Notes of Faith January 20, 2026

Notes of Faith January 20, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

May 21, 2000

“REMINDERS THAT COUNT”

II Peter 1:1-15

2 Peter 1:1-15

1 Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.

12 Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. 13 I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind.

Daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, reminders play an important role in all of our lives. The reason is: we forget. What do we forget? We forget birthdays, anniversaries, important dates or occasions. Therefore, we have to be reminded. The Scriptures stress the importance of being reminded in the things of God. Note the features of II Peter 1:1-15. Let’s analyze this passage with a series of questions.

1. Do we need to be reminded (vs. 12, 13, 15; 3:1)?

Note the repetitions in these verses. No less than five times Peter stresses that reminders are important - even crucial.

2. What do we need to be reminded of (vs. 1-11)?

• Privileges - (vs. 1-4). Privileges of faith, knowledge of God, Divine power, precious promises, partakers of the Divine nature. Beloved, do we take these blessings for granted? We have a tendency to, I’m afraid. Read through this section again. Think through these privileges carefully.

• Responsibilities (vs. 5-11). The main responsibility listed here is that of pursuing spiritual growth (vs. 5-7). We don’t just float into growth. There are some things that we have to take action on. If not, then life is marked by fruitlessness. Let’s not take our Christian responsibilities lightly.

3. Who needs to be reminded (v. 12)?

New believers need to be informed. Believers who have knowledge and are doctrinally stable need to be reminded. The Greek word for “know” in verse 12 means fullness of knowledge. It also was used to speak of someone traveling with a full load. These believers were in a settled state or condition. We in the Grace Brethren Church are extremely well taught. Better than most! Therefore, we need to be on the alert. The enemy of our souls is out to undo that if he can.

4. Why do we need to be reminded (vv. 13; 3:1)?

The truth is immovable. We are not. The only way a Christian can maintain a healthy, stable, fruitful life is to be in constant contact with the only thing that is stable: The Truth of God!

5. How often do we need to be reminded (vs. 13, 15)?

It is incumbent upon every communicator of the Word of God to be consistent and repetitious in their presentation of truth. It is necessary for all believers to take care that they are careful listeners to the truth.

Closing Thoughts - We cannot take Christian privileges and responsibilities for granted. Review and keep on reviewing. These believers evidently had not been reviewing what they had been taught. Beloved, let’s not make that same mistake.

Love to you all,

Charles Covington

Eph 4:11-16

He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

Our privileges and responsibilities come from God and the gifts that He gives those who believe and obey His commands. The church is the body of Christ and like unto our bodies having many parts, uses, and abilities. We need everyone in the body of Christ to function as a healthy church, each doing their part well to the benefit of the whole body. We need to be reminded regularly that every part of the body is important to function properly, to grow toward maturity in Christ, to be an effective witness for Christ in the community that He has place us. Let us remember and consider often the privilege of being called a child of God and also remember the responsibilities that go with the privilege. Let us pursue maturity in Christ, THAT WE MIGHT KNOW GOD, and SERVE HIM in all that we do and say through the interactions with those around us.

Let us be careful to REMEMBER…

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith January 19, 2026

Notes of Faith January 19, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

May 14, 2000

“SERVING IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING”

I Peter 4:10-12

It is not by accident that the passage on serving God (vv. 10, 11) occurs in the context of verse 12:

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing happened to you.

Suffering is designed to press us into service. Verses 10 and 11 deal with the subject of spiritual gifts. A spiritual gift is a capacity for serving God.

QUESTIONS ABOUT SPIRITUAL GIFTS - verse 10

1. Who has a spiritual gift? “As each one of you has received.” Each believer has at least one spiritual gift. I Corinthians 12 is a Biblical commentary on gifts and their usage.

2. When did you receive your spiritual gift? I take it as being when you were saved - “as each one has received.”

3. What are we to do with our gift? Employ it in serving one another. My gift is for your benefit as your gift is for my benefit.

4. What is the nature of our gifts? These are grace gifts - “as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” The gifts are not ours. They belong to God. They have been granted to us to manage for Him.

THE CLASSIFICATION OF GIFTS - verse 11

1. Speaking Gifts - For a list of the speaking gifts see I Corinthians 12. “Oracles of God” Speaking gifts are to be exercised in the context and content of the Word of God.

2. Serving Gifts - Serving gifts are also listed in I Corinthians 12. They are to be exercised in the strength supplied by God.

THE ULTIMATE PURPOSE OF THE GIFTS AS THEY ARE EXERCISED IN THE CONTEXT OF HIS WORD AND IN HIS STRENGTH - verse 11

So that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

• These are His gifts.

• We are His people.

• It is in His Word and by His strength that we are to serve.

• He gets the glory. None of it belongs to us.

So beloved, if you are suffering today, let God use it to press you into serving Him!

Love to you all,

Charles Covington

1 Cor 12:4-11

4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

Our gifts from God are given that we might bless others! Let us use them to bless and glorify God!

Rom 8:16-17

16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Phil 1:27-29

27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 in no way alarmed by your opponents — which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. 29 For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake…

2 Tim 1:12

2 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

2 Tim 2:3

3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 3:13-17

13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.

Rev 2:10

10 'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Ps 100

100 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.

2 Serve the Lord with gladness;

Come before Him with joyful singing.

3 Know that the Lord Himself is God;

It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;

We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving

And His courts with praise.

Give thanks to Him, bless His name.

5 For the Lord is good;

His lovingkindness is everlasting

And His faithfulness to all generations.

Matt 5:10-12

10 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

We have an enemy that tempted mankind to disobey God and literally destroyed the perfect life that God intended for us. In His grace and mercy God provided a way to pay the debt of our sin that we could never pay…the perfect sacrifice of the Son of God, Jesus the Christ, that we might be redeemed to a glorious and perfect eternal life. How could we not be willing to suffer at the hands of our enemy for the glory of God?! Praise Him in and through your suffering and give Him glory for the complete work of Jesus that we might be saved, sanctified and glorified!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith January 18, 2026

Notes of Faith January 18, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

April 30, 2000

“WHY CHRISTIANS SHOULD NOT WORRY”

Matthew 6:24-34

Someone has said, “Worry is like a rocking chair: it will give you something to do but it won’t get you anywhere.” The Greek word for “worry” means “to pull in different directions.”

In Matthew 6:24-34 I find five reasons why God’s people should never worry. I would like to discuss each reason briefly.

1. Worry is unreasonable (vv. 24, 25)

The argument is simple. It is unreasonable to expect that you can serve two masters. Either God is a priority in the life of a person or material things. You can’t serve both and God tells us not to worry.

2. Worry is unnecessary (vv. 26-28)

a. As illustrated by birds (v. 26) The believer is more important to God than birds. God feeds the birds. We are worth more than birds.

b. As illustrated by flowers (vv. 28, 29). The lilies of the field are clothed with God’s glory - more so than King Solomon. They do not struggle nor strive. He will take care of our needs.

3. Worry is unproductive (v. 27).

Living in anxiety cannot enable you to grow spiritually or otherwise.

4. Worry is un-Christ-like (vv. 31, 32).

Unbelievers naturally get overly concerned about life’s needs. God’s people have a resource that non Christians know nothing about. In fact, God has full knowledge of our needs. For Christians to worry projects a bad testimony, shows lack of trust. The unbeliever notices this.

5. Worry is unable to change the future (v. 24).

Anxiety about tomorrow can’t change tomorrow. Take care of the problems that you face today. Every day has enough problems of its own.

So beloved, what is the solution (v. 33)? Follow hard after God and the things of God every day of your life. He will take care of your needs and all of these things will be added to you.

Love to you all,

Charles Covington

Matt 6:33-34

33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

34 "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Our trust in God must exceed our human tendency to fret, worry, even making ourselves physically ill over things which we have little or no control. God is sovereign and watches the birds and flowers, calls the stars of the sky by name; are we not more important to God, He having created only us in His image?

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith January 17, 2026

Notes of Faith January 17, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

Easter Sunday, 2000

“THE POWER OF HIS APPEARING”

I John 3:2-3

Have you ever given any thought to the awesome power of our Lord’s appearing? That power is seen in I John 3:2-3. In verse 2 John calls attention to our glorious position:

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that when He appears, we shall be like Him because we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

Two points loom large and clear in this passage: one future and one present.

1. The power to change us.

“When we see Him, we shall be like Him.” Note what John says - when we see Him. There is something marvelous about seeing our Savior. There will be transforming power at the sight of Him. This is unexplainable. The molecular structure of our bodies will be completely altered when we see Christ. All imperfections of our present state will vanish in an instant of time. Paul says in I Corinthians 15:

Mortality will put on immortality.

Sown a perishable body - raised an imperishable body.

Sown in dishonor - raised glory.

Sown in weakness - raised in power.

Sown a natural body - raised a spiritual body.

What this means is that at the first sight of the Savior, a glorious, miraculous transformation will take place. By and large our bodies will be just like His, only each of us will retain our individual identity.

Yes, the power to change us. But wait! What should that Blessed Hope do for us in the present? This brings us to the second aspect of the Power of His Appearing.

2. The power to challenge us.

“Everyone who has this Hope purifies himself just as He is pure.” There is something magnetic about the coming of the Lord. A drawing power. A desire and determination to take the initiative in seeing change take place in our lives now, to take note of the impurities in our thought life and attitude - then to submit to His authority and let Him replace those imperfections with His perfection. There is something wonderfully comforting and challenging - not in just knowing what He can do but in submitting to His ability and willingness to make us over. Just remember, He always knows what is best for us and He will never hesitate to take what we present to Him and overhaul it (Romans 12:1, 2.)

So beloved, this Easter let us contemplate the power of His appearing to change us and let that glorious reality challenge us in our present circumstances.

Love to you all,

Charles Covington

Rom 12:1-2

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Phil 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Eph 3:20-21

20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

If we will submit our will to God and ask for His grace in transformation of our daily walk, He will supply all that we need to be more like Christ, day by day!

May we hear His voice of encouragement and challenge “to be holy as He is holy” as we encounter all things in this life! May you know well His mercies that are “new every morning”!

Perhaps our Lord and Savior will return today!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith January 16, 2026

Notes of Faith January 16, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

April 16, 2000

“A PSALM OF TRUST” - conclusion

Psalm 27

A STANZA OF COMFORT (vv. 7-10)

David pleads to be heard. There were times when David, no doubt, felt totally alone with his problems (familiar)? There were times when he prayed and there was no immediate answer from God.

David pleads to be helped and remembers how God has seen him through in the past. And finally David is assured that if the last bastion of help and hope from human sources fail him - God will never fail. What a comfort!

A STANZA OF CHALLENGE (vv. 11-14)

Keep an open mind to the Lord (vv. 11-12, Luke 11:4)

• “Teach me thy way” - a request for knowledge.

• “Lead me in a level path” - a request for wisdom.

• The Christian’s demeanor should be right on - clear cut - straight - without ambiguity and unquestionable.

• We should be easily read.

• Worldly critics we have with us always.

• We should seek to live life along the plain path - be transparent.

• Don’t give the critic any legitimate grounds for censure.

This requires knowledge of God’s way and wisdom to walk in those ways. We must keep an open mind to the Lord.

Keep a positive outlook on life (v. 13)

• The only way that a believer can keep a positive outlook on life is by faith.

• Faith looks at God’s faithfulness to His people.

• Faith understands God’s character - that He is good and does good.

• David was supported solely by his faith in a loving and good God.

• David believed that He would see the good hand of God in his life because he had seen the good hand of God in his life countless times before. His faith had a precedent.

Keep a patient disposition (v. 14)

• “Wait” means to hope or to be convinced that a thing will be brought about and then to wait steadily and patiently.

• Waiting is always easier when you know that your waiting will be rewarded.

• God has never let you down. Has He brought you up to this moment in time? Then why should you doubt that He will take you through this experience and on to the next one (Phil 1:6)?

Beloved - David’s challenge is to:

Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage,

And He shall strengthen your heart.

Wait, I say, on the Lord.

Have a blessed week. Love to you all,

Charles Covingron

James 1:5-6

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Matt 5:14-16

14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

1 Cor 15:58

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

Rom 8:24-25

in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

Remember – God has provided and taken care of you throughout your days on earth. He will continue to do His work in you and through you as you pursue intimacy with Him. Let us love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and our neighbor as ourself!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith January 15, 2026

Notes of Faith January 15, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

April 9, 2000

“A PSALM OF TRUST” - continued

Psalm 27

The Test of Confidence (vv. 2-3)

Note the mounting crescendo of opposition against David. Often there seems to be a mounting crescendo of opposition that we face whether in the form of people or pressure of circumstances. And, alas, very rarely does the individual wave break upon our life. Many times they are followed by others.

James speaks of this gathering storm in James 1:2. Paul addresses it in Romans 8:35 and Job experienced it in Job 1:2 suffering the loss of animals, servants, children, and health. We may liken it to the buildup of the surf.

In spite of all this opposition, David said, “I shall be confident”

(see Romans 8:31-39).

Safety does not consist in the absence of danger - but in the presence of God.

A Stanza of Commitment (vv. 4-5)

• Confidence leads to a greater commitment. David’s desire was to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life. The House of the Lord was the tabernacle/temple - the place in the Old Testament where a godly Jew went to learn of God and to serve Him.

• To behold the beauty of the Lord, which is pleasant, good, or full of grace (cf Phil. 4:8). The character of God is attractive. Individual colors of a rainbow have a certain beauty, but it is when all the colors are seen in their blended radiance that we really see the intrinsic beauty of the rainbow. To behold the beauty of the Lord is to study His multi-faceted character.

• To inquire in His temple. David had committed himself to becoming acquainted with God and His ways - of loving the things of the Father - of feeling familiar and at home with truth (see Luke 10:42, Phil. 3:10-14, Col. 3:1-4). This exercise builds trust and confidence. You can trust someone only as well as you know them. This explains why David can make the statement in verse 5, “In time of trouble He shall hide me.”

David’s Praise of the Lord (v. 6)

David’s confidence in and commitment to the Lord results in praise. “I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.” We Christians are to offer the sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15). There is power in praise (II Chron. 20.)

Beloved - we can come to God’s Word depressed and go away rejoicing and ready to take on the world. Fear and inner turmoil subside as we tap into His presence. I challenge you this week to spend quality time in the Word.

Love to you all,

Charles Covington

If our desire is to be in the presence of God we should live daily as if we are now in His presence, for indeed we are. God is…and all things are under His sovereign control. He knows the end from the beginning, aware of all circumstances in our lives before a word of creation was spoken! Let us trust in the Almighty!

Rom 12:1-2

12 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, (READ YOUR BIBLE) so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith January 14, 2026

Notes of Faith January 14, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

April 2, 2000

“A PSALM OF TRUST”

Psalm 27

God created man with a wide range of emotions. Under various circumstances we express these emotions. Some are stronger and more pronounced than others. One of the stronger emotions is fear! In fact, fear is the first emotion expressed by man following his fall into sin (Genesis 3:10).

Fear is good if it is the right kind of fear. Proverbs 1:7 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”

Fear is a natural human emotion - the natural response to human tragedy. We experience fear in a state of uncertainty about certain things. We experience fear when we come to grips with our inability to cope with present or potential problems. Just facing life itself often brings fear.

If we put all of these into a boiling pot, they would boil down to one thing: Fear results when our personal preservation or the preservation of loved ones is threatened! Fear comes in the wake of life’s threats. The key is, what do you do with it? Do you live with it - or do you turn those threats and fears into a challenge - a challenge to trust God? “What time I am afraid I will trust in Thee” (Psalm 56:3a).

A STANZA OF CONFIDENCE (Psalm 27:1-3)

In Eccl. 4:12 we see the basis for David’s confidence - “A threefold cord is not easily broken”. It is a three-fold cord of God’s grace that holds David in the grip of stability.

“The Lord is my Light” - first strand

• The Lord becomes the personal and present need of His people (I John 1:5).

• The first thing God said was “let there be light” Genesis 1:3. Light is our essential need. There has to be light as a basis for any kind of meaningful existence.

• For a Christian to exist in a world of hatred, darkness and confusion, we have to have God’s mind, God’s perception of life. We have to have God’s illumination in our own personal affairs (I Cor. 1:30, 2:16, James 1:5).

“The Lord is My Salvation” - second strand

• Salvation - “deliverance, safety, health” (Webster’s Dictionary). In the context, David’s salvation took the form of deliverance from danger. David was being delivered from danger all his life.

• Salvation for the believer is a package. Christ is our salvation from eternal danger (Eph. 2:8, 9). Christ is our salvation from present danger (I Cor. 1:18).

• There is a sense in which the believer is experiencing God’s deliverance throughout the entirety of his life. Deliverance from self doubts, fear, uncontrolled emotion, internal conflict. These things are more devastating than human enemies could ever be.

“The Lord is the Strength of My Life” - third strand

• Cities of refuge were places of safety or protection in the Old Testament (Numbers 35:65). Our “city of refuge” is found in Proverbs 18:10 & 11 and II Cor. 10:5.

• The Lord is the believer’s defense from a vicious, unseen enemy (Eph. 6:10-17).

Beloved, what is the basis of our confidence? Where do we put our trust?

Love to you all,

Charles Covington

Ps 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation —

whom shall I fear?

Ps 119:105

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet

And a light to my path

Ps 56:3-4

3 When I am afraid,

I will put my trust in You.

4 In God, whose word I praise,

In God I have put my trust;

I shall not be afraid.

What can mere man do to me?

Isa 12:2

2 "Behold, God is my salvation,

I will trust and not be afraid;

Ps 27:1

the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Phil 4:13

13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Pastor Charles was a great preacher of God’s Word. I pray that God helps me to continue in his footsteps of powerful preaching!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith January 13, 2026

Notes of Faith January 13, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

March 26, 2000

“GROWING WISE”

Proverbs 2:1-5

Every sensitive Christian has at least a modicum of desire to know the heart and mind of God. Wherever that desire is present, God will fulfill it. Proverbs 2:1-5 deals with the question, “How may I acquire an intelligent knowledge of God; a knowledge upon facts; facts that lead to discernment and understanding?” In contrast we see the unbeliever’s attitude toward God in I Corinthians 2:14.

The Starting Place:

True wisdom and knowledge begins and ends with truth - the intake of truth from the Word of God and outflow of truth through the child of God (Matthew 4:4).

The Process for Attaining Wisdom:

1. Take God’s Word personally - v. 1

• We receive it - Luke 8:13

• We treasure it - Matthew 13:3-8, 18-25

2. Pay attention to God’s Word - v. 2

• Make your ear attentive. Force yourself to hear what God is saying. Matthew 11:15

3. Pray over God’s Word - v. 3

• Pray for illumination which shows a deep inner hunger for a knowledge of the truth.

That hunger is expressed in fervent petition to God for illumination. James 1:5

4. Really dig into God’s Word - v. 4

• Prayer alone does not bring satisfaction and illumination but must be accompanied

by personal persistent Bible study.

Four requirements for hunting treasure are:

1. The promise of discovery.

2. Having the necessary equipment.

3. Having the necessary will and desire.

4. Applying personal energy and effort in using the equipment.

The fruit of our efforts are:

“Then you will understand the fear of the Lord” - v. 5a

“And find the knowledge of God” - v. 5b

The Bottom Line - You get out of a thing what you put into it!

Beloved, how diligent are we in searching out God’s truths?

Love to all,

Charles Covington

Ps 1

1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,

Nor stand in the path of sinners,

Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

And in His law he meditates day and night.

3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,

Which yields its fruit in its season

And its leaf does not wither;

And in whatever he does, he prospers.

4 The wicked are not so,

But they are like chaff which the wind drives away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,

But the way of the wicked will perish.

Luke 11:13

3 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"

It is the Holy Spirit who draws us to God and gives us the mind of Christ to make one truly wise. We should fervently pray, asking God to give us His Spirit that we might do the things always that are pleasing to Him!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith January 12, 2026

Notes of Faith January 12, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

March 19, 2000

“PERSECUTED FOR CHRIST”

Matthew 5:10-12

Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

In Matthew 5, Jesus tells His disciples they are blessed when they are persecuted for His sake. We can be bad mouthed because of our own stupidity. This we may deserve but when we take insults because of Christ, these the Lord honors.

How do we know if we are persecuted for His sake? Do we speak up for Him? The name of Jesus is not popular in the pagan (unbelieving) crowd. They do not praise Him - nor honor Him. They use His name loosely. They walk in disobedience to His Word.

The only ones who can use Jesus’ name in an honorable way are His children. When we do this we are catapulted into the arena of conflict. But is it worth it to have His smile, His “well done, good and faithful servant?” This, beloved, is taking up your cross and following Him.

This may not appeal to us - but should that concern us? We should be concerned if we’re not taking some flak for our Redeemer. He didn’t say happy are you, but blessed are you. Although our natural self is not happy, we are blessed in our inner man.

In John 15:18-21 Jesus warns His disciples of this very thing. A little further in the passage we read these comforting words:

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

God hath not promised skies always blue,

flower strewn pathways, all our lives through,

God hath not promised sun without rain,

joy without sorrow, peace without pain,

But God hath promised strength for the day,

rest for the labor, light for his way,

Grace for the trials, help from above,

unfailing sympathy, undying love.

Annie Johnson Flint

So beloved, let us live for Him who lived and died for us. God bless!

Love to you all,

Charles Covington

Mark 8:35-38

35 "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. 36 "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? 37 "For what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."

John 12:25-26

25 "He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. 26 "If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

Rom 5:8-9

8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

1 John 3:16-18

16 We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

Let us fulfill the greatest and second greatest commandments:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and…

Love your neighbor as yourself.

Loving God and others will make us selfless, giving of ourselves as God desires. He will fulfill His every promise in and through us if we obey these commands!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith January 11, 2026

Notes of Faith January 11, 2026

Starting the drive early in the morning so I will give you tomorrow’s devotional note today.

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

March 12, 2000

“YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH”

Matthew 5:13

As the Church is called “light” to reveal and to expose, it is called “salt” to penetrate and convict. The very nature of God is injected into the Church - the Body of Christ! This Church is called “a new man created in Christ Jesus in righteousness and true holiness” (Eph. 4:24). God’s own life in and through the Church penetrates society in a variety of ways when the Church is functioning properly. We serve as a deterrent to evil, an antiseptic, and seasoning.

Mark 9:50 declares that we are to have salt in ourselves. We are salt; therefore we are to function as salt, demonstrating the righteousness and holiness of God in a sensitive relationship to others. In an unrighteous and unholy society, this kind of penetration will be felt. You cannot pour salt into an open wound without having severe repercussions!

I cannot think of a more effective way for the Church to function as salt than in her commitment to Jesus Christ. You ask the question: “What is the primary responsibility of the Church in the world?” Some would say, “to witness, to support missions, etc.” I feel that is not the primary responsibility of the Church. The primary responsibility of the Church is COMMITMENT TO JESUS CHRIST! The effectiveness of the Church in the world is measured by its commitment to Christ. Its commitment is manifested in its effectiveness in the world (Luke 14:25-35).

Salt that has lost its zing, spizirinctum, is less than worthless. When Christians are willing to sacrifice in their commitment to Jesus, this presents an image of the Church that is different from what the world is getting today in some of our more contemporary churches. When believers stop playing at church and get down to business and start to realize that commitment is costly, then the Church of Jesus Christ begins to take on definition and meaning and significance in the world. The Church becomes a heady seasoning in an otherwise tasteless society.

When the Church ceases to be salt (Matthew 5:13) it ceases to penetrate, ceases to function as intended. In the eyes of a ridiculing world that both respects and hates the Church, we look utterly foolish. Israel in captivity was the laughing stock of the ancient world. Jesus said that savorless salt is “good for nothing”. The Church cannot change its role. When we cool in our commitment to Jesus Christ, we are good for nothing although we may be involved in a thousand ways in society.

Beloved, evaluate your priorities as a Christian. Is there anyone or anything that has replaced Christ as a priority in your life? God has injected His people literally all over this earth to function in every conceivable walk of life - using them in thousands of ways.

Paul prayed for the Church (Philippians 4:9-10) “that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.”

Eva and I pray for you daily. I encourage you to lift each other before the Throne of Grace, that together we will penetrate our part of the world for our Lord Jesus Christ.

Love to you all,

Charles Covington

Salt in light of what was said previously about light, go hand in hand. If our lives have lost their savor and have become tasteless and bitter, we are worthless to those around us who might partake of life with us. Let us remain close to God daily that we might recharge our circuit for effective light and prove fruitful because we keep our savoriness!

Pastor Dale