2020 September

Love Is What Fulfills the Law (Romans 13)

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/01/20

 

Love is what fulfills the Law,

Love overcomes each sin and flaw.

Loving one's neighbor as oneself.

Leads us to a spiritual health.

 

To live our faith the time is now,

For following Jesus is our vow.

Throw off the darkness, enter the light,

Now is the time to do what is right.

 

Live your faith, extend the light,

Do what you can with all of your might.

A difference can be made today,

By what do you do and what you say.

 

New Years Happen (Exodus 12)

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/02/20

 

New years happen all the year through,

Recall how it happens when it happens to you.

It might be a birthday or anniversary,

They begin year around for you and for me.

 

There is a new year for school to restart,

It can be a challenge when it's time to depart.

For some it might be a new fiscal year.

Close the books on the old let the new one appear.

 

In a time long ago a new year began,

For Moses and all following God's Passover plan.

A meal of remembrance forevermore,

Unleavened bread, a lamb, and blood on the door.

 

A day to begin a new year; a new life.

For they would be free beyond slavery's strife.

Moses would lead them to the promised land,

A new year began just as God had planned.

 

This might be the day for your new year to start.

Is there a change you've desired deep in your heart?

You have the power to make it happen today.

God invites you to follow God's plan and God's way.  

  

 

God Is Near

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/03/20

 

God is near.

God is here.

If only we're,

Open to hear.

 

And we should,

Have understood,

That God would,

Be so good.

 

God is love,

From above,

Like the wings of,

A heavenly dove.  

 

When We Are Grieving

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/04/20

 

When we are grieving and in pain,

When all seems loss and there's no gain,

Surround us, Lord, with your gracious love.

Shower us with mercy from heaven above.

 

When we are having the best of days,

Help us remember to give you the praise.

Then help us to be a blessing to others.

Especially our hurting sisters and brothers.

 

When we are feeling simply okay,

Remind us these too are times to pray.

For you are with us every step of the way,

And so, we should pray to you every day.

 

In the Morning

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/05/20

 

In the morning when I wake,

I pray the Lord my soul to take,

To use me this day for God's sake,

And make of me what God will make.

 

In the daytime I'll do my best,

To share with others that they be blessed,

I'll face the challenges of each test,

And leave to God to do the rest.

 

In the evening when down I lie,

I lift my prayers to God on high,

That as I sleep God will supply,

For every need both far and nigh.

 

When There Are Differences (Romans 14)

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/07/20

 

When there are differences of opinion,

It is the Lord Jesus who has Dominion.

We are not the ones to judge,

To be domineering and not to budge.

 

Some followers eat meat, and some do not.

Yet each gives thanks for the food they've got.

Though some see each day as being holy,

Others only observe certain days solely.

 

We could disagree on every fine point,

And twist our faith up and get all out of joint.

Or focus instead on Christ’s death and life,

And overcome small details not to cause strife.  

 

How Many Times (Matthew 18)

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/08/20

 

“How many times must I forgive?

Is seven enough to faithfully live?”

Peter would ask this of Jesus one day,

So, listen to what the Lord did say.

 

“No, seven times is not nearly enough,

Maybe seventy-seven is a good estimate rough.”

Then Jesus told a story to clear up the doubt.

Forgiving and forgetting is what it's about.

 

We should never forget that God first forgave us.

God does it with mercy; does not make a fuss.

As forgiven people we should forgive others, too,

That is what Jesus taught, and came here to do.

 

So, if you pray that God forgives your trespasses,

Be sure to forgive individuals and masses.

As we want to be treated, others thus we should treat,

That we might be blessed when Jesus we meet.

 

As We Look Out

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/09/20

 

As we look out upon this day,

And ask God's guidance upon the way,

We know that no matter which way we go,

God goes with us, blessings to bestow.

 

When we look back on the paths we've trod,

We see those journeys we've taken with God.

The lessons we've learned, and the memories made,

They all add up in life’s balances weighed.

 

Our journey's not finished, God still has more,

With anticipation see what God has in store.

Live life to the fullest, do all you can do.

Be blessed and a blessing by just being you.  

 

We Gather and Sing

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/10/20

 

We gather and sing,

To the heavenly King.

We offer our praise,

To the Lord always.

 

We come and confess,

That God will us bless.

We bow heads and pray,

To the One who's the Way.

 

We worship the Christ,

Who himself sacrificed.

And died, all to forgive

That we might eternally live.  

 

In the Midst of Tragedy and Grief

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/11/20

 

In the midst of tragedy and grief,

Faith can always bring relief.

To help us face the worst of days,

And find in it some things to praise.

 

Even when all around seems dark,

Hope can find a way to spark,

For there is good being done there,

Look for the helpers offering care.

Silver linings surround dark clouds.

Goodness glistens when darkness shrouds.

In the bleak despair of tragedy,

Be a beacon someone in need can see.

 

Bad Things Happen

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/12/20

 

Bad things happen to me and you,

And there's always something that we can do.

To make it less bad or even make it a good,

Try as you’re able; do whatever you could.

 

There are challenges each and every day,

We’ll surely have struggles along the way.

God put us here now in the midst of this thing.

That we’ll do our part and contribute something.

 

What are your abilities and God-given gifts?

For just when they’re needed God’s power uplifts.

You’re here today at the right time and place.

To be God's hands or feet to show someone God's face  

 

Give Thanks to God

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/13/20

 

Give thanks to God

for every gift.

Give thanks to God

our prayers uplift.

 

Give thanks to God

for this new day,

Give thanks to God

for help on the way.

 

Give thanks to God

for presence near.

Give thanks to God

when things we fear.

 

Give thanks to God

for merciful grace.

Give thanks to God

for loving embrace.

 

 

Give thanks to God

for everything.

Give thanks to God

for thus we sing.  

 

Leaves Are Changing

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/14/20

Leaves are changing, trees are blazing,

God's creation is amazing.

In the fall there’s abundant harvest,

Fruits fresh from the trees are the best.

 

The farmers’ fields are ready,

Harvest work is long and steady.

There's corns and beans and hay,

All needing to be stored away.

 

We thank God for the abundant yield,

From each orchard, plot, and field.

We thank God for another good year,

And all the crops God helped grow here.

 

Even in the years of drought,

When we've been filled with fear and doubt.

God has always seen us through,

And given us strength to plant anew.

 

When My Life on Earth Is Done

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/15/20

When my life on earth is done,

A life eternal will have begun,

Only glimpses now do we see,

Of what that abundant life will be.

 

Things that seem today unclear,

Are seen by some as they draw near.

I believe that as we pass the gate,

We'll see those who for our arrival wait.

 

What a glorious reunion it will be,

As those whom we've missed again we'll see.

And we'll see others who there now live,

To ask their forgiveness, or for us to forgive.

 

 

 

Glorify God (Romans 16)

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/16/20

Glorify God

In all that you do

Glorify God

rather than you

 

Glorify God

by what you say

Glorify God

throughout the day

 

Glorify God

to the people you meet

Glorify God

two folks on the street

 

Glorify God

who deserves all the glory

Glorify God

may this be your story

 

As I Sat One Day Down by the Sea

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/17/20

As I sat one day down by the sea,

Peter and Andrew we're called to be,

Disciples of him who came to save,

Fishing for people was the call he gave.

 

Along with John and his brother James,

Soon we would hear of all their twelve names.

These were the ones who started the quest,

By following Jesus, they were blessed.

 

As in their journey they progressed,

Their faith was challenged and put to the test.

Beyond the cross and the empty tomb,

For those who stayed, new life did bloom.

 

No longer just followers, now leaders sent out,

To share with all others what it's all about.

Following Jesus through thick and through thin,

Sharing mercy and grace that overcomes sin.

Thank You, God, for this New Day

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/18/20

Thank you, God, for this new day,

As it begins, I begin to pray.

And as this day we journey through,

Throughout the day, I'll talk with you.

 

For each meal I paused to eat,

For each person that I meet,

For each struggle where I see a need,

I lift in prayer to you, indeed.

 

And when this day is finally done,

I offer to you, Most Holy One,

Thanksgiving for this blessed day,

And end my prayer as “Amen” I say.

 

Faith Is Like a Planted Seed

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/19/20

Faith is like a planted seed,

That is buried in the earth.

In the darkness it grows indeed,

Early shoots don't display it's worth.

 

Only when the harvest comes,

And its bounty does it yield.

The value of faith, up it sums,

What was unseen is now revealed.

 

So, gaze upon that tiny seed,

And all of its potential.

For when it grows it grows indeed,

With growth that's exponential.

 

The First Shall Be Last

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/20/20

The first shall be last,

Perhaps you have heard.

Jesus had said this in the past,

Though it was not his final word.

 

He also said the last shall be first,

For some this was good news,

Yet for others it was the worst,

Depending on their points of views.

Those on the bottom would rise to the top,

And those who were high would sink low.

All inequality this Jesus would stop,

As in heaven it now would be below.

 

Going through this life, as you are able,

Help others up, invite them to go ahead.

Make room for all at the banquet table,

Make sure that all are equally fed.

 

By What Authority (Matthew 21)

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/22/20

By what authority did Jesus do?

It was not by what, it was by who!

Not from scholars did he get a degree,

But from the Author of Life received authority.

 

God's will was what willed for Jesus to be.

That all might believe and come to see,

That the love of God was for humanity.

The Author of Life gave the authority.

 

You and I are children of God.

To some our faith and actions seem odd.

We do what we do in our belief in the One,

Who gave authority to a beloved Son.

 

We have the authority to live our belief,

To offer to others help and relief.

We are enabled, we are able to be,

For the Author of Life gave us authority.  

 

To the Early Church (Philippians 3)

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/23/20

To the early church Paul did write,

Of what he believed and thought right.

His life before Christ was but an illusion,

He wrote it out plain, there'd be no confusion.

 

All the authority, that he thought he had had,

He'd given up for Christ and for that he was glad.

Those things of which he used to boast,

Were all brought to naught by the Holy Ghost.

 

Now he'd gladly suffer, as his Lord did,

To help show to others what had been hid.

The Law cannot save, it can only condemn,

Jesus saves! Can Paul get an “Amen?”

 

In the Midst of Chaos

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/24/20

In the midst of chaos God is always near,

Guiding us through when the way is not clear,

Offering us hope and strength on the way,

Letting us know that it will be okay.

 

In the midst of our joys God is there, too,

Rejoicing with us in all that we do.

In the lows and the highs God is at hand,

Walking beside us the way God has planned.

 

In the ordinary times we might be unaware,

But in all of these times we are in God's care.

In these in between times neither high nor low,

God patiently walks with us wherever we go.

 

Peace Be with You

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/25/20

“Peace be with you,” is what we say,

When we pass the peace along the way.

And in the passing we are receivers, too,

When we hear the words back, “and also with you.”

 

The true peace of Christ is not a trivial thing,

It calms storms and waves and thundering.

In the midst of his all receive Christ’s peace.

Be still, quiet down, let the turmoil cease.

 

What we do not have, we cannot pass on,

So, pray to the Lord, whom we call upon,

That the Prince of Peace will pass peace unto you,

That you might become a peacemaker, too.

 

“Peace be with you.”

 

Now, in This Time

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/26/20

Now, in this time, we must wait,

Whether it's early or it's late.

We wait though waiting’s troublesome,

We wait for the One who is to come.

 

We are in turmoil. We are in stress.

Wherever we look, life's a mess.

This life is not what God desires,

The One who comes new life inspires.

 

In this existence where we roam,

Will come the One to lead us home.

To save us from this world of greed,

And give us a new life indeed.

 

Jesus I Seek

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/28/20

Jesus I seek in quiet and prayer,

Whenever I need, he's always there.

I settle myself and focus my thought,

And I'm in the presence of the One I've sought.

 

Jesus I seek when we gather at church,

In a chair or a pew, wherever I perch.

There in the midst of fellow believers,

Christ comes to all the blessed receivers.

 

The time does not matter nor even the day,

He’s always with me whenever I pray.

Sometimes I get busy or somehow distracted,

But with a quick prayer our link’s reenacted.

 

Jesus is with me all day and all night,

No matter what happens with him I'm alright.

It is a true blessing to be able to pray,

Anytime of the night; anytime of the day.

 

The Lord Is Lord of All (Romans 10)

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/29/20

The Lord is Lord of all,

So said the Apostle Paul.

Lord of the Jew and of the Greek,

Lord of all who faithfully seek.

 

But how can they find the One they don’t know?

They need a preacher to teach and show.

“But how can that happen?” they might lament,

Thus, Paul was called and thus he was sent.

 

How beautiful are the well-worn feet,

Of those who go new souls to meet,

To announce and proclaim to all the good news,

For the Lord is Lord of all colors and hues.

 

Jesus Is My Cornerstone (Matthew 21)

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 09/30/20

Though storms may foundations shake,

Though rifts may make the whole earth quake,

I do not stand all alone,

Jesus is my Cornerstone.

 

In times of turmoil or distress,

When my life seems such a mess,

I do not stand all alone,

Jesus is my Cornerstone.

 

When all others fall away,

My Rock holds, come what may,

I do not stand all alone,

Jesus is my Cornerstone.

 

When life is hard or really tough,

My Savior is more than enough,

I do not stand all alone,

Jesus is my Cornerstone.

 

When I struggle and am in need,

Christ is there for me, indeed,

I do not stand all alone,

Jesus is my Cornerstone.