Notes of Faith May 25, 2026

Notes of Faith May 25, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Accountability Series

June 8, 2003

THE ACCOUNTABILITY FACTOR

You And Your Time

Sometimes I’ve said, “I wish I had more time.” We don’t need more time. We have 24 hours in every day. What we need is to learn to manage our time more wisely.

God has allotted each of us a measure of time on this earth (Psalm 90:10). The time allotted us, regardless of how long or short it is – is but a vapor, a whisper, a breath (James 4:13, 14). Our concept of time is somewhat relative. We view 10, 20, 30, 50, 70 years as either a short or long life.

In the context of these allotted years, God has given each of us a time slot in which to determine our destiny and position in His kingdom…a time slot in which to make our mark for Him down here. It was Carl Henry who said: “time is the arena of man’s decision on his way to an eternal destiny.” Examples:

(1) Our Lord came on time – Gal 4:4; He left on time – John 13:1. In between these points He made His contribution.

(2) The apostle Paul was given a course to finish and he finished it

(II Tim.4: 6, 7).

(3) The apostle Peter did the same (II Peter 1: 12-14).

Time was of the essence for these men. God has given to each of us a course for our life. He is desirous that we finish it. He will give us that time slot in which to do that. This involves the development of a strategy for our lives; the strategic use of our time. The fool has no strategy for life.

Time is to be viewed as a precious commodity (Eph. 5:15, 16; Col 4:5). Redeeming the time, buying up the time, investing wisely in your time. We need to consider time as a valuable commodity not to be wasted. It is in the context of time that anything is accomplished – whether good or bad. One day you will be called upon to give account of the time entrusted to you. We are in a race with a certain amount of time to finish (Heb 12: 1).

Are you wasting time?

(1) What constitutes wasting time? A false concept of wasting time is that if one is not 100 percent involved in the preparation or execution of your job/ministry, you are wasting time…the work-a-holic.

(2) We are to recognize each day as 24 hours of opportunity to glorify God.

(3) This is not to take away from your enjoyment of the wholesome things of life. God wants you to be a well-rounded person (I Timothy 6:17).

(4) Whatever you do, you do it with a view to making God look good (I Cor. 10:31). Time not used constructively to edify, build up spiritually, mentally, or emotionally is a waste of time.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

I think we become more aware of the preciousness of time as we grow older –for we have a tendency to look at life a little more realistically. This is simply because we have lived more of it and have less of it left. Some face the tragedy of a wasted life, a life in which nothing has been accomplished for God. When a person comes to those years when they have nothing but regrets and lost opportunities, they are filled with the bitterness of wasted yesterdays. For the most part they try to justify all of this. All because they did not take seriously the time that God has allotted them to make an impact for Him in their realm of influence for time and eternity.

On the other hand, how wonderful it is to come to the end of your life and be able to say with Paul and Peter, “I have fought the good fight – I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the Righteous Judge will give to me on that day, and not to me only but to all who have loved His appearing” (II Tim 4:6, 7).

Young people, older people, today is the first day of the rest of your life. What will you do with it?

God bless,

Pastor Charles Covington

1 Cor 10:31

whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Col 3:17

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Col 3:23-24

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.

Rom 13:11-14

it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Let us strive fervently in our pursuit of following Jesus, true disciples who desire to be with Him, become like Him, and do the things that He is doing!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 24, 2026

Notes of Faith May 24, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Accountability Series

June 1, 2003

“THE ACCOUNTABILILTY FACTOR”

Introduction

From time-to-time society has a way of trying to eliminate, or re-interpret, certain ethical principles when the pressure begins to get a little too heavy and a person thinks that a principle is cutting into his or her rights as an individual. We are all like that to a certain degree. There is no area where this is more prevalent today than in the area of morals.

Examples:

1. The practicing homosexual says that no one has the right to tell me that I can’t be this way, so many reinterpret the whole moral structure that our country was founded upon to make allowances for this. The gays even try to twist Scripture in order to support their movement (Romans 1:24-28).

2. Abortion – Insisting upon the rights of the mother rather than the child.

3. Politics – Political passing of the buck.

We are living in a narcissistic society – the age of self-love. The “I” generation (II Tim. 3:1 ff). This kind of thinking has led, by and large, to a casting off of the concept of accountability. “No one has the right to tell me what to do! I don’t have to answer to anyone” is the attitude of so many. But everyone IS accountable to someone.

• Children are accountable to parents.

• Parents are accountable to God and the laws of the land.

• Employees are accountable to employers.

• Employers are accountable to certain organizations that govern working conditions.

• Students to teachers. Teachers to administration.

The list goes on an on.

The truth of the matter is that God has consistently, throughout history, called men to give account of themselves to Him. And just as consistent, men, throughout history, have attempted to evade that responsibility.

• Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:9-13).

• Cain (Genesis 4:9)

• Aaron and the Golden Calf (Exodus 32:24 – how did he expect anyone to believe this?)

Christians are accountable to God for certain areas of responsibility that He has entrusted to us. These are many and I have selected some of the more prominent ones for this brief series. Next week we will take a look at the first one – you and your time.

Remember: You are never a failure until you blame someone else for your mistakes! Adam blamed Eve for his sin. Eve blamed the serpent.

God bless. Love to you all.

Pastor Charles Covington

Rom 14:12

each one of us will give an account of himself to God.

Heb 13:17

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account.

Rom 3:10-16

THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;

11 THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,

THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;

12 ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS;

THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD,

THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE."

13 "THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE,

WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING,"

"THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS";

14 "WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS";

15 "THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD,

16 DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS,

17 AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN."

18 "THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES."

Rom 7:21-25

I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23 but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God — through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Pray to receive the free gift of God – faith to believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior! He is the only way to be saved from the judgment and penalty of your sin. Believing in Him removes your sin from you as far as the east is from the west. His sacrificial death paid the penalty for your sin and His resurrection guarantees your eternal life with Him! You will give an account for your life. Come to Jesus!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 23, 2026

Notes of Faith May 23, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series in Proverbs

May 25, 2003

“SELF-CONTROL”

Emotion is an extremely powerful force. Most expressions of anger rise out of a lack of self-control. Let’s take a look into the Book of Proverbs and get some pointers on dealing with this problem. Get your Bibles out and let’s begin.

King Solomon’s (the author of Proverbs) definition of a fool.

• Proverbs 20:3 – A quarreler.

• Proverbs 29:11 – Has no control over his/her temper.

• Proverbs 29:20 – Doesn’t think before he speaks!

OK! I don’t have much self-control. So what?

• Proverbs 14:30 – You will be miserable, to say the least.

• Proverbs 19:19 – You will suffer the consequences of your actions.

• Proverbs 25:28 – You will be vulnerable to all kinds of things (Numbers 20 tells what happened to Moses when his temper got the best of him).

How does a lack of self-control affect my conduct?

• Proverbs 14:17 – It causes you to do some very foolish things.

• Proverbs 14:29 – You are absolutely good for nothing, unable to be of help to others.

So I don’t have self-control. It doesn’t hurt anyone but me! (WRONG!)

• Proverbs 15:18 – You will be a trouble-maker wherever you go.

• Proverbs 22:24,25 – You will be a bad influence on those around you.

• Proverbs 29:22 – You will find yourself sinning more and more.

• Proverbs 30:33 – Consistent strife will be your lot!

Wow! King Solomon sure painted a black picture of a person without self-control. How can I keep from being that kind of a person?

• Galatians 5:16, 22, 23 – Walk hand-in-hand with the Holy Spirit, God’s gift to the believer.

• James 1:19-26 – Pastor Dale has been exhorting us to read God’s Word daily and I add a big “Amen” to that! As we walk daily with Him, dig deep into His Word, and come to Him in prayer, the fruit of the Spirit will become more and more evident in our lives.

Can we be angry without sinning (Ephesians 4:26)? Anger in and of itself is not a sin. You sin when you let your anger get out of control or if you are angry at the wrong thing. Our Lord got angry when His Father was maligned. We are to love the sinner but hate the sin!

Anyone can become angry - that is easy, but to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way – that is not easy. Aristotle

God bless.

Pastor Charles Covington

Gal 5:22-25

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

2 Tim 3:1-5

But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.

2 Peter 1:5-11

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.

Prov 14:29

He who is slow to anger has great understanding,

But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.

Prov 15:18

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,

But the slow to anger calms a dispute.

Prov 19:11

11 A man's discretion makes him slow to anger,

And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.

Prov 30:33

33 For the churning of milk produces butter,

And pressing the nose brings forth blood;

So the churning of anger produces strife.

Eccl 7:9

9 Do not be eager in your heart to be angry,

For anger resides in the bosom of fools.

Col 3:8-10

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

James 1:19-21

But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.

Anger comes easy…(when you are always right. Lol) Self-control is not easy, but it is a very important character trait of Jesus and one we are expected to imitate. There are many things in the human heart and mind that need self-control and we will spend a lifetime practicing the release of control to the Holy Spirit within us that we might live pleasing to God without the sin that seeks to devour us.

Pray with me (for yourself) that your might release the power of the Holy Spirit within you to control your life in God’s will in any and every circumstance!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 22, 2026

Notes of Faith May 22, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series in Proverbs

May 18, 2003

“WHAT IS YOUR LEGACY?”

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.

All of us are building a legacy that will be left to others when the Lord takes us Home. I am sure each of us wants our legacy to be a good one. Most memorial services include a time of testimony as to how the person being remembered influenced his or her life. That is their legacy.

How can a believer influence the lives of others and leave a legacy that will challenge others to follow in his footsteps to a life that will glorify God? We find the answer in today’s passage.

One of my favorite hymns tells us to “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.” Trusting (having faith) in Him is the greatest honor we can render to God (Hebrews 11:6).

Trusting all the time is difficult. The Old Testament saints left us a legacy of trust (Hebrews 11) and they only had a very limited knowledge of God. What an example of trust and faith they are to us. Today we have the entire Bible to illuminate for us the hope we have in our Lord Jesus Christ - therefore it behooves us to believe and trust that revelation “with all our hearts.” In Scripture the heart refers to a man’s innermost being. “All your heart” refers to the very deepest part of our self and encompasses our very soul.

“Lean not on your own understanding” does not refer to the simple things in life such as changing a tire, helping our children with homework, or deciding where to go on our summer vacation, but the things and decisions in life that we have questions about, that we have no control over…things like… unexplained sickness, a lost job, whether someone is telling you the truth.

“In all your ways acknowledge Him” is the next mandate - from the time we arise in the morning until we climb into bed at night. “Acknowledge” is to really know. In everything we do, we are to know and understand that God is with us (Romans 8:31). He always has our best interests at heart and “He will direct our paths”. Note the promise God makes and the certainty of that promise. He will – not maybe or perhaps – but He will direct you through life’s experiences and difficulties.

So, fellow believers, if you are going from day to day with question marks in your life about decisions or directions you should take, rest your faith upon this promise. The more you believe this promise and commit your life to it, the more others will see your example and the greater legacy you will leave. God bless.

DOUBT sees the obstacles; FAITH sees the way.

DOUBT sees the darkest night; FAITH sees the day.

DOUBT dreads to take a step; FAITH soars on high.

DOUBT questions, “Who believes?” FAITH answers, “I”.

In His matchless love,

Pastor Charles Covington

Heb 13:7

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

1 Cor 10:31-11:1

(The Apostle Paul said)…whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Don't give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. 33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. 11:1 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

3 John 11

Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.

Ps 9:10

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You,

For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Ps 56:4

In God, whose word I praise,

In God I have put my trust;

I shall not be afraid.

What can mere man do to me?

Ps 143:8

Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning;

For I trust in You;

Teach me the way in which I should walk;

For to You I lift up my soul.

Josh 24:15

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Rom 6:16

Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?

“Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey!”

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 21, 2026

Notes of Faith May 21, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series in Proverbs

May 4, 2003

“UNDERSTANDING GOD’S CHASTENING”

Proverbs 3:11, 12

My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord, or loathe His reproof, for whom the Lord loves, He reproves (chastens), even as a father, the son in whom he delights.

The word “chasten” in both Hebrew and Greek, means “to train a child.” Thus chastening means “child training.” When we were children our parents chastened or trained us. This training included correction and giving direction. Sometimes it was quite unpleasant especially when it involved physical punishment.

My dad used a belt on me while mother used a broom! There was never a time that I can remember when this part of my training was pleasant or welcome. I really looked at it as unnecessary! As I matured I began to see that this was a very important aspect of my parent’s love. They loved me enough to keep me from going in a wrong direction in whatever way it took. Most of the time it worked!

Even so, the Lord chastens His children. His goal is to train us in His way! I’m glad He called His people sheep and not foxes as sheep need direction, guidance and training while foxes run wild and do their own thing.

Sometimes God the Father uses unpleasant means to train His children and often we despise this correction (despise literally means to “look down our noses at something”). We need to realize that heavenly chastening is an indication of our Father’s love for us.

My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him. For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines and He scourges every son whom He receives - Hebrews 12:5b, 6.

We as His sheep have a tendency to go astray in various ways such as allowing the world to woo us back into it’s influence or developing unchristian relationships. How easy it is to drift away from the Word of God (Hebrews 2:1), diminishing our love for Him. God will not allow these things to go unchecked. He will move in with His chastening hand. When this happens let us not resist His chastening but recognize His hand in our lives, being assured that it is an indication of the Father’s great love for us.

Beloved, today, if God’s hand is heavy upon you, search your heart and life to understand what the Father is saying to you, then ask for the grace to make any change necessary. I’ve had to do this with my stroke. I’ve asked, “Father, what do you want me to learn in this ordeal?” I’ve learned a lot about myself as a result of my Father’s chastening hand in my life. God bless.

Serving Him,

Pastor Charles Covington

Ps 27:9

Do not hide Your face from me,

Do not turn Your servant away in anger;

You have been my help;

Do not abandon me nor forsake me,

O God of my salvation!

Ps 69:16-18

Answer me, O Lord, for Your lovingkindness is good;

According to the greatness of Your compassion, turn to me,

17 And do not hide Your face from Your servant,

For I am in distress; answer me quickly.

18 Oh draw near to my soul and redeem it;

Ps 80:18-19

Revive us, and we will call upon Your name.

19 O Lord God of hosts, restore us;

Cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved.

Prov 1:23

If you turn at my reproof,

behold, I will pour out my spirit to you;

I will make my words known to you.

Prov 3:7

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

Prov 4:5

Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding!

Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

Num 6:24-26

The Lord bless you, and keep you;

25 The Lord make His face shine on you,

And be gracious to you;

26 The Lord lift up His countenance on you,

And give you peace.'

Too often when we encounter unpleasant circumstances we blame God or believe that He has left us to deal with them all alone. We do not consider “Job, Jonah” or anyone else revealed to us in the Scriptures and how God allowed the uncomfortable, the dangerous, even life-threatening circumstances that He might draw them closer to Himself in love, through discipline, teaching, and warning. May we praise God in the difficult things that we do not understand and trust, waiting for His glory to be revealed in and through the work He is doing in us. May we offer the same peace, joy, and faith to others who are struggling with difficulties and tribulations of life, that they might come to His throne of grace and receive mercy and help in their time of need!

Pastor Dale

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