RUSSELL SANDERS

11-6-2025

FEAR NOT

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Yesterday, my wife brought a small wooden box over to me and told me to open the lid. When I did, out popped a rat. It scared me for a moment until I realized it was a rubber toy rat. My fear was unfounded, yet it was very real for a moment until I saw it for what it was. My wife meant no harm to me by this, and we both laughed hysterically and have continued to laugh over that event.

This is what Satan tries to do to us. He will cause a very negative condition or circumstance to come upon us and uses it as an attempt to control us with fear. Jesus conquers fear, as also does our Heavenly Father who protects us.

In Isaiah 41:10, God said, “Fear not; for I AM with thee. Be not dismayed; for I AM thy God. I will strengthen thee. Yea, I will help thee. Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Mark 4:37-41 tells of Jesus and his disciples being in a boat during a severe storm that threatened to sink the boat. Jesus had been asleep, and the disciples awakened him. He then rebuked the storm and the wind and water became calm. They no longer feared the wind or water because they were calm but were fearful of Jesus for his ability to change the weather. [vs. 41]

The “fear” of Jesus was a reverence for his demonstration of power and authority. They no longer feared the elements when He was present.

We need not fear the physical elements or our environment either. Put all your trust in the Lord, and He will protect you and guide your pathway [Proverbs 3:5-6].

Fear not. Fearfulness comes from the dark side. We have overcome fear through Jesus.

HELEN SANDERS

11-6-2025

EXERCISE YOUR FAITH

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Exercise for most people is something that they do not enjoy. It takes effort! It is much easier to not exercise. Yet, when the body gets weak it is often because it has not been exercised.

I have seen a lot of fat dogs where I live. Their owners often take them for rides in their golf cart, and the dogs love that ride. Yet, it is not giving the dog or its master any exercise. They might be getting some fresh air, but that is about it. A healthy body needs proper food and exercise to keep it in the best shape possible. Exercise is a choice.

As I was thinking about this, the Lord showed me that the church, which is the body of Christ, is also weak because it has not exercised. People want to be fed constantly so they “feel good” but they are not taking what they have fed and exercising their faith. Many are only Sunday Church goers; and want to be fed a sugar-coated message to make them feel good when they leave church. This leads to spiritual gluttony.

Exercise for a Christian is often painful if one hasn’t been used to spiritual exercise. You can be sure that you will make excuses; like I am too tired to do anything for God, or I am too old, etc. This is why the body of Christ is weak. We need to be fed and then take what we have been fed and exercise our gifts out where it is needed in the world, not in the pew.

Our country is in a chaotic state and needs a spiritual blood transfusion. People need to exercise their faith and share the gospel. They need to pray with people for healing. They need to get out of their comfort zone and do something with their faith.

James, Jesus’ brother said in James 2:17, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone [in itself.]”  

Jesus asked a question in Luke 18 about the unjust judge. He said in18:8b-9, “…Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others.”

We must be found faithful when the Lord comes back. We must not bury the gifts he has given us in the ground. We must be about the Father’s business while we can, wherever we can. 

Exercise your faith my friends and also exercise your body. Be in the best shape physically and spiritually that you can be for the Kingdom.