John 1:1-5: Who is this Man, Jesus?

John 1:1-5: Who is the Man, Jesus?
As far back as man can remember or seek to comprehend

The Word existed with the Father without beginning or end.

Who was this person John wrote about? It all seems so odd

Until you understand the Word is Jesus the Son of God.

Not only was Jesus with our God, He, Himself, is God too

Fully God as Creator and Lord yet human through and through.

He, who was spirit came to earth, added the nature of man;

Gave Himself to pay sin’s price as heaven’s sacred lamb.

“In the beginning God created,” a quote from Genesis one.

Here in John’s gospel we clearly see the Creator is the Son.

Jesus the Son created the worlds in all their glorious splendor.

He, the Son of Father God, is creation’s beginning and ender.

“He is the image of the invisible God” as seen in Colossians one.

Creator of and before all things, sustainer of earth and sun.

It is He who holds it all together, designed the laws that rule us.

The Bible is given to reveal all truth that Satan might not fool us.

In Him is the life that we are given, to breathe, to learn, to grow.

In Scripture we find the words of life everyone needs to know.

He is the light that pierces the darkness revealing our true condition,

Exposing our helpless sin disorder, in need of His saving mission.

Here is the trouble in human terms: we’ve lived in darkness so long;

Unless light shines we do not know it’s not where we belong.

We were created in God’s great garden, endowed with capacity

To reason, learn, and commune with God for all of eternity.

Consider the truth as it stands today: humanity is marked by sin

Living in endless spiritual decay due to its presence within.

We all have God’s law imprinted inside, but sin is in full control;

The justice of God Christ satisfied instantly making us whole.

No longer compelled to yield to sin, nor fear the power of death.

I will be welcomed to His arms upon my last earthly breath.

I look forward to sharing these truths as we study the Savior’s words

Revealed in the Gospel of John, the greatest message we’ve heard.

© Copyright 2016 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved

Colossians 4:2-6: A Final Word about Christian Graces

I write these words as I close this letter with final thoughts to share.

A very important thing you must do is to continue daily in prayer.

As you pray be vigilant, stay alert to Satan’s scheming

Lest his attack fall upon you when you are drowsily dreaming.

We live this life in a spiritual war with darkness all around.

Assaults on the flesh by demonic forces around us clearly abound.

You fight this war by the power of prayer expressing thanksgiving too;

By His grace we win each skirmish, His power carrying us through.

When you pray remember us; we need your powerful prayer

Asking God to open the door, the gospel to lucidly share.

God has called me to preach the mystery of Christ’s redemption plan,

So powerful that even here in prison, it is reaching many a man.

So pray, dear friends, do not stop. Your prayers are a battering ram

Breaking down the doors of darkness revealing the light of the Lamb.

Pray, dear friends, as the gospel goes forth, the darkness has to flee.

Even though I’m falsely imprisoned, its fruit is clear to see.

Walk in wisdom regarding those who yet remain unsaved.

Be a friend to all you meet sharing the hope they crave.

By His Spirit share the truth, redeem the time you’re given

Graciously share the grace of God freeing them from sin’s prison.

Let your speech be seasoned with grace, always communicate love.

Prepare yourself to answer the questions about our Lord above.

Don’t gossip, find fault, or allow yourself to indulge in profanity

To live that way and then claim Christ is simply insanity.

The world must see a different man, a person completely transformed.

There is no message, no glorious plan revealed in those malformed.

God did not save you to be a witness denying renovating faith;

He saved you that His glorious light will shine forth from your face.

© Copyright 2016 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved

Colossians 3:18-4:1: What Makes a Family Work?

Here is a passage oft misunderstood; sometimes used in error.

I find it very thought provoking, its instructions helpful and fair.

Wives are told to submit to their husband, husbands to love their wives;

Saints of God who work at these things, live richer, fuller lives.

Husband, do you love your wife in the manner Christ loves His bride?

Do you lead your family spiritually, setting lesser things aside?

Is your wife honored in your home, is your love for her on display?

That’s how you create an environment to follow your lead each day.

Does your wife feel her thoughts are valued, her conclusions received?

This is how a godly leader comes to be heard and believed.

God has called each husband to set the spiritual tone

He who does not dishonors his wife and fails to lead his home.

Children are to obey their parents; the home is the greatest school,

The building block of a healthy culture, not a place to raise a fool.

Mothers nurture and care for their kids; a father holds the line.

Together they work to develop them body, soul, and mind.

The patient nurture of a mom and the diligent headship of dad

Will build character in their offspring; create their launching pad.

But fathers must learn to communicate and not provoke their child;

Too much anger may drive him away with a refusal to reconcile.

Servant employees respect your boss, serve with a genuine heart.

Your motive should be to honor God in the way you do your part.

Whatever the assignment, big or small, do it enthusiastically

Knowing God sees all of your heart; remunerates actively.

Masters must treat their employees fairly caring about their needs

Knowing they have a God in heaven observing their habits and deeds.

Over the years I have noted that generous bosses are blessed.

Both boss and servant experience grace, their hearts at peace and rest.

God will reward all who please Him and the evil will be repaid.

The faithful man has nothing to fear, but the wicked will be dismayed.

God is not partial; He cannot be bought or by argument swayed,

By truth each person will be judged, by truth each one repaid.

© Copyright 2016 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved

Colossians 3: 1-17: Put on the New Man

Christ is seated on heaven’s throne with the Father above.

We have also been raised with Him, recipients of His love,

Instructed not to focus on earth but value what heaven will cherish,

For He who lives for earthly pleasures is he who will surely perish.

There are sins from the former life that simply must be denied,

Things the godless revel in, that a believer must sweep aside.

Immorality of every kind, impurity, lust and greed;

You will be bound to idolatry if scripture you fail to heed.

You must also rid yourselves of anger, malice and rage.

Watch your speech carefully. Do not in profanity engage.

You threw off the sinful man who reveled in foul deeds;

The new man is renewed in mind, empowered by Christ indeed.

Here you are, God’s elect, holy, gracious and kind,

Humble, forgiving, patient with others, loving at all times.

Enjoying God’s peace in your heart, filled with gratitude;

Teaching and singing spiritual truth to strengthen your attitude.

Whatever you do in word or deed, do it in Jesus’ name.

He alone is our glorious Lord, worthy of praise and acclaim.

Always remember to thank the Father for Jesus in whom we pray;

Life is sweeter and heaven nearer as we live this way each day.

© Copyright 2016 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved