Notes of Faith August 8, 2026

Notes of Faith August 8, 2026

Fives: The Pentateuch

Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should act according to them in the land which you go to possess.

Deuteronomy 4:5

The Pentagon, a five-sided building constructed during World War II, was designed for an irregular plot of land bounded by roads that formed a rough five-sided shape. The Latin word for five is pent, and that’s also why the first five books of the Bible are called the Pentateuch.

The Jews called these books the Law or the Torah, and they contain core teachings foundational to biblical truth. When an observant Jew reads Psalm 1, for example, this is the way he reads it: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly … but his delight is in the [Torah] of the Lord. And in His [Torah] he meditates day and night” (verses 1-2).

Most of us like to read familiar biblical passages. But it all goes back to the Torah, and we would be wise to read it more often. Deuteronomy is especially rich. Read it, and you’ll find the Lord’s statutes and judgments that show us how to act in the land we are possessing with our souls.

Moses makes it clear that blessings come when the heart is right.

Warren Wiersbe

Ps 1:1-2

The Righteous and the Wicked Contrasted.

1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,

Nor stand in the path of sinners,

Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

And in His law he meditates day and night.

Let us pursue the heart of God and live lives that are pleasing to Him through our worship, love and service to others.

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith August 7, 2026

Notes of Faith August 7, 2026

Deception Discernment

One of the clearest signs that we are living in the last days is the rapid rise of deception. Every day we're bombarded with news stories, social media posts, AI-generated videos, manipulated images, and conflicting reports. It has become increasingly difficult to know what is true and what is false. The technology now exists to fabricate almost anything, and many people no longer know who—or what—to believe. Yet long before artificial intelligence, social media, or twenty-four-hour news cycles, Jesus warned us that deception would be one of the defining characteristics of the last days.

*"Take heed that no one deceives you."* — Matthew 24:4

Today, deception extends far beyond fake headlines and manipulated videos. It also comes in the form of ideas, philosophies, and political movements that promise to solve humanity's problems while rejecting the wisdom of God.

One of the greatest examples we're witnessing today is the growing acceptance of socialism and, ultimately, communism throughout America. These ideologies are often presented as compassionate answers to inequality, injustice, or economic hardship. They are packaged with promises of fairness, security, and prosperity. Yet history repeatedly tells a different story.

Every nation that has embraced communism has paid a devastating price. Individual liberty disappears. Government power expands. Economic freedom erodes. Most tragically, the freedom to worship God and proclaim the gospel has often come under increasing attack.

What concerns me is watching a younger generation embrace these ideas while knowing very little about the millions who suffered under communist regimes throughout the twentieth century. Many believe, "We'll do it differently this time." But human nature hasn't changed, and neither have the consequences of placing our hope in systems built on the belief that government—not God—is humanity's ultimate answer.

More than ever, we need discernment. We need to know the Scriptures. We need to teach the next generation biblical truth so they are not carried away by persuasive ideas that ultimately lead people farther from God.

Don't let the headlines shape your worldview. Let the Bible do that.

What did you read today?  How is the Lord speaking to you?  Are you depending on His Spirit within you to lead, guide, and direct your thoughts and actions?

Prov 3:5-6

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart

And do not lean on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight.

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith August 6, 2026

Notes of Faith August 6, 2026

Scriptures to meditate on…

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved —and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward

us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. — Ephesians 2:1–10 ESV

For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in Your book were written, every one

of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. — Psalm 139:13–16

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the One who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Romans 8:31–39

*

We lift our eyes, both physically and spiritually.

Look Up

I spend so much time looking down at my laptop, my phone, my work, and all the things I need to attend to that it’s hard to keep looking up, but no other practice or posture has been more influential in my daily life.

The psalmist makes it clear: We lift our eyes, both physically and spiritually.

What does that look like?

Perhaps it means this:

* Setting down your phone and literally looking up to the sky. Lifting your head and gazing at God’s majestic creation—things that don’t depend on you in any way.

* Fixing your eyes on something awe-inspiring, like art, nature, and the people you love.

* Turning your face toward God’s presence through his Word or in prayer.

* Noticing God’s intricate details in creation—the veining in a leaf, a tiny petal on a clover or wildflower—and responding in wonder.

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you look up (and out):

* Where do I see God at work around me?

* What about God’s creation inspires worship in me?

* How does God’s creation speak of His character and attributes?

* Which of God’s attributes can I focus on as I look away from the struggles, the problems, the responsibilities that are weighing on me and look to the displays of His greatness and care?

Schedule it, plan for it, or stop right where you are and do it now: Look up, friend! God is at work. He is faithful. And He is worthy of your attention.

Excerpted from This Moment Matters by Ruth Chou Simons, copyright Ruth

Chou Simons.

Another reason to look up…

“for your redemption draws near.” Luke 21:28

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith August 5, 2026

Notes of Faith August 5, 2026

This is written by Dallas Holm. Please, if you do not know of him, look him up on the internet and become aware of a great man of God…and…be richly blessed! Pastor Dale

GIRD YOUR MINDS, FIX YOUR HOPE, BE HOLY!

"Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:13-16).

Recently I was once again re-visiting this favorite portion of scripture that, in my view, increases in significance and relevance each time I study it. I have both spoken and written on this text in the past.

Last month I released a podcast on our "Here We Are" podcast series, centered on this challenging scriptural text. I believe in view of the present state of things worldwide, nationally, and within the church world, we would do well to pay heed to, and accept scripture's challenge to prepare, get more serious about our relationship to Christ, and make it our Christian goal to live holy. Live holy lives first and foremost to please and honor our Holy God, and secondly, to example out to any who might observe, what real Christianity looks like, and who Jesus really is.

I've read and studied God's Word for many years now. You know how it is; you read and re-read the Scriptures but then all of a sudden, one day a portion of scripture you've read many times before, seems to jump off the page and challenge your thinking anew. This was the case with me as I once again read this verse. I was challenged by the absolute necessity to be holy; and not just holy in some sort of quantifiable behavioral sense, but holy as He is holy!

Scripture teaches us to, "Pursue peace with all people, and the holiness, without which no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). No one will see the Lord without holiness. That's an arresting statement!

A.W. Tozer writes: "This is the true divine order: first, reconciliation, then holiness…it is required of those who have been redeemed at such a cost and brought into this place of privilege, that they should be holy, even as He is holy." Tozer goes on to say: "There are serious, honest persons who have turned away from the whole idea of holiness because of those who have claimed it and then lived selfish and conceited lives."

So, holiness should be the natural response of gratitude toward the God who saved us. It also should be the evidence of a life that's growing in grace, obeying the scriptures, and being conformed daily to the image of Christ. Additionally, holiness, aside from defining the privileges we've secured by the grace of God, is also a responsibility.

There is, in some corners, at this present time (and has been since the advent of the covenant of grace), a perverted understanding and expression of grace. Separation from the "world" and "worldly" ideas and behaviors have for many Christians become relativistic notions, not biblical mandates.

Scripture is crystal clear about life, eternity, sin, obedience, truth, and the list goes on and on. Quite frankly, there are no issues to which scripture does not speak. We are without excuse when it comes to understanding God's opinion on the aforementioned issues, and many more.

Grace was never meant to be used as some sort of excuse to rationalize questionable, or unholy behavior. Grace is the means whereby ungodly, unholy sinners may be saved and empowered to be able to live the holy life that God clearly defines and mandates in scripture.

A holy life is a most powerful testimony, speaking more clearly than a host of words!

So…let's break down in a very simple way, some aspects of 1 Peter 1:13-16.

"Gird your minds for action…" As Michael Buffer used to announce before some of the greatest boxing matches; "Let's get ready to rumble!

We are in the battle of the ages. Let's put on the whole armor of God and act like we mean business.

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT!

"Keep sober in spirit…" There is nothing more important than the issue of the eternal souls of men. God demonstrated the importance and priority of His saving grace through the substitutionary atoning death of His Son. We need to be serious about the things God is serious about. Live your faith, share your faith, and invest your faith in the truth of the gospel.

GET SERIOUS!

"Fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ…" As Christ is being revealed in you from "glory to glory" let His grace, by faith, be the "substance and evidence of things hoped for." As the old hymn says: "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness."

FIX YOUR HOPE!

"As obedient children do not be conformed to your former lusts which were yours in your ignorance…" Sin is ultimate stupidity! Sin leads to death! Obedience to God leads to life.

WISE UP!

"But like the holy one who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior…" Proverbs 23:7 says, "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he."

THINK HOLY AND YOU'LL LIVE HOLY!

"For it is written, YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." "For it is written" is God's way of saying, "I've told you this before, I'm telling you again." No, we can't be holy in essence, as He is holy. But, because of the cross, the truth of His Word, and His indwelling Holy Spirit, we can bear His image, evidence His presence, and manifest the fruit of the Spirit. All these things, define and denote the holiness of God.

So…GIRD YOUR MINDS, FIX YOUR HOPE, BE HOLY!

In Christ,

Dallas Holm

My prayer is that we would all seek to live holy lives now, because of what God has done through Jesus, His Son, and giving us His very essence, the Holy Spirit to live within us gives us the power and authority to live holy as He is holy!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith August 4, 2026

Notes of Faith August 4, 2026

The Beginning of Wisdom

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 9:10

We may never find ourselves in a predicament as trying as Job’s. But that doesn’t mean we won’t have some of the same questions. We would do well to learn from Job’s search for wisdom as he tried to unravel the reasons for his circumstances.

Job was searching for the wisdom to navigate his difficulties. In his discourse with his friends, Job said, “But where can wisdom be found?... From where then does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding?... And to man [God] said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom’” (Job 28:12, 20, 28). Job’s words would find agreement from Solomon who later wrote, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). When we lack answers, the place to begin is the fear of the Lord—which means elevating His plans and purposes above our own and submitting our lack of answers to His omniscience.

When you find yourself needing wisdom, remember the words of James who quoted Solomon: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

Humility is the hallmark of wisdom.

Jeremy Collier

Every day there is need for God’s wisdom in our lives.  Let us make use of prayer… instant communication with God at any time, about anything.  He listens, hears, and responds to those who call to Him in prayer.  Let us also ask for wisdom!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith August 3, 2026

Notes of Faith August 3, 2026

Seeking Wisdom

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

James 1:5

Imagine you are facing the most daunting challenge of your life—and you feel totally unprepared to handle it. Then imagine God invites you to ask Him for anything you need. What would you ask Him for?

This was the experience of Solomon, David’s son, when he was about twenty years old and became king. What would you have felt as a twenty year old in Solomon’s position? God came to Solomon in a dream and told him to ask for whatever he needed (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon’s reply to God was humble and wise. He asked God for “an understanding heart” to be able to judge the people of Israel as king. Because Solomon did not ask for long life, riches, or victory over enemies, God granted his request and gave him “a wise and understanding heart” (1 Kings 3:9, 12).

The apostle James wrote that we have the same privilege—to ask God for wisdom whenever we need it. If you are facing a challenge in your life, ask God for wisdom and expect to receive it.

Of all the pursuits open to men, the search for wisdom is most perfect, more sublime, more profitable, and more full of joy.

Thomas Aquinas

We need wisdom every day to not be deceived by the schemes of Satan that would lead us away from the truth of God! Let us pursue the pure and holy truth of God that we might live righteous and joy filled days pleasing to God!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith August 2, 2026

Notes of Faith August 2, 2026

Prayers for Inspiration and Encouragement for Teachers

Even though we’re still enjoying summer, before we know it, the new school year will start. I know that some of you were shouting Hallelujah and Amen! Let’s be praying for our wonderful teachers and the children as the school year approaches! Enjoy these verses and prayers for teachers from Max Lucado’s Pocket Prayers for Teachers.

You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. — Psalm 139:13–14

Holy God, what You create is beautiful. You never make a mistake; everything You do is perfect.

Each student in my class is precious.

Each one is a gift, and You created them exactly the way You wanted them to be. Help me see the beauty in Your creation. Don’t let me take any of them for granted.

Help the teachers and administrators in my school see Your fingerprints on every student. Let each challenge be seen as an opportunity for good; let each character trait be seen as a reflection of Your glory.

As I think of all my students by name, I thank You for creating them and for what You will do through them in the future.

In Your name, amen.

*

Being a teacher means I have the chance every day to change a life. Push me to take that chance.

Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands. — Psalm 90:17

Everlasting Father, Your works are wonderful, and Your glory is limitless.

In everything I do — at home, at school, in the community — bless my work. Only You can see inside my heart and know that I want to do a good job and be a witness for You. Give me the ability to teach and to love and to take advantage of each opportunity You send me. Remind me that others are counting on me to work hard and do well.

Help the principals, teachers, counselors, and other staff see the importance of their jobs as they go into schools every day. Give them a daily dose of joy and excitement for their tasks.

Thank You for entrusting me with the pleasure and responsibility of guiding minds and hearts.

In Your Son’s precious name, amen.

*

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I hope in Him!” — Lamentations 3:22–24

You are the great I am — eternal and unchanging — yet Your mercy is always fresh and new. Magnificent is Your holy name!

Whether it’s the dawning of a new school year, a new semester, or a new day, give me excitement about the opportunity in each new situation. Remind me that being a teacher means I have the chance every day to change a life. Push me to take that chance.

Prompt my students to take advantage of new opportunities as they grow into adults. Help them discern good decision making and find delight in each day.

Thank You for new mercies. Thank You for school years filled with joy and the chance to do something great.

In Your name, amen.

Excerpted from Pocket Prayers for Teachers by Max Lucado, copyright Max Lucado.

I have a daughter-in-law who has taught children for quite a few years already, and still goes back every year to bless those who come with the blessing of a good education from a dedicated teacher! I have another daughter-in-law who gets the privilege to help bring children into the living, breathing world as a midwife. What a blessing she is to the mother and family, and to us, in her helping to bring healthy lives, both mother and baby, through the journey of life that God has given them. I have a daughter that works with children every day, caring for after-school care, with its projects, both educational and fun, supervising field trips, also educational and fun, but most of all loving on the children as if they were her own to nourish their hearts and minds toward growth and maturity at every opportunity.

We are all teachers in some sense, having influence over those who listen to our thoughts and words. May we be good teachers that give love, offer hope and assurance of possibilities in each life we meet and feed into.

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith August 1, 2026

Notes of Faith August 1, 2026

Fives: The Tabernacle

Five curtains shall be coupled to one another, and the other five curtains shall be coupled to one another.

Exodus 26:3

Since August has five weekends, let’s have fun with biblical fives, starting with the Old Testament tabernacle. God the Father so loved His people, He wanted to camp among them. The tabernacle was a special, ornate tent designed for that purpose, and we keep bumping into the number five as we study it. There were five curtains (Exodus 26:3), five supporting rods (26:26-28), and five pillars at the entrance (26:37). The altar was five cubits long and five cubits wide (27:1), and there were ten sets of five loops and clasps (26:5-6).

There’s nothing magical about the number five, but it does show us how intentional God was in structuring a place to abide among the Israelites. Nothing about the tabernacle was random. It was planned, structured, and graciously provided for.

In the same way, the God who arranged every curtain and pillar has also arranged all that is needed to make His home in your heart through His Spirit. His presence with you is wisely ordered, and your very body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). What a blessing!

The Holy Spirit takes up residence in believers, making their bodies a holy place for the dwelling of God’s presence.

Richard L. Pratt, Jr.

Isn’t it amazing that God has ordained that wherever He is, “that place” is designed to hold His perfect and holy presence?  God could only do that through saving and sanctifying the sinner…you and me!  How great is our God! 

https://youtu.be/KBD18rsVJHk?list=RDKBD18rsVJHk

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith July 31, 2026

Notes of Faith July 31, 2026

Brain Stimulation

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them.

Romans 12:6

A recent study conducted by scholars from China and Switzerland found they could use brain stimulation to make people more generous. Gently syncing two brain areas made people noticeably more generous, even when it ended up being costly to them.

The apostle Paul wanted to stimulate the brains and hearts of Christians by the power of the Word of God. So he said we should use our gifts generously, whether prophesying or ministry or teaching or exhorting or giving or leading or showing mercy (Romans 12:6-8).

Giving is tangible evidence of the reality of our love. We see God’s love all around us as we benefit from His blessings. So why would we not desire to do things for the Lord after all He has done for us? Whether it’s through tithing, getting involved in a church ministry, or serving others as He directs you, make a point to evidence your faith through giving.

All God’s giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on His power and presence to be with them.

J. Hudson Taylor

Rom 12:3-8

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.

Stimulating our brains with the Word of God and practicing the presence of God through prayer will most certainly lead to God’s will being enacted in our lives.  God is the One who truly transforms a dead creature into a living one, a life lived for the One who created them to His praise and glory forevermore!

Love God!  Love others!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith July 30, 2026

Notes of Faith July 30, 2026

Slaves

Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

Romans 6:16

Paul begins Romans by calling himself a bondservant of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1). He uses the same Greek word, doulos, in chapter 7. But here in chapter 6 it is translated as “slave.” We were at one time slaves to the law and to sin. Now, he says, we are slaves to righteousness. He adds in verse 22: “Having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness.”

Recommended Reading:

Romans 6:15-19

Everyone serves someone. Are you a slave to sin or to righteousness? By birth we are slaves to sin, but by grace and faith we have become slaves of God. There’s no need to be enslaved by shame, addiction, sin, guilt, and death. Christ wants to set you free from all of those things that you might be a slave to God.

Have you become a servant of God? If not, take time today to accept Christ as Savior, and He will set you free.

Obedience to God releases His blessings and joy, here and hereafter…. Humbling acts of service to others, as Jesus modeled when He washed the feet of His disciples, releases joy in our hearts.

Bill Bright

The Greek word pronounced “doo-loss” is often translated servant when it would be better understood as slave. We are born as slaves to sin until we are born again by God’s grace through His gift of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! It is Jesus that brings freedom from sin and death and the victory over those things that enslaved us before we were in Christ.

Rom 6:15-19

Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! 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? 17 But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.

Rom 8:1

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

The power over being enslaved to the things of this world is in Jesus, not in your best attempts to break free from that which has a strong hold on you. Trust the authority and power of God to release you from slavery to sin and death and be bound to Jesus by choice to righteousness and eternal life!

Pastor Dale