2020 November

 

God Is with Us

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/02/20

We cling to faith in times of need,

At our rope’s end, to God we plead,

To not let go and hold us fast,

Until this raging storm is passed.

God is with us!

 

Our anchor holds in rugged seas,

For our God hears our desperate pleas.

When we are down about to go under,

In the midst of storms, lightning, and thunder.

God is with us!

 

When all is dark and things are bleak,

When we can't find the path we seek,

When we are lost and all alone,

It's then we learn how faith is grown.

God is with us!

 

We Pray for Peace

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/03/20

In the midst of strife and war,

We pray for peace!

In all that we are praying for,

We pray for peace!

 

When in vain we seem to toil,

We pray for peace!

When everything is in turmoil,

We pray for peace!

 

In times of high anxiety,

We pray for peace!

In times of great adversity,

We pray for peace!

 

When overcome by our sin,

We pray for peace!

When evil thoughts churn within,

We pray for peace!

 

When in our grief, we cry out,

We pray for peace!

When pain is everywhere about,

We pray for peace!

 

  

I Voted

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/03/20

To make this world a better place,

I voted!

To elect the leaders that win this race,

I voted!

 

To do my duty and exercise my right,

I voted!

To set the course by election night,

I voted!

 

To make a change or stay the course,

I voted!

With no regrets and no remorse,

I voted!

 

For those before us who could not,

I voted!

For our children for whom we ought,

I voted!

 

Encourage People (1 Thessalonians 4)

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/04/20

 

Encourage people with words of hope,

When on life's most slippery slope,

That may lead some to deep despair,

If not lifted by hope and care.

 

Encourage people with words of life,

When they are caught in the midst of strife,

Help them to live the rest of their story,

And back on the way to eternity’s glory.

 

Encourage people with words of love,

The greatest gift of God above.

Love overcomes all life's hardships,

May words of love be on your lips.

 

Wise and Foolish Bridesmaids (Matthew 25)

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/04/20

 

Wise and foolish bridesmaids,

Waited for the groom,

To light the procession,

Into the banquet room.

 

But beyond their knowing,

The bridegroom was delayed,

Those prepared were ready,

The others were dismayed.

 

Their lamps consumed the oil,

That they had brought that day,

Thinking little was needed,

To light the bridegroom's way.

 

But just like their lamps’oil,

Their luck also ran out,

They weren’t ready when he came,

And they were left without.

 

So, heed the message of the Lord,

And always be prepared,

That when the end finally arrives,

You’ll be unimpaired.

 

Patience Is Never Easy

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/05/20

 

Patience we know is never easy,

Anxiety often makes us queasy,

Our equilibrium is upset,

Resolution is not there yet.

 

If it is worth it, it's worth waiting for,

Patience is a muscle you've stretched before,

If others are struggling all around you,

By your example show them what to do.  

 

We know what can bring us peace,

And calm making turmoil cease?

Take it to the Lord in prayer,

Be comforted by God's loving care.

 

This too shall pass we surely know,

Even when waiting seems so slow,

In the flow of eternity's time,

The wait will be over, just like this rhyme.

 

God Is Able

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/06/20

 

God is able if we are just willing,

To do God's will, our role fulfilling.

With God's help this we can do,

God who made us will see us through.

God is able.

 

Sometimes we’re challenged by what we are asked,

Sometimes it's menial what we are tasked.

Whatever it is God asks you to do,

With God's help, it's now up to you.

God is able.

 

Don't take all the credit or pat your own back,

For God provides all that you or I lack,

The ways and the means and even the plan.

All we add to it is the effort we can.

God is able.

 

The Ancient Prophets Warned Us

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/07/20

 

The ancient prophets warned us,

Of what God had to say,

And those of us who listen,

Can hear a message for today.

 

For we are not so different,

From ancient Israel,

Who no longer walked the walk,

And from God's favor fell.

 

Prophets offered course corrections,

To change ways before too late,

But the nation had to decide,

If they'd recalculate.

 

Perhaps the saying is the same,

For us in this generation,

To set the course for moving on,

God's path towards salvation.

We Await the Coming

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/08/20

 

We await the coming,

Of Jesus Christ our Lord,

And the coming Kingdom,

Where God's will will be restored.

 

But until that coming,

We have much to do,

While watching and waiting,

Our faith will guide us through.

 

All the steps may not be clear,

As we journey on today,

But we know that Jesus is,

The Truth, the Life, the Way.

 

Yes, may we be like Jesus,

In all we do and say,

Then we'll be blessed to meet him,

When he returns someday.

 

Wrapped in Prayer

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/09/20

 

Here I sit wrapped in prayer,

For all about which I care.

There are people in situations,

In grief, in pain, and complications.

 

There are a few things that I can do,

A call, or a card, or a visit, too.

But all of the things that meet a need,

On their behalf to God I plead.

 

God knows the needs better than I,

And knows what else I might try.

In our prayer’s deep conversation,

God offers insights and inspiration.

 

If you will, I invite you to pray,

And open yourself to what God may,

Ask of you to make a difference today,

To help someone out along the way.

 

 

 

As the Waves Roll

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/10/20

 

As the waves roll in from the sea,

Roll your grace, God, over me.

As the moon waxes and wanes,

Remove, oh God, the hurts and pains.

 

As in oceans there are ebbs and tides,

So, in my life, Lord, your grace abides.

In life we experience night and day,

Yet God always guides us on the way.

 

In our life there are highs and lows,

We give thanks for what God bestows.

No matter if we're here or there,

God is with us everywhere,

 

Whether it's the Yin or Yang,

Evolution or The Big Bang,

There are no ifs, no ands or butts,

God is with us no matter what what’s!  

 

Encourage One Another (1 Thess. 5.11)

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/11/20

 

Encourage one another,

Build up each other,

Was the word to the saints,

To every sister and brother.

 

For that is what the church must do,

To help to see each other through,

During darkness fraught with fear,

To maintain strength and faith renew.

 

Watch for an opportunity today,

To encourage someone on the way,

When he or she wants to give up,

What encouraging word might you say?  

 

Stewardship (Matthew 25)

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/12/20

 

A master left three servants in charge,

Of investments small, medium, and large

The first two with much did so much more,

Five talents became ten, and two became four.

 

Hard work paid off for each of these guys,

Using their talents, the limit, the sky’s!

When the master returned and received a good word,

“Well done,” he proclaimed and both servants heard.

 

May we be so blessed at the end of our days,

To hear an acknowledgement of our God's praise,

May we have been “good and faithful,” too,

Considering all for God's Kingdom that we do.

 

Remember that there was one servant more,

Who feared for his life and for what was in store.

One talent was wasted and hidden away,

There was no more to add on judgment day.

 

When God calls us forth to give an account,

Of our faith and to what all it might amount.

Did we live it well, letting our witness abound?

Or did we hide it, buried deep underground?

 

What Talents We Have

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/13/20

 

What talents we have,

Are all gifts of the Lord.

In whose image we’re made,

Who is to be adored!

 

Each part of creation,

God made it just so,

To all fit together,

In God's Kingdom below.

 

The various talents,

That do make you you,

Are there for a purpose,

You uniquely can do.

 

Try matching your gifts,

To a meaningful need.

Give glory to God,

Through a purposeful deed.

 

We Celebrate This Birthday

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/14/20

 

We celebrate this birthday,

Of the King of Kings,

And give thanks to God,

For the love our Savior brings.

 

We celebrate this birthday,

With this miraculous birth,

God's grace is now to be,

Revealed to all the earth.

 

We celebrate this birthday,

God lives as one of us.

That's why today we rejoice,

And celebrate Christmas!  

 

Isaiah Foretold of a Day

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/16/20

 

Isaiah foretold of a day,

When war would be no more,

Spears and swords would become tools,

For farming and not for war.

 

Peace would reign through all the earth,

Hostilities would cease,

The world would be so blessed,

To finally be at peace.

 

The prophet could foresee this,

For all not just for some,

Almighty God had declared that,

The Prince of Peace would come.

 

We pray that it's upon us,

That day is drawing near,

We will shout and sing God's praise,

When the Lord shall reappear.

 

Jesus Walked Among Us

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/17/20

 

Jesus walked among us,

He touched and healed the sick.

Some took two applications,

Other healings were quite quick.

 

By the holy touch,

Of the Master's loving hand,

Crippled legs were healed,

They then could upright stand.

 

Blinded eyes were opened,

The people now could see.

He healed not just the bodies,

Strickened souls he had set free.

 

Lepers were healed,

The dead were risen,

Demons were outcast,

Sins were forgiven,  

 

Whatever it is that binds you,

In body or in soul,

Jesus can release you,

To restore and make you whole.

 

Under Christ (Ephesians 1)

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/18/20

 

God put everything under Christ,

All angels and authorities,

Are under the rule of Christ,

So too, the church’s ministries.

 

The church is the body of Christ,

And Christ is the very head,

All we do, we do for Christ.

When all is done and said.

 

Give thanks to God for the Christ,

Whom God raised from the dead,

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords,

Is now the church’s head.

We the church serve under Christ,

Who sends us to go forth,

To spread Good News and offer Christ,

To the East, West, South, and North.

 

Do You See Jesus? (Matthew 25)

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/19/20

 

Do you see Jesus,

In a stranger's eyes?

Do you see Jesus,

Where a beggar lies?

 

Do you see Jesus,

Out in the cold?

Do you see Jesus,

In one who's feeble and old?

 

Do you see Jesus,

In someone left alone?

Do you see Jesus,

In a child out on its own?

 

Do you see Jesus,

In one who has no food?

Do you see Jesus,

In one whose dwelling’s crude?

 

Do you see Jesus,

In a tragedy's wake?

Do you see Jesus?

Look, for Christ’s sake!

 

Do you see Jesus,

In someone at their worst?

Do you see Jesus?

Look, and respond first!

 

In the Midst

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/20/20

 

In the peace and in the quiet,

In the fasting from our diet,

In the midst we find You there,

Love and mercy, Lord, you share.

In the turmoil and the noise,

In what districts and what destroys,

In the midst we find You there,

Love and mercy, Lord, you share.

 

In the sorrow and in the grief,

In the worry and disbelief,

In the midst we find You there,

Love and mercy, Lord, you share.

 

In the times when we are in need,

When we cry and when we plead,

In the midst we find You there,

Love and mercy, Lord, you share.  

 

From the Prophets We Have Heard (Isaiah 4)

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/21/20

 

From the prophets we have heard,

In ancient scrolls a glorious word.

In this prophetic word for each of us,

The Lord’s branch will be most glorious!

 

In winter though the branch seems bare,

There is budding life deep down in there.

Awaiting spring to spring to life,

Melting away harsh winter’s strife.

 

So, it is offered for you and me,

And all, who like the prophets, see.

God who restores a barren branch,

Will renew us with another chance.

 

What, in you, lies dead and dormant?

Where might you bloom with faith’s fulfillment?

Believing what the prophets say,

Gloriously live your life today!

 

Prepare Our Hearts for Worship

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/21/20

 

Prepare our hearts for worship,

As we humbly come to you.

May our prayers and our confessions,

Be heartfelt, faithful, and true.

 

Help us lay all things aside,

So, our focus is just on you.

Help us hear your word for us,

How to live, and what to do.

 

May this holy time of worship,

Not just be a short hour or two.

But our experience of worship,

Be infused our whole life through.

 

Stay Alert (Mark 13)

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/23/20

 

Jesus told his followers, “stay alert!”

Be active in watching and not inert.

If we truly seek then we will find,

And not find ourselves left behind!

 

If this year you really watch and see,

Beholding God's wondrous eternity.

You might just see what you might do,

When that command to watch is given you.

 

It's easy to get caught up in all the mess,

To focus on those things that distress,

We can get caught in the muck in the mire,

Or focus our gaze much higher and higher.

 

In all the tinsel and trappings galore,

As we hustle and bustle from store to store,

When our load’s overloaded and then some,

Stay alert watching for the true One to come.

 

Jesus will come to us this year,

All the signs point to just how near.

He is so very close to you and me,

Point out when you see him, that all might see.

 

Thank You, God

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/24/20

 

Thank you, God,

for another day.

Thank you, God,

for this time to pray.

 

Thank you, God,

for daily food.

Thank you, God,

for a thankful mood.

 

Thank you, God,

for pains relief.

Thank you, God,

for easing grief.

 

Thank you, God,

for relief from strife.

Thank you, God,

for abundant life.

 

Thank you, God,

for faithful friends.

Thank you, God,

for love that never ends.

 

Thanking God We Often Forget (Luke 17)

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/25/20

 

Thanking God we often forget,

It slips our minds with no regret.

But when reminded what we should do,

With grateful hearts, God, we return to you.

 

Your mercy and grace call us to pray,

Help us remember to give thanks each day.

For all that you are and all that you've done,

For saving our souls through the gift of your Son.

 

Today as we gather to give thanks to you,

For everything this year you've helped us get through.

Without you none of this could have been done,

Without you this victory could not have been won.

 

We Are Called to Keep Awake (Mark 13)

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/26/20

 

We are called to keep awake,

Literally, for heaven's sake!

For in the twinkling of an eye,

It will happen for you and I

 

Jesus wants us to be ready,

To be faithful, sure, and steady.

We must always watch and wait,

Like the night watch at the gate.

 

Watch today and closely observe,

See the ones whom we might serve.

As we watch, Christ watches too,

He's watching me and watching you.

 

What might we do as we watch and wait?  

How might we help others before it's too late?

In the name of Jesus, do what he do,

May the love of Jesus spread through you.

 

In the Midst of Hardship

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/28/20

 

In the midst of hardship,

We have hope.

Like the sturdy knot,

At the end of a rope.

 

We hang on tightly,

For our dear lives.

When all else is lost,

Hope survives.

 

Our hope is not lost,

In our despair.

Our hope’s in our Savior,

Who is always there!

 

Hard knocks are hard,

For you to suffer.

Tough times are tough,

But hope is tougher.  

 

Give Us Hope

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/28/20

 

When we are having the worst of days,

And finding it hard to sing your praise,

Help us, oh God, to see it through,

For you, oh God, make all things new.

Give us hope.

 

Help us watch and help us wait,

Like the watchguard at the gate,

If we’re ready or not, you will be there,

Help us be ready anytime, anywhere.

Give us faith.

 

In every moment in every day,

There is something we might say,

You give us wisdom and insight,

That we might rejoice both day and night.

Give us joy.

 

We give thanks for your great love,

That sent us Jesus from above,

You taught us to love you and others, too,

So, when we share love, we're sharing you.

Give us love.

Comfort My People (Isaiah 40)

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 11/30/20

 

Isaiah heard the Lord God shout.

“Comfort my people!” God cried out.

Slavery was ended, they'd soon be free.

God's word was spoken decisively.

 

“Comfort my people,” God did say,

To the prophet back then and to us today.

A voice cries out to clear the way,

For God's glory to be on display.

 

Valleys are raised and mountains brought low,

A level highway on which God would go.

Like a Good Shepherd, God tends the flock.

God talks the talk; and walks the walk.