2020 April

Psalm 55

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/01/20

God, listen to my prayer.

Please respond to my request.

Pay attention! Answer me!

From pleading I cannot rest.

My heart pounds in my chest.

Death's terrors have reached me.

I am overcome with fear.

I am shaking as I plea.

I wish I had wings like a dove.

I would fly away and rest.

I would run so far away.

In the desert I'd make my nest.

Cast your burdens on the Lord.

God will support you for sure.

God will not let you be shaken.

(With God's help we will endure.) *

              * Added by the author

Psalm 56

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/02/20

Holy God, whenever I'm afraid,

I put my trust solely in you,

In God whose word I praise,

To me what can mere flesh do?

Enemies retreat when I cry to God.

My God! Whose word I praise.

I trust in God: I won't be afraid.

What can anyone do to me anyways?

I will fulfill my promises to you, God.

I will present thanksgiving offerings to you.

Because you have saved my life from death,

So, I can walk in the light of life, too.  

Psalm 57

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/03/20

Have mercy on me, O God.

For I take refuge in you,  

In the shadow of your wings,

Until this turmoil we pass through.

I call out to God Most High,

Who comes through for me in this mess!

God sends orders from heaven and saves me.

God sends loyal love and faithfulness.

My heart is unwavering God.

I will make music and sing.

I will make music among the nations.

I will offer you my thanksgiving.

Psalm 58

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/04/20

Liars backslide from the womb,

The wicked go astray from birth,

Their words are like a snake's venom,

(They spew it for all it’s worth.) *

Let them dissolve like flowing water,

When they bend back their mighty bows.

Let twigs and sticks be their arrows.

God, sweep them away as the wind blows.

              * Added by the author

Psalm 59

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/05/20

God, I will sing of your strength,

In the morning I will shout and praise,

About your faithful and abiding love,

For you have been my stronghold always.

God, you were my shelter when I was distraught,

I will sing praises to you, my strength,

Because God is my mighty stronghold,

(God covers my height and depth and length.) *  

              * Added by the author

  

Psalm 60

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/06/20

In the midst of all our fears, O God,

Repair the cracks that do us shake.

Give a sign to those who honor you,

To rally ‘round it for your name’s sake

Answer us and save us by your power,

That the people you love will be rescued.

For as you speak from your sanctuary,

(All our fears will be subdued.) *  

              * Added by the author

Psalm 61

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/07/20

God, listen to my cry.

Hear my faithful prayer.

When my heart is weak,

I can cry out from anywhere.

Lead me onto solid ground,

Because you are my refuge,

A mighty tower of strength,

Your presence for me is huge.

Let me take comfort,

In the shelter of your wings.

I will fulfill my promises,

To you daily my heart sings.  

Psalm 62

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/08/20

Only in God do I find rest.

Only from God does Salvation come.

Only God is my rock and my stronghold.

This my faith will not be shaken from.

Humans are nothing but a breath.

Humans are nothing but lies.

They don't even register on a scale.

Taken together they are minuscule in size.

God has spoken two things that I have heard,

Which answers our basic needs.

Strength and love both come from God,

And we will be repaid according to our deeds.  

Psalm 63

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/09/20

My God! It is you I search for.

My whole being thirst for you!

My body desires you in a dry land.

(For I have seen what you can do.) *

Yes, I’ve seen you in the sanctuary.

I've seen your power and glory.

My lips praise you for your faithful love.

(It's better than life. End of story!) *

So, I will bless you as long as I live.

I will raise my hands in your name.

I am fully satisfied as with a rich dinner.

With joy on my lips, your praise I'll proclaim!  

              * Added by the author

Easter Revelation

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/9/20

Mary Magdalene came to the ominous tomb,

Her heart was filled with gut-wrenching gloom.

The week that had started out so well,

But it tragically ended in death and in hell.

The tomb was empty the stone rolled away,

What on earth happened that first Easter day?

Where was Jesus? His body now gone!

Run and tell Peter though it's still early dawn.

Peter and John to the tomb they both run,

To solve the mystery in the morning sun.

There were linen cloths, but no body there.

It did not add up; it just did not square.

Mary remained crying by the wide-open door.

Looking in the tomb she saw something more.

Two angels sat there where Jesus’ body had laid,

And when she turned around, a discovery she made.

The man standing there, a gardener was not,

She didn't expect Jesus out there on that spot.

When he called her by name her eyes opened-wide.

She turned towards Jesus and “Rabboni,” she cried!

Jesus was there where he needed to be.

Not tucked in a tomb or put away quietly.

He was out and about, alive for evermore.

Seek him today and see what is in store!

Psalm 64

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/10/20

God, listen to me and my complaints.

My life, from the enemy’s terror, protect.

Hide me from their secret plots,

(Hide me and do not neglect.) *

Then all people will honor you, God.

An act of God they will announce.

They will understand it was your doing.

Your holy name they will pronounce.    

              * Added by the author

That Terrible Night

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/10/20

Remember that terrible night when Peter denied.

Three times he was asked and three times he lied.

He was not a believer his response was forthright,

But Jesus had warned it would happen that night.

He had thought himself brave with a sword in the garden,

But the tone of the crowd caused his denial to harden.

As the morning sun rose he would hear the cock crow,

Though he had protested, what Jesus knew, he would know.

He exited the scene full of guilt and of shame.

Peter the rock crumbled and would not be the same.

How could he face others once he abandoned the Lord?

Overcome with this weight how could his life be restored?

Psalm 65

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/11/20

God, to you even silence is praise,

When promises made to you are fulfilled.

You listen and hear all these as prayers,

When all living things obey as you've willed.

In righteousness you answer us,

By your awesome wonders and deeds.

God of our security and salvation,

You respond to our basic needs.

God, you make the wondrous gateways,

Of morning and evening sing for joy.

You visit the earth and make it abundant,

Life giving rain from heaven you employ.

You crown the year with your goodness,

In pure joy the hills are dressed.

The meadowlands are covered with flocks,

Filled with grain the valleys are blessed.

Psalm 66

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/12/20

Shout joyfully to God, all the earth!

To the glory of God's name sing praises!

Offer glorious praise and say to God,

“Your awesome works amaze us!”

Come and see God's wondrous deeds.

The acts of God are awesome.

God turned the sea into dry land,

So safely across it we could come.

All you nations bless our God!

Let the sound of God's praise be heard!

God preserved us among the living.

Our feet did not slip according to God's word.

But you God have tested us.

Like silver we've been refined.

We've been through fire and water.

(To stand before you and humankind.) *

              * Added by the author

Psalm 67

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/13/20

Let God grant us grace and bless us.

Let God's face shine upon us, too.

Chorus

Let all the people thank you, God!

Let all the people thank you!

The earth has yielded its harvest.

God blesses us through and through.

Chorus

Let God continue to bless us always.

Let the ends of the earth on her God, too.  

Chorus

Psalm 68

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/14/20

Let the righteous be glad,

And before God celebrate.

Let them rejoice with gladness,

Sing praises to God and not hesitate.

God settled the wanderers in their homes.

With joy, God set the prisoners free.

God marched us through the wasteland,

We settled in our homeland for all to see.

Summon your mighty strength, O God.

Show everyone just how strong you are.

Just as you have done for us before,

(Reveal yourself to all both near and far.) *

              * Added by the author

  

Psalm 69

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/15/20

Floodwaters have reached my neck!

Save me, God, from the deep mud.

My feet cannot touch the bottom!

I have been swept up in the flood.

I'm insulted and shame covers my face.

I’ve become a stranger to my family,

An immigrant to my mother's children,

Because passion for your house consumes me.

Let heaven and earth praise God,

The oceans and all that moves within,

For the offspring of God's servants will inherit Zion,

And those who love God's name will dwell therein.

Psalm 70

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/16/20

Let all who seek you, Lord,

In you may they rejoice.

Let those who love your grace,

Say, “God is great!” with one voice.

As for me I am in need.

God's help is on the way.

For you are my deliverer.

Lord, do not delay!

Psalm 71

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/17/20

I've taken refuge in you, Lord.

Don't let me be put to shame.

Deliver me by your righteousness.

Hear my cry, and my life sustain.

Be my refuge night and day, Lord,

Where I can escape, and you will bless.

You commanded that my life be saved.

You are my rock and my fortress.

My praise is always about you, Lord.

I'm an example to many these days.

Because you are my strong refuge,

My mouth is filled with your praise.

Psalm 72

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/18/20

God, give your judgments to the king.

Give righteousness to the king's son.

Let him judge your people with justice,

And judge your poor ones with reason.

The king has compassion on the weak,

For those in need he saves their lives.

The king redeems them from oppression,

For they are precious in his eyes.

Bless the Lord God - the God of Israel,

Who does wondrous things again and again!

Bless God's glorious name forever,

God glorifies all the earth. Amen and Amen!

Psalm 73

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/19/20

When my heart was bitter, God.

When I was all stirred up inside,

I was so stupid and ignorant,

Yet you were always by my side.

And I was always with you,

You held my hand strong.

Your wise counsel guided me.

I'll give glory to you with song.

You'll receive me into glory,

When my body and heart both fail,

For in you I've taken refuge, God.

Your works are beyond my travail. 

Psalm 74

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/20/20

Lord, remember your congregation,

That you took as your own, long ago.

That you redeemed to be your people.

Remember Mount Zion where you dwell here below.

The day belongs to you the night, too.

You established both the moon and the sun.

You set all the boundaries of the earth in place.

The various seasons you made each one.

The land’s dark places are violence filled.

Don't let the oppressed live in shame.

God, rise up and make your case!

Let the poor and needy praise your name! 

Psalm 75

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/21/20

We give thanks to you, God.

Yes, we give thanks and praise,

For you are near and dear to us,

For your marvelous deeds always.

I will rejoice with song,

To God I will sing praise.

The strength of the righteous,

Shall be lifted up always. 

Psalm 76

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/22/20

God is known in Judah.

In Israel God is like a lion.

God's dwelling became Salem.

God's habitation was Zion.

God, you are awesome!

From heaven your judgment’s pour.

The earth in awe falls silent,

When you saved all who were poor.

Psalm 77

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/23/20

I cry out loud to God.

I seek God every day.

In prayer I lift my hands at night.

I moan to God, I'm not OK!

I think about the days long past,

On all your works I meditate.

God your way is holiness!

And as our God, you're great.

Your way went straight through the sea.

But your footprints left no trace!

You led your people like sheep.

At Moses’ and Aaron’s pace. 

Psalm 78

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/24/20

Listen people to my teaching.

Towards these words tilt your ears.

I will offer to you a proverb.

I'll declare our stories through the years.

Ones that we've heard and learned about,

Ones that our ancestors told.

We won't hide them from their descendants.

We'll tell the next generation God's glory to behold.

Children not yet born will know these things,

So, they can rise up and tell their children, too.

To put their hope in Almighty God,

Never forgetting all God has done and can do.

Psalm 79

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/25/20

God of our Salvation help us.

For the glory of your name!

Deliver us and cover our sins,

(For our sins we are to blame.) *

We are after all your people,

(Though at times we raise lamentations,) *

Yet we also proclaim your praises,

Down through the generations.  

              * Added by the author

Psalm 80

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/26/20

God, you brought a vine out of Egypt.

You drove out the nations with a strong hand.

You cleared the ground and nourish the soil,

Then planted its roots deep, filling the land.

The mountains were covered by its shade.

Its branches covered the mighty cedar.

The branches went all the way to the sea,

Its shoots to the Euphrates River.

Attend again this mighty vine you planted.

Revive us so that we can call on your name.

Restore us Lord God of heavenly forces,

Make your face shine, so we no longer feel shame.  

Psalm 81

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/27/20

Rejoice out loud to God your strength.

Shout for joy higher and higher.

Take up a song and strike the drum,

Along with the harp and the sweet lyre.

In the secret of thunder God spoke,

“I lifted the burden off your backs.

In distress you cried out, so I rescued you.

(I set aside the Sabbath to rest and relax.) *

How I wish my people would listen to me.

How I wish Israel would walk the talk.

Then I would feed you with the finest wheat.

I would satisfy you with honey from the rock.”

              * Added by the author

   

Psalm 82

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/28/20

Give justice, God, to the lowly.

Maintain the right of the poor and needy.

Rescue the low and the destitute.

Deliver them from the power of the greedy.

They don't know what you know.

They don't understand the path to take.

They wander around in the dark.

All the earth's foundations shake.

God declares, “You are gods,

Children of the Most High, all of you!

But you will die like any prince,

You will fall down like all mortals do.”

Psalm 83

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/29/20

Don't be quiet or sit still,

God, don't remain silent.

Look, your enemies are growling,

Those who hate you are defiant.

They scheme against your own people.

They plot against the people you adore.

Come on, “they say, “let's wipe them out,

Let the name Israel be no more.”

God, let them be terrified forever.

Let them die in disgrace.

Let them know that you are Lord.

You alone are Most High every place.

Psalm 84

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 04/30/20

How lovely is your dwelling place,

O Lord, of heaven and earth.

My soul longs to be in your courtyards,

I will rejoice for all I'm worth.

The sparrow has found a home there.

Beside your altars she can lay her young.

Those who live in your house are happy.

They praise you as their songs are sung.

Better is a single day in your courtyards,

Than a thousand days in any other place.

I prefer to stand at the door of God's house.

More than living comfortably in a strange space.