Charles Van Gorkom

Drum beaten

burning broken words

stream screaming rain

this midnight of the world

murder wrought

angry volcano-shot

syllables of brimstone flame

but a man came

who was sent from God.

Intervenes

by word not heard

love not seen

by Jesus comes.

Word made flesh of lantern grace

of laser truth

scything swath

pathways of light

mindless molten debris among

seething deface of fallen stars

who love light after all

its gentle increase

floods of dawn

swelling peace

May find His way

through festered rubble

toxic throbbing rains of sound

take proffered hand

stumble-rise from cosmic stubble

lift dancing feet on hallowed ground

rejoicing follow.

by c van gorkom

Good Things

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD:

9 This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. 10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other." - Zechariah 7:9-10(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD:

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13(New International Version).

A QUOTE:

Speaking up for Jesus does not always win the crowd's favor here on earth, but it does ensure His approval in heaven, where it matters the most. - Jennifer Benson Schuldt -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER:

A ship in port is generally safe, but that's not what it was made for. - From Reminisce Magazine -

May you reach out and take hold of your days and have no cause to fear your nights. - From I Wish For You -

You won't stumble in the dark if you walk in the light of God's Word. - From Our Daily Bread -

NOTES:

Today has been mostly sunny with a high temperature of 75 degrees. I had lunch with Charley. I went by Country Mart store for a couple of items. I went to the post office. I then went by Memory Gardens cemetery before I came home. I took a nap with Beau and Emmy. I went to Domino's Pizza at around 5;30 p.m. to pick up a pizza for my meals tonight and tomorrow. I put food and treats out for the cats at around 6:30 p.m. and sat with them a few minutes. I watched the Lawrence Welk show at 7:00 p.m. from 1979. It was an Easter program with several good songs such as "He Touched Me", "Do Lord Oh Do Lord;" "The Old Time Religion," "Showers Of Blessings," "The Old Rugged Cross," and others. These songs really sounded good backed up by the great Lawrence Welk Orchestra. It will be shown again at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow for those who live in Oklahoma on OETA. Thanks to everyone for your emails and thanks to everyone who reads the Good Things.

The cats are fine. They have been outside and a couple of orange and white ones just came in and are on a desk near me. That would be Leo and Tony. Rascal also just came in. I have seen all the kitties this evening.

I hope everyone has a Wonderful, Wonderful, Easter Sunday. Everett

Ricky L. Gibbs

Stark contrast.

Wood stained red.

Death becomes life.

Where Jesus bled.

Good Things

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD:

(Jesus said) 20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:20-21(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD:

11 But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. - Psalm 37:11(New International Version).

A QUOTE:

Obeying the unwavering truth of God's Word brings stability unavailable anywhere else. - Dennis Fisher -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER:

Christ's sacrifice was what God desired and our sin required. - From Our Daily Bread -

May you never allow what you can't do to interfere with what you can do. - From I Wish For You -

May your trials lead you to a closer relationship with God, and become a threshold for even greater blessings in your life. - From Prayers and Blessings -

Patience is a virtue that carries a lot of wait. - From Reminisce Magazine -

NOTES:

Today has been a sunny day with a high temperature of 72 degrees. I had lunch with Charley. I picked up my mail at the post office. I took a nap with a cat or two. I put treats and food out for the cats at around 6:00 p.m. and sat out with them for about 30 minutes. They stay around close to me when I am outside, some of them sitting in chairs near me. I hope all of us remembered this day and what it means to every Christian and sinner alike. Thanks for your emails and thanks for reading the Good Things. There is not much to report tonight as I didn't do much today.

The cats are fine. Leo just came in and is on a desk near me. The others have been coming and going and I have seen all of them today.

Have a nice Saturday. Everett

Louis Gander

Now everyone was nervous here and not a thing made sense.

The Judge had entered quietly. The room was very tense.

"Let's only hear the gospel truth and accusations quench!

This court is now in session!" said 'His Honor' from the bench.

The 'Whip' was not at all deterred and spoke up suddenly,

"Alive, He was, when I was done - untied and then set free!

But I had noticed something else when He had left my place.

I saw Him with the rugged 'Cross'. Now that's your real case!"

The 'Cross' responded bluntly and without an ounce of tact,

"It wasn't me, Your Honor Sir, and that is just a fact!

I didn't do a single thing and really, I did care.

I merely was the backdrop for the 'Nails' had held Him there!"

The 'Nails', three, were hence accused but chimed in unison,

"It wasn't us who had Him killed (God's one and only Son).

When all the three of us looked up, the truth had come to light -

the wicked "Crown' had pierced His scalp and made a gruesome sight!"

Then hushed, the crowd, who set their eyes on such a thorny 'Crown' -

but it had sought the mercy of the Judge with sorry frown.

And then it weaved so carefully a short and subtle lie,

"It wasn't I who killed Him sir, the 'Whip' caused Him to die!"

And so it was that blame was passed around, around again -

so tell me, "What had killed Him then - just plain and simple sin?"

Yes, then that Judge, with piercing eye, had raised his brow at me,

and said, "You are the guilty one! I sentence you to be..."

But then that very instant, a gentle voice was heard.

His voice had calmed the courthouse down - and every heart was stirred.

"Release those who've repented and were faithful through and through.

For I have paid the highest price and saved their souls too."

The Judge slammed down His gavel hard - and said, "I will it so!"

And that is where this story ends. Are you prepared to go?

Don't be the Whip, Cross, Nails or Thorns- who passed their guilt along -

who tried to blame somebody else and claimed they did no wrong.

The heart you have you made yourself. You're humble or you're proud -

so if acceptance you must have, you're lost just like the crowd.

How long has pride now stole your soul? Days,

weeks or months, or years?

Don't pass the blame to someone else, but show the Lord some tears...

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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