2020 January

Holy God, We Praise Your Name

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/03/20

Holy God, we praise your name,

For all you have created.

In Jesus’ name we’re not the same,

Our lives have been elevated.

Out of nothing all that is is.

As Creator you work wonders.

Through the death and life of Jesus Christ,

You forgive us for all our blunders.

You call us to deny ourselves,

And to faithfully follow you.

Help us to fully live our faith,

In all we say and do.

As Jesus offered himself for us,

Through him we all are saved.

We pray that Jesus is reflected.

In how we have thus behaved.

Help us not just to talk the talk

And simply our faith saying

Help us faithfully to walk the walk

That your Good News we might bring

Jesus Calls

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/04/20

Jesus called the fishermen to leave their boats behind.

Come and follow him new meaning in life to find.

Jesus called disciples down through the ages.

We read of their transformation in history's pages.

In our pains and in our sorrows, Jesus calls.

In our days and our tomorrows, Jesus calls.

When we're ready and when we're not, Jesus calls.

When we're bored or have a lot, Jesus calls.

Jesus is still calling to people today.

That people might follow and grow on the Way.

That calling is extended through me and through you.

That others might join us as followers, too.

In our pains and in our sorrows, Jesus calls.

In our days and our tomorrows, Jesus calls.

When we're ready and when we're not, Jesus calls.

When we're bored or have a lot, Jesus calls.

To whom might you reach out, to who might you call?

Live your faith among others and give it your all.

Many others see your faith in all that you do.

That they may desire to live faithfully, too.

In our pains and in our sorrows, Jesus calls.

In our days and our tomorrows, Jesus calls.

When we're ready and when we're not, Jesus calls.

When we're bored or have a lot, Jesus calls.

Praise the Lord

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/08/20

Praise the Lord

For all you can do

Praise the Lord

For what happens to you

Praise the Lord

For joy in the morning

Praise the Lord

For strength through forlorning  

Praise the Lord

For praises we sing

Praise the Lord

For everything

Praise the Lord

For praising we should

Praise the Lord

For the Lord is good

Unanswered Prayer

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/06/20

Some people struggle with unanswered prayer,

For there are unending problems everywhere.

And God is not fixing what they wanted fixed,

As if God in God's wisdom has each problem nixed.

But God has an answer to all the world's prayers.

They’re at the right time and place for all the world's cares.

As Christians we are follow and pick up our cross,

Rather than pray and tell God like we were the boss.

We're not the ones to tell God what to do.

In our prayers we should listen God calls me and you.

We each have been blessed with God-given gifts.

Through our prayers and our actions through them God uplifts.

For you are the answer to someone's deep prayer.

But you must listen to God and be fully aware.

What is God praying to you at this time?

For me it was simply to write you this rhyme!   

Worst and Best

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/07/20

As creatures of God we have come a long ways,

Through long struggling nights and some very dark days.

We grieve as we’ve seen now the worst of the worst,

And long for those early days God created at first.

Much has been lost through ignorance and greed,

But this was not what the creator decreed.

In the image of God, we were made from the earth,

In the image of God, let's live up to our worth.

Do something today make a positive spin,

Ask God's forgiveness, then begin again.

In the midst of the worst give the best of your best,

Know the God that created you will accomplish the rest.  

Praise the Lord

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/08/20

Praise the Lord

For all you can do

Praise the Lord

For what happens to you

Praise the Lord

For joy in the morning

Praise the Lord

For strength through forlorning  

Praise the Lord

For praises we sing

Praise the Lord

For everything

Praise the Lord

For praising we should

Praise the Lord

For the Lord is good

The Power of God

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/09/20

There come times in life

When we're pushed to our end

We feel like we'll buckle

If we can't learn to bend

We need something beyond us

For alone we are flawed

We need to tap into

The power of God

Bow a knee; say a prayer

To the Almighty above

We need to tap into

God's power of love

Standfast in your faith

Hate and resentment release

We need to tap into

God's blessing of peace

Samaritan Lessons

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/10/20

In the gospels we are told of two Samaritans

Who are used as examples in Jesus's lesson plans

One helps us to see that all are our neighbors

The other discovers the Messiah’s for all whom God favors

Are there those in this world you hate and despise?

Can you learn how to see them through Jesus’s eyes?

Can you look at yourself and see what Jesus sees?

Thank God that today your hardened heart Jesus frees

With eyes now wide open what all can you see?

As a faithful follower of Christ what all can you be?

Though the world seems divided by who's in and who's out

The resurrection of Jesus brings a new world about

So what can the Samaritans teach us today

As followers of Jesus might we follow the Way

Might we see in all others there's no other at all

For the pure love of Jesus tears down judgment’s wall

Love God with all you've got and all that you are

Love your neighbor all of them whether near or quite far

For God is love and it's God love that our faith is based upon

Love yourself, spread the love, in God's name pass it on

Jesus Fed the Crowds (John 6)

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/12/20

Jesus fed the crowds,

With just a few loaves and fish.

What all has Jesus done for you,

Beyond your wildest wish?

For miracles still happen.

They're all around us if we look.

For things are happening every day.

Just like those in the Good Book.

In places all around the world,

People are fed in Jesus’ name.

Lives are changed and turned around,

Because this way Jesus came.

Jesus modeled for his disciples,

How to live and what to do.

For all that you've received from Christ,

A miracle now might come through you.

Be the hands and feet of Jesus,

Like the other disciples in their day.

And put in a good word for Jesus,

In all you do and say.

Jesus Fed Five Thousand

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/13/20

Remember how Jesus fed five thousand

With five loaves and two small fish

Though it seemed so meager for such a crowd

There was more than each could wish

The disciples grumbled at what they lacked

Jesus thanked God for what they had

An opportunity to share faith and food

Thanks to a donation from a lad

So next time when you're at wits end

Thank God for what you've got

With faith and prayer share what you have

For with God you can do a lot

When Jesus Broke Bread

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/14/20

When Jesus broke bread, his disciples were fed.

Soon he'd be crucified. Soon he'd be dead.

They ate of his body as they ate of the bread.

And they became his body believing all Jesus said.

At the end of the meal Jesus then took the cup.

And blessed it and them as he lifted it up.

Then all the disciples took the cup to their lip.

And received Christ’s forgiveness as each took a sip.

Through sacrificial giving, Jesus offered himself,

For all the disciples from the first to the twelfth,

And for all believers throughout all history,

For each communicant today, for you and for me.

Be blessed today through Christ’s death and life giving.

Be a blessing today in the way you are living.

Christ died for you that you may fully live.

For all that Christ has given you, what now will you give?  

  

People Came to Jesus

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/15/20

People came to Jesus,

That they might then be healed.

Others came to hear him teach

That God's truth might be revealed.

People came to Jesus,

To be seen and then to see.

They came to be unburdened.

They came to be set free.

So, what brings you to Jesus,

In your time of quiet prayer?

Can you seek from him your deepest need?

Can you share it and leave it there?

Jesus still is transforming lives,

Through God's forgiveness and grace.

We see the imprint of God's love,

In each believer’s face.  

Jesus Healed a Blind Man (John 9)

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/16/20

Jesus healed a blind man,

With just a little mud.

Jesus healed us from our sin,

On the cross as he shed his blood.

Those who were blind,

We're now able to see.

Those who were sinners,

Were enabled to be free.

Each of us is blinded,

At least to some degree.

For there are needs around us,

That we just fail to see.

Invite Jesus to come and to heal,

The blindness in your eyes.

That you might see, like Jesus sees,

And respond to people's cries.

In the name of Jesus,

You too have been healed.

Share your story and your faith,

That Jesus will be revealed.

Jesus the Good Shepherd (from John 10)

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/18/20

Jesus the Good Shepherd

Calls to all the sheep

But only some do hear His words

Which in their hearts they keep

Jesus the Good Shepherd

Offers up His life

That His sheep might live forever

And enjoy the afterlife

Jesus the Good Shepherd

Calls other sheep into the fold

For the flock is bigger than just us

In John’s gospel we are told

Jesus the Good Shepherd

Is still calling sheep today

How might we help the Shepherd

In all we do and say?

Jesus the Good Shepherd

Calls each sheep to do its part

To fully love God and all other sheep

With mind and soul and heart

We Each Are Blessed by God

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/19/20

We each are blessed by God

With gifts and abilities

And each and every day

With blessed opportunities

Each day give thanks to God

For all you have received

Then do what you are able to do

That others’ burdens might be relieved

Give thanks to God for others’ gifts

And the ways they've shared with you

Pass it on in the way you live your faith

In all you say and do

There is a right time and place

And today you'll be right there

To make a difference in someone's life

Through the faith in action you share

Jesus Came to Save (John 11)

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/20/20

Jesus affirmed at Lazarus' death

That He is the resurrection and life

That He had come to raise us up

Both now and in the afterlife

Jesus came to Martha and Mary

With words of comfort and care

Jesus wept and Jesus prayed

At the tomb as He stood there

Jesus called that the stone be rolled away

Then He cried for Lazarus to come out

Covered in grave cloths the man obeyed

“Unbind him,” Jesus then did shout

Mary, Martha, and Lazarus had each been bound

By death or by their grief

But a glimpse of resurrection power

Unbound their disbelief

Resurrection is for both now and then

For there is life beyond the grave

But there is also unbound life now

Each life Jesus came to save

People Reacted to Jesus (John 12)

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/21/20

People reacted to Jesus.

Some listened and then followed.

Some received and believed him.

Others argued and just bellowed.

Then there were some who gave,

Like the boy with fish and bread,

Or the woman offering her own perfume,

To anoint Jesus’ feet instead.

Some must have given money,

For Judas held the purse,

That provisions could be purchased,

As funds he would disperse.

Some reacted with a crown of thorns,

Or a slap on Jesus’ face.

Some drove nails through his hands and feet,

Or hurled insults in disgrace.

How do you react to Jesus,

By what you say and do?

How will you be remembered?

That, my friend, is up to you!

Your Life Is Your Story

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/22/20

In the daytime we walk by the light of the sun.

In the darkness we see by the light of God’s Son.

In Him through faith our journey has begun.

In Him the victory over death is won.

  Your life is your story in Christ’s light live it well.

  Help illuminate others through the story you tell.

We walk by faith as we follow His word.

Mercy and grace in our hearts we have heard.

Through trials and temptations, the way may be blurred

But in the end eternal light and life will be conferred

  Your life is your story in Christ’s light live it well.

  Help illuminate others through the story you tell.

Each one who sees, should be seen as well,

Reflecting Christ’s light to those who in darkness still dwell.

For there are those all around us who struggled and fell.

Share the light, show the way out of their personal hell.

  Your life is your story in Christ’s light live it well.

  Help illuminate others through the story you tell.

  

Love One Another (John 13)

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/23/20

Love one another is Jesus’ new command,

And shows us how when an opportunity’s at hand.

The disciples gather with Jesus for an evening meal.

Washing feet is not their job, at least that's how they feel.

So, Jesus takes a towel and bowl,

Taking up the servant’s role.

With loving care, he washes their feet,

Offering just how others we should treat.

What tasks do you feel are beneath you?

Might you do things you believe others should do?

What? I should humble myself? God forbid!

Yes, love one another, just like Jesus did.

In God’s House (John 14)

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/24/20

In God's house there are many rooms

For those who pass beyond the graves and tombs

Jesus on goes ahead to prepare us a place

Where we’ll live forever through God's grace

With these comforting words Jesus prepares his friends

For what will happen beyond our earthly ends

We're going home when this journey is done

When our lives here are complete and the victory’s one

Jesus will come to take each of us home

We’ll no longer wander, we’ll no longer roam

Jesus will lead us there like a Good Shepherd

For Jesus has promised and given his word 

Jesus Is the Vine (John 15)

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/25/20

Jesus is the true Vine and we are the branches

We must stay connected for us to have chances

To bear much fruit and to be what we are created to be

For the glory of God, the vine keeper almighty 

Jesus is perfectly clear that for us to excel

Require some trimming and pruning as well

What are those things stealing energy and time

Depleting resources from that which is prime

Let go and let God do what God wants to do

To produce fruit for God's glory through me and through you

Stay connected to Jesus who is the true Vine

That's God plan for us and it's truly divine

Prayer

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/27/20

Perhaps prayer is like a two-way street

Where our thoughts and God’s thoughts both meet

We usually pray to God what's deep on our hearts

And receive back the insight that our Lord imparts

But just what might happen on that street today

By yielding first to God and what God might say

Come before God with just praise and thanksgiving

For being created a child of God and the life you are living

Simply ask how you might be of service today

Beware you might not like what God has to say

The task may be challenging that you're asked to do

For you believe in a God who believes back in you

What Is Truth (John 18)

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/28/20

“What is truth?” Pontius Pilate asks,

For fact finding had been one of his tasks.

What is true for us today,

As we follow Jesus on his way?

When asked if he followed Jesus, Peter lied.

Three times in fact his Lord he denied.

Have you ever been in Peter's place,

And denied following Jesus to somebody's face?

Then at the end of gospel after Jesus arose,

He sought again Peter that first disciple he chose.

Christ asked him three times, “Do you love me?”

And Peter affirmed that he did truthfully.

Then Jesus instructed for Peter then to,

Care for the flock like a loving person would do.

To stand and be counted not to lie or deny

Jesus counted on Peter and upon him he'd rely

So whenever you're asked, just what might you say?

How might you affirm your faith to someone today?

For through Christ you've been loved by God above.

Today with someone live your faith; share your love.

Upon That Cross at Calvary (John 19)

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/29/20

It should have been me

For my sins he died

For the sins of the world

Jesus was crucified

Upon that cross at Calvary

Jesus died that I would be free

He stood before Pilate

And was unjustly tried

Religious leaders brought charges

“Crucify him,” the people cried

Upon that cross at Calvary

Jesus died that I would be free

To placate the crowd

Only death would suffice

I gained my freedom

As Christ paid the price

Upon that cross at Calvary

Jesus died that I would be free

Mary Magdalene Came to the Tomb (John 20)

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/30/20

Mary Magdalene came to the tomb

Early that first Easter morning

All she found was an empty room

Compounding her grief and mourning

To the disciples she quickly ran

To deliver the bad news

Then Peter and another man

Went to get their own views

The linen clothes were all they saw

Nothing else they found

But their logic had a flaw

When they looked all around

They did not know Jesus would rise

Though ‘tis said one man believed

But Mary got the big surprise

When the gardener she perceived

When lovingly he called her name

She knew it was the Lord

And we would never be the same

Life beyond death had been restored

Peace Be with You (John 20)

Jeffrey B. Childs 01/31/20

“Peace be with you,” the risen Christ said

And the blessing of peace fell upon each one's head

The disciples had grieved at the death of the Lord

Now to all who were present their faith was restored

Thomas “the Twin” was late that first Easter night

To be renamed “the Doubter” would now be his plight

The resurrection of Jesus he just couldn't perceive

Though ten disciples told him, he just couldn't believe

Then a week later Jesus came back into view

To Thomas, and the others, He said, “Peace be with you”

Thomas, the Doubter, then became a believer

Of the great Peace of Christ, he was now a receiver

“Peace be with you,” as the disciples passed it on

To each new generation Christ’s peace came upon

How blest those disciples, seeing with their own eyes

But Jesus blesses us, too, who in faith now visualize