This is an excerpt starting on page 70 in Ridin' for the Boss and the Brand.
"I’m reminded of a confrontation I had in my younger days as a news reporter. I was covering an abortion protest when one of the protestors asked me to join their cause. When I said I couldn’t, she told me I’d never get to heaven if I didn’t protest abortion. I bit my tongue and continued working.
You Didn’t Read the Instructions
Lots of Christians today are affected
by injustices each of us sees.
And I fear that we’re also infected
by a mind clouding social disease.
Its symptoms include Bible thumping,
pointing fingers and narrowing views.
People’s actions just get our blood pumping
and we can’t stand to stay in the pews.
The media says we’re misguided.
And you know what, they may just be right.
Our priorities have been divided
and division is blurring our sight.
If our protesting things that are sinful
angers those who don’t see it that way.
Than what good are Godly intentions
when our witness drives others away?
We can protest and picket till doomsday.
Take saving the world as our goal.
But when Jesus comes,
you know what he’ll say?
“You should have been out saving souls.
What happened, I told you to love them?
Not condemn them for things that they do.
But, instead, you wanted to judge them
and frankly, that’s not up to you.”
So, it’s time we stop pointing a finger.
Instead, we should offer a hand.
Help the needy then take time to linger
and share the Good News if we can.
Now, if I may paraphrase my earlier paraphrase; Christians hate the sin but love the sinner as one of God’s creations. While a lot of those on the various picket lines hate the sin AND hate the sinner. It’s simple; waving signs and trying to enforce all those “thou shalt not’s” doesn’t make you a Christian."
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Freedom's Cost
I'm taking a break from posting portions of Ridin for the Boss and the Brand. I'm invited to speak next week at the Center for American Values and thought I'd share this. Some say not all the facts can be verified, but that never stopped a Cowboy Poet. I heard someone say that if you can't improve on something, don't say it.
Freedom’s Cost
56 men signed a sheet of paper;
they’d had it up to here.
They would stand for no more tyranny,
and wanted to be clear.
56 men said enough’s enough,
they pledged to fight or die.
But sometimes we forget the cost
when Old Glory passes by.
Nearly half of them were lawyers
whose income would be lost.
There were businessmen and farmers
who heeded not the cost
but pledged their sacred honor,
their fortunes and their lives.
Some lost all they’d worked for,
some lost children; some lost wives.
Five of them were captured,
they were beaten and were killed.
Another nine fought hand to hand
before their blood was spilled.
A dozen had their homes burned down,
four saw children die.
But none of them were ever heard
to stop and question why.
We remember Boston harbor
where the patriots dumped tea
and the bell that cracked while ringing out
our new won liberty.
We remember Thomas Jefferson,
Ben Franklin and a few
who went on to shape the framework
for a country that was new.
But no one seems to talk about
the ones who fought and fell;
the ones who gave up everything,
the ones who went through hell.
56 names on a declaration
demanding liberty.
56 names remind us all
that Freedom’s Never Free.
Jeff Hildebrandt © 2010
Let someone in the service know how much you appreciate what they're doing.
Freedom’s Cost
56 men signed a sheet of paper;
they’d had it up to here.
They would stand for no more tyranny,
and wanted to be clear.
56 men said enough’s enough,
they pledged to fight or die.
But sometimes we forget the cost
when Old Glory passes by.
Nearly half of them were lawyers
whose income would be lost.
There were businessmen and farmers
who heeded not the cost
but pledged their sacred honor,
their fortunes and their lives.
Some lost all they’d worked for,
some lost children; some lost wives.
Five of them were captured,
they were beaten and were killed.
Another nine fought hand to hand
before their blood was spilled.
A dozen had their homes burned down,
four saw children die.
But none of them were ever heard
to stop and question why.
We remember Boston harbor
where the patriots dumped tea
and the bell that cracked while ringing out
our new won liberty.
We remember Thomas Jefferson,
Ben Franklin and a few
who went on to shape the framework
for a country that was new.
But no one seems to talk about
the ones who fought and fell;
the ones who gave up everything,
the ones who went through hell.
56 names on a declaration
demanding liberty.
56 names remind us all
that Freedom’s Never Free.
Jeff Hildebrandt © 2010
Let someone in the service know how much you appreciate what they're doing.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Cause and Effect
If you have a copy of Ridin for the Boss and the Brand, you'll find this starting on page 65. If you don't have a copy, it is easy (and cheap) to get one. Just drop me an email at rangerhymer@hotmail.com and give you details.
Cause and Effect
On the bunkhouse porch I watched these two;
as old Ben Dollar told Pete Purdue
about the troubles he’d had lately
and it appeared to vex him greatly.
Seems an axle broke on the old chuck wagon
and while the rear end was a draggin’
it caused one horse to pull up lame
and then the problems really came.
The wagon tipped, the chuck fell out,
flour and beans were strewn about.
Then the water barrel strap broke loose.
It hit the ground and spilled its juice.
And when it crashed, the noise it made
spooked the horse with the gimpy leg
who started off and then fell down
and lay there kickin’ on the ground.
The boss’s horse slipped in the mud
and sent him tumbling with a thud.
He ripped a hole in his favorite jeans
as he went splat in the flour and beans.
His horse ran off and the air turned blue
as the boss let out a curse or two.
While he stomped in all that waller
he blamed the mess on old Ben Dollar.
Then I heard old Ben ask Pete Purdue
if he’d explain a thing or two.
Said, “I believe in The Father,
The Son and The Spirit.
I believe judgement’s coming
and don’t really fear it.
I know I’ve been saved
by the Blood of The Lamb,
so, why am I having
the troubles I am?”
Pete pondered, then held up
a book in his hand;
Said, ”Believin’ is easy
when all goes as planned.
The question’s not why
bad luck you’re attractin’
The issue is centered
on how you’re reactin’.
Faith’s easy to have
when you’re well fed and rested
But faith isn’t FAITH
until it’s been tested.”
Let those with ears hear.
Let those with eyes see.
Understanding is found
in James One: two and three.
You should count it all joy
when your life’s black and blue
cause that’s when the Father
shows what He can do.
Pete said, “When yer troubled,
think this here refrain:
My faith’s like a muscle,
no pain and no gain.”
So now when I’m down
and don’t know what to do
I think of the lesson
from old Pete Purdue
“Let those with ears hear,
let those with eyes see,
and follow the truth
in James one: two and three.”
We all have to study and understand what God has done and is doing in our lives. And we have to encourage, uplift and remind each other about God’s Truth and Grace.
“But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” Jude 20-23
“Having faith in God gives me strength and hope for the future. Without faith we have nothing!” Dean Smith,Actor-Stuntman
Cause and Effect
On the bunkhouse porch I watched these two;
as old Ben Dollar told Pete Purdue
about the troubles he’d had lately
and it appeared to vex him greatly.
Seems an axle broke on the old chuck wagon
and while the rear end was a draggin’
it caused one horse to pull up lame
and then the problems really came.
The wagon tipped, the chuck fell out,
flour and beans were strewn about.
Then the water barrel strap broke loose.
It hit the ground and spilled its juice.
And when it crashed, the noise it made
spooked the horse with the gimpy leg
who started off and then fell down
and lay there kickin’ on the ground.
The boss’s horse slipped in the mud
and sent him tumbling with a thud.
He ripped a hole in his favorite jeans
as he went splat in the flour and beans.
His horse ran off and the air turned blue
as the boss let out a curse or two.
While he stomped in all that waller
he blamed the mess on old Ben Dollar.
Then I heard old Ben ask Pete Purdue
if he’d explain a thing or two.
Said, “I believe in The Father,
The Son and The Spirit.
I believe judgement’s coming
and don’t really fear it.
I know I’ve been saved
by the Blood of The Lamb,
so, why am I having
the troubles I am?”
Pete pondered, then held up
a book in his hand;
Said, ”Believin’ is easy
when all goes as planned.
The question’s not why
bad luck you’re attractin’
The issue is centered
on how you’re reactin’.
Faith’s easy to have
when you’re well fed and rested
But faith isn’t FAITH
until it’s been tested.”
Let those with ears hear.
Let those with eyes see.
Understanding is found
in James One: two and three.
You should count it all joy
when your life’s black and blue
cause that’s when the Father
shows what He can do.
Pete said, “When yer troubled,
think this here refrain:
My faith’s like a muscle,
no pain and no gain.”
So now when I’m down
and don’t know what to do
I think of the lesson
from old Pete Purdue
“Let those with ears hear,
let those with eyes see,
and follow the truth
in James one: two and three.”
We all have to study and understand what God has done and is doing in our lives. And we have to encourage, uplift and remind each other about God’s Truth and Grace.
“But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” Jude 20-23
“Having faith in God gives me strength and hope for the future. Without faith we have nothing!” Dean Smith,Actor-Stuntman
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Blessed are the Poor
I think about those TV preachers who are promising prosperity, pressed down and overflowing, all you have to do is plant some seed money in their field. But what if God’s plan for your life is a minimum wage job because that’s where you can have the most influence winning souls to salvation?
Blessed are the Poor
Who told you that it would be easy?
Who said it would all go your way?
Who promised a garden of roses
or comfortable bed where you’ll lay?
Who told you your problems are over?
Who said that God’s waiting to serve?
Who promised a road without pot holes
and nary a hill or a curve?
The Lord made it clear you’re a servant.
The point’s not to get, but to give.
Don’t be fooled by the promise of plenty.
You must die to yourself, so you’ll live.
I’ll tell you, there are those who fleeced the flock, left the limelight in disgrace and have slithered back into the pulpit to scratch the itching ears of those who aren’t paying attention
Blessed are the Poor
Who told you that it would be easy?
Who said it would all go your way?
Who promised a garden of roses
or comfortable bed where you’ll lay?
Who told you your problems are over?
Who said that God’s waiting to serve?
Who promised a road without pot holes
and nary a hill or a curve?
The Lord made it clear you’re a servant.
The point’s not to get, but to give.
Don’t be fooled by the promise of plenty.
You must die to yourself, so you’ll live.
I’ll tell you, there are those who fleeced the flock, left the limelight in disgrace and have slithered back into the pulpit to scratch the itching ears of those who aren’t paying attention
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The Last Day
This is more from Ridin' for the Boss and the Brand:
"You know what they say in detective movies; “Follow the money.” With that in mind, let’s look at how Jesus explained the importance of prioritizing what you have:
“Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." ‘“But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." Luke 12: 15-21
The Last Day
In days when life and times were hard,
a man would make his way
by carving out the wilderness
for a place where he could stay.
Floyd Henry Hill was such a man
who worked hard all his life
and never really had the time
to find himself a wife.
But he had land for farming grain
and land where cattle roam.
He built himself a high tech barn
and a big two-story home.
He bought a fancy pickup truck,
a silver inlaid saddle,
and had a pool installed out back
where friends could float and paddle.
From the first gold rays of morning
to the setting of the sun
he’d tour his ranch and look with pride
at all that he had done.
But this rancher had a problem,
caused by way too much success.
He was running out of storage space
and suffering lots of stress.
He told his friends he’d build a barn,
like none they’d ever known.
It would cover several acres,
have a zip code all its own.
And no matter what the weather,
inside his grand construction
the climate would be perfect
for the optimum production.
Why he would be the envy
of folks around the nation
who’d marvel at his mastery
of ranching innovation.
But the one thing he did not expect
on his ground breaking day
was the very thing that happened.
Floyd Henry passed away.
And all the wealth he worked for
went to Uncle Sam no doubt
cause you cannot take it with you
when at last your string’s run out.
So what good did it do him,
all that greed and search for wealth?
He should have done for others
and not solely for himself.
See, the one truth he’d forgotten,
is you don’t leave here alive
But, if your treasure is in heaven,
it’s there when you arrive.
Before we move along, I want to go back to the point of the parable. Everything you have stays here when you leave. Instead of investing in stocks and bonds, invest your time and money in what matters; helping others find the way to eternal life."
"You know what they say in detective movies; “Follow the money.” With that in mind, let’s look at how Jesus explained the importance of prioritizing what you have:
“Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." ‘“But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." Luke 12: 15-21
The Last Day
In days when life and times were hard,
a man would make his way
by carving out the wilderness
for a place where he could stay.
Floyd Henry Hill was such a man
who worked hard all his life
and never really had the time
to find himself a wife.
But he had land for farming grain
and land where cattle roam.
He built himself a high tech barn
and a big two-story home.
He bought a fancy pickup truck,
a silver inlaid saddle,
and had a pool installed out back
where friends could float and paddle.
From the first gold rays of morning
to the setting of the sun
he’d tour his ranch and look with pride
at all that he had done.
But this rancher had a problem,
caused by way too much success.
He was running out of storage space
and suffering lots of stress.
He told his friends he’d build a barn,
like none they’d ever known.
It would cover several acres,
have a zip code all its own.
And no matter what the weather,
inside his grand construction
the climate would be perfect
for the optimum production.
Why he would be the envy
of folks around the nation
who’d marvel at his mastery
of ranching innovation.
But the one thing he did not expect
on his ground breaking day
was the very thing that happened.
Floyd Henry passed away.
And all the wealth he worked for
went to Uncle Sam no doubt
cause you cannot take it with you
when at last your string’s run out.
So what good did it do him,
all that greed and search for wealth?
He should have done for others
and not solely for himself.
See, the one truth he’d forgotten,
is you don’t leave here alive
But, if your treasure is in heaven,
it’s there when you arrive.
Before we move along, I want to go back to the point of the parable. Everything you have stays here when you leave. Instead of investing in stocks and bonds, invest your time and money in what matters; helping others find the way to eternal life."
Friday, February 18, 2011
Satisfaction
There's a section of Ridin' for the Boss and the Brand that deals with how we use the gifts God has given us, specifically money. Some folks think it may be a little harsh. Well, I'm not including that part in this excerpt and I left out some of the more confrontational statements in the audio as well.
Satisfaction
Old Ben Dollar and Pete Purdue
were sitting in a middle pew
and it appeared that Ben was nervous
all throughout the entire service.
When it’s over, Pete said “What’s up pard”?
And Ben said, “I was thinkin’ hard.”
Sunday sermons ’bout this and that...
sing some songs and pass the hat...
pray a prayer, say Amen,
come back next week and do it again.
We're satisfied !
But, while the preacher's sermonizing,
I find that I am fantasizing
about how great it would be,
if I could win the lottery.
And while they pray about
somethin' or other,
healin’ the sick or helping a brother,
I’m tellin’ God, the good I'd do
if He'd just make my wish come true.
He'd be satisfied !
Why, I'd take that million and right away,
I'd give ten per cent away.
Course, He understands that the fact is,
the ten per cent comes after taxes...
Gotta keep the government satisfied!
And about the other ninety per cent?
Well, to make sure how my gift is spent
I'd quit my job and roam around
to find out where the poor are found.
And just so I'll be free to roam,
I'll buy a little motor home,
a 4 -wheel drive and fishing boat
(to get to where it's real remote).
And that is why I hesitate
when they pass the offering plate.
If I could win, I'd do much more
than give this dollar to the poor.
Since I know God wants me to win,
I'll save this buck and try again.
Cause, after all, it's understood,
a winner can do so much good.
Everyone’s atisfied.
“Not everyone,” said Pete to Ben.
“You need to think this thru again.
Your motivation has the feel
of come on God, Let’s Make a Deal.
No matter how we rationalize,
God knows our hearts. So realize
God’s made it clear what we’re to do.
Mark 12, is meant for me and you
to learn from Jesus that what counts
is faithfulness, not large amounts.”
That way, God’s satisfied.
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on." Mark 12: 41-44
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Cor. 9: 6-7
Satisfaction
Old Ben Dollar and Pete Purdue
were sitting in a middle pew
and it appeared that Ben was nervous
all throughout the entire service.
When it’s over, Pete said “What’s up pard”?
And Ben said, “I was thinkin’ hard.”
Sunday sermons ’bout this and that...
sing some songs and pass the hat...
pray a prayer, say Amen,
come back next week and do it again.
We're satisfied !
But, while the preacher's sermonizing,
I find that I am fantasizing
about how great it would be,
if I could win the lottery.
And while they pray about
somethin' or other,
healin’ the sick or helping a brother,
I’m tellin’ God, the good I'd do
if He'd just make my wish come true.
He'd be satisfied !
Why, I'd take that million and right away,
I'd give ten per cent away.
Course, He understands that the fact is,
the ten per cent comes after taxes...
Gotta keep the government satisfied!
And about the other ninety per cent?
Well, to make sure how my gift is spent
I'd quit my job and roam around
to find out where the poor are found.
And just so I'll be free to roam,
I'll buy a little motor home,
a 4 -wheel drive and fishing boat
(to get to where it's real remote).
And that is why I hesitate
when they pass the offering plate.
If I could win, I'd do much more
than give this dollar to the poor.
Since I know God wants me to win,
I'll save this buck and try again.
Cause, after all, it's understood,
a winner can do so much good.
Everyone’s atisfied.
“Not everyone,” said Pete to Ben.
“You need to think this thru again.
Your motivation has the feel
of come on God, Let’s Make a Deal.
No matter how we rationalize,
God knows our hearts. So realize
God’s made it clear what we’re to do.
Mark 12, is meant for me and you
to learn from Jesus that what counts
is faithfulness, not large amounts.”
That way, God’s satisfied.
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on." Mark 12: 41-44
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Cor. 9: 6-7
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Gone Fishin'
Ridin' for the Boss and the Brand is more than cowboy poetry. Check out page 49.
Before we take that side trail just ahead, I want to look back at where we’ve ridden. Eternal life is only achieved thru Jesus Christ. Salvation is the beginning of our Christian journey. We are called to share our faith with others; to Moon the World, as it were. I hope you prepare and practice so you’re ready when opportunities knock at your door.
Gone Fishin’
A friend told me he’s been a-wishin’
he could spend more time just fishin’.
Catchin’ rainbows in a stream
seems to be his only dream.
But when he tries to get away
some crisis just gets in the way
and he’s left sittin’ here and wishin’
he could be out there just fishin’.
One Friday, he was set to leave
when someone’s tuggin’ at his sleeve
saying he feels just ignored.
So they talked about the Lord.
They talked about what God has done;
sending down His only Son
to die so all of us could live.
But that’s not all God had to give.
His Spirit’s here to help each day
and all we need to do is pray.
Then, Saturday, he still had time
to get out there and wet a line.
When someone called to say he’s bored.
So they talked about the Lord
and just how full a life can be
when given to the Trinity.
God’s opened heaven’s doors for you
but while you’re here, there’s lots to do.
His Spirit’s here to help each day
and all you have to do is pray.
In church on Sunday, he was wishin’
he was out there somewhere fishin’.
Then this vision crossed his eyes
as God said, “Don’t you realize
the fishin’ trip that you’ve been on?
It’s like Andrew, Peter, James and John.
That’s the fishing you should seek.
And you caught two big ones just this week.”
And so if lately, you’ve been wishin’
you were out there somewhere fishin’,
take time with those who come your way
or a big one just might get away.
Before we take that side trail just ahead, I want to look back at where we’ve ridden. Eternal life is only achieved thru Jesus Christ. Salvation is the beginning of our Christian journey. We are called to share our faith with others; to Moon the World, as it were. I hope you prepare and practice so you’re ready when opportunities knock at your door.
Gone Fishin’
A friend told me he’s been a-wishin’
he could spend more time just fishin’.
Catchin’ rainbows in a stream
seems to be his only dream.
But when he tries to get away
some crisis just gets in the way
and he’s left sittin’ here and wishin’
he could be out there just fishin’.
One Friday, he was set to leave
when someone’s tuggin’ at his sleeve
saying he feels just ignored.
So they talked about the Lord.
They talked about what God has done;
sending down His only Son
to die so all of us could live.
But that’s not all God had to give.
His Spirit’s here to help each day
and all we need to do is pray.
Then, Saturday, he still had time
to get out there and wet a line.
When someone called to say he’s bored.
So they talked about the Lord
and just how full a life can be
when given to the Trinity.
God’s opened heaven’s doors for you
but while you’re here, there’s lots to do.
His Spirit’s here to help each day
and all you have to do is pray.
In church on Sunday, he was wishin’
he was out there somewhere fishin’.
Then this vision crossed his eyes
as God said, “Don’t you realize
the fishin’ trip that you’ve been on?
It’s like Andrew, Peter, James and John.
That’s the fishing you should seek.
And you caught two big ones just this week.”
And so if lately, you’ve been wishin’
you were out there somewhere fishin’,
take time with those who come your way
or a big one just might get away.
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