Insights from Ephesians: Part Eight
Ephesians 5:21-6:4
The Bible speaks of the partnership that husband and wife share.
It isn’t about naming who’s in charge but about the way they care.
The husband is to love his wife with the love Christ has for the church
When a woman finds that kind of a man, she’s ready to end her search.
When a husband loves his wife in the same way Christ loves His bride,
It means he’s willing to lay down his life and work very hard to provide.
Then as he ponders life’s decisions, when there must be a choice,
He seeks her counsel avoiding division, desiring to hear her voice.
The wife is to love her husband, yes, but also to give him respect.
This is what her husband needs from the one he pledged to protect.
The woman needs to hear tender words; to know that she is desired;
She needs to know that she is special, not just a toy he acquired.
Then when children come to the home, the mother gives natural nurture,
But the father is important too; he helps prepare them for their future.
The mother models service and love, dispensing hugs and kisses,
But the father teaches his bold young sons how to treat their future missus.
When teenage emotions and responsibility clash, it elicits testing and sobs.
The Father is there to help his sons learn to be faithful to their job.
He can’t be too harsh or unsympathetic provoking his children to wrath,
But great is their need for a steady strong dad to guide them on life’s path.
It’s clear to see as we read the Bible that God created both sexes.
He created them to make a home and not to become each other’s ex’s.
The very best way to raise a family, to preserve the next generation,
Is for husband and wife to build their lives upon a godly foundation.
I am a product of a clan that was led by godly grandparents
Whose love for God and all their kids was readily apparent.
My mom and dad, aunts and uncles too, all followed their example.
Each produced memories so warm and true, they serve as a heavenly sample.
And so dear friends, I ask the question, “Will you be in heaven too?”
If you are a dad, it’s time to respond to this question honest and true.
If you are a mom who carried your child all the way to birth,
You want them to join you in the glories of heaven, not to lose them on earth.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Monday, December 7, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
God Sees How You are Living
Insights from Ephesians: Part Seven
Ephesians 5:1-20
As we continue in chapter five, there are many more truths to see
The chapter begins with instruction clear about what we should be:
Be imitators of God, my friend, for Jesus was the lamb,
Who forfeited His life for our sins; not a dove or ram.
The flesh is subject to many sins, not the least of which is impurity;
When we see them in a believer, it demonstrates immaturity.
God has told us we should be holy avoiding behavior immoral:
Obscenity, greed, foolish talk and certainly meaningless quarrels.
Once we lived in darkness, but now we live in the light.
The light reveals goodness and truth to be the goal in sight.
The evil deeds of darkness God wants us to expose,
The shameful, immoral deeds of the flesh are evils we oppose.
So wake up sleeper, rise and shine. It’s time to live in truth.
Throw off the impure deeds of the flesh, all things vile, uncouth.
It’s time to let Jesus shine through you, His glory to reflect.
It’s time live a life that’s pure, that garners love and respect.
Be careful then how you live, for the days are short.
Live your life with heaven in sight, gain a good report.
Do not get drunk on wine or spirits that make you lose control,
For your whole life belongs to God, body, spirit, and soul.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Ephesians 5:1-20
As we continue in chapter five, there are many more truths to see
The chapter begins with instruction clear about what we should be:
Be imitators of God, my friend, for Jesus was the lamb,
Who forfeited His life for our sins; not a dove or ram.
The flesh is subject to many sins, not the least of which is impurity;
When we see them in a believer, it demonstrates immaturity.
God has told us we should be holy avoiding behavior immoral:
Obscenity, greed, foolish talk and certainly meaningless quarrels.
Once we lived in darkness, but now we live in the light.
The light reveals goodness and truth to be the goal in sight.
The evil deeds of darkness God wants us to expose,
The shameful, immoral deeds of the flesh are evils we oppose.
So wake up sleeper, rise and shine. It’s time to live in truth.
Throw off the impure deeds of the flesh, all things vile, uncouth.
It’s time to let Jesus shine through you, His glory to reflect.
It’s time live a life that’s pure, that garners love and respect.
Be careful then how you live, for the days are short.
Live your life with heaven in sight, gain a good report.
Do not get drunk on wine or spirits that make you lose control,
For your whole life belongs to God, body, spirit, and soul.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Success Principles from the Apostle Paul
Insights from Ephesians: Part Six
Ephesians 4:17-32
Paul gave the church clear instruction to live in God’s grace each day,
For the pagan worldviews are offensive to God with their acceptance of sinful ways.
The Gentiles were known for the vilest of sin yielding freely to base desire
That’s why believers put off their old self and live by truths that are higher.
The Lord has made us a brand new creation, His Spirit lives within.
He helps us say “no” to sinful ways. It’s important to listen to Him.
He teaches us how to deal with anger before the day is through.
The devil employs bitterness and strife as a means to bring harm to you.
There are other truths that transform our life about which we should care:
We must stop the stealing, get gainful employment; always be willing to share.
We must be careful how we converse choosing words that strengthen our friends.
If we encourage, comfort, and edify, they will be friends to the end.
Get rid of all bitterness, anger and brawling.
Refuse to take part in slanderous name-calling.
Don’t grieve the Spirit, with whom you were sealed,
For discipline comes to those who won’t yield.
These are a few of the truths Paul taught that help keep us pure in deed and thought.
But we must do more than read his letter. We must apply them if we would be better.
The Spirit of God is faithful and true never failing to tame and subdue
The foulest temper and unconquered mind enabling us now to be loving and kind.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Ephesians 4:17-32
Paul gave the church clear instruction to live in God’s grace each day,
For the pagan worldviews are offensive to God with their acceptance of sinful ways.
The Gentiles were known for the vilest of sin yielding freely to base desire
That’s why believers put off their old self and live by truths that are higher.
The Lord has made us a brand new creation, His Spirit lives within.
He helps us say “no” to sinful ways. It’s important to listen to Him.
He teaches us how to deal with anger before the day is through.
The devil employs bitterness and strife as a means to bring harm to you.
There are other truths that transform our life about which we should care:
We must stop the stealing, get gainful employment; always be willing to share.
We must be careful how we converse choosing words that strengthen our friends.
If we encourage, comfort, and edify, they will be friends to the end.
Get rid of all bitterness, anger and brawling.
Refuse to take part in slanderous name-calling.
Don’t grieve the Spirit, with whom you were sealed,
For discipline comes to those who won’t yield.
These are a few of the truths Paul taught that help keep us pure in deed and thought.
But we must do more than read his letter. We must apply them if we would be better.
The Spirit of God is faithful and true never failing to tame and subdue
The foulest temper and unconquered mind enabling us now to be loving and kind.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Friday, December 4, 2009
One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism
Insights from Ephesians: Part Five
Ephesians 4:1-16
We have been given new life in Christ and called to a new way of living,
Unlike the old days, when it was all about me, I’m now called to living giving. 1
I strive to be humble, patient and kind, bearing with others in love, 2
Maintaining the peace and unity that comes from the Spirit above. 3
Observe the importance of the numeral one in this life to which we are called:
One body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord; one God and Father of all. 4
Elsewhere we learn there is only one name by which we must be saved; 5
Only one mediator between God and man—It’s Jesus, whose name we praise. 6
Jesus descended down into Sheol where the righteous awaited His plan.
Then He ascended with the saints to sit at the Father’s right hand. 7
Through the Spirit He created four offices—all with distinct spiritual features.
They were the apostles and prophets, evangelists too, along with the pastor-teachers. 8
The purpose of these gifted men was to help the church form and grow.
Apostles performed signs, prophets taught doctrine, and evangelists won many souls.
We find that the church is like our body having numerous important parts.
When working together in unity and love, we demonstrate God’s great heart. 9
As we grow in wisdom and grace, we’re no longer tossed by the waves
Or blown around by winds of doctrine disputing the need to be saved.
We expose the evil schemes of men whose false teaching leaves others dead;
By teaching the truth the church matures giving glory to Jesus, the Head.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Scripture References:
1. Eph. 4:1. 4. Eph. 4:4-6 7. Eph. 4:7-9
2. Eph. 4:2 5. Acts 4:12 8. Eph. 4:11-12
3. Eph. 4:3 6. 1 Tim. 2:5 9. Eph. 4:14-16
Ephesians 4:1-16
We have been given new life in Christ and called to a new way of living,
Unlike the old days, when it was all about me, I’m now called to living giving. 1
I strive to be humble, patient and kind, bearing with others in love, 2
Maintaining the peace and unity that comes from the Spirit above. 3
Observe the importance of the numeral one in this life to which we are called:
One body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord; one God and Father of all. 4
Elsewhere we learn there is only one name by which we must be saved; 5
Only one mediator between God and man—It’s Jesus, whose name we praise. 6
Jesus descended down into Sheol where the righteous awaited His plan.
Then He ascended with the saints to sit at the Father’s right hand. 7
Through the Spirit He created four offices—all with distinct spiritual features.
They were the apostles and prophets, evangelists too, along with the pastor-teachers. 8
The purpose of these gifted men was to help the church form and grow.
Apostles performed signs, prophets taught doctrine, and evangelists won many souls.
We find that the church is like our body having numerous important parts.
When working together in unity and love, we demonstrate God’s great heart. 9
As we grow in wisdom and grace, we’re no longer tossed by the waves
Or blown around by winds of doctrine disputing the need to be saved.
We expose the evil schemes of men whose false teaching leaves others dead;
By teaching the truth the church matures giving glory to Jesus, the Head.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Scripture References:
1. Eph. 4:1. 4. Eph. 4:4-6 7. Eph. 4:7-9
2. Eph. 4:2 5. Acts 4:12 8. Eph. 4:11-12
3. Eph. 4:3 6. 1 Tim. 2:5 9. Eph. 4:14-16
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The Mystery of the Gospel
Insights from Ephesians: Part Four
Ephesians 3:1-21
There is a mystery, the apostle wrote, given by revelation. 1
This mystery, previously unknown, pertained to Gentile salvation. 2
Until Jesus came to bring a new covenant, salvation belonged to the Jews.
By life and death, He fulfilled the law qualifying the Gentiles too.
But whether one is a Gentile or Jew the gospel must be preached.
So God appointed apostles true so both groups could be reached. 3
In the beginning faithful Jews welcomed the message with joy,
But when Paul preached to Gentiles too, their leaders were annoyed.
The apostles wrote about this church age when billions experience salvation.
It was mostly Gentiles who filled the church, for the Jews denied its formation.
After the rapture when Jesus comes for His Bride, when the world is filled with pain,
Twelve thousand evangelists from each tribe will call Israel back again.
Until the Lord comes, the church is called to make His wisdom known
To demons who followed Lucifer; holy angels around God’s throne. 4
The Father achieved His eternal purpose through the sacrifice of His Son,
So Paul is preaching to the Gentiles salvation for them has been won. 5
Paul prays for the church to be filled with power; grounded in God’s love.
He wants them to grasp how high and deep is the love of God above. 6
To Him whose power is without measure, to Him we can’t do without
To Him be all the honor and glory. To Him our praises we shout. 7
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
1. Ephesians 3:2-3 2. Ephesians 3:6 3. Ephesians 3:7-9
4. Ephesians 3:10 5. Ephesians 3:11-12 6. Ephesians 3:14-19
7. Ephesians 3:19-20
Ephesians 3:1-21
There is a mystery, the apostle wrote, given by revelation. 1
This mystery, previously unknown, pertained to Gentile salvation. 2
Until Jesus came to bring a new covenant, salvation belonged to the Jews.
By life and death, He fulfilled the law qualifying the Gentiles too.
But whether one is a Gentile or Jew the gospel must be preached.
So God appointed apostles true so both groups could be reached. 3
In the beginning faithful Jews welcomed the message with joy,
But when Paul preached to Gentiles too, their leaders were annoyed.
The apostles wrote about this church age when billions experience salvation.
It was mostly Gentiles who filled the church, for the Jews denied its formation.
After the rapture when Jesus comes for His Bride, when the world is filled with pain,
Twelve thousand evangelists from each tribe will call Israel back again.
Until the Lord comes, the church is called to make His wisdom known
To demons who followed Lucifer; holy angels around God’s throne. 4
The Father achieved His eternal purpose through the sacrifice of His Son,
So Paul is preaching to the Gentiles salvation for them has been won. 5
Paul prays for the church to be filled with power; grounded in God’s love.
He wants them to grasp how high and deep is the love of God above. 6
To Him whose power is without measure, to Him we can’t do without
To Him be all the honor and glory. To Him our praises we shout. 7
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
1. Ephesians 3:2-3 2. Ephesians 3:6 3. Ephesians 3:7-9
4. Ephesians 3:10 5. Ephesians 3:11-12 6. Ephesians 3:14-19
7. Ephesians 3:19-20
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Wall Between God and Man
Insight from Ephesians: Part Three
Ephesians 2:11-22
All of us know that Adam’s sin built a wall between God and man,
But God had prepared a plan to redeem even before time began.
God called a man, Abram by name, to found a brand new nation.
He called him to a walk of faith, to help us grasp salvation.
Abraham’s descendants increased in number, belonged to Israel proper.
As they honored their covenant with God, He enabled them to prosper.
Through the years as they walked with Him, He taught them to follow the Law,
But most of the Gentiles in the world were excluded by that wall.
But Jesus destroyed that hostile wall; gave His life to pay the price.
His perfection applied to our life is more than enough to suffice.
Thus the Gentiles, once far away, now have been brought near.
He became peace to Gentile and Jew destroying the power of fear.
From Pentecost on until His return, we live in the age of grace.
All may come to God through Christ irrespective of heritage or race.
Jew or Gentile, black or white, we’re included in His plan.
In God there is no segregation, for He loves every man.
So once again we see without doubt that God’s eternal plan
Is to pay the price by giving Himself to bring salvation to man.
God is building His people together into a temple glorious, and
He will carry us to the end to enter eternity victorious.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Ephesians 2:11-22
11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hands of men)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (NIV)
Ephesians 2:11-22
All of us know that Adam’s sin built a wall between God and man,
But God had prepared a plan to redeem even before time began.
God called a man, Abram by name, to found a brand new nation.
He called him to a walk of faith, to help us grasp salvation.
Abraham’s descendants increased in number, belonged to Israel proper.
As they honored their covenant with God, He enabled them to prosper.
Through the years as they walked with Him, He taught them to follow the Law,
But most of the Gentiles in the world were excluded by that wall.
But Jesus destroyed that hostile wall; gave His life to pay the price.
His perfection applied to our life is more than enough to suffice.
Thus the Gentiles, once far away, now have been brought near.
He became peace to Gentile and Jew destroying the power of fear.
From Pentecost on until His return, we live in the age of grace.
All may come to God through Christ irrespective of heritage or race.
Jew or Gentile, black or white, we’re included in His plan.
In God there is no segregation, for He loves every man.
So once again we see without doubt that God’s eternal plan
Is to pay the price by giving Himself to bring salvation to man.
God is building His people together into a temple glorious, and
He will carry us to the end to enter eternity victorious.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Ephesians 2:11-22
11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hands of men)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (NIV)
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Saved by Grace and Not by Works
Insight from Ephesians: Part Two
Ephesians 2:1-10
Once no sin was found in this world. All was utter perfection.
When Adam ate the forbidden fruit he severed the heavenly connection.
Oh what a day of gloom and despair, man’s nature distorted within!
Ruled by the kingdom of the air, he succumbed to the power of sin.
All of us lived here in Satan’s kingdom until the Lord set us free.
We were the object of God’s just wrath deserving sin’s penalty.
But God’s loving mercy, as strong as His wrath, wanted us to survive,
So Jesus came to pay the price that we might be made alive.
By grace we are saved and not by our deeds. What an incredible thought!
We place our trust in Christ you see. Our salvation cannot be bought.
If we could earn it, we would boast. We would live and die arrogantly.
So God grants to us by faith in Christ salvation completely free
Some people say, “What about works? Isn’t there something I must do?”
You cannot do works in an attempt to earn salvation true.
But when you experience God’s new birth, He makes you a new creation.
Then the good works that flow from your life validate your transformation.
We live our lives until Jesus comes with devoted and happy faces.
Our God, who defeated sin’s dark power, has raised us to heavenly places.
The devil and all his angry demons see you with Christ on His throne.
How they desire to cause you to stumble as you live in your earthly home.
Indwelt by His Spirit and led by Him, we are filled with His glorious power.
As we walk humbly before our God, He will guide us through the dark hours.
Some day soon in the coming ages as trophies of God’s great love,
We will tell of how we left this world to live with Christ above.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Ephesians 2:1-10
1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)
Ephesians 2:1-10
Once no sin was found in this world. All was utter perfection.
When Adam ate the forbidden fruit he severed the heavenly connection.
Oh what a day of gloom and despair, man’s nature distorted within!
Ruled by the kingdom of the air, he succumbed to the power of sin.
All of us lived here in Satan’s kingdom until the Lord set us free.
We were the object of God’s just wrath deserving sin’s penalty.
But God’s loving mercy, as strong as His wrath, wanted us to survive,
So Jesus came to pay the price that we might be made alive.
By grace we are saved and not by our deeds. What an incredible thought!
We place our trust in Christ you see. Our salvation cannot be bought.
If we could earn it, we would boast. We would live and die arrogantly.
So God grants to us by faith in Christ salvation completely free
Some people say, “What about works? Isn’t there something I must do?”
You cannot do works in an attempt to earn salvation true.
But when you experience God’s new birth, He makes you a new creation.
Then the good works that flow from your life validate your transformation.
We live our lives until Jesus comes with devoted and happy faces.
Our God, who defeated sin’s dark power, has raised us to heavenly places.
The devil and all his angry demons see you with Christ on His throne.
How they desire to cause you to stumble as you live in your earthly home.
Indwelt by His Spirit and led by Him, we are filled with His glorious power.
As we walk humbly before our God, He will guide us through the dark hours.
Some day soon in the coming ages as trophies of God’s great love,
We will tell of how we left this world to live with Christ above.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Ephesians 2:1-10
1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)
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