RUSSELL SANDERS

12-1-2025

HAVE YOU ROBBED GOD?

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Malachi chapter 3 verses 6-11 tell us a lot. In verse 6, God says, “For I am the LORD, I change not.” God’s word, the Bible, sets the standard. Man’s standards change, but God’s standard is eternally the same. God holds His people to a higher standard than that of unbelievers because He is coming back for a bride (His church) who is without spot or wrinkle. (Ephesians 5:27).

So, what happens when His people (believers) have departed from His ways and expectations? We see His admonition in verse 7 which says, “Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, ‘Wherein (in what way) shall we return?’”

God answers that question in verses 8-11, “Will a man rob (steal from) God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say (or ask), wherein (in what way) have we robbed Thee? (You have stolen from Me) In tithes and offerings.”  Withholding even just a portion of the tithe is stealing from God.

Verse 9 says, “Ye are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed me…” The curse might manifest in various ways. It could be unexpected expenses, loss of income, afflictions of illness, or chronic diseases, loss of a family member, etc.

Verse 10 says, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, (so) that there may be meat (sufficient provision) in mine house, and prove (test) me now herewith…if I will not open (to) you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing…” 

When we honor God, He will honor us. The storehouse is the place of worship where you receive God’s word and His teaching.

What other promise comes with this? He says in verse 11, “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sake,” so that you will not suffer loss. What you have earned or whatever you have gained will be preserved to your benefit by God.

Failing to give your full tithe is a dangerous, disobedient act that opens the door to the devourer. Honoring God in your tithes, and in additional offerings (vs. 8) above the tithe brings both God’s blessing (vs. 10) and His protection. (v. 11.)

God is looking for a bride (His believers) who have followed His word. 

Claim your blessings and His protection if you tithe.

HELEN SANDERS

12-1-2025

WAITING IN THE DUGOUT

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On any team, whether it is football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, or any other type of sport, there will be those sitting on the bench because they are not the first starters.

It does not mean that they have not prepared and worked out and trained just as much as the first starters. It just means that they have not been proven as players yet as those that are in the game. They support the team whether they are in the game or waiting in the dugout.

These bench sitters in the dugout must practice and do everything that the first starters have done to play in the game. Just because they are “waiting in the dugout” does not mean they aren’t in shape.

We must see our lives the same way. We may not be called to the fivefold leadership, including the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher, but we must be ready to serve even though we are still sitting on the bench, waiting.

How do we do that? Well, it does not mean you sit around your home watching television, playing on your phone, or just being spiritually lazy. It means that you are studying the word of God; staying in an attitude of servanthood; praying; looking for opportunities to serve; and being ready when God calls you. If we are found faithful, God promotes us.

There are many that were waiting in the dugout in the sports world that were called to “play in the game” because a first starter got injured, or other reasons. It is their opportunity to be used by the coach, and might even bring them advancement. They stay prepared, ready to obey the coach.

In spiritual things we must always wear the armor of God, and are always prepared to be called off the bench and into the battle. As servants of the Lord, we must remember Ephesians 6:5, “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”

God looks for those that are faithful in the little things. Being found faithful by God brings promotion from the dugout and into the game.