Category: coveting

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #120

Tuesday, September 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?

John 12:1-8 reports: “Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.”

Indeed, as the Apostles’ treasurer, Judas Iscariot was the most trusted—yet, he was nothing but a hypocrite and common thief. Seemingly interested in helping the poor, he only wanted to help himself, being just another embezzler trying to pass himself off in ministry as a “servant of the Lord.” Dear friend, do you happen to know anyone in religion today who claims to “care for the poor” (who goes on and on and on about “the poor,” “the poor,” “the poor”) but whose church, denomination, or theological system hoards wealth untold? See, the people who built those institutions were duped, tricked, cheated (and in doing so they became “the poor” themselves!)—but they will never (!) admit it because they are too embarrassed! They still think constructing steeples, shrines, cathedrals, belltowers, and religious schools automatically equates to worship of God, but they are woefully ignorant that it is worship of Satan without any underlying sound Bible doctrine.

Moving away from money matters (we withhold further commentary on it), we now tackle yet another grossly misunderstood subject of Scripture….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #119

Monday, September 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?

A dear Christian friend notified me that his (now-former) pastor had made him an offer. If my friend brought more visitors to the church, the preacher promised him a percentage of the new profits. Upon hearing it, my friend was in complete disbelief and, thankfully, had enough spiritual discernment to part from such a “minister!” It is definitely not a sin to have money. Nevertheless, if viewing such earthly treasures from that (usual) worldly perspective, wealth becomes one of the most dangerous possessions. “The love of money”—not money itself—“is the root of all evil,” 1 Timothy 6:10 declares (and be sure you quote that correctly, knowing the context is about men changing doctrine for the express purpose of appealing to a broader audience, thereby increasing revenue for their manmade theological system).

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:23,24; cf. Mark 10:23-25; Luke 18:24,25). That context is about an extremely wealthy young ruler who declined to part with his worldly possessions; he had no use for God and no interest in righteousness, for (in his own eyes) he was self-sufficient! “The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit” (Proverbs 18:11). “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon [Aramaic; wealth idolized/personified]” (Matthew 6:24; cf. Luke 16:13).

Our materialistic society (including Christendom!) needs to read and re-read and re-read Proverbs 4:7; Proverbs 8:10,11; Proverbs 10:2; Proverbs 11:4,28; Proverbs 14:20; Proverbs 15:16,17,27; Proverbs 16:8,16; Proverbs 19:4; Proverbs 20:15; Proverbs 21:6; Proverbs 22:1; Proverbs 23:5,23; and Proverbs 28:6,11,22. Had they really known and believed these verses in their soul, they would have spared themselves an unfathomable amount of pain and suffering….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #118

Sunday, September 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?

Read Philippians 4:10-18: “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 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. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.”

At the end of the Acts period, when Paul was awaiting a hearing before Emperor Caesar, the Apostle stayed for two years in his own hired house (house-arrest) at Rome (Acts 28:30,31). During this time, the Philippian Christians sent a material gift (“things”) to him through a messenger named Epaphroditus—money, food, clothing, and/or other essential possessions (inferred from the context). Paul expressed gladness and thankfulness to receive it. He in no way desired a gift or felt greedy, but he desired fruit that would abound to their account (Philippians 4:17). That is, by participating in his ministry in this manner, they were accumulating a spiritual reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ (see “…he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully” in 2 Corinthians 9:6). Giving under grace is a portion of their—and of our—Christian service, and we can rest assured God will not forget to pay us back in the spiritual realm….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #117

Saturday, September 19, 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?

Once, I asked a local religious leader about an infamous clergyman in his denomination who had recently cheated parishioners out of millions of dollars. He had enjoyed a life of opulence in a mansion and was now under investigation for personally spending that money meant for charity. The local religious leader with whom I was conversing expressed no disapproval or disgust (perhaps he was guilty of the same?!), but retorted sarcastically, “I wish ___ would give up his mansion!” He named a notorious false teacher whom he had wrongly assumed I supported, so, imagine his utter shock and absolute silence once he heard my sudden answer: “I wish he would, too!” Beloved, let it be distinctly understood that pointing fingers at one extortionist in no way diminishes or pardons the transgressions of another. Both are avaricious charlatans, and, one day, both will stand before Almighty God to account for every last penny they embezzled “in the name of Jesus.”

Early in my ministry, a young preacher related an interesting story to me. Several years before, he had grown up in a church where their pastor had been involved in underhanded bookkeeping just before retiring and moving far away. Incidentally, a few years later, I went to a Bible conference at that same building—and the retired pastor was a guest speaker. Walking in the parking lot, I noticed he was driving a very expensive vehicle. My mind wondered if that high-priced car had been purchased with the money he was accused of pilfering! After listening to his sermons and reading his books, I realized he should have spent more time studying and believing sound Bible doctrine than indulging in the sins of the flesh. He had taken some extremely bizarre positions, and deceived me for a short time.

When preaching on giving, a pastor friend of mine mentioned how there were people in the room who wanted to give to God’s work, but could not because they were too much in debt (having spent all their money on sin/Satan). Of course, at the other extreme is people who can give but give nothing because of worldly-mindedness. Frankly, in light of eternity, both categories are most foolish….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #116

Friday, September 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?

Like the tiny Book of Jude, the epistle of 2 Peter is devoted almost exclusively to exposing false teachers (those who communicate bad or untruthful information, chiefly in the religious realm). Their various characteristics are enumerated so those interested in the truth can be competent in identifying these participants of the Antichrist’s campaign (yet future, when Satan’s lie program reaches its apex). How the Devil interacted with God’s people Israel in time past will be repeated in the ages to come; there is a looping effect, large-scale events having been previewed or rehearsed on a smaller scale as far back as centuries or millennia prior.

In Numbers chapter 22, Balaam was a quasi-false prophet whom Moabite King Balak had hired to curse Israel (Balak feared Israel would defeat him militarily, so he resorted to this underhanded tactic to destroy them). However, the LORD prevented Balaam from saying what sinful words he had been paid/rewarded to speak. Prophetically, standing for the Antichrist is Balak, and representing the False Prophet is Balaam (cf. Revelation 2:12-14,20-24 [cf. Numbers 25:1-3]; Revelation 13:1-18). While all the details of these phenomena are beyond the scope of this study, suffice it to say that—again—there is an appetite for gain (money, fame, whatever). Take Peter’s commentary first: “Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet” (2 Peter 2:15,16). Draw your attention to “loved the wages of unrighteousness,” as in delighted to receive compensation for committing sin. Now, compare that to Jude’s statements: “Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core” (Jude 11). Did you see “greedily” and “reward?”

Like back then, and what will be again, business-minded men are using religion to worship and promote self (and all sorts of other idols too). For the sake of our own spiritual health, we ought to be on the alert even in mystery….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #115

Thursday, September 17, 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?

Micah 3:11, circa 700 B.C.: “The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.” Ancient Israel’s political and religious leaders were more concerned with receiving bribes and monetary gain than upholding and preaching the truth. Roughly 1100 B.C., the Scriptures relate: “And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre [money, profit], and took bribes, and perverted judgment” (1 Samuel 8:1-3).

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily [sneakily] shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious [destructive] ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned [insincere] words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not” (2 Peter 2:1-3). The sense of “make merchandise of you” is “use you to make a profit” (gaining your money, attention, trust, and so on—having first “coveted” [2 Peter 2:14]); it is the Greek “emporeuomai,” from whence English derived “emporium.”

In Acts 8:9-25, Simon the sorcerer had so captivated the Samaritans with “miracles” that they assumed this servant of Satan was a servant of God! (His “witchcraft ministry” actually previews the Antichrist.) When Simon noticed how Apostles Peter and John imparted the Holy Ghost via the laying on of hands, he offered them money to “buy” that power from them. It is a reasonable inference that Simon had extorted much wealth from the Samaritans, so he had plenty to give Peter and John (who nevertheless declined)!

Again, let us be wise about money matters….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #113

Tuesday, September 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?

Materialism and covetousness are so widespread in countless churches and “Christian” schools that people wonder if they should fund the preacher’s/teacher’s lavish lifestyle or pay their own bills. They suppose they can add another “0” to their donation so as to avert God’s disfavor. Or, consider the man who gave $10,000 (!) a (!) month (!) to his megachurch. He told his Christian stepmother that he had to give it to get to Heaven (what was he learning at that “church?!”). She tried in vain to convince him otherwise. As far as we know, he died in his sins… just as lost as the poorest pauper in Adam!

It is nobody’s business what amount we give to God’s ministry. Nevertheless, denominational boards have presumptuously reviewed personal financial/tax records to see who is giving what—and to reprimand contributors who fall short of that anticipated precious 10%! A man once explained how he, in frustration, stopped attending his feel-good megachurch. They had just constructed a 3,000-seat auditorium, so the preacher constantly begged for tithes and offerings to pay it off. A dear Christian friend informed me that his denominational church (which he has since left) placed the names of large financial donors on a sign for everyone to notice. If the praise of men is our incentive to give to God’s ministry, beloved, we should not give a single penny. A gift donated with that attitude—even if billions of dollars—will be absolutely worthless at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Are they really upholding sound Bible doctrine when they refer to “raising money” for “ministry” and “missions?” Or, are they just seeking funds for the proselytization of people so their denominations can increase membership (which individuals are still unsaved!). We should always cheerfully give of our resources to support God’s ministry, but let us be sure that we are backing God’s work rather than the Devil’s! It should be a legitimate grace ministry, teaching the Word of God rightly divided and clearly preaching the Message of Grace. If not, we ought not waste one cent giving there or one second going there….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #102

Wednesday, September 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?

The Holy Spirit requires the bishop (overseer, leader) and the deacons (his assistants) of the local church to be men “not greedy of filthy lucre” (1 Timothy 3:3,8) and “not given to filthy lucre” (Titus 1:7); Peter stated how the elders of believing Israel in 1 Peter 5:2 were to serve “not for filthy lucre.” Read Titus 1:10,11: “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision [Jews]: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.”

“Lucre” (think, “lucrative”) is “gain” (money); “filthy” means “ill-gotten,” wealth obtained immorally or dishonestly (thievery). “Greedy of” and “given [inclined, disposed] to” intensify the action, rendering it synonymous with covetousness. Men in ministry are described and cautioned thusly in 1 Timothy 6:6-10: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (The “all evil” of verse 10 is the various false teachings in verses 3-5, views adopted to broaden one’s audience and thereby maximize profits! Recall Titus 1:10,11.)

To be blunt, denominations are money-making schemes. There is no better way to make a scam sound more convincing than if a Bible verse is cited, and passages about tithing are quoted continuously in religious settings. We do not doubt for even a millisecond that tithing is Scriptural. Howbeit, what matters is: Is tithing dispensational? To answer this question, we have to remove any denominational eyeglasses we might be wearing, for they distort our vision and cause us to see things not there. What is tithing? What is it not? As we stay silent, the Bible speaks and has preeminence….

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….

Asset or Liability to the Establishment? #9

Monday, August 4, 2025

“[Our Lord Jesus Christ] Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:…” (Galatians 1:4 KJV).

Are we assets or liabilities to Satan’s Establishment?

Ephesians 4:17-21: “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, to work all uncleanness 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:….”

When a Christian lives in the energy of the flesh, he or she is just as useful to God as a lost person (non-Christian) is. Why? Both people are separated from God’s life. An ignorant Christian is just as useful to God as a lost person (non-Christian) is. Why? Both people are isolated from God’s thoughts. The separations are positional for the lost person and practical for the Christian. Moreover, the Christian living “at Corinth” is no bother to Satan. The Christian living “at Galatia” is no bother to Satan either.

A Corinthian will readily see the error of the Galatian, but not his own faults. A Galatian will spot with ease the error of the Corinthian, but not his own faults. The mature Christian recognizes both. Living apart from Christ’s life, the Corinthian engages in human evil—idolatry, theft, fornication (habitual sexual misconduct, especially outside of marriage), coveting, reviling (insulting language), extortion, drunkenness, homosexual behavior, and so on (see 1 Corinthians 5:11; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Living apart from Christ’s life, the Galatian participates in human “goodness”—rites, rituals, ceremonies, self-righteousness, commandment-keeping, including holy meals, confession of sins, fasting, water baptism, physical circumcision, kosher food laws, prayer recitation, and so on (see Galatians 3:1-3; Galatians 5:1-3).

Neither Corinthian living nor Galatian living is Christian living—both are man living, Adam living, not Christ living. If it is not Christ living, it is no bother to Satan, for Adam living enhances and extends Satan’s work. Christ is set aside, and man gets all the attention. It is man’s efforts, man’s intellect… man, man, MAN….