RUSSELL SANDERS

11-11-2025

LEAD ME O GOD

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Psalm 139:23-24 days, “Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked [unrighteous] way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Lord, lead me, and help me to follow you. Psalm 139:9-10 says, “If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” 

Psalm 139:13 says, “For thou hast possessed my reins. Thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.” 

Psalm 139:16a says, “Thine eyes did see my substance yet being unperfect [unmade], and in thy book all my members were written…when as yet there was none of them [made].”

My paraphrase of Psalm 139:23-24 is, “Search me, O God, and see my heart, my spirit. Purify my thoughts. Lead me in the way of everlasting life with you.”

Lead me, O God. Let me walk daily with you.



HELEN SANDERS

11-11-2025

GOD’S WELFARE PLAN

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In light of the recent government shutdown the Lord spoke to me this morning. As of today, the shutdown has been stopped, but the Lord has shown me that this is a temporary reprieve. According to statistics, 19% of Americans are on welfare. When we look at the population of the United States, there are over 340,000,000 Americans. If we look at 19% of that total, we see a staggering over 65,000,000 people that are on welfare, which includes food stamps and other government assistance.

Can you even imagine the chaos that would happen if that many people were left without any way to get food? Yet is it the government’s responsibility to take care of these people? 

I would have to say the answer to that question is a definite “no.” God never intended for the government to be our source.  He gave his life for his church, and the church is the place where people should be getting help.

Sadly, most churches do not have the resources, or if they do, they are not using it to help the widows, feed the orphans, and give aid when necessary. But there is also a biblical principle that provides the help. 

Paul wrote in 2 Thessalonians 3:8, “Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you.” In other words, Paul worked and paid his own way for his ministry. He did not expect anyone to pay his way. Only one church supported him financially, and that was the church at Phillipi. [Philippians 4:15)

The principle goes further in 3:10, “For even when we were with you, we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” In other words, if you are able to work you should work and provide for yourself and your family. There are exceptions, but there are many that are receiving welfare fraudulently because they are capable of working.

Then, the other principle is one that needs to be taught and acted on by every Christian. We are told in Malachi 3:10, “Bring ye all the tithes [one tenth of your increase either in money or goods] into the storehouse [God’s storehouse – the church or synagogue] and prove [test] me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I  will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

If every Christian tithed off their income there would be no shortages. The church would have enough money to help the widows and those in need. Sadly, statistics show that only 5-15% of Christians tithe. That means up to 85% of the body of Christ do not support their local church.

If Christians followed the instructions in the Word and gave their tithes and offerings joyfully, there would be no need for government welfare programs. There would be food banks in churches, and there would be enough for all those that need help. The church was never intended to be a holding tank for the monies received. It is a conduit between God and man. We build the kingdom of God by being the feet, arms, voice, and compassionate hearts to reach those in need, whether in the body of Christ or without.

Will these percentages change? I do not see it happening. Because of this there will be future conditions in our country that will cause chaos, rioting, and persecution like never before. Be prepared for extremely hard days.