RUSSELL SANDERS

1-30-2025

A DOWNCAST SOUL

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“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.”

This verse is very significant in teaching the proper response to the despondent (cast down) soul of a believer. It is repeated word for word three times (a significant number) in Psalm 43:5, 43:11 and 44:5.

I like the easily understood rendition of the NIV of these three verses, “Why, my soul are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my savior, and my God.”

Have you ever felt “down in the dumps?” Or in despair? Feeling at a loss? Or that something has slipped away? Depressed? What is the remedy?

The verses give you the key. Look to God and begin to praise him. You might say “I don’t feel like praising him” or simply “I can’t praise him.” I understand that, but that is why it is called in Hebrews 13:15, “the sacrifice of praise,” because a sacrifice is not easy. But if you choose to make that sacrifice (a choice of your will, your soul), you will find that it makes a remarkable difference. God responds to your praise because he cherishes it.

How powerful is praise? Psalm 149:6 says, “Let the high praises of God be in (your mouth) and (as) a two-edged sword in (your) hand.” Verses 7-9 go on to say that it destroys every device of Satan that tries to bring you down: despondence, depression, despair, self-doubt, discouragement, the downcast feeling.

You must trust the Lord and praise him whether or not you understand it.

“Praise him, praise him, Jesus our blessed Redeemer. Sing, O earth, his wonderful love proclaim.” These are words of a hymn we used to sing in church. Daily let us praise him!

HELEN SANDERS

1-30-2025

TRANSFORMED

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Romans 12:1-2 tells us, “1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

We are to place our lives spiritually on the altar of God and present ourselves to God. We do this as an act of love, and we do it while we are still alive. It is a living sacrifice, not a sacrifice that involves physical death or self-inflicted flagellation [beating or cutting ourselves or causing physical harm to ourselves to get God to love us].

Transformation comes as we spend time in the Word of God. Through the reading of the word, faith is developed. We also learn what is right and what is wrong [sin]. Our old sin nature comes under the control of our spirit as we study the word of God. Our renewed born-again spirit controls us rather than our old sin nature. Through this process, we have crucified the flesh.

Is your mind being transformed? Just like a caterpillar in a cocoon becomes a butterfly, change must take place. The word of God acts like a washing machine. As we read the Bible, we begin to see ourselves the way God sees us. The word brings conviction [not condemnation] of those areas in our lives that have been controlled by sin. As we repent of our sin, and ask God to forgive us, then our mind is washed of the filth and dirt that we put into it. It becomes transformed. 

Your life will never change without the mind being changed or as God says, transformed. Allow God’s word into your life, and you will see change [transformation] will take place!

APOSTLE PAT MURRAY

PROPHETIC EXHORTATION

Never fear about leaving everyone and everything in the hands of an all knowing God. Just keep holding on and fully trusting Him; For God knows what to do and when to do it. “Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.” (Psalms 37:5)

Inner Decisions! HCC

As you look around you, so many things

You see and hear. All of us so different;

All of us with each a different feel, a gift,

Unique to ourselves. Tune into your inner heart.

Let your God talk to you each day. Yes, God

Will direct your ways. He knows who you are.

He will speak to help you make those inner

Decisions. Don’t choose to be someone

Other than who you really are. For you are a

Star of God. Shine your gifts, your talents,

Your giving, and enlighten God’s World,

All coming from your inner self.

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