Mother: A Virtuous Woman

Sunday, May 12, 2024

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10 KJV).

Today is Mother’s Day, so we dedicate this devotional to godly women (specifically mothers). I especially dedicate this to the virtuous woman who has been in my life for almost 36 years… my mom!

Today’s Scripture is the first verse of the Bible’s “Virtuous Woman” passage (Proverbs 31:10-31). King Solomon explained that the virtuous woman:

  • has a husband who safely trusts in her (verses 11,12).
  • is not lazy, but is strong because she works to feed and clothe her family and herself (verses 13-19,21,22,24,25,27).
  • pities the poor and needy (verse 20).
  • has a husband who is well-known because of her godly lifestyle (verse 23).
  • opens her mouth with wisdom, and speaks kindly and lovingly (verse 26).
  • has children and a husband who praise her (verse 28).
  • excels in what she does (verse 29).
  • has works that praise her (verse 31).

Verse 30 explains the virtuous woman is “a woman that feareth the LORD.”

The Apostle Paul wrote that godly women should: not slander/gossip, not be controlled by alcohol and emotions (sober minded), be teachers of good things, love their husbands and children, be cautious and modest, maintain the home, be “good,” and should obey (respect) their husbands… “that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:3-5). A Christian woman, especially a mother, should be a virtuous woman in beliefs as well as in deed. She needs to set an example for her children (especially her daughters).

A Christian woman and/or Christian mother places her faith in this sound Bible doctrine, the indwelling Holy Spirit will then take that doctrine and transform her for God’s glory (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Her mind will be renewed by sound Bible doctrine, and that will transform her outward activity (Romans 12:1,2).

Are you a Christian woman or Christian mother who desires to be the woman God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO OUR READERS WHO ARE MOTHERS!

*Adapted from a larger Bible study with the same name. The Bible study can be read here or watched here.

Archived: “What does the Bible say about motherhood?”

Spiritual Calligraphy #6

Saturday, May 11, 2024

“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:3 KJV).

What can today’s Scripture teach us about spiritual calligraphy?

Though Israel in time past enjoyed many Divine blessings (Romans 9:4,5; cf. Romans 2:17-20 below), the nation as a whole did not take seriously God’s purpose and program for them.

Observe Romans 2:17-24: “[17] Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, [18] And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; [19] And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, [20] An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. [21] Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? [22] Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege [steal idols from temples]? [23] Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? [24] For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.”

Verses 21-24 show how the Jewish people were hypocrites. They bragged to the nations about their (Israeli) status of being God’s people, and how they had the Hebrew Bible… yet they were unwilling to see their own sinful nature as taught in their Hebrew Bible. Israel’s boast was, “We are better than the Gentiles!” Instead of spiritual calligraphy (God’s beautiful words believed by Israel and thus working in Israel to teach the Gentiles), it was spiritual cacography (Greek, “kakos,” as in “evil/sick/diseased;” “grapho,” or “I write”). God’s Hebrew Bible and His Jewish nation entrusted with it were ugly or repulsive to the Gentiles. Verse 24 reveals how Israel in time past repeatedly afforded Gentiles the opportunity to “blaspheme” (speak against) the LORD God. Sadly, watching the Jewish people live in sin, the nations replied: “If that is what it means to be a worshipper of JEHOVAH God, we would rather die in our pagan religions!”

To bring you a special study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

Spiritual Calligraphy #5

Friday, May 10, 2024

“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:3 KJV).

What can today’s Scripture teach us about spiritual calligraphy?

God’s purpose in giving Israel covenants was to bless Gentiles too, as the Apostle Paul argued when citing several Old Testament verses in Romans 15:8-12: “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written [Psalm 18:49], For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith [Deuteronomy 32:43], Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again [Psalm 117:1], Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. And again, Esaias saith [Isaiah 11:10], There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.”

The Holy Spirit, through the Apostle Peter, reminded Israel of the covenant God made with their forefathers: “Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities” (Acts 3:24-26).

As per this “the gospel of the circumcision” (Galatians 2:7—Peter’s Gospel), Israel was to believe the Gospel of the Kingdom (Jesus is Christ/Messiah). In Christ’s kingdom, they would teach the Gentiles (today’s Scripture). Alas, the Jewish people overwhelmingly refused to receive Jesus as Christ, whether during Matthew to John or early Acts. God could not reach the Gentiles because His chief nation, Israel, was unbelieving, thus failing to become His earthly people whom He could utilize.

Moreover, Israel had become utterly disgusting in the eyes of the Gentiles. In spite of God’s plan, the nations saw the Jewish people as a hypocritical group no better than the rest of the world….

Spiritual Calligraphy #4

Thursday, May 9, 2024

“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:3 KJV).

What can today’s Scripture teach us about spiritual calligraphy?

Read Isaiah 60:1-3 (today’s Scripture in context), God’s words to Israel: “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” Also, Isaiah 61:6: “But ye [Israel] shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.”

Zechariah parallels this: “Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities: And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also. Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you” (Zechariah 8:20-23).

These are the Gentiles of the kingdom commission of Matthew chapter 28: “[18] And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. [19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Although God handed the nations (Gentiles) over to Satan worship in Genesis 11:1-9 (cf. Romans 1:18-32), He did not forget about them….

Spiritual Calligraphy #3

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:3 KJV).

What can today’s Scripture teach us about spiritual calligraphy?

Shortly after the Great Flood, the nations gathered around the Tower of Babel in heathen/pagan-idol worship. Genesis chapter 11 continues: “[5] And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. [6] And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. [7] Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. [8] So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. [9] Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.”

With Abraham’s justification (salvation) and call in Genesis chapter 12, a drastic change in the LORD God’s dealings with mankind transpires: “[1] Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: [2] And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: [3] And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

By isolating Abraham from the rest of the world’s people, the LORD God was in no way uncaring toward them. JEHOVAH God had the nations, the “families of the earth,” in mind here with this Abrahamic Covenant (note verse 3). Abraham would be the progenitor of one nation, then God would give His words to (and bless) that one nation, and finally that one nation would be His channel of salvation and blessing to the world’s nations (Gentiles). This nation of Abraham is Israel, the Jewish people….

Spiritual Calligraphy #2

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:3 KJV).

What can today’s Scripture teach us about spiritual calligraphy?

Adam and Eve rebelled against their Creator in Genesis chapter 3. For roughly the next 2,000 years of human history, the peoples of the world also had access to the God of creation. Yet, they too chose sin and Satan: “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them” (Genesis 6:5-7).

In chapters 6–8, the LORD God sent the Great Flood to destroy all people save eight—Noah, his wife, and their three sons and daughters-in-law. These survivors stepped off the Ark in chapter 9, with the nations descending from Noah’s sons being recorded in chapter 10. These are the Gentiles. By the time of Genesis chapter 11, the nations are going the way of Satan-worship again: “[1] And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. [2] And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. [3] And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. [4] And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.”

With post-Flood (after the Flood) mankind repeating his pre-Flood (before the Flood) sins, the LORD God intervenes yet again to ensure His purpose and plan in creation come to pass. He will raise up one man by the name of Abraham….

Spiritual Calligraphy #1

Monday, May 6, 2024

“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:3 KJV).

What can today’s Scripture teach us about spiritual calligraphy?

Upon being asked about his religious beliefs, one celebrated entertainer answered how he was a lapsed member of his denomination. Why? It had given him no meaningful answers. Now, he was earning quite a large salary making fun of religion. Considering the watered-down system he was raised in, no Bible believer could ever fault him for leaving or mocking that cult! Clearly, like so many countless millions, he was disenchanted, embittered, indignant, disappointed, resentful, dissatisfied.

Dear friends, we do not need to be told that life is difficult. It abounds with perplexities and struggles of all kinds. Some 6,000 years of world history testify to this fact. Of all the places where we should be able to find truly meaningful answers, it would seem to be in a church building somewhere. If there were actually people worshipping some “supreme being” that really existed, then “he/she/it” would be able to solve at least some of humanity’s never-ending problems. There would be even the slightest chance of making sense of this world’s mysteries, obtaining justice for at least some of those wronged, and achieving peace, health, and prosperity for people everywhere.

Nonetheless, time and time again “church” sooner or later becomes a frustration or regret for a great many. Why? What we need to be sure we understand is that creeds, confessions, ceremonies, rites, rituals, and programs are no substitute for the truth. Try as hard as we might to do and think right, we the human species are a helpless and hopeless bunch—and how silly we are when we expect frail, limited creatures like ourselves to answer our questions and offer us solutions when they are powerless in overcoming the same dilemmas (!).

Calligraphy is the art of writing in fancy, attractive, elegant, or striking ways. In contrast to ordinary, “boring” penmanship, calligraphy often features “flourishes” (curves or extra lines). It is thus no surprise that “calligraphy,” derived from the Greek language, literally means “good writing” (“kalos,” as in “good/beautiful;” “grapho,” or “I write”). Let us see if we are able to use today’s Scripture to learn about spiritual calligraphy….

Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together? #13

Sunday, May 5, 2024

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture render church attendance obligatory?

As opposed to “naming and claiming” today’s Scripture (which has a context different from what denominationalism has led us to believe!), here are some pertinent references to us members of the Church the Body of Christ meeting with each other (for Bible study and fellowship).

“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together” (Acts 20:7,8). “These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:14,15). “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:13).

In the Pauline pastoral epistles—1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon—we find Divine counsel on how to run the local church or assembly. First Timothy chapter 3 and Titus chapter 1 list the qualifications for “bishops,” “deacons,” and “elders.” Note the brethren interacting in Titus chapters 2 and 3. Paul’s epistles of Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 and 2 Thessalonians were all written to assemblies of saints living and meeting in their respective cities or regions (Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, Colosse, and Thessalonica). Timothy served as pastor in Ephesus, Titus was pastor on the island of Crete, and Philemon’s home in Colosse was the site of a local church.

Read of the individual local churches in Romans 16:5,10,11,14,15; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; 2 Timothy 1:16; 2 Timothy 4:19; and Philemon 2. These Christians were congregating in personal homes in the first century; it was not until the third century when organized religion took over Christianity and started stressing buildings as the “church.” No, we Christians are the church! Therefore, whenever and wherever we meet around Scripture, we are having church!

Saints, please remember this work of the ministry requires monthly financial support to operate (Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Those who prefer electronic giving can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Anyone who wishes to donate by regular mail can visit https://333wordsofgrace.org/contact-us-mailing-address-for-donations/ for details. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! Unfortunately, since our ministry audience is so large and our ministry staff is so small, I can no longer personally respond to everyone. Thanks so much for understanding in this regard. 🙂

Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together? #12

Saturday, May 4, 2024

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture render church attendance obligatory?

What is usually passed off as “Christian” thinking is seldom pure and correct: it is not even remotely Christian. Due to denominationalism, going to church has been reduced to nothing more than faithfully attending services in a building some religious institution or organization owns or maintains. This group may or may not be Christian, but it seems to be, so anyone who does not join appears to be non-Christian. Consequently, home Bible studies (where the Holy Scriptures are used alone, apart from denominations) are not commonly considered “church” because of the lack of steeples, “altars,” stained-glass windows, robes, candles, pews, baptisteries, confession booths, and aisles.

Church in the Bible is much more than entering some physical structure and participating in rites, rituals, and ceremonies. At its heart, going to church is fellowshipping with God’s people around sound Bible doctrine (rightly divided Scripture). If we place more emphasis on form (where, when, how—externals) than on doctrine (faith in sound teaching—internals), we have totally missed the point and cheapened grace living so it looks like ancient Judaism’s dead religious bu$ine$$ and busyness.

We who are too nauseous and too disenchanted to attend denominational church services any longer, and prefer to meet in home Bible studies, are castigated for failing to assemble with “the church.” Little do our faultfinders realize we are fellowshipping with God’s people, saints, around the truth—and it is they (our critics) who are wrong because of their unity with false religious systems. The Bible makes it extremely clear we should separate from the religious system (Romans 16:17,18; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 3:1-7). Consequently, these verses take precedence over any misapplication of today’s Scripture (“the Bible says not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together!”).

The Holy Spirit through our Apostle Paul recommends we gather for church, but we do so with sound Bible doctrine at the heart of our meetings. It has nothing to do with social clubs, nothing to do with seeking soul salvation in some organization, nothing to do with entertainment, and nothing to do with today’s Scripture….

Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together? #11

Friday, May 3, 2024

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture render church attendance obligatory?

How extremely (extremely!) critical it is to our Bible understanding that we do not isolate verses from their context… and this includes today’s Scripture. To lift verses out of their dispensational setting is to go the way Christendom has for centuries upon centuries upon centuries—tens of thousands of denominations, cults, and sects all “picking and choosing” which Scriptures to “name and claim” and which to let alone and wish did not exist. Had they been mindful of contexts, there would have been far more discretion, far more maturity, and far less corruption and far less confusion.

While many take immense pleasure in appealing to today’s Scripture because it agrees with their theological system (and such mandatory church attendance is sure to generate funding for their denomination!), they tend to ignore verses 26-31 (the context) because the context is at variance with what their theological system promotes. The fact of the matter is that the Book of Hebrews applies to no one alive today. It is prophetic and Israeli, whereas we are in mystery and the Church the Body of Christ.

Like with God calling people to get on the Ark in Noah’s day, so the Holy Spirit through the writer of Hebrews (today’s Scripture) calls unbelieving Jews to place their faith in Jesus Christ and thereby join or assemble with the Little Flock (believing Israel) so as to survive the wrath to come (Matthew 24:36-41; Luke 17:24-37; Hebrews 11:7; 1 Peter 3:20,21; 2 Peter 2:5; 2 Peter 3:5-7). Carefully note the wrath meted on unbelieving Israel in Hebrews 10:30,31—the wrath connected to the “day” of Christ’s Second Coming in verse 25, the wrath to fall on Jews who have not entered the “ark” of the Little Flock.

Someone will surely inquire, “If Hebrews 10:25 is for Israel and not for us, what about our church attendance? Should we go to church?” In order to answer this question, we must painstakingly lay out some clarifications….