Envious

So, while you're considering which diet program, exercise machine or gym to join, consider working on your inner self.

Envious

Did you ever stop to ponder
why you are the way you are?
Do you ever long for glory
or to be a movie star?
Are you envious of others?
Do you think that it’s a shame
that you weren’t given what they have;
good looks, good luck and fame?
Are your hips too big; top too small?
Do you look just like a pear?
Are you sure life would be better
if you just had curly hair?
Don’t fret that you’re not glamorous,
not a beauty or a hunk.
Remember, you’re a child of God
and God don’t make no junk.
If you just seek His Kingdom
and not focus on your own
God promises more riches
than this world has ever known.
When all is said and all is done
we won’t be envious.
Cause when Christ comes to take us home
it’s them, who’ll envy us.

Jeff Hildebrandt © July 31, 2012

A Blind Man

As you ponder the meaning of life or the reason you're here or how you're going to pay all those Christmas bills, think on this taken from Mark 10: 46-52:

A Blind Man

A blind man sitting by the side of the road
said, “I can’t find help to share my load
but a crowd is coming and I hope they see
my sad condition and pity me.”

When he found out who was in the crowd
old blind Bartimaeus just cried out loud.
The crowd said, “quiet,” but he wouldn’t be
crying, “Jesus Christ, I’m here, help me.”

Jesus stopped, then told the crowd
to bring him here, for crying out loud.
He asked, “What do you want of me?”
Bartimaeus said, "Please, let me see."

What happened then? The Bible tells
the blind man’s faith just made him well.
He believed in the Man from Galilee
and that’s what’s needed, don’t you see.

A blind man lives in the house next door.
His eyes work fine, but his faith is poor.
Our Father says, “Hey, can’t you see,
it’s up to you. Tell him of Me.”

Once he learns of the Father’s love
he’ll see the blessing from above.
It’s up to us. A soul’s at stake.
So, speak up now for heaven’s sake.

Jeff Hildebrandt © July 31, 2012

Counting Down

This is one of those "stream of consciousness" poems. I started, not knowing what I wanted to say or even why I was writing. I hope you get something out of it and you might find it useful as a conversation starter with someone worn out from the holiday rush.

Counting down

We’re in what’s called the Advent Season
when shoppers lose all sense of reason.
The time is short, the pressure’s on,
the perfect gift’s already gone.
They buy a trinket that’s on sale
so they can get it in the mail.
When all is purchased, all is fine.
But then, they face that awful line
to mail what must go out of town.
No wonder that they’re feeling down.
Mall Madness seems to rule the day
They think it shouldn’t be this way
What happened to the joyous part
they see in Norman Rockwell’s art?
STOP!
Make yourself a cup of tea.
Decide that this year you will be
at peace because you’ve found the reason
that’s behind the Advent Season.
It’s not the tinsel, gifts or tree.
It’s really nothing you can see.
It’s more about what you can feel.
Advent’s about a love so real
that brings the hope of Heaven’s Glory.
It’s all about the Christmas story.

Jeff Hildebrandt © Dec. 5, 2012

Merry Christ-mas to you!

Home of the Free

As we turn our thoughts from Halloween to Thanksgiving, don't forget those we have to thank for our freedom.

Home of the Free

Uniform crosses on manicured graves
The home of the free because of the brave
Broken hearts and shattered lives.
We all must help those who survive
and weep around their loved one’s graves
in the home of the free because of the brave

Jeff Hildebrandt © October 28, 2012

Giving and Living

Last Sunday's sermon topic was about generousity. We got an overview of the Biblical concept of tithing and our obligations in that regard. Then, for the next hour, while my wife was wrangling 4 year olds in Sunday School, I mused on the sermon topic and the fact that so many of us seem to value the gift more than the giver. You know, I've had seminary students tell me they don't and won't tithe. What do you suppose their congregations will do when they get into the pulpit?

Giving and Living

From every dollar, give a dime.
From every hour, give some time.
From every gift, a gift is given.
That’s the way we should be livin’.

Some people just don’t have a clue
about the things that God will do
if we step out in faith and trust
and live the way God says we must.
That’s why so many hesitate
when they pass the offering plate?
And why so many folks resent
the thought of giving ten percent?
They need to know their faith is thin.
They claim belief, but won’t begin
to trust in God and do His will.
They’d rather trust a dollar bill.
They kid themselves; they justify
by saying they will not get by.
They don’t believe God’s word is true.
I wonder, is this meant for you?
If this feels like I’m pointing fingers
and a queasy feeling lingers
you should take some time and pray
for Faith to get you through each day.

From every dollar, give a dime.
From every hour, give some time.
From every gift, a gift is given.
That’s the way we should be livin’.

Jeff Hildebrandt © October 29, 2012

Politics as usual

Remember, sharing is caring. So feel free to pass this along if you like.

Politics as Usual

How do you choose
when you don’t have a choice?
What can you say
when you don’t have a voice?
How can you pick
when the pickens are slim
and the bright light of freedom
is fading and dim?
What truth can you hold to?
Is anything certain
when you don’t know who runs things
in back of the curtain?
Both sides in this rat race
are racing downhill
and it’s costing us more
to ensure our free will.
We’re riding a fast train
that’s out of control.
The Washington blame game
is taking its toll.
We wonder and worry
while puppets debate
and dance around just how
they’ll improve our fate.
The negative ads,
half-truth accusations
are shredding the fabric
of this once great nation.
In truth, there’ just one thing
to do to prepare;
Before going to vote,
go to Jesus in prayer.

Jeff Hildebrandt © Oct. 19, 2012

Remembering the Fallen

There is a traveling display of military members from our state
who were killed in action. The display’s title started me thinking.
http://rememberingourfallen.org/index.html


“Remembering the Fallen”

Remembering the Fallen.
Their pictures on display
along with information
why they’re not here today.

Each one paid the final price,
Their future has been sacrificed
so little girls can go to school
and boys can live the golden rule.
They’re men and women; youngsters all
who answered “Yes,” to duties call.
They gave their lives for you and me
in the fight to save our liberty.

Remembering the Fallen
who surround us every day.
Those who answered “No” to God
and blindly go their way.

But God has more tricks up his sleeve
to help the fallen ones believe
and thus avoid eternal wrath.
He puts believers in their path
who have the heart to show and tell
how Jesus went thru living hell
so they won’t have to pay sin’s price.
For their sake, make the sacrifice.

Remembering the Fallen.
The first thing you should do
is remember once upon a time
the fallen one was you

Jeff Hildebrandt © Oct. 10, 2012