Notes of Faith February 16, 2026
Pastor’s Pen Pulpit
February 4, 2001
“GOD AND YOUR PRAISES”
Psalm 22:3
Our great God inhabits eternity. He inhabits His people. In Psalm 22:3 we read. . . “you inhabit the praises of Israel.” Here David says that God inhabits the praises of His people, Israel. What a statement! When God’s people praise Him, God’s presence is in those praises.
What’s true of Israel is also true of His people today. It’s neat to know that whether in darkness or light, when we praise God He dwells in the midst of that praise. Sometimes we (I) have a bit of difficulty in praising God when life is out of sorts. The comforting thing about this truth is that it doesn’t matter where you are in life you can be assured that God’s presence is your strength. It’s been difficult for me to grasp this truth. For the past 20 months or so my life (since June of 1999 when a major stroke caused loss of physical movement, loss of voice, strength, ability to serve God as he had previously) has been turned upside down. I’ve had to literally force myself to praise God in this time of trial.
Some of you, no doubt, find yourselves in trying circumstances and right now you are having some difficulty praising God. Let me encourage you to force yourself, if necessary, to praise your God. It will do wonders for you. According to Hebrews 13, praise is a sacrifice. Anything that is difficult for the Christian is a sacrifice. Jesus constantly praised His Heavenly Father. He is our great example. From the stable to the cross, praise was on His lips. Let’s follow His example. God bless.
Love to you all,
Pastor Charles Covington
“Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me.” The salvation and redemption of mankind was only possible through the sacrifice of the Perfect Lamb, a once for all sinners to have opportunity to be saved through faith in Jesus! He continued saying, “not My will but Thine be done.” Jesus was praising His Father in heaven and their perfect union sustained Him.
John 12:27-28
27 "Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 "Father, glorify Your name."
John 18:11
the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?"
John 6:38
I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
John 10:17
17 "For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again.
Matt 26:28
28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.
Let us give glory to God, giving praise for the sacrifice of His only Son, that we might have eternal life in Jesus’ righteousness and forgiveness through faith in Him and His perfect sacrifice for our sin against our Father in heaven!
Pastor Dale