Notes of Faith March 1, 2025

Notes of Faith March 1, 2025

“The B-I-B-L-E”

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105

“The B-I-B-L-E, yes that’s the book for me; I stand alone on the Word of God, the B-I-B-L-E.”

Most Christians who attended Sunday school or Vacation Bible School as a child sang that song. It is such a simple song, yet the words are so profound. Someone has described the Bible as God’s love letter to mankind telling us all we need to know. If the Bible doesn’t have the answer to our specific question, it tells us how to seek help and direction from God Himself.

“I stand alone” can have two meanings. First, it can mean that we are willing to stand alone, by ourselves if necessary, to defend the Word of God against all detractors. Second, it can mean that the Bible alone is our most trustworthy source of truth and life. It tells us what no other book can: how to be forgiven, how to be saved for eternity, and how to live a life pleasing to God.

Is the Bible the book for you? Do you stand alone on the Word of God? Let it light your path as you walk through this life.

The Bible was the only book Jesus ever quoted.

Leon Morris

Psalms 19:7-11

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous.

10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.

11 By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Are you experiencing refreshment by daily being in the Word of God? I continue to be blessed, even amazed by the power of God through the Holy Spirit keeping me empowered and renewed in spirit all day long. Discipline yourself in the Word of God as you do other things…eating, sleeping, exercise, work, play, etc. Good habits will be formed and you will see God working in and through you every day!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 28, 2025

Notes of Faith February 28, 2025

Many Happinesses

Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you.

Psalm 86:4, NLT

The founder of a large chain of Chinese supermarkets has introduced “unhappy leave” days for employees. Workers were told, “Everyone has times when they’re not happy, so if you’re not happy, do not come to work.”1

We all have days like that, but the Christian’s life should be characterized by as much happiness as possible. Randy Alcorn wrote, “Until Christ completely cures us and this world, our happiness will be punctuated by times of great sorrow. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be predominately happy in Christ.”2

Thomas Brooks said, “God is the author of all true happiness; he is the donor of all true happiness; he is the maintainer of all true happiness; and he is the center of all true happiness.”

Through cultivating our relationship with Jesus, we will know real, personal joy and happiness in our lives. Ask God, “Give me happiness, for I give myself to You.” May He remind you that you can achieve happiness through Him.

Ah, friends, if you would but in good earnest set upon reading of the holy Scriptures, you may find in them so many happinesses as cannot be numbered.

Thomas Brooks

Wow! If we did that in America, way too many entitled people would never come to work, yet expect to be paid!

Heb 5:7-10

7 In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. 8 Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. 9 And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation,

We also, will learn obedience through our sufferings and be made perfect in Christ to stand before a righteous and holy God! Though we suffer in this life, we have joy and happiness because God’s plan of salvation is working and will come to fruition for each of us sooner than we think. May you be blessed, “happy” today and always in Christ Jesus!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 27, 2025

Notes of Faith February 27, 2025

Don’t Worry, Be Blessed

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.

Psalm 1:1

At the 1989 Grammy Awards, the song of the year, record of the year, and best male pop vocal performance awards went to a catchy a cappella song called “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” In spite of its many awards, the song was panned by a number of critics.

If only being happy was as simple as choosing to be happy! From a biblical perspective, the song misses a critical point: Happiness is a by-product of other choices in life. We don’t obtain happiness by seeking it. Rather, we find happiness by seeking God and conforming our lives to His plan, purposes, and will. As Psalm 1 says, we are blessed (happy) when we avoid the counsel of a world that rejects God. And we find happiness when we delight ourselves in His Word and meditate on it day and night (Psalm 1:1-2).

“Don’t worry” is good advice, to be followed by committing everything to God in prayer (Philippians 4:6).

Worry is an indication that we think God cannot look after us.

Oswald Chambers

Matt 6:31-34

31 "Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' 32 "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

34 "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Luke 12:22-32

do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. 23 "For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 "Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! 25 "And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life's span? 26 "If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters? 27 "Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 28 "But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith! 29 "And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. 30 "For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. 31 "But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. 32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.

Matt 5:1-12

5 When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,

3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.

The word Blessed in the above verses could be translated happy. I believe this even more because of the next verse using rejoice and be glad…is that not what it means to be happy?

12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Let us indeed be happy, knowing that God cares for, provides all that we need and has invited us into His eternal home to be with Him forever!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 26, 2025

Notes of Faith February 26, 2025

Kingdom Blessings

We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.

Acts 14:22

On his first missionary journey, the apostle Paul visited towns like Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. In those towns, he and Barnabas were attacked for preaching the Gospel and barely escaped with their lives (Acts 14). They later returned through those towns in order to strengthen the new converts in Christ, telling them, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).

These words are an example of Paul incorporating the teachings of Jesus into his own missionary preaching. For Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The connection between persecution for Christ’s sake and the Kingdom involves persevering through persecution—not falling away from the faith. Only those who are willing to take up their cross for Jesus will inherit the Kingdom of God (Luke 14:25-27). Suffering persecution is not a blessing, but inheriting the Kingdom of God is.

If you experience persecution for your faith in Jesus, take heart! The blessing of entering into God’s eternal Kingdom is your reward.

Persecution is like the goldsmith’s hallmark on real silver and gold; it is one of the marks of a converted man.

J. C. Ryle

John 15:18-25

18 "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. 20 "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 "But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me. 22 "If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 "He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 "If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well. 25 "But they have done this to fulfill the word that is written in their Law, 'THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE.'

All too often we don’t have people who “hate” us because we share the truth of Jesus and the gospel of salvation…because we don’t share. Oops. Am I meddling? People don’t like us if they know who we voted for, the people we associate with, the foods we like to eat. If we are going to be “hated” isn’t it the best reason to be “hated” because we are concerned for everyone’s eternal destination? Jesus is our Savior. He is the only Savior. We just need to remind sinners that they are sinners in need of a Savior. Do we do that very often? Should we be doing that…perhaps every day…at the very least, every opportunity that God gives to share the gospel. Let us not let opportunity pass by but take each one as a blessing to speak truth, give hope, in love to those in desperate need.

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 25, 2025

Notes of Faith February 25, 2025

A Million New Believers

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:10

Last year, pastor Farshid Fathi spoke about the growth of the church in Iran. Fathi spent years in Iranian prisons for his faith. Now he serves in Turkey among the hundreds of thousands of Iranians living there. He estimates there are more than a million new believers in Iran despite severe restrictions on them. “Persecution is not the end of the story, but part of it,” said Fathi. “The greatest demonstration of love we can make is to be willing to go through suffering.”1

The Christians in Jesus’ day were persecuted because of the difference in their lives. When we live for Christ, we will sometimes be reviled and persecuted. Even in the West, increasing pressures are falling on those holding a biblical worldview. But we must never be intimidated. Should persecution come, God will give us the grace to uphold the cross of Jesus Christ with joy.

It’s time to speak up for Christ and for our Gospel story. Abide in Him, knowing you will be blessed, even if opposed.

I pray regularly that God would soften the hearts of Iran’s leaders to see the gospel for what it is: good news, not a threat.

Farshid Fathi

Acts 5:17-25

17 But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy. 18 They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said, 20 "Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life." 21 Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple about daybreak and began to teach.

Now when the high priest and his associates came, they called the Council together, even all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison house for them to be brought. 22 But the officers who came did not find them in the prison; and they returned and reported back, 23 saying, "We found the prison house locked quite securely and the guards standing at the doors; but when we had opened up, we found no one inside." 24 Now when the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what would come of this. 25 But someone came and reported to them, "The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!"

This has not happened in the United States, yet…although the time is likely coming when we could be arrested for speaking the truth of the gospel. Let us stand firm in faith and do the will of God, knowing that we will be rewarded for pleasing God, not men, in all things!

There are some, even in my close friends who do not like those belonging to the Muslim faith. I do not like their choice, nor the practice of their faith, and yet God has spoken that He will bring people from every tribe, tongue, and nation into His family. It is our duty to pray for all to come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they may not be eternally damned, but saved and a brother or sister in Christ! Praise God for His gift of salvation through His gift of faith in the obedient Son of God who gave Himself that ALL who believe in Him might be saved!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 24, 2025

Notes of Faith February 24, 2025

Inner Guidance

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts.

Colossians 3:15

Nicky Cruz, saved from a New York gang, attended Bible college and struggled with his future. Each night he would pray, “Please show me what to do next.” One night while lying on the floor and praying, Nicky sensed a calm come into his heart. He felt the Lord’s presence, as though Christ was saying, “Nicky, my son, don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten you…. I have plans for you.” From that moment, Nicky knew the Lord wanted him to become an evangelist, a role he has been fulfilling for nearly sixty years.

When we come to Christ, we have peace with God. Then when we make difficult decisions, we have peace from God to help us. Whenever there are two or more options, when all other things are equal and we don’t know what to do, we can pray! As we pray, we often sense an inner conviction in our heart. The Lord whispers to us saying, “This is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21).

If you’re facing a dilemma or decision today, ask God to whisper His wisdom to your heart as part of His matchless guidance.

With fear and trembling we must rely upon God for guidance in the inner depths.

Watchman Nee

Ps 25:4-5

4 Make me know Your ways, O Lord;

Teach me Your paths.

5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me,

For You are the God of my salvation;

For You I wait all the day.

Phil 4:6-7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Have you been in the Word of God today? Is your heart anxious about anything? Give it to your Lord and Savior. He loves and cares for you. Listen to His heart and be comforted by His strength and love for you.

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 23, 2025

Notes of Faith February 23, 2025

Mary's Extravagant Gift

On Calvary's Hill

by Max Lucado

Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. — John 12:3

She was the only one who believed Him. Whenever He spoke of His death, the others shrugged or doubted, but Mary believed. Mary believed because He spoke with a firmness she’d heard before.

“Lazarus, come out!” he’d demanded, and her brother came out. After four days in a stone-sealed grave, he walked out.

And as Mary kissed the now-warm hands of her just-dead brother, she turned and looked. Tear streaks were dry and the teeth shone from beneath the beard. Jesus was smiling.

And in her heart she knew she would never doubt His words.

So when He spoke of His death, she believed. “Now is the right time,” she told herself. It wasn’t an act of impulse. She’d carried the large vial of perfume from her house to Simon’s. It wasn’t a spontaneous gesture. But it was an extravagant one. The perfume was worth a year’s wages. Maybe the only thing of value she had. It wasn’t a logical thing to do, but since when has love been led by logic?

Common sense hadn’t wept at Lazarus’s tomb. Love did, though. Extravagant, risky, chance-taking love.

And now someone needed to show the same to the giver of such love.

There is a time for risky love.

So Mary did. She stepped up behind Him and stood with the jar in her hand. She began to pour. Over His head. Over His shoulders. Down His back. She would have poured herself out for Him, if she could.

The fragrance of the sweet ointment rushed through the room.

“Wherever you go,” the gesture spoke, “breathe the aroma and remember one who cares.”

The other disciples mocked her extravagance, but don’t miss Jesus’ prompt defense of Mary. “Why are you troubling this woman? She did an excellent thing for me.”

Jesus’ message is just as powerful as it was then: There is a time for risky love. There is a time to pour out your affections on one you love. And when the time comes — seize it, don’t miss it.

~ And the Angels Were Silent

My Lord and Savior, I would love to express my love for You in the extravagant way that Mary did. Help me to pour out my life in worship to You and service to others as a sweet fragrance that brings glory to Your most excellent name, Jesus, amen.

Excerpted with permission from On Calvary’s Hill by Max Lucado, copyright Max Lucado.

We do not have opportunity to express our love as Mary did. But maybe we have an even greater opportunity…in sharing the gospel of love and grace through believing in Jesus Christ, bringing those who will hear the truth of God to His throne of grace, that they might become brothers and sisters in Christ with us, creating a great and marvelous eternal family! Today, make an effort to plant a few seeds of faith, then continue to do so every day to express your love for what God has done for you!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 22, 2025

Notes of Faith February 22, 2025

The Four Loves: Eros—Our Love for Our Spouse

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—for your love is more delightful than wine.

Song of Solomon 1:2, NIV

In our weekend devotions this month, we’ve looked at the four Greek words often translated into English as love: agape, philia, storge, and now eros. This word conveys the physical dimension of the love between a husband and wife. In the Bible, we find the most vivid description of this kind of love in Song of Solomon. That little book is placed in Scripture to describe the joyous intimacy God intends for the marriage partnership.

Of course, intimacy isn’t just confined to the bedroom. Marriage isn’t an easy relationship, and we have to work on it. There’s a lot of benefit that comes from simple things like holding hands on a walk, hugging over the kitchen sink, greeting each other with a warm and spontaneous smile at the end of the workday, and letting the other choose the restaurant or television program.

This weekend, remember that marriage needs constant effort and humility. Like the old quote says: “Marriage requires falling in love many times, and always with the same person.”

If a man doesn’t treat his wife right, I don’t want to hear him talk about Christianity.

D. L. Moody

The only relationship meant to be more intimate than the one God created and gave to husband and wife is the one between each believer and God Himself. Both Old Testament and New Testament believers are offered this relationship with God by His grace and through the faith that He gives each person to believe in Him! This is the first and foremost relationship in life, followed by the blissful and because of the sin of mankind, sometimes stressful and difficult intimacy between husband and wife. May you be blessed in every earthly and spiritual relationship that God brings your way! Receive them with gratitude and praise for what God is doing in your life!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 21, 2025

Notes of Faith February 21, 2025

Sweet Peace

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1

One day, a family went to a church that sang an old hymn, and at lunch the little girl ordered peas. She had never liked peas, so her dad asked her why she ordered them. “It was the song at church,” she replied, “the one about sweet peas, the gift of God’s love.”

The little girl was thinking of “Sweet Peace, the Gift of God’s Love.” The song says, “Through Christ on the cross peace was made.” That’s so true. We’re born at war with God and are self-centered, but through Christ we can establish terms of peace. Jesus was the original peacemaker, going to the Cross for us. Can you say with assurance that you are at peace with God?

One of the ways we can be peacemakers is by introducing others to the One whose death gives us peace with God—and the peace of God. Can you think of someone else who needs that experience? Pray for that person just now, for justification through faith in our Lord Jesus.

There comes to my heart one sweet strain, a glad and a joyous refrain; I sing it again and again, sweet peace, the gift of God’s love.

Peter Bilhorn

I like peas. I like the peace of God much more. Everyone experiences turbulent times. Without the peach of God, I don’t know how anyone gets through them. We want them to go away and most often they quickly do, except those that bring death, and even that for the believer and follower of Christ, brings eternal peace.

John 14:27

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.

Nothing in this world can give me the peace that God gives. Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you!

Rom 5:1-5

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 20, 2025

Notes of Faith February 20, 2025

Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

Psalm 119:11

Consider all the things you know by heart: your birth date, telephone number, social security number, home address, and more. How is it that we have memorized those items without really trying? By repetition and by reciting them when we need to. We are protected from the dangers of confusion by being armed with this data.

Memorization is a powerful tool, a defensive tool. We can think of memorizing Scripture in the same way—as a defense against impurity and sin. The psalmist said that he hid God’s Word in his heart so that he might not sin (Psalm 119:11). Think of how Jesus was protected against the temptation to sin in the wilderness when He quoted three verses from the book of Deuteronomy in response to the devil’s impure offers (Matthew 4:1-11). There is no indication that Jesus had a scroll of Deuteronomy with Him; indications are that He had memorized the verses that He quoted. Memorizing Scripture is a sure defense against sin.

The easiest way to begin Bible memorization is to start with a verse you are already familiar with. Review it daily until you know it as well as your own phone number!

Meditation is the best help to memory.

Matthew Henry

Ps 37:30-31

30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,

And his tongue speaks justice.

31 The law of his God is in his heart;

His steps do not slip.

How many words of Scripture do you have memorized? You CAN do it! It takes the same practice and repetition that you give to other things. Let’s give more time and effort into being the person God has called us to be. Fight the good fight of faith by memorizing the Word of God!

Pastor Dale