On my way to work, when I'm not trying to find a traffic report, I listen mostly to our local Christian radio station and a program called "Truth for Life" with Pastor Alistair Begg. Last week, he had a two part talk on The Secret of Contentment. I wonder if all those people who bought into the lottery frenzy a while back felt a little sting if they heard it? Here is my Reader's Digest conversation starter centered on Phillipians 4:
He goes to work to watch the clock
as weeks and months drag on.
She’s longing for retirement
when she can just be gone.
She doesn’t like the way she looks
and wishes she were smaller.
He knows that he’d be happier
if he were only taller.
He’s angry that promotions
don’t ever come his way.
She’s found that she likes vodka
and drinks more every day.
They wonder where the lust for life
and all their passion went.
They wonder what it’s going to take
for them to feel content.
In his letter to Phillipians,
Paul told his Christian brothers
contentment comes from loving God
and showing love to others.
If we focus our attention
on rejoicing in the Lord
we won’t be looking longingly
at what you can’t afford.
Jeff Hildebrandt © April 30, 2012
Now, it's your turn. What does Phillipians 4 say to you? Talk among yourselves and get back to me.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Cowboy Poets
While being lazy near the Colorado River deep in the canyonlands near Moab, Utah, I just soaked in the stillness and scenery of what I think of as John Ford country. Then thought, words can't describe it, but that didn't stop me. If you've been there, you know. If you haven't, just watch a John Ford western movie, like Stagecoach with John Wayne.
COWBOY POETS
We talk about the cowboy.
We talk about the West.
We paint word pictures of a place
the sun goes down to rest.
Some recount ranch humor
and some replay the wrecks
when horse and rider both went down
and bounced like rubber checks.
Some talk of creaking leather
or the smell of new moan hay,
or the way the stars light up the sky
at night we’re you’re away
from city lights and traffic noise.
It’s quiet way out West
when you’re gathered round the camp fire
where the sun goes down to rest.
Some rhymers will remind us
in their own poetic way
that “Out West” did not happen
in an accidental way.
God chiseled out the flat top buttes
and gouged the canyon land.
God set the Colorado’s course
and I believe He planned
that when we gaze upon West;
its awesome size and scope
that we would be reminded,
in the midst of trials, there’s hope.
God knew we’d need reminding
so He planned this from the start.
cause in the end, it’s clear my friend,
God’s got cowboy in his heart.
Jeff Hildebrandt © April 25, 2012
COWBOY POETS
We talk about the cowboy.
We talk about the West.
We paint word pictures of a place
the sun goes down to rest.
Some recount ranch humor
and some replay the wrecks
when horse and rider both went down
and bounced like rubber checks.
Some talk of creaking leather
or the smell of new moan hay,
or the way the stars light up the sky
at night we’re you’re away
from city lights and traffic noise.
It’s quiet way out West
when you’re gathered round the camp fire
where the sun goes down to rest.
Some rhymers will remind us
in their own poetic way
that “Out West” did not happen
in an accidental way.
God chiseled out the flat top buttes
and gouged the canyon land.
God set the Colorado’s course
and I believe He planned
that when we gaze upon West;
its awesome size and scope
that we would be reminded,
in the midst of trials, there’s hope.
God knew we’d need reminding
so He planned this from the start.
cause in the end, it’s clear my friend,
God’s got cowboy in his heart.
Jeff Hildebrandt © April 25, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
It's Not Easy Being Green
I heard a younger person say,
"The problems that we face today
all started long before my birth
by those who didn’t see the worth
in cleaning up the planet earth.
The downward spiral’s clearly seen
because you all would not “go green.”
But, I remember when the milkman
would deliver to the door
and we returned our soda bottles
to the grocery store.
Those bottles would be sterilized,
filled up and used again.
But no one talked ‘bout “going green”
where we were way back then.
I remember all those hand-me-downs
and shoes that were re-soled.
We wore short sleeves in summer
and sweaters when it’s cold.
I remember faded Levi jeans,
that were patched and patched again
but no one talked, “recycling”
where we were way back then.
I remember when we all just walked
to get to school and back
and no one preached that exercise
is what our children lack.
We drank from water fountains
when we were parched and dry.
We re-used all our coffee mugs
and never thought to buy
a latte in a paper cup
that won’t be used again.
But no one talked of “going green”
where we were way back then.
I remember when the family
all watched the same TV
and no one said we’re wasting
all our E-lec-tricity
I remember moms washed diapers,
then hung them on a line.
But no one talked of solar power;
Cause the sun dried clothes just fine.
But youth today are right of course.
We need ecology
because this green initiative
spurs our economy.
I only wish we’d understood
when we were young back then.
So we could have taken action
to avoid this mess we’re in.
Jeff Hildebrandt © April 12, 2012
"The problems that we face today
all started long before my birth
by those who didn’t see the worth
in cleaning up the planet earth.
The downward spiral’s clearly seen
because you all would not “go green.”
But, I remember when the milkman
would deliver to the door
and we returned our soda bottles
to the grocery store.
Those bottles would be sterilized,
filled up and used again.
But no one talked ‘bout “going green”
where we were way back then.
I remember all those hand-me-downs
and shoes that were re-soled.
We wore short sleeves in summer
and sweaters when it’s cold.
I remember faded Levi jeans,
that were patched and patched again
but no one talked, “recycling”
where we were way back then.
I remember when we all just walked
to get to school and back
and no one preached that exercise
is what our children lack.
We drank from water fountains
when we were parched and dry.
We re-used all our coffee mugs
and never thought to buy
a latte in a paper cup
that won’t be used again.
But no one talked of “going green”
where we were way back then.
I remember when the family
all watched the same TV
and no one said we’re wasting
all our E-lec-tricity
I remember moms washed diapers,
then hung them on a line.
But no one talked of solar power;
Cause the sun dried clothes just fine.
But youth today are right of course.
We need ecology
because this green initiative
spurs our economy.
I only wish we’d understood
when we were young back then.
So we could have taken action
to avoid this mess we’re in.
Jeff Hildebrandt © April 12, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
The Call
If you read the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel, chapter 3, you'll see the story of God calling a young boy named Samuel. Go ahead, read it and I'll wait.......
Well, that story is what inspired this CALL to action.
The Call
I got a call the other day.
It didn’t come in the usual way.
I was sleeping and I heard it, way back here,
you know, right behind the inner-ear.
I was hearin’ voices
The voice said “sun”,
so I looked outside.
But it was night.
The voice had lied.
The only thing out there shining was the moon.
I stood there a minute to clear my head
then decided I’d go back to bed.
I just laid down and closed my eyes
when I began to realize
The voice was back.
I thought, “It’s bogus, this is phony,
I just ate too much pepperoni
which mixed with hot fudge and ice cream
to cause this most annoying dream.
I’ll just take some Pepto.
The voice was pounding in my ear.
I said “Good God, what’s happening here?”
The voice said, “Finally, I got through.
Now here are things for you to do.
Better write this down.
The voice said, “You must spread the news
to all those sitting in the pews
that Sunday worship’s not enough.
They have to get up off their duff.
I put you here to love each other;
so get out there and help your brother.
Make sure he’s got enough to eat
and no more sleeping on the street.
What you have is not your own.
I’ve just given you a loan
and you should show My love this way;
by sharing what you have each day.
And do it with a smile.”
Since then I’ve learned that one and all
have gotten or will get a call
to share God’s love with someone else
and not just focus on yourself.
The bottom line is still the same;
help someone else in Jesus’ name.
And let them know that what you do
is all because God first loved you.
So, listen for the call and whatever you do,
don’t hang up.
Jeff Hildebrandt © 2012
Well, that story is what inspired this CALL to action.
The Call
I got a call the other day.
It didn’t come in the usual way.
I was sleeping and I heard it, way back here,
you know, right behind the inner-ear.
I was hearin’ voices
The voice said “sun”,
so I looked outside.
But it was night.
The voice had lied.
The only thing out there shining was the moon.
I stood there a minute to clear my head
then decided I’d go back to bed.
I just laid down and closed my eyes
when I began to realize
The voice was back.
I thought, “It’s bogus, this is phony,
I just ate too much pepperoni
which mixed with hot fudge and ice cream
to cause this most annoying dream.
I’ll just take some Pepto.
The voice was pounding in my ear.
I said “Good God, what’s happening here?”
The voice said, “Finally, I got through.
Now here are things for you to do.
Better write this down.
The voice said, “You must spread the news
to all those sitting in the pews
that Sunday worship’s not enough.
They have to get up off their duff.
I put you here to love each other;
so get out there and help your brother.
Make sure he’s got enough to eat
and no more sleeping on the street.
What you have is not your own.
I’ve just given you a loan
and you should show My love this way;
by sharing what you have each day.
And do it with a smile.”
Since then I’ve learned that one and all
have gotten or will get a call
to share God’s love with someone else
and not just focus on yourself.
The bottom line is still the same;
help someone else in Jesus’ name.
And let them know that what you do
is all because God first loved you.
So, listen for the call and whatever you do,
don’t hang up.
Jeff Hildebrandt © 2012
Friday, April 6, 2012
I don't drink wine
Merlot, Marsala, Muscadel
Burgandy, Boone’s Farm, Zinfandel
Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay
Mad Dog, Ripple or Rose
I don’t like wine.
Sangria, Riesling, any Pinot
Fact is that I can’t drink vino
Morgan David, Thunderbird,
Cabernet, it sounds absurd
but, I don’t like wine.
Chianti, Cognac, Lambrusco
I’d rather just drink H-2-O
than Brandy or some sort of Port
but if I must, my last resort
in order to shut other’s up
is a splash of wine with 7 Up.
I do like 7 Up.
Jeff Hildebrandt © April 6, 2012
Burgandy, Boone’s Farm, Zinfandel
Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay
Mad Dog, Ripple or Rose
I don’t like wine.
Sangria, Riesling, any Pinot
Fact is that I can’t drink vino
Morgan David, Thunderbird,
Cabernet, it sounds absurd
but, I don’t like wine.
Chianti, Cognac, Lambrusco
I’d rather just drink H-2-O
than Brandy or some sort of Port
but if I must, my last resort
in order to shut other’s up
is a splash of wine with 7 Up.
I do like 7 Up.
Jeff Hildebrandt © April 6, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Rush to Judgment
As quickly as the tempest troubled the teapot, the storm subsided and we are left to wonder what all the fuss was about. Why were so many people up-in-arms when a professional trouble-maker, who is hired to aggravate the masses, did his job so well that he got several days of national publicity? What's the lesson here?
Rush to Judgment
First, I want to make it clear
I don’t condone his action here
but let me say I understand
saying more than he had planned.
I’ve done it more than once or twice
and, yes, I’ve had to pay the price.
His opposition was delighted
that Rush Limbaugh got so excited
he used some words he shouldn’t use.
And that became much bigger news
than any point he tried to make.
The slurs he used were a mistake.
He publicly has been chastised.
He’s publicly apologized.
I, for one, think that’s enough.
Let’s look at more important stuff.
Like, what the devil’s going on
now that Timmy Tebow’s gone
from Denver to the New York Jets?
I hope he doesn’t have regrets
and hope he finds new friend’s who’ll pray
and keep him on the narrow way.
I also hope the same for you.
That’s the least that I can do.
But, maybe “least” is not correct
when you analyze a prayer’s affect.
Every need or person mentioned
focuses the Lord’s attention
and opens doors to intervention.
And that is really my intention.
So let me rap this rhyme by stressing
I pray you will feel God’s blessing.
Remember, you can do the same;
lift others up in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Jeff Hildebrandt © April 4, 2012
I bet that's not where you expected this to go, is it? Maybe the lesson is that instead of a rush to judgment, we need a rush to intercession. Hmmmm!
Rush to Judgment
First, I want to make it clear
I don’t condone his action here
but let me say I understand
saying more than he had planned.
I’ve done it more than once or twice
and, yes, I’ve had to pay the price.
His opposition was delighted
that Rush Limbaugh got so excited
he used some words he shouldn’t use.
And that became much bigger news
than any point he tried to make.
The slurs he used were a mistake.
He publicly has been chastised.
He’s publicly apologized.
I, for one, think that’s enough.
Let’s look at more important stuff.
Like, what the devil’s going on
now that Timmy Tebow’s gone
from Denver to the New York Jets?
I hope he doesn’t have regrets
and hope he finds new friend’s who’ll pray
and keep him on the narrow way.
I also hope the same for you.
That’s the least that I can do.
But, maybe “least” is not correct
when you analyze a prayer’s affect.
Every need or person mentioned
focuses the Lord’s attention
and opens doors to intervention.
And that is really my intention.
So let me rap this rhyme by stressing
I pray you will feel God’s blessing.
Remember, you can do the same;
lift others up in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Jeff Hildebrandt © April 4, 2012
I bet that's not where you expected this to go, is it? Maybe the lesson is that instead of a rush to judgment, we need a rush to intercession. Hmmmm!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Easter Charade
Easter Greetings, Easter Bonnet,
Easter Dress with ruffles on it.
Easter Outfits, brand new shoes,
Sunrise Service on the news.
Easter Sunday we all go
to church to see the fashion show.
The pews are packed; it’s wall to wall
Easter Lilies line the hall.
Easter baskets come in handy
to carry all your Easter candy
and Easter eggs which are designed
for some to hide and some to find.
Easter sales on summer clothes;
How it happened, no one knows.
The Easter Bunny came one day
and simply took the Truth away.
Now, this yearly celebration
is over eggs and not salvation.
And yet, God’s gift is there for you.
To get it all you have to do
is talk to God, confess your sin
and ask for help to start again.
It’s time to choose; love or money?
Either worship God, or the Easter Bunny.
Jeff Hildebrandt © April 1, 1991
Easter Dress with ruffles on it.
Easter Outfits, brand new shoes,
Sunrise Service on the news.
Easter Sunday we all go
to church to see the fashion show.
The pews are packed; it’s wall to wall
Easter Lilies line the hall.
Easter baskets come in handy
to carry all your Easter candy
and Easter eggs which are designed
for some to hide and some to find.
Easter sales on summer clothes;
How it happened, no one knows.
The Easter Bunny came one day
and simply took the Truth away.
Now, this yearly celebration
is over eggs and not salvation.
And yet, God’s gift is there for you.
To get it all you have to do
is talk to God, confess your sin
and ask for help to start again.
It’s time to choose; love or money?
Either worship God, or the Easter Bunny.
Jeff Hildebrandt © April 1, 1991
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