Notes of Faith February 13, 2026

Notes of Faith February 13, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

Helps from Hebrews

November 19, 2000

“THE LORD’S DISCIPLINE”

Hebrews 12:5-6

My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord nor faint when you are reproved by Him. For whom the Lord loves He disciplines and He scourges every son whom he receives.

I can’t ever remember rejoicing when my dad disciplined me. His discipline was never pleasant. It always smarted in one way or another. But I always remembered that there was a reason for what he did - although he often let me discover the reason on my own. His “you know why I’m doing this, young man” still comes resounding back to me on certain occasions. For the most part I did know, although sometimes he left me wondering.

I discovered when I became a Christian, my Heavenly Father followed the same pattern. Well, more accurately, my earthly father was following the heavenly pattern, although he wasn’t aware of it.

However, now I rather look forward to my Heavenly Father’s discipline. “Why?” you ask. Simply because it reaffirms to me that I am His child. The text tells me that if I am without discipline, I am not His child! In fact I now regard Divine Discipline as one of the points of assurance of salvation.

So when Paul says do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord nor faint at His reproof, just take it as your Father confirming His divine parenthood.

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Hebrews 12:11

God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

1 John 4:19

We love, because He first loved us.

Prov 3:11-12

11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord

Or loathe His reproof,

12 For whom the Lord loves He reproves,

Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

John 15:10

If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.

Prov 6:23

For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light;

And reproofs for discipline are the way of life

Prov 13:1

A wise son accepts his father's discipline,

But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

Prov 12:1

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

But he who hates reproof is stupid.

Prov 15:5

A fool rejects his father's discipline,

But he who regards reproof is sensible.

Prov 15:32

He who neglects discipline despises himself,

But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.

Heb 12:11

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Rev 3:19

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.

God’s love toward us is to protect, guard and guide toward righteousness. We are being transformed into the likeness of Christ in holiness and godliness. Let us sing praise to God because of His discipline in love and shout for joy that we belong to Him!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 12, 2026

Notes of Faith February 12, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

Helps from Hebrews

November 12, 2000

“LET US DRAW NEAR”

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..

In this meaningful passage in Hebrews we are told that we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God. Since this is true, we are told to hold fast our confession - don’t let go of our convictions. The reason is that our great high priest can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities. This means that every weakness we have ever felt, He has felt! This takes in everything.

Beloved, this is mind boggling! There isn’t any pain or discomfort that you and I have experienced in our lives that He hasn’t passed through. Hard to understand? Of course it is - but remember, He is the God man. He is as much God as if He had never been man and as much man as if He had never been God. He had human weakness but no human sin.

The exhortation is to “Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the Throne of Grace.” The beautiful point here is that there is a throne where nothing but grace is handed out and this is the throne we are to draw near to. This is a gracious invitation from our Great High Priest. The Greek is very emphatic. “Let us keep on drawing near.” Not just once or twice but as many times as is necessary ... and we are to draw near with confidence:

• Without any inhibitions

• Without any doubtings.

The promise is that we shall receive mercy and grace in time of need.

Let me ask you Christian friend - do you have a need today? A need that no human being can provide? I’ll be honest with you. As I write this devotion I have some definite needs and I am drawing near to Him. I need Him every minute of every day. I need mercy and I need grace in my time of need.

Let me encourage you to do the same. The way is open. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

How much time do you spend in prayer? What things in life concern you? Do you really believe that everything is in your power to control? The door to the throne of grace is open – waiting for you to enter and confess your need. Let us live continuously in His presence for we always are in need of His never-ending grace!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 11, 2026

Notes of Faith February 11, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

Helps from Hebrews

November 5, 2000

“PREVENTIVE ENCOURAGEMENT”

Hebrews 3:13

But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

In the human body there is what are called adrenal glands. These glands kick in when the body is depleted and down. They have a way of picking up the tired body.

In the Body of Christ there are adrenal glands called encouragers. Discouragement comes often to believers. Thank God for those in the body who are sensitive to these problems and quickly come to the aid of the discouraged. Many have been the spiritual “adrenal glands” who have come to my rescue in my down times. The key biblical passage for this truth is Hebrews 3:13. You will note two major movements in this verse.

1. The Responsibility

Encourage one another day after day as long as it is still called “Today.” This teaches that encouragement is in order every day of the week as long as the opportunity is there. Everyone in the Body of Christ has this responsibility. This is one of the many “one anothers” that appear in the New Testament. As you look around you on Sunday morning, just say to yourself, “Self, there are people here this morning who need a shot of God’s adrenaline. Lord, just point the way and show me how to do it.”

There are many ways to encourage. You can talk to the individual, make a phone call, send a card with appropriate verses and comments. But even more effective: you can pray for that person, naming specifics if you know any.

2. The Reason

“Lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” This is the primary reason we should encourage and pray for others. Sin is deceitful and Satan tries every possible way to take God’s people out of commission with it. Sin, while mostly overt and recognizable, sometimes can be awfully hard to spot. Sin can easily disguise itself as a friend - so we have to constantly be on our toes.

I can hold out a straight stick and ask you to describe it. Well, there’s only one way a stick can be straight. But if I hold out a crooked stick and ask you to describe it, chances are you could not for a stick can be crooked a million different ways. Likewise, sin can be deceitful in a million different ways.

So beloved, you see the responsibility and the reason why we are to constantly encourage each other. I’ll encourage you and you encourage me. OK? God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Gal 6:9-10

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. 10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

My family and I have been blessed to serve in a local “household of faith”. This church served me as I served them. They provided financial support, care and concern, prayed for me, loved me with their whole heart. This is the kind of encouragement that God expects from His children. Let us pursue God in expressing this kind of encouragement and doing good “especially” to those in the church…God’s children!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 10, 2026

Notes of Faith February 10, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

October 29, 2000

“LIFE IN THE WORD”

Joshua 1:8

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.

This body of instruction was given by the Lord to Joshua to give to the people of Israel before going into the Promised Land. It was intended to regulate their life in the Lord. I can apply the principle of this wonderful verse to my life and so can each of you. It can regulate our lives in the world. I see three major principles coming from the heart of this brief but cogent gem of truth.

1. MY CONCENTRATION ON THE WORD

Memorizing it. “The Word shall not depart from your mouth.”

Moses said in Deuteronomy 6:6-9:

These words which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart - and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in you house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

One can’t possibly accomplish this apart from committing Scripture to memory.

Meditating on it. This is running Scripture through your mind throughout your waking hours - chewing the Word like a cow chews her cud - at well timed intervals.

2. MY COMMITMENT TO THE WORD

“That you might be careful to do all that is written in it.” This is pure and simple obedience to God’s truth. James said, “Be doers of the Word and not hearers only (James 1:22).” To do the Word is to take the Word of God seriously.

3. THE WORD’S COMMITMENT TO ME

When I concentrate on the Word by memorizing and meditating on it- and I commit to the Word by obeying it - then the Word makes a firm, twofold commitment to me.

My way will be prosperous. Not easy, but prosperous. Sometimes spiritual prosperity comes with great difficulty.

I will have success. Not riches - but success from God’s vantage point. God’s people had great success in the land, but at what a sacrifice! Often success comes through great struggle. I need to remember that in the conflicts I am thrust into.

May God richly bless you as you contemplate life in His Word.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

The Word of God is the only truth that leads to eternal life through faith in Jesus. The Word gives guidance, understanding, but best of all describes relationship with God. It tells us His desire, His will for being with mankind in intimate communion! Let us seek to know God through His Word, through the communion of prayer, and living a life of obedience!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 9, 2026

Notes of Faith February 9, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

October 22, 2000

“YOU SHALL BE WITNESSES”

Acts 1:8

But ye shall receive power, after the Holy Spirit is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

In Acts 1:8 Jesus told the disciples what would happen when the Holy Spirit came upon them. He told them that they would be witnesses for Him. Note He didn’t say you shall witness - rather you shall be witnesses. To witness is not necessarily what we say. More comprehensively to witness is what we are. “Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.” Matt. 5:16.

If our lives are as they should be, that is controlled by God the Holy Spirit, we will have great opportunity to explain the reason for the difference in our lifestyle from that of the world in general. A silent witness never won anyone to the Lord. Somewhere along the way we have to speak out and explain our lives. This is precisely what the apostles did. Peter said, “Be ready always to give an answer to everyone who asks for the reason for the hope that is in you.” I Peter 3:15. Paul was always explaining why he no longer persecuted Christians. Essentially he said, “The One whom I once hated I now serve as my Lord and Savior.”

On the other hand, we can talk to people about Jesus Christ until we’re blue in the face, but if our lives show no change - what good is it? I’m talking about people we know and who know us. They have watched us live a certain way for a long time. They know our lifestyle. Then we start talking to them without demonstrating a change in our attitudes and the way we live - our priorities. Can we expect them to trust someone whom we say we love and serve but who has really made no apparent difference in the way we view or live life? Hardly. People are looking for answers and for someone or something to make a difference in their lives. That is why Jesus told His disciples that before they would or could be witnesses for Him, the Holy Spirit would be necessary to affect that witness.

In Acts 1:8 the word “witness” is MARTURO from which we get the work MARTYR. A martyr was one who died for what he or she believed. So a witness was a die-er not a talker. Every one of the disciples there that day, except one, died for his faith in Jesus Christ. So the ultimate aspect of the Christian witness is to be ready to die for our faith if necessary. Sobering, is it not?

Remember beloved - if we live what we believe, people will believe what we live!

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Those who call themselves believers in and followers of Jesus will show proof by the lives that they live. Some will prove fruitful, leading others to the throne of grace by their actions, good deeds, compassion, care, and love. Others will be a poor witness through their unrighteous actions, evil deeds, their lack of compassion, care and love. How would your life define your relationship with Jesus? Are you a good witness? Being a true witness for Jesus is more about how we live than what we say… yet we need to

1 Peter 3:15

always be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence

Know whom you believe in and why!

Know what you believe and why!

You (Christian) are being watched by both revilers and seekers! You are a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ in one way or another! Seek to be a blessed fruitful one!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 8, 2026

Notes of Faith February 8, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

October 15, 2000

“PULLING AT THE BIT”

Psalm 32: 8, 9

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, otherwise they will not come near to you.

In this Psalm God gives His people some promises of instruction and leading along the road of life. He knows there will be difficulties along the way so He adds a third promise - that of personal counseling. Then He promises that His eye will be upon us.

I’ve always thought of God’s hand upon me, referring to His power, but I don’t believe I’ve ever thought of His eye as being upon me! This is His watchful care. He sees our every motive - our every intention. He wants to gently show us the way of His wise counsel. This means that He sees accurately the pitfalls in our path. He sees around the corners of our lives. He sees and knows the mistakes before we make them. In His counsel He tries to guide us around those mistakes.

If we are sensitive to His gentle voice we can avoid a lot of heartache and disappointment. However, if we remain stubborn and bent on our own way, He uses our mistakes as a bit in our mouth to get our attention. Often the bit is not pleasant. We pull against it and our “mouths” get tender and sore. It’s just God saying to us, “Child of mine, I want you to listen and pay attention to me!”

The horse is a vivid analogy of this truth. Often horses are spirited and stubborn and need the bit in order to keep them in line. Then there are horses, while the owner puts the bit into their mouth, the bit is not really needed because somewhere along the way the horse wised up. He learned that it’s not good to go around with a sore mouth all the time. He realized that it’s better for him to simply stop struggling and fighting his master’s wish and go with the flow.

Believer, are you facing unnecessary difficulties in your life? If you are, maybe you are pulling at the bit. Let me suggest that you reassess your sensitivity to His leading and His wise counsel. This is not the only reason we face difficulties, but it is a primary one.

The wisest man who ever lived wrote -

Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord, it will stand. Proverbs 19: 20, 21

Remember, God speaks loud enough for a listening heart to hear. Beloved, are you listening?

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington (my mentor at Community Grace)

Ps 1

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel (wisdom or lack thereof) of the wicked,

Nor stand in the path of sinners, (don’t walk with them in their wickedness)

Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! (certainly don’t join and participate with them)

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

And in His law he meditates day and night.

3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,

Which yields its fruit in its season

And its leaf does not wither;

And in whatever he does, he prospers.

4 The wicked are not so,

But they are like chaff which the wind drives away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,

Heb 12:5-6

"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,

and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,

6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves,

and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."

This is the Lord’s loving and guiding hand. He warns us to stay on the narrow way (believe in and follow Jesus) and not stray into the broad path that leads to eternal destruction.

Fear God, (revere God) the beginning of wisdom and worship Him alone for only Jesus can save your eternal soul!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 7, 2026

Notes of Faith February 7, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

October 8, 2000

“EACH DAY” - Psalm 27

Did you wake this morning wondering what today will bring? Each day we face we are somewhat ignorant as to what will unfold for us. In Matthew 6:34b we read “Sufficient for the day is its own trouble!” It’s scary to face each day not knowing what is going to happen - yet knowing that there is a lot of unpleasant stuff we’ve got to look at eyeball to eyeball.

So each of us woke this morning knowing that there will be a certain amount of stuff that we’ve got to confront. Some of what makes up that “stuff” will be trouble, frustration, loneliness, boredom, a certain amount of uneasiness, hostility perhaps, pain, anticipating more pain!. Sometimes we feel like we just can’t go on.

But wait.....Each day we wake up with the stuff that fills our day....we also wake up with the good things of life. Hasn’t Christ promised, “As thy days so shall thy strength be?”

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?

When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.

Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident.

One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to meditate in His temple.

For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent he will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.

And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me; and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD. Psalm 27

1. What the LORD is to me

• My light • My salvation • My defense

2. What the LORD will do for me

• He will show me the beauty of His person - in the midst of the ugliness of life

• He will conceal me & hide me from the dangers that threaten me

• He will lift me up - when I am despondent & feel unused and unwanted

3. What changes will take place in me?

• Confidence will replace fear & panic - vs. 1-3

• I will gain a fresh view of the Lord - v.4

• Joy & praise will replace grumbling and complaining

Eva and I begin each day with singing the little chorus, “This is the day the Lord hath made! We WILL rejoice and be glad in it!” Oh, how that helps us face the day. Try it! You’ll like it!

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Worry, suffering, pain, fear, even thinking that we have reason to grumble and complain is due to sin. Not our sin (yes, everyone sins) but that sin exists. All of creation is affected by sin. Before sin the world was perfect and hallelujah, the Lord is going to make all things new and there will be no sin once more. And we will be without sin for all eternity. Our days should be a celebration, a rehearsal of when this will take place. God provides for us each day as He has planned them before the foundation of the world. He has also planned for those that believe and obey Him, that they be with Him forever! As we look forward to the coming transformation of 1 Corinthians 15, where we are made fit for heavenly living, let us pursue holy and pure living now for the glory of God. May we be used as others look at us, to see Jesus, and desire the free gift that we have been given. May we always be ready to share the true and eternal hope that is within us by the grace of God the Father, through the work of His Son, Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 6, 2026

Notes of Faith February 6, 2026

(Pastor Appreciation Month)

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

10/1/2000

Dear Church Family - Once again you have overwhelmed us with your love and encouragement. Your cards, gifts, and the love shown to us last Sunday is so greatly appreciated. Eva joins me in thanking you and praising God for each of you. I prepared a sermon for “Pastor Appreciation Sunday” - however, as you know, I wasn’t able to give it from the pulpit. With some degree of reduction here it is in Pastor’s Pen Pulpit.

“A CHALLENGE TO MINISTRY”

II Timothy 2:1-26

In Jeremiah 1:4-10 we have the record of Jeremiah’s call to the prophetic ministry. Jeremiah objects in verse 6, “I can’t speak. I am but a youth.” In verses 7-9 we have God’s twofold answer to Jeremiah’s objection - Everywhere I send you, you shall go; I have put My words in your mouth. So Jeremiah was both called and gifted of God.

This order has not changed in church history. A true minister of God must be both called and gifted. Any other reason for going into the ministry is bogus. In II Timothy 2:1-26 we have a beautiful portrait of a man called into the ministry of the Word.

1. He must be a man who understands the grace of God (v. 1b). Timothy is called to be strong in the grace. You can’t be strong in grace unless you understand grace. Three areas of understanding are:

• The source of Grace - “In Christ Jesus”

• The function of Grace (Titus 2:11-13)

• The environment in which Grace works (II Cor. 12:7-9a). Paul understands this very well (9b, 10).

2. He must be a man who is committed to spiritual reproduction - a discipling mindset (verse 2.)

This doctrine is the Apostle’s doctrine. It is to be committed to faithful men “to deposit or to entrust”, faithful men who are trustworthy and who can be depended on. Faithful men who will be able to teach others. A man called to ministry is to pass the old truth on to new men.

3. He must seek to be a well disciplined individual. In verses 3-13 we see three pictures of the arena of discipline.

As a soldier (vs. 3, 4, 8-13)

1. A disciplined soldier learns to adjust to hardship (v. 3). The word “hardship” suggests the whole round of hardship that comes with being a soldier for Jesus Christ on the front line of battle - to endure affliction or rough treatment that often leaves battle scars, to have thick skin and a soft heart (never reverse the two). A soldier must learn to endure hardship without becoming hardened.

2. A disciplined soldier develops a singular focus to commitment and calling (v.4). The man of God must avoid becoming involved in secular interest and pursuits that would dull the keen edge of ministry. This does not imply renunciating family, friends, etc. but warns against preoccupation with things that entangle. They entangle when they pull you away from your commitment.

3. A disciplined soldier learns to keep the source of his power and authority constantly before him (v. 8). Exalt Jesus Christ, your captain. We must never lose sight of Him. Keep Him before you always. This is not just remembering a cause to fight for - but that He is your resurrected leader - the source of your power and authority. He is the one who has conquered already - and guarantees that if you look to Him you will not fail. (Hebrews 12:1,2)

Fallen giants have forgotten this somewhere along the way. Make up your mind that you are not going to become a casualty.

4. A disciplined soldier learns to concentrate on his purpose for serving (v. 10). “God’s elect”. If you lose sight of the importance of people - you lose your purpose for serving. The principle of success is to love people and use things (again - never reverse the two)!

5. A disciplined soldier learns to trust and follow his leader without question (vs. 11-13).

As an athlete (v.5).

The discipline of an athlete. The athlete in training had a rigid schedule involving diet and physical exercise. If they did not stay with that schedule they were disqualified. The disciplines of the Christian ministry are exacting. The man of God must run according to the rules. This means that he must be willing to give the time and effort that is necessary to be the best preacher he can possibly be. We must avoid the Samson mentality.

As a farmer (v. 6).

The discipline of a farmer. This involves labor to the point of weariness - patiently sowing the seed and cultivating the ground. Sometimes the results are slow in coming - sometimes you have to look for the long term yield of your labor.

The principle of financial support is also taught in this passage (cf. I Tim. 5:17). The church that calls a man to give his full time to a ministry ought to free him up to do that work.

4. He must be a man who is committed to the Word of God (vs. 14-21).

Lack of respect for the Word of God disqualifies a man from the ministry. Verse 15 spells out the nature and extent of that commitment.

The minister should seek to be nothing less than an approved workman (Note requirements for doctors, attorneys, etc.) Be skilled in your practice. Don’t be guilty of spiritual malpractice!

In the professing church (Christendom), there is the true and there is the false (vessels to honor and to dishonor) - make sure that you are a vessel that honors Jesus Christ.

5. He must be a man with a servant mentality (vs. 24-26).

A servant must concentrate on pleasing his master. He must avoid getting involved in issues that cause divisions.

The servant must seek to maintain a patient and kind disposition, not quick to retaliate toward those who oppose him.

So my charge to you, Pastor Dale:

YOU are the Lord’s bond servant!

YOU are doing His work!

YOU are His representative!

And beloved, let us as his flock love him, pray for him, support him, encourage him, and appreciate him as he is God’s gift to us.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Pastor Charles had a major stroke on the previous Father’s Day of the year he wrote this “pen-pulpit”. I had been quite surprised by God’s leading through Charles illness and being thrust into the pulpit leadership. I asked God to miraculously heal Pastor Charles and relieve me of the responsibilities of preaching/teaching and leading the church. However, God had other plans, as many of you know and now, 26 years later, He is continuing to use me to lead people to His throne of grace, preaching truth, one on one, or to larger groups, guiding in His Word to strengthen faith, hope and love in all who will listen.

I give thanks for Charles and his family who supported me well, to the people of Community Grace Brethren Church who supported me much better than I ever deserved. I love all of you for trusting God to lead and guide you through His using me these many years and pray that our relationship remains strong and steadfast during our earthly travels as I know it will be in our eternal heavenly home.

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 5, 2026

Notes of Faith February 5, 2026

“A CHALLENGE TO MINISTRY”

II Timothy 2:1-26

Let’s Begin - - - - In Jeremiah’s call to the ministry - he was sovereignly called and gifted (cf Jeremiah 1:4-10). A true minister of God must be called and gifted. Any other reason to go into the ministry is bogus. In II Timothy 2:1-16 we have a self-portrait of a man called into the ministry of the Word.

1a. He must be a Man Who Understands the Grace of God (v. 1b).

Be strong in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Being an expositor of the Word of God in the ministry is not difficult - IT IS IMPOSSIBLE! To be the right kind of preacher requires a clear grasp of the Grace of God and how to appropriate and relate to that Grace.

Schooled in Grace - Titus 2:11, 12

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age.

Established in Grace - Hebrews 13:9a

Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace.

2a. He Must be a Man Who is Committed to Spiritual Reproduction - a Discipling Mindset (verse 2.)

And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

1. The doctrine - the Apostle’s doctrine.

2. This doctrine is to be committed to faithful men “to deposit or to entrust.”

3. To faithful men - trustworthy men who can be depended on.

4. Who will be able to teach others.

Passing the old truth to new men.

3a. He Must Seek to be a Well Disciplined Individual (verses 3-13) - three pictures; (the arena of discipline)

1b. As a soldier (vs. 3, 4, 8-13)

1. A disciplined soldier learns to adjust to hardship (v. 3).

Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (v.3)

The word “hardship” suggests the whole round of hardship that comes with being a soldier for Jesus Christ on the front line of battle - - - to endure affliction or rough treatment that often leaves battle scars - - - thick skin and soft heart (never reverse the two).

We must learn to endure Hardship without becoming Hardened.

2. A disciplined soldier develops a singular focus to commitment and calling (v.4).

No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier (v.4).

The man of God must avoid becoming involved in secular interest and pursuits that would dull the keen edge of ministry. Does not imply renunciating family, friends, etc. but warns against preoccupation with things that entangle. They entangle when they pull you away from your commitment.

3. A disciplined soldier learns to keep the source of his power and authority constantly before him (v. 8).

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my Gospel.

Exalt Jesus Christ, your captain. we must never lose sight of Him - - - keep Him before you always (Battle cry - “remember the Alamo/Pearl Harbor”). This is not just remembering a cause to fight for - but that He is your resurrected leader - - - the source of your power and authority. He is the one who has conquered already - and guarantees that if you look to Him you will not fail. (Hebrews 12:1,2)

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

(Fallen giants have forgotten this somewhere along the way.) Make up your mind that you are not going to become a casualty.

4. A disciplined soldier learns to concentrate on his purpose for serving (v. 10).

For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.

“God’s elect”. If you lose sight of the importance of people - you lose your purpose for serving.

Principle of success - Love people - Use things.

5. A disciplined soldier learns to trust and following his leader without question (vs. 11-13).

It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him;

If we endure, we shall also reign with Him;

If we deny Him, He also will deny us;

If we are faithless, He remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself.

2b. As an athlete (v.5).

And also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.

The discipline of an athlete. The athlete in training had a rigid schedule involving diet and physical exercise. If they did not stay with that schedule they were disqualified. The disciplines of the Christian ministry are exacting. The man of God must run according to the rules. This means that he must be willing to give the time and effort that is necessary to be the best preacher he can possibly be. We must avoid the Samson mentality.

3c. As a farmer (v. 6).

The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.

The discipline of a farmer. This involves labor to the point of weariness - patiently sowing the seed and cultivating the ground. Sometimes the results are slow in coming - - - sometimes you have to look for the long term yield of your labor. The principle of financial support is taught in this passage (cf. I Tim. 5:17).

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

The church that calls a man to give his full time to a ministry ought to free him up to do that work.

4a. He Must be a Man Who is Committed to the Word of God (vs. 14-21).

Lack of respect for the Word of God disqualifies a man from the ministry. Verse 15 spells out the nature and extent of that commitment.

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the Word of Truth.

The minister should seek to be nothing less than an approved workman (Note requirements for doctors, attorneys, etc.) Be skilled in your practice. Don’t be guilty of spiritual malpractice!

In the professing church (Christendom), there is the true and there is the false (vessels to honor and to dishonor) - make sure that you are a vessel that honors Jesus Christ.

5a. He Must be a Man with a Servant Mentality (vs. 24-26).

And the Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

A servant must concentrate on pleasing his master. He must avoid getting involved in issues that cause divisions.

The servant must seek to maintain a patient and kind disposition, not quick to retaliate toward those who oppose him.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

YOU are the Lord’s bond servant!

YOU are doing His work!

YOU are His representative!

Pastor Charles Covington

I believe that these notes were used for a sermon. They are not dated or labeled as other “pen pulpits” are. Nevertheless, as I have found them with the others, I am sharing them with you. This speaks to any and all called by God, gifted with the Spirit of God, to serve God. All Christians should know the truths taught through the Scriptures in this message. You are called to serve! There are many rewards both earthly and eternal! It is not an easy labor. Satan and his minions will battle you at every turn but you already have won the victory in Christ and with Christ always at your side in the battle! May we accept the call and obey the commandments…

Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength…and love your neighbor as yourself! Love God! Love others!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 4, 2026

Notes of Faith February 4, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

September 17, 2000

“COME UNTO ME”

Matthew 11:28-30

Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

There are several invitations given by Jesus in the Gospels. They are given to different classes of people. The invitation given in Matthew 11:28-30 is directed to all who are weary (lit. who work to exhaustion) and are burdened down. The promise is that of rest.

In the context of Matthew this primarily is speaking to those burdened down with the Mosaic Law (c.f. Acts 15:10). The law was a heavy burden borne by Israel since Sinai.

By wider application this refers to the burden of sin. It is true that sin is a hard taskmaster. And then there are those who are burdened down with the cares of life.

There is no rest quite like the rest provided by the grace that is in Jesus Christ, our Lord. He invites us to take His yoke upon us and learn of Him. The analogy is beautiful. In Israel the farmers trained young oxen by yoking them up with an older, experienced ox that was well seasoned in pulling heavy loads. The harness was attached to the older ox so that he pulled the bulk of the load. The remainder of the harness was then draped loosely over the young, inexperienced ox so that as he walked beside the older one, he wasn’t pulling any of the load.

What a beautiful picture of how Jesus wants us to take our burdens all by Himself. So we walk alongside Him in the hectic affairs of everyday life. We learn what a kind, gentle Saviour He is - willing to bear our load all by Himself.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, are you bearing a load today that is weighing you down? You do not think you can go on much longer? If you are, please stop trying to carry it yourself. Put it on Him. He can carry it much better than you.

Casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you (I Peter 5:7).

God bless!

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Rom 8:13

If you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Rom 13:14

put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.

2 Cor 10:3-4

though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.

Gal 5:16-24

walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 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.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gave His life on the cross after all the sin of mankind was placed on Him…

2 Cor 5:21

21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

We must see Christ Jesus bearing our sin when a thought or action of sin comes our way. This will strengthen us and give us opportunity to repent, to turn away from the flesh and live by the Spirit of God within us. Let us pursue the Spirit of life and fruitfulness for the glory of God!

Pastor Dale