The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #15

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Perchance, dear friend, you have heard of these four classifications of high-school students and university undergraduates—freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. First-year pupils are “freshmen,” as in “fresh” or “new arrivals.” This entry-level position, of course, takes some time to adjust to. Second-year students bear the title “sophomores,” taken from the Greek (“sophos” and “moros”) and defined as “wise fools.” Allegedly, this title highlights the fact they believe they are “wise” for having survived the first year, but are mere “fools” since they have yet to realize they have much more to learn. Third-year pupils are known as “juniors,” for they rank just below the top (the Latin, “juvenis,” means “young”). Fourth-year students are “seniors,” members of the uppermost class (“sen–” is Latin for “old man”).

We all have to start somewhere, and that means being “freshmen” in life—new material to master, a different environment in which to learn it, the uncertainty and fear of what lies ahead, the mental and physical and emotional changes that arise, and so on. Yet, we eventually move on to the sophomore level, the “wise fool” status, for, having outlasted the initial phase, we now assume we are invincible. Again, though, we are only second-year, implying we still have a long way to go. That period challenges us and matures us to where we become “juniors,” youngsters who have yet to reach the top but have made significant progress since their freshman days. As seniors, we have developed to occupy the maximum rank—though, after graduation, we “old men” could learn more, because our title is relative to the underclassmen; we now face the undergraduate and graduate levels of college/university. Even beyond that, hands-on job experience will give us years of extra insight that was impossible for us to learn in the classroom. Finally, before we leave this life, we will somehow have to figure out ways to teach others what we learned, that the cycle repeat for subsequent generations.

Henceforth, let us expand our discernment to advanced “cleansing of our way….”

333 Turns 15: Standing on the Shoulders of Faithful Men!

Monday, June 1, 2026

“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:1,2 KJV).

Believe or not, “333 Words of Grace” celebrates its 15th birthday!

For nearly 31 years, my entire Christian life, I have listened to men from various backgrounds give life lessons. Sometimes, they offered pertinent Bible verses and sound advice to share along with their stories and jokes. They had their “blind spots” (as do I), but I learned to filter out as much of the chaff as possible and retain the wheat. Progressing in my own spiritual journey, I have endeavored to pass on to others the very best that I have acquired—knowing full well they will have to determine and eliminate my blind spots if they want to go even further.

As I have built an edifice of sound doctrine by standing on the shoulders of other Spirit-filled men, it has been my hope and prayer these last 15 years here with “333 Words of Grace” that a few Spirit-filled men have taken what I have taught them from the Word of God, especially the Word of His Grace (Acts 20:32), and have handed it down to others who will do likewise, for only what God has done for us in Christ (grace) matters above all else and only grace strengthens us to enjoy victorious Christian living (today’s Scripture).

That being said, I will judge neither the success nor the failure of this devotionals blog that has now been active over the last decade and one-half. Only the Lord can—and will—do that in His own good time. We do not know how long God in His grace will continue supporting us, but we have had a long run, and we should be eternally grateful. Maybe we have another 15 years in store, provided the Lord does not return (?). Dear saints and readers, for those who have been with us since day 1, praying for us and financially supporting us, thank you. Yes, some of us have graduated to Heaven, but the rest of us still have time to grow and develop into spiritual giants. Hence, we must remain with grace-oriented daily devotionals based on the Authorized Version King James Bible. Praise our Lord Jesus Christ! 🙂

NOTE: All 5480 devotionals are archived here for your convenience.

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. 🙂

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #14

Sunday, May 31, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Dear young reader, abstain from all drugs and alcohol. Cigarettes and vapes contain poisonous, addictive chemicals that increase the risk of various cancers (mouth, throat, tongue, et cetera). Intoxicating beverages shrink the brain, destroy the liver, stress out the heart, and negatively affect the stomach. All these products age the body, people ending up ill in a hospital or prematurely dead in a morgue. Frankly, you can locate millions of individuals today whose bodies are permanently disfigured or ruined because of drugs and alcohol (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:30)—missing limbs, blindness, extensive scarring, cirrhosis, brain damage, and a plethora of additional health complications. Some are even doomed to live with the knowledge of having taken other’s lives. I have a friend who repeatedly overdosed on illegal drugs, almost dying on those occasions. A lady I knew smoked cigarettes for 50 years, nearly perished because of diminished lung capacity, quit smoking, and then spent her last 20 years finding it increasingly harder to breathe!

Since it is human nature to seek entertainment—to be thrilled, frightened, delighted, and so on—drugs and alcoholic beverages are tremendously appealing. Yet, Paul the Apostle reasoned: “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power [mastery, control, domination] of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12). Indeed, there is freedom under grace, but the absence of an express prohibition does not necessarily mean an action is “expedient” (profitable, useful, beneficial). Once identified, any and all addictions should be avoided. As opposed to being under the influence of wine (or any other mind-altering substance/addiction), the Holy Spirit should control our thinking and conduct: “See then that ye walk circumspectly [cautiously, looking around], not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;…” (Ephesians 5:15-18).

NOTE: In order to bring you a special study tomorrow (a commemoration of 15 full years of “333 Words of Grace!”), we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #13

Saturday, May 30, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Dear young person, Satan’s scheme to topple God’s institutions of marriage and family is clever and multifaceted. Howbeit, even nature teaches us how homosexuality is sinful because it unites sexually-incompatible people, which relationship prevents the reproduction that God-ordained male–female marriage facilitates (Genesis 1:26-28; Genesis 2:18-25; Leviticus 18:22; Matthew 19:3-6; Mark 10:6-9; Romans 1:26,27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:9-11). Popularized by base propaganda, transgenderism is but fickle, unreliable feelings controlling those whose mental and emotional states are immature. Promotion of this fad produces irreversibly-altered, permanently-destroyed bodies!

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest [orderly, of good behavior] apparel, with shamefacedness [reverence] and sobriety [sober-mindedness, self-control]; not with broided [braided] hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh [is suitable for] women professing godliness) with good works” (1 Timothy 2:9,10). A Christian woman’s face should not be beyond feeling shame (embarrassment) if her appearance is indecent or impolite. Her reputation ought to be distinguished far more for exhibiting good works and far less for parading “fashionable” clothes, “stunning” jewelry, and “striking” makeup and hair. Physical form is superficial; I have met many “pretty faces” I would never bother with!

Stay sexually pure until marriage (cf. Proverbs 5:18-20), and marry “only in the Lord [another Bible-believer]” (1 Corinthians 7:39). “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4). “Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband…. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn” (1 Corinthians 7:2,9). If you offer your secret parts outside of marriage, then what is so special about marriage and what exactly will you reserve for it? Marry someone of the opposite sex ONLY after you get to know them well—their habits, likes/dislikes, employment history, potential criminal background, life goals, and so on. Remember, marriage is a binding commitment, much harder to escape than a “fling” or cohabitation (“chambering;” Romans 13:13).

If such advice is heeded, you will spare yourself an immense amount of emotional and physical pain….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #12

Friday, May 29, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Unfortunately, today’s adolescents and young adults have seldom been equipped with essential life skills. Even graduates of supposed “higher learning” have not mastered what is necessary for their survival in this world. Whether display of meager and provocative attire, or expression of crude and ignorant speech, or struggles in spelling basic words and using correct grammar, or disregard for the sanctity of life and the natural heterosexual (man-woman) marriage, or defiance to authority, or challenges of reading at their grade level, or frivolity in constant amusement, or inclinations toward materialism and ingratitude, or failure to learn history, or inability to cope maturely with problems and conflicts, or contempt for anything and everything “religious” and “spiritual;” the likelihood of them leading productive lives seems negligible. If they continue pursuing this course of life, the legacy they will leave behind for subsequent generations (their descendants) will be, to say the least, quite abysmal.

What young people can do to offset the decline, even slightly, is simple. For example, if they suffer from illiteracy, Bible reading will surely remedy it! Dictionaries and thesauruses, whether print or online, should become their friends. (I can remember, from long ago, my college [!] classmates misspelling words—and complaining because they had gotten points taken off their assignments for those errors!) Dictionaries provide spellings, parts of speech, definitions, etymologies, and other linguistic tips. Thesauruses help broaden personal vocabulary, for they are repositories of similar words that can make writing and speech more vivid and less boring.

Using online video tutorials to learn how to cook or prepare some basic and nutritious meals at home (scrambling eggs, assembling salads, preparing soups, grilling chicken) will save us money and avert poor health. Daily physical exercise or martial arts are advantageous in achieving weight loss or preventing excessive weight gain, for obesity (especially morbid obesity) is yet another challenge facing younger generations who tend to sit and lie down as they constantly scroll through social-media and play video games, computer games, phone games, and so on.

Such spiritual, mental, and physical health should be our priorities….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #11

Thursday, May 28, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

“This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness [loose, wild, crazy living], to work all uncleanness [impurity] with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:17-24).

As Romans chapters 6–8 make plain, victorious Christian living (“walking”) involves depending on our Christian resources (“Christ”) rather than our Adamic resources (“sin”). Only when we “study… rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15) will we understand how grace living (what God works in us when we trust Him) is far more advantageous than legalistic living (what we do for God, which Law system is always insufficient and flawed). The Books of 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, and Galatians are all deviations from basic Romans truth—and this is where most “Christian” people, most “Christian” churches, and most “Christian” schools are. Obsessed with the sins of the flesh (carnality/humanism) and the sins of the spirit (asceticism/denominationalism), they overlook what God can do for us through Christ’s finished crosswork (grace).

Believers today are the Church the Body of Christ, not the nation Israel. The prophetic program going all the way back to Adam is momentarily interrupted (Acts 3:21), that the mystery/secret program be in force (Romans 16:25,26). Paul’s 13 epistles, Romans to Philemon, define what God is currently doing. Exercise great caution where you and your family (if you ever have one) go to church. It should be a place where the King James Bible is studied rightly divided, where grace living is promoted instead of legalistic commands and demands….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #10

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Following centuries of the Kingdom of Judah violating the Law of Moses, the LORD finally deported its citizens to Babylon for 70 years’ captivity (see 2 Chronicles 36:14-21). Among them were four young men, probably in their early to mid-teens. They were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (the latter three better known by their Babylonian names of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). Daniel was their leader in that foreign land. As a Law-keeping Jew, he recognized he should keep himself pure from Babylon’s heathen culture: “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8; cf. Exodus 34:10-17). Later, even facing the death penalty in a burning fiery furnace (!), Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah remained loyal to JEHOVAH God by refusing to worship idols (read Daniel 3:1-30).

Both Timothy and Titus were young men, grace believers in Jesus Christ, and pastors of local churches. Three of our Bible Books—1 Timothy and 2 Timothy and Titus—are actually epistles (formal doctrinal letters) the Apostle Paul wrote to them. Observe! “That they [the aged/older women] may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet [of sound mind, self-controlled], chaste [pure], keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity [dignity, solemnity], sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you” (Titus 2:4-8). “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Whether young or old, prophecy or mystery, Israel or Body of Christ, God’s people should “be separate” from Satan’s evil world system (2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1)….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #9

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Poor mental health is one problem with which modern society is struggling. Whether due to financial debt, sleep deprivation, technological addictions, isolation, substance abuse, physical inactivity, or something else, our thinking processes are being devastated now more than ever. It particularly affects younger people (who are undeveloped and therefore vulnerable). Much of this mental-health crisis can be reduced—even eliminated—if individuals decided to start entertaining better thoughts. Alas, sinful man still arrogantly continues to devise his own plans and carry out his own life without depending on the Creator God. When living contrary to how He has designed life to work, we can expect nothing less than depression and misery. (If in doubt, try it out!)

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you” (Philippians 4:8,9). Such “things” are truths of sound Bible doctrine that Paul had taught these believers at Philippi. Thinking on this instead of trash will greatly aid us in enjoying good mental health… and “peace” only God can give!

Read Romans 12:1,2: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (cf. Ephesians 4:23; Colossians 3:10). In addition to daily reading and believing the Scriptures “rightly divided” (2 Timothy 2:15), spend a few minutes each day writing, playing a musical instrument, or drawing. Such mental exercises will strengthen your creativity and guard against negativity. Be not a hermit, but socialize with good in-person company. Dear young reader, take your eyes off yourself and your fellow man, and look solely to the Lord Jesus Christ….

The Greatest War Hero

Monday, May 25, 2026

“For God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 KJV).

In the United States, today is Memorial Day, when we remember those who sacrificed their time and lives to provide our physical freedom. Likewise, as Christians, we have spiritual freedom, which was more costly. Someone had to die to give us the eternal life we now enjoy….

Scripture describes a spiritual warfare between good and evil, God’s truth program versus Satan’s lie program: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles [schemes] of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:11,12; see also verses 13-20).

Satan distracts mankind from God’s pure Word, the Bible, keeping unbelievers lost (dead in their sins), and preventing unbelievers and Christians from knowing God’s will. The devil draws them away (seduces them) from God’s Word by using religious tradition and human “wisdom” (1 Timothy 4:1-3; cf. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Galatians 3:1-3).

God loves us, so at Calvary’s cross, Christ fought for us sinners, died in battle (today’s Scripture), shed His divine sinless blood, and eternally rescued us from Satan and sin: “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:14,15).

Hebrews 9:12 says Jesus Christ has “obtained eternal redemption for us.”

If we have trusted Jesus Christ alone as our personal Saviour, God “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:13). Now, God can use us for His glory for all eternity.

Beloved, let us rejoice in our victory over sin, death, and hell that Jesus Christ secured for us by going to Calvary’s rugged cross! Jesus Christ is now alive forevermore—He is our Hero, the Greatest Hero!

*Adapted from a larger Bible study “The Greatest Hero,” which can be read here or watched here.

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #8

Sunday, May 24, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

“For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). We need jobs to live, so find one that is, first and foremost, respectable. If you could be comfortable performing the occupation’s duties before the Lord Himself, then that is your ideal job. After giving preeminence to honesty and decency, narrow down to something offering decent salary and decent benefits. “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth” (Ephesians 4:28).

Remember, the highest-paying jobs are not necessarily the best, as they often mean stricter requirements, longer hours, heavier workload, and greater stress. Endeavor to provide for your needs and your family’s needs. Avoid trying to outdo others. Eschew covetousness. “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19). “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15).

Learn to budget. “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). Any money you borrow, or debt you owe, makes you subject to the one providing those funds. Once you pay bills and other necessities, save as much of your paycheck as you can, limiting spending on entertainment and other wants. You do not need the latest, greatest invention. Try to purchase affordable essential services and reasonable, functional, orderly, possessions.

May we learn another life lesson….

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