Notes of Faith February 23, 2026

Notes of Faith February 23, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

March 25, 2001

“OUR ADVOCATE”

I John 2:1

My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

This encouragement is given to believers. Sin is never a necessity, but always a possibility. Believers do not have to commit an act of sin - even though we have a sin nature. Christ’s work on Calvary made this possible. However, the possibility of any one of us committing sin is always a glaring reality. Note what he says: “If anyone sins we have an advocate.” An old saint was once asked if he believed it was possible for a Christian to never sin in his life. I thought the old Christian was right-on in his answer: “Yes, I believe it is possible for a believer never to sin, but I‘ve never met one who didn’t!”

But the wonderful thing about this is, when the believer sins, he is never condemned. Note the text: “and if anyone sins we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.” The word advocate is beautiful. It means a go-between or a defense attorney - a representative.

1. The believer is an advocate, a go-between, a representative for Jesus Christ to the world. We make a case for Him in the world of unbelievers.

2. Jesus Christ makes a case for the believer before the Father.

Note: It is Jesus Christ, the righteous. A completely just and righteous savior appears before a holy and righteous judge who is our Father to represent us when we sin. He says, “Father, I gave my life for Charles Covington. I died for his sin. Now I appear before you in his behalf because he has sinned against you. I paid his penalty so he doesn’t have to.” The Father looks at His Son’s death as all sufficient to cover anything I might have done or might do to offend His character. To me this is neat. We should always be careful not to sin, but when we do, we are not judged because of the appearance of our blessed advocate.

Note: He does not say when we confess our sins we have an advocate, but when we sin. When we sin He immediately makes His appearance in our behalf. Our confession (I John 1:9) is for our benefit. His forgiveness cleanses us from all unrighteousness. What a savior we have.

So this week let’s strive to stay in step with Him, and be assured when we get out of step with our advocate, He goes to bat for us, pleading our case before the Father. Let’s continue to plead His case before a lost and dying world. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Every person that has ever lived will stand before the Lord to be judged. Those who have come to faith in God and His Son Jesus will not be condemned but have the righteousness of Jesus placed to their account and therefore will receive eternal life. Those who do not believe will stand condemned and face eternal judgment, many of them having heard the truth of God, and the Son’s death on the cross paying the debt they owe for their sin against God. They refused to hear the glory of God that saves each and every one who believes.

Charles made this devotion very personal… God knows our sin even when we don’t or try to hide the sin that we know we have done. Jesus is faithful and is standing before the Father as the perfect sacrifice and advocate for our sin.

Only Jesus can save us. Come to Jesus today. If you follow Jesus, you know that you still sin. Praise God that Jesus calls you His own and covers you with His clean and pure blood that you might have forgiveness and cleansing.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus!

Romans 8:1

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 22, 2026

Notes of Faith February 22, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

March 13, 2001

“THE WAY OF PEACE”

Isaiah 26:3

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on

You. (New Living Translation)

In John 16:27 Jesus gives His people a promise that is intended to be experienced by all Christians. Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. This is the source of peace for the Christian. It is found in Jesus Christ.

The question arises, “How do we access that peace?” The answer is found in Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You.”

The question then is - How do we fix our thoughts on Jesus?

I would like to suggest that we start with the cross. This is where the Prince of Peace gave His life for us. Then focus on His character. Who is He?

• He is the Creator God. John 1:3

• He is the Great Shepard of the sheep. Hebrews 13:20

• He is The Way, The Truth and The Life. John 14:6

• He is the Son of God. Matthew 3:17

• He is the Lamb of God. John 1:29

• He is the One whose Name causes Satan and his demons to tremble. Hebrews 2:14, James 2:19.

• He is the One who keeps our hearts and minds to be still in the midst of turmoil just as he caused the ferocious wind and waves to cease while He was in the boat with His disciples. Mark 4:39, Philippians 4:6, 7

Think on these things when your life is in turmoil. He works wonders when you dare to believe His promises. I know from the Word of God and from personal experience. But you have got to train your mind to rest in Him all your waking hours.

Happy trusting! God bless.

Love to all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Prov 3:5-6

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

(Part of ) It Is Well With My Soul

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:

It is well with my soul,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

Even so, it is well with my soul.

May you know the Prince of Peace and enjoy His peace no matter your circumstances, trusting in His eternal plan for your soul!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 21, 2026

Notes of Faith February 21, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

March 11, 2001

“A LIFE THAT COUNTS”

Philippians 2:12-16

In this brief passage we see the elements of a life that counts for our Lord Jesus Christ - a quality life!

We need to take responsibility.

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Phil. 2:12-13.

The first major lesson a Christian must learn in his growth pattern is how to take responsibility. This involves developing self-motivation. We are to live our lives through Christ, not through someone else. Furthermore, believers are to take their Christian life seriously. There is way too much “carnival Christianity”.

The believer is to develop a life free from grumbling and complaining.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing (complaining). Phil 2:14.

1. Grumbling and complaining stifles God’s work in your life - v. 13.

2. It paralyzes your ability to respond in cooperation with God - v.12.

3. It mars your witness for the Lord - v. 15.

However, if we develop a life free from grumbling and complaining we are lights in a very dark world.

... that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world. Phil. 2:15.

We are to be witnesses by holding forth the Word of Life to a world that desperately needs it.

.... holding fast the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

Phil. 2:16.

The Word of Life is full of meaning. The Word of Life -

• contains life

• imparts life

• sustains life

• explains life.

I pray that He will enable us to look at life and all people created in His image, through His eyes and not our own. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

The true Christian life is a life of purpose and meaning. We follow Jesus and let Him lead our hearts through the gifting that He gives us to meet our needs, (our jobs and desires of our heart) and the needs of our family and even those around us…the community in which God has given us to witness and testify of Him. This description of life is what true living is all about. Walking by faith, trusting in the leading of the Holy Spirit, always seeking to discern the will of God and doing it. We will walk with God eternally, but would you not rather lay up treasure in heaven now to be rewarded by God when you are with Him forever? Let us work hard at living a life pleasing to God, looking forward to hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master.”

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 20, 2026

Notes of Faith February 20, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

March 4, 2001

“HOW TO HAVE A GOOD DAY” - Part II

Philippians 4:1-9

Last week we looked at some guidelines for having a good day. They were:

1. Begin your day by strengthening your confidence in the Lord.

2. Throughout your day be prepared to help those who have problems.

3. Throughout your day make your fellowship with the Lord a top priority.

Let’s continue:

4. Throughout your day concentrate on sustaining good relationships with others (v. 5). Learn to act, not react to hard situations. Work on learning to be tolerant and considerate. Treat others as you would like to be treated because the Lord is at hand! The immanence of His return should always condition the way we relate to others. If we knew this was going to be our last day on earth, would that change our actions in respect to others?

5. Throughout your day refuse to allow life’s circumstances and problems to imprision you (vv. 6,7). We are to worry about nothing. Worry dishonors God. Worry is choosing not to trust God. Worry robs us of peace and is a bad testimony. Instead of worrying about what we cannot do, we need to focus on what God can do (see Eph. 3:20)! This does not mean a lack of concern about things we should be concerned about. It does mean that the Christian is not to allow problems over which we have no control to imprison us and hold us hostage.

Instead we are to pray about everything. Here is a case where prayer changes us, not necessarily our circumstances. Prayer and thanksgiving keep us free from the prison of worry. Prayer brings about a peace that the mind cannot explain. It keeps us in the sense of the freedom of God’s presence.

6. Throughout the day guard your mind carefully (v. 8). Here is a further precaution against worry. We are to keep our minds occupied with things that are constuctive (I Cor. 2:16; Col. 3:1-3).

If we follow these guidelines at the conclusion of the day we will be able to say, “the God of peace truly has been my companion today. This HAS been a good day!”

Have a good day! and a good week!! God bless.

Love to all,

Pastor Charles

I shared with you yesterday the beginning of Pastor Charles notes on “how to have a good day.” Today I continue with those notes…

Phil 4:1-9

Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 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.

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. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Love others, trust God and pray, guard your mind and heart, and the God of peace who gives us His peace will be with you!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 19, 2026

Notes of Faith February 19, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

February 25, 2001

“HOW TO HAVE A GOOD DAY” - Part I

Philippians 4:1-9

“Have a good day” is a statement you hear at every grocery checkout counter, from every service station attendant, or at just about every fast food counter. The sentiments are appreciated but I’ve never had anyone tell me “how” to have a good day. “Have a good day” is more than God’s wish for you. It is God’s plan for you! He not only desires a good day for you but tells you how to have it. In Psalm 118:24 we read, “This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Philippians 4:1-8 outlines the game plan:

1. Begin your day by strengthening your confidence in the Lord. This exhortation (v. 1) is based upon the preceding verses (Phil. 3:20-21). Romans 5:2 and Acts 20:32 tell us how. In Phil. 3:13-14 we are told to not look back, but press forward, thereby not allowing the enemies of God’s grace (Phil. 3:1-8) to rob us of this confidence.

2. Throughout your day be prepared to help those who have problems (vv. 2,3). We need to try to live outside ourselves. A person who is wrapped up in himself makes a pretty small package. In this case it involves promoting harmony between two bickering ladies. Believers are to be peacemakers (Matt. 5:9).

3. Throughout your day make your fellowship with the Lord a top priority (v.4). Note that “rejoice” is emphasized twice! Don’t lose your sense of joy in Christ. When you lose your joy, everything stops. You lose your zeal, your will to go on in a meaningful way, your cutting edge. If we are not careful, we will fall into the trap of living on substitutes.

Mentally - we substitute knowledge for wisdom.

Emotionally - we substitute feeling for fact.

Spiritually - we substitute the temporal for the eternal.

Beloved - where do you find your delight? Your source of joy? This week I challenge you (and myself) to make Psalm 37:4 and 5 a reality in our lives. God bless. (. . . to be continued!)

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Ps 118:24

24 This is the day which the Lord has made;

Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Phil 4:1-9

Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 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.

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. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Phil 3:20-21

20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

There is a lot of meat in the verses for today. Be prepared to chew on them for a while as each morsal brings sweet truth to your heart and mind.

May you be blessed and refreshed as you study and meditate on the Word of God!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 18, 2026

Notes of Faith February 18, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

February 18, 2001

“THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT”

Ephesians 6:17

And take the helmet of salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Ephesians 6:17 is part of a larger context where the armor of God is the subject. This is armor for the spiritual man. Each piece of armor relates in some way to the Scriptures. By and large the armor is defensive in nature. However, the Sword of the Spirit is an offensive piece of armor. One important item to notice - it is the Spirit’s sword, not ours.

How does it work? The sword is used strategically and wisely - a specific promise for a corresponding specific problem. If your problem is worry, you wouldn’t apply John 3:16. You would apply passages like Philippians 4:6,7 “Be anxious for nothing.” See how it fits? You can use this principle for virtually every problem you face.

Let me encourage you to learn to use the Sword of the Spirit in this fashion. It can be very beneficial to you spiritually. If your problem is anger, “Be angry and sin not” Paul told the Ephesian Christians which is another wise use of the Sword of the Spirit.

Let me ask you to analyze carefully the problems that are giving you trouble. List them on a sheet of paper; then get busy and find corresponding verses or passages that apply to your problems. Make sure there is a connection. I personally have a problem being patient with my circumstances and sometimes people. The Spirit’s sword for me is found in Romans 5:3, “knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance and perseverance proven character and proven character hope.” So you see patience is not an end to itself. It, too, is productive. Happy hunting and may all your battles be spiritual ones. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Eph 6:10-17

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Our lives are primarily lived in a spiritual realm that we do not see. The physical realm in which we live is temporal but the spiritual realm is eternal. God has given us His Word providing everything that we need for both the physical and spiritual. May we seek God with all our heart and pursue that which is righteous and good, glorifying to God. We can only do this because of the sacrifice of Jesus for our sin and through the gift of faith given us to believe in Him and the power of the Holy Spirit, another gift from God, that makes it possible to overcome the physical world when taking up the full armor of God.

It is God’s armor that protects and fights for us. We just need to put it on and use it! May God be glorified by His army of saints in this life and into eternity!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 17, 2026

Notes of Faith February 17, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

February 11, 2001

“THE EYES OF THE LORD”

I Peter 3:12

When I was a child in Texas there was a small market down the street from our house. It was within seeing distance from home. Sometimes mother would send me to that little store to get an item or two for dinner - usually about sundown or dusk. I would tell her that I was scared to go out at that time of day. She would say, “don’t be scared honey! I will stand outside and watch you all the way to the store and back.” With mother’s eyes on me I could go to the store and back without any fear. In my home state there is a song that says, “the eyes of Texas are upon you - all the live long day.” That song never did much for me - for what are the eyes of Texas? Could never figure that one out.

However, in I Peter 3:12 Peter says, “the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and His ears are inclined to their prayers, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” To me that is comforting for it tells me that wherever I am in this world, my Heavenly Father is watching over me. And when I cry out to Him for help, He graciously hears me and comes to my aid. That’s true for every Christian. However, it’s bad news for the non-Christian, for God’s face - His whole countenance, is against the unbeliever - the evil doer.

What a challenge to witness, for most people think they’re doing pretty good with God. When they learn that the God of Heaven is against them in their present state of unbelief, it gives us an opportunity to share Jesus Christ. Some may turn to Him in faith; some may not, but we’ve been obedient to our heavenly calling. So keep an ear and an eye open for people to share with. God is good. He will lead you to those who need this message. God bless.

Love to you all,

Charles Covington

2 Chron 16:9

"For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.

Ps 34:15-16

15 The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous

And His ears are open to their cry.

16 The face of the Lord is against evildoers,

To cut off the memory of them from the earth.

Prov 5:21

21 For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the Lord,

And He watches all his paths.

Prov 15:3

3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place,

Watching the evil and the good.

We have no secrets before a righteous and holy God who sees everything! There is no sin which will not come to be known. Let us pursue the purity and holiness of God, confessing sin, being cleansed by God through the blood of Jesus, that we might produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control!

Let the eyes of the Lord see you as a reflection of Himself…the image in which you were created!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 16, 2026

Notes of Faith February 16, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

February 4, 2001

“GOD AND YOUR PRAISES”

Psalm 22:3

Our great God inhabits eternity. He inhabits His people. In Psalm 22:3 we read. . . “you inhabit the praises of Israel.” Here David says that God inhabits the praises of His people, Israel. What a statement! When God’s people praise Him, God’s presence is in those praises.

What’s true of Israel is also true of His people today. It’s neat to know that whether in darkness or light, when we praise God He dwells in the midst of that praise. Sometimes we (I) have a bit of difficulty in praising God when life is out of sorts. The comforting thing about this truth is that it doesn’t matter where you are in life you can be assured that God’s presence is your strength. It’s been difficult for me to grasp this truth. For the past 20 months or so my life (since June of 1999 when a major stroke caused loss of physical movement, loss of voice, strength, ability to serve God as he had previously) has been turned upside down. I’ve had to literally force myself to praise God in this time of trial.

Some of you, no doubt, find yourselves in trying circumstances and right now you are having some difficulty praising God. Let me encourage you to force yourself, if necessary, to praise your God. It will do wonders for you. According to Hebrews 13, praise is a sacrifice. Anything that is difficult for the Christian is a sacrifice. Jesus constantly praised His Heavenly Father. He is our great example. From the stable to the cross, praise was on His lips. Let’s follow His example. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

“Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me.” The salvation and redemption of mankind was only possible through the sacrifice of the Perfect Lamb, a once for all sinners to have opportunity to be saved through faith in Jesus! He continued saying, “not My will but Thine be done.” Jesus was praising His Father in heaven and their perfect union sustained Him.

John 12:27-28

27 "Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 "Father, glorify Your name."

John 18:11

the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?"

John 6:38

I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

John 10:17

17 "For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again.

Matt 26:28

28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

Let us give glory to God, giving praise for the sacrifice of His only Son, that we might have eternal life in Jesus’ righteousness and forgiveness through faith in Him and His perfect sacrifice for our sin against our Father in heaven!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 15, 2026

Notes of Faith February 15, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit”

January 28, 2001

PRESSING ON

Philippians 3:14

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Pressing on was Paul's delight. He was a man who never knew the word quit. He was always moving forward past the obstacles in the ministry and there were many. He faced false teachers, physical danger, and poor health, but somehow he moved past those obstacles.

Note that he was pressing toward a goal-. There was an end in sight. That goal led to the prize of the upward call of God. God was-ever calling Paul upward in Christ Jesus.

I can't think of a single time when Paul let down his guard. He was always on the move either physically or mentally—or both.

You -never get anywhere by sitting on your duff. You never make progress mentally by putting your mind in neutral. Pretty soon a person atrophies.

God has been so good to us. We have good minds we can use. My question to myself as well as to each of you is - each day as you get up are you pressing on mentally? Do you set your mind on God's Word? Does it speak to you in your heart? Do you derive daily direction for your life? How about decisions you need to make for your life, your family, your employment? There may not be direct answers to your problems - but these are principles that govern good, sound decisions for every day of our lives.

Let's work on pressing on in life together. It will be both fun and profitable. Make a list of decisions you need to make - then resolve to make them. I know I have some. Let's do it together. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Since the day that you came to faith in Jesus, you have been pressing on toward a goal…sometimes one step forward and two steps back, nonetheless continuing to move forward toward the goal “for which you were called.” It is God who has called you to Himself, who continues to work in you and through you to complete His call on your life!

Let us keep our eyes on the author and perfecter of our faith, trusting Him to be faithful to complete that which He began in us. Praise God for His love, grace, and being ever present in our daily walk. Listen, learn, love Him, obey Him, as you grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus moment by moment!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith February 14, 2026

Notes of Faith February 14, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

January 7, 2001

“WE’VE NOT PASSED THIS WAY BEFORE”

Joshua 3:4b

. . . that you may know the way by which you shall go, for you have not passed this way before.

As Joshua prepared to lead the Children of Israel out of the wilderness and into the promised land, he informed them that the Ark of the Covenant would go before. Then he reminded them that this was a new way. He said, “For you have not passed this way before.” The land “flowing with milk and honey” (and also giants!) lay ahead. Everything was new and untested. However, they had one great plus - God was before them! Everything they would pass through would have to come through the Lord.

Isn’t that true in our own wilderness journey, especially as we face a year that is new and untraveled? We have not passed this way before. The entire year lies ahead. What ingredients will it hold? I’m afraid if we knew some of them in advance we would want to turn and go the other way.

As I look back over 2000 I can tell you truly there were some hard experiences I had to face - - things that more or less jumped out at me. Things I’d rather have left behind. I never dreamed that one night I would wake to a heart attack which caused some setbacks. I can honestly say, “I’ve never passed this way before” but I can also say that the Lord was before me all the way. All of Paul’s journeys were new to him. He had never passed that way before yet he said, “But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me - - - and I was delivered out of the lion’s mouth (II Timothy 4:17).”

What are you facing today? Something that is new to you - something that you’ve never faced before? A tough assignment from God? A difficult relationship perhaps? You’ve never passed this way before and it’s scary. Remember the Ark of the Lord stood before the people. God stands and goes before you. That’s a winning combination. Let us face the new year with that mentality. We’ve never been this way before but this time next year we will see that the Lord stood faithfully with us.

God bless each of you this year of 2001.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Matt 6:34

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

James 4:13-16

Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." 14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. 15 Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that."

Jer 33:3-4

Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'

I don’t know what tomorrow holds – but I know who holds tomorrow! The grace of God has given me many years to learn that each day has enough trouble of its own. I simply need to focus my life on God and seek Him, live in His presence every moment and all things will work for God’s glory and my good.

My prayer is that all who read this will pursue God fervently this year, growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and walking with Him daily that we might know the greatest joy of intimacy with the One who gives us life!

Pastor Dale