Notes of Faith January 24, 2026

Notes of Faith January 24, 2026

Severe weather across the country! Stay safe and trust the Lord for His perfect will for you and yours! See you in glory! DW

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

July 2, 2000

“GOD’S COMPLETE WORK OF SALVATION - Part II”

Philippians 1:6

For I am confident of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will perfect it until the Day of Christ Jesus.

There is nothing that will build confidence in a believer’s heart like knowing that God is continually at work in your heart. He’s planted a foundation. He’s been building on that foundation. One day He will complete the work He started. Every day draws us a little closer to that final goal.

You see, God is not a quitter. He never leaves a job half done. Many of us do. We start a project with a big spurt of energy. That energy goes well for a while, then we grow weary and lay the project aside with good intentions of picking it up later and completing it. I have some unfinished projects around the house. I’ve got a viable excuse. My stroke has prevented me from finishing the tasks. However - I wonder if I would have ever finished them otherwise!

There’s one thing I do know - I am not an unfinished project. God has laid me aside, but He is still perfecting His plan in my life. Some days I wonder what He is doing - - but I never doubt that He is doing!

Beloved friends in Christ, do you often find yourself in this syndrome of life? You know God is at work in your life, but for the life of you, you can’t figure out what He is up to? Oh, we know generally that through our circumstances He is conforming us to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). We just can’t figure out where He is in the process! In II Corinthians 3:18 Paul tells us that we are being changed from glory to glory, by the Spirit of the Lord.

One day all of this work will be completed - when we see Him face to face. In I John 3:2 we read:

We know that when we see Him we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is.

That, my friends, will be a glorious day. We rejoice in what He is doing now - but it’s not to be compared to what we shall be. We should be longing for that day.

Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13

“Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!” Amen.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

The only thing I could add to Pastor Charles thoughts is personal… As God has been growing faith and fruitfulness in my life, my perspective and hopes and dreams have changed their focus and desire… which is “can’t wait” to see my Lord and Savior face to face! I indeed, look forward to this glorious appearing and pray that it might be in my lifetime on earth. This is my prayer for you as well, if you are prepared, in faith, to meet Him.

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith January 23, 2026

Notes of Faith January 23, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

June 25, 2000

“GOD’S COMPLETE WORK OF SALVATION - Part I”

Philippians 1:6

Salvation to many consists of just one or two features: “You must be born again” or “Redeemed, Reconciled.” However, the work of salvation is much more complex and involved than just these features. Philippians 1:6 is one of the most comprehensive verses in the Bible depicting the whole scope of God’s marvelous salvation package:

For I am confident of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will perfect it until the Day of Christ Jesus.

Note several outstanding facts evident in this statement:

1. There is a good work begun - perpetuated and completed in the believer’s life.

2. One person is involved in all three features - “He.”

3. The confidence this produces in the life.

4. The truths of verse 6 melt down out of verses 3, 4, & 5. Paul thanked God for the believers. He prayed for them in view of something he observed in their lives, namely their continual participation in the things of God - “from the first day until now.” This gave Paul a strong confidence of a divine work taking place in their midst as seen in verse 6 - a good work, started, continued and ultimately completed in the lives of this flock. He doesn’t say good works (although that is true) but a good work. This is the work of salvation. Salvation has a beginning, it continues, and it has a completion point - just like physical life. Physical life consists not just in being born. That is where it begins. Then there is the whole growth process that takes a lifetime.

The beginning of this good work of salvation consists of regeneration, justification, reconciliation, etc. This puts us in the family and gives us a position before a Holy God. It also gives God a base of operation. We are not to remain babies all of our lives. We are to move on from there. He begins this initial work but He also continues the work. This we call progressive sanctification - a lifetime of work by the Holy Spirit. He takes us from one degree of glory to another degree of glory to yet another as we stay centered in the Word. He takes us through one experience of growth after another. This is one of the truths alluded to by our Lord in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church.” He builds His church by adding members to the body and then building up the body spiritually through the Word (cf. II Cor. 3:18).

This building up will continue until He comes for us, until the Day of Christ Jesus. Paul said to the Roman believers in Romans 13:14, “our salvation is nearer than when we believed.” He is pointing to the final phase.

Next week we will see how this will build confidence into our lives.

It is exciting to see how God is building His church here in Long Beach. How I thank Him for those being baptized this morning as well as those being welcomed into our fellowship. May God mightily bless and use you in His service.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

There are few in my life experience who have shared some dramatic event at their coming to faith in Jesus. Most have, over a period of time, hearing the Word of God, come to agree with God, that they are a sinner in need of a Savior, and in that moment pray for forgiveness of their sin, declare to repent of their sin, and ask to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior through His completed work on the cross. But this moment or time in life is just the beginning. We are a work in progress… a work of God that will continue until He takes us to be with Him eternally. God is making us more like Jesus every day. That is a promise to His children. Those who have lived years beyond this salvation experience can look back and see how God has and is changing their character, passion, emotions, love…all that makes up the human life, to be more like Jesus. Displays of anger happen less and less. Listening more, speaking less. When speaking, choosing to speak truth in love from the Word of God, being a blessing to those who hear.

Eph 4:11-32

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

The Christian's Walk

17 So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19 and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another. 26 BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not give the devil an opportunity. 28 He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. 29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. 30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

This transformation taking place in us takes a lifetime. But we are being changed! Praise God! Old things are gone, behold new things have come.

Remember – He who promised is faithful and will complete the work that He has begun. It is God who brought you to Himself and will continue working in your life to bring glory to His name and your eternal salvation!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith January 22, 2026

Notes of Faith January 22, 2026

Pastor Charles wrote these thoughts for more than a year while still recovering from a massive stroke. They are filled with wisdom from above and the love of a shepherd for his flock. May you be blessed from God through Pastor Charles as you continue to read what I have saved of his writings!

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

June 11, 2000

“HOW TO REMAIN POSITIVE

WHEN THE BOTTOM DROPS OUT OF LIFE - Part II”

James 1:2-8

2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Last week (yesterday’s devotion), we learned that we need to accept the fact of trials and understand the work of trials. Now, let’s look at the next step.

1. Ask for wisdom in trials (vv. 5-8) - Wisdom is the practical side of knowledge - the ability to put knowledge to work. Three elements are necessary for effective asking or “prayer sense.”

Sense of need (v. 5a) - Having biblical knowledge is one thing. Often, we need that knowledge translated in the reality of an experience we are passing through. We need a wisdom other than our own. We need wisdom to see this testing in the context of God’s purpose.

Sense of hope (v. 5b) - “Let him ask of God. Note the certainties.

• “Who gives to all” - no personal preferences

• “Generously” - no limitations

• “Will not reproach” - no reprimands

• “Will be given” - no withholding.

The old hymn reminds us, “There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God” - where wisdom can be found in abundance.

Sense of confidence (vv. 6-8)

• How are we to ask? In faith, asking for wisdom.

• What are we like when we doubt? The waves of the sea, driven and tossed about.

Changeableness is an indication of an unsubdued will.

• What can we expect from God when we doubt? Nothing.

(Jesus could not do many works in His own country because of their

unbelief.)

Bottom line:

Are you at the place in your life where the bottom seems about to drop out? If so, learn to accept the fact of trials, learn to understand the work of trials, and ask for wisdom in those trials. A big order but a bigger God.

Love to you all,

Charles Covington

Earthly trials seem to come in abundance. And our adversary wants nothing more than to divert our hearts and minds away from Almighty God toward himself. Satan wants to be worshipped. May I infer that when we sin, when we do anything that is against the will of God, that we are serving Satan. I know that no follower of Jesus wants to serve Satan, so let’s be more sincere in repentance and obedience to God! These earthly trials build endurance and spiritual maturity if we see them through the perspective of God! Our Awesome God is above all that He created… Satan is a created being, once perhaps the highest and greatest of angels and worship leader for God…until pride took him to the lowest of beings, desiring to take God’s place. Let us not attempt to take the place of God during our trials but trust God to use them for His glory and our greatest good!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith January 21, 2026

Notes of Faith January 21, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

June 4, 2000

“HOW TO REMAIN POSITIVE

WHEN THE BOTTOM DROPS OUT OF LIFE - Part I”

James 1:2-8

2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

My mother used to say when it rained really hard, “The bottom dropped out.” What she meant was all the rain seemed to be coming down at the same time and in the same place. I’ve heard it said that in 1929 the bottom fell out of the stock market. When the severe trials of life seem to open up on you, do you sometimes feel like the bottom has dropped out of life? Everything that is unpleasant in life is coming upon you at the same time. Is it possible to be positive in life when you are going through these times? If so, how?

1. Accept the fact of trials (verse 2) - Sometimes you have to force yourself to do this.

The text says “when”, not “if”. Trials are not an elective in God’s school. They are a required subject. It doesn’t matter how long we’ve been in the faith, God tests all His children - but not in the same way nor at the same time.

How are we to consider trials as a source of joy? Only as we are able to look beyond their intensity to see their intent (Hebrews 12:2). This is the first step in remaining positive when the bottom drops out of life.

2. Understand the work of trials (vs. 3-4)

With regards to your faith. (v. 3) - Scripture knows nothing of “fair weather faith walkers.” Can we honestly claim that we are walking by faith when the sun is always shining and we can always see where we are going? Can we say we are walking by faith when the unpleasant elements of the storms of life are not touching us? This is sight walking. Faith is like flying a plane by instruments. The instruments must be accurate. They are the only thing that can get you through the clouds. Faith does not dispel the clouds but gives you direction through the clouds.

With regards to your life (vs. 3b, 4) - What is the testing of your faith designed to accomplish? There is a developing process that takes place when faith is tested.

• To develop stability. The testing of the believer’s faith produces a steadfastness along the treacherous roads of life. Like football shoes it gives us traction so we don’t slip (v. 3). But this is not an end within itself: patience, steadfastness and endurance also have a work - an all encompassing work - the completion of the process.

• To mature our character and to give us a well rounded life (cf. Romans 8:28, 29). “Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” Knowledge must be put into perspective in a practical way. We are to know certain things and their purpose. Our character needs maturing. That fact will always be true. In this life we never max out in our maturity. There is never a time when we don’t need the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. A person can go through a lot when he knows why. This is the work of trials.

This is quite an order. Who is sufficient for it? If we are honest in our evaluation we probably are saying, “I need wisdom other than my own to help all this knowledge to jell.” If this is true, then you’ve realized a need to look at life from God’s viewpoint. This leads us into an element of prayer which we will look at next week.

Love to you all,

Charles Covington

Testing of faith comes in many forms, but all are meant to increase faith and trust in God!

John 16:33

33 "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

If we could think of our daily trouble as a test or plan of God to build His character and nature within us…the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control), we would fulfill the words of James in chapter one verses 2-4.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

I long to be complete and perfect spiritually, to know God intimately, to be like Jesus, my Lord and Savior, always doing the will of the Father and therefore pleasing to Him.

May we all seek to find spiritual purpose for the trials of life and trust God for any and all outcomes that glorify Him and are truly for our eternal best!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith January 20, 2026

Notes of Faith January 20, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

May 21, 2000

“REMINDERS THAT COUNT”

II Peter 1:1-15

2 Peter 1:1-15

1 Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.

12 Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. 13 I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind.

Daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, reminders play an important role in all of our lives. The reason is: we forget. What do we forget? We forget birthdays, anniversaries, important dates or occasions. Therefore, we have to be reminded. The Scriptures stress the importance of being reminded in the things of God. Note the features of II Peter 1:1-15. Let’s analyze this passage with a series of questions.

1. Do we need to be reminded (vs. 12, 13, 15; 3:1)?

Note the repetitions in these verses. No less than five times Peter stresses that reminders are important - even crucial.

2. What do we need to be reminded of (vs. 1-11)?

• Privileges - (vs. 1-4). Privileges of faith, knowledge of God, Divine power, precious promises, partakers of the Divine nature. Beloved, do we take these blessings for granted? We have a tendency to, I’m afraid. Read through this section again. Think through these privileges carefully.

• Responsibilities (vs. 5-11). The main responsibility listed here is that of pursuing spiritual growth (vs. 5-7). We don’t just float into growth. There are some things that we have to take action on. If not, then life is marked by fruitlessness. Let’s not take our Christian responsibilities lightly.

3. Who needs to be reminded (v. 12)?

New believers need to be informed. Believers who have knowledge and are doctrinally stable need to be reminded. The Greek word for “know” in verse 12 means fullness of knowledge. It also was used to speak of someone traveling with a full load. These believers were in a settled state or condition. We in the Grace Brethren Church are extremely well taught. Better than most! Therefore, we need to be on the alert. The enemy of our souls is out to undo that if he can.

4. Why do we need to be reminded (vv. 13; 3:1)?

The truth is immovable. We are not. The only way a Christian can maintain a healthy, stable, fruitful life is to be in constant contact with the only thing that is stable: The Truth of God!

5. How often do we need to be reminded (vs. 13, 15)?

It is incumbent upon every communicator of the Word of God to be consistent and repetitious in their presentation of truth. It is necessary for all believers to take care that they are careful listeners to the truth.

Closing Thoughts - We cannot take Christian privileges and responsibilities for granted. Review and keep on reviewing. These believers evidently had not been reviewing what they had been taught. Beloved, let’s not make that same mistake.

Love to you all,

Charles Covington

Eph 4:11-16

He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

Our privileges and responsibilities come from God and the gifts that He gives those who believe and obey His commands. The church is the body of Christ and like unto our bodies having many parts, uses, and abilities. We need everyone in the body of Christ to function as a healthy church, each doing their part well to the benefit of the whole body. We need to be reminded regularly that every part of the body is important to function properly, to grow toward maturity in Christ, to be an effective witness for Christ in the community that He has place us. Let us remember and consider often the privilege of being called a child of God and also remember the responsibilities that go with the privilege. Let us pursue maturity in Christ, THAT WE MIGHT KNOW GOD, and SERVE HIM in all that we do and say through the interactions with those around us.

Let us be careful to REMEMBER…

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith January 19, 2026

Notes of Faith January 19, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

May 14, 2000

“SERVING IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING”

I Peter 4:10-12

It is not by accident that the passage on serving God (vv. 10, 11) occurs in the context of verse 12:

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing happened to you.

Suffering is designed to press us into service. Verses 10 and 11 deal with the subject of spiritual gifts. A spiritual gift is a capacity for serving God.

QUESTIONS ABOUT SPIRITUAL GIFTS - verse 10

1. Who has a spiritual gift? “As each one of you has received.” Each believer has at least one spiritual gift. I Corinthians 12 is a Biblical commentary on gifts and their usage.

2. When did you receive your spiritual gift? I take it as being when you were saved - “as each one has received.”

3. What are we to do with our gift? Employ it in serving one another. My gift is for your benefit as your gift is for my benefit.

4. What is the nature of our gifts? These are grace gifts - “as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” The gifts are not ours. They belong to God. They have been granted to us to manage for Him.

THE CLASSIFICATION OF GIFTS - verse 11

1. Speaking Gifts - For a list of the speaking gifts see I Corinthians 12. “Oracles of God” Speaking gifts are to be exercised in the context and content of the Word of God.

2. Serving Gifts - Serving gifts are also listed in I Corinthians 12. They are to be exercised in the strength supplied by God.

THE ULTIMATE PURPOSE OF THE GIFTS AS THEY ARE EXERCISED IN THE CONTEXT OF HIS WORD AND IN HIS STRENGTH - verse 11

So that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

• These are His gifts.

• We are His people.

• It is in His Word and by His strength that we are to serve.

• He gets the glory. None of it belongs to us.

So beloved, if you are suffering today, let God use it to press you into serving Him!

Love to you all,

Charles Covington

1 Cor 12:4-11

4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

Our gifts from God are given that we might bless others! Let us use them to bless and glorify God!

Rom 8:16-17

16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Phil 1:27-29

27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 in no way alarmed by your opponents — which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. 29 For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake…

2 Tim 1:12

2 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

2 Tim 2:3

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

1 Peter 3:13-17

13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being 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; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.

Rev 2:10

10 'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Ps 100

100 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.

2 Serve the Lord with gladness;

Come before Him with joyful singing.

3 Know that the Lord Himself is God;

It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;

We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving

And His courts with praise.

Give thanks to Him, bless His name.

5 For the Lord is good;

His lovingkindness is everlasting

And His faithfulness to all generations.

Matt 5:10-12

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. 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.

We have an enemy that tempted mankind to disobey God and literally destroyed the perfect life that God intended for us. In His grace and mercy God provided a way to pay the debt of our sin that we could never pay…the perfect sacrifice of the Son of God, Jesus the Christ, that we might be redeemed to a glorious and perfect eternal life. How could we not be willing to suffer at the hands of our enemy for the glory of God?! Praise Him in and through your suffering and give Him glory for the complete work of Jesus that we might be saved, sanctified and glorified!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith January 18, 2026

Notes of Faith January 18, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

April 30, 2000

“WHY CHRISTIANS SHOULD NOT WORRY”

Matthew 6:24-34

Someone has said, “Worry is like a rocking chair: it will give you something to do but it won’t get you anywhere.” The Greek word for “worry” means “to pull in different directions.”

In Matthew 6:24-34 I find five reasons why God’s people should never worry. I would like to discuss each reason briefly.

1. Worry is unreasonable (vv. 24, 25)

The argument is simple. It is unreasonable to expect that you can serve two masters. Either God is a priority in the life of a person or material things. You can’t serve both and God tells us not to worry.

2. Worry is unnecessary (vv. 26-28)

a. As illustrated by birds (v. 26) The believer is more important to God than birds. God feeds the birds. We are worth more than birds.

b. As illustrated by flowers (vv. 28, 29). The lilies of the field are clothed with God’s glory - more so than King Solomon. They do not struggle nor strive. He will take care of our needs.

3. Worry is unproductive (v. 27).

Living in anxiety cannot enable you to grow spiritually or otherwise.

4. Worry is un-Christ-like (vv. 31, 32).

Unbelievers naturally get overly concerned about life’s needs. God’s people have a resource that non Christians know nothing about. In fact, God has full knowledge of our needs. For Christians to worry projects a bad testimony, shows lack of trust. The unbeliever notices this.

5. Worry is unable to change the future (v. 24).

Anxiety about tomorrow can’t change tomorrow. Take care of the problems that you face today. Every day has enough problems of its own.

So beloved, what is the solution (v. 33)? Follow hard after God and the things of God every day of your life. He will take care of your needs and all of these things will be added to you.

Love to you all,

Charles Covington

Matt 6:33-34

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.

Our trust in God must exceed our human tendency to fret, worry, even making ourselves physically ill over things which we have little or no control. God is sovereign and watches the birds and flowers, calls the stars of the sky by name; are we not more important to God, He having created only us in His image?

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith January 17, 2026

Notes of Faith January 17, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

Easter Sunday, 2000

“THE POWER OF HIS APPEARING”

I John 3:2-3

Have you ever given any thought to the awesome power of our Lord’s appearing? That power is seen in I John 3:2-3. In verse 2 John calls attention to our glorious position:

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that when He appears, we shall be like Him because we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

Two points loom large and clear in this passage: one future and one present.

1. The power to change us.

“When we see Him, we shall be like Him.” Note what John says - when we see Him. There is something marvelous about seeing our Savior. There will be transforming power at the sight of Him. This is unexplainable. The molecular structure of our bodies will be completely altered when we see Christ. All imperfections of our present state will vanish in an instant of time. Paul says in I Corinthians 15:

Mortality will put on immortality.

Sown a perishable body - raised an imperishable body.

Sown in dishonor - raised glory.

Sown in weakness - raised in power.

Sown a natural body - raised a spiritual body.

What this means is that at the first sight of the Savior, a glorious, miraculous transformation will take place. By and large our bodies will be just like His, only each of us will retain our individual identity.

Yes, the power to change us. But wait! What should that Blessed Hope do for us in the present? This brings us to the second aspect of the Power of His Appearing.

2. The power to challenge us.

“Everyone who has this Hope purifies himself just as He is pure.” There is something magnetic about the coming of the Lord. A drawing power. A desire and determination to take the initiative in seeing change take place in our lives now, to take note of the impurities in our thought life and attitude - then to submit to His authority and let Him replace those imperfections with His perfection. There is something wonderfully comforting and challenging - not in just knowing what He can do but in submitting to His ability and willingness to make us over. Just remember, He always knows what is best for us and He will never hesitate to take what we present to Him and overhaul it (Romans 12:1, 2.)

So beloved, this Easter let us contemplate the power of His appearing to change us and let that glorious reality challenge us in our present circumstances.

Love to you all,

Charles Covington

Rom 12:1-2

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Phil 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Eph 3:20-21

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

If we will submit our will to God and ask for His grace in transformation of our daily walk, He will supply all that we need to be more like Christ, day by day!

May we hear His voice of encouragement and challenge “to be holy as He is holy” as we encounter all things in this life! May you know well His mercies that are “new every morning”!

Perhaps our Lord and Savior will return today!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith January 16, 2026

Notes of Faith January 16, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

April 16, 2000

“A PSALM OF TRUST” - conclusion

Psalm 27

A STANZA OF COMFORT (vv. 7-10)

David pleads to be heard. There were times when David, no doubt, felt totally alone with his problems (familiar)? There were times when he prayed and there was no immediate answer from God.

David pleads to be helped and remembers how God has seen him through in the past. And finally David is assured that if the last bastion of help and hope from human sources fail him - God will never fail. What a comfort!

A STANZA OF CHALLENGE (vv. 11-14)

Keep an open mind to the Lord (vv. 11-12, Luke 11:4)

• “Teach me thy way” - a request for knowledge.

• “Lead me in a level path” - a request for wisdom.

• The Christian’s demeanor should be right on - clear cut - straight - without ambiguity and unquestionable.

• We should be easily read.

• Worldly critics we have with us always.

• We should seek to live life along the plain path - be transparent.

• Don’t give the critic any legitimate grounds for censure.

This requires knowledge of God’s way and wisdom to walk in those ways. We must keep an open mind to the Lord.

Keep a positive outlook on life (v. 13)

• The only way that a believer can keep a positive outlook on life is by faith.

• Faith looks at God’s faithfulness to His people.

• Faith understands God’s character - that He is good and does good.

• David was supported solely by his faith in a loving and good God.

• David believed that He would see the good hand of God in his life because he had seen the good hand of God in his life countless times before. His faith had a precedent.

Keep a patient disposition (v. 14)

• “Wait” means to hope or to be convinced that a thing will be brought about and then to wait steadily and patiently.

• Waiting is always easier when you know that your waiting will be rewarded.

• God has never let you down. Has He brought you up to this moment in time? Then why should you doubt that He will take you through this experience and on to the next one (Phil 1:6)?

Beloved - David’s challenge is to:

Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage,

And He shall strengthen your heart.

Wait, I say, on the Lord.

Have a blessed week. Love to you all,

Charles Covingron

James 1:5-6

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Matt 5:14-16

14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

1 Cor 15:58

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

Rom 8:24-25

in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

Remember – God has provided and taken care of you throughout your days on earth. He will continue to do His work in you and through you as you pursue intimacy with Him. Let us love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and our neighbor as ourself!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith January 15, 2026

Notes of Faith January 15, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

April 9, 2000

“A PSALM OF TRUST” - continued

Psalm 27

The Test of Confidence (vv. 2-3)

Note the mounting crescendo of opposition against David. Often there seems to be a mounting crescendo of opposition that we face whether in the form of people or pressure of circumstances. And, alas, very rarely does the individual wave break upon our life. Many times they are followed by others.

James speaks of this gathering storm in James 1:2. Paul addresses it in Romans 8:35 and Job experienced it in Job 1:2 suffering the loss of animals, servants, children, and health. We may liken it to the buildup of the surf.

In spite of all this opposition, David said, “I shall be confident”

(see Romans 8:31-39).

Safety does not consist in the absence of danger - but in the presence of God.

A Stanza of Commitment (vv. 4-5)

• Confidence leads to a greater commitment. David’s desire was to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life. The House of the Lord was the tabernacle/temple - the place in the Old Testament where a godly Jew went to learn of God and to serve Him.

• To behold the beauty of the Lord, which is pleasant, good, or full of grace (cf Phil. 4:8). The character of God is attractive. Individual colors of a rainbow have a certain beauty, but it is when all the colors are seen in their blended radiance that we really see the intrinsic beauty of the rainbow. To behold the beauty of the Lord is to study His multi-faceted character.

• To inquire in His temple. David had committed himself to becoming acquainted with God and His ways - of loving the things of the Father - of feeling familiar and at home with truth (see Luke 10:42, Phil. 3:10-14, Col. 3:1-4). This exercise builds trust and confidence. You can trust someone only as well as you know them. This explains why David can make the statement in verse 5, “In time of trouble He shall hide me.”

David’s Praise of the Lord (v. 6)

David’s confidence in and commitment to the Lord results in praise. “I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.” We Christians are to offer the sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15). There is power in praise (II Chron. 20.)

Beloved - we can come to God’s Word depressed and go away rejoicing and ready to take on the world. Fear and inner turmoil subside as we tap into His presence. I challenge you this week to spend quality time in the Word.

Love to you all,

Charles Covington

If our desire is to be in the presence of God we should live daily as if we are now in His presence, for indeed we are. God is…and all things are under His sovereign control. He knows the end from the beginning, aware of all circumstances in our lives before a word of creation was spoken! Let us trust in the Almighty!

Rom 12:1-2

12 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, (READ YOUR BIBLE) so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Pastor Dale