Category: Satan and Policy of Evil

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #6

Friday, May 22, 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, not only should you be vigilant as to what you are taught (and, by extension, what you believe), you ought to take heed regarding with whom you associate. For example, observe this timeless advice: “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul” (Proverbs 22:24,25). Emotionally-unstable people are poor role models for anyone and everyone who happens to become acquainted with them. They will negatively influence you, so avoid them. When in doubt, try it out!

Reflect again on the sad state of affairs at Corinth. These Christians had befriended those who lacked doctrinal integrity, religious leaders (false apostles, heathen philosophers, et cetera) who did not teach them “wholesome” (healthy, clean, nourishing) information. Hence, the Corinthians were living in the very depths of sin and ignorant (unknowing) of God’s words and will: “Be not deceived [led astray, fooled, tricked]: evil communications [relationships, companionships] corrupt good manners [conduct, living, habits, customs]. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame” (1 Corinthians 15:33,34). Nearly 2,000 years later, the Corinthians’ shameful errors are still weakening and devastating the professing church because it has habitually engaged in “evil communications” (sinful alliances).

Indeed, we are living in a dangerous time socially. Your friends will either take you up with them, or bring you down with them. People are not necessarily what they appear to be. Not everyone has your best interests in mind. Be careful as to whom you let live with you and allow to ride in your vehicle, and always be aware if they are leaving something behind that might get you in trouble. Above all, be quite wary of whom you date, and be extremely cautious as to whom you marry and have children with. These (!) decisions (!) will (!) truly (!) have (!) lifelong (!) consequences (!).

We can further “cleanse [our] way….”

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #5

Thursday, May 21, 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?

“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,…. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen…. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate [worthless, unapproved] mind, to do those things which are not convenient [fit, proper];…” (Romans 1:21,22,25,28). “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity [emptiness, briefness] 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 [wild/crazy/loose living], to work all uncleanness with greediness” (Ephesians 4:17-19).

Like all ancient Greeks, the believers at Corinth were fanatical about man’s wisdom (1 Corinthians chapters 1–4). Hence, they were warned: “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified… And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:1,2,4,5).

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7). To varying degrees, each part of the world’s educational/philosophical/religious systems is but “man’s wisdom” (humanism, man reasoning about life apart from the Creator God). Matriculating in advanced education—particularly high school and beyond—you must bear this in mind and guard against it….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #4

Wednesday, May 20, 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?

Though high-school graduation is approaching, or you are pursuing post-secondary education (university, college, trade school, apprenticeship, and so on), you still might not know your field of study with certainty. All is well, for, so long as you endeavor to find your way, you will eventually do so. Just remember to make sure you are not wasting time by competing with others to see how many degrees/skills you can obtain. As you journey, losing will be just as important as winning.

Notwithstanding what you may think and what others tell you, you do not have to be “number one” in everything you do. Actually, humbleness will bring you far. You will always find someone smarter than you, quicker than you, more studious than you—just like you will always find someone with less intelligence than you, less speed than you, and less diligence than you have. Pride is known as “the condemnation of the devil” (1 Timothy 3:6), for it was Satan’s original sin in Isaiah 14:12-14 (“I… I… I… I… I”) and Ezekiel 28:11-19 (“thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness”).

“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward [perverse] mouth, do I hate” (Proverbs 8:13). “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2). “Only by pride cometh contention [argument, strife, conflict]: but with the well advised is wisdom” (Proverbs 13:10). “In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them” (Proverbs 14:3). “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty [arrogant] spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). “A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit” (Proverbs 29:23). Instead of pride, have “all lowliness” (Ephesians 4:2), “lowliness of mind” (Philippians 2:3), “humility of mind” (Acts 20:19). “…[B]e clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).

Let us proceed to another life lesson….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #3

Monday, May 18, 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?

Mark it well! No amount of education, no amount of money, no amount of social connections, no amount of business success, no amount of trophies and awards, no amount of romance, no amount of religion, no amount of self-effort and self-esteem, no amount of entertainment, no amount of legislation, no amount of scheming, no amount of pacifism or war, no amount of philosophy, no amount of activism, no amount of denial or skepticism, no amount of soul-searching, no amount of experiments or scientific research, and no amount of promises can solve the greatest dilemma of our species—the sin problem. Look around at our world. We are naturally flawed. If human history has proved one fact, the deliverance we need cannot and will not be found in ourselves or anyone like us! The sooner we learn this, the better off we will truly be. In fact, the Bible confirms what we already know by experience, but we are most reluctant (and too stubborn) to admit it.

The problem does not lie with or in the Holy Bible; it lies within us. Behold! The Bible’s solution to sin is what is known in Acts 20:24 as “the Gospel [Good News, Glad Tidings] of the Grace of God.” Here is that Gospel message: “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Only a few weeks prior to my seventh birthday, I was most fortunate in life to see how I needed to trust the Lord Jesus Christ alone as my personal Saviour. Almost 31 years later, I have come to see He is still the only answer to our sin problem. Dear reader, I would strongly encourage you with, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).

Friend, perhaps you have already noticed that people disappoint you. Why should you expect this? Remember, you disappoint yourself, and they are just as human as you are! Therefore, you ought never trust yourself and you should never trust people. You should, however, trust Jesus Christ in Christians, for He alone will never let you down….

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

Continue #10

Friday, May 15, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

For over a decade in my denominational system, I was comfortable in ignorance and childishness (the death of my Christian life)… but that all changed when two faithful brethren gave me the Bible verses I needed to recover myself out of the snare of the Devil (the revival of my Christian life). For almost 20 years now, I have striven to pass on to others what saved me from spiritual kindergarten, that any poor souls willing to listen and believe may come unto the knowledge of the truth as well.

“Continue” distinguishes between the Christian life surviving (it working as God intended) and the Christian life dying (it separated from its function). Those who “depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrine of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1) have no one to blame but themselves. They did not remain with the Dispensation of the Grace of God the resurrected, ascended, and glorified Lord Jesus Christ delivered them through the Apostle Paul’s ministry of Romans to Philemon. Having the completed Bible canon and the indwelling Holy Spirit to teach us, we have no excuse whatsoever for being unaware, immature, or deceived.

“Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:15,16). To “meditate” is “to revolve in the mind, think deeply about, care for, attend to carefully.” Stated another way, Timothy is to contemplate what he has been given in the epistle of 1 Timothy (and 2 Timothy, its companion). Along with the two Timothy Books, Titus and Philemon form the four Pauline pastoral epistles—the handbooks of the local church. Pastors and teachers would do well to concentrate on those four formal doctrinal letters, that they minimize what the Devil does in their assemblies and among their congregants. They should give themselves wholly (completely, entirely) to these words of God’s grace. Let us do likewise, brethren, also depending less and less on man’s intellect and man’s ability. 🙂

Continue #9

Thursday, May 14, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

The sequel to 1 Timothy is 2 Timothy. See 2 Timothy 2:24-26: “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” The description “those that oppose themselves” refers to believers who did not continue in grace thinking and grace living; the Christian minister is to teach them sound doctrine, attempting to give them what is necessary to escape Satan’s trap. Today, the professing church overall finds itself in such a snare.

If only we would have continued in the grace principles of Romans to Philemon, our tens of thousands of legalistic denominations that confuse us would have never been started. We would have victorious Christian living—instead of the darkness, blindness, and ignorance that discourage and defeat us. If only we would have continued in the fruit of the Protestant Reformation, the King James Bible, our hundreds of perverted (Roman Catholic) modern English versions that corrupt our minds and deceive our hearts would have never been translated or purchased. If only we would have continued in sound Bible doctrine and the power of the Holy Spirit, we would have surely had enough sense and might to oust our pastors and teachers who were not serving the Lord Jesus Christ. Our church buildings would have never been transformed into the social clubs that they are today and our schools would have never become the breeding grounds for apostasy, heresy, and worship of man’s wisdom that they are today.

Doubtless, none of these problems are God’s fault! They are entirely our fault! Friends, we must accept total responsibility, accepting the blame that is rightfully ours and ours alone. Perhaps there is someone reading this who is now aware of the gravity of the situation. The sooner we learn the problem, the quicker we can solve it.

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

Continue #8

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

Contemplate the words of 2 Timothy 3:14-17, an excerpt from the companion Book of 1 Timothy: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

Timothy had a believing Jewess grandmother and a believing Jewess mother, as 2 Timothy 1:5 makes manifest: “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.” Apparently, these two women raised Timothy (“from a child”), the boy having an unbelieving/Gentile father. Timothy would have grown up with a Hebrew Bible, our Old Testament of Genesis to Malachi. By the time Paul passed to preach in (teenager/young adult) Timothy’s neighborhood (Acts chapters 13 and 14), Timothy became a believer in Christ. When the Apostle returned to the area a few years later, he took Timothy along with him as a ministry helper (Acts 16:1-3).

Whatever sound Bible doctrine Timothy had learned from his grandmother and mother, whatever he had learned from Paul, he was to “continue in [those] things.” The Colossians were exhorted or encouraged to likewise “continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel” (Colossians 1:23). In the midst of fighting with legalists or Law-based teachers at the Jerusalem Conference of Acts chapter 15, Paul and Barnabas and Titus continued in grace doctrine so it would “continue” with the Galatians (Galatians 2:5), for any apostolic abandonment of grace would stimulate the Galatians themselves to abandon grace….

Continue #7

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

Following Paul’s lengthy non-legalistic (verses 38,39) sermon in the synagogue of Antioch of Pisidia (central Turkey), Acts 13:43 tells us, “Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.” Ministering later in the same area, Barnabas and Paul went about “confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith,…” (Acts 14:22).

Re-read Acts 20:28-30, Paul guiding the church leaders of Ephesus: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” There is a warning to “take heed” (watch out, be careful, exercise caution) here, and the Apostle repeated it years later in today’s Scripture when writing to Timothy who was serving as pastor in Ephesus (cf. 1 Timothy 1:3). In Acts chapter 20, the church leaders are to “take heed” regarding themselves and their congregations.

The Apostle’s counsel resumes: “Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:31,32). Satan’s work will go in the world and in the local church until Christ’s return, but we can prepare for it and act accordingly so as to minimize it. By teaching “the word of [God’s] grace,” we lessen the effectiveness of Satan’s lie program. Conversely, if we do not understand the Word of God’s Grace (which can only be identified via dispensational Bible study), then we teach denominational absurdities and thereby further Satan’s lie program….

Continue #6

Monday, May 11, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

For a moment, think of the prophetic program of Acts 3:21. Overall, Israel did not continue in the Divine revelation given them through their Old Testament Prophets or Hebrew Bible, the Books of Genesis to Malachi (refer to Moses’ words in Deuteronomy 4:1-10). However, regarding Israel’s believing remnant, the Little Flock of Luke 12:32, the Messianic Church of Matthew 16:18, the “church” (“called-out group belonging to the Lord”) in Acts 2:47, the Bible reports in Acts 2:42: “And they continued stedfastly [firmly/resolutely, were unwavering] in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Though national Israel was under Satan’s influence and thus apostate (standing away from the truths of JEHOVAH God, the LORD God—chiefly, committing the sin of refusing Jesus as their Messiah), a believing remnant within it was following Christ’s 12 Apostles’ teachings.

As touching our mystery program of Romans 16:25,26, Satan’s present evil world still convinces individuals to abandon the right side of issues and go over to the wrong side. Sometimes it is inadvertently or mistakenly, people just being so utterly clueless that they have no spiritual stability and therefore believe practically anything they hear from religious leaders. The graver situation, the more serious matter, is how certain others have made a conscious choice to believe and teach lies. Paul advised the elders of Ephesus: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse [distorted, corrupted] things, to draw away disciples after them [to gain a following, to start a cult!]” (Acts 20:28-30).

False teachers will not continue in sound doctrine, and, unless we continue in sound doctrine, we have no option but to become their victims….

Mother: A Virtuous Woman

Sunday, May 10, 2026

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10 KJV).

Today is Mother’s Day, so we dedicate this devotional to godly women (specifically mothers). I especially dedicate this to the virtuous woman who has been in my life for almost 38 years… my mom!

Today’s Scripture is the first verse of the Bible’s “Virtuous Woman” passage (Proverbs 31:10-31). King Solomon explained that the virtuous woman:

  • has a husband who safely trusts in her (verses 11,12).
  • is not lazy, but is strong because she works to feed and clothe her family and herself (verses 13-19,21,22,24,25,27).
  • pities the poor and needy (verse 20).
  • has a husband who is well-known because of her godly lifestyle (verse 23).
  • opens her mouth with wisdom, and speaks kindly and lovingly (verse 26).
  • has children and a husband who praise her (verse 28).
  • excels in what she does (verse 29).
  • has works that praise her (verse 31).

Verse 30 explains the virtuous woman is “a woman that feareth the LORD.”

The Apostle Paul wrote that godly women should: not slander/gossip, not be controlled by alcohol and emotions (sober minded), be teachers of good things, love their husbands and children, be cautious and modest, maintain the home, be “good,” and should obey (respect) their husbands… “that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:3-5). A Christian woman, especially a mother, should be a virtuous woman in beliefs as well as in deed. She needs to set an example for her children (especially her daughters).

A Christian woman and/or Christian mother places her faith in this sound Bible doctrine, the indwelling Holy Spirit will then take that doctrine and transform her for God’s glory (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Her mind will be renewed by sound Bible doctrine, and that will transform her outward activity (Romans 12:1,2).

Are you a Christian woman or Christian mother who desires to be the woman God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO OUR READERS WHO ARE MOTHERS!

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

Archived: “What does the Bible say about motherhood?”