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

.

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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ONE WAY 3-19-08

It's my job to make a living -
rise up and not digress;
The owner wants my very best,
and him I must impress.

If I'm to take up my own cross,
if I'm to be like Him;
then I should do a wee bit more
than sing my favorite hymn....

On one hand I'm to follow God,
on the other, pay my bills.
Have I been so conditioned that -
I forgot abortion kills?

Does Jesus shed a little tear
for every child who dies?
And what was I so busy at
I failed to hear the cries?

Some day I must ask myself,
“Who IS my real boss?”
What pieces do I still take up -
the silver or the cross?

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

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(NASB) Matt. 27:

3 Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
4 saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood."

The FULL Armor Of GOD 3-18-08

Every time sins news comes out it throws me to my knees,

and there you'll hear me praying, Lord, help me if you please.

Sin has caused vast famines, lost hope and cursed disease,

but God has always answered clear - to help the least of these.

I ponder sins endurance - throughout the world today,

Greed and shootings, terrorists - all obvious decay.

Often times I only want to hide in my dismay -

but finally put my armor on. It is the only way.

I wrap around my feeble loins the TRUTH of God's decree,

and RIGHTEOUSNESS, my breastplate, is certainly a key.

My feet are shod in Gospel PEACE which makes me ever free,

clasping to my shield of FAITH, I deflect all life's debris.

The Helmet of SALVATION is firmly on my head -

and in my hand the SPIRIT's sword - I read it as I tread.

As He protects the sparrow, and blazed the path ahead,

I follow in His footsteps and trust my Lord instead.

We ponder sins endurance. There's nothing to discuss.

We either do what's in God's will or make a big ol' fuss.

We say that we're too busy - have work, investments, trusts....

Do we really focus on God's will - or selfishly on us?

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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What do we VALUE? 3-10-08

We love money to extreme - and to get more we plan our scheme.

Expectancy has blinded us - yet in excitement, hear us scream.

Where's our faith? Can we not see? The stars can't blind a single flea.

Possessions should not steal the heart for that is where our God should be.

We love sports to the extreme and know the players on each team.

Predictions grip has deafened us - yet when the game starts, hear us scream.

Where's our trust? Can we not hear? Noise can't conquer day or year,

Screaming will not change God's time and soon our echoes disappear.

We love sales to the extreme, the malls and such can fill a dream.

Foresight makes us worldly, dumb - yet in excitement, hear us scream.

Where's our mind? Are we not real? The smallest spokes connect the wheel.

Touch the nail prints on His hands and tell me Jesus cannot feel.

We love life to it's extreme and love our time (so it may seem).

Anticipations make us squirm - yet water's nothing to the cream!

Ponder this if you should care - that spears can't conquer any air.

Several things can break our knees - but can they bend for any prayer?

and what is our WORTH?

Some say God is too profound - He can't be known, He can't be found.

It's then that I must ask myself if my priorities are sound...

"Have I loved the "least of these", as Jesus did (to God's degree)?

And do I now "so love the world" or do I love, but only me?"

"Can I not see my Savior bleed? Do God’s commandments I not heed?

Have I been focused on myself? Am I even worth one mustard seed?"

We all know that - Gods grace is free, but He knows not - the worldly.

Mustard seeds can never boast, yet God lifts you and He lifts me.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Ol' Barn 3-3-08

There was a barn once painted red
that stood on grandpa's old homestead.
T'was built so very long ago -
a sorry sight. I told him so.

I often, as a boy, had wondered
why it hadn't ever timbered.
I knew the sagging rafters creaked
and roof, with missing shingles, leaked.

I stepped inside, the barn doors gone
and found it home for sparrows' song.
Circled they, around freely,
over floors in man's debris.

No matter which way I would glance,
dust in the sunlight rays would dance.
The warning cobwebs seemed to sketch.
Between the timbers, they would stretch.

Foundation laid in cobblestone
but its sure footing wasn't known.
Between the stones were gaping cracks
that could not hide the basic facts.

Now every post in building leaned,
and wall to wall had needed cleaned.
The winter winds would whistle through.
That big ol' barn had lost, I knew.

The weather's sin had taken toll
and wind and sleet had found its soul.
Its only purpose, couldn't render -
so it offered full surrender.

Now that ol' barn is much like us
and in our wants, we make a fuss.
Our sagging souls are so uncouth
that we no longer seek the truth.

Deceit flies in our open door
'til we care little anymore.
We’d rather compromise instead
as cobwebs fill our empty head.

Our minds are filled in sins' debris
with anyone whom we'd agree.
The love is lost between our bones.
It leaves us cold with loosened stones.

Will our beliefs stand firm, upright -
or will we yield to windy blight?
Are we responsible instead, or
is our character really dead?

Down through the years, the time has lapsed
and long ago that barn collapsed.
As I look now at its demise
I listen to the worlds last cries....

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

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Voices 2-23-08

Do we read our Bibles, fold our hands,

but then forget God's great commands?

I look around our little church,

do a headcount, do a search

of each and every person there -

then ask myself, "Do we not care?"

Okay I know, I'm not to judge -

but wonder if God holds a grudge.

If God is love please tell me this -

why killing infants we dismiss?

No, the unborn cannot speak

and each is weak and so unique.

I wonder if those cries of pain

will always call to me in vain?

While fervently I pray for life -

another's lost under a knife.

Is it my fault? What have I done?

Does my vote count? I have but one.

For years and years and years and years

their cries have fallen on deaf ears....

Would I, for someone, take this cross

when that is someone else's loss?

So softens, as we wayward drift,

the echo's from His gracious gift.

Oh, some might say it's so absurd -

but was it His small voice I heard?

Our rights, oh, we'll grease and grease

while legal infants' voices cease.

Created in His image too,

their one lone right.  Is that not due?

While squeaky wheels take the oil,

the unborn are financial spoil.

Thrown out in waste cans with the trash,

replaced with dirty filthy cash.

Can I not care year after year -

nor shed again just one more tear?

Will tears no longer find my cheeks?

Do I ignore when His voice speaks?

I'm saddened I have so succumbed

to selfish ones who beat their drums.

I get accustomed, sing my praise -

while others vote their selfish ways.

We go to work. We go to schools.

We follow all their subtle rules,

Time consumes us - sun to suns.

Will God still lift us lazy ones?

When we accept another's choice,

do we not hear God's still small voice?

Do we sing hymns in mindless ease -

or really love the least of these?

Do we read Bibles, fold our hands,

but then ignore God's great commands?

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Luke 6:46 (NASB)

"Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?”

Matthew 25:40 (NASB) 
 "The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you,

to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'"

Z 2-22-08

‘Z’ is last - but not in this poem!

Letters take thought and patience to grow 'em.

‘A’ seems reserved for its special space,

and may have tantrums if not in first place.

Twenty-five letters still have to be passed,

to find that lone ‘Z’ which was meant to be last.

I ponder the meaning of last and not first,

and wonder at one point if ‘Z’ had been cursed.

But ‘Z’, in this poem has gotten first place.

Hopefully that puts a smile on its face!

The day will soon come where first will be last,

the last will be first and won’t be surpassed.

Now here is a secret so keep your eyes peeled.
Just maybe you’ll find every letter revealed.

It was quite a chore to mix letters this way,

but this time - in last place - you'll find letter ‘A’.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

Every letter can be found in this poem.
If you need help, here are the answers:
A - "A"
B - But
C - patienCe
D - reserveD
E - poEm
F - First
G - Grow
H - tHis
I - Is
J - Just
K - taKe
L - Last
M - poeM
N - Not
O - nOt
P - Poem
Q - Quite
R - letteRs
S - laSt
T - lasT
U - bUt
V - reserVed
W - groW
X - miX
Y - maY
Z - "Z"

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Mark 9:(NASB)

34 But they kept silent,
for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest.

35 Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them,
"If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all."

36 Taking a child, He set him before them,
and taking him in His arms, He said to them,

37 "Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me;
and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me."

--------

Will I See You? 2-21-08

.
Will I see you in Heaven?
Will I see you up there?
I love you my son.
Do you really not care?

It's hard, often times,
to find something to say,
And difficult too -
for my love to convey.

You are often busy.
You're working too hard,
Running on errands
and cleaning your yard.

Have you no more time
to come by and see me?
If we could change places
just how would that be?

Yes, what if the tables
were turned just a bit,
And you were in my shoes -
would you then admit,

That all of the efforts
I made to see you,
Were ever so feeble
and long overdue.

Oh, I am not perfect.
Not one little bit.
And I am not lonely -
as I sit and knit.

I pray and thank Him
for all He has given.
While you are unhappy,
I am forgiven.

But if you were here,
I would tell you right now,
"Repent of your troubles -
And I'd show you how."

I'd tell you 'bout Jesus -
resurrection and such,
And then too, you'd feel
the great Master's touch.

I love you my son
so please don't stay away.
Come right on over -
and do not delay.

Will I see you in Heaven?
Will I see you up there?
I love you my son.
I will keep you in prayer.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

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Working Faith 2-9-08

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Why is faith without works always dead?
Does only God work in my future ahead?
Was I only created for church and fluff,
and am I (in His image) not good enough?

Did Jesus do nothing - but only believed,
and sweat drops like blood, but never received,
the whippings, the insults, the anger and scorns,
the judgment, the nails, the sharp crown of thorns?

If sweat were sufficient then where would I be -
without His great work on that cross just for me?
His faith produced work - and the love in God's grace,
forgave me right here as He hung in disgrace.

"Forgive them," He said, "they know not what they do."
The work was soon finished - for me and for you.
"Abba, Father!!" to God Jesus cried!!
Yes, God worked a miracle - and then Jesus died.

So can miracles happen if I only believe,
sit on my hands, excuses to weave?
If I'm to be Christ-like, if I'm to show love -
the work found within me gets strength from above.

Yes, faith without works will always be dead -
but don't believe me, for that's what God said.
I'm made in His image. I can't sit around.
And where there is need, Lord, let me be found!

Do I leave my neighbors with, "Have a nice day"
or bring them to Jesus in my special way?
In His image - in my own special place,
He gave me a mission none else can replace.

To grasp His faith, His work, His loss,
I, in His image, must too bear my cross.
I’m a mere nothing but a void, hollow shell,
unless true working faith brings His miracle...

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

Genesis 5:1(KJ)
"This is the book of the generations of Adam.
In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;"

James 2:26 (NASB)
"For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead."

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Now Me 2-3-08

I say that I love Jesus, and pray to Him each day.

But how can I love Jesus when I'm going my own way?

Do I really trust Him now, and do I really share -

Or ignore the 'least of these' and really do not care?

Can I wait another day to save a soul from death?

But who gives me tomorrow when I'm guaranteed no breath?

So why do I hold onto what - enslaves me to my wants?

And why do I so selfishly - hold to what Satan flaunts?

I cry when I see Jesus - who I've replaced with toys...

I cry when all alone I sit - without His greatest joys...

I cry when I see Jesus - my actions all deny...

I cry when I look to the cross - against the darkened sky...

I cry when I see Jesus - who I've replaced with chores...

I cry when all alone I sit - while blessings He outpours...

I cry when I see Jesus - I fall upon my face...

I cry when I look at His love - unbridled by His grace...

I cry when I see Jesus. My faults, can list them all...

I cry when I look to His face - and how He took my fall...

I cry when I see Jesus - my efforts fall short of...

I cry when I look to His face - yet floods me with His love...

I cry to Him when I am down. I cry to Him up there.

I cry to Him. I cry to Him. I cry my every prayer...

I cry when I am fastened down - as sin has tempted me...

I cry when I look to His face. From chains He sets me free!

I say that I love Jesus, and pray to Him each day.

But how can I love Jesus when I'm going my own way?

Do I really trust Him now, and do I really share -

Or ignore the 'least of these'? So do I really care?

Can I wait just one more day - to save a soul from death?

But who gives me tomorrow when I'm guaranteed no breath?

So why do I hold onto what - enslaves me to my wants?

And why do I so selfishly - hold to what Satan flaunts?

My faith cannot be split in two. I am not on the fence.

I'm hot or cold, but not lukewarm. Does that make any sense?

I've heard - or cannot hear. I'm blind – or I can see.

I'm either trusting in my God - or not. He sends now me.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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