The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #164

Saturday, November 7, 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?

Prayer can either be a blessing or a burden. We possess the choice to make it the one or the other for ourselves. As with music and song, our prayer life will reflect our Bible understanding or our Bible misunderstanding. Two types of general false teaching are believed with respect to prayer, and two kinds of general faulty practice are implemented. Firstly, there is using the “vain repetitions” of the heathen, thinking we shall be heard for our much speaking (Matthew 6:7,8). Secondly, there is praying like Israel, employing the so-called “Lord’s Prayer,” or better titled, “The Our Father Prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13)—the real Lord’s Prayer, the one the Lord actually prayed, is John chapter 17.

Various concepts, verses, phrases, and words are ripped from their dispensational contexts and haphazardly applied to all sorts of situations and circumstances. The result is nothing but disappointment and confusion. Our Christian life will not operate on the basis of ignorance because it cannot operate on the basis of ignorance. Usually, however, ignorance is all around us and in us, forcing us to confront (endure) the pains and worries of unanswered prayer. If we can somehow acquire the information that describes God’s present-day workings, and then pray in keeping with that, then we will never struggle with unanswered prayer again. Regardless of how much we beg Him, or blackmail Him, or try to manipulate Him, or try to flatter Him, we can never make God do something He is not doing. He will never do anything contrary to His nature.

Indeed, as James 5:16 teaches, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Prayer is mightily active, producing the desired effect, when it matches God’s own work; there is abundant profit or advantage in this type of prayer and no other. However, praying independently of the rightly divided Scriptures is truly a waste, for such prayer has no power of God to uphold it, and it proves our refusal to submit to His will for our lives. Let us see how our Apostle, Paul, prayed….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #163

Friday, November 6, 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?

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26,27). The indwelling Holy Spirit compensates for our “infirmities” (weaknesses, limitations) by conforming our hearts and minds to whatever sound Bible doctrine we have studied and believed. When we state, “I am at a loss for words in prayer, I know not how to pray or for what to pray,” He enlightens us according to the sound doctrine we have stored in our inner man. Therefore, if we have not steadily acquired sound Bible doctrine, He has nothing to use in us, which results in a lifestyle of Corinthianism (humanism, man-oriented) or Galatianism (legalism, Moses-oriented).

Again, “…we know not what we should pray for as we ought….” Remember, in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul incorrectly assumed his ministry would best be served and God would be most glorified if his thorn in the flesh were removed. The Bible was incomplete at the time, so more revelation from God came to him. We now have a finished Book, though we have yet to master it. Paul also had more spiritual growth to undergo, as do we. Ignorance and immaturity hinder effectual prayer!

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:13-16). If we truly let the Holy Spirit’s words in Romans to Philemon teach us how to pray as mature members of the Body of Christ, prayer will become beneficial instead of detrimental….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #162

Thursday, November 5, 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?

Denominationalists have been programmed to “pick and choose” assorted passages rather than regard contexts and do serious Bible study; this is particularly true with prayer. For instance, they cite Matthew 7:7,8: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Also, Mark 11:24: “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Plus, John 14:13,14: “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” These are truly wonderful prayer promises, and they are forever “named and claimed” in Christendom. Souls seize upon these Scriptures and ask for practically anything and everything, particularly miracle healings and material riches. Yet, they are so extraordinarily disappointed when no health or wealth comes! What happened? Was it a lack of faith? Yes, it was… for, in unbelief, they stole Israel’s verses.

The above prayer verses have limitations. “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7). “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him” (1 John 5:14,15). Asking in prayer must be “according to [God’s] will,” not our will, as Paul himself learned in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10! Moreover, Christ’s words must “abide in [us],” meaning we have to know what He tells us before we can expect Him to do something. Since “the Dispensation of the Grace of God” given to Paul governs God’s current dealings with man (Ephesians 3:1,2), we must appeal to Romans to Philemon to ascertain God’s words to and about us….

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 #161

Wednesday, November 4, 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?

Under the Law of Moses, hardships (sickness, drought/famine, pestilence, military defeat, exile, and so on) were signs of Divine displeasure, the LORD God unhappy with sinful Israel and punishing her. These various curses are meticulously itemized in Leviticus 26:14-46 and Deuteronomy 28:15-68. (Conversely, blessings were received for obedience, exactly as promised in Leviticus 26:1-13 and Deuteronomy 28:1-14.) Again, this is the agreement the Jewish people willingly made with God at Mount Sinai in Exodus 19:1-8.

As Saul of Tarsus, being a rabbinical scholar and religious fanatic, the Apostle Paul had grown up in Judaism and under the Law (Philippians 3:4-6). Watch how he suffers an enigmatic “thorn in the flesh” and repeatedly prays for deliverance from it—and be sure to note the Lord’s reply and Paul’s response. Second Corinthians 12:7-10 reads: “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. [Paul reacts] Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

Paul indeed received an answer to his prayer… just not what he expected. The Lord would not deliver him from that suffering. Prayer did not change Paul’s circumstances, but it did change Paul in his circumstances. The Apostle embraced a new outlook on suffering, for God showed how He had switched the program from Law to Grace. Behold! Contrary to what we learn in works-religion, prayer is not about manipulating God to do whatever we want. As mature people, we conclude that it is far better for us to pray in line with what God is doing, rather than assuming He is doing something else and praying in ignorance….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #160

Tuesday, November 3, 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?

Elijah the Prophet lived during great apostasy, Israel departing from the LORD. In 1 Kings 16:29-34, King Ahab and Queen Jezebel declared Baal worship to be the official state religion. This was an egregious violation of the Law of Moses! “And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word” (1 Kings 17:1). The duration of this drought and famine was three years and six months (Luke 4:25; James 5:17; cf. 1 Kings 18:1,2).

When James 5:16-18 indicates how Elijah “prayed earnestly that it might not rain” (and how “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”), it recalls that the Prophet had simply asked God to do what God had already promised to do in response to such idolatry! “And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full. Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; And then the LORD’S wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you” (Deuteronomy 11:13-17).

As the LORD’S preacher, Elijah knew the contract national Israel had made with JEHOVAH God at Mount Sinai. Disobedience meant wrath and judgment, so Elijah prayed to God what God had written centuries prior in the Law….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #159

Monday, November 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?

Our initial step in growing up with regards to prayer is to read and believe this: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We should never stop praying. If this is true, and it is, that means prayer is more than simply kneeling, folding hands, closing eyes, and bowing heads—otherwise, we would spend our entire lives on our knees, with hands folded, eyes closed, and heads bowed! Prayer is defined in the Scriptures as “pouring out our heart before the LORD” (1 Samuel 1:12,13,15; Psalm 62:8). Moreover, it does not necessarily have to be audible; we can pray quietly, inside, for God still hears us, as in the aforementioned case of Hannah (Samuel’s mother).

Mark it well. No matter the place on the Bible timeline, God speaks first and then His people talk to Him according to what He told them. Complications develop when souls either have no idea what God said (unawareness of the Bible altogether), or they believe they can apply to themselves what He told someone else (usage of the Bible, but no right division). Prayer must be done in faith, taking God at His Word. Therefore, we have to first know His Word to and about us before we can believe it and pray in light of it.

To see how prayer works, ponder the example of the Old Testament Prophet Elijah. James relates to us in chapter 5, verses 16-18: “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias [Greek version of his Hebrew name] was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.” What caused Elijah to pray these specific words? Of all the things that he could have asked, why did he articulate this? The only way to answer such inquiries is to search the Scriptures for cross-references, precisely what we will do now….

ARCHIVED: “Should Christians observe All Souls’ Day?”

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #158

Sunday, November 1, 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?

Prayer is an additional realm that is truly most perilous, for Christians and non-Christians alike. Seldom is anything known about it other than two instances of mindlessness. Firstly, there is the vain repetition of The Our Father Prayer of Matthew 6:9-13, recited over and over and over again today no matter the circumstances (church, athletic events, concerts, and especially medical emergencies, fires, and police investigations). Secondly, there is the taking up of a book of manmade prayers, endless chanting which can be reduced to nothing more than, “Gimme, gimme, gimme.” Save for these two cases, prayer is unfamiliar to most.

It is through prayer—yea rather, through a gross misunderstanding of it—that so many heresies and apostasies have overcome (thoroughly defeated) hundreds upon hundreds upon hundreds of millions. Adhering to their denominational suppositions, people expect God to prove Himself to them when they pray. In fact, they will even utilize prayer to “threaten” Him… for, if He does not give them their way, they warn that they will no longer believe in Him, or stop going to church, or no longer read the Bible, et cetera. Frankly, these are but little children, exactly like those sitting on Santa Claus’ lap and demanding he follow the wish list they have so meticulously laid out for him!

Brethren, until our dying day, or until the day the Lord returns for us, it would do us well to pray upon every remembrance, “Father God, deliver me from Bible ignorance!” This is far more important than most of the prayers Christians have offered for 20 centuries. If prayed sincerely, it would have spared us an incredible amount of headache, heartache, and heartbreak. Of course, in our sinfulness and willfulness, we have formed our own versions of prayer, utterly failing to align ourselves with a scriptural and dispensational view of it. This negligence has been quite costly, but, again, it is our fault rather than God’s. So as to remedy the situation, we have to start mastering the fundamentals of prayer, learning what our denominational leaders should have taught us but did not….

ARCHIVED: “Should Christians observe All Saints’ Day?”

Arrayed in Hypocrisy

Saturday, October 31, 2026

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity” (Matthew 23:27,28 KJV).

“Looks can be deceiving” is not only true during Halloweentime, but confirmed year-round within Christendom.

Today is Halloween, when children dress up and feign themselves to be creatures they are not. Likewise, many church leaders today wear “Christian” garbs, but their ministries do not bring the Lord Jesus Christ glory and honor. They promote their denomination, and seek to perpetuate it, rather than serve and exalt the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. The Bible manifests these who appear to be good, as “wolves in sheep’s clothing.”

In today’s Scripture, Jesus Christ exposed Israel’s corrupt religious leaders who misled the nation in His day. In His Parable of the Tares, Matthew 13:24-30,37-43, Christ explained how just as He had sown good seed (wheat, believing Jews) in Israel, Satan had also sown tares/weeds (unbelieving Jews). Tares resemble wheat; unbelieving Jews resemble believing Jews. The unbelieving Pharisees and scribes, for instance, looked like God’s people (believing Israel). Judas Iscariot was another example of Satan’s tares—the apostles never realized who Judas really was until it was too late!

But Satan’s counterfeit believers are not confined to Israel’s program. Today, within local assemblies of the Body of Christ, there are people feigning themselves to be Christians: “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

Beloved, beware of the church leaders who are arrayed in hypocrisy, “and avoid them” (Romans 16:17b). If their teaching does not agree with the rightly divided King James Bible, you have no business as a child of God to be listening to them.

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

You may also see our special study, “Should Christians celebrate Halloween?” In addition, “What does the Bible say about ghosts?”

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #157

Friday, October 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?

Brethren, whether false doctrine or worldly music, let us be sure we are neither “foolish” (senseless, thoughtless) nor “bewitched” (captivated, charmed, hypnotized, enchanted, fascinated) by the flesh (Galatians 3:1-3). Long ago, I was horrorstruck when browsing one church’s website. Its “worship leader” had named his “role models:” his musical inspiration came from three vulgar celebrity musicians (who will forever remain anonymous here)!

May we make sure the world does not influence us Christians to think about music contrary to God’s assessment. In some religious circles (which esteem [worship!] secular education), one needs to be a professional singer or trained musician before being seriously considered worthy of going up before their congregation. Yet, true worship of God is not learned in man’s classrooms. Just because sinners approve one’s exams and research—meeting an institution’s academic requirements—does not necessarily mean a person qualifies to serve in God’s ministry. No assortment of diplomas or degrees can ever fill anyone, or has ever filled anyone, with the Holy Spirit. Remember well certain “unlearned and ignorant men” who “had been with Jesus,” fishermen Peter and John being God’s mighty vessels in spite of their lack of schooling (Acts 4:13).

For 2,000 years, even though there has been so much folly and darkness, Christians have written and sung timeless or classic psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs worth memorizing and singing even now. If we are people mature in the rightly-divided Word, grounded in dispensational truth, it is quite easy to discern what is rubbish doctrine and what is rich doctrine. Let us also bear in mind that, regardless of what is being sung today for Satan’s glory, it will pass away in due time (its volume decreasing until heard no more). Simultaneously, the songs of the saints will reach their crescendo, permeating the Heaven and the Earth, as God’s eternal purpose is finally brought to fruition and Jesus Christ reigns as the Lord of glory for all ages to come.

We now shift our concentration to yet another topic worth straightening out in our minds and hearts….

ATTENTION: For more information, see our archived studies, “Which hymns are appropriate for us grace believers to sing?” and “Must I have a degree in music to sing or play an instrument at a local church?”

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

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #156

Thursday, October 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?

Reiteration is key, for the old maxim reminds, “Repetition is the mother of all learning.” Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)—courtesy of the 1960s–1970s Charismatic Movement—has now become the standard of nearly every church service. More weight is ascribed to sounds than sound doctrine. As walls vibrate, “Christians” (?) move their bodies indecently and foolishly. There is more entertainment than edification, as the lyrics are shallow, unscriptural, and un-dispensational. This is how Satan sabotages God’s ministry. It is not truly spiritual unless it conforms to Pauline revelation! “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant” (1 Corinthians 14:37,38).

Decades before “Contemporary Christian Music” inundated us, a minister astutely remarked: “The prevailing character of music in the worship of God should be vocal. If instruments are employed, they should be so subordinate that the service may be characterized as singing.” To wit, if you focus more on musical instruments than singing sound doctrine, that is the Devil. If engaging in worldly amusement is given precedence over using rightly-divided Scripture to praise the Lord, then that is the Devil. Run, flee, get out of there, and never return, dear friend! However, the majority have been (intentionally) programmed to go to church for entertainment anyway, so they will unconsciously keep going there. You can warn them to no avail; if they want it, let them have it! Contemporary Christian Music is known for its musical instruments rather than its singing—and it is definitely not known for its sound Bible doctrine.

Three elements of good music are: (1) lyrics, words, Bible verses from the Word rightly divided; (2) melody or harmony; and (3) rhythm or pulsation, beat, drive. Music that God accepts must come from a heart of gratitude, must be designed to reflect His thoughts and communicate His words and will, and must harmonize with what He is doing in creation. Otherwise, frankly, we are worshipping the Devil with our music….