Notes of Faith March 1, 2026

Notes of Faith March 1, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

Easter Sunday 2001

“THE BENEFITS OF HIS RESURRECTION”

Romans 6

We are all familiar with the teaching of I Corinthians 15 and other New Testament passages which show clearly that because Jesus was raised bodily from the dead, all Christians will one day have a glorified body like His. That is a fact settled in Heaven.

However, let us look briefly at His bodily resurrection as it benefits Christians today. In Colossians 3:1 Paul writes:

If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

This is a blanket statement of fact. We have to go to that familiar sixth chapter of Romans to see the details.

He begins in verses 1 and 2 by saying that because we died together with Him, then it is unthinkable that we can continue to live in a pattern of life habit of sin. Paul says we have been baptized into His (Christ’s) death, identified completely with Him in death so whatever happened to Him on the cross, happened to believers in God’s eyes. Then verse 4 follows logically - if we have died with Him, we live with Him because He was raised up from the dead by the glorious power of the Father. We are identified with Him in death and identified with Him in resurrection. The resurrection power of the risen Christ lives within each true believer in Christ.

Because of that fact, sin no longer reigns in our lives - leading us down the same old path we once trod. Paul punctuates that fact in verses 6 and 7:

Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin; for He who has died is freed from sin.

Beloved, that is the present application of the resurrection. Believers have no need to yield and keep on yielding to anger, pride, gossip, and all the things that go with the sin nature. Spiritually you are as much alive with Christ today as you will be throughout all eternity. Claim this truth for yourself and experience the true Easter message. All truth is relevant for today.

God bless each and every one of you this Easter Season. I challenge you to seek those things which are above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Col 3:1-17

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him — 11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.

12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Many Scriptures are good to memorize. This is one that Robin and I did many years ago that is still good to renew the mind with today! Maybe this will bless you as it has us over the years!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 28, 2026

Notes of Faith February 28, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

Palm Sunday 2001

This Palm Sunday I am going to repeat a pen pulpit I did last year - the reason being that I think the message so significant it deserves a second time around It is especially meaningful Easter week as we contemplate Christ’s death, celebrate His resurrection and look forward to His promised return.

“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 in 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 week 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,

Pastor Charles Covington

God’s power calls us, gives us faith to believe, conquers the sin that we struggle with, makes us more like Christ day by day, and prepares us for the glory of transformation and redemption to live with Him forever! Let us recognize God’s power, dwell within that power, live for Him each day, and press on toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 27, 2026

Notes of Faith February 27, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

Helps from Hebrews

November 19, 2000

“THE LORD’S DISCIPLINE”

Hebrews 12:5-6

My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord nor faint when you are reproved by Him. For whom the Lord loves He disciplines and He scourges every son whom he receives.

I can’t ever remember rejoicing when my dad disciplined me. His discipline was never pleasant. It always smarted in one way or another. But I always remembered that there was a reason for what he did - although he often let me discover the reason on my own. His “you know why I’m doing this, young man” still comes resounding back to me on certain occasions. For the most part I did know, although sometimes he left me wondering.

I discovered when I became a Christian, my Heavenly Father followed the same pattern. Well, more accurately, my earthly father was following the heavenly pattern, although he wasn’t aware of it.

However now I rather look forward to my Heavenly Father’s discipline. “Why?” you ask. Simply because it reaffirms to me that I am His child. The text tells me that if I am without discipline, I am not His child! In fact I now regard Divine Discipline as one of the points of assurance of salvation.

So when Paul says do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord nor faint at His reproof, just take it as your Father confirming His divine parenthood.

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Hebrews 12:11

God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Job 5:17

17 "Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves,

So do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

Prov 3:11-12

11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord

Or loathe His reproof,

12 For whom the Lord loves He reproves,

Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

Prov 12:1

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

But he who hates reproof is stupid.

Prov 13:1

A wise son accepts his father's discipline,

But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

Prov 13:18

Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline,

But he who regards reproof will be honored.

Prov 15:32

He who neglects discipline despises himself,

But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.

Prov 19:27

Cease listening, my son, to discipline,

And you will stray from the words of knowledge.

Prov 22:15

Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;

The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.

Prov 23:13

Do not hold back discipline from the child,

Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die.

Eph 6:4

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Rev 3:19

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.

Rom 8:14

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons (and daughters) of God.

Gal 3:26

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

Rom 8:19

For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.

Even creation is expectantly waiting for the salvation and redemption of mankind since it will follow the same pattern, having fallen into decay through the curse of God in dealing with man’s sin, and resurrected to its original glory or perhaps even beyond when mankind is glorified for all eternity!

It is great to be called a child of God! May we listen intently and follow the disciplined instruction of the Lord, that we might grow in His grace and mercy becoming more like Jesus day by day!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 26, 2026

Notes of Faith February 26, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

Helps from Hebrews

November 12, 2000

“LET US DRAW NEAR”

Hebrews 4:14-16

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need..

In this meaningful passage in Hebrews we are told that we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God. Since this is true, we are told to hold fast our confession - don’t let go of our convictions. The reason is that our great high priest can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities. This means that every weakness we have ever felt, He has felt! This takes in everything.

Beloved, this is mind boggling! There isn’t any pain or discomfort that you and I have experienced in our lives that He hasn’t passed through. Hard to understand? Of course it is - but remember, He is the God man. He is as much God as if He had never been man and as much man as if He had never been God. He had human weakness but no human sin.

The exhortation is to “Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the Throne of Grace.” The beautiful point here is that there is a throne where nothing but grace is handed out and this is the throne we are to draw near to. This is a gracious invitation from our Great High Priest. The Greek is very emphatic. “Let us keep on drawing near.” Not just once or twice but as many times as is necessary ... and we are to draw near with confidence:

• Without any inhibitions

• Without any doubtings.

The promise is that we shall receive mercy and grace in time of need.

Let me ask you Christian friend - do you have a need today? A need that no human being can provide? I’ll be honest with you. As I write this devotion I have some definite needs and I am drawing near to Him. I need Him every minute of every day. I need mercy and I need grace in my time of need.

Let me encourage you to do the same. The way is open. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

In the sin-filled human life experience there is always need for mercy and grace from God. He is faithful at meeting our need and He is the only One who can meet that need. May we give thanks daily and remain in the presence of His throne of grace for every moment of every day!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 25, 2026

Notes of Faith February 25, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

Helps from Hebrews

November 5, 2000

“PREVENTIVE ENCOURAGEMENT”

Hebrews 3:13

But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

In the human body there is what is called adrenal glands. These glands kick in when the body is depleted and down. They have a way of picking up the tired body.

In the Body of Christ there are adrenal glands called encouragers. Discouragement comes often to believers. Thank God for those in the body who are sensitive to these problems and quickly come to the aid of the discouraged. Many have been the spiritual “adrenal glands” who have come to my rescue in my down times. The key biblical passage for this truth is Hebrews 3:13. You will note two major movements in this verse.

1. The Responsibility

Encourage one another day after day as long as it is still called “Today.” This teaches that encouragement is in order every day of the week as long as the opportunity is there. Everyone in the Body of Christ has this responsibility. This is one of the many “one anothers” that appear in the New Testament. As you look around you on Sunday morning, just say to yourself, “Self, there are people here this morning who need a shot of God’s adrenaline. Lord, just point the way and show me how to do it.”

There are many ways to encourage. You can talk to the individual, make a phone call, send a card with appropriate verses and comments. But even more effective: you can pray for that person, naming specifics if you know any.

2. The Reason

“Lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” This is the primary reason we should encourage and pray for others. Sin is deceitful and Satan tries every possible way to take God’s people out of commission with it. Sin, while mostly overt and recognizable, sometimes can be awfully hard to spot. Sin can easily disguise itself as a friend - so we have to constantly be on our toes.

I can hold out a straight stick and ask you to describe it. Well, there’s only one way a stick can be straight. But if I hold out a crooked stick and ask you to describe it, chances are you could not for a stick can be crooked a million different ways. Likewise, sin can be deceitful in a million different ways.

So beloved, you see the responsibility and the reason why we are to constantly encourage each other. I’ll encourage you and you encourage me. OK? God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

I find it almost impossible that since I am semi-retired that I could have missed a morning devotion without noticing some time during the day. Nevertheless, yesterday, I appear to have done so. I have need to be encouraged because I feel down, having left you without a “Note of Faith” for the day. Here it is…

Let us be a Barnabus for one another that we may remain encouraged at all times in the Lord, strengthening, uplifting, and encouraging one another daily, especially in prayer!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 24, 2026

Notes of Faith February 24, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

April 1, 2001

“ALWAYS VICTORIOUS”

II Corinthians 2:14-16

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?

We Christians have been called to be witnesses to the non Christian. The wonderful thing abut this high calling is you are never a failure in your witness. We are always victorious in Christ (v. 14). In this victory there is the sweet aroma of His presence in every place we find ourselves.

To those who are being saved, we are a fragrance. They see in the victorious Christian a sweet fragrance of the Savior and they are drawn to Him by that fragrance present in the obedient believer (vv. 15, 16b). How many believers will be in Heaven because you were obedient to Christ down here in the presence of those who hunger and thirst after righteousness?

But not everyone will come to Christ through your testimony. Are you a failure then? Not at all. Look at verse 15b. We are also a fragrance of Christ to those who are perishing. We give off an aroma of death to this group. What does this mean? It means that there are some who have no intention at all of submitting their lives to Jesus Christ. They are set against Him. The aroma we give off to one group is life. To that other group that same aroma is death. That is why some people are so uncomfortable around the Spirit-filled Christian. They smell death - their death. Do we understand these things? Paul asks who is adequate for these things. That’s just the way things are and this is where faith comes in.

So you are never a failure. Jesus is the great example of this principle. His presence drew multitudes to Himself. He said, “If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me (John 12:32).” He did just that. Some submitted and followed Him as disciples. Others turned away. Yet both groups made a decision. One group to follow Him in life. The other group to turn away from Him in death. Yet He was always successful and so are you.

The decision is not up to you to make. Your job and my job is to remain close to Him and draw from His strength day by day. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

The sweet aroma of Christ in our witness is likened unto a sacrifice and the aroma that ascends to God. Our lives as Christians should be totally submitted to God, a living sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. We do this through obedience to His Word, loving Him, loving and serving those He places around us, and sharing eternal life in Christ Jesus because of His perfect love and sacrifice of His life for us on the cross. Let us pray for opportunity after opportunity to be a sweet sacrificial aroma to God, that Jesus Christ might be exalted before all around us!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 23, 2026

Notes of Faith February 23, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

March 25, 2001

“OUR ADVOCATE”

I John 2:1

My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

This encouragement is given to believers. Sin is never a necessity, but always a possibility. Believers do not have to commit an act of sin - even though we have a sin nature. Christ’s work on Calvary made this possible. However, the possibility of any one of us committing sin is always a glaring reality. Note what he says: “If anyone sins we have an advocate.” An old saint was once asked if he believed it was possible for a Christian to never sin in his life. I thought the old Christian was right-on in his answer: “Yes, I believe it is possible for a believer never to sin, but I‘ve never met one who didn’t!”

But the wonderful thing about this is, when the believer sins, he is never condemned. Note the text: “and if anyone sins we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.” The word advocate is beautiful. It means a go-between or a defense attorney - a representative.

1. The believer is an advocate, a go-between, a representative for Jesus Christ to the world. We make a case for Him in the world of unbelievers.

2. Jesus Christ makes a case for the believer before the Father.

Note: It is Jesus Christ, the righteous. A completely just and righteous savior appears before a holy and righteous judge who is our Father to represent us when we sin. He says, “Father, I gave my life for Charles Covington. I died for his sin. Now I appear before you in his behalf because he has sinned against you. I paid his penalty so he doesn’t have to.” The Father looks at His Son’s death as all sufficient to cover anything I might have done or might do to offend His character. To me this is neat. We should always be careful not to sin, but when we do, we are not judged because of the appearance of our blessed advocate.

Note: He does not say when we confess our sins we have an advocate, but when we sin. When we sin He immediately makes His appearance in our behalf. Our confession (I John 1:9) is for our benefit. His forgiveness cleanses us from all unrighteousness. What a savior we have.

So this week let’s strive to stay in step with Him, and be assured when we get out of step with our advocate, He goes to bat for us, pleading our case before the Father. Let’s continue to plead His case before a lost and dying world. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Every person that has ever lived will stand before the Lord to be judged. Those who have come to faith in God and His Son Jesus will not be condemned but have the righteousness of Jesus placed to their account and therefore will receive eternal life. Those who do not believe will stand condemned and face eternal judgment, many of them having heard the truth of God, and the Son’s death on the cross paying the debt they owe for their sin against God. They refused to hear the glory of God that saves each and every one who believes.

Charles made this devotion very personal… God knows our sin even when we don’t or try to hide the sin that we know we have done. Jesus is faithful and is standing before the Father as the perfect sacrifice and advocate for our sin.

Only Jesus can save us. Come to Jesus today. If you follow Jesus, you know that you still sin. Praise God that Jesus calls you His own and covers you with His clean and pure blood that you might have forgiveness and cleansing.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus!

Romans 8:1

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 22, 2026

Notes of Faith February 22, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

March 13, 2001

“THE WAY OF PEACE”

Isaiah 26:3

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on

You. (New Living Translation)

In John 16:27 Jesus gives His people a promise that is intended to be experienced by all Christians. Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. This is the source of peace for the Christian. It is found in Jesus Christ.

The question arises, “How do we access that peace?” The answer is found in Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You.”

The question then is - How do we fix our thoughts on Jesus?

I would like to suggest that we start with the cross. This is where the Prince of Peace gave His life for us. Then focus on His character. Who is He?

• He is the Creator God. John 1:3

• He is the Great Shepard of the sheep. Hebrews 13:20

• He is The Way, The Truth and The Life. John 14:6

• He is the Son of God. Matthew 3:17

• He is the Lamb of God. John 1:29

• He is the One whose Name causes Satan and his demons to tremble. Hebrews 2:14, James 2:19.

• He is the One who keeps our hearts and minds to be still in the midst of turmoil just as he caused the ferocious wind and waves to cease while He was in the boat with His disciples. Mark 4:39, Philippians 4:6, 7

Think on these things when your life is in turmoil. He works wonders when you dare to believe His promises. I know from the Word of God and from personal experience. But you have got to train your mind to rest in Him all your waking hours.

Happy trusting! God bless.

Love to all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Prov 3:5-6

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

(Part of ) It Is Well With My Soul

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:

It is well with my soul,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

Even so, it is well with my soul.

May you know the Prince of Peace and enjoy His peace no matter your circumstances, trusting in His eternal plan for your soul!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 21, 2026

Notes of Faith February 21, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

March 11, 2001

“A LIFE THAT COUNTS”

Philippians 2:12-16

In this brief passage we see the elements of a life that counts for our Lord Jesus Christ - a quality life!

We need to take responsibility.

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Phil. 2:12-13.

The first major lesson a Christian must learn in his growth pattern is how to take responsibility. This involves developing self-motivation. We are to live our lives through Christ, not through someone else. Furthermore, believers are to take their Christian life seriously. There is way too much “carnival Christianity”.

The believer is to develop a life free from grumbling and complaining.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing (complaining). Phil 2:14.

1. Grumbling and complaining stifles God’s work in your life - v. 13.

2. It paralyzes your ability to respond in cooperation with God - v.12.

3. It mars your witness for the Lord - v. 15.

However, if we develop a life free from grumbling and complaining we are lights in a very dark world.

... that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world. Phil. 2:15.

We are to be witnesses by holding forth the Word of Life to a world that desperately needs it.

.... holding fast the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

Phil. 2:16.

The Word of Life is full of meaning. The Word of Life -

• contains life

• imparts life

• sustains life

• explains life.

I pray that He will enable us to look at life and all people created in His image, through His eyes and not our own. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

The true Christian life is a life of purpose and meaning. We follow Jesus and let Him lead our hearts through the gifting that He gives us to meet our needs, (our jobs and desires of our heart) and the needs of our family and even those around us…the community in which God has given us to witness and testify of Him. This description of life is what true living is all about. Walking by faith, trusting in the leading of the Holy Spirit, always seeking to discern the will of God and doing it. We will walk with God eternally, but would you not rather lay up treasure in heaven now to be rewarded by God when you are with Him forever? Let us work hard at living a life pleasing to God, looking forward to hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master.”

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 20, 2026

Notes of Faith February 20, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

March 4, 2001

“HOW TO HAVE A GOOD DAY” - Part II

Philippians 4:1-9

Last week we looked at some guidelines for having a good day. They were:

1. Begin your day by strengthening your confidence in the Lord.

2. Throughout your day be prepared to help those who have problems.

3. Throughout your day make your fellowship with the Lord a top priority.

Let’s continue:

4. Throughout your day concentrate on sustaining good relationships with others (v. 5). Learn to act, not react to hard situations. Work on learning to be tolerant and considerate. Treat others as you would like to be treated because the Lord is at hand! The immanence of His return should always condition the way we relate to others. If we knew this was going to be our last day on earth, would that change our actions in respect to others?

5. Throughout your day refuse to allow life’s circumstances and problems to imprision you (vv. 6,7). We are to worry about nothing. Worry dishonors God. Worry is choosing not to trust God. Worry robs us of peace and is a bad testimony. Instead of worrying about what we cannot do, we need to focus on what God can do (see Eph. 3:20)! This does not mean a lack of concern about things we should be concerned about. It does mean that the Christian is not to allow problems over which we have no control to imprison us and hold us hostage.

Instead we are to pray about everything. Here is a case where prayer changes us, not necessarily our circumstances. Prayer and thanksgiving keep us free from the prison of worry. Prayer brings about a peace that the mind cannot explain. It keeps us in the sense of the freedom of God’s presence.

6. Throughout the day guard your mind carefully (v. 8). Here is a further precaution against worry. We are to keep our minds occupied with things that are constuctive (I Cor. 2:16; Col. 3:1-3).

If we follow these guidelines at the conclusion of the day we will be able to say, “the God of peace truly has been my companion today. This HAS been a good day!”

Have a good day! and a good week!! God bless.

Love to all,

Pastor Charles

I shared with you yesterday the beginning of Pastor Charles notes on “how to have a good day.” Today I continue with those notes…

Phil 4:1-9

Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Love others, trust God and pray, guard your mind and heart, and the God of peace who gives us His peace will be with you!

Pastor Dale