Insights from Ephesians: Part One
Ephesians 1:17-23
God’ wants us all to know Him better, the first truth Paul proclaims.
That’s the reason Paul writes this letter, to show us what God has ordained.
He prays that the eyes of our heart would be opened to see three things this hour:
The hope of our call, spiritual riches for all, and God’s incomparable power.
The hope of our call is a life well lived, which reflects Christ’s transformation.
We all should hope our life reflects a good measure of sanctification.
As we study the Word and walk with God on heaven’s upward road,
The fruits of the Spirit shine to reveal the blessings God has bestowed.
Paul also prays that we would know the inheritance found in the saints.
How precious it is to have godly friends who inspire and do not faint.
The greatest riches found in this life are embodied in family and friends.
How glorious it is to remember this truth: for the redeemed, it never ends.
To comprehend the power of God is the third thing he mentioned in prayer.
He wants the believers to have faith in His love, not to live in despair.
The God that raised Jesus from the dead and installed Him on heaven’s throne
Is the very same God that forgave our sin and adopted us as His own.
So now we have hope that transforms our life and fellowship with godly friends.
Should Jesus tarry and we leave this earth, we know that it’s not the end.
The God that raised Jesus from the dead and installed Him on heaven’s throne
Has adopted us into His heavenly family to live with Him as His own.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Ephesians 1:17-23
17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. (NIV)
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
The Anointing of the Holy Spirit
Elijah Taken to Glory--2 Kings 2
The time had arrived for Elijah to go and meet his God this day.
“I’m leaving now to cross the Jordan. Here is where you stay.”
Elisha replied, “As the Lord lives, I will not leave you alone.
I want to go with you all the way until the Lord takes you home.”
Elijah rolled his cloak up tight; struck the Jordan with a great sound.
The waters stood up left and right; they crossed over on dry ground.
Once they were over Elijah asked, “Can I bless you? Let me hear it?”
Elisha replied, “I would like a double portion of the Holy Spirit.”
“You have asked a difficult thing. Here is how you will know it.
If you see me when I depart, you will know that God will bestow it.”
Suddenly God’s chariot was standing there between them.
Elisha would never forget that sight, for clearly he had seen them.
As history records Elisha received an anointing of spiritual power.
The Spirit of God was with him giving guidance every hour.
In those days the Spirit came upon him whom God showed favor,
But now He lives within our hearts because of the Lord and Savior.
Elisha went on to serve the Lord; he was known throughout the land.
Many wise words and miraculous deeds flowed forth at his command.
Knowing God worked in glorious wonder when upon a few He would fall,
Consider the potential in the Lord’s church since His Spirit lives within all.
Jesus said, “You shall receive power when the Spirit comes into you.”
The Spirit enables you not to cower when the devil seeks to consume you.
The Spirit within gives wisdom and strength to fight the good fight today.
And remember this about the Spirit: He has come to your life to stay.
Just as Elijah fought the good fight and passed the mantle on,
God has given us the might to fight through the night til dawn.
The Spirit of God will never leave us. His presence will ever be there.
Enabling us to win the lost as we travel to heaven so fair.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
The time had arrived for Elijah to go and meet his God this day.
“I’m leaving now to cross the Jordan. Here is where you stay.”
Elisha replied, “As the Lord lives, I will not leave you alone.
I want to go with you all the way until the Lord takes you home.”
Elijah rolled his cloak up tight; struck the Jordan with a great sound.
The waters stood up left and right; they crossed over on dry ground.
Once they were over Elijah asked, “Can I bless you? Let me hear it?”
Elisha replied, “I would like a double portion of the Holy Spirit.”
“You have asked a difficult thing. Here is how you will know it.
If you see me when I depart, you will know that God will bestow it.”
Suddenly God’s chariot was standing there between them.
Elisha would never forget that sight, for clearly he had seen them.
As history records Elisha received an anointing of spiritual power.
The Spirit of God was with him giving guidance every hour.
In those days the Spirit came upon him whom God showed favor,
But now He lives within our hearts because of the Lord and Savior.
Elisha went on to serve the Lord; he was known throughout the land.
Many wise words and miraculous deeds flowed forth at his command.
Knowing God worked in glorious wonder when upon a few He would fall,
Consider the potential in the Lord’s church since His Spirit lives within all.
Jesus said, “You shall receive power when the Spirit comes into you.”
The Spirit enables you not to cower when the devil seeks to consume you.
The Spirit within gives wisdom and strength to fight the good fight today.
And remember this about the Spirit: He has come to your life to stay.
Just as Elijah fought the good fight and passed the mantle on,
God has given us the might to fight through the night til dawn.
The Spirit of God will never leave us. His presence will ever be there.
Enabling us to win the lost as we travel to heaven so fair.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Saturday, November 28, 2009
The Destructive Power of Greed
Ahab and Jezebel--1 Kings 21
King Ahab said to Naboth, I like your vineyard a lot.
Located near my palace, it will serve as a vegetable plot.
I’m gonna have it, so name your price. I’ll buy it on the spot.
But Naboth replied, “I cannot sell it, not even for a lot.”
“I inherited this land from my father. It’s forbidden for me to sell.
I have to be faithful to my God and respectful to you as well.”
Naboth spoke these words to the king in a voice respectful and mild,
But Ahab stomped towards his home to pout like a spoiled child.
Jezebel came into Ahab’s room, said “Why won’t you eat your food?”
“Naboth won’t sell his crummy little vineyard. It put me in a bad mood.”
So Jezebel said, “Just leave it to me. I can handle that louse.
In no time at all you’ll have that vineyard located by your house.”
Jezebel wrote to Naboth’s elders: “I want you to put him on trial.
Find two men to say he blasphemes and anything else that’s vile.
Use their words to frame him; then take him outside the walls.
Call for the people to throw stones at him until his body falls.”
The Word of the Lord came to Elijah, “Naboth, my servant is dead.
He was framed by wicked Jezebel because Ahab wanted his spread.
Go and say to Ahab the King, ‘Against the Lord you have sinned.
Now He is pronouncing sentence on you, a verdict He will not rescind.
Soon Ahab, your life will be over. Judgment will come like a flood.
Right where it happened to Naboth, the dogs will lick up your blood.
And listen closely, Ahab, because I haven’t told it all:
The dogs will devour Jezebel just outside Jezreel’s wall.’”
There never was a royal couple guilty of so much evil.
Ahab and Queen Jezebel set the record for greed and upheaval.
It’s hard to tell a story like this; their actions cannot be defended.
Sadly, just as the Bible describes, their wicked lives were ended.
Some folks criticize our God for recording accounts so gruesome,
But what other way can history record the wickedness of this twosome.
The power of sin brings pain to all. Satan seeks to enslave our soul.
But thanks to Jesus, who died for us, our life can be made whole.
It’s not enough to know about God. That knowledge will not save you.
Nor is it sufficient to live without God because the devil sorely craves you.
So give your life to Christ today. He paid the price of your sin.
He gives new life, new hope, new goals and takes you to heaven with Him.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
King Ahab said to Naboth, I like your vineyard a lot.
Located near my palace, it will serve as a vegetable plot.
I’m gonna have it, so name your price. I’ll buy it on the spot.
But Naboth replied, “I cannot sell it, not even for a lot.”
“I inherited this land from my father. It’s forbidden for me to sell.
I have to be faithful to my God and respectful to you as well.”
Naboth spoke these words to the king in a voice respectful and mild,
But Ahab stomped towards his home to pout like a spoiled child.
Jezebel came into Ahab’s room, said “Why won’t you eat your food?”
“Naboth won’t sell his crummy little vineyard. It put me in a bad mood.”
So Jezebel said, “Just leave it to me. I can handle that louse.
In no time at all you’ll have that vineyard located by your house.”
Jezebel wrote to Naboth’s elders: “I want you to put him on trial.
Find two men to say he blasphemes and anything else that’s vile.
Use their words to frame him; then take him outside the walls.
Call for the people to throw stones at him until his body falls.”
The Word of the Lord came to Elijah, “Naboth, my servant is dead.
He was framed by wicked Jezebel because Ahab wanted his spread.
Go and say to Ahab the King, ‘Against the Lord you have sinned.
Now He is pronouncing sentence on you, a verdict He will not rescind.
Soon Ahab, your life will be over. Judgment will come like a flood.
Right where it happened to Naboth, the dogs will lick up your blood.
And listen closely, Ahab, because I haven’t told it all:
The dogs will devour Jezebel just outside Jezreel’s wall.’”
There never was a royal couple guilty of so much evil.
Ahab and Queen Jezebel set the record for greed and upheaval.
It’s hard to tell a story like this; their actions cannot be defended.
Sadly, just as the Bible describes, their wicked lives were ended.
Some folks criticize our God for recording accounts so gruesome,
But what other way can history record the wickedness of this twosome.
The power of sin brings pain to all. Satan seeks to enslave our soul.
But thanks to Jesus, who died for us, our life can be made whole.
It’s not enough to know about God. That knowledge will not save you.
Nor is it sufficient to live without God because the devil sorely craves you.
So give your life to Christ today. He paid the price of your sin.
He gives new life, new hope, new goals and takes you to heaven with Him.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Friday, November 27, 2009
Don’t Forget God’s Power
1 Kings 18:41 – 19:18
After the events on Carmel that day when all the false prophets were slain,
Elijah got on his face before God and asked Him to send the rain.
The sky grew black with heavy clouds; rain fell from a heavenly fountain.
Elijah ran faster than Ahab’s chariot racing down the mountain.
Now Ahab was a mouse of a king married to a very strong queen.
He reported to Jezebel Elijah’s taunts and all that he had seen.
Jezebel was hostile, filled with fury. She sent a message to Eli:
“I’m coming for you, you miserable prophet. This time tomorrow you die.”
Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. Far into the wilderness he went.
He came to a tree and stopped to pray, his energy and confidence spent.
“Oh God,” he said, “I’ve had enough. Would you just let me die?
I’m no better than my failing forefathers. Oh God hear my cry.”
He lay down and fell asleep, was awakened by a strange touch.
The angel of the Lord was there to feed him just enough.
Then he awoke a second time, was strengthened for the flight.
He continued his journey to Mount Horeb forty days and forty nights.
When he arrived at the Mount of God, he took shelter in a cave.
He knew he should not have run away afraid of an early grave.
He had forgotten the mighty power of God as though He could not save.
So he lay there alone wallowing in pity, making excuses that day.
“I have been zealous for you, O God. There’s no prophet left but me.”
God whispered back, “No, Elijah. There’s a fact I want you to see:
There’s seven thousand in the land who have not bowed to Baal.
Now go forth and find Elisha; He will join you on the trail.”
This was not the end of Elijah. It’s an important fact to know.
God is the God of the second chance. Through our failures we can grow.
There were years of ministry to train Elisha, a very competent guy.
Then God swooped down with a heavenly chariot, took Elijah up through the skies.
Here are some truths we should not forget. Hold them dear to your heart.
God, who calls His servant to each task, will be with him when trouble starts.
I’m like Elijah. I’ve left too early, fulfilled only part of my mission.
I have forgotten God’s great power when faced with opposition.
Whatever years and opportunities are left, I have but one main goal:
To serve the Lord with all my heart, His name and greatness extol.
Whatever stage in life you are in, it’s time to make a fresh start.
Admit past mistakes and failures in life. Give God the whole of your heart.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
After the events on Carmel that day when all the false prophets were slain,
Elijah got on his face before God and asked Him to send the rain.
The sky grew black with heavy clouds; rain fell from a heavenly fountain.
Elijah ran faster than Ahab’s chariot racing down the mountain.
Now Ahab was a mouse of a king married to a very strong queen.
He reported to Jezebel Elijah’s taunts and all that he had seen.
Jezebel was hostile, filled with fury. She sent a message to Eli:
“I’m coming for you, you miserable prophet. This time tomorrow you die.”
Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. Far into the wilderness he went.
He came to a tree and stopped to pray, his energy and confidence spent.
“Oh God,” he said, “I’ve had enough. Would you just let me die?
I’m no better than my failing forefathers. Oh God hear my cry.”
He lay down and fell asleep, was awakened by a strange touch.
The angel of the Lord was there to feed him just enough.
Then he awoke a second time, was strengthened for the flight.
He continued his journey to Mount Horeb forty days and forty nights.
When he arrived at the Mount of God, he took shelter in a cave.
He knew he should not have run away afraid of an early grave.
He had forgotten the mighty power of God as though He could not save.
So he lay there alone wallowing in pity, making excuses that day.
“I have been zealous for you, O God. There’s no prophet left but me.”
God whispered back, “No, Elijah. There’s a fact I want you to see:
There’s seven thousand in the land who have not bowed to Baal.
Now go forth and find Elisha; He will join you on the trail.”
This was not the end of Elijah. It’s an important fact to know.
God is the God of the second chance. Through our failures we can grow.
There were years of ministry to train Elisha, a very competent guy.
Then God swooped down with a heavenly chariot, took Elijah up through the skies.
Here are some truths we should not forget. Hold them dear to your heart.
God, who calls His servant to each task, will be with him when trouble starts.
I’m like Elijah. I’ve left too early, fulfilled only part of my mission.
I have forgotten God’s great power when faced with opposition.
Whatever years and opportunities are left, I have but one main goal:
To serve the Lord with all my heart, His name and greatness extol.
Whatever stage in life you are in, it’s time to make a fresh start.
Admit past mistakes and failures in life. Give God the whole of your heart.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Thursday, November 26, 2009
God Will Take Care of You
I Kings 16:29 - 17:15
Ahab did more to provoke the Lord than all the kings before.
He worshipped Baal and Asherah, but the true god he ignored.
When wickedness reigns, judgment follows. That’s why Elijah proclaimed,
“As the God of Israel lives, there will be no dew or rain.”
When Elijah prophesied judgment for sin, it really made Jezebel mad.
He knew if Ahab caught up with him, they would hurt him really bad.
God said to Elijah, “I have a plan. Go to the Kerith Ravine.
There you will find a cool bubbly brook in a place where you won’t be seen.”
So Elijah rested by the brook. He was fed both morning and night.
The ravens brought him bread and meat while he stayed there out of sight.
After a while the brook dried up, Elijah had nowhere to go. God said,
“Go to the village of Zarephath where you’ll find a poor widow.”
He must have wondered why he was directed to someone who was poor.
This humble widow was out of flour. Her imminent death seemed sure.
Nevertheless he obeyed the Lord. Here was the widow’s reply:
“I’m giving my son the last of our food; then I expect to die.”
Elijah responded, “Stop poor widow, there is a word from God on high:
If you do what He commands, the flour won’t fail, nor the oil run dry.”
The widow obeyed the Lord’s sure word; there was food for them every day.
The copious provision of flour and oil was His faithfulness on display.
Now lest you fear a future unknown, I want you to relax.
God remains faithful to His own. Say “no” to that panic attack.
If you follow the Lord your God, commit to the truths in His book,
He will lead you down the path to a cool and hidden brook.
In this account it’s easy to see God’s purpose and His power.
Our Father knows our pressing need, every minute of every hour.
So face the future knowing this: God is always true.
In the same loving way He cared for Elijah, so He will care for you.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Ahab did more to provoke the Lord than all the kings before.
He worshipped Baal and Asherah, but the true god he ignored.
When wickedness reigns, judgment follows. That’s why Elijah proclaimed,
“As the God of Israel lives, there will be no dew or rain.”
When Elijah prophesied judgment for sin, it really made Jezebel mad.
He knew if Ahab caught up with him, they would hurt him really bad.
God said to Elijah, “I have a plan. Go to the Kerith Ravine.
There you will find a cool bubbly brook in a place where you won’t be seen.”
So Elijah rested by the brook. He was fed both morning and night.
The ravens brought him bread and meat while he stayed there out of sight.
After a while the brook dried up, Elijah had nowhere to go. God said,
“Go to the village of Zarephath where you’ll find a poor widow.”
He must have wondered why he was directed to someone who was poor.
This humble widow was out of flour. Her imminent death seemed sure.
Nevertheless he obeyed the Lord. Here was the widow’s reply:
“I’m giving my son the last of our food; then I expect to die.”
Elijah responded, “Stop poor widow, there is a word from God on high:
If you do what He commands, the flour won’t fail, nor the oil run dry.”
The widow obeyed the Lord’s sure word; there was food for them every day.
The copious provision of flour and oil was His faithfulness on display.
Now lest you fear a future unknown, I want you to relax.
God remains faithful to His own. Say “no” to that panic attack.
If you follow the Lord your God, commit to the truths in His book,
He will lead you down the path to a cool and hidden brook.
In this account it’s easy to see God’s purpose and His power.
Our Father knows our pressing need, every minute of every hour.
So face the future knowing this: God is always true.
In the same loving way He cared for Elijah, so He will care for you.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Elijah and the Prophets of Baal
1 Kings 18:18-40
Elijah said to Ahab, “Jezebel’s prophets pollute the land.
So gather them 450 to 1; let’s see who’ll be left to stand.”
So Ahab called for all to assemble to give the gods a test.
The people gathered at Mount Carmel to see which god was best.
Elijah the prophet addressed the crowd, “It’s time to make up your mind.
It’s time to stop this wavering dance; I propose we ask for a sign.
Let each side slay a bull on the altar, but their god will start the fire.
By doing this it should be clear: one god is real, the other a liar.”
The prophets of Baal brought their bull, sacrificed it before the crowd.
They arranged the pieces on the wood, called to Baal long and loud.
They danced and cried from morning to noon, their fear beginning to haunt them.
Knowing their god was a devilish fake, Elijah began to taunt them.
“What’s wrong with Baal? Why doesn’t he answer? I hear you wail and weep.
I think you need to shout much louder. Perhaps he’s still asleep.”
They slashed their limbs and cut themselves; their blood did freely flow,
Throughout the day they prophesied, but Baal did not show.
Elijah rebuilt the altar of God; laid the bull upon the wood.
The water outpoured was performed so no one misunderstood.
He said, “Fetch four barrels, water it thrice until it fills the trench.
If God be God there is nothing on earth His fire cannot quench.”
Then he stepped back, raised his hands and cried out to the Lord,
“Oh Show the people you are God; true worship must be restored.”
With a thunderous clap and a brilliant flash, fire fell before their eyes.
All was consumed; the water lapped up; the ground before him was dry.
All of Israel fell on their face, His glory they proclaimed.
The God of Elijah won the day, their allegiance was reclaimed.
The evil prophets of Jezebel were judged at God’s command.
Once again God’s glorious name was honored throughout the land.
Is there a prophet from Jezebel alive in your heart today?
Will Jesus find idolatry that you have allowed to stay?
When Jesus comes will you rejoice or will you silently quake?
Two possible futures lie ahead. Which future do you take?
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Elijah said to Ahab, “Jezebel’s prophets pollute the land.
So gather them 450 to 1; let’s see who’ll be left to stand.”
So Ahab called for all to assemble to give the gods a test.
The people gathered at Mount Carmel to see which god was best.
Elijah the prophet addressed the crowd, “It’s time to make up your mind.
It’s time to stop this wavering dance; I propose we ask for a sign.
Let each side slay a bull on the altar, but their god will start the fire.
By doing this it should be clear: one god is real, the other a liar.”
The prophets of Baal brought their bull, sacrificed it before the crowd.
They arranged the pieces on the wood, called to Baal long and loud.
They danced and cried from morning to noon, their fear beginning to haunt them.
Knowing their god was a devilish fake, Elijah began to taunt them.
“What’s wrong with Baal? Why doesn’t he answer? I hear you wail and weep.
I think you need to shout much louder. Perhaps he’s still asleep.”
They slashed their limbs and cut themselves; their blood did freely flow,
Throughout the day they prophesied, but Baal did not show.
Elijah rebuilt the altar of God; laid the bull upon the wood.
The water outpoured was performed so no one misunderstood.
He said, “Fetch four barrels, water it thrice until it fills the trench.
If God be God there is nothing on earth His fire cannot quench.”
Then he stepped back, raised his hands and cried out to the Lord,
“Oh Show the people you are God; true worship must be restored.”
With a thunderous clap and a brilliant flash, fire fell before their eyes.
All was consumed; the water lapped up; the ground before him was dry.
All of Israel fell on their face, His glory they proclaimed.
The God of Elijah won the day, their allegiance was reclaimed.
The evil prophets of Jezebel were judged at God’s command.
Once again God’s glorious name was honored throughout the land.
Is there a prophet from Jezebel alive in your heart today?
Will Jesus find idolatry that you have allowed to stay?
When Jesus comes will you rejoice or will you silently quake?
Two possible futures lie ahead. Which future do you take?
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek (NKJV)
When I was young I loved the Lord, but there were times when I brought Him shame
I sadly remember my many desires for status and worldly acclaim.
How grateful I am for the Lord’s kind mercy, His patience and kindness supreme.
He waded through my faults and fears to give me a godly dream.
I remember the night when God broke through. It was time to give my all.
Felt drawn to serve my Lord anew, a desire to follow His call.
I learned soon my heart was sincere, but my flesh put up a fight.
Oh what a series of battles were fought as I learned to do what is right.
That is why we should love the Gospel and dwell on it hour by hour.
How can we but cherish His Truth, which transforms us by His power?
The Holy Spirit enshrines our heart, makes us a new creation.
Through the years as we do our part, He effects His transformation.
Perhaps you are a late bloomer in life; spent years avoiding His call.
It’s better to be late in blooming, my friend, than not to have bloomed at all.
Take stock of the years that remain to you, tell others about the new birth.
Give yourself freely; seek what is true, for this is your purpose on earth.
Soon we may hear the trumpet sound accompanied by a great shout.
Bodies will rise before our eyes as the graves of the earth empty out.
If we are alive when Christ returns, we too shall rise on high.
We will fly upward, heaven bound, to meet Jesus in the sky.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek (NKJV)
When I was young I loved the Lord, but there were times when I brought Him shame
I sadly remember my many desires for status and worldly acclaim.
How grateful I am for the Lord’s kind mercy, His patience and kindness supreme.
He waded through my faults and fears to give me a godly dream.
I remember the night when God broke through. It was time to give my all.
Felt drawn to serve my Lord anew, a desire to follow His call.
I learned soon my heart was sincere, but my flesh put up a fight.
Oh what a series of battles were fought as I learned to do what is right.
That is why we should love the Gospel and dwell on it hour by hour.
How can we but cherish His Truth, which transforms us by His power?
The Holy Spirit enshrines our heart, makes us a new creation.
Through the years as we do our part, He effects His transformation.
Perhaps you are a late bloomer in life; spent years avoiding His call.
It’s better to be late in blooming, my friend, than not to have bloomed at all.
Take stock of the years that remain to you, tell others about the new birth.
Give yourself freely; seek what is true, for this is your purpose on earth.
Soon we may hear the trumpet sound accompanied by a great shout.
Bodies will rise before our eyes as the graves of the earth empty out.
If we are alive when Christ returns, we too shall rise on high.
We will fly upward, heaven bound, to meet Jesus in the sky.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
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