RUSSELL SANDERS

11-5-2025

LITTLE DAVID

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As a child you might have heard songs about “little David and his sling.” We know little of his physical stature, but we do know he had a giant-size faith. He killed a lion and a bear, and the Philistine giant known as Goliath.

David did not start out as a giant killer. God developed him gradually as a shepherd boy protecting his father’s sheep. His growth was a process. God developed him slowly from that humble beginning to become Israel’s greatest king and a mighty warrior.

God develops us in much the same way if we let him. None of us start out as a strong man or woman of God. We get there little by little as we yield ourselves to Him. We are told this in Jeremiah 29:11 where God told the prophet that Israel would be developed toward “an expected end.”

God developed David toward an “expected end.” God will also develop you and me and others for his purposes as long as we listen to Him and yield to him. The Father gave all power and authority in heaven and earth to Jesus [Matthew 28:18] and Jesus delegated that authority to us through His name. John 14:12 says, “the works that I do shall he [us] do also, and [even] greater works…”

David’s legacy grew as Goliath and his four giant brothers were all killed during David’s reign.

God has given every believer on Jesus that “giant killing” authority through His name. We need never be defeated as we lean upon the name of Jesus and His authority. It is only in our weaker moments of doubt or questions that we allow defeat to enter in. 

Become a mighty warrior like David. Do it in the name of Jesus.

HELEN SANDERS

11-5-2024

GOD’S THOUGHTS TOWARD US

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Many parents have used a very dangerous approach in disciplining their children. They have told them that God has a big stick and will use it on them if they are not obedient. 

This approach causes young children to be afraid of God if they make a mistake. They are believing your lie.

The truth is this, God has good thoughts towards us even when we fail him and sin. 

The prophet Jeremiah dealt with the rebellion of Israel when they chose to follow idols instead of following God. They were taken captive into Babylon for their sin, but Jeremiah gave hope to them through a prophetic word. Even in their rebellious state he was led by God to say in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. [hope in the latter end of their exile].” 

This does not mean that God thinks it is okay to sin. Even in our sin God thinks good thoughts toward us and is long suffering toward us and desires that we have peace in our lives. He desires a better life for us.

If you have told your children that God is “going to get them” and used that to control them, then repent. God loves us. Remember, Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Yes, we discipline ourselves and our children, but we do it with love, not fear.