Notes of Faith May 20, 2026

Notes of Faith May 20, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series in Proverbs

April 27, 2003

“GROWING WISE”

Proverbs 2:1-5

Every sensitive believer has at least a modicum of desire to know the heart and mind of God. Wherever that desire is present, God will fulfill it (Matthew 5:6). But you need more than just knowledge. Your knowledge should lead to a real discernment and understanding which produces a genuine Christian walk. Let’s look the Christian’s Care & Use Manual (the Word of God) for instruction.

Your walk as a Christian is to be characterized by wisdom (Ephesians 5:15; Colossian 4:5). Knowledge without wisdom can destroy (I Corinthians 8). Proverbs 2:1-5 deals with the important issue of how to acquire the wisdom of God – a wisdom that is based upon facts and knowledge in contrast to the unbeliever’s attitude toward God (I Corinthians 2:14).

True wisdom and knowledge begins and ends with truth – the intake of truth from the Word of God and the outflow of truth through the child of God (Matthew 4:4, Proverbs 2:6).

The Process: Obtaining wisdom is a personal thing “My son, if you will receive” Prov. 2:1.

A look in Webster’s Dictionary defines “receive” as to take, seize, appropriate, welcome readily “and treasure” (to hoard or get the most out of, esteem). In Matthew 13:3-8 and 18-25 we read that only one type of ground retained the Word of God when sown upon it. The Word must be received and meditated upon until the light bulb goes off! And then our understanding should be used, not locked away (Colossians 3:16).

“Make you ear attentive” We need to force ourselves to hear what God is saying (Matthew 11:15) and be careful not to “tune out” the message (Hebrews 2:1). “For if you cry for discernment” We need to pray for understanding and have an inner hunger for a knowledge of the truth. That hunger is expressed in fervent prayer to God for illumination (Psalm 119:18-20).

“If you seek her as silver, and search for her as hidden treasure.” We need to really dig into it. Prayer alone does not bring satisfaction and illumination. Prayer must be accompanied by personal, persistent Bible study. There are four requirements for hunting treasure –

• promise of discovery

• necessary equipment

• desire

• hard work.

The Fruit of our Efforts: “Then you will discern the fear of the Lord”. We will experience that fear of God – that He is holy and hates evil. We will establish a loving reverence for God and a submission to His Lordship.

“And discover the knowledge of God”. Wisdom is never an asset that is separate from God, knowing and understanding His person and His ways.

And Then What? “If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them”

John 13:17.

“But prove yourselves doers of the Word and not merely hearers who delude themselves” James 1:22).

Our challenge this week then is not only to seek wisdom, but use it to live as Christ would have us live. God bless.

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.

Know God, know peace. Live for God, receive eternal life and unimaginable blessing and reward!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 19, 2026

Notes of Faith May 19, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series in Proverbs

April 6, 2003

“PROVERBS – ONE WISE MAN TO ANOTHER”

Proverbs 1:5

Today we begin a series in Proverbs written by King Solomon to whom God had granted his request for understanding (I Kings 3:9-12, I Chronicles 1:10,11) and whose wisdom exceeded all others (I Kings 4:29-31). The wisdom conveyed in Proverbs is divine wisdom, which is broken down into practical, workable principles which fit into the arena of our everyday lives. Someone has said that Proverbs is God’s problem solver. Let’s begin by looking at the character of a wise man.

A wise man will hear and increase in learning and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.

A wise man will hear. In the original text it is even stronger – will force himself to hear. You must listen before you can learn but be careful what you listen to (Mark 4:23, 24; Luke 8:18; Heb. 2:1)! (rearrange the letters in the word listen and you will find SILENT…be silent and listen)!

A wise man will increase in learning – he never assumes he has learned it all. Two biblical scholars come to mind as examples to us. Ezra, one of the writers of the Psalms, was constantly seeking more light (Psalm 119:98-100) and Paul recognized the fact that he still had much to learn (Philippians 3:12-13, I Corinthians 3:18; 8:2).

The Christian life is never static – you are either progressing or regressing. Charles Bridges writes, “Indeed the richest stores waste without constant additions.” (We don’t want to see the same old thing each time we go shopping but look for what is new and better!)

A wise man will have the right kind of learning. A man approached a speaker and said, “You Christians are all brainwashed” to which the speaker replied, “Yes, I think we are all brainwashed to a degree. The important thing is that we Christians choose what we want to wash our brains with!” (Maybe memorize that last sentence!)

“So then,” we ask, “where do we get this wisdom?” and we find the answer in Proverbs 9:10. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (the first step or foundation of wisdom) and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. The fear of God (to be in awe of His holiness) is not just the first phase we go through to arrive at a higher plateau of living, but a character development that comes as a result of knowing and understanding who God is and what He is like. The fear of God is the heart and life’s blood of wisdom and true knowledge. It should control our outlook on life. It is the fabric from which wisdom is woven.

Thus says the Lord, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 9:23-24

A man may have a Ph.D. – Doctor of Wisdom. He can recognize and help the stupidity of others, but if he has no fear of God, his Ph.D. stands for Phenomenally Dumb!

A wise man will attain or acquire wise counsel. Counsel is defined as “giving direction or steering one along a given course.” Part of coming to know wisdom is facing challenges. We will never develop wisdom if we never extend beyond our comfort zones. “A man begins cutting his wisdom teeth the first time he bites off more than he can chew!” We need to seek advice from wise men, and our book of reference must be God’s Word – the Bible!

We see that a wise man is not necessarily someone who has acquired a great deal of knowledge – that is a smart man. A wise man is one who is continually making progress in the right kind of learning, one who is continually learning and integrating the truth of God’s Word into his life. If he is not, he is a fool. Fools despise wisdom and instruction… Solomon warns us in Proverbs 1:7. And what about today? Are you attaining wisdom? Am I?

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Job 12:12

2 "Wisdom is with aged men,

With long life is understanding.

Just sayin’

Ps 49:3

3 My mouth will speak wisdom,

And the meditation of my heart will be understanding.

Ps 51:6

6 Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being,

And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.

Ps 90:12

12 So teach us to number our days,

That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.

Ps 111:10

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;

A good understanding have all those who do His commandments;

His praise endures forever.

Prov 3:13-16

13 How blessed is the man who finds wisdom

And the man who gains understanding.

14 For her profit is better than the profit of silver

And her gain better than fine gold.

15 She is more precious than jewels;

And nothing you desire compares with her.

16 Long life is in her right hand;

1 Cor 1:21

or since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.

1 Cor 1:30-31

by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, 31 so that, just as it is written, "LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD."

Eph 1:15-23

15 For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

I have great privilege and honor to pray for those who read these notes, who respond giving glory to God for His work in their lives. I rejoice in looking to being with you forever in God’s house, blessed beyond our wildest dreams, listening to the heart of our Creator and Savior for all eternity!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 18, 2026

Notes of Faith May 18, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

March 30, 2003

“CHALLENGE TO MINISTRY”

II Timothy 1:6-7

And for this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

At times we all fall short in our work of the ministry God has given to us. It is in these times that we need to challenge and encourage one another. And how is the best way to do this? In today’s passage Paul shows us how.

First we are to encourage each other to rekindle or “fan into flames” our spiritual gift, given to us by God (v. 6)! Each of us that have trusted Christ as our Savior has received at least one gift for service. I Peter 4:10 tells us, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Discouragement, feelings that no one is interested in or wants our ministry, or just plain timidity can cause our spiritual gift to “freeze up”. When we see a brother or sister in Christ floundering, we need to come alongside and help them “fan into flames” their spiritual gift. We should never underestimate the power of spiritual gifts which here is likened to fire and we all have seen what a blazing fire can do!

Secondly we are to remind each other of the resources we have in Christ (v. 7).

What God has not given us is a spirit of fear and timidity. If there is fear and intimidation in our lives, we can’t trace that to God. Fear puts a chain around us. There is nothing more pitiful than to see an animal, designed to be free, locked in a cage. We as Christians are not to be locked in a cage of fear, totally helpless to be of service to anyone.

What God has given us are three divine assets which are necessary and essential to get the job done that God has called us to do; three assets which govern the effectiveness of our service. They unfreeze the function of our gifts and unlock the cage of fear.

• Power – But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses . . . Acts 1:8. This power is the inward dynamic of the Holy Spirit, the ability to make an impact, and the capacity to be of influence. (CF Acts 17:2-4, Acts 9:22)

• Love – And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5. Love is the capacity to see and understand others through the heart of God. Love frees us from intimidation.

• Discipline or a “sound mind” – A mind that quickly generates self-control in all circumstances.

So, beloved, we do not need any new spiritual ingredient in our lives. We just need to fan into flame that which God has already given us and encourage each other to do the same. Remember, encouragement is like a peanut butter sandwich – the more you spread it around, the better things stick together! God bless and happy fanning!

Love to all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Luke 3:16

John answered and said to them all, "As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

John 14:26

the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

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.

2 Tim 1:14

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

Titus 3:5

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

Jude 20-25

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on some, who are doubting; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.

24 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.

Love God! Love others!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 17, 2026

Notes of Faith May 17, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Studies in James

March 23, 2003

“WISE WORKS”

James 3:13-18

In our studies we have seen that James has been stressing the importance of works as the expression of true, saving faith. In today’s passage we see the importance of the quality of these works – are they wise or foolish? True wisdom comes from God and only those with Godly wisdom will live a life that is well pleasing to God.

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don’t brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise! (James 3:13 NLT)

So we see our works or good deeds are to be:

• The result of true knowledge and true knowledge comes from God. That knowledge is the basis for wisdom and understanding.

• Shown in our daily life. Our day-to-day lifestyle reflects the true character of our lives.

• Done in humility. We are not to “toot our own horns” about our good deeds!

Foolish works are the result of foolish wisdom.

But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your hearts, don’t brag about being wise. That is the worst kind of lie. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and motivated by the Devil. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every kind of evil. (vv. 13-16)

Foolish wisdom is:

• characterized by bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, arrogance and lies.

• not from God but from Satan.

• produces disorder and every kind of evil.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven, is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness. (vv. 17-18)

On the contrary, wise wisdom is:

• characterized by purity, peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, merciful, fruitful and without hypocrisy.

• from above. It is God’s wisdom.

• produces a harvest of goodness, sown in peace.

Do you have a genuine faith today? How do you know it is genuine? Is the Holy Spirit producing good works in your life and is God’s wisdom evident? Let’s take inventory of our lives by applying II Corinthians 13:5 – Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourself. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is in you, it means you have failed the test. I would love to see each of you get an A+! God bless.

Love to all,

Pastor Charles Covington

John 13:34-35

34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

Rom 12:10-13

10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

Rom 12:14-17

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.

Rom 13:8

8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

Rom 14:19

19 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.

Rom 15:5-6

Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Cor 12:18-26

God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 19 If they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now there are many members, but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; or again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." 22 On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; 23 and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 24 whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

Eph 4:1-3

Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Eph 4:31-32

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Phil 2:3-4

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Col 3:16

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

James 5:16

confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

1 Peter 4:10

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

If we do these things we will fulfill the commands of God and be pleasing in His sight! Let us endeavor to LOVE GOD and LOVE OTHERS!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 16, 2026

Notes of Faith May 16, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Studies in James

March 16, 2003

“THE PRACTICAL SIDE OF FAITH

James 2:14-26”

Is a professed but silent faith, void of tangible fruit, a valid faith? This was a paramount problem among Jewish believers to whom James wrote. It is also a problem among professing believers in every era of Christianity. James 2:14-26 exposes the fallacy of such thinking and spells out the principles of true, saving faith.

Fact #1 - A profession of faith without the presence of accompanying works reflects a lack of genuine faith. “Dear brothers and sisters, what’s the use of saying you have faith if you don’t prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can’t save anyone.” James 2:14 NLT Can professing to be a Christian without living as Christ would have you live save you? Obviously not.

Fact #2 is illustrated in verses 14 and 15: “Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, ‘Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well’ – but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?” The old saying, “actions speak louder than words” again shows a lack of true faith. Words without actions are useless.

Fact #3 – A faith without action is a dead faith. “So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all – it is dead and useless. v. 17”

Fact #4 – The presence of works with the profession of faith reflects a saving faith. “Now someone may argue, ‘Some people have faith; others have good deeds.’ I say, ‘I can’t see your faith if you don’t have good deeds but I will show you my faith through my good deeds.’ v. 18” James is asking believers to show him their faith by the way they live and the good works that they do and he himself is an example of this kind of faith.

The difference in these two kinds of faith is shown in verses 19 and 20: “Do you still think it’s enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror! Fool! When will you ever learn that faith that does not result in good deeds is useless?”

James reminds believers of two Old Testament saints that demonstrated true faith in verses 18-25. The first is Abraham. “Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was declared right with God because of what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?” You see, he was trusting God so much that he was willing to do whatever God told him to do. His faith was made complete by what he did – by his actions. And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: ‘Abraham believed God, so God declared him to be righteous.’ He was even called ‘the friend of God.’ So you see, we are made right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.”

Rahab was the second example. “Rahab the prostitute is another example of this. She was made right with God by her actions – when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road.”

James sums up his argument in verse 26: “Just as the body is dead without a spirit, so also faith is dead without good deeds.” Let me emphasize here that doing good deeds or works does not save you. You cannot work your way to Heaven. Faith alone saves, but a true faith will be demonstrated by a changed life, a life lived for the glory of God.

How is your faith today? Is it accompanied by good deeds or are you just mouthing a cliché? We each must examine our own hearts and lives. Let’s glorify our Savior with lives that are pleasing to Him. God bless.

Pastor Charles Covington

Heb 11:6

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

Eph 2:8-10

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it (faith) is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

God’s grace saves us through His gift of faith to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. But as a result of that gift and resulting salvation, the expression of that faith is lived out through good works that God prepared for the life of every believer!

We see then that faith and works go hand in hand though we also recognize that God’s gracious gift of faith is what is necessary to be saved! The expression thereof for the rest of one’s life is an outpouring of righteous good works in His name! Works will not save you but true faith must produce the fruit of good works! Examine yourself and get to work producing good fruit for God!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 15, 2026

Notes of Faith May 15, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Studies in James

March 9, 2003

“THE CHRISTIAN AND TRIALS”

The Epistle of James is an extremely practical book. James is replete with practical themes of the Christian life. For the next five weeks I have selected five of the outstanding themes of James to examine. In this first study we will look at “The Christian and Trials.” Trials and testing are part and parcel of the Christian experience. However, they are not without design and purpose. James 1:2-12 explains the place trials are to have in the believer’s life – the purpose for which they are allowed by God, as well as the attitude with which the believer is to accept them.

The philosophy of testing is found in verses 2-4. “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

• The Christian should have a positive reaction to trials, considering them a source of joy (v. 2). This includes trials of all kinds (various). The word “encounter” means to be completely surrounded by different kinds of trials.

• The prominent reason for trials is threefold (vv. 3-4):

1) Trials produce patience. God expects His people to endure or hang in there when trials come. 2) With this patience comes maturity – becoming more like the Lord Jesus. 3) Trials bring us to our knees as we petition our Lord through prayer (vv. 5-8). “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” We see that the purpose of petition (prayer) is to obtain wisdom to know how we should respond to these trials. God’s promise in answer to that prayer is that wisdom will be given generously and without reproach. We also see a precaution regarding prayer, and that is, we are to ask in faith without doubting. The doubting man cannot expect anything from the Lord.

The perspective of testing is found in verses 9-11. “But let the brother of humble circumstances glory in his high position; and let the rich man glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off, and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.”

• The perspective of the poor is to glory in his high position in Christ.

• The perspective of the rich is to glory in his humiliation which is explained in verses 10-11.

The prize for enduring through our trials is found in verse 12. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” If we endure, we will receive the crown of eternal life with Him. What a promise!

Beloved, what are you going through at this time in your Christian experience? Are you considering trials a source of joy (an unshakable assurance of well-being in Christ)? Are you developing endurance? Do you have an accurate perspective? Are you anticipating the prize – the Crown of Life? Let’s look at our trials as Christ does and thank Him for them! God bless.

In His matchless Name,

Pastor Charles Covington

1 Thess 5:16-18

16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Life is better than death especially if you have yet to discover your eternal destiny! It is not easy to rejoice in trial and tribulation if you do not believe in Jesus, for He is life, the Giver of life, the Sustainer of life, the Provider of eternal life! Only in Jesus can one have the joy of the Lord during life on this side of heaven and eternity. May you be blessed to know Him today, have intimate relationship with Him, and trust Him for every moment that comes your way!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 14, 2026

Notes of Faith May 14, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

March 2, 2003

“ONE ANOTHER CHRISTIANITY”

God’s Word tells us that we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39.) “Loving God, Loving Each Other” is a song by Bill Gaither that beautifully admonishes us to love one another. Loving God could be called the creed of our faith; loving each other the proof of our Christianity for didn’t Jesus say in John 13:35, “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples if you have love one for another?” Let’s see what the Bible says about “one another” Christianity.

1. Have the same care for one another – I Corinthians 12:25.

2. Greet one another – II Corinthians 13:2.

3. By love serve one another – Colossians 5:13.

4. Forbearing one another in love – Ephesians 4:2.

5. Be kind one to another – Ephesians 4:32.

6. Forgiving one another – Ephesians 4:32.

7. With all wisdom admonish one another with songs and hymns and spiritual

songs – Colossians 3:16.

8. Comfort one another – I Thessalonians 4:18.

9. Build up one another – I Thessalonians 5:11.

10. Encourage one another – Hebrews 3:13.

11. Consider one another – Hebrews 10:24.

12. Do not speak out against or judge one another – James 4:11.

13. Do not complain against one another – James 5:9.

14. Confess your faults one to another – James 5:16.

15. Pray for one another – James 5:16.

16. Have compassion one for another – I Peter 3:8.

17. Use hospitality to one another – I Peter 3:8.

18. Be subject to one another – I Peter 5:5.

19. Be humble toward one another – I Peter 5:5.

Beloved, if we would learn and practice these “one another’s” in our everyday relationships, what a difference that would make in our lives and in our church. Does the world know we are Christians by the love we show one another?

Perfect love is:

Slow to suspect – quick to trust.

Slow to condemn – quick to justify.

Slow to offend – quick to defend.

Slow to expose – quick to shield.

Slow to reprimand – quick to forbear.

Slow to demand – quick to give.

Slow to provoke – quick to conciliate0

Slow to hinder – quick to help.

Slow to resent – quick to forgive.

Let’s work on this together. God bless.

Loving YOU because HE first loved me,

Pastor Charles Covington

https://youtu.be/1WHFhpz00YQ?si=liqYDEsVGaN4bENT

Let’s follow Jesus and love God and love each other!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 13, 2026

Notes of Faith May 13, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

February 23, 2003

“FAMILY LIKENESS”

Romans 8:29

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren.

When a mother shows off her newborn, admiring friends will remark, “he looks just like his daddy”, or, “my, how much she looks like your Aunt Gertie!”

Did you know that all believers in Jesus have a family likeness? While we are on this earth this likeness is in our characteristics. In Philippians 2:5 we read, “Have this attitude in yourselves, which was also in Christ Jesus.” What is this attitude? The answer is found in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self- control . . . “

However, one day we will be fully like our Lord Jesus Christ, - “conformed to His image” as we see in today’s verse. This means the full, final and complete part of the believer’s redemption – the believer’s actual likeness to Christ. This change will be not only in attitude, character and nature, but also physically (and the older I get, the more I look forward to that perfect body)!

What does it mean to be “conformed to the image of His Son (Jesus)”?

• “Christ conformity” does not mean that we will all be prototypes of Christ. Each of us will retain our own individuality. We will recognize each other. It does mean that our body will undergo a complete change in molecular structure – the type and substance of our Lord’s body (Philippians 3:20-21). This body will be completely adapted to our new environment – Heaven!

• The new body will not be composed of flesh and blood

(I Corinthians 15:50 ff).

• The new body will be indestructible (I Corinthians 15:42, 53). We will no longer face sickness or death.

• The new body will be a glorious body (I Corinthians 15:43). Our new body will reflect the divine nature that indwells it!

• The new body will be powerful (I Corinthians 15:43) – like the Energizer Bunny we will go on and on and on!!!

• The new body will be a spiritual body (I Corinthians 15:44). The source of our natural life is our blood while the source of our new body will be Christ’s Spirit within us.

• The new body will be a heavenly body (I Corinthians 15:47-49). It will be adapted to a new dimension of existence – Heaven!

So how should all of this affect us today in our walk with the Lord?

On March 11, 1830, a little English girl was doing her lessons with her tutor, and the lesson that day had to do with the royal family. As she studied the genealogical chart in the book, she became aware of the astounding fact that she was next in line for the throne! At first she wept, and then she looked at her tutor and said, “I will be good!” The fact that little Victoria would one day be queen motivated her to live on a higher level.

Beloved, as believer’s we are today children of the King of Kings. Let’s live accordingly. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

John 1:12-13

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Acts 17:26-28

He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, 27 that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and exist

Rom 8:16-17

he 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.

1 John 3:1-3

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

1 John 5:1-4

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith.

How blessed we are to be children of God…now act like it! Sorry, I couldn’t control myself. But understand that I am speaking to myself as well as those of you who read the entire devotion. May you be blessed in obedience today!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 12, 2026

Notes of Faith May 12, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

February 16, 2003

“ABIDING IN CHRIST”

I John 2:24-29

John the Apostle stresses the doctrine of abiding in Christ, which is absolutely essential for the believer if there is to be any power and effectiveness in their life. Questions may arise in our minds, however, such as: “Why is abiding in Christ necessary? What are the dangers of abiding in Christ? What is the result of abiding in Christ?” These pertinent questions are answered in our passage this week.

The need to abide. As for you, let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father (v. 24). Abiding in Christ is inseparably linked with abiding in the Word. Abiding in Christ is absolutely essential to the enjoyment of fellowship with God and with God’s people (2:10), overcoming the evil one (2:14), and answered prayer (John 15:7).

The truth that abiding in Christ reveals. And this is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life (v.25). If we are abiding in Christ, we have eternal life in Christ. Life that never ends. Life with the eternal God. His eternal life! What a promise!!

The danger to abiding in Christ. These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you (v. 26). The danger to those who are abiding in Christ is deceit. There are always those who are out to deceive the Christian so believers are to be on guard against the enemies of the cross.

The power for abiding in Christ. And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him (v. 26). The Holy Spirit teaches us how to distinguish truth from error (I John 4:2, 5-6). He may use human teachers to accomplish this (Ephesians 4:11-16). “As He has taught us” becomes the standard for our abiding in Christ (Philippians 3:16).

The fruit of abiding in Christ. And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him (vv. 28-29).

Confidence before Him at His coming. If our associations in this life are of such a nature so to exclude Jesus, then how can we expect to be confident before Him when He comes for His church?

Conduct that is consistent to our calling. We practice righteousness because we know that He is righteous.

Bottom Line: Abide essentially means: to stay, to live, to dwell, to last out, to endure or to continue. We might summarize the meaning of “abide” as a confident determination to let His Word control us and to follow Him in His ways. This results in a serene, confident sense of at-home-ness in our relationship with God and His people.

God bless as you set your heart and mind on abiding in Christ our Lord.

In His love,

Pastor Charles Covington

1 John 2:15-17

15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.

1 John 3:7-8

7 Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; 8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning.

1 John 3:14

14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren.

1 John 3:17-18

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.

1 John 2:3-6

3 By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 5 but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: 6 the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.

Let us strive to abide in Christ and think and act like Him!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 11, 2026

Notes of Faith May 11, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

February 9, 2003

“WALKING IN LOVE”

Ephesians 5:1-2

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in LOVE, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

Valentine’s Day is coming! Love songs are being played everywhere. We see sugary cards and heart-shaped boxes of candy in every store we enter. The Bible has a lot to say about love and we are going to look at one aspect of it.

The Christian life is defined in the Christian’s walk. We are told to walk in many ways and in today’s passage we are told to walk in LOVE! (That word again!)

The motive for walking in love. “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.”

The motive is that we are to imitate our father. Most children delight in trying to be like their parents. They wear dad’s hat or mom’s high-heeled shoes. They also imitate their temperament in some ways (ouch!) Love is the temperament of our Heavenly Father that we are to imitate. He calls us “beloved children.” This tells us that, with the Holy Spirit, we are capable of walking in divine love. Every aspect of our life is to be centered in God’s love.

The example of walking in love. “Just as Christ also loved us and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”

In what way is Jesus the example? In His sacrifice! Self-sacrifice is a better term. He took the initiative and volunteered to go to the cross for us. Paul says it this way – “an offering.” Christ’s offering was made to God. His sacrifice was to God for us.

This sacrifice was one person taking the place of another. Jesus took the place of the entire human race in His death. He died so that we would not have to. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (His sacrifice!) Romans 6:23

Paul goes on to say that this sacrifice is a fragrant aroma. This means that the aroma of Jesus’ sacrifice ascended to God and is described as fragrant, that is well pleasing or acceptable. We are to sacrifice for others, as Christ did for us. It could be a sacrifice of our time, our comfort, our money or a number of other things. In extreme circumstances it could be our very lives. We witnessed this recently in the space shuttle disaster.

Our walk includes many things. I believe our “LOVE walk” is one of the most important. Let’s walk in love before the world this week. The world’s view of love is so distorted. Let’s follow Christ’s example and be examples of real love to a very dark and sin-sick world. God bless.

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Charles Covington

I have shared with couples, asking why they want to get married? Most often the answer from both of them is, “because I love him/her”. Then I ask them to define love. This is where the rubber meets the road. One’s definition and understanding of the word love will define the relationship. Eventually in our conversation I suggest that the greatest expression of love is sacrifice. As Christ sacrificed Himself for us, in love…we are to sacrifice ourselves (not in death but rather living for His glory), to God first, then to all others. This life of love will fulfill the commandments that Jesus said were the greatest and fulfilled all of the law of God.

Love God! Love others!

Pastor Dale