motherhood – Page 2 – 333 Words of Grace

World Lost! #8

Monday, August 10, 2020

“Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children” (Deuteronomy 4:9,10 KJV).

Some have cried out, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket!” Others have exclaimed, “We have lost our country!” Surely, surely, they are all correct!

The United States of America has long been considered a “Christian” nation. Down through the centuries, many other countries have been labeled “Bible-believing” as well. Actually, these nations have overwhelmingly had but a mere façade of righteousness—and that is why anti-Christian voices are rising up at an unprecedented rate.

Religious leaders have forced people to walk aisles, make professions, attend church services, get water baptized, become members of local assemblies, recite “sinner’s prayers,” listen to “feel-good” messages, and so on. There was no clear Gospel of Grace and, thus, no life in Christ. Now, there is such backlash concerning “religion.” People—having grown up with such “hypocrisy,” “half-heartedness,” and “shallowness”—are hellbent on destroying anything even partly resembling morality and order.

Indeed, for centuries, we have faithfully founded denominations, local churches, organizations, and ministries. Like ancient Israel, we have been busy in religion. Yet, all it was… was the energy of the flesh. Sound Bible doctrine was not our priority. Where there is no sound Bible doctrine, there is no Holy Spirit working, and, thus, neither light nor life. Instead of seeking Bible truth, we have pursued religious experiences, and emphasized rites, rituals, and ceremonies. Now that it is too late, we recognize just how far we have “slipped” over the years. The house, almost fully submerged, nearly an entire insect nest itself, can no longer be painted over! We have let the damage become too extensive. The structure is not yet fallen, but it is irreversibly decomposing! Can we do anything as Christians? Let us see….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What does ‘subvert’ mean?”

World Lost! #7

Sunday, August 9, 2020

Some have cried out, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket!” Others have exclaimed, “We have lost our country!” Surely, surely, they are all correct!

The fig tree of Matthew chapter 21 symbolizes Israel’s religion. Displaying attractive leaves, it had a pleasant appearance—and seemed to be alive. However, upon closer inspection, the observer would peel back the leaves and realize it had no fruit. It was a worthless tree with false advertisement!

In connection to the barren fig tree, we find the Lord Jesus lamenting in chapter 23: “[37] O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! [38] Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” This “house” is the Jerusalem Temple—and God has vacated it because they do not want Him! Yet, it is a gorgeous structure, decorated with enormous limestone blocks and golden plates. See Luke 21:5,6: “And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” Also worthless, it would be demolished!

The culmination of Israel’s apostasy was when she demanded her Messiah’s crucifixion just a few days after He cursed the fig tree. With Jesus hanging on Calvary’s cross, Israel could no longer hide her unbelief. She was spiritually and nationally dead. Even now, we can no longer suppress the anti-God and anti-Bible attitude pervading our society today….

World Lost! #6

Saturday, August 8, 2020

Some have cried out, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket!” Others have exclaimed, “We have lost our country!” Surely, surely, they are all correct!

The Holy Spirit afforded Moses the ability to look at the nation Israel millennia into the future: “Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee” (Deuteronomy 32:18). Circa 750 years before Christ, halfway between Moses and Calvary, we observe the Jews’ divided kingdom—Israel up north, Judah down south. “For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof” (Hosea 8:14).

Israel’s land abounded with temples, places of worship. She appeared religious. Yet, the fact of the matter was they had taken their eyes off the LORD God. Outwardly, she looked alive. Internally and spiritually, however, she had already perished. As for Judah, that kingdom relied on military might instead of the LORD—seemingly strong, it was really weak.

Fast-forward to Christ’s earthly ministry, Matthew chapter 21: “[18] Now in the morning as he [Jesus] returned into the city [Jerusalem], he hungered. [19] And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. [20] And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!” Again, “religious” Israel was promising on the outside, but barren on the inside….

World Lost! #5

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Some have cried out, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket!” Others have exclaimed, “We have lost our country!” Surely, surely, they are all correct!

In 2 Kings chapter 2, we read of a strange event that occurred circa 900 B.C. The Prophet Elijah has just gone up into Heaven, and the Prophet Elisha is now functioning as his successor. Notice: “[23] And he [Elisha] went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. [24] And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them. [25] And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria.”

Regarding the bears consuming these youth, see Moses’ warning concerning the third course of chastisement (Leviticus 26:21,22). The “little children”—not necessarily toddlers or preschoolers—could have been as old as teenagers. Whatever their age, they unashamedly ridiculed God’s spokesman. Such an attitude was learned at home, where Jewish parents failed to obey Moses’ instructions in today’s Scripture. Those mothers and fathers taught their children to have, not faith in the LORD, but patent unbelief! By the time of the murders of John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, and Stephen many centuries later, the nation Israel had already long forgotten the covenant they made with JEHOVAH God at Mount Sinai….

Note: In order to bring a special study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

World Lost! #4

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Some have cried out, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket!” Others have exclaimed, “We have lost our country!” Surely, surely, they are all correct!

Upon first glance, we marvel at Stephen’s graphic death in Acts chapter 7. His Jewish nation picked up rocks and murdered him in cold blood! However, the experienced Bible student expected this. Draw your attention to the verses that immediately preceded his demise: “[51] Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. [52] Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: [53] Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.”

Firstly, Israel had just demanded Jesus Christ’s death by crucifixion a year prior (verse 52). Secondly, they had previously permitted King Herod Antipas to execute Christ’s forerunner, John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1-12). Therefore, Stephen’s homicide was absolutely predictable. Re-read Acts 7:51,52. Stephen indicts his Jewish nation for repeating the sins of their patriarchs. “As your fathers did, so do ye.” “Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted?” “…[A]nd they have slain them [the prophets]….” In other words, prior to those three deaths (John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, Stephen), the nation Israel had an anti-God attitude throughout the Old Testament. The Jews mercilessly mistreated or killed every preacher the LORD God sent to them—and, as Stephen said, “like fathers, like sons.” Despite her beautiful religious outward appearance, Israel could not hide her internal sickness of sin….

Saints, please remember us in your monthly giving—these websites do cost money to run! 🙂 You can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux, or email me at arcministries@gmail.com. Do not forget about Bible Q&A booklets for sale at https://arcgraceministries.org/in-print/booklets-bible-q-a/. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! By the way, ministry emails have really been backed up this year. I am handling them as much as humanly possible. Thanks for your patience. 🙂

World Lost! #3

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Some have cried out, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket!” Others have exclaimed, “We have lost our country!” Surely, surely, they are all correct!

The Prophet Stephen, led by the Holy Spirit, spoke in Acts chapter 7: “[51] Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. [52] Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: [53] Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.” How will Israel respond?

“[54] When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. [55] But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, [56] And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. [57] Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, [58] And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. [59] And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. [60] And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep [died physically!].”

This is the result of nations who reject the one true God….

World Lost! #2

Monday, August 3, 2020

Some have cried out, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket!” Others have exclaimed, “We have lost our country!” Surely, surely, they are all correct!

To understand the dire situation in which our society finds itself, let us consider a simple illustration. Suppose a homeowner notices some minor structural damage. Maybe it was due to water… or perhaps it was insect infestation. Whatever the cause, he does nothing to prevent further destruction, remarking, “Well, it does not look that bad. It could be worse, you know!”

As time passes, though, the destruction becomes more obvious. Again, instead of taking steps to deal with the problem—applying poison, removing and replacing the unstable material, waterproofing the area, et cetera—he now decides to paint over it. While not as convenient as his prior “do-nothing” approach, this “appears” to have worked. As the structure increasingly crumbles, he just takes a brush to mask it with more paint. One day, his house totally collapses… and great was the fall of it!

Simply put, friends, we can fake it for only so long. It is absolutely impossible to turn a “blind eye” forever to a problem. While we can live in a “fantasy world,” eventually, reality will catch up with us. The matter, if not promptly and fully addressed, will expand and become a monstrous nightmare. Now, think of an untreated bodily illness. To deal with the symptoms of the disease, and not the disease itself, is medical carelessness. Remember, what started off as a “minor” coughing fit may very well turn into an early grave! So it is with the nations of the world….

World Lost! #1

Sunday, August 2, 2020

Some have cried out, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket!” Others have exclaimed, “We have lost our country!” Surely, surely, they are all correct!

A dear Christian brother has often expressed to me how, although he was a believer, his kids grew up without him as their spiritual leader. Today, they are all adults, beset by strange ideas and poor choices. Their “liberal pastors” and “liberal college professors” educated them. In other words, they are the product of the very evil world system from which their father should have protected them! Such error will soon spread to his young grandchildren.

I can recall hearing one religious mother, years ago, panicking at the thought of the vile society in which her children would be growing up. A Christian man attempted to console her: “Teach the Gospel and the rest of the Bible to your kids.” She grew quiet—stunned! All these years later, it is evident she has done little to heed his advice.

Long ago, a pastor friend spoke about his visiting prisons and preaching to inmates. In talking with them through many years, he learned the vast majority of these incarcerated men had an extremely poor to no relationship with their father! Read the biographies of famous disreputable people—dictators, prostitutes, murderers, drunkards, thieves, drug abusers, rapists, gang members, and so on. I have done so. A commonality among a great many is an unpleasant childhood: the patriarch of the family was either abusive or absent.

Why is society declining? As Bible believers, is there anything we can do? Or, should we just sit back and watch the world destroy itself? Let us see what the Bible says….

Mother: A Virtuous Woman

Sunday, May 10, 2020

“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 32 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.

A Mother’s Advice

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6 KJV).

Listen to the invaluable advice from a precious mother troubled by regrets!

A dear sister in Christ, a mother and now a grandmother, recently shared with me her realization that she is no longer able to train her son. He is a grown man, not her little boy anymore. She wishes she had done things differently with him when he was a child, more impressionable and willing to listen. As a young Christian long ago, she did the best she could with the limited doctrine she had. Now, he has great difficulty coping with life’s problems. She, having since grown in sound Bible doctrine, is unable to teach him the new Divine revelation she has learned. If only she could go back in time and redo parenting!

It is most unfortunate, but it is not until the end of earthly life that we really learn from our mistakes. If only we could reach that next generation, but they are self-reliant and supposedly “know better.” They will learn that bitter lesson too, but too late as well. Every subsequent generation does not learn earlier what the previous generation learned later. The advice, sadly, does not make it across in time before the older generation with regrets passes away. Soon, the young generation is now aged and (like their ancestors) they desperately try in vain to talk sense into their children.

Dear readers, if you are parents or grandparents, make it a habit now to reach the young people in your life. You certainly cannot change the past, but you can absolutely change the present. Hear the yearnings and urgings of that dear mother. Train those children up in God’s Word rightly divided before they become adults (and independent). When we see the multitudes of wayward youth rising on the world stage, let us never forget that today’s Scripture was largely ignored as they were growing up. There is no guarantee people who grow up with the Bible will keep it forever, but today’s Scripture says the chances are greater if they were trained therein. You can still make a difference for God’s glory if you truly believe today’s Scripture!

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