Notes of Faith May 10, 2026

Notes of Faith May 10, 2026

Happy Mother’s Day!

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. — Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

It was another stare-down, the son glaring at her in anger and defiance as the mom stood her ground, arms crossed, jaw set. She wasn’t quite sure how they had arrived at this place, this season, when her once loving son now seemed to second-guess her motives and resent the few rules she put forward. His stepdad had tried a few times to intervene, but it only seemed to feed fuel to her frustrated teen’s fire. It felt like their whole family was falling apart.

Where did I go wrong? she wondered to herself as her son stormed off toward his room. She thought back to all the years of teaching, of training, of taking him to church. She had tried her very best, even through the difficult divorce, to keep her kids afloat. She had read countless parenting books, attended seminars, and tried to check every box. But as she sank down onto her bed, she only felt defeated. The weight of failure and fear for his future lay heavy on her shoulders.

Lord, what do I do now? Her mind drifted toward God in despair.

“You leave him in My care,” came the unexpected reply.

And then she realized where she’d gone astray. Somewhere deep in the trenches of parenting, she began to believe her son’s salvation and success depended on her prowess as a parent... that she somehow possessed the power to save his soul. But his defiance revealed a deeper need for them both: a return to full reliance on God.

Parenting is never easy. But our God is the same today as He was at the beginning of time and will forever be. Our wills and our ways are no match for Him. He invites us to stop striving in our own strength to subdue the hearts of our kids when only He can. Instead, we can come boldly to His throne of grace to receive the help we so desperately need. He promises to give us the kind of divine wisdom that self-help books don’t possess, plus the power of His Spirit to follow His lead through every struggle until He sets the captives free.

Lord, I don’t want to parent out of fear but out of faith. You love my children even more than I do, and You alone know the way to their hearts. Please gift them with repentance and faith in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pray for your mom today. Give thanks for her. If you are able, bless her in some kind, loving, special way today! She doesn’t need you to spend your life savings, just give her the love and respect that she deserves every day. Honor her as a gift from God. Encourage her to trust God, to walk in the Spirit, and spend time in God’s Word each day. You will be blessed as you bless your mom today!

If you are a mom…know that God gave you the very special gift and blessing of bearing a child or children. Give Him thanks for the wonder and miracle of life inside your womb and the opportunity to raise these children, created in His image for His glory!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 9, 2026

Notes of Faith May 9, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

January 26, 2003

“WALKING BY THE SPIRIT”

Galatians 5

Walking by the Spirit is an essential and fundamental characteristic of the Christian life. In this study, three features of the Spirit walk will be outlined: the Definition, The Involvement and Life Evidences.

What is the Spirit Walk as defined in Galatians chapter 5?

• It is a freedom walk. “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery” v. 1. Christ set us free, so that we would be free! Free from the bondage of sin.

• It is a cooperative walk. “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” v. 16. If we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, we will walk free of the desires of our humanness.

• It is a directed walk. “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law” v. 18. The Holy Spirit desires to lead us day by day. When we allow Him to do this, we do not subject ourselves to the dictates of the law. We are not under law, but under grace!

What is involved in learning to walk by the Spirit?

• Walking by the Spirit is as natural as learning to walk physically.

• The Christian learns to walk by walking! We must get involved in life.

• The Christian learns to walk by falling. No one ever learned to walk physically without falling. It is a natural part of the process of learning to walk. Christians fall, but the Holy Spirit is right there to set us on our feet!

• The Christian learns to walk responsibly. Taking chances builds our responsibility. Taking chances in serving, witnessing, letting God stretch us!

• Walking involves details. Life is filled with details – making decisions, planning, etc. Each decision needs to be preceded with prayer.

How will walking by the Spirit be characterized in terms of life evidence?

• There will be a decreasing frequency in the activity of sin in the life vs. 16-21.

• There will be an ever-increasing presence of the fruit of the Spirit in the life vs. 22, 23.

The Bottom Line: God’s presence is in our lives. He wants to make that fact evident. However, it requires our working together with Him to make it happen.

Let’s make a pact with God today – a pact to cooperate with Him. God bless.

In Christian Love,

Pastor Charles Covington

The same spirit that raised Christ from the dead is alive in you.

We talked some about how to let the Holy Spirit work in our lives last night at small group and this morning I was reminded of Luke 8:43

And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

“Who touched me?” Jesus asked.

When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.”

But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”

Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

The power was there inside Jesus and yet that power was not activated by all the people that touched him while he went through the crowd. It was her faith combined with action that activated the power of the Holy Spirit.

That same power is living in us and can be activated the same way.

Thank you to Andy Anderson for his comments on our church small group study from the previous sermon given by Pastor Jeff Reynolds!

Ps 1:1-3

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.

Ps 5:1-3

Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation.

2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

Phil 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Acts 1:8

you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

Acts 13:52

And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

1 Cor 6:19-20

do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

2 Tim 1:14

Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.

Titus 3:5-7

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Jude 24-25

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 8, 2026

Notes of Faith May 8, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

January 19, 2003

“DANIEL – OUR EXAMPLE”

One of the most loved stories since our Sunday School days is that of Daniel in the Lion’s Den. And yet the most mature Christian can learn much from this giant of the faith that lived so many years ago. Let’s look at it again.

As a youth Daniel and three of his young friends were captured and sent to Babylon to be trained to serve in the king’s court. They were given a daily ration of the king’s choice food and wine and educated for three years, after which time they were to enter the king’s personal service. However, Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself and sought permission from the commander of the officials that he and his friends would not eat the king’s rations, but a diet of vegetables (Daniel 1:8). At the end of the test period, the appearance of the four youth seemed better and they were fatter than all the youths who had been eating the king’s choice food (1:16) and entered into the king’s personal service as the king found them ten times better than the others in wisdom and understanding (1:19-20).

King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that none of his wise men could interpret. Angry, the king ordered all the wise men killed, which would include Daniel and his friends. Daniel went to the king and requested time to declare the interpretation of the dream, sought compassion and wisdom from God and the mystery was revealed to him (2:18-19). Daniel found favor in the eyes of the king and, as a reward, was appointed ruler over the entire province (2:48).

After the deaths of Nebuchadnezzar and his son, Belshazzar, Darius was made king and Daniel found favor with him also and, as a result, was appointed over the entire realm of satraps (assistants to the king). They did not like Daniel and sought to bring accusation against him. They searched every part of his life but could not find anything with which to accuse him. They then plotted to have Darius sign a decree stating that anyone found bowing down to another king should be cast into a den of lions with which Darius readily agreed (6:1-9).

Daniel, in obedience to God, continued kneeling three times a day, praying and giving thanks before Him. Being found worshipping, the satraps brought Daniel before the king and demanded the sentence carried out. Darius had forgotten that Daniel worshipped the God of heaven and tried to save Daniel from his fate but, being reminded that a decree by the king could not be changed, ordered Daniel thrown into the den of lions saying, “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you” (6:16).

God did not deliver Daniel from the lions, but protected him in their midst. This made a great impression on Darius who gave orders that the men who had maliciously accused Daniel be cast, with their wives and children, into the lion’s den (6:24). He then made a decree that all in his kingdom were to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel, recognizing Him as the living God who would endure forever (6:26).

The Lesson:

• Obedience. Daniel obeyed God’s commands.

• Challenge. Daniel remained faithful when challenged, even when the consequence was death.

• Commitment. Daniel was committed to serving his God.

• Confidence. Daniel was confident that God would be with him, no matter what.

It is our responsibility to obey God. God is responsible for the consequences. So take heart Christian, as God will take care of His own… He has promised never to fail us or forsake us? The same God who was with Daniel all those years ago, is with us today. Praise His name!

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

What lion’s dens are you facing today? Are you finding it difficult to be faithful and obedient to God? Daniel was committed, devoted, full of faith and trust, confident that God would bless their eternal relationship on earth or in heaven! May we be imitators of Daniel, in prayer, in worship, in obedience, trust, awaiting the sure provision of God for us!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 7, 2026

Notes of Faith May 7, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

January 12, 2003

“MEETING THE WORLD’S SPIRITUAL NEEDS”

Matthew 9:35-38

And Jesus was going about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. And seeing the multitudes - - -

What an evangelist was our Lord! He, more than anyone, saw the spiritual needs of mankind and poured out His heart and soul to reach them for eternity. Yet His time on earth was brief so He conveys the spiritual need of the multitudes to His disciples and explains how they can meet those needs. By way of application we see our participation in meeting the spiritual needs of today’s world.

1. We must acquaint ourselves with the spiritual needs of people. “And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd.”

When Jesus saw the needs of people, He was moved. Jesus had a true missionary heart. He loved people and had compassion on them, knowing what they were like. (See also Luke 19:10.)

It is easy to theorize about the needs of the world. It is when we are exposed to the stark reality of spiritual darkness that God is able to work compassion into our hearts. How is this accomplished? Reading first-hand reports, on the spot exposure to missionaries in action.

“They were like sheep having no shepherd.” Men have not changed in this respect. Man, with all of his integrity and worldly skill, still has no direction regarding spiritual and eternal matters.

2. We must assess the missionary situation accurately. “Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.’ ”

There is a plentiful harvest. (See also Matthew 7:13.) Let’s look about us. Is not our society teeming with people? And yet there are few workers. There is never a balance in the mission field. The lion’s share of the work has always been done by the few. By-and-large missionary work is a selfless work, often thankless and unappreciated by many in the church.

3. We must ask God to activate workers for His harvest. “Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

Our Lord instructs His disciples to begin meeting the needs by praying! The Holy Spirit is the One who activates workers for the mission field. (See Acts 13:1-3 and Acts 16.) Prayer is where we should begin. Let’s ask ourselves how much do we pray for the spiritual needs of the multitudes? Not as much as we should, I’m sure.

Let’s covenant with the Lord and ourselves, to spend more time in prayer for people without Jesus Christ. Then let’s make ourselves available to Him, as workers in the fields “white unto harvest.” God bless.

Love to all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Let the Holy Spirit guide you into prayer, that your heart might be aligned with God’s own, to speak the truth of the gospel to all around you, that those who truly hear would come to Jesus in faith believing in Him for salvation, redemption, and wholeheartedly serving Him by leading others to His throne of grace!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 6, 2026

Notes of Faith May 6, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

January 5, 2003

“LIVING FOR GOD IN A GODLESS WORLD”

I Peter 5:6-11

There is no doubt in my mind that we are living in a Godless society. If all true Christians were to be removed from our world, (which could happen very soon! RAPTURE, pd) there would be absolutely no influence for God. However, while we are still here, we have the responsibility and privilege to live as God would have us live and be salt and light in a very dark world. In today’s passage we find at least four principles that help us to live lives and be the witnesses that point a needy world to their Savior.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time. I Peter 5:6.

1. Renounce pride. The world of the unbeliever is a world of pride, love of self, trying to be #1. James tells us that “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” James 4:6. The corresponding result is divine exaltation.

Casting all your care upon Him, because He cares for you. v. 7

2. Rely completely on God to sustain you. Note the incentive to trust, “He cares for you!” Satan tries to convince believers that God does not care (cf II Kings 18:19-37.) The devil’s way to try to turn believers against God is to discourage them.

3. Restrain your human impulses to go with the flow. Note the rationale back of this exhortation, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” v. 8

4. Resist the devil. And how do we do that?

• The means – faith! “But resist him (the devil), firm in your faith” v. 10a Our faith is in the revealed truth found in God’s Word. Our Lord Himself is our example as seen in Mark 4 and Luke 4. He resisted the devil by confronting him with the Word of God.

• The mind set – knowing. “Knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world” v. 9. Afflictions are the common lot among believers.

The promise comes in verse 10 – “And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm strengthen, and establish you.”

Believers, what a glorious promise this is! Review this passage carefully then let’s press on with our heads held high – determined to live for God. Amen! God bless.

In His love,

Pastor Charles Covington

Perhaps the greatest incentive for living for God is His provision of eternal life! If we can focus on the gift and blessing of God for all eternity, we can endure the battle against the evil forces in this world. While we must live day to day, our choices and decisions made with a heavenly perspective will guide us through even the valley of the shadow of death to our righteous and perfect heavenly home. And though we live with God literally living inside us (if you are a believer and follower of Jesus), one day, we will see Him face to face and enjoy the glory of God forever. Lord Jesus, please come quickly!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 4, 2026

Notes of Faith May 4, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

December 15, 2002

“GOD’S UP AND DOWN LOVE”

Philippians 2:5-11

In this passage we read that God’s infinite love reached all the way down to earth in order to bring us all the way up to Heaven! Because of sin, mankind could not have been lower. In Christ we cannot be higher.

CHRIST’S STEPS DOWN TO EARTH:

1. “Have this attitude in yourself which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped “His own reputation” was not important to Christ. He did not seek recognition of Himself. Doing His Father’s will was highest priority.

2. “But emptied Himself, taking on the form of a bondservant.” Christ was the servant of the Most High God. No servant could be higher.

3. “And being made in the likeness of men.” Christ came in the likeness of the most sinful creature – man.

4. “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death.” Death was the lowest a man could go. Death is the result of sin.

5. “Even the death on a cross.” Crucifixion was the most ignominious of deaths. Every part of the body was exposed to the eyes of the public.

Yes, God’s love reached all the way down – to you and to me!

STEPS UP: God lifted His Son up and –

1. “God - - bestowed on Him the name which is above every name.” All the names in time, on earth or heaven, could not compare to the name God gave His resurrected and ascended Son. That name is JESUS!

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth.”

2. Those in heaven shall bow down to that Name.

3. Those on earth shall bow down to that Name – the name they hate!

4. Those under the earth shall bow down to the Name - those in hell. But it will be too late for them!

5. “And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” He is supreme above all because of His saving work on the cross.

Yes, God sent His precious Son all the way down to earth take the punishment for our sins, and then took Him all the way up to heaven, where He is preparing a place for all those who trust in Him. Praise God that I have found Him, or rather that He has found me. I trust you know Him as your personal Savior. If not, what better time to come to Him than today!

Love in Christ,

Pastor Charles Covington

2 Cor 6:2

Behold, now is "THE ACCEPTABLE TIME," behold, now is "THE DAY OF SALVATION"

Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled My Soul

O what a wonderful, wonderful day, day I will never forget;

After I'd wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Savior I met.

O what a tender, compassionate friend, He met the need of my heart;

Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling,

He made all the darkness depart.

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, (filled my soul)

When at the cross the Savior made me whole; (made me whole)

My sins were washed away and my night was turned to day,

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul! (filled my soul)

Born of the Spirit with life from above into God's family divine,

Justified fully thru Calvary's love, O what a standing is mine!

And the transaction so quickly was made, when as a sinner I came,

Took of the offer, of grace He did proffer,

He saved me, O praise His dear name!

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, (filled my soul)

When at the cross the Savior made me whole; (made me whole)

My sins were washed away and my night was turned to day,

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul! (filled my soul)

Now I've a hope that will surely endure after the passing of time;

I have a future in heaven for sure there in those mansions sublime.

And it's because of that wonderful day, when at the cross I believed;

Riches eternal and blessings supernal,

from His precious hand I received.

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, (filled my soul)

When at the cross the Savior made me whole; (made me whole)

My sins were washed away and my night was turned to day,

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul! (filled my soul)

Praise God for His continuing work in our lives…that we will indeed be with our Lord and Savior for all eternity. Up, Up, and away! Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 3, 2026

Notes of Faith May 3, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

November 10, 2002

“WHY CHRIST CAME”

Galatians 1:4

Who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.

What would you say is the basic reason as to why Christ came to this earth? We know it was to die on the cross for sinners.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

What exactly did that work accomplish? Many things. However, there is one specific thing that He accomplished through that death. Galatians 1:4 pretty much epitomizes that purpose for us –

“that He might rescue us from this present evil age.”

Rescue is the key word in this sentence. We were bound up in sin and deceit. The death of Christ loosed us from sin that held us in bondage. What a truth this is! It is like we were in a burning building, or on a raging sea. Imagine being pulled from a burning room. You would be eternally grateful to the one who rescued you!

Likewise we should rejoice and be eternally grateful to the One who pulled us from the world and all its fiery evil. This is all in accordance with God’s perfect will.

There is much to get out of this verse. “This present evil age.” This age we live in is evil because it is, by God’s permission, controlled by the evil one. Satan places things before us that are designed to tempt us to go against God’s will. However, God has prepared us to withstand the temptations of Satan. We have the armor of God and the power of God to make that armor effective (see Ephesians 6:10 ff, Galatians 5:18).

One day we will be completely removed from the presence of the evil one. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ guarantees that. This is all designed to bring glory and honor to His Name.

So beloved, today God is rescuing us from evil. Let’s cooperate with Him to the fullest. God bless each and every one of you!

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Charles Covington

John 9:39-41

Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind." 40 Those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and said to Him, "We are not blind too, are we?" 41 Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, 'We see,' your sin remains.

John 10:10

I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

John 6:38

"For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

John 12:46

I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.

John 18:37-38

You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."

Jesus saves us from this evil world. He saves and redeems us from the righteous judgment of God against our sin. The world is only going to become more evil until the second coming of Jesus when He will conquer His foes and rule this earth for a thousand years. Satan who will have been bound during this period will be loosed for a short period of time, to gather his armies against God once more. He will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, along with his minions, the anti-Christ and the false prophet, and all of the unbelieving of human history will join them for their failure to repent of their sin.

Come to Jesus. Repent of your sin. Believe Jesus is who He said He is, that He can and will forgive your sin, if you will believe in Him, follow Him, love Him, worship Him, obey Him, and serve Him with the life He has given you!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 2, 2026

Notes of Faith May 2, 2026

Today is the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.  When you live as close as we do, it is hard not to take notice!  Pray that the thousands paying attention to this event will be touched by the Spirit of God toward spiritual things rather than any earthly thing…

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

November 3, 2002

“PAUL’S ATTITUDE TOWARD MINISTRY”

Romans 1:14-16

What is your attitude toward the ministry God has given you?  Is it the same as the Apostle Paul’s?  Let’s take a look at Paul’s attitude and find there a lesson for us all.  In the passage before us Paul declares a three-fold attitude toward His ministry.

I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.  Romans 1:14

1.       Paul is obligated to his ministry.  He has an obligation to all classes of people, whether they be wise or foolish.  You see, people aren’t lost because of what side of the tracks they were born on or their education or lack of it, people are lost because they are without Jesus Christ.  We are all sinners, whether we live in a shanty or a palace.

Francis Shaffeur took the Gospel to the “up and outer” – to people who wouldn’t think of going into a rescue mission.  Some of our church folk take that  same Gospel to the “down and outers” in the Long Beach Rescue Mission.

We preach the same Gospel to the educated and to those who have little or none.  We have the same obligation as the Apostle Paul.  Then he says:

Thus, for my part, I am eager to preach the Gospel to you also who are in Rome.  v. 15

2.       Paul is eager in his ministry.  Paul was an eager beaver when it came to preaching Jesus Christ.  Why?  Because he knew what he had been saved from.  He lists his human merits in Philippians 3:4 ff.  Read the list for yourself.  Pretty impressive, isn’t it?  Yet in verse 7 he considers those things as nothing – as loss – when it comes to knowing Christ.  Paul called himself the chief of sinners.  That is why he was eager to preach.  He goes on to say:

For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  v. 16

3.       Paul is not ashamed of his ministry.  Preaching the simple Gospel to people brings hatred sometimes.  But it assures eternal life to those who receive it by faith.  Paul wasn’t ashamed because the Gospel is the power of God to everyone who believes – no matter who they are because God’s righteousness is revealed in it. 

What a motivation to ministry! 

•I am under obligation.  •I am eager.  •I am not ashamed.

I trust this is our motivation as well as Paul’s.  If not, pray about it.  I know I shall examine my heart.  God bless.

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Charles

John 14:15

If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

John 15:10

If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.

Matt 28:18-20

Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,  20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

We are to come to Jesus in Faith as we are drawn to Him by the Father, and live in His power and authority through His gift of the Holy Spirit, being obedient to His commands, declaring the truth of God to all around us, praying for His Spirit to open their ears and hearts to hear, that they might be saved!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 1, 2026

Notes of Faith May 1, 2026

“I Just Want You!”

Reading: Psalm 27:4; Psalm 73:25-28

Devotional:

Beyond blessings, beyond miracles, beyond answered prayers—what do you truly want? The worship song declares, "More than anything that You can do, I just want You." This is the heart God desires from His children.

We often come to God with agendas, shopping lists of needs and wants. But intimacy begins when we come simply to be with Him. The psalmist asked for one thing: to dwell in God's house, to gaze upon His beauty. Mary chose the better part—sitting at Jesus' feet while Martha busied herself with service.

In the midst of wars, rockets, and sirens, Israeli believers worship. They've discovered that God Himself is the treasure, not merely what He provides. Nothing else will satisfy the deepest longing of your soul. Today, set aside your requests. Come into God's presence not to ask, but simply to be with Him. Tell Him, "I just want You." Let worship arise from a heart that has found its ultimate satisfaction in Him alone.

An old hymn for you to enjoy…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RzhmI5z4Yc

More Of You, More Of You

I’ve Had It All But What I Need

Is More Of You.

Of Things I’ve Had My Fill,

But Yet I Hunger Still;

Empty And Bare,

Lord Hear My Prayer,

For More Of You.

I Have Searched All Around In The Husks That Abound,

But I Find No Nourishment There.

Now My Strength’s Almost Gone And

I Feel The Pull Of Despair.

But My Thirst Drives Me On, As I Stumble Along,

Over Ground, So Barren And Dry.

But The Streams Just Ahead, Living Water,

“Lord Fill Me!” I Cry.

More Of You, More Of You

I’ve Had It All But What I Need

Is More Of You.

Of Things I’ve Had My Fill,

But Yet I Hunger Still;

Empty And Bare,

Lord Hear My Prayer,

For More Of You.

I’m Not Trying To Find Just Some New Frame Of Mind

That Will Change My Old Point Of View

For I’ve Been Through It All,

Deep Inside Nothing’s Changed, I’m Not New,

I’m Not Seeking A Gift Or Emotional Lift

But One Thing I’m Longing To Do,

Is To Lift Up My Cup And Let You Fill It Up,

With Just You.

More Of You, More Of You

I’ve Had It All But What I Need

Is More Of You.

Of Things I’ve Had My Fill,

But Yet I Hunger Still;

Empty And Bare,

Lord Hear My Prayer,

For More Of You.

May your desire for God today be MORE…

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith April 30, 2026

Notes of Faith April 30, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

October 27, 2002

“YOUR FIERY TRIAL”

I Peter 4:12, 13

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

How many fiery trials have you passed through in the past year? How does the child of God handle fiery ordeals or unpleasant situations? The passage before us gives us some challenges.

1. EXPECT fiery ordeals. Because of your relationship with Jesus Christ, you can expect that the road will be tough at times, that things will come along to disrupt your well-laid plans. Peter tells us not to be surprised when these challenges pop up. Don’t think something strange has happened to you.

Do we often “go to pieces” when something unusual comes our way? Why? Because we don’t expect it. We have our lives all planned out. Sometimes we forget Who we belong to.

I’m coming through the most disruptive ordeal I’ve ever had in my life, my stroke of almost 3-1/2 years ago. It came to me just last week – Hey, Covington! You are identifying with Christ! Not that He ever had a stroke when He was here on earth, but He experienced things much worse. So He knows full well what I’m going through. Perhaps it’s because I’m linked up with the Savior that I’ve experienced and am experiencing some of the things that are a fallout of this stroke.

How about unbelievers in like situations? They may learn how to cope, but they don’t have the insight and hope that we as Christians have. This brings us to our second point.

2. EXALT in your fiery ordeal. But to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing so that at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exaltation.

Trials for believers carry a future benefit. Peter says to rejoice to the degree you suffer. Why? The return of Christ in all His glory will cause our joy to be greatly magnified. The greater the degree of suffering with the Lord Jesus, the greater will be the degree of our rejoicing with Him in His glory. This is the way He has ordained it.

Beloved, what is your fiery trial? What has your Savior called you to pass through? Maybe you are in the midst of it right now. I know several of you are going through very tough times. Let’s not be surprised at what we’re going through. Rather, let us exalt in knowing He is with us every step of the way and that, ultimately, our joy will be magnified when we see our precious Lord coming in all His glory. God bless.

In His matchless love,

Pastor Charles Covington

James 1:2-4

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

We do not laugh in the face of struggle, trial, testing, but persevere through such experiences, knowing God uses these to make us more like Jesus, pure and holy!

May we fervently pray for God to fulfill His promise to make us more and more like Jesus every day, as we await His coming for His bride and our eternal glory!

Pastor Dale