Chasing Dreams 7-9-12

I ran through life - got thrown off-guard -
and stumbled over dreams so hard.
With future bright and never dim -
if only I had followed Him.

Yet Christ is found among the crowds
and penetrates my darkest clouds.
Though marred in sin as black as coal,
He lifted me, my wicked soul.

His endless love flows as the breeze,
He holds secure with cradled ease.
He rocks us close on clouds aloft,
with loving grace in arms so soft.

Yet we still choose to trip and fall,
oh, how we think we know it all -
and then complain when we get hurt.
But Christ can lift us from the dirt...

Do I still choose to chase my dreams?
So busy are these times, it seems.
Did I repent? I knew I ought -
but time I had - or so I thought...

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Luke 13 (NASB)

1 Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus said to them, “ Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate? 3 I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

6 And He began telling this parable: “A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any. 7 And he said to the vineyard-keeper, ‘Behold, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?’ 8 And he answered and said to him, ‘Let it alone, sir, for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; 9 and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.’”

My Pastor 7-2-12

My pastor, I will not forget,
and wasn't my first choice,
to lead my favorite gospel hymns
with his low, raspy voice.

He couldn't seem to keep a beat
or hit a single note.
He once admitted to us all,
he sounded like a goat!

At times, the sermon, he'd forget.
Sometimes he'd drop his cane.
Most thought he was a special man -
but some, a bit insane.

Though he was sometimes questioned by
his well-intentioned peers,
a wisdom came to flourish from
vast Bible-reading years.

He often had a part-time job,
yet seemed to be around,
to answer all my crazy calls
with questions more profound.

Although he eased my fears and pain,
he had fears of his own.
Because we never heard complaints,
his ills were rarely known.

He sometimes lost his glasses and
the few announcements too.
His pocket watch would sometimes stop.
He fell a time or two.

His clumsiness was obvious,
He spilled his water cup.
Though Satan tried distracting him,
he never did give up.

So preach, he did, each Sunday morn,
through babies cries or cough.
He'd speak awhile and then some more,
'till grandpa dozed right off.

His speech would race, emotions great -
he'd tell us of God's Son,
who had to die to save the lost -
for me and everyone.

Once grandpa 'sawed his logs' quite loud.
Who knew what grandpa dreamed?
Yet pastor never missed a beat.
So futile preaching seemed.

Sometimes I'd reminisce when he
would knock on grandpa's door -
to visit him when he was sick,
then here, dismiss his snore.

But higher still, than grandpa's snore -
his words echoed above.
He'd pound down on my hardened heart
the softness of God's love.

I'll not forget his alter calls,
his passioned plea, to come -
to lay my every burden down -
so Christian, I'd become.

And one thing more I'll not forget,
in sermons through the weeks -
that he loved every one of us -
the proof ran down his cheeks.

My pastor, I will not forget.
He wasn't my first choice.
Delighted, though, I'd be again
to hear that raspy voice.

***

We love you pastor. You're sincere.

Oh, how we all recall,

the many ways we challenged you.

You rose above it all.

There's so much more you did for us.

Compassion you could share.

You've 'walked the talk' so faithfully,

so this begins our prayer...

"Dear Jesus, hear us. Give this man

a very special place.

You'll know him when you see him there -

for he reflects Your grace.

Today, we'll reminisce and miss,

past times that slipped away.

We thank you for our pastor and,

his very special way..."

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Hopelessly Helpless? 6-28-12

I woke up from sleeping and found myself eating

a piece of old barley bread.

While feeding on breakfast, I thought it most unjust

that yours was a warm one instead.

Though willow branch bends, it cannot make amends

to a place that I'm sitting between.

A rock and a hard place that's hopeless to face -

and torment, the greatest I've seen.

My great sacrifice just wouldn't suffice.

These shoes that I wear aren't by choice.

"We can't refinance" was the bank's 'song and dance'

but who would hear my little voice?

Despite life-long effort, they're selling me short,

my business at such a great cost.

The bank never spared because they hadn't cared,
hence millions of dollars were lost.

So don't store up treasures for everyday pleasures,

in things of this earth that will rust.

The great love of money has never been funny,

for only in God should we trust.

It's so disconcerting my children are hurting,

yet hopelessly helpless I am.

Despite expectations to pay obligations,

I now can't help any of them.

I sit in the shade of these problems banks made.

This willow tree weeps with me too.

The moral of story is not really gory

if we've learned a lesson or two.

Those decades of years bring me sad lonely tears

for they took everything that I had.

But what greater loss - than was Christ's on the cross?

I maybe don't have it so bad.

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Evergreen Hope 6-21-12

Spectacular wonder, the view way out yonder,

from high on this mountain slope.

God's great vast creation brings glad adoration

to Jesus who offers us hope.

From just one small seed, a potential indeed,

I crushed, by mistake, underfoot -

so whispered a prayer and stepped over where

another small sapling took root.

And on that rock shelf I thought to myself,

"Oh, how can that seedling be grown,

up here where it toils in dry rocky soils,

in midst of more turmoil not known?"

The seasons and years, the blizzards and fears,

rose doubts that had made me take pause,

It sure hadn't thrived but had it survived -

Had it overcome nature's laws?

Now several years later I found something greater

when I returned back to that tree.

I had to admire, it soared so much higher,

and grew so much taller than me.

I once saw it crushed, but now I am hushed,

and humbled at what God had done.

One tiny example of something we trample

brings life from the tomb of His Son!

A long time ago under hail and snow,

despite its long discord and strife,

its tap root had locked way down deep in the rock

that faithfully brought it to life!

Oh, why can't I be like that evergreen tree,

that grew up so high in the sky?

The greenest of green that I've ever seen,

oh tell me Lord, why cannot I?

Spectacular wonder, the view way out yonder,

from high on this mountain slope.

God's vast great creation brings glad adoration

to Jesus who offers me hope.

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Sparrow 6-12-12

A hawk soared high

with hungry eye

for hour after hour.

At times it'd stop

above rooftop,

above the belfry tower.

There it would perch

above this church,

atop the highest tree.

It's Satan's way,

to seek the prey -

for something greedily.

That hawk would plunge,

swoop down and lunge

to seize a tasty meal.

I thought it odd,

so prayed, "Dear God,"

and knew the threat was real.

A sparrow sensed

the danger hence,

and needed quick, to fly.

Through broken glass

I saw, alas,

that sparrow fly right by.

Now safe inside,

it sought to hide

this room it flew across.

What was in store

was answered for,

below the unlit cross.

Though lights were broke,

the sun had spoke,

as stained glass glowed throughout.

And broken pane

caused streaks from rain,

as church was emptied out.

When sparrow see,

should follow, we,

and walk the straight and narrow -

to take refuge

from subterfuge,

with God's most precious sparrow?

If we'll return

to church and learn;

the God that grace is of;

then from all sin

there's safety in,

the shelter of His love.

I learned that day,

that come what may,

there's comfort under wing.

I know because

that sparrow does!

It sure can chirp and sing!

And so could we

if we were free

of peril from the perch.

So lets equip

in fellowship,

the filling of our church.

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 10:31 (NASB)

So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.

Beneath His Willow Tree 6-8-12

So tell me, does God understand,
and can He really see,
a weary widow on this bench
beneath His willow tree?

There were parents busy with,
their children running free,
but no one noticed I sat here
beneath His willow tree.

Of all the people in the park,
I thought of only me.
Could no one know my broken heart
beneath His willow tree?

My husband's recent passing adds
one more bad memory,
to all my pile of heartaches here
beneath His willow tree.

"Please take away my loneliness."
I prayed, "May sorrow flee" -
but felt my tear start rolling down,
beneath His willow tree.

I prayed for one small miracle,
just one drop from His sea -
then found a peace not felt before,
beneath His willow tree.

As Jesus kissed my tear away,
I noticed lovingly,
another weary woman rest,
beneath His willow tree.

And then she shared her loneliness.
A new friend she would be.
We talked and laughed and opened up
beneath His willow tree.

The sun came out and brightened us,
as we sipped green iced tea -
and reminisced together here
beneath His willow tree.

So tell me, does God understand,
and can He really see,
a weary widow on this bench
beneath His willow tree?

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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John 13:34 (NASB)

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another,

even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

Dirty Socks 6-6-12

I sweep my floor and mop it.

Before my mind's at ease,

I scrub as hard as I can scrub

down on my hands and knees.

Now don't we want a spotless house

to honor any guest?

Until my floor is sparkling clean

I cannot be at rest.

Now life is like my tile floor

that looks as though it's clean.

But take a look at my white socks

and you'll know what I mean.

We try to hide our dirty socks

whenever someone comes,

but God sees every dirty heart

and knows of all the crumbs.

Yet Jesus knocks at our heart's door.

Accept God's only Son,

who died so sacrificially

for each confessing one.

Yes, Jesus gives eternal life,

a gift that's always free-

if we give Him our dirty socks

and follow faithfully.

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Revelation 3:20 (NASB)
Behold, I stand at the door and knock;
if anyone hears My voice and opens the door,
I will come in to him and will dine with him,
and he with Me.

This Little Country Church 6-1-12

So picturesque, the meadow -

though breezes cut with knife,
but water whispers in the brook
as valley springs to life.
So beautiful, the hillside view
of pines, red oak and birch -
but nothing is so lovely as
this little country church.

It stands so straight and solid,
despite these many years,
unwavered by the storms of life,
and many heartfelt tears.
The mem'ries of a time long past
hold to a grim disguise,
as visions of my long lost friends
bring sorrow to my eyes.

Though not a soul in eye-sight,
I am accompanied -
as Jesus walks before me
and throws salvation's seed.
The world, indeed, still wants to change -
a sinful earthly curse
and little church, long empty now,
not better, is for worse.

Yet birds still lift my spirits.
"Have faith!" they seem to say,
as chills from early springtime winds
now dry some tears away.
So somberly, through weathered door
I step in reverently.
A greater flood of mem'ries more
now pounce all over me.

They shake my senses silly
and pelt with bruising flack.
My eyes now rest on walnut pews
as mem'ries pull me back.
Hey Clem, hello!  Yes, Doris too -
and all my other friends...
I stand here frozen all the while
until remembrance ends.

With congregation absent,
(deceptions made them flee),
the root of evil holds them off -
not prayer, nor faith, nor me.
My love for mankind multiplies
as springtime wakes the seed,
but this old world will never find
the Savior who they need.

Our discipline was honored.
Respect was dignified.
Oh, how will children of today
see Jesus glorified?
Setting on a folding chair,
still sets a dusty Book
and tears well up again as I
take yet a closer look.

Stepping out, the chilly winds
condemn my presence here,
but I will surely come again
My heart still holds no fear.
So beautiful, the hillside is
of pines, red oak and birch -
but nothing is so lovely as
this little country church.

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Ceiling Fan 5-30-12

I felt just like a ceiling fan -

just spinning 'round and 'round,

running, circling, whirling,

not making any sound.

Endlessly, I spun and spun.

I knew life wasn't fair -

just going through the motions,

not getting anywhere!

I, knowing I, more worthy was,

should I'd been called upon,

but stuck here on the ceiling, I

was merely hanging on...

The weeks and months had turned to years

but who was I to kid?

I'd done the same thing every day

and that was all I did.

Now one day when my chain was pulled

I simply was too tired.

I don't know what came over me,

I thought I was still wired.

My owner came and took me down.

I finally got a ride!

I saw new sights!  My dreams came true!

My eyes grew very wide!

I wanted so, to travel -

but this was not the way!

Oh, I was heading to the dump!

I want another day!

I promised I would spin around.

I promised I would try!

I said, "Do not give up on me,

for I'm too young to die!"

But I was not so lucky.

All my hopes were dashed.

He threw me in a dumpster with,

the hot and putrid trash.

I sat there quite awhile and

I prayed so hard and long.

I gave up on a miracle -

until 'He' came along.

He carried me back to his house

and then He took me in.

He held me very gentle, then

He fixed up all my sin.

Oh yes, I'm still a ceiling fan,

and spinning endlessly -

and though I know life isn't fair,

I'll ever happy, be!

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Romans 6:4 (NASB)

 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death,

so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father,

so we too might walk in newness of life.

E and M 5-28-12

Here,

take the letters 'E' and 'M'

and you will plainly see -

that if you switch the letters 'round,

you'll get a word called 'ME'.

Meaningless, the 'E' and 'M'

unless they're switched around.

They have a different meaning and

of course, a different sound.

Now though the word 'ME' supersedes

the letters that you see.

the meaning of this simple word

is greater far than 'ME'.

Yes, 'ME' is but a simple word,

for if I have no breath -

there won't be any life because

without life there is death.

So, 'life' is even greater than

a pile of all our words -

for living in His image is,

as farthing for two birds.

Two birds that are not purchased

will fall to desert sod,

but grace is breath for you and 'ME'

and it is all of God.

So,

if 'ME' is more than letters,
and 'life' is more than 'ME',
and God is more than life itself,
then it's all plain to see.
If meaningful, this profound truth
then what are we to do?
What does life eternal mean
and who is God to you?

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 10:29 (KJV)

"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing?

and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father."

My Little Box 5-23-12

I cannot prove the miracles
behind salvation's locks,
but if I could, here's what you'd see
inside my little box...

---

If I pulled out, a piece of cross

with blood stains smeared about,

if I had all the photos here,

so you would have no doubt,

if I had froze the moment that

they nailed Him to the cross,

so you could see that gruesome pain

as shadows passed across,

if I had casts from footprints there,

the cross and where it stood,

if I had pulled those massive nails

from deep within the wood,

if I had here the crown of thorns

they pressed down on His head,

so you could know the torment and

the flowing crimson red,

if I had froze that sunset

and showed their facial fear,

if I could show you nail prints

and Jesus' final tear,

if I had filmed the lightning

and veil that ripped in two -

that whole occurrence thoroughly -

to play it back for you,

if I could fill emotions with

the blackness of the tomb,

if I had breathed the fragrance in,

exhaled the old perfume,

if I could pull the linens out

and hold them in my hand,

or show a relic of the stone

so you would understand,

if I took out, in brilliant hue,

a painting so profound,

if I could sing in perfect pitch

with great harmonic sound,

if I had grasped an ocean breeze

beyond the longest docks,

so you could smell its freshness here

inside my little box,

if I held high His halo

and proved His torture wrong,

if I had seized that moment and

then wrote the perfect song,

if I had found the precise words

that Jesus has for you,

then I could prove the love of God

and testify it true.

No...  God requires something else -

a loving, faithful heart -

so grab your eyes and pluck them out,

and rip your box apart!

He sets our anxious mind at ease,

and offers all of us -

a personal relationship,

of peace and faithfulness.

---

If we can see, then we believe -

yet Jesus wills that we,

would never follow with our eyes,

but rather faithfully.

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Grace Awaits 5-20-12

A little child is hungry,

but mother's flying high -

illegal drugs and alcohol

as many beers go by.

A little child is beaten,

but no one hears his cry.

the beatings simply never quit

as many tears go by.

A little child is confused

by yet another guy,

with screaming, fights and arguments

as many fears go by.

A little child becomes a teen,

and sees his best friend die -

the only life the child knows

as many peers go by.

A little child grows in greed.

The world knows not why,

but he becomes quite popular

as many cheers go by.

Another child goes to church

in Sunday suit and tie.

Through love, correction, learns respect

as many jeers go by.

But God sees faith and righteousness

while others steal and lie -

yet grace awaits with patience as

the many years go by...

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Dear Friends 5-12-12

Dear Friends,

When Jesus stepped into my dream

last night while I was sleeping,

I saw the radiance in His face -

however, He was weeping.

I wondered what had happened,

I wondered what occurred,

but when I asked Him why He was,

He never said a word.

I asked if He was hurting.

With that, He nodded 'yes'.

I asked Him many questions, but

He wanted me to guess.

So after many guesses,

with answers short and long -

I searched more answers far and near,

but all of them were wrong.

Now this, I had to figure out,

and learn it on my own.

I finally found the reason -

and it, I should have known.

It hit me like a ton of bricks -

my sins, the reason why.

The tears He cried had made me sick.

Another left His eye.

So then, I started crying -

but He reached out His hands.

His fingers touched my now wet cheeks,

He smiled so widely and -

He placed His thumbs along my nose,

and then said, "Do not fear."

And with His thumbs beneath my eyes,

He wiped away each tear.

Now that, dear friends, is endless love,

forgiveness, comfort, grace -

and there's no work that He requires.

I won't forget His face.

We must have faith in God alone.

There's no 'work' we can do.

But why must Jesus hurt so much?

...Well, that's so we don't have to.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Erasure Dust 5-9-12

Erasure dust was scattered 'round

my make-shift desk where I was found,

inside my garden court serene,

behind a stand of evergreen.

I should have guessed. I should have known,

mistakes I made were all my own.

I wrote too fast and wrote too long

when pencil slid on paper wrong.

Could all God's people understand?

I tried to move my shaking hand.

To reach lost souls is very tough,

my words seem never good enough.

Yes, back and forth erasure moves,

erasing sins that pencil proved,

that sin's mistakes can ruin lives.

They make a mess as death connives.

And next to rose which set on desk,

erasure dust was so grotesque.

Confused, I was, and ill at ease,

at makeshift desk behind the trees.

The perfect roses, red and pink,

had really made me stop to think.

But if I quit, then life grows still -

so write, I do, and always will.

Though God forgives, the pain remains.

Distracting wrongs bring mental strains.

They bring us pain, great guilt and strife,

but God brings breath, forgiveness, life.

Oh, our mistakes will always be,

yet grace through faith will set us free -

when God brings forth a stiff wind gust

and blows away erasure dust.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Ephesians 2:8

For by grace you have been saved through faith;

and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

A Younger Poet 5-1-12

I dab some ink on end of quill,

and draft a poem up until,

my paper stack is all used up

and empty is my coffee cup.

My hand that shakes all on its own,

is held in place by fragile bone

so every verb and every noun

is marred when they are written down.

It seems to me to be so cruel,

for such a weak and senile fool,

with varicose and bulging veins

with all my many aches and pains,

to write more words until they're right

this poetry - despite my sight,

that grows so weak so often now.

I wonder if I still know how...

Yet may my writing not disguise

that God is good and God is wise -

for God has blessed and has in store

His endless grace and all the more.

We often think we know it all

and brag before our humble fall -

yet may we learn this simple truth:

that ink can change a prideful youth.

So I will write 'til truth is taught

and everlasting grace is sought.

Before I die, for what it's worth,

I'll pray for one more poets birth -

to carry on, to take my place,

to teach more youth of every race.

So dab I ink, on end of quill,

until a younger poet will...

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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David and Goliath 4-30-12

Do we, some 'giant' problems have -

a giant cross to bear?

Could we survive in David's day?

Would anybody dare?

Goliath was a giant one -

a man who got his way.

His enemies were frightened off

every single day.

Goliath was a bragger too,

a scoffer - he was mean!

And no one dared to challenge this

behemoth Philistine.

Goliath wore great armor while

his enemies would run.

So who could fight this giant?

Goliath always won!

Now David was a youngster there,

whose job it was to keep -

wild animals from killing off

his small and frail sheep.

And David spent much time in prayer

while sheep were grazing grass -

and practiced with his slingshot too

when he had time to pass.

Now David heard the challenge there -

for he was God's own choice -

to eliminate this giant man

with big and braggart voice.

Well David, funny, must have looked.

No armor did he bring.

His weapons? Simply five smooth stones,

a little stick and sling.

Imagine how Goliath scoffed

at David's homemade 'toy'...

and all who saw this 'match-up' of

Goliath and a boy!

But laughter came to sudden stop

when David, all alone -

had swung that little sling around

and flung one little stone.

It flew straight with precision and

hit squarely on his head.

The  ground shook with Goliath's fall

and giant lay there dead.

Were Goliath's soldiers silenced

when armor's echo ceased?

And had dust even settled when,

Goliath's head was seized?

As David watched his frail sheep,

God watched this youthful man.

God also watches over us...

and kill all giants, can.

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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1 Samuel 17

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Goliath’s Challenge
1 Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle; and they were gathered at Socoh which belongs to Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim. 2 Saul and the men of Israel were gathered and camped in the valley of Elah, and drew up in battle array to encounter the Philistines. 3 The Philistines stood on the mountain on one side while Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with the valley between them. 4 Then a champion came out from the armies of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. 5 He had a bronze helmet on his head, and he was clothed with scale-armor which weighed five thousand shekels of bronze. 6 He also had bronze greaves on his legs and a bronze javelin slung between his shoulders. 7 The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; his shield-carrier also walked before him. 8 He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel and said to them, “Why do you come out to draw up in battle array? Am I not the Philistine and you servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me. 9 If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us.” 10 Again the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.” 11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.

12 Now David was the son of the Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, whose name was Jesse, and he had eight sons. And Jesse was old in the days of Saul, advanced in years among men. 13 The three older sons of Jesse had gone after Saul to the battle. And the names of his three sons who went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and the second to him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. 14 David was the youngest. Now the three oldest followed Saul, 15 but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s flock at Bethlehem. 16 The Philistine came forward morning and evening for forty days and took his stand.

17 Then Jesse said to David his son, “Take now for your brothers an ephah of this roasted grain and these ten loaves and run to the camp to your brothers. 18 Bring also these ten cuts of cheese to the commander of their thousand, and look into the welfare of your brothers, and bring back news of them. 19 For Saul and they and all the men of Israel are in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.”
David Accepts the Challenge
20 So David arose early in the morning and left the flock with a keeper and took the supplies and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the circle of the camp while the army was going out in battle array shouting the war cry. 21 Israel and the Philistines drew up in battle array, army against army. 22 Then David left his baggage in the care of the baggage keeper, and ran to the battle line and entered in order to greet his brothers. 23 As he was talking with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine from Gath named Goliath, was coming up from the army of the Philistines, and he spoke these same words; and David heard them.

24 When all the men of Israel saw the man, they fled from him and were greatly afraid. 25 The men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who is coming up? Surely he is coming up to defy Israel. And it will be that the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father’s house free in Israel.”

26 Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” 27 The people answered him in accord with this word, saying, “Thus it will be done for the man who kills him.”

28 Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger burned against David and he said, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your insolence and the wickedness of your heart; for you have come down in order to see the battle.” 29 But David said, “What have I done now? Was it not just a question?” 30 Then he turned away from him to another and said the same thing; and the people answered the same thing as before.
David Kills Goliath
31 When the words which David spoke were heard, they told them to Saul, and he sent for him. 32 David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33 Then Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth.” 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant was tending his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God.” 37 And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and may the LORD be with you.” 38 Then Saul clothed David with his garments and put a bronze helmet on his head, and he clothed him with armor. 39 David girded his sword over his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. So David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.” And David took them off. 40 He took his stick in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine.

41 Then the Philistine came on and approached David, with the shield-bearer in front of him. 42 When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, with a handsome appearance. 43 The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 The Philistine also said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field.” 45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. 46 This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD’S and He will give you into our hands.”

48 Then it happened when the Philistine rose and came and drew near to meet David, that David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49 And David put his hand into his bag and took from it a stone and slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead. And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground.

50 Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and he struck the Philistine and killed him; but there was no sword in David’s hand. 51 Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. 52 The men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted and pursued the Philistines as far as the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the slain Philistines lay along the way to Shaaraim, even to Gath and Ekron. 53 The sons of Israel returned from chasing the Philistines and plundered their camps. 54 Then David took the Philistine’s head and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his weapons in his tent.

55 Now when Saul saw David going out against the Philistine, he said to Abner the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this young man?” And Abner said, “By your life, O king, I do not know.” 56 The king said, “You inquire whose son the youth is.” 57 So when David returned from killing the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul with the Philistine’s head in his hand. 58 Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.”

The Lions' Den 4-26-12

King Darious signed - and it became law.

Beware of the rulers.  Beware of their flaw.

Beware of their rule.  Beware of their claw.

Beware of their lion. Beware of their jaw.

---

"I tell you Daniel, he is king -

you must obey in everything!

Behind his seal, he signed in pen!

Beware of death in lions' den!

"I ask you Daniel, hear the din?

They know the house you're living in!

Bow down in public now and then!

Beware of vicious lions' den!

"Oh, tell me Daniel, what's the use?

Prayer every day is pure abuse!

You pray to God - again, again!

Beware, lest thrown in lions' den!

"Oh, tell me Daniel, what'd you do?

The fault, all yours, you got into!

You're not at all like other men!

Beware! You're now in lions' den!

"Now tell me Daniel, what's God doin' -

shutting jaws of every lion?

He stopped a feast that should have been!

A miracle in lions' den!

"Oh, tell me Daniel, could it be -

they took you out and now you're free?

We're so amazed, we scream 'AMEN!'

Beware of God and not the den!

"Please show us Daniel, how to pray

a humble prayer just like you say.

We'll pray sincerely every day

and follow God the faithful way!"

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org

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Daniel 6 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Daniel Serves Darius

1 It seemed good to Darius to appoint 120 satraps over the kingdom, that they would be in charge of the whole kingdom, 2 and over them three commissioners (of whom Daniel was one), that these satraps might be accountable to them, and that the king might not suffer loss. 3 Then this Daniel began distinguishing himself among the commissioners and satraps because he possessed an extraordinary spirit, and the king planned to appoint him over the entire kingdom. 4 Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him. 5 Then these men said, “We will not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God.”

6 Then these commissioners and satraps came by agreement to the king and spoke to him as follows: “King Darius, live forever! 7 All the commissioners of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the high officials and the governors have consulted together that the king should establish a statute and enforce an injunction that anyone who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, shall be cast into the lions’ den. 8 Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document so that it may not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.” 9 Therefore King Darius signed the document, that is, the injunction.

10 Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously. 11 Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. 12 Then they approached and spoke before the king about the king’s injunction, “Did you not sign an injunction that any man who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, is to be cast into the lions’ den?” The king replied, “The statement is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.” 13 Then they answered and spoke before the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the injunction which you signed, but keeps making his petition three times a day.”

14 Then, as soon as the king heard this statement, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel; and even until sunset he kept exerting himself to rescue him. 15 Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, “Recognize, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or statute which the king establishes may be changed.”
Daniel in the Lions’ Den
16 Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions’ den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.” 17 A stone was brought and laid over the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet rings of his nobles, so that nothing would be changed in regard to Daniel. 18 Then the king went off to his palace and spent the night fasting, and no entertainment was brought before him; and his sleep fled from him.

19 Then the king arose at dawn, at the break of day, and went in haste to the lions’ den. 20 When he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel spoke to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.” 23 Then the king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. 24 The king then gave orders, and they brought those men who had maliciously accused Daniel, and they cast them, their children and their wives into the lions’ den; and they had not reached the bottom of the den before the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.

25 Then Darius the king wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language who were living in all the land: “May your peace abound! 26 I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel;

For He is the living God and enduring forever,
And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed,
And His dominion will be forever.
27 “He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders
In heaven and on earth,
Who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”

28 So this Daniel enjoyed success in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

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.