Notes of Faith August 28, 2026

Notes of Faith August 28, 2026

Clear Windshields

But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:16

In the old movie Young at Heart, there’s a scene in which Barney Sloan (Frank Sinatra) is so discouraged he turns off his windshield wipers while driving in a snowstorm. He can no longer clearly see the road, and everything is blurred. It’s a frightening moment that illustrates how we often look at life. We can “turn off the wipers” in our own lives by neglecting truth and withdrawing from God’s Word.

The only way to see clearly is by looking at things through the eyesight of Jesus. Paul twice spoke of “the mind of Christ.” He told the Philippians, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5), and he said to the Corinthians, “But we have the mind of Christ.”

Having the mind of Christ means having the Savior’s point of view. We learn to think as He does, not as the world thinks. Here is a verse to say aloud today and to turn into a prayer for this hour: “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires” (Romans 8:5, NIV).

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.

May we draw ever close to the Lord our God each day until the day of redemption when we are made complete!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith August 27, 2026

Notes of Faith August 27, 2026

Trust

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

The digital age has brought us cars with built-in navigation systems and phones with maps powered by GPS satellites. We also have the option of riding in self-driving cars! Making the transition from depending on our own skills to trusting computerized devices can be challenging.

Recommended Reading:

Psalm 37:3-5

The same can be said when it comes to navigating through life. Before becoming a Christian, we trusted in our own skills, instincts, and decisions to make our way. But once we enter into a relationship with God, we find a different strategy is recommended—the strategy of trust. When we are driving and using a computerized map, we might question directions we are given based on traffic or construction delays. We might even ignore the directions and go our own way. But Solomon warned against such a strategy for life. Against our natural inclinations, we are told to “trust in the Lord with all [our] heart, and lean not on [our] own understanding; in all [our] ways acknowledge Him.”

If you need direction for your future, depend on God’s instructions instead of your own; let Him direct your path.

Doubt breeds distress but trust means joy in the long run.

Charles Spurgeon

Ps 37:3-5

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;

Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.

4 Delight yourself also in the Lord,

And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the Lord,

Trust also in Him,

And He shall bring it to pass.

NKJV

Trust is an easy thing to say but a very hard thing to embrace.  Trust in the Lord brings peace and joy, deliverance and expectation of what is to come.  May we learn what it means to truly trust God in ALL things each day!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith August 26, 2026

Notes of Faith August 26, 2026

Jesus Under Pressure

If you’ve ever had a day in which you’ve been blitzkrieged by demands... if you’ve ever ridden the roller coaster of sorrow and celebration... if you’ve ever wondered if God in heaven can relate to you on earth, then take heart.

Jesus knows how you feel.

In the Gospels, we read of a time when Jesus began the morning by hearing about the death of John the Baptist: His cousin, His forerunner, His coworker, His friend (see Matthew 14:1–13). The man who came closer to understanding Jesus than any other was dead.

Imagine losing the one person who knows you better than anyone else, and you will feel what Jesus was feeling. Reflect on the horror of being told that your dearest friend has just been murdered, and you will relate to Jesus’ sorrow. Consider your reaction if you were told that your best friend had just been decapitated by a people-pleasing, incestuous monarch, and you’ll see how the day began for Christ. His world was beginning to turn upside down.

The emissaries brought more than news of sorrow, however; they brought a warning: The same Herod who took John’s head is interested in Yours.

Listen to how Luke presents the monarch’s madness:

Herod said, ‘I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?’ And he tried to see Him. — Luke 9:9, emphasis added

Something tells me that Herod wanted more than a social visit.

So, with John’s life taken and His own life threatened, Jesus chose to get away for a while. But before He could get away, His disciples arrived. Mark states that the

apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught. — Mark 6:30

They returned exuberant. Jesus had commissioned them to proclaim the gospel and authenticate it with miracles.

They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them. — Mark 6:12–13

In a matter of moments, Jesus’ heart went from the pace of a funeral dirge to the triumphant march of a ticker-tape parade.

Look who followed the disciples to locate Jesus. About five thousand men plus women and children (see Matthew 14:21)! Rivers of people cascaded out of the hills and villages. Some scholars estimate the crowd was as high as twenty-five thousand.6 They swarmed around Jesus, each with one desire: to meet the Man who had empowered the disciples.

What had been a calm morning now buzzed with activity.

So many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat. — Mark 6:31

I’ve had people demand my attention. I know what it’s like to have a half-dozen kids wanting different things at the same time. I know the feeling of receiving one call with other people waiting impatiently on other lines. I even know what it’s like to be encircled by a dozen or so people, each making a separate request.

But twenty-five thousand? That’s larger than many cities! No wonder the disciples couldn’t eat. I’m surprised they could breathe!

The morning had been a jungle trail of the unexpected. First, Jesus grieved over the death of a dear friend and relative. Then His life was threatened by Herod. Next, He celebrated the triumphant return of His followers. Then He was nearly suffocated by a brouhaha of humanity. Bereavement... jeopardy... jubilation... bedlam.

Jesus knows how you feel.

Are you beginning to see why I call this the second most stressful day in the life of Christ? And it’s far from over. Jesus decided to take the disciples to a quiet place where they could rest and reflect. He shouted a command over the noise of the crowd:

Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. — Mark 6:31

The thirteen fought their way to the beach and climbed into a boat.

Who would question Jesus’ desire to get away from the people? He just needed a few hours alone. Just a respite. Just a retreat. Time to pray. Time to ponder. Time to weep. A time without crowds or demands. A campfire wreathed with friends. An evening with those He loved. The people could wait until tomorrow.

The people, however, had other ideas.

The crowds learned about it and followed Him. — Luke 9:11

It’s a six-mile walk around the northeastern corner of the Sea of Galilee, so the crowd took a hike. When Jesus got to Bethsaida, his desired retreat had become a roaring arena. “Surprise!”

Add to the list of sorrow, peril, excitement, and bedlam the word interruption. Jesus’ plans were interrupted. What He had in mind for His day and what the people had in mind for His day were two different agendas. What Jesus sought and what Jesus got were not the same.

Sound familiar? Remember when you sought a night’s rest and got a colicky baby? Remember when you sought to catch up at the office and got even further behind? Remember when you sought to use your Saturday for leisure but ended up fixing your neighbor’s sink?

Take comfort, friend. It happened to Jesus, too. In fact, this would be a good time to pause and digest this important truth:

         Jesus knows how you feel.

Ponder this and use it the next time your world goes from calm to chaos. His pulse has raced. His eyes have grown weary. His heart has grown heavy. He has had to climb out of bed with a sore throat. He has been kept awake late and has gotten up early. He knows how you feel.

You may have trouble believing that. You probably believe that Jesus knows what it means to endure heavy-duty tragedies. You are no doubt convinced that Jesus is acquainted with sorrow and has wrestled with fear. Most people accept that. But can God relate to the hassles and headaches of my life? Of your life?

For some reason, that is harder to believe. Perhaps that is why portions of this day are recorded in all the Gospel accounts. No other event, other than the crucifixion, is told by all four Gospel writers. Not Jesus’ baptism. Not His temptation. Not even His birth. But all four writers chronicle this day.

It’s as if Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John knew that you would wonder if God understands. And they proclaim their response in four-part harmony: Jesus knows how you feel.

Jesus knows how it feels to endure through stress-filled days.

Jesus faced many interruptions and demands on his time.

Jesus can relate to the hassles and headaches of your life.

Jesus can help you get through your angst-ridden days.

Excerpted from Experiencing the Heart of Jesus for 52 Weeks by Max Lucado, copyright Max Lucado.

John 14:27-28

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

No matter what the day’s plans, something or someone will enter into your circle and become a distraction, an opportunity to influence you or for you to influence. May our thoughts and decisions be filled with the grace of God and each day’s end bring reflection on work well done, people encouraged, challenged, and blessed, able to rest comfortably in faith and trust in Jesus, should He give us another day!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith August 25, 2026

Notes of Faith August 25, 2026

Happy 47th anniversary to Robin, the godly woman who has sacrificed over and over to provide me with the best life possible on earth.  Except for Jesus, she is my greatest love and most admired person in my life.  Thank you for these years and by God’s grace, many more!

Meditating When You Feel Fatigued and Discouraged

Meditating God's Way

The joy of the Lord is your strength. — Nehemiah 8:10

Left unchecked, discouragement and fatigue will make you feel drained and empty. But when you find yourself in that situation, there’s a way out. It’s with good reason that Jesus said,

Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. — Matthew 4:4

God’s Word gives us the strength and spiritual nourishment we need to keep going and meditating on Scripture is an effective way to confront discouragement. There is a little booklet by the Navigators that set me on the path of meditation decades ago. The writer suggested that our meditating on Scripture is similar to a cow chewing its cud.

Meditation is pondering various thoughts by mulling them over in the mind and heart. It is the processing of mental food. We might call it “thought digestion.” Chewing upon a thought deliberately and thoroughly, thus providing a vital link between theory and action. What metabolism is to the physical body of a cow, meditation is to your mental and spiritual life.1

In much the same way as our bodies crave physical food, our spirits crave spiritual food. Biblical meditation enables us to begin consuming and digesting the thoughts of the Bible.

The prophet Jeremiah said, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart” (Jeremiah 15:16 NKJV).

Job said, “I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread”

(Job 23:12).

The Psalmist said, “How sweet are your words to my taste” (Psalm 119:103).

Biblical meditation enables us to begin consuming and digesting the thoughts of the Bible.

Reading and hearing the Bible is like eating it—­it enters into our bodies, our spirits. When we meditate on what we’ve read and heard, we’re chewing and digesting the material until it’s assimilated into our systems, disseminated throughout our personalities, and actually becomes us. And in the process our vitality returns. There’s a beautiful example of this in the Scriptures.

In Luke 24, Jesus joined two of His disciples as they trekked from Jerusalem to Emmaus. It was the afternoon of the first Easter, and the two were perplexed by the brutal death of their Messiah and the puzzling rumors of His resurrection. They heard footsteps behind them, and a mysterious Stranger drew near and engaged them in conversation. He listened to their queries and began telling them what they yearned to know.

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself. — Luke 24:27

After arriving at their home and breaking bread with them, Jesus vanished from sight. But later, as the two disciples discussed their never-­to-­be-forgotten walk, they said,

Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us? — verse 32

Verse 45 goes on to say that Jesus “opened their minds so they could understand the Scripture.”

Notice how Jesus opened the Scriptures to their minds and He opened their minds to the Scriptures. What Jesus did for them, the Holy Spirit does for us. The apostle Paul said,

We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.

— 1 Corinthians 2:12 NKJV

Bible study was never meant to be merely academic. It’s relational. Transformational. It’s not simply studying a book; it’s fellowshipping with a Friend. As you fellowship with Christ, you’ll find yourself strengthened, renewed, energized, and empowered—­like someone switched a light on.

1. The Navigators, A Primer on Meditation (The Navigators, n.d.), 3.

Excerpted from Meditating God’s Way by Robert Morgan, copyright Robert J.

Morgan.

God is calling, seeking intimacy, desiring your heart to be one with His.  Listen and respond to His call for blessing, peace, joy, comfort, encouragement, strength, hope, faith, courage…every need you have and more, making it not only possible, but a driving force from within to give to others what has been given to you.  This is the gospel… “Love God!  Love others!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith August 24, 2026

Notes of Faith August 24, 2026

Peace I Leave With You

A friend and I were texting today about how our mornings had not started well. She had lost her keys and subsequently missed both a dentist appointment and a work meeting. I had placed an important form in a “safe place” and then could not remember where I put it. The longer my friend and I kept looking for these items, the more flustered and upset we became.

As time dragged on, my friend’s worries grew. What if she did not find her keys? Had she thrown them away by accident? Getting a replacement key fob is not easy nor cheap. My concerns mounted as well. While requesting a new form would not set me back in money, it sure would set me back in time. I just knew I would have to call customer service and be passed from person to person to request what was needed. I dreaded the hassle it would be. Instead of stopping a moment to collect the proper perspective—and most importantly, pray about it—we both swirled through our homes like raging storms.

Thankfully, I am happy to report that we both found our missing items. My friend’s keys were in a closet on the top shelf. She had looked in that closet but in a raincoat pocket. She never thought to look up at the shelf. I had misfiled my form, and in my agitation and haste, must have flipped right on past it while looking. I was relieved but not proud at how easily I lost my cool. And if I am honest, this is not an isolated case. How many times have I let minor inconveniences and agitations rob me of my peace? Yes, today we misplaced important items. Tomorrow it may be traffic. We may spill something the next day and make a huge sticky mess. Sometimes, our peace is jeopardized not by something that happens but by worries and negative thoughts.

There are many verses in Scripture where peace is mentioned, but one of the most studied and quoted is John 14:27. In this verse, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the fact He will be leaving them soon. He says,

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

There are three sentences in this verse. Each one is packed with importance.

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.”

Do not let your hearts be troubled.

Various Bible scholars point out that “peace” was often used as both a greeting and a parting sentiment. We find examples throughout Scripture of its use, specifically after the resurrection of Jesus (John 20:19-26). However, the way Jesus emphasizes peace in this verse by using the word “My” makes peace seem more than just a mood or feeling but an actual gift or possession. Peace is valuable, and Jesus wants nothing more than to give it to His disciples. This type of peace – a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) — is only possible in the giving of Himself. He knows they will need this level of peace for what lies ahead, both His crucifixion and the start of the Church where most of them will be martyred.

“I do not give to you as the world gives.”

Thinking back to my harried morning, one could argue that a better organizational system could have prevented my situation. Yes, organization is a great thing, but all the planners and filing systems in the world will not deter humans from misplacing things from time to time. Human error is a reality and trusting our peace to things of the world (even though I do love my day planner) is simply an illusion. Life happens. What matters is how we react. That is why our peace should not be dependent on everything going right. It will not happen.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

When I read this sentence, I tend to focus a lot on the last part where He says, “do not be afraid.” Fear is crippling, so it is comforting to know His peace is available for those moments in life that bring us to our knees – the loss of a loved one, serious illness, and more.

While we know from Scripture that Jesus cared very much about the hurting people He met in His earthly ministry, His peace is more encompassing than just for serious seasons of life. He wants His followers to claim His peace every day. Notice in the first part of the sentence He says, “do not let your hearts be troubled.” That does not mean we will not have frustrations – they are just a part of life. But accepting Jesus’ gift of peace means we will look to Him in both the big and small situations. After all, He cares for our every need (1 Peter 5.6-7).

Are you feeling unsettled today? Could you benefit from a fresh infusion of God’s peace in both big and small concerns? Take a few minutes to talk to God about both the troubles and the fears you are facing.   

Written for Devotionals Daily by Mandy Wilson.

The peace of God is a peace through all things in life, the big and small things, the fearful things, the endearing things.  We have this gift, as believers and followers of Christ, but do not receive it’s blessing because we strive in our own efforts to solve all the problems and mysteries of our day.  Let us strive to understand that we live in the very presence of the Almighty God, that He is with us at all times, in all circumstances and offers us His peace!  Keep your mind focused on Him and all other things will fall into place.

https://youtu.be/w7ul19ji5qE?list=RDw7ul19ji5qE

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith August 23, 2026

Notes of Faith August 23, 2026

When You Can’t Turn Back the Clock

Don’t let yesterday’s regrets keep you from faithfully stewarding today.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my half century of life, it’s that dwelling on the past doesn’t move you forward; it only prevents you from carrying on well in the present.

Ask me how I know...

Sometimes I idealize a more peaceful season.

Sometimes I get stuck rehearsing previous choices.

Sometimes regret threatens to steal my joy.

Sometimes I wish I could go back to the little years with my kids now that they’re grown.

Sometimes I can’t believe how much time I used to have.

Sometimes I get caught up in the “what ifs” of yesterday.

Do you ever wish you could go back and redo a certain season, or wish for a do-over? Does looking over your shoulder ever cause you to miss the opportunities today?

Nostalgia isn’t wrong. Neither is learning from the past.

We don’t dishonor the Lord when we miss the way it was, and we aren’t sinful to feel regret. But when remembering and considering the past turns into dwelling on what we don’t have or what is simply no longer ours to steward, we miss God’s call for stewardship of today. When these feelings about the past hinder us in our ability to live fully in the joy and peace that God offers us

today, we must ask ourselves, Have my thoughts about the past eclipsed my pursuit of faithfulness in the here and now?

You can honor the past and move forward in the present, friend. In fact, you need to move forward.

The apostle Paul was no stranger to change. He undoubtedly had regrets about his part in the persecution of Christ-followers before he became a believer. He had memories of accolades from a life that no longer held its charm. He lost friends, a more comfortable way of life, and the status he’d known in his past. If anyone could have a reason to dwell on the past, it would be Paul. So how amazing it is that he wrote to the believers in Philippi:

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 3:13–14 CSB

“Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead” is an active disposition. Paul kept his eyes on the prize of faithfulness in Christ and chose to move toward that goal. For someone who had a whole list of things he could easily be distracted by, Paul stayed focused by deliberately choosing to pursue Christ wholeheartedly, actively moving forward instead of lingering on the past.

So often the most burdensome meanderings of our minds keep us trudging through life like we’re walking in mud, stuck in a loop of what could’ve, should’ve, or would’ve been. What if, instead, the freedom we have access to through salvation in Christ is meant to propel us forward —unburdened by regrets, untangled from the nostalgia of the past, and purposeful in what lies ahead? What if I told you God has purposeful plans for your life that you can’t even imagine right now?

You can honor the past and move forward in the present, friend. In fact, you need to move forward.

Obedience today doesn’t mean pretending that yesterday never happened; rather, it determines to make the most of what is to come.

You and I don’t need to dwell in regret, shame, or what could have been. We can keep our eyes on the prize of glorifying Christ with what we have and where we are now, in this precious life God has given us, today.

Forgetting the past and reaching, straining, or stretching toward what lies ahead is a grand vision, yes. But it begins with your very next step to look ahead and not behind. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Your someday is made up of thousands of right now's, so begin today.

Steward the next step and run toward living for Jesus.

The wild wonder of God’s love is not merely that we are released from the weight of what we can’t change or redo but that we are freed to hope in what is not yet. Be encouraged. So much more is yet to come.

Excerpted from The Way of the Wildflower by Ruth Chou Simons, copyright Ruth Chou Simons.

Satan always wants us to remember the past…the bad past, the sinful past.  But God, through the completed work of Jesus on the cross and resurrection takes my bad/sinful past away and that leaves only the good to remember and focus on for honor and thanksgiving to God!

Let’s not dwell on the past that we cannot change, rather looking forward to the things that we can do in the days ahead through God’s power and authority living within us…His Holy Spirit.  He wants us to live intimately attached to Him as a branch thrives attached to its root.  Only in Jesus do we find salvation and eternal life and life abundant as we press on to what lies ahead!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith August 21, 2026

Notes of Faith August 21, 2026

Missed getting this out on Friday the 21st of August…enjoying time with the kids and grandkids at Great Wolf lodge in Ohio. 

Believing for a Miracle

More Than You Can Imagine

When all seems hopeless, what does it look like to believe for a miracle in faith? In the book of 2 Kings we read how this played out in the story of the prophet Elisha. (The following account is my creative paraphrase of 2 Kings 4:1–7.)

One day, the widow of a prophet came to Elisha and cried out, “My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared the Lord. But now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves.”

Elisha listened intently, opened his hands, and asked, “What can I do to help you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” The woman’s shoulders dropped, along with her gaze. She replied, “I have nothing at all. Nothing, except a flask of oil.”

Unwavering and with full confidence, Elisha’s energy surged. He said, “Go! Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors. Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting each one aside when it’s filled.”

The woman at once turned and did exactly as Elisha had instructed. Her two sons hurried around the neighborhood, gathering jars and bringing them to their mother. She filled one jar after another until each one was full. Soon, every jar was filled to the brim!

Excitedly, she turned to one of her sons and shouted, “Bring me another jar!” He replied, “There aren’t any more, Ima. That’s all of them.” Once every jar was filled, the olive oil stopped flowing. She ran out to Elisha and told him what had happened. He smiled kindly and said, “Now sell the olive oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on what is left over.”

Imagine the loss for this dear woman! Her God-fearing husband had passed into eternity and was no longer there to guard and guide her. Women in ancient culture were especially vulnerable without their men. If a woman lost her husband, she needed her sons. Imagine being a grieving widow who is facing the loss (and enslavement) of her two sons. Hebraic law allowed people to pay their debts by selling themselves or their children. But they were not to be treated as slaves. It sounds like this creditor’s threats defied the spirit of the law.

Did she just lie down and allow this misfortune and injustice? Absolutely not! She remembered her history with God! First, she went to God’s prophet and did what he told her to do. Then she called her friends and asked them to offer their jars in her time of need.

God is still a miracle-working God

There are certain benefits in walking with God and trusting in His name. We all want miracles, but who wants to experience the kinds of crises that call for them? We like to be self-sufficient, but we are not meant to attempt this journey alone, without our people. So what can we learn from her on our journey toward discovering our most redeemed selves through faith in desperate times? Let’s break down this story a bit.

First, the woman refused to settle in her day of crisis. She believed there was an answer for her. Far too many Christians settle in times of crisis. They either fight in the flesh or don’t fight at all. Certain privileges come with being a child of God. A perfect, suffering-free life is not one of them. But in our sorrow, in our hardship, we have an Advocate. We have a Defender. We have a

Provider. We have access to the presence of the living God. Scripture tells us that His faithful promises are our armor and protection (Psalm 91:4). We’re never without help in our times of trouble.

Even if you look at your situation and see no way out, know this: There’s always a way out, or through, or around. God makes a way where there is no way. He’s the Waymaker. Involve God in your process and you’ll see God intervene in a way that only He can.

Second, this dear woman refused to believe that her life would be marked by only loss and no miracles. Yes, her crisis was serious, but God ensured she had something to work with. Elisha asked her what she had, and what she had was a little oil. God multiplied the oil. In this story, we’re dealing with literal oil, but in the Scriptures, oil often represents the presence and power of

the Holy Spirit and the endorsement of almighty God.

But what else? Third, she didn’t do it alone (2 Kings 4:3). In this time of crisis, Elisha encouraged her not to isolate but to include her friends in the miracle. She needed their jars— their expectancy—that something was about to happen. God would fill the jars she gathered, and God will fill our hearts beyond our level of expectancy. Whatever you need in your crisis, you have in abundance in God, your Father.

But here’s an important point to remember: God gives us help, yes, and you can borrow someone’s faith in the short run (friends’ faith can carry us through the most difficult times). But to run your race, you need your own thriving, activated faith.

God will use circumstances, miracles, community, His Word, and the power of His Spirit to activate our faith. We grow and heal in community, but our faith must be our own.

Will you, like the widow in 2 Kings, refuse to settle in the day of crisis? Will you choose to believe right here and now that God is still a miracle-working God? Will you allow others into the vulnerable parts of your story, maybe borrow their faith if necessary, and watch God provide? Are you ready to make your faith your own? Reflect on those questions today.

Written for Devotionals Daily by Susie Larson, author of More Than You Can Imagine.

All too many have lost their hope in the miracles of God!  But God is still doing His miraculous work every day!  May you trust in His authority and power to do what only He can do and walk in faith and obedience each day!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith August 22, 2026

Notes of Faith August 22, 2026

Fives: The Fivefold Ministry

He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.

Ephesians 4:11

People took their seats and waited for the concert to begin. The musicians were world-class, and the music would be masterful. Suddenly each musician began playing their instrument with polished skill—violinists, flutists, percussionists. But the sound was a confusing set of grating noises. Then the conductor stepped onto the platform. With a single motion, the instruments began playing in a balanced and beautiful way.

In Ephesians 4, Paul tells us the Church is a group of people, each with their own gifts and role to play, and we must follow the direction of Jesus. Some are apostles, missionaries who are sent to plant churches. Some are prophets, taking the Word of God and exhorting. Some are evangelists with a gift of leading others to Christ. Others are pastors who shepherd the flock and teachers who feed the flock.

The end result? We will be built up with unity and maturity. Take your place, and remember when each of us follows Christ’s lead, our churches will not be a collection of noise but a symphony of grace sounding forth the truth.

Pastors and teachers are to equip the saints…to serve, to build the Body, to be the church in the world and do the work of ministry.

Charles Colson

Eph 4:11-16

11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Oh how the church needs all of it’s parts to do their work.  Otherwise, we are sick, lame, not able to function in all the needs of a healthy church.  May every member of Christ’s church seek to do their part in the work of ministry!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith August 20, 2026

Notes of Faith August 20, 2026

When You (think) You’ve Done Everything Right and Still Feel Empty

For years, as a therapist, I've sat across from people who had, by every measure, done the "right" things. They showed up for others. They studied the Bible, served their families and contributed within their communities. And still, they felt empty inside.

Here's what I've come to believe: you can have your outer life together and still never experience deep, soul-level belonging.

Think of a church with stained glass windows. From the outside, they look dull and unremarkable—you almost wonder why they're there. But inside, as the sunlight pours through they're transformed. Every fragment of colored glass glimmers and shines, dancing with the others to fill the room with light—a sanctuary that is warm, whole, welcoming.

So often our souls are the opposite.

That was my story. For years, I worked hard to keep a calm, capable, helpful exterior. But inside, I battled chronic loneliness, anxiety, and self-doubt, often feeling sidelined in my own life. I looked put-together on the outside but felt empty and fragmented within.

It was as if I lived as two people: the capable Christian woman the world could see, and the inner me, where the painful emotions were walled off and pushed down.

I had good tactics for keeping the two apart. I'd rationalize my way out of hard feelings:

You have Jesus.

Just focus on others.

You shouldn't feel this way!

When that stopped working, I numbed or distracted. I binge-watched television, disappeared into other people's problems, or reached for food. But one day those strategies failed, and the untended fragments of my soul broke to the surface—in the form of a series of panic attacks.

I was a therapist and a doctoral student studying psychology and theology. I genuinely wanted to follow Jesus and help others. And yet I had no idea how to tend to the fragments of my own soul.

I've since seen this pattern in countless people, stemming, often, from a neglected inner life. We're taught to focus on outer relationships—as parents, partners, and friends—but rarely how to build a secure connection within. We care for others, but do not know how to tend to our own souls, our own wounds, our own pain. confessed,

Put your hope in God.

David said,

But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. — Psalm 131:2

How is it with your soul today?

Part of you might feel lonely, even though you're surrounded by people.

Part of you might feel anxious, running a mental list of everything that could go wrong.

Part of you might be harboring anger or resentment, and you don't know how to change it.

And somewhere beneath it all, there is a tender, young part of you that got hurt somewhere and never fully recovered.

If a friend came to you hurting in any of these ways, you’d show up, offering

encouragement or care. But when your own inner world reaches out, you do the opposite.

Maybe you shame yourself. Or criticize yourself into change. Or pray whatever you’re feeling away, pushing it down into the basement where—you hope—it won’t surface again.

But here's what I've learned, as a therapist and in my own life: exiling a part of yourself never makes it go away. It only makes you lonelier. The parts we banish don't leave. They just come out sideways.

There is another way. And Scripture showed it to us long before psychology ever gave it a name.

Listen to the psalmist in a moment of real anguish. Instead of scolding himself or pretending he's fine, he turns toward his own hurting soul and speaks to it:

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? — Psalm 42:5

He doesn't shove the ache down. He turns toward it—gently, with curiosity, the way you might show care for a frightened child. Only after connecting in this way does he speak the truth his soul most needs to hear: Put your hope in God.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. — Psalm 139:23

He is throwing open the exact rooms of his soul he most wants to keep locked. And he can do that because he already knows what he'll find when God walks in. Not contempt or disappointment but loving presence.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. — Psalm 34:18

This is the God who runs down the road toward the son who squandered everything, before he can finish his apology (Luke 15). The God who calls you by name and says, you are Mine (Isaiah 43:1). God does not stand at a cool, aloof distance, waiting for you to fix the frightened, wounded parts of yourself. God moves toward those very parts of you.

In my new book, The Secure Soul, I call this internal attachment—learning to recognize the wounded parts of yourself and returning to God’s love right there. Not to fix yourself, nor to exile what you don’t like. But to bring compassion into the places that have felt most alone.

Because here is the tender truth underneath all of this: the part of you that you keep trying to silence is not your enemy. It almost always reflects a tender, young place inside that has carried something heavy for a very long time—waiting, sometimes for decades, for someone to finally draw near.

God is already drawing near to this place… and inviting you to do the same.

You don't have to be at war with yourself anymore. You can stop managing your soul and start meeting it with compassion, in the presence and kindness of God. You can come home—to Love, and to the soul that Love so carefully made.

Written for Devotionals Daily by Dr. Alison Cook, author of The Secure Soul.

Saving faith and intimacy with God is not just knowing about God, or even agreeing with the truth about God, but living in faith, obedience and trust in God!

Satan and his demons know about God and believe the truth about God…but do not have faith, obedience and trust in God.

Where do you see yourself … knowing about God … will not save you… agreeing with the truth about God… will not save you…  or living a growing faith, being obedient to His commands, precepts, principals and statutes, and trusting His will for you, to lead, guide and direct all the days of your life, and take you to be with Him to the glory that has been prepared for you?

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith August 19, 2026

Notes of Faith August 19, 2026

Seeking a Courageous Heart: Do Not Be Afraid

Could you use some courage like David had? Are you backing down more than you are standing up? If so, let the Master lead you out into the valley. Let Him remind you why you should “fear not” when it comes to your foe. Listen to the time Jesus scattered the butterflies out of the stomachs of His nervous disciples in Matthew 10:5–31 and see if His words help you.

Remember, the disciples were common men given a compelling task. Before they were the stained-glassed saints we see in the windows of cathedrals, they were somebody’s next-door neighbors trying to make a living and raise a family. They weren’t cut from theological cloth or raised on supernatural milk. But they were an ounce more devoted than they were afraid and, as a result, they did some extraordinary things.

They would have done nothing, however, had they not learned to face their fears. Jesus knew that. So He spoke words of courage to them.

Jesus was about to send the disciples out on their own. For a limited time, they were to go into the cities and do what He had done—but without Him. Jesus assembled them to give some final instructions. Perhaps the disciples looked nervous. They had reason to be nervous. What Jesus was about to tell them would raise the pulse rate of the stoutest heart.

First, Jesus tells them not to take any extra money or extra clothing on their journey.

“No money?”

Then He assures them that they are being sent out like sheep among wolves.

“Uh, what do you mean, Jesus?”

His answer is not reassuring. He tells them they will be taken before the authorities (uh-oh), flogged (ouch), and arrested (groan). And it gets worse before it gets better.

Jesus goes on to describe the impact their mission will have on people:

Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm in the end will be saved.

— verses 21–22

Some eyes duck. Some eyes widen. Someone swallows. Feet shift. A brow is wiped. And though no one says it, you know someone is thinking, Is it too late to get out of this?

That’s the setting for Jesus’ words of courage to His disciples. Three times in five verses He says,

Do not be afraid. — verses 26, 28, 31

Read the words and see His call and cause for courage. See the reason you should sleep well tonight:

So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. — verse 26

"Do not be afraid.” These words Jesus spoke to His disciples He speaks to us today.

On the surface, those words would seem like a reason for panic rather than a source of peace. Who of us would like to have our secret thoughts made public? Who would get excited over the idea that every wrong deed we’ve ever done will be announced to everyone?

You’re right, no one would. But we’re told over and over that such a thing will happen:

Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. — Hebrews 4:13

He reveals deep and hidden things; Je knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him. — Daniel 2:22

He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. — 1 Corinthians 4:5

To think of the disclosure of my hidden heart conjures up emotions of shame, humiliation, and embarrassment in me. There are things I’ve done that I want no one to know. There are thoughts I’ve thought that I would never want to be revealed. So why does Jesus point to the day of revelation as a reason for courage?

The answer is found in Romans 2:16. Let out a sigh of relief as you underline the last three words of this verse:

This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ.

Did you see it? Jesus is the screen through which God looks when He judges our sins. Now read another chorus of verses and focus on their promise:

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. — Romans 8:1

Through Him everyone who believes is set free from every sin. — Acts 13:39

For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.

— Hebrews 8:12

If you are in Christ, these promises are not only a source of joy. They are also the foundations of true courage. You are guaranteed that your sins will be filtered through and hidden in the sacrifice of Jesus. When God looks at you, he sees the One who surrounds you. That means that failure is not a concern for you. Your victory is secure.

Picture it this way. Imagine you are an ice skater in competition. You are in first place with one more round to go. If you perform well, the trophy is yours. You are nervous, anxious, and frightened.

Then, only minutes before your performance, your trainer rushes to you with the thrilling news: “You’ve already won! The judges tabulated the scores, and the person in second place can’t catch you. You are too far ahead.”

Upon hearing that news, how will you feel? Exhilarated! And how will you skate? Timidly? Cautiously? Of course not. How about courageously and confidently? You bet you will. You will do your best because the prize is yours. You will skate like a champion because that is what you are! You will hear the applause of victory.

Hence, these words from Hebrews:

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus... let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings. — 10:19, 22, emphasis added

The truth will triumph. The Father of truth will win, and the followers of truth will be saved. Earthly fears are no fears at all when you are focused on your heavenly Father.

The Heart of the Matter

Following Jesus at times can feel scary, intimidating, and unsettling.

All truth will be revealed. What was in the dark will be brought into the light.

We will be judged through Jesus Christ, so we have no reason to be afraid.

“Do not be afraid.” These words Jesus spoke to His disciples He speaks to us today.

Deut 31:6

6 "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you."

After God’s Own Heart

In our world, there is no shortage of reasons to fear. Job insecurity, health scares, children going down a path you didn’t expect. And if there aren’t enough fears in your own life, just hop on the internet. There you will be flooded with hundreds more reasons to feel afraid of the world you live in and where it is headed.

You need the comforting words Jesus spoke to His disciples: “Do not be afraid.” Do not be afraid, for He is with you. Do not be afraid, for He hears you. Do not be afraid, for He sees you. Do not be afraid, for He forgives you.

In the same way you would assure a child who is afraid of monsters under the bed, God assures you when it comes to your fears. What you are afraid of is no match for His strength, power, and wisdom. You are in Christ, and because you are in Christ, you are safe.

Excerpted from Seeking After the Heart of God for 52 Weeks by Max Lucado, copyright Max Lucado.

Josh 1:8-9

8 "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. 9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

The Word of God gives us courage for every victory but we must be in it to hear God speak to us and assure us of His presence with us.  If God is for us, who can be against us!

The only good fear is the fear (reverence, awe, belief) in God Himself!  And it is only the beginning of an intimate relationship that leads to eternal love, righteousness, holiness, with God in the home He is preparing for us!

Fear Not!

Pastor Dale