Synonyms for the word anatomy are: analysis, examination, investigation, dissection, inspection, assessment, and evaluation. So, if I want to know more about the anatomy of a spiritual person, that is, to analyze, examine, or investigate them, I go to the source of all spiritual knowledge. God’s word, or as I like to describe the Bible, the mind of God revealed in language man can understand.
The book of Proverbs is one of the books I read and study when I need to analyze my spiritual life or others. It gives me inspiration, or common sense wisdom, or deeper study of God’s word, or a swift rebuke, or all of the above! Additionally, some of the best thoughts about the dangers associated with our tongue are in the wise words of the King. The following is a breakdown of Proverbs 10, Solomon’s thoughts about the wicked person and the righteous person:

Anatomy of a Wicked, Foolish Person

Treasures of wickedness profit nothing.
He [God] casts away the desire of the wicked.
He who has a slack hand becomes poor.
Violence covers the mouth of the wicked.*
The name of the wicked will rot.
A prating fool will fall.
Violence covers the mouth of the wicked.*
The mouth of the foolish is near destruction.*
Hatred stirs up strife.
A rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.
The wages of the wicked lead to sin.
Whoever spreads slander is a fool.*
He who refuses correction goes astray. 
The heart of the wicked is worth little. 
In the multitude of words sin is not lacking.*
Fools die for lack of wisdom.
To do evil is like sport to a fool.
The years of the wicked will be shortened.
The expectation of the wicked will perish.
Destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.
The wicked will not inhabit the earth.
The perverse tongue will be cut out.*
The mouth of the wicked [knows] what is perverse.*

Anatomy of a Righteous, Wise Person

Righteousness delivers from death.
The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish.
Blessings are on the head of the righteous.
The memory of the righteous is blessed.
The wise in heart will receive commands.
He who walks with integrity walks securely.
The mouth of the righteous is a well of life.*
Love covers all sins.Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding.*
Wise people store up knowledge.
The labor of the righteous leads to life.
He who keeps instruction is in the way of life.
He who restrains his lips is wise.*
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver.*
The lips of the righteous feed many.*
The blessing of the Lord makes one rich.
A man of understanding has wisdom.
The desire of the righteous will be granted.
The righteous has an everlasting foundation.
The fear of the Lord prolongs days.
The hope of the righteous will be gladness.
The way of the Lord is strength for the upright.
The righteous will never be removed.
The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom.*
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable.*

Solomon drew a striking contrast between the consequences of a wicked person’s actions and the godly results of righteous souls who seek to please God. What jumps out of this chapter are the times he addressed the tongue, seven times for the disobedient men and women and seven times for the obedient (see asterisks).
I cannot speak for others, but studying this chapter opens my eyes to God’s warnings and it encourages me take double care to make my life acceptable to the Lord!
What about you???

Today’s Verses: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;” (2 Peter 1:10).

by Teresa Hampton

Audios available at http://christianwomanaudiodevotionals.abiblecommentary.com

Matthew 2:1-2, 10-11
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’ … When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”

Matthew 2:16
“When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under.”

Reflection

Matthew 2 presents a stark contrast between worship and resistance. The Magi, outsiders from the east, traveled a great distance to find Jesus, driven by a desire to worship the true King. Their journey wasn’t easy, yet their hearts were set on honoring Him. When they found Jesus, they didn’t hesitate—they bowed down, offered precious gifts, and surrendered their pride before a child. In contrast, King Herod, consumed by fear and jealousy, clung to his power, refusing to acknowledge Jesus as King. His resistance led to anger and destruction.

As women, we’re often pulled in many directions—careers, family, friendships, and personal dreams. It’s easy to let these things take the throne of our hearts, like Herod did with his power. Yet, the Magi’s example calls us to a life of worship, where we surrender our treasures—our time, talents, and ambitions—to Jesus. True worship isn’t just singing or praying; it’s a posture of the heart that says, “Jesus, You are my King.” Whether you’re a busy mom, a professional, or navigating a season of waiting, Matthew 2 invites you to lay your gifts at Jesus’ feet and choose worship over control.

Application

1. Offer Your Gifts: The Magi gave gold, frankincense, and myrrh, symbols of their best. What’s your “treasure”? Is it your time, creativity, or resources? Consider how you can offer it to Jesus this week, perhaps by serving someone or spending intentional time in prayer.
2. Surrender Control: Herod’s fear of losing control led to chaos. Are there areas where you’re resisting God’s plan out of fear or pride? Write them down and pray for courage to surrender them to Jesus.
3. Cultivate Joyful Worship: The Magi were “overjoyed” when they found Jesus. How can you make worship a daily joy? Try starting your day with gratitude, a worship song, or a verse that centers your heart on Christ.

Closing Thought

The Magi’s worship wasn’t perfect, but it was wholehearted!

Have a GREAT day!

Gai

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.”
— Matthew 1:18

As women, we often carry dreams, plans, and expectations for our lives. We map out our futures with care, much like Mary likely did as a young woman pledged to Joseph. But Matthew 1 shows us a God who interrupts our plans with His divine purpose, inviting us to trust Him in the unexpected.

Mary’s Surrendered Heart
When the angel announced that Mary would bear the Son of God, her life took an unimaginable turn. A virgin, pregnant by the Holy Spirit? This was not part of her plan. Yet, her response in faith—“I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38, cross-referenced for context)—reveals a heart fully surrendered to God. Mary’s story reminds us that God’s calling often comes with challenges, but it also carries His promise to be with us.

As women, we may face moments when God’s direction feels disruptive—whether it’s a career change, a family challenge, or an unexpected opportunity. Like Mary, we’re invited to release our grip on our own plans and trust that God’s purpose is greater. What “impossible” thing is God asking us to embrace today? Can we say, like Mary, “I am Yours”?

Joseph’s Quiet Obedience
Joseph, too, offers a powerful example. When he learned of Mary’s pregnancy, his initial plan was to divorce her quietly, protecting her from shame. But when God spoke through a dream, confirming His divine plan (Matthew 1:20-21), Joseph obeyed without hesitation. He took Mary as his wife, stepping into a role he never could have foreseen.

Joseph’s quiet obedience challenges us to accept God’s will, even if it contradicts our instincts. As women, we often juggle many roles—daughter, wife, mother, friend, professional—and it’s easy to rely on our own understanding. Joseph reminds us to pause, seek God’s will, and move forward in faith, even when the path feels uncertain.

The Genealogy of Grace
Matthew 1 begins with a genealogy, tracing Jesus’ lineage through generations. Among the names, we find women like Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba—each with stories marked by struggle, scandal, or outsider status. Yet God wove them into the lineage of the Messiah. This is a stunning reminder of God’s grace: He doesn’t require perfection, only willingness.

As women, we may feel disqualified by our past mistakes, societal labels, or insecurities. But the women in Jesus’ genealogy show us that God delights in redeeming and using those who trust Him. Our life, no matter how broken it feels, is one God can use for His glory.

A Savior for All
At the heart of Matthew 1 is the promise of Jesus, “Immanuel—God with us” (Matthew 1:23). This name assures us that no matter what we face—uncertainty, fear, or the weight of obedience—God is near.

Application:

• What plans or expectations are we holding tightly? How can we surrender them to God like Mary did?
• Where do we need to better when it comes to listening and obeying, like Joseph, when it’s hard?
• How does the truth of “Immanuel—God with us” comfort or challenge us?Blessings, Gai

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” — Proverbs 31:25-28

Motherhood is a role from God, a tapestry woven with moments of joy, sacrifice, and resilience. Whether you’re a biological, adoptive, foster, or spiritual mother, your love reflects the heart of God, who nurtures and sustains all people. Proverbs 31 describes a woman whose strength and dignity shine through her daily acts of care. She faces the future with confidence, not because life is easy, but because her trust is in the Lord. Her wisdom shapes those around her, and her legacy is the love and gratitude of her family.

Once a year on Mother’s Day, many pause to celebrate the unique ways women embody this strength. They may feel weary from sleepless nights, endless tasks, or the weight of guiding others. Yet, in their weakness, God’s grace is enough (2 Corinthians 12:9). Moms are not alone—God carries them, just as they carry their children (compare Isaiah 40:11).

4 important thoughts for every mom:

1. Rest in God’s Strength: Take some time to release your worries to God. Write down at least one burden and pray, trusting God to sustain you.

2. Talk: Share a word of encouragement with another mother or a child in your life.  Study and discuss Proverbs 31.

3. Remember your influence: Reflect on what you have done, both recently in the past.

4. Honor others, especially mothers: If your mom or a mother figure is still alive, express gratitude through a note or phone call. If she has died, reflect on her love and be thankful for her influence.

You are a masterpiece, crafted by God to love and nurture. Your efforts, seen or unseen, are precious to God, so you should feel cherished and loved by God.

Gai

2 Corinthians 3:18 “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are beingtransformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

The thing I dreaded as a teenager became reality as I opened the kitchen cabinet and an avalanche of empty Cool Whip containers hit the floor. Now, my purpose in opening the cabinet had nothing to do with plastic containers. I was attempting to cram yet another plastic grocery sack into my overflowing “sack of sacks.” That is when my “Aha Moment” hit.  I had turned into my mother!

How had this transformation happened? My goal as a teenager was to be a cool adult, but I’m pretty confident cool adults do not hoard plastic.

As I walked through the house cutting off lights and adjusting the thermostat, I pondered my metamorphosis. My mother raised me. I grew up by her side, lived in the same house, watched her every move, and absorbed her every word. As I did, I had slowly assimilated into her likeness.

Although I do not begrudge being like mother, a Christian’s goal should be to morph into the likeness of Christ, taking on His traits and glorifying God through our new self. This spiritual transformation happens in the same way mine happened with my mother. Living with Christ by our side, allowing Christ to infiltrate our home life, observing His every move, and daily absorbing His Word will transform us into His image.

The degree of our transformation is linked to the amount of time invested, so if we want to become like Christ, we must spend time with Christ and His Word. And our spiritual transformation is an ongoing journey. Paul, in Philippians 1, described this journey as growing “more and more” in the love of Christ. Imagine serving others with the love that Jesus showed. Consider the transformation in those we touch if we met their needs with the compassion of Jesus. And envision how it will feel to stand before Jesus Christ pure and blameless. Now that’s a transformation that far exceeds the hording of plastic tubs!

So, let’s encourage each other and build each other up as we become more and more like our Savior. Let us relish our walk with Him. Let us absorb his knowledge and depth of insights as we open His Word. Let us preserve time to commune with Christ. And, through this transformation, may others see the Christ when they place their eyes upon us.

Father God, help us desire to become more and more like your image. 

Blessings,
Rita Cochrane

2 Corinthians 3:18 “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are beingtransformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

The thing I dreaded as a teenager became reality as I opened the kitchen cabinet and an avalanche of empty Cool Whip containers hit the floor. Now, my purpose in opening the cabinet had nothing to do with plastic containers. I was attempting to cram yet another plastic grocery sack into my overflowing “sack of sacks.” That is when my “Aha Moment” hit.  I had turned into my mother!

How had this transformation happened? My goal as a teenager was to be a cool adult, but I’m pretty confident cool adults do not hoard plastic.

As I walked through the house cutting off lights and adjusting the thermostat, I pondered my metamorphosis. My mother raised me. I grew up by her side, lived in the same house, watched her every move, and absorbed her every word. As I did, I had slowly assimilated into her likeness.

Although I do not begrudge being like mother, a Christian’s goal should be to morph into the likeness of Christ, taking on His traits and glorifying God through our new self. This spiritual transformation happens in the same way mine happened with my mother. Living with Christ by our side, allowing Christ to infiltrate our home life, observing His every move, and daily absorbing His Word will transform us into His image.

The degree of our transformation is linked to the amount of time invested, so if we want to become like Christ, we must spend time with Christ and His Word. And our spiritual transformation is an ongoing journey. Paul, in Philippians 1, described this journey as growing “more and more” in the love of Christ. Imagine serving others with the love that Jesus showed. Consider the transformation in those we touch if we met their needs with the compassion of Jesus. And envision how it will feel to stand before Jesus Christ pure and blameless. Now that’s a transformation that far exceeds the hording of plastic tubs!

So, let’s encourage each other and build each other up as we become more and more like our Savior. Let us relish our walk with Him. Let us absorb his knowledge and depth of insights as we open His Word. Let us preserve time to commune with Christ. And, through this transformation, may others see the Christ when they place their eyes upon us.

Father God, help us desire to become more and more like your image. 

Rita Cochrane

I have five children; the youngest is 21. I have done daycare for dozens of children. So I have had the opportunity to “experiment” on multiple children.  My children all have a strong love for the Lord. I have been told how lucky I am that my children turned out that way. I always respond with, “Luck had nothing to do with it.” Raising children is A LOT of hard work and allowing God to lead. Does that mean I have all of the answers? Nope.  I have learned from what I happened to get right, what I worked to get right and by my mistakes.   Parenting is not easy!  It is not for the lazy!  There is definitely more to it than just a hug and a kiss.

You MUST NOT be too weak to discipline and this will include a spanking.

First off, Webster defines discipline as “training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character.”  Isn’t that our job as Christian parents?

I am continually disturbed to hear young parents say that they don’t believe in spanking.  How can a Christian parent even voice those words?   Proverbs 29:15 tells us that the rod of correction imparts wisdom and Proverbs 22:15 says that folly is bound up in the heart of a child but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.  Our job as parents is to teach our children wisdom and mold their character in a way that brings glory to God.  This will require us at times to spank our children.  Keep in mind Proverbs 23:13,14, it won’t kill them.

“When should I start giving swats?” is a question I hear frequently.  I know that infants communicate their dislike of something by crying.  As soon as you know that they are communicating anger, it’s time for a swat on the diaper.  Mine got their first swat between six and nine months.  Remember Proverbs, we want to drive those sinful characteristics out of our children.  It is our job as Christian mothers.  If we love them we will mold them into a godly form.

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER let your child tell you “No”! This is disrespectful behavior and if you will correct it when it first starts happening you will drive it away.  Now remember, one of a toddlers first words is “No.” Does this present a problem for you?  It shouldn’t. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER let your child tell you “No.” That child needs a swat. It’s your job as a Christian parent.

Your child is not in control of you…unless you have been trained that way by the child. I can’t find that in scripture.  It starts with a swat on the diaper, then a swat on the hand with a firm “No, no.”  If you think that is the hard part, then you better buckle up because this is the easy part and you are just getting started.

As a parent of five, I realize that each child will need to be dealt with according to his/her personality.  One of mine I could spank and spank and it would hardly phase him. (He still got a spanking, but we paired it with another form of discipline.)  Another I could speak to and he would burst into tears. (He still got his fair share of spankings as well.)  I had someone tell me once that I didn’t understand because I didn’t have any “strong willed” children.  I just chuckled (as some of you are doing now) and told them I had five very strong children and it was my job to make sure that their “strong wills” were working to glorify God.

As our children got older, we had to spank less and less.  (They had been molded.)  But they still had to be disciplined.  It was something different with each child.  One I could take TV time away and he was severely punished.  Another it could be outside time and he was upset.  Also, there were times when I was so upset or so baffled by what they had done, that I would say, “I’m not sure what your punishment will be yet. I’m going to pray about it and let you know.  But you will be punished.”  Then I would talk with Wayne and get back to them on the same day.

Boy, could I go on and on with this topic!  But let me suggest the book “The Hook: Raising Faithful Children” by Ron Carter.  This book came in SO handy for me!!  If you want any more specifics or any other book suggestions just send me a message.

Tami Roberts

Ellis is four. He has a stuffed Simba (from Lion King) on his bed. He sleeps in the top bunk of a grey house-shaped bed. He has a window to look out and everything! Each night, when I went in last week, to tuck him in, I’d make up some wild story about how Simba had disobeyed; he had gone too close to the edge of a cliff or he had jumped on a barge in the river. He disobeyed through the week in a plethora of ways. Each  night, Samba would get a sound spanking and he’d have to sit in the corner and face the wall until Ellis woke up in the morning. Each night, Ellis would ask, in all seeming sincerity, “Why?…Why does he always disobey?” Then we’d have a little talk about the folly of disobedience and Ellis would affirm his own resolve to not disobey.

On the last night I was there, He began to talk about the sheep and the goats during our little Simba-time, in the vein of Matthew 25. He said “Samba is really just one of the goats.”

I said, “Well, YOU are one of the sheep, though. You are an obey-er. You always do what Mama and Dada say! I know you will never be a goat.”

Ellis said, “Well sometimes I cross over into the goats.”

I responded “Well, I don’t think so. You are always trying to obey. I watch you do that every day. You especially want to obey God.”

He persisted. “But sometimes I am a goat. Like tonight, I was supposed to be getting in my bed and I went back in there.”

He was right. He did venture back down the hall…to ask for one final drink, or for something he forgot to show me or for permission to have Papa come read a book or something. He had gotten into trouble and maybe his mama had seen one little glimpse of a billygoat horn growing out of those curls.

We talked a while more and I assured Ellis that I know he will always make the choice to be a sheep and we will all be in heaven together.

Just an fyi for all of us who have been sheep for a lot of years now: There’s no accidental “crossing-over” from sheep status to being a goat. If you are a sheep, you cannot accidentally join the goat-herd. It takes much more than a conscientious slip-up to join the goats. If you are walking in the light, as Christ is in the light, the blood of Jesus keeps you clean and in the right flock (1 John 1:7).

Further, there are no half-sheep-half goats. You are not an in-between spiritual species. If you are not a full-fledged sheep, you are on the left-hand—a goat. He will set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left (Matthew 25:33).

I just want to be a sheep.

Cindy Colley

Like most of us, I have heard the story of Zacchaeus since I was very young. We sang the song in VBS about the wee little man that climbed a tree to see Jesus. Though the basic facts of this story were not incorrectly taught, it is a lesson far more meaningful than the simple song and children’s version. It’s for adults too.

We read about Zacchaeus in Luke 19. It is true that he was of small stature, but it is not necessarily true that he was a midget. That is the way, however, children picture him. It doesn’t really matter how tall he was, only what was in his heart.

When he learned that Jesus was going to be near Jericho, (about 17 miles from Jerusalem), he wanted to see this man. Jesus’ reputation followed Him everywhere, and the crowds had obviously gathered to see and hear this remarkable man. Zacchaeus was one of those, but he was unable to catch a glimpse of Him because the crowd blocked his view. So, he climbed a tree.

When Jesus passed by, He looked up into the tree and called him by name. Jesus knew the man, and He knew his heart. Jesus told Zacchaeus to come down because He was going to his house. I can only imagine the feeling Zacchaeus had when He knew this famous man was going to his home. Thoughts surely went through his mind. Is the house clean? Do I have food for a guest? How should I act? What will we talk about?

Because Zacchaeus was a “chief tax collector” and wealthy, he would not have been viewed as anyone worth Jesus’ visit. There is no indication that he received his money by cheating the people or those tax collectors that worked under him. He makes a declaration that he gives half of his goods to the poor. He also says that if he has defrauded anyone “by false accusation” he will restore to him four times what he has taken.

There is much discussion as to whether he was already doing this or if he was making a promise to do it. What really matters is that his heart was in the right place, and Jesus declares that salvation has come to Zacchaeus’ house. He also declares that Zacchaeus is “a son of Abraham.”

As with many prominent stories in Scripture, we stop before the story is completed. The second part of the story is Jesus’ telling the parable of the nobleman that went into a far country to accept a kingdom, leaving his ten servants with money to trade or invest. When he returned, two of the servants had doubled their money. A third had wrapped his in a napkin and hidden it. We have no record of what the other seven did, except that the citizens sent a messenger ahead of him to refuse his leadership.

Of course, the meaning is Jesus’ leaving this earth, returning to heaven, and then returning for the faithful. It was, as with other parables, a slap at the Jewish rulers that their attitude might work on earth; but it certainly wouldn’t work when the Lord returns.

Our lessons are simple ones. First, there is a lesson on wealth. No matter how he came to be wealthy, Zacchaeus was searching for something else. Money and possessions are not enough, no matter what man may think.

Second, the only faith Jesus applauds is an active faith. Zacchaeus was diligently seeking this man of profound reputation. He put himself where he couldn’t miss the Christ. He put his faith to work by his every-day actions.

Third, this is a lesson on compassion. Though Jesus and Zacchaeus experienced criticism, Jesus felt this man’s desire to know Him. The best way to get to know someone is through genuine hospitality and compassion for the lost soul. Jesus offered him a look into what the faithful had to look forward to when the nobleman in the story returned.

Fourth, this story shows signs of repentance. Zacchaeus wanted Jesus to know that he would make good on any mistakes he made. We cannot live our lives without the constant awareness of the need for repentance.

Last, this is a lesson about salvation. The Jews would have never called Zacchaeus a son of Abraham, something the Pharisees would not acknowledge for any tax collector. He was offered salvation because of his man’s heart, and Jesus acknowledged his heritage as a Jew, a descendant of Abraham.

An active faith is what is behind all of these lessons. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” The sons of Abraham were admonished to “search after him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29).

The same is true for us today, and the story of Zacchaeus is not for kids only.

Sandra Oliver