Category: reproof

Reaping and Sowing #7

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7 KJV).

Let us not be ignorant brethren concerning the concept of “reaping and sowing!”

Saints, it is crucial we bear in mind the old farmers’ maxim again: “(1) We reap what we sow, (2) we reap more than we sow, and (3) we reap later than we sow.” Remember, (1) whatever we do will bring corresponding results, (2) those outcomes will have larger effects than we intended and/or expected, and (3) such consequences will not be instantly seen or immediately recognizable. Yet, daily life seems to have exceptions with (1) and (2), times when these rules are not followed. This is where we must avert (avoid) the deception by making particular note of (3)!

Going back to Galatians 6:7-9, today’s Scripture in context: “[7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. [8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. [9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Sinners and saints alike will definitely reap what they have sown. Minding and walking after the flesh (Adam’s life, sin) will have its “payday someday;” equally true is the “payday someday” for minding and walking after the Spirit (Christ’s life, righteousness). Read Romans 8:1-15 very carefully, and Galatians 5:16-26. Those verses are just as true today as when the Holy Spirit composed them 2,000 years ago.

Draw your attention to Galatians 6:9: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Weariness is tiredness or exhaustion, boredom with a specific situation, reluctance to see any more of it. In other words, there is great pressure or discouragement to quit and do something else. “Why go on doing well? This is not getting me anywhere! Everyone else is doing evil and prospering, so why not join them in their sin and success?” Nevertheless, let us do (sow) good, that we reap good….

Reaping and Sowing #6

Sunday, May 25, 2025

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7 KJV).

Let us not be ignorant brethren concerning the concept of “reaping and sowing!”

Think of the negative. If we go around picking fights with others, and someone severely injures us, we have reaped what we have sown. If we shoplift and wind up in jail, we have reaped what we have sown. If we have lied enough to the point where no one believes anything we say, we have reaped what we have sown. If we do not practice responsible spending and we get into debt, we have reaped what we have sown. If we overdose on drugs and die, we have reaped what we have sown.

Observe the positive. If we give money to a friend in need, and he or she then gives us money in our time of lack, we have reaped what we have sown. If we work hard and get a job promotion, we have reaped what we have sown. If we take care of our possessions, and they last a long time, we have reaped what we have sown. If we study diligently in school and we make good grades, we have reaped what we have sown. If we are kind to our children and they take care of us in our old age, we have reaped what we have sown.

Saints amongst the Corinthians were gluttons and drunkards at the Lord’s Supper, so many of them were weak, sick, or dead. These were the consequences of their poor eating and drinking habits (1 Corinthians 11:20,21,29-32). Even as Christians in this the Dispensation of Grace, God will not spare us the negative results of our stupidity! But, what about the ironies or paradoxes? How do we explain sowing good but reaping evil? What if we sow evil and reap good? For example, people raise their children with Christian truth but those children grow up to become apostates who cannot stand to hear one word about the Lord Jesus. Or, think of the businesspeople who cheat and steal, yet they become wealthy and enjoy lives of luxury. Even in these situations, today’s Scripture will eventually be brought to pass….

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

Reaping and Sowing #5

Saturday, May 24, 2025

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7 KJV).

Let us not be ignorant brethren concerning the concept of “reaping and sowing!”

Today’s Scripture in its context: “[7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. [8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. [9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Look back at chapter 5 to see the flesh of man and the Spirit of God contrasted: “[16] This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. [17] For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. [18] But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. [19] Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, [20] Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, [21] Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. [24] And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. [25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. [26] Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”

To “sow to the flesh” is to plant in our lives that which the old sin nature produces (see Galatians 5:19-21). The reaping (harvest) is “corruption”—decay or ruin of the Christian life. To “sow to the Spirit” is to plant in our lives that which the new nature in Christ produces (see Galatians 5:22,23). The (reaping) harvest is “life everlasting”—victory in the Christian life.

We examine this even further….

Reaping and Sowing #4

Friday, May 23, 2025

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7 KJV).

Let us not be ignorant brethren concerning the concept of “reaping and sowing!”

During the centuries before Christ, Israel worshipped Gentile idols. Consequently, Satan’s lie program distracted the Jewish people from John the Baptist’s preaching, Jesus Christ’s preaching, and even Peter’s preaching in early Acts. Israel sowed unbelief and will reap the horrors of (the future) Daniel’s 70th Week!

The LORD speaks in Proverbs 1:20-33: “[20] Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: [21] She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, [22] How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? [23] Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. [24] Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; [25] But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: [26] I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; [27] When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.

“[28] Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: [29] For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: [30] They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. [31] Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. [32] For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. [33] But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.”

There is an old farmers’ adage, “You reap what you sow, you reap more than you sow, and you reap later than you sow.” In short, our actions have consequences—the outcome reflects the decision, the outcome will be more extreme than we thought when we made the decision, and the outcome does not immediately follow the decision. Let us now see today’s Scripture in context….

Reaping and Sowing #3

Thursday, May 22, 2025

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7 KJV).

Let us not be ignorant brethren concerning the concept of “reaping and sowing!”

Moses publicly disrespected the LORD by smiting the rock in a fit of rage when he should have spoken to it, so he and brother Aaron were forbidden to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land (Numbers 20:7-13). Throughout the Book of Joshua, the Jewish people failed to destroy the pagan Gentiles in the land of Canaan, so those heathen eventually influenced Israel to be idolatrous. In the Book of Judges, these sins of idolatry brought on God’s punishment in the form of invading Gentile troops, though God had mercy on and delivered Israel when they cried out in repentance (Judges 2:1-23). Judge Samson got romantically involved with a pagan Philistine woman and that finally contributed to his death by Israel’s enemies (Judges 16:4-31).

Believing Gentile Ruth chose to follow the God of Israel, thereby inadvertently becoming the ancestor of Messiah Jesus (Ruth 1:15-18; cf. Matthew 1:5,6,16; Luke 3:23,32). Young David, her great-grandson, trusted the LORD and defeated the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1-58), going on to be one of Israel’s most famous monarchs. King David failed to be a good father to his children, growing angry with son Amnon for sexually assaulting sister Tamar but carrying out no punishment, forcing son Absalom to kill Amnon in the pursuit of justice (2 Samuel 13:1-39). Absalom later dies in an uprising against David (2 Samuel 15:1-13; 2 Samuel 18:1-17). Brother Adonijah perishes for treason against brother King Solomon (1 Kings 1:1-10; 1 Kings 2:19-25). “Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house” (Proverbs 17:13).

“Your sin will find you out,” Moses advised Israel in Numbers 32:23. Indeed, King Solomon learned this after he had intimate relations with almost 1,000 female Satan worshippers (1 Kings 11:1-8)—and that destroyed his nation Israel politically and spiritually for the next thousand years, all the way up to Christ’s earthly ministry! These are just a few of the countless examples of “reaping and sowing” throughout the Old Testament Bible canon, some good but most bad.

We can come to an even better understanding….

Reaping and Sowing #2

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7 KJV).

Let us not be ignorant brethren concerning the concept of “reaping and sowing!”

Today’s Scripture echoes an expression—“Be not deceived”—found numerous times in the Bible. Sometimes, it is verbatim, word-for-word. Other times, the exact phraseology is absent, but the overall concept is still communicated. For instance, Jeremiah 17:9 tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Our sinful heart we inherited from Adam leans to its own understanding, making its own rules and believing whatever it sees fit. Having an over-inflated view of itself, it is doubtless untrustworthy!

One way the human heart deceives is with respect to reaping and sowing, so the Holy Spirit made absolutely certain to preface today’s Scripture with, “Be not deceived.” It is extremely easy to have a mistaken impression or wrong idea about reaping and sowing. Perhaps we assume we got away with what we did. Maybe we believe our sowing will be inconsequential. Perchance we think we will reap good when we have sown bad.

The other words, “God is not mocked,” necessitate clarification. Someone in unbelief turns up the nose to scorn or make fun, saying, in effect, “God, I will not reap what I have sown! I can dodge or escape ‘for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap!’ It will not come to pass in my life!” Unfortunately, for that mocker, it is but self-deception, and his or her words carry no real weight. “God is not mocked.”

God commanded Adam and Eve not to eat, for they would surely die if they did eat (Genesis 2:16,17). They did not believe God, they ate, and death came—first spiritual (separation from God) and then physical (soul and spirit separated from physical body) (Genesis 3:1-8; Genesis 5:1-5). The wickedness of man was so extreme in the Earth that nearly all perished in the Great Flood (Genesis 6:1-8; Genesis 7:21-24). Abraham and Sarah supposed they could “help God out” with bringing about the promised son, Isaac, but their scheme just produced a competing son, Ishmael, with much ensuing heartache (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 16:1-16; Genesis 17:15-22; Genesis 21:1-11).

Let us see other biblical examples of reaping and sowing….

Reaping and Sowing #1

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7 KJV).

Let us not be ignorant brethren concerning the concept of “reaping and sowing!”

Recently, a dear sister in Christ notified me of how she had had an unexpected conversation with a confused family member. That relative was a longtime churchgoer who did not understand the biblical principle of “reaping and sowing.” Brethren, it is truly frightening that people over 50 years of age—especially professing believers!—have no comprehension of this. It is all the more disturbing when they have attended church services for decades, having never acquired even basic sound doctrine!

We ought to learn a lesson from the natural world, agriculture or horticulture. If I as a farmer sow (plant) wheat, I will reap (receive) a crop of wheat at harvest time. I would be an utter fool to anticipate barley, soybeans, corn, or milo sprouting! Think of home gardening—planting tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, peas, cucumbers, onions, and so on. Whatever type of seed or grain you bury in the ground will be the species of your harvest! It is only logical, sensible, reasonable. Now, apply this in the spiritual world.

“Reaping and sowing” is a recurring idea in the Holy Scriptures. “Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same” (Job 4:8). “Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity [emptiness, futility, worthlessness]: for vanity shall be his recompence [reward, repayment]” (Job 15:31). “He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail” (Proverbs 22:8). “Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men” (Hosea 10:13). Read today’s Scripture in context: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Galatians 6:7,8).

Look at the imperative clause, “Be not deceived,” in today’s Scripture. As with practically everything biblical, Satan’s lie competes with God’s truth. We must possess spiritual discernment to distinguish them….

Mother: A Virtuous Woman

Sunday, May 11, 2025

“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 37 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?”

A Prayer According to God’s Will

Thursday, May 1, 2025

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” (1 Timothy 2:1-3 KJV).

On this United States’ National Day of Prayer, we pray you pray according to the Lord Jesus Christ’s will for today!

Today, religious people—the general public, clergy, and government officials—will assemble nationwide, like they do every year, and pray for spiritual and moral revival of the “Christian” (?) United States of America. We commend their noble efforts, but God’s Word says there will be no godly revival of any of the world’s Gentile nations until Jesus Christ returns to earth at His Second Coming (Isaiah 11:9; Isaiah 59:20–60:3; Zechariah 8:20-23; Revelation 11:15; et cetera).

The LORD’s words to King Solomon are often quoted on this day: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Friends, this is certainly God’s Word, but has nothing to do with Gentiles in the United States in the Dispensation of Grace. This verse has a context often overlooked—the nation Israel under the Mosaic Law, praying in relation to God’s Temple in Jerusalem (verses 15,16). Actually, that Temple was destroyed over 19 centuries ago! Unlike Israel, the United States was never a divinely-founded nation. The American people as a whole are not God’s people like Israel was.

Rather than praying 2 Chronicles 7:14, remember today’s Scripture (God’s Word to us Gentiles). The verse following today’s Scripture says, “[God] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Pray for those in authority, that they would trust Jesus Christ alone as their personal Saviour, and then grow in His Word to them so they can make wise decisions on behalf of the people they govern.

To Be Seen and Heard #20

Sunday, April 6, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?” (NO!)

It bears many labels—showing off, publicizing, theatrics, advertising, pageantry, performance, being flashy, headline-seeking, flaunting, pontificating, acting pretentiously or ostentatiously, showboating, grandstanding, wishing for a pat on the back or head, wanting applause or award, making a fair shew in the flesh, being “thirsty” (slang), aiming to be seen and heard of men. Someone is in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference!” They crave approval, recognition, approbation, regard. We would be wise not only to decline the invitation to join them but also to stay as far away from that meeting as possible.

Foreshadowing the future Antichrist, blasphemous King Herod Agrippa I attempted to be seen and heard as God’s replacement in Acts chapter 12. He silenced God’s preachers (verses 1-4) before God hushed him (verses 20-23)! “But the word of God grew and multiplied” (verse 24). Likewise, today, man’s standing ovations cease, clapping fades, trophies tarnish and melt, certificates tatter and burn, social clubs vanish, online personal profiles shut down… all are drowned out as God commends and praises His people for faithful service rendered to Him. Brethren in Christ, heart faith in sound Bible doctrine should underlie everything we say and do. Christian living is not blindly following people, denominations, religious organizations, et cetera. Outward shows do not matter, as we are not to desire man’s approval anyway but rather God’s praise. All that counts forever is to be seen and heard of God, not seen and heard of men.

“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God” (1 Corinthians 4:5). “But he that glorieth [boasts, finds value in], let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth” (2 Corinthians 10:17,18). “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

-FINIS!-

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. 🙂