RUSSELL SANDERS

2-4-2025

GIVING UNTO THE LORD

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We are instructed in Proverbs 3:9 to “Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of ALL thine increase.” We are to give offerings to the LORD [and to His works] of everything that comes into our hands. This applies not only to the tithe, but to all other blessings of increase as well.

When we obey this command, verse 10 gives us a promise of prosperity. It says, “So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Malachi 3:11 says that God will rebuke the devourer for our sake when we tithe.

God rewards obedience. The person who says, “I have too many bills to pay. I cannot afford to tithe.” The devourer will steal from that person what they do have. Not only are they disobedient, but they lack understanding of the scripture and of God’s ways.

God brings abundance in many different ways to those who willingly give of their substance to Him. In fact, you cannot outgive God when you give with a glad heart.

2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give. Not grudgingly, or of necessity [because he feels obligated], for God loveth a cheerful [willing] giver.”

God will give to you in more ways than just material things. You will reap peace, joy, harmony, love, and many other intangibles. Your family [spouse, children] will also be blessed.

God owns all our increase. We just give Him back a small portion of what is rightfully His, and we steward the rest of it.

HELEN SANDERS

2-4-2025

THE FEEDER

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My daughter and her husband bought me a bird feeder for Christmas. It has a security camera in it so if a bird comes to the feeder, it lets me know. It took over two weeks before the first bird came. It was a bluejay. Then others came. It was so much fun seeing them.

Then, something happened. For over a week no birds came to the feeder. I watched and watched, and looked at the app, but no birds.

Yesterday I asked Russell to pray that birds would come, and a bluejay came. This morning, I prayed and there were more birds that came to the feeder. There was a robin, a finch, a sparrow, and a bluejay.

As I was thinking about watching for the birds, I wondered how God feels. Does he watch us as we go to the word and “feed” our spirit? Does it please him when we do? How does he feel when we neglect to go to his “feeder” and partake of his spiritual food?

I personally think it grieves God when he puts the Word of God in our path, and we neglect it.  John 6:35 says, “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”

I happen to believe if we aren’t “hungry” for the word of God we need to check our hearts and ask God to forgive us. God’s word is never “stale.” It is fresh every day. It feeds us and gives us direction. Do not neglect to come to the feeder!

APOSTLE PAT MURRAY

PROPHETIC EXHORTATION

Just remember when one door closes, another door will open for you in God’s timing. However, we sometimes look so regretfully at the closed door; Until we don’t see the one that is opening up right before us. Now I’m sure we all know someone who’s still doing that today. The sad thing is that in doing so they’re not even aware of what it could mean to their future. Just perhaps we should give it some careful and prayerful thought and ask ourselves…Are we doing the very same thing? Well…Are we? Are you? If so I pray God bless you and keep you safe on this your journey of life’s many unknowns.

 Endurance! HCC

Faith endures problems. Endure the best

You can, knowing God is with you. He is with

You through it all. Life is not easy, but your Lord

Is your guide and stay. He is with you through

Each night and walks with you every day.

His Bible speaks to your mind, gives you solace

And peace in all kinds of troubles.

Remember the endurance of the Lord, as he died

Upon the Cross. He endured beatings, flogging,

A crown of thorns on his head. What endurance,

What a Savior, and all for our forgiveness.

Oh, how much he loves us, he always has,

He always will. Let’s love him back today,

And let’s endure and pray,

To see more of HCC's beautiful poems on YouTube click here