Notes of Faith May 30, 2026

Notes of Faith May 30, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

July 13, 2003

WHERE DO YOU GO FOR HELP?

Hebrews 4:14-16

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

Many of us carry heavy burdens all week long. However, most of us hide them when we come to church. As we look at the world around us and we see calamities all over the place - the distortion of truth, eruption of lawlessness, natural disasters, to name a few. In addition, many of us are carrying around our own burdens: guilt, bitterness, discouragement, depression, fear, discontent, disillusionment, worry, anxiety and so on and so on and so on!

Do we then live out our days in quiet desperation? Or do we find help? Some try to find help in alcohol, drugs, or excessive pleasures (Isaiah 41:10; 31:1). In today’s text we see that the believer has a high priest to whom we may, “draw near with confidence … and receive mercy and grace to help in time of need.” What a blessing!

WHY DO WE NEED A PRIEST? The Old Testament priest was a living, breathing link, between man and God. The Old Testament saint with problems did not come directly to God – he came to his contact person – his priest who shared the same human weaknesses. The priest’s job was to minister to men in things that involved man’s relationship to God. Today the believer’s contact with God is the LORD JESUS CHRIST, our high priest.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF THIS PRIEST? Unlike the Old Testament priest, we have someone who is continually available to us. Our high priest does not keep office hours. He is open 24 hours a day and never quits.

We have someone who completely understands us. He became like us in every way (Heb. 2:17). He has been tempted in all things just as we are so we can count on His understanding of the pressures we feel.

We have someone who is completely competent as He is “without sin.” Sin disqualifies and weakens. Only God is without sin. He deals with us by Divine grace and not by our human works. Grace is the absence of human effort. It is God exclusively. He does it all. In Him we find mercy (the remission of deserved judgment) and grace (the supply of undeserved blessing). We may come with confidence, boldness, and without inhibitions.

We can expect help in every area of life. We shouldn’t isolate certain problems and label them as “impossible” (Genesis 18:14). We can expect help from Him at any time (Psalm 46:1). We can expect help from Him when we recognize our need for Him. He help us resist temptation to sin. (James 4:8).

Let’s go to our Great High Priest daily. He ever lives to make intercession for us. GOD BLESS.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Phil 4:13

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

Matt 11:28

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

Mark 10:27

Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."

James 4:1-2

What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask.

Ask of God, with the right motive (not for worldly pleasures), for His will, and it will be graciously and abundantly given to you!

Eph 3:20-21

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

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 29, 2026

Notes of Faith May 29, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Accountability Series

July 6, 2003

GOD AND YOUR GIFTS

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. I Peter 4:10-11

So far in this series we have considered the accountability factor regarding the use of our time, our money and finally, the use of our spiritual gifts. When God created the Body of Christ in Acts 2, it was His purpose for that body to grow and to project an accurate portrayal of Jesus Christ to the world of men. This growth is to take place both in quantity and quality. God placed within that body the elements that would properly facilitate both dimensions of that growth. Those elements are called spiritual gifts or spiritual abilities. The way these spiritual abilities are activated and utilized is through the members of the Body of Christ.

Every believer receives at least one spiritual gift at the moment of salvation, “as each one has received” our text tells us. Every person is important in this thing called ministry. God does not leave the job of building the Body of Christ to professionals. This is seen very graphically in I Corinthians 12 where the “each one” concept is stressed.

“Employ it (your gift) in serving one another.” As you have received the gift, minister or use that gift toward the building up of others. A body member that is non-functional is non-productive. A non-productive member means that there is a void, a lack in the congregation.

The non-function of some members can impair a total ministry. The reason many churches aren’t functioning efficiently is because some believers feel they are not important. Someone else has to pick up the slack. No one can do your job as well as you. The church needs your ministry (I Corinthians 12:7). Two things are necessary in becoming an efficient body member: 1) determine the nature of your gift and delight in it (Psalm 37:4), and 2) develop that gift.

We must rely on God’s strength to minister our gift. Speaking gifts are to be centered in the Word of God and serving gifts are to be ministered according to God’s ability. This means that, while gifts can be exercised in the power of our flesh, they will be effective to the extent that they are energized by God the Holy Spirit. This means also that there will be varying degrees of effectiveness within the ministry of the gifts. This means that you are not to get up tight if someone else in the congregation seems to be more effective in the use of their gift of administration than you are in your gift of administration – or teaching or whatever gift (Corinthians 12:4-7).

The inevitable result when our gifts are used properly is that God will be glorified. And how will this come about? In Ephesians 3:20-21 we see that - 1) we are HIS people, 2) these are HIS gifts, 3) it is HIS Word that qualifies one to speak, and 4) it is with HIS ability that we serve.

God has given each of us a responsibility for which we are personally accountable. Are we concerned enough to pursue an interest in our great task of building the body? God bless.

Serving Him together,

Pastor Charles Covington

Rom 12:3-18

3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 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.

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. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

Use of our spiritual gifts should produce the fruit of the Spirit…

Gal 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control…

Eph 4:11-13

He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

The gift(s) of every believer in the church are to be used for other believers to strengthen the body of Christ. When the use of gifts are undeveloped, ignored, not used at all, the church suffers and is not as healthy as it could be if the believer with these gifts used them for the sake of everyone else in the body.

2 Tim 1:6-7

For this reason, I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

Phil 2:1-4

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Love God! Love others!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 28, 2026

Notes of Faith May 28, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Accountability Series

June 29, 2003

God And Your Giving

Part II

In last week’s (Yesterday, for those reading this daily devotion) Pen Pulpit we learned who should give, why we give, and how we should give. Next we ask -

WHAT IS THE STANDARD FOR OUR GIVING?

Probably the most popular way for God’s people to give today is to follow the standard of the Old Testament tithe which means “a tenth portion”. The basic argument for the tithe standard is found in the fact that tithing was practiced before the law (Genesis 14:20), later incorporated into the law, but not necessarily a principle attached to the law. So the question - is tithing (giving a tenth of your income to the Lord) a valid practice for today?

The Sabbath was observed before the law and was later incorporated into the law just as tithing. Christians do not observe the Sabbath today so should they observe the tithe? Also we see that the Old Testament tithe was not just 10 percent, but more like 22 percent! Charles Ryrie, a noted Bible scholar writes:

“The Old Testament required that a tenth of all be given to the Levites (Lev. 27:30-33), who in turn tithed what they received and gave it to the priests. In addition, the Jews understood that a second tithe (a tenth of the remaining nine tenths) was to be set aside and be consumed in a sacred meal in Jerusalem (Deut. 12:5-6, 11, 18; those living too far from Jerusalem could bring money). Further, every third year another tithe was taken for the Levites, strangers, fatherless and widows (Deut. 14:28-29). Thus the proportion was clearly specified and every Israelite was obliged to bring to the Lord approximately 22 percent of his yearly income. WOW!

On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

I Corinthians 16:2

The New Testament standard, then, is “As God has prospered each one.” The standard for giving is relative in the Body of Christ. Some should give more than others because they have greater prosperity. The standard may also be relative to any one believer at any given time, as his income may fluctuate. The guideline for our giving is found in II Cor. 9:7.

So let each one give as he purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. II Corinthians 9:7

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE GIVE? If the existing membership of our church is giving according to this principle, the existing needs will be met, and we will be blessed both as a church and individuals, beyond measure. We cannot out-give God. We shovel out the front door and He shovels in the back, and His shovel is so much bigger than ours! Examine carefully the principles set forth in II Corinthians 8:12-15 and 9:6-9.

Beloved, lets check our own giving pattern. How are we doing in regard to the needs of our church? And remember – when we place our contribution in the collection plate, we are not giving to the Lord, we are just taking our hands off what belongs to Him already! God bless.

In His love,

Pastor Charles Covington

My personal giving has been related to …

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."

Therefore, I try to be faithful in giving and supporting the work of ministry in these areas as they relate to me…my church, the community where I live, my country, ministries throughout the world! We should pray for more resources to give more! May you truly understand the blessing of giving to the work of the Lord and GIVE! The rewards are eternal and immediate!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 27, 2026

Notes of Faith May 27, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Accountability Series

June 22, 2003

God And Your Giving

Part I

During the reign of Oliver Cromwell in England, the government ran out of silver with which to make the coinage of the realm. Cromwell therefore sent his men everywhere to see if they could find more of the precious metal. They returned to report that the only silver they could find was in the statues of the saints which were on display in various cathedrals of the land. “Good,” replied Cromwell, “We will melt down some of the saints and put them into circulation.” I think God, in His grace, would like to melt down some of the saints in today’s churches and put them and their money into circulation for His glory. What does the Bible say about the Christian and his giving responsibility to the work of God?

Once every year or so we expect the pastor to wail away on the subject of giving – especially if the churches finances are down. We tolerate the pastor’s meddling because we love him – right? But next Sunday we’ll get to the things that are really important – the spiritual things such as prayer, Bible study, the deep things of God. However, giving of tithes and offerings is probably the most spiritual thing we could ever do. In fact, the Bible associates Christian giving with the presence of the love of God (John 3:16).

YOU CAN GIVE WITHOUT LOVING GOD BUT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO LOVE GOD AND NOT GIVE. In fact giving is said to be an element of fellowship (II Cor. 8:4). Giving is put on a par with other areas of the spiritual life (II Cor.8:7). In this Pen Pulpit (and Part II next week) I want to ask and answer five questions about giving: (1) Who should give? (2) Why should we give? (3) How should we give? (4) What is the standard for giving? (5) What happens when we give?

On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. I Corinthians 16:2

1. WHO SHOULD GIVE? First of all everything we own belongs to God. Giving is an individual responsibility incumbent upon every believer…both wealthy and poor (II Corinthians. 8:2). Under the old covenant offerings were to be brought according to the personal ability of an individual…but no one was exempt. Some in the church have the spiritual gift of giving (Romans 12:8). However, every believer has the responsibility to give.

2. WHY SHOULD WE GIVE? It is God’s nature to give. He cannot help but give – and He gives where there is need. In Genesis 2:18 we read that He provided a helper for Adam and then gave adequate provision in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15-16). Throughout the Old Testament God gave to the needs of the people – manna in the wilderness, water in the dessert. But the greatest demonstration of giving He ever performed was the gift of His Son – to give us eternal life (John 3:16). And once we receive that gift, He gives His people all things according to their needs in Christ (Romans 8:32; Philippians 4:19).

God has placed His nature within believers (II Peter 1:4). We, therefore, are to imitate God and walk in love (Ephesians 5:1-2). To love is to give and to give is to love (I John 3:17).

God gives because it is His nature to give. Christians give because God’s nature is in them and thus it is their nature to give!

3. HOW SHOULD WE GIVE? Giving is to be planned, consistent and systematic - as systematic as planning for our savings, joining the Christmas Club at the local bank, building an IRA, planning our vacation, our retirement, or our children’s education. Giving should be the #1 item in our budget.

Next week we will look at God’s standard for giving and what happens when we give. God bless.

In His love,

Pastor Charles Covington

2 Cor 9:6-8

Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed

The heart-prompt to give is the Holy Spirit speaking to trust God for any and all provision of need…even to supply that which is given and shared with others in need. This should be a spiritual discipline to be learned and practiced in the infancy of faith, young or old, to set aside and give back to God in thanksgiving, worship, and service. We should be an example to others, not to boast or brag, but that the attitude of giving might be part of a true disciple, a trust in the Lord for all provision. There are more needs than we could possibly contribute toward…let us participate in those that the Lord puts on our heart, especially toward those of His children in need!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 26, 2026

Notes of Faith May 26, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Father’s Day

June 15, 2003

ELEMENTS OF A FATHER’S FAITH

Hebrews 11:8-10

What is a father? Here are some definitions I have found:

• A father is someone who carries pictures where his money used to be.

• From an 8-year-old, “He can climb the highest mountain or swim the deepest ocean. He can fly the fastest plane and fight the strongest tiger. My father can do anything. But most of the time he just carries out the garbage.”

• In response to the question “What is Father’s Day? A small boy answered, “It’s just like Mother’s Day only you don’t spend so much.”

• A father is a person who is forced to endure childbirth without anesthetic. A father never feels worthy of the worship in a child’s eyes. He’s never quite the hero his daughter thinks, never quite the man his son believes him to be – and this worries him, sometimes. He works too hard to try to smooth the rough places in the road for those of his own who will follow him. Fathers are those who give daughters away to other men who aren’t nearly good enough, so they can have grandchildren who are smarter than anyone else’s!

Let’s take a look at a father who left more than sentimental memories or a substantial insurance policy behind to remember him by. One of the most famous fathers of all time was FATHER ABRAHAM. He left a legacy that made him famous- a legacy more precious than anything. He left the legacy of faith. In Genesis 12: 1-3 God promised to make this man’s name great, and He did. The greatness of this father is seen in three ways:

(1) He was a natural father – the father of a miracle son who would give substantial identity to the Messianic line through Jacob and his twelve sons.

(2) He was a national father – who became the progenitor of two great classes of people – the Arab nation and the Jewish nation

(3) He was a spiritual father – the father of all faithful (Gal. 3:7-9).

There are fourteen chapters in Genesis given to the history of this man. However, three verses in Hebrews summarize his spiritual history.

Abraham had a faith that acted upon God’s revelation to him. “By faith, Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.” Hebrews 11:8

Abraham had a faith that was willing to venture out upon God’s personal message to him. In Genesis 12:1-3 we read that God told Abraham to leave his country, his relatives, and his father’s house to go to an unknown land which God would show him. How many of us would do that?

Two aspects of Abraham’s faith that are an example to us are:

• Recognition of God’s authority – Abraham recognized God’s call upon his life just as child recognizes the voice of his parents or sheep recognize the voice of their shepherd (John 10:27). It is good to become familiar with God’s voice in God’s Word. Just remember that God is able to speak loud enough for a willing heart to hear.

• Submission to God’s authority - This submission is proved by his “going out.” Abraham not only recognized God’s call upon his life, he also recognized God’s right to make that call. Abraham was absolutely ignorant as to the direction God had for him. His obedience was not conditioned upon knowledge of certain facts regarding the future. God will not call you to do what He called Abraham to do. The point is that Abraham did what God told him to do! “Going out” for the believer is acting upon God’s Word. Some of us want to test the water to see if it’s warm enough – when in fact God has made it very clear that we should move ahead.

Abraham had a faith that adjusted to his circumstances. “By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise.” Hebrews 11:9

Abraham was not given a time limit as to how long he would be in this strange land that God had promised to him. He lived as an alien in a foreign country and because of that, he learned to adjust to those people and to that environment. Throughout his life in that land, he learned to adjust to one situation after another.

(1) He learned to adjust to the mediocrity of just living life every day without seeing a lot of spice and variety in his life.

(2) He learned to adjust to the disappointment of not being able to father a child.

(3) He learned to adjust to the unbearable waiting on God to fulfill His promise of a Son.

(4) He learned to adjust to the shock of seemingly having those hopes dashed to pieces as God told him to kill the only son of promise.

For believers the life of faith is a life of constantly having to adjust to the twists and turns and dead ends of life. Our society makes it very difficult to do this. Growing up, marriage, moving, having children, not having enough money to go around, failing health, loss of a loved one are just a few of the areas that we may be asked to adjust to. Here are some secrets to adjusting to life’s changes -

*Learning to be content where you are – Philippians 4:1-13

*Learning to be content with what you have – Hebrews 13:5, 6

*The secret of learning these lessons is doing it in God’s strength and with His help.

Abraham had a faith that anticipated the good hand of God. “For he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” Hebrews 11:10

Undergirding all of Abraham’s life, from the time of his call until his death, was a hope and a promise that transcended time. The Heavenly Jerusalem was a concept with which all Jews were acquainted (Hebrews 12:22; 13:14; Galatians 4:26). Abraham had a hope that kept him in balance regarding the things of this age and the things of eternity, and we have this same hope when we come in faith to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:18-25; I Peter 1:3-9).

Let me ask you today: Do you have the faith that kept Abraham going? Maybe none of us do – but we can sure work on it. The answer is to stay in God’s Word and allow it to speak to you. God bless and have a wonderful Father’s Day!

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Luke 11:9-13

9 "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 "For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. 11 "Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? 12 "Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? 13 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"

Those who have come to faith in Jesus Christ do not need more of the Holy Spirit for He dwells within the believer and follower of Jesus! But every believer in Jesus can surrender more of his will to the leading of the Spirit…therefore, I will ask my Heavenly Father to use His Spirit within me, to supply me with greater than mustard seed faith, empowering me to do His will at all times, in all things, always bringing glory to His name! I can’t wait for God’s answer to this prayer!

Pastor Dale

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