Month: November 2026

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #171

Sunday, November 15, 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?

Two of the most critical verses touching prayer are: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication [praying for specific needs] with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7). By God’s design, prayer alleviates worry or anxiety by making us concentrate on that which is spiritual, invisible, and eternal—as opposed to fretting about the visible, temporary, “here and now” (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Our “hearts” (emotions) and “minds” (intellects) are thus “kept” (guarded) through Christ Jesus’ mediatorship (His life in us). Along with the Word of God, prayer is a weapon that protects us from Satan’s attacks: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;…” (Ephesians 6:18, noting verses 10-17). Once we have peace with God by believing the Gospel of Grace (Romans 5:1; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4), we can then enjoy the peace of God, knowing the God of peace is truly with us (Philippians 4:9) and strengthening us by His Spirit in our inner man (Ephesians 3:16).

Again, while Paul’s circumstances did not change—that is, he retained his enigmatic “thorn in the flesh” and a variety of other suffering—prayer did reinforce what the Lord taught him about sufficient grace (2 Corinthians 12:7-10; cf. 2 Corinthians 1:3-11). The Apostle has, as well as we have, been given resources in Christ to endure all situations or occasions (both good times and bad). “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:11-13).

Rather than being detrimental (courtesy of denominationalism!), prayer becomes beneficial….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #170

Saturday, November 14, 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 friends, in the extremely (!) rare (!) event that we so desire the Lord Jesus Christ to teach us how to pray as touching the Dispensation of the Grace of God, we simply acknowledge what He prays through our Apostle Paul (Ephesians 3:1,2; cf. Acts 26:17,18; cf. Matthew 10:40; Luke 10:16; John 13:20; Romans 11:13). Observe how Paul made sure he prayed with understanding (1 Corinthians 14:15); for him, prayer was way more than speculation, submission to emotional impulses, or speaking as a robot. It was thoughtful responses to what God had made known to him!

Of course, remember, our primary Pauline prayer patterns are Ephesians 1:15-23, Ephesians 3:14-21, Philippians 1:9-11, and Colossians 1:9-11. The Apostle continually prayed for believers as he recalled them, expressing thanks for them (Ephesians 1:16; Philippians 1:3-8; Colossians 1:3,4; 1 Thessalonians 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:3-5; Philemon 4-6) and being particularly joyful if they had attained spiritual maturity. He also prayed to be able to reach them with sound Bible doctrine so they could grow up further (Romans 1:9-12; 1 Thessalonians 3:10), rendered completely set apart unto God’s purposes (1 Thessalonians 5:23; cf. 2 Corinthians 13:7; 2 Thessalonians 1:11,12). Moreover, he prayed for the salvation of lost Jews (Romans 10:1-4), whom he had led astray in early Acts when he himself was lost. He also asked believers to pray for him and his ministry coworkers (2 Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 6:18,19; Philippians 1:19-21; cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:25), that he and his ministry survive attacks from unsaved Israel as well as that believing Israel accept his alms (Romans 15:30; cf. Philemon 22), that the Word of the Lord have “free course” (unhindered progress) and be glorified/exalted (2 Thessalonians 3:1; cf. Colossians 4:3).

We are encouraged to “continue instant [constantly persisting {intensification}] in prayer” (Romans 12:12; cf. Colossians 4:2; cf. 1 Timothy 5:5). Such includes praying for all people, especially for our leaders, that they be saved from their sins by trusting Jesus Christ alone as their personal Saviour and then come to the knowledge of the truth by believing dispensational Bible principles (1 Timothy 2:1-7). At this point, our freedom from denominational shackles has been secured….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #169

Friday, November 13, 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?

“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God” (Colossians 4:12). Prayer is a work; the Greek word translated “labouring fervently” here originated “agonizing.” It is what Christians (not lost people) do to reinforce what God has told them. They use prayer to apply to life by faith the sound Bible doctrine the Holy Spirit teaches them. Comprehending this, Epaphras prayed for his fellow Colossians to “stand” (continue) “perfect” (of full age, mature) and “complete” (lacking nothing) in all God’s will—in total agreement with what He is doing and wants to do in and through them. Again, if more pastors and teachers would have prayed likewise, our churches and schools would be far more aware of God’s present plan revealed in mystery truth. In contrast to Bible babies still nursing on milk bottles, more believers would have reached spiritual adulthood!

Luke 11:1-4 reports: “And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:9-13, a different context, is a fuller version of this “Our Father” Prayer.) One of Christ’s followers wanted to learn how to pray, and Christ taught him and the rest. Even though this prayer’s contents are often mindlessly repeated as though they apply to us today, a careful study of them yields this fact. They have a prophetic significance in Israel’s program, not pertaining to what God is doing with us the Body of Christ now in mystery.

Howbeit, the Lord will teach us how to pray, and that through Paul our Apostle….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #168

Thursday, November 12, 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?

Read this excerpt from the Sermon on the Mount: “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:5,6). Public prayer was not condemned; publicized prayer was denounced, for it was useful in ancient Judaism to draw attention to self. The longer one prayed, the “more spiritual” one seemed (cf. Matthew 23:14; Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47). Actually, the Pharisees were known for praying for several hours while standing, skillfully positioning themselves in places where crowds would naturally gather and stare in admiration! Even now, public prayer can be so abused.

Indeed, elaborate public prayers are indications of scant or nonextant private prayers. Over these many years, I have heard ministers deliver extended benedictions, protracted eulogies, and other prolix speeches—including reading pre-written sentimental prayers from books. The verbosity suggests it was not spoken from the heart; it was merely a mechanical copying of someone else’s compositions. As a little boy, I learned in Sunday School (in a denominational church, of all places!) that a brief prayer before eating was sufficient. It shocked me at the time, but my teacher was absolutely right. All that is needful is giving God thanks for food (1 Timothy 4:3-5). It is totally unnecessary to pray for this, pray for that, pray for this person, pray for that person, as well as utter additional petitions before closing a prayer to start a meal. (Remember, your food is getting cold!) Long ago, sitting with a grace pastor to eat at a restaurant, I heard him say succinctly, “Thank You, Lord.” That was all, for that was all that was necessary.

Our public prayers ought to be clear (not baffling) and concise (not longwinded)….

The Greatest Veteran

Wednesday, November 11, 2026

“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 KJV).

Today is Veterans’ Day in the United States, so let us especially thank the “Greatest Veteran of All Time.”

We thank veterans, living and departed, the often-forgotten men and women who risked their lives to secure our freedom. Just as we remember flesh-and-blood veterans who fought for our physical liberty, we reserve our worship and utmost respect for the least esteemed Veteran, He who secured our spiritual liberty.

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). Through Christ’s finished crosswork on Calvary, we have eternal victory over sin, death, hell, and Satan. Everything that God has planned for us is dependent upon Christ’s victory at Calvary.

Jesus Christ nailed the Mosaic Law to His cross (today’s Scripture). His sinless blood covered our failure to obey God’s laws; Jesus’ righteousness annulled our unrighteousness (sin). Christ not only liberated us from sin and its penalty (the everlasting lake of fire), but today’s Scripture affirms He also triumphed over Satan himself!

Christ has “spoiled [destroyed] principalities and powers [Satan’s power], he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it [His cross].” Jesus Christ destroyed Satan’s plans. Through Christ’s cross, God has “delivered us from the power of darkness” (Colossians 1:13), Satan’s evil system of Ephesians 2:1-3.

During a recent cemetery visit, I noticed American flags flying above deceased veterans’ headstones. These individuals can no longer hear or regard our thanks, but Jesus Christ’s body is not decaying in some tomb. If there ever was a Veteran most worthy of our gratitude, it is our Lord Jesus Christ. Though He died in battle, allowing Himself to be executed on a Roman cross of shame and scorn, He resurrected. He is alive and well today, alive forevermore!

Saints, eternity will ring with our thanks to the Veteran worth thanking, the Lord Jesus Christ.

*Adapted from our 2010 Bible study, “The Greatest Hero.” The Bible study video can be viewed here.

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #167

Tuesday, November 10, 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?

We must repeat for emphasis. The four large model Pauline prayers—Ephesians 1:15-23, Ephesians 3:14-21, Philippians 1:9-11, and Colossians 1:9-11—should serve as our primary prayer patterns. If we pray what our Apostle Paul prayed, we are praying as God Himself in Paul prayed for us (the Body of Christ). Those prayers will always, always, always, always be answered!

However, when we in “but now” pray according to “time past” promises, Scriptures to and about Israel, we create difficulties that should not be there (and are, in fact, not there in God’s program). This is our fault, not God’s. Nevertheless, since He does not give people their way, they retaliate by accusing Him of negligence. He was expected to do what they wanted instead of do what He wants. God is the Creator, so He makes the rules. Yet, our sinful flesh strives to be independent of Him. Evil exists because people choose to disobey the LORD God, attempting to use feeble efforts to generate their own “life” without Him. Therefore, we tend to make our own prayer life, and wind up in more trouble than we could have ever imagined. (Is that not so?)

Denominationalists have devised an extremely clever method to try and get away with their delusions as touching prayer. In fact, they have even deceived themselves. They assume they can cite Hebrews 13:8 or Malachi 3:6 to justify a faulty assumption (“God is still doing today what He did in history!”); Paul learned otherwise in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (!). Of course, they readily admit we would be foolish to prepare for a global flood by building an ark as Noah did, and freely tell us it is inappropriate to offer animal sacrifices as Moses commanded—but they are so fixated on their religious fervor that they disregard these changes in God’s dealings with man. They strive to convince themselves (and us) that He will cater to their every whim and hunch, even going to great lengths to uphold their denominational systems. Let us beware of them….

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

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #166

Monday, November 9, 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?

Read two additional large model Pauline prayers the Holy Spirit has preserved for us in the Scriptures. “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9-11). “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;…” (Colossians 1:9-11). These too are for empowerment and enlightenment.

Whether Ephesians 1:15-23, Ephesians 3:14-21, Philippians 1:9-11, or Colossians 1:9-11, the Holy Spirit in Paul our Apostle prays for us members of the Church the Body of Christ to grow up. Here is God’s overall will for us, and we should agree with Him as we pray this for ourselves and others. These petitions involve us moving from darkness/ignorance/immaturity into having a firm foundation in grace principles. When brought to pass, we know exactly what Father God has done for us to begin our Christian life (past), what He wishes to do in us so we can enjoy the Christian life (present), and what He will do through us in the ages to come as we bring Christ’s life into the heavenly places (future). This is what our pastors and teachers should have prayed for us these last 2,000 years. Alas, the vast majority of them were too busy teaching us manmade prayers that got us nowhere, building their denominations and promoting their theological systems (where darkness, ignorance, and immaturity naturally prevail)!

Thankfully, Pauline prayer will deliver us if we let it, and our prayer lives can actually begin to be pleasant for once….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #165

Sunday, November 8, 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?

Observe two large model Pauline prayers the Holy Spirit has preserved for us. “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all” (Ephesians 1:15-23).

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Ephesians 3:14-21).

These are for empowerment and enlightenment….

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….