Politics as Usual

Once again, manufactured enthusiasm clouds better judgement. What sort of choice do we have when we're forced to pick between the lesser of two evils?

Politics as usual

The RNC is over
The DNC’s ahead
and if we lived on promises
we’ll all be better fed.
I get so aggravated
at how they smile and say
I’ll solve all your problems
if you just vote my way.
I’ll tell you what I told you
when I warned you once before
we have to stop the politics.
Vote incumbents out the door.
Petty Party Politics
are the order of the day.
So let’s get out a great big broom
and clean the crud away.
You want to be my President
Then pledge to end this strife.
If you force a change in Washington,
We can have a better life.

Jeff Hildebrandt © August 31, 2012.

Inspirational views

I had the pleasure of taking part if the True West Rail Fest in Durango, Colorado a few days ago. Met some wonderful people and rode the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gage railroad, pulled by an 1875 steam locomotive. Thought I'd share some of the pictures.

Beatitude # 7 and 8

We've come to the end of the Beatitude postings. I certainly hope these thoughts have been helpful.

5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.”

“It’s my way or the highway.” We’ve all heard that refrain
and may have even said it when other folks complain.
It’s human nature just to bark at some obnoxious jerk
but God says He will bless you if you strive for peace at work
as well as in your church and home where discord and dissension
can simmer then boil over and shift your good intention
from doing unto others to fighting for your cause.
So, when you feel the urge to lash, just take a breath and pause.
Ask The Lord to help you speak with love so hate will cease.
Remember, God says he will bless all those who work for peace.

5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

The world seems like it’s closing in and beating down believers.
But God will not forget the way the faithful face deceivers
by maintaining Christian values and not crumbling with the weight
of Satan’s persecution; the evil lies and hate.
See, Jesus is a stumbling block to those who don’t believe
but a stepping stone to heaven for those who have received
God’s passport to Salvation by asking Jesus Christ
to make his home inside your heart and help you change your life.

In light of all God’s done for us, we should show gratitude
by living life with grace and love. That’s our Be-Attitude.

Jeff Hildebrandt © July 19, 2012

Beatitude #5 & 6

5:7 “Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.”

“What goes around will come around,”
we often hear folks say
referring to some nasty thing
that soon will come your way
because you did a dirty deed
to someone in your path.
And so you’ll end up suffering
from cru-el Karma’s wrath.
But Jesus said, be merciful
to all those that you meet.
Show them real compassion
and make God’s love complete
by doing something for them
to ease what causes pain.
Then you will see its mercy
that comes around again.

5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.”

Those Hallmark moments make us think
the heart is full of love.
But Jesus said the heart is full
of stuff to get rid of
like coveting and arrogance,
adultery, lust and pride
that give our thoughts and words the stench
of something that has died.
This cesspool needs to be cleaned out
and that takes Holy Grace.
When we accept the gift of Christ,
His Spirit can replace
the wickedness, deceit and hate
with empathy and love.
That pure heart opens up our eyes
to blessings from above.
So if you want to see the Lord
the way most people don’t
you have to do the sort of things
most other people won’t.
You have to focus on the things
that God wants you to do.
Then you will see God’s glory
in what’s surrounding you.

Jeff Hildebrandt © July 19, 2012

Beatitude #4

Matthew 5:6...

5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.”
And here’s to those who try to live the way the Lord intends.
They hunger after righteousness and strive to make amends
for all the times they’ve fallen short. They look to God above
and know that He’s the fountainhead of mercy and of love.
They daily walk the narrow path with Jesus by their side.
The ones who thirst for righteousness will soon be satisfied.

Jeff Hildebrandt © July 19, 2012

Beatitude # 2 and 3

Here are the next two Beatitudes from Matthew, chapter 5.

5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Blessed will be the ones who mourn their sinful disposition
because their failures sadden God. Their contrite recognition
is a sign the Holy Spirit is at work within their heart.
Cause no one walks repentance road unless God plays a part.

5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

Those who let God’s Spirit lead and willingly obey
may seem weak to the unsaved world they travel in today.
While others trample on the truth in search of worldly gain
the Godly person’s more concerned with easing worldly pain.
So, those who put their faith in Christ can turn the other cheek
knowing God has set aside the whole earth for His meek.

Jeff Hildebrandt © July 19, 2012

Beatitude #1

I was challenged to create a poetic version of the Beatitudes from the book of Matthew, chapter 5. This poem turned out to be a lot longer than most of what I write, so I've decided to post it in pieces. Sorry, you'll just have to come back again and again or I guess you could wait for the finish then read them all at one time. Now, if you know someone who might appreciate this, please let them know about it. Also, I'd love to know what you think.

Beatitude #1

Did you ever wonder what it was that Jesus cared about?
The attitudes we should embrace and those we should cut out.
Do you ever wonder what your life should look like day to day?
Is it more than Bible reading and taking time to pray?
Well, Jesus taught the curious who gathered on that hill
about the blessings God will give to those who do his will?

5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

First of all, we need to leave our ego at the door.
If we think we can do it all, what do we need God for?
The poor in spirit are the ones who know they can’t depend
on anything that they can do to be saved in the end.
The poor in spirit realize their sins must be confessed.
The ones who seek forgiveness are the ones who will be blessed.