2026 April

 

When Mary to the Disciples Relates

                                  Jeffrey B. Childs 4/1/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57)

 

When Mary to the disciple relates,

What at the tomb she found.

Peter and John investigate.

They look in and all around.

 

Although Peter could not conceive,

Where Christ’s body had gone.

From what John saw he did believe,

His faith, he relied upon.

 

Whenever you can't understand,

The benefit of doubt.

Believe in God who believes in you, and,

The benefit of faith rules out.

 

Christ Said, One of You Will Betray

                                  Jeffrey B. Childs 4/2/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57)

 

Christ said, “One of you will betray,”

While at the table they sat,

At the Last Supper that Thursday,

They must have pondered that.

 

Christ said, “One of you will betray,”

While at the table they sat,

They went to the garden to pray,

There was no idle chat.

 

Christ said, “One of you will betray,”

While at the table they sat,

Think how have we done that today?

Let us come and confess that.

 

Look Up If You Have Been Raised Up

                                  Jeffrey B. Childs 4/6/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57) Colossians 3

 

Look up if you have been raised up.

Seek the things up above.

You have received the bread and cup,

Given to you by God's love.

 

Set your minds on heavenly things,

Not on the things below.

Live the new life that the Lord brings.

Day by day, in faith grow.

 

When Christ is finally revealed,

In all of his glory,

All hearts of this world will be healed,

At the end of history.

 

Do Not Be Afraid, Go and Tell

                                  Jeffrey B. Childs 4/7/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57) Matthew 28

 

Do not be afraid, go and tell,

Is what Jesus had said,

To the women there at the tomb,

And thus, the Good News spread.

 

Hear Jesus speak those words to you,

Who might be fearful still.

Do not fear what people may say.

Go in simply do God's will.

 

There is someone out there today,

Who needs to hear the word.

Like the women, don't be afraid.

Go tell what you have heard.

 

Through Jesus’ Resurrection

                                  Jeffrey B. Childs 4/8/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57) 1 Peter 1

 

Through Jesus’ resurrection,

New life is given us.

And inheritance in heaven,

Is given by Jesus.

 

Though in his life there were trials,

In this we rejoice.

For the salvation of our souls,

Christ made the ultimate choice.

 

Because Christ gave his life for you,

That frozen you're set free.

What do you think that you should do?

Do it. Give Christ the glory.

 

Christ Says, Peace Be with You

                                  Jeffrey B. Childs 4/9/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57) John 20

 

As Christ breathes on them the spirit,

Christ says, “Peace be with you.”

To the disciples who hear it,

Christ says, “Peace be with you.”

 

When like them we too are afraid,

Christ says, “Peace be with you.”

We receive that for which we've prayed.

Christ says, “Peace be with you.”

 

Forgiven sins are forgiven.

Christ says, “Peace be with you.”

A peaceful life we are given.

Christ says, “Peace be with you.”

 

The Day of Pentecost Had Come

                                  Jeffrey B. Childs 4/10/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57) Acts 2

 

The Day of Pentecost had come.

The twelve were gathered there.

The Holy Spirit filled the room,

The gift of tongues did share.

 

Upon each head a tongue of flame,

Set each of them afire.

To all the people they'd proclaim,

God's good news and desire.

 

God wanted everyone to hear,

The resurrection news.

In their language, upon each ear,

To the crowd of gathered Jews.

 

With the same message we’re to go.

We have good news today,

To invite all to come and know,

To follow Christ on the way.

 

Doors Were Locked

                                  Jeffrey B. Childs 4/11/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57) John 20

 

For fear of the Jews, doors were locked.

Disciples he had in fear.

The peace of Christ, the doors unlocked,

On that very first Easter.

 

Though doors were locked, there Jesus came.

Then and there their fear ceased.

Their lives would never be the same,

When they received Christ’s peace.

 

What is it that binds you in fear?

By what is your soul bound?

Peace be with you, may your soul hear.

In you may Christ’s peace be found.

 

Like a Lamb without Defect           

                      Jeffrey B. Childs 4/13/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57) 1 Peter 1

 

Like a lamb without a defect,

Jesus was sacrificed.

That we might believe and reflect,

The love of Jesus Christ.

 

Through Jesus you have come to trust,

In God the Creator,

Who as the judge is great and just.

And is the Resurrector.

 

God who raised Jesus from the dead,

Now gives new life to us.

We do not live in fear and dread,

For we believe in Jesus.

 

Upon the Road to Emmaus

                                  Jeffrey B. Childs 4/14/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57)

 

Upon the road to Emmaus,

Where two disciples walked,
Along with the risen Jesus,

Their hearts burned as he talked.

 

Christ opened up scriptures to them,

Yet they did not fully see,

This stranger who walked with them then,

Was Christ, in reality.

 

It was at table when they sat,

To share their evening meal,

They each then comprehended that,

His resurrection was real.

 

Look to Your Father Abraham

                      Jeffrey B. Childs 4/15/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57) Isaiah 51

 

Look to your father Abraham,

And Sarah who bore you.

They were alone when God called them.

Since then their great family grew.

 

For the Lord will comfort Zion,

And all that lies in waste.

God will make waste lands like Eden.

God will bless them all with grace.

 

Deserts will be the Lord's garden.

From death new life will spring.

Joy and gladness will be found then,

Thanksgiving we'll gladly sing.

 

The Lord God Will Be the Shepherd

                      Jeffrey B. Childs 4/16/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57) Ezekiel 34

 

The Lord God will be the shepherd,

Of all the scattered sheep.

Back in Zion they'll be gathered,

The Lord God will tend and keep.

 

The shepherds were to hear God's word.

Their jobs they would not keep.

God's judgment was proclaimed and heard.

They would no longer tend sheep.

 

It Is a Commendable Thing

                      Jeffrey B. Childs 4/17/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57) 1 Peter 2

 

It is a commendable thing,

If you're aware of God,

When you’re unjustly suffering,

The inflicted pain of a rod.

 

If you endure when you do good,

Though you suffer for it.

It's commendable before God,

When unjustly you endure it.

 

Realize you have been called through this,

Cause Christ suffered for you.

Christ endured your pain on the cross,

As an example for you.

 

In his mouth was found no deceit,

He committed no sin.

His death led to his judgment seat,

Thus, your salvation to win.

 

Jesus Is the Gateway

                      Jeffrey B. Childs 4/18/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57) John 10

 

The shepherd puts sheep in a pen.

Jesus one day did say.

For sheep to get into the pen,

Jesus is the gateway.

 

Jesus said a new life we'd lead,

And that he was the way.

We will find green pastures indeed.

Jesus is the gateway.

 

Jesus calls out to all the sheep.

Listen, what does he say?

Safely our souls Jesus will keep.

Jesus is the gateway.

 

Listen, My Children, to These Words

                      Jeffrey B. Childs 4/20/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57) Proverbs 4

 

Listen, my children, to these words,

That your life may be long.

For wisdom your heart and soul girds,

And keeps you from doing wrong.

 

When you walk, your step will not fail,

And neither shall you fall.

When the wicked, your path assail,

Nothing will harm you at all.

 

From evil doors walk away,

Avoid them at all cost.

Do not listen to what they say,

Lest you find that all is lost.

 

If We Receive Just Punishment

                      Jeffrey B. Childs 4/21/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57) 1 Peter 2

 

If we receive just punishment,

In that, what's the credit?

When we endure unjust judgment,

Gladly suffer for it.

 

For we have all been called to this,

Cause Christ suffered for us.

That we might live for righteousness,

All thanks to the Lord Jesus.

 

When abused, Christ did not abuse.

He himself bore our sins.

The cross, Jesus did not refuse.

Through him our new life begins.

 

The Church Models Vitality

                                  Jeffrey B. Childs 4/21/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57)

 

The church models vitality,

and it's plain to see.

It's in their hospitality,

When God's love we feel fully.

 

God's love, the church celebrates.

It's love that draws us near.

From God's love nothing separates.

Everyone is welcome here.

 

Jesus Is Our Savior

                                  Jeffrey B. Childs 4/22/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57)

 

With parables and great stories,

Jesus is our teacher.

Leading us to heaven's glories,

Jesus is our savior.

 

To God with holy reverence,

Jesus is our preacher,

Revealing scripture’s relevance,

Jesus is our savior.

 

To all of us who are broken,

Jesus is our healer.

To raise all of us to heaven,

Jesus is our savior.

 

Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled

                                  Jeffrey B. Childs 4/23/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57) John 14

 

Do not let your hearts be troubled,

Believe in God and me.

To the disciples, Jesus said,

When as yet they did not see.

 

There are many dwelling places,

Being prepared for us,

For that time when our soul crosses,

Over to be with Jesus.

 

Jesus said that we knew the way,

But Thomas was unsure.

Jesus replied, “I am the way.”

Our eternal home’s secure.

 

I Will Search for My Sheep

                                  Jeffrey B. Childs 4/24/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57) Ezekiel 34

 

God says, “I will search for my sheep,

And I will sort them out.”

The scattered flock, the Lord will keep,

From wandering about.

 

God will find them where they're scattered,

And guide them by God's hand,

That they may be safe and watered,

Back in the promised land.

 

The Lord God will be their shepherd.

The Lord will seek the lost.

The Lord's sure promise we have heard.

The Lord will pay the cost.

 

Do Not Be Intimidated

                                  Jeffrey B. Childs 4/25/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57) 1 Peter 3

 

Do not be intimidated.

Don't fear what others fear,

But in your hearts sanctify Christ.

With you, Christ is always near.

 

No matter what happens in the world,

“Fear not,” Christ says to us.

We stand with Christ, so let us pray,

All in the name of Jesus.

 

Keep My Commandments

                                  Jeffrey B. Childs 4/27/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57) John 14

 

“Keep my commandments,” Jesus said,

“If you truly love me.”

Jesus would arise from the dead.

Revealing eternity.

 

Because I live, you will live too.

In you, others see me.

This affirmation Christ gives you,

That witnesses you might be.

 

You will not be left on your own,

The Spirit will be there.

The Spirit will make all things known,

To people everywhere.

 

Long Time Ago in Ancient Days

                                  Jeffrey B. Childs 4/28/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57) Daniel 7

 

Long time ago in ancient days,

Daniel had a vision.

In it we see the many ways,

God gives to us our mission.

 

Daniel was called to speak the word,

Two people overcome.

That they would be blessed by the Lord,

Their mission was not done.

 

There soon would come the Ancient One,

Who would rise up on high.

To him was given dominion,

Of all below the sky.

 

Today we celebrate Jesus,

Who rose up for our sake.

Eternal life he'll give to us,

A home for us he'll make.

 

Today There's Something I Can Do

                                  Jeffrey B. Childs 4/28/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57) Ephesians 1

 

Today there's something I can do,

Your burden I can share.

I constantly give thanks for you,

Remembering you in prayer.

 

For all of your struggle and pain,

I pray God's tender care,

Will restore good health once again.

I remember you in prayer.

 

Christ Gives to Us One Commandment

                                  Jeffrey B. Childs 4/29/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57)

 

Christ gives to us one commandment.

It simply is to love.

God loved us so, Jesus was sent.

That we should love God above.

 

That is not all that we are told,

We're to love others, too.

Through love, neighbors we're to enfold,

That’s what Christ told us to do.

 

One more love was shown by Jesus,

Who died to set us free.

Love ourselves, because God loves us.

By God we’re loved completely.

 

Have Faith in All That You Believe

                                  Jeffrey B. Childs 4/29/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57)

 

Have faith in all that you believe,

For faith will see you through.

Have faith in God who did conceive,

And by faith, created you.

 

Have faith in all whom God has made,

Allow them to help you.

In them God's faith will be displayed,

For God believes in them, too.

 

By God you’ve been given gifts,

Have faith in yourself, too.

For by you, others God uplifts,

Because God believes in you.

 

What Is It You Hope for Today

                                  Jeffrey B. Childs 4/29/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57)

 

What is it you hope for today?

What's in your daily prayer?

Put your hope in God when you pray,

For God will always be there.

 

We hope for what the future holds,

As people who believe.

For with hope the future unfolds,

Sometimes more than we conceive.

 

There is hope in eternity,

This we believe for sure.

Along with faith and love will be,

Hope that always will endure.

 

Before Jesus Was Raised on High

                                  Jeffrey B. Childs 4/28/2026

(Tune: Azmon UMH 57) Luke 24

 

Before Jesus was raised on high,

One last lesson he taught.

He opened the disciples’ minds.

He left them with this thought.

 

The scriptures had now been fulfilled,

By what he came to do.

A Commission and a blessing,

Was given to me and you.

 

Repentance and forgiving sins,

Is what we are to teach.

Lives will be changed in Jesus’ name.

These were called to go and preach.