Notes of Faith May 4, 2026

Notes of Faith May 4, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

December 15, 2002

“GOD’S UP AND DOWN LOVE”

Philippians 2:5-11

In this passage we read that God’s infinite love reached all the way down to earth in order to bring us all the way up to Heaven! Because of sin, mankind could not have been lower. In Christ we cannot be higher.

CHRIST’S STEPS DOWN TO EARTH:

1. “Have this attitude in yourself which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped “His own reputation” was not important to Christ. He did not seek recognition of Himself. Doing His Father’s will was highest priority.

2. “But emptied Himself, taking on the form of a bondservant.” Christ was the servant of the Most High God. No servant could be higher.

3. “And being made in the likeness of men.” Christ came in the likeness of the most sinful creature – man.

4. “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death.” Death was the lowest a man could go. Death is the result of sin.

5. “Even the death on a cross.” Crucifixion was the most ignominious of deaths. Every part of the body was exposed to the eyes of the public.

Yes, God’s love reached all the way down – to you and to me!

STEPS UP: God lifted His Son up and –

1. “God - - bestowed on Him the name which is above every name.” All the names in time, on earth or heaven, could not compare to the name God gave His resurrected and ascended Son. That name is JESUS!

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth.”

2. Those in heaven shall bow down to that Name.

3. Those on earth shall bow down to that Name – the name they hate!

4. Those under the earth shall bow down to the Name - those in hell. But it will be too late for them!

5. “And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” He is supreme above all because of His saving work on the cross.

Yes, God sent His precious Son all the way down to earth take the punishment for our sins, and then took Him all the way up to heaven, where He is preparing a place for all those who trust in Him. Praise God that I have found Him, or rather that He has found me. I trust you know Him as your personal Savior. If not, what better time to come to Him than today!

Love in Christ,

Pastor Charles Covington

2 Cor 6:2

Behold, now is "THE ACCEPTABLE TIME," behold, now is "THE DAY OF SALVATION"

Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled My Soul

O what a wonderful, wonderful day, day I will never forget;

After I'd wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Savior I met.

O what a tender, compassionate friend, He met the need of my heart;

Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling,

He made all the darkness depart.

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, (filled my soul)

When at the cross the Savior made me whole; (made me whole)

My sins were washed away and my night was turned to day,

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul! (filled my soul)

Born of the Spirit with life from above into God's family divine,

Justified fully thru Calvary's love, O what a standing is mine!

And the transaction so quickly was made, when as a sinner I came,

Took of the offer, of grace He did proffer,

He saved me, O praise His dear name!

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, (filled my soul)

When at the cross the Savior made me whole; (made me whole)

My sins were washed away and my night was turned to day,

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul! (filled my soul)

Now I've a hope that will surely endure after the passing of time;

I have a future in heaven for sure there in those mansions sublime.

And it's because of that wonderful day, when at the cross I believed;

Riches eternal and blessings supernal,

from His precious hand I received.

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, (filled my soul)

When at the cross the Savior made me whole; (made me whole)

My sins were washed away and my night was turned to day,

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul! (filled my soul)

Praise God for His continuing work in our lives…that we will indeed be with our Lord and Savior for all eternity. Up, Up, and away! Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 3, 2026

Notes of Faith May 3, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

November 10, 2002

“WHY CHRIST CAME”

Galatians 1:4

Who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.

What would you say is the basic reason as to why Christ came to this earth? We know it was to die on the cross for sinners.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

What exactly did that work accomplish? Many things. However, there is one specific thing that He accomplished through that death. Galatians 1:4 pretty much epitomizes that purpose for us –

“that He might rescue us from this present evil age.”

Rescue is the key word in this sentence. We were bound up in sin and deceit. The death of Christ loosed us from sin that held us in bondage. What a truth this is! It is like we were in a burning building, or on a raging sea. Imagine being pulled from a burning room. You would be eternally grateful to the one who rescued you!

Likewise we should rejoice and be eternally grateful to the One who pulled us from the world and all its fiery evil. This is all in accordance with God’s perfect will.

There is much to get out of this verse. “This present evil age.” This age we live in is evil because it is, by God’s permission, controlled by the evil one. Satan places things before us that are designed to tempt us to go against God’s will. However, God has prepared us to withstand the temptations of Satan. We have the armor of God and the power of God to make that armor effective (see Ephesians 6:10 ff, Galatians 5:18).

One day we will be completely removed from the presence of the evil one. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ guarantees that. This is all designed to bring glory and honor to His Name.

So beloved, today God is rescuing us from evil. Let’s cooperate with Him to the fullest. God bless each and every one of you!

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Charles Covington

John 9:39-41

Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind." 40 Those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and said to Him, "We are not blind too, are we?" 41 Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, 'We see,' your sin remains.

John 10:10

I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

John 6:38

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

John 12:46

I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.

John 18:37-38

You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."

Jesus saves us from this evil world. He saves and redeems us from the righteous judgment of God against our sin. The world is only going to become more evil until the second coming of Jesus when He will conquer His foes and rule this earth for a thousand years. Satan who will have been bound during this period will be loosed for a short period of time, to gather his armies against God once more. He will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, along with his minions, the anti-Christ and the false prophet, and all of the unbelieving of human history will join them for their failure to repent of their sin.

Come to Jesus. Repent of your sin. Believe Jesus is who He said He is, that He can and will forgive your sin, if you will believe in Him, follow Him, love Him, worship Him, obey Him, and serve Him with the life He has given you!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 2, 2026

Notes of Faith May 2, 2026

Today is the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.  When you live as close as we do, it is hard not to take notice!  Pray that the thousands paying attention to this event will be touched by the Spirit of God toward spiritual things rather than any earthly thing…

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

November 3, 2002

“PAUL’S ATTITUDE TOWARD MINISTRY”

Romans 1:14-16

What is your attitude toward the ministry God has given you?  Is it the same as the Apostle Paul’s?  Let’s take a look at Paul’s attitude and find there a lesson for us all.  In the passage before us Paul declares a three-fold attitude toward His ministry.

I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.  Romans 1:14

1.       Paul is obligated to his ministry.  He has an obligation to all classes of people, whether they be wise or foolish.  You see, people aren’t lost because of what side of the tracks they were born on or their education or lack of it, people are lost because they are without Jesus Christ.  We are all sinners, whether we live in a shanty or a palace.

Francis Shaffeur took the Gospel to the “up and outer” – to people who wouldn’t think of going into a rescue mission.  Some of our church folk take that  same Gospel to the “down and outers” in the Long Beach Rescue Mission.

We preach the same Gospel to the educated and to those who have little or none.  We have the same obligation as the Apostle Paul.  Then he says:

Thus, for my part, I am eager to preach the Gospel to you also who are in Rome.  v. 15

2.       Paul is eager in his ministry.  Paul was an eager beaver when it came to preaching Jesus Christ.  Why?  Because he knew what he had been saved from.  He lists his human merits in Philippians 3:4 ff.  Read the list for yourself.  Pretty impressive, isn’t it?  Yet in verse 7 he considers those things as nothing – as loss – when it comes to knowing Christ.  Paul called himself the chief of sinners.  That is why he was eager to preach.  He goes on to say:

For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  v. 16

3.       Paul is not ashamed of his ministry.  Preaching the simple Gospel to people brings hatred sometimes.  But it assures eternal life to those who receive it by faith.  Paul wasn’t ashamed because the Gospel is the power of God to everyone who believes – no matter who they are because God’s righteousness is revealed in it. 

What a motivation to ministry! 

•I am under obligation.  •I am eager.  •I am not ashamed.

I trust this is our motivation as well as Paul’s.  If not, pray about it.  I know I shall examine my heart.  God bless.

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Charles

John 14:15

If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

John 15:10

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

Matt 28:18-20

Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,  20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

We are to come to Jesus in Faith as we are drawn to Him by the Father, and live in His power and authority through His gift of the Holy Spirit, being obedient to His commands, declaring the truth of God to all around us, praying for His Spirit to open their ears and hearts to hear, that they might be saved!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 1, 2026

Notes of Faith May 1, 2026

“I Just Want You!”

Reading: Psalm 27:4; Psalm 73:25-28

Devotional:

Beyond blessings, beyond miracles, beyond answered prayers—what do you truly want? The worship song declares, "More than anything that You can do, I just want You." This is the heart God desires from His children.

We often come to God with agendas, shopping lists of needs and wants. But intimacy begins when we come simply to be with Him. The psalmist asked for one thing: to dwell in God's house, to gaze upon His beauty. Mary chose the better part—sitting at Jesus' feet while Martha busied herself with service.

In the midst of wars, rockets, and sirens, Israeli believers worship. They've discovered that God Himself is the treasure, not merely what He provides. Nothing else will satisfy the deepest longing of your soul. Today, set aside your requests. Come into God's presence not to ask, but simply to be with Him. Tell Him, "I just want You." Let worship arise from a heart that has found its ultimate satisfaction in Him alone.

An old hymn for you to enjoy…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RzhmI5z4Yc

More Of You, More Of You

I’ve Had It All But What I Need

Is More Of You.

Of Things I’ve Had My Fill,

But Yet I Hunger Still;

Empty And Bare,

Lord Hear My Prayer,

For More Of You.

I Have Searched All Around In The Husks That Abound,

But I Find No Nourishment There.

Now My Strength’s Almost Gone And

I Feel The Pull Of Despair.

But My Thirst Drives Me On, As I Stumble Along,

Over Ground, So Barren And Dry.

But The Streams Just Ahead, Living Water,

“Lord Fill Me!” I Cry.

More Of You, More Of You

I’ve Had It All But What I Need

Is More Of You.

Of Things I’ve Had My Fill,

But Yet I Hunger Still;

Empty And Bare,

Lord Hear My Prayer,

For More Of You.

I’m Not Trying To Find Just Some New Frame Of Mind

That Will Change My Old Point Of View

For I’ve Been Through It All,

Deep Inside Nothing’s Changed, I’m Not New,

I’m Not Seeking A Gift Or Emotional Lift

But One Thing I’m Longing To Do,

Is To Lift Up My Cup And Let You Fill It Up,

With Just You.

More Of You, More Of You

I’ve Had It All But What I Need

Is More Of You.

Of Things I’ve Had My Fill,

But Yet I Hunger Still;

Empty And Bare,

Lord Hear My Prayer,

For More Of You.

May your desire for God today be MORE…

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith April 30, 2026

Notes of Faith April 30, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

October 27, 2002

“YOUR FIERY TRIAL”

I Peter 4:12, 13

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

How many fiery trials have you passed through in the past year? How does the child of God handle fiery ordeals or unpleasant situations? The passage before us gives us some challenges.

1. EXPECT fiery ordeals. Because of your relationship with Jesus Christ, you can expect that the road will be tough at times, that things will come along to disrupt your well-laid plans. Peter tells us not to be surprised when these challenges pop up. Don’t think something strange has happened to you.

Do we often “go to pieces” when something unusual comes our way? Why? Because we don’t expect it. We have our lives all planned out. Sometimes we forget Who we belong to.

I’m coming through the most disruptive ordeal I’ve ever had in my life, my stroke of almost 3-1/2 years ago. It came to me just last week – Hey, Covington! You are identifying with Christ! Not that He ever had a stroke when He was here on earth, but He experienced things much worse. So He knows full well what I’m going through. Perhaps it’s because I’m linked up with the Savior that I’ve experienced and am experiencing some of the things that are a fallout of this stroke.

How about unbelievers in like situations? They may learn how to cope, but they don’t have the insight and hope that we as Christians have. This brings us to our second point.

2. EXALT in your fiery ordeal. But to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing so that at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exaltation.

Trials for believers carry a future benefit. Peter says to rejoice to the degree you suffer. Why? The return of Christ in all His glory will cause our joy to be greatly magnified. The greater the degree of suffering with the Lord Jesus, the greater will be the degree of our rejoicing with Him in His glory. This is the way He has ordained it.

Beloved, what is your fiery trial? What has your Savior called you to pass through? Maybe you are in the midst of it right now. I know several of you are going through very tough times. Let’s not be surprised at what we’re going through. Rather, let us exalt in knowing He is with us every step of the way and that, ultimately, our joy will be magnified when we see our precious Lord coming in all His glory. God bless.

In His matchless love,

Pastor Charles Covington

James 1:2-4

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.

We do not laugh in the face of struggle, trial, testing, but persevere through such experiences, knowing God uses these to make us more like Jesus, pure and holy!

May we fervently pray for God to fulfill His promise to make us more and more like Jesus every day, as we await His coming for His bride and our eternal glory!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith April 29, 2026

Notes of Faith April 29, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

October 20, 2002

“THE SERVANT’S THOUGHTS ON DISCIPLESHIP”

Mark 8:34-37

The Gospel of Mark presents Jesus Christ as the true servant of Jehovah. In Mark 8:34-37 the Servant (Jesus) talks about true discipleship. Divine discipleship is simple – learning from and following Jesus Christ!

1. The Price of True Discipleship – v. 34

And He summoned the multitude with His disciples and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.

To be a true disciple of Christ we must be identified with Christ. One might say that identifying with Christ is taking up our cross for Him. Taking up our cross is conforming to His program and accepting His purpose for us. In the culture of Christ’s time on earth, for a condemned man to take up his cross was to begin his death march. To us it is putting to death our old desires and presenting our bodies as instruments of righteousness to God (Romans 6:1-14).

2. The Divine Logic of True Discipleship – vv. 35-37

For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s shall save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Gain is loss and loss is gain. True discipleship defies human logic. No philosopher/logician operating within the arena of human wisdom can reconcile this kind of logic.

I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with Him. Philippians 3:7, 8 NLT.

This is the philosophy of authentic Christianity. Salvation is never earned by denying self and following Christ - salvation is proved by denying self and following Christ. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me!” John 10:27.

The question for us today is - are we disciples of the Lord Jesus! Are we wasting or investing our lives? God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Col 3:1-17

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him — 11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.

12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Once upon a time I had these verses memorized. I am working on them again as they are a reminder of whom I belong to and how I am called to live…dead to sin and alive to God in Christ…forevermore!

Let’s be true disciples of Christ following in His steps of sacrifice and love!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith April 28, 2026

Notes of Faith April 28, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

October 13, 2002

“THE STORMS OF LIFE AND THE SAVIOR’S CONCERN”

The death of Christ is a birth message – the life of Christ is a growth message. Therefore, we can expect to study the events in the life of Jesus and draw from these events practical principles of truth and doctrine that can help us in our life and growth as believers.

The background for the event in this Pen Pulpit is the Feeding of the Five Thousand. Jesus had been teaching all day, it was late and there was nowhere to buy bread. Jesus took a small lad’s lunch and with it fed thousands. Immediately after this miracle He sent His disciples across the sea while He went up to a mountain to pray. As His disciples were rowing across the sea, a great storm came up and we read in Mark 6:45-53:

1. That Jesus sent His disciples into that storm (vv. 45, 46). The apostles are moving in accordance with their Lord’s direction. They did not know what was out there, but He knew (see Ps. 37:23, 24). We don’t know what the next day will bring but we can be assured that God is directing our lives.

2. Jesus saw His disciples in the storm (vv. 47,48). Jesus knew just where His disciples were. Likewise the believer is never out of the surveillance of the concerned Savior (see Psalm 32:8, I Peter 3:12, Hebrews 4:13). “He saw them” is translated “He knows and understands where you are.” You are not forgotten. His understanding, which is infinite, extends to even the tiniest of His creatures (Matthew 10:29-31).

3. He prayed for them in the storm (v. 46). The text says specifically that Jesus was praying. Is it assuming too much to say that He was praying for His disciples (Luke 22:32; John 17:9, 15; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25)? Why is Christ able to pray emphatically for those of His own in trouble? Because He knows what it is to suffer as a man and to overcome. It is His death sufferings that qualify Him as Savior. It is His life sufferings that qualify Him as our sympathetic High Priest.

4. He came to them in the storm (v. 48b). They were not forsaken. Nothing was out of His hand (I Corinthians 10:13). Sometimes in great distress, there does not seem to be the sense of His presence, then suddenly He is there (Isaiah 50:10).

5. He comforted them (vv. 50, 51a). He comforted them by speaking to them, assuring His disciples that all was well. What comfort there is in the promises of God (Isaiah 41:10)!

Jesus designated the other side of the sea as the disciple’s destination and they reached that destination, but in-between was the storm! Between the beginning of God’s work and the completion of that work in our lives is the “in-between”, the storms that we all go through. Remember – one day we shall reach the other side (Philippians 1:6). But in the meantime, take comfort in the fact that whatever our Lord sends to us, He sees us, prays for us, comes to us, comforts us.

My challenge to you is to forge ahead. Remember - if God is for you, who can be against you? God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

John 16:33

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

The Lord allows us to go through many trials and troubles, some simple, some quite severe, but is always there with us in the midst of them. We are being prepared to be the bride of Christ, made perfect and holy by the work and calling of God! May we trust Him and obey His Word on our lives that we might reflect His glory to those around us, that they might see Jesus and come to Him in believing faith!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith April 27, 2026

Notes of Faith April 27, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

September 29, 2002

“THE FIRST PRIORITY IN A SUCCESSFUL MINISTRY”

I Timothy 2:1-8

From a recent poll taken by the Barna Research organization, the one thing most churches struggle with is setting right priorities. This is true throughout all departments of a given church, regardless of the size of a church. Paul wrote to this issue in I Timothy 2:1-8. When we come to understand this passage, it should alleviate the struggle with what should come first in personal and church priorities.

PRAYER

1. The Constituents of Prayer (v. 1). Note four terms are mentioned.

a. Entreaties (supplications). We must have a clear sense of need, of specific requests, and express this need to a compassionate Father.

b. Prayers – The word in the original text used here is that of general prayer to a Holy God with worship and reverence.

c. Petitions – (intercessions). The idea is to meet with someone in order to converse. What a privilege is ours to be able to have an intimate conversation with God.

d. Thanksgiving – is an integral element of prayer and should accompany every form of prayer. Thanksgiving is linked with prayer in Philippians 4:6,7 and I Thessalonians 5:17,18. Thanksgiving keeps us from taking God for granted.

2. The Concerns of Prayer (v. 1b, 2a)

a. All men – inclusive of every class of people. Prayer within the church is to be universal in its outreach.

b. For kings – The supreme rulers regardless of how ungodly they may be.

c. All in authority – men in all echelons of authority. The believer’s attitude toward the government is of utmost importance. The church is to pray for the ruling class, not criticize them (Romans 13:1-7, Titus 3:1, I Peter 2:13, 14).

3. The Reason for Prayer (v. 2b-4)

The work of God in the world, both in developing His church and in evangelization, can be most effectively carried out when the church is free from national persecution on an organized, wide scale basis. Rulers possess the greatest temporal power for good or evil. These powers would have authority to initiate or control such a movement. So prayer can counteract such vehement outbursts of anti-God movements against the church.

4. The Basis for Prayer (vs. 5-7 explains why universal prayer can be made)

a. The unity of God (v 5a) There is one God - God both of the Jews and the Gentiles.

b. The singular mediator (5b). The mediator is one in the sense that God is one. The oneness of the mediator is as basic to Christianity as the oneness of God is to the Jews.

c. The availability of the ransom (vs. 6,7). Ransom is “redemption price”, a substitution “for all” and in behalf of all. The ransom Christ gave was provisionally universal. All men must come the same way because only one way was provided for all men.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

How seriously do we take our prayer life? We have a sign in our house that says, “the key to everything is prayer”. It assumes a relationship with God through prayer and the work of God in and through us because of intimate prayer.

Eph 6:18

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit,

1 Thess 5:17-18

pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Luke 18:1

He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart,

We are able to pray to God, our Father, because of the provision of His Son, Jesus the Christ, through their gift of the Holy Spirit, who helps us to pray for the will of God to be done.

May we bring all things before God, to seek His will, to bring His name honor and glory!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith April 26, 2026

Notes of Faith April 26, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

September 22, 2002

“BUILDING CONFIDENCE IN TURBULENT TIMES”

II Timothy 3:16, 17

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

I don’t feel that I have to remind you of the nature of the times in which we are living. Even children, in their own way, are aware of the tensions that are swelling within our society. However, I would like to remind you of the Divine resources which God has given us to withstand the turbulence in which we find ourselves.

This passage also teaches us how to build confidence in situations of difficulty. The Word of God is the Christian’s source of confidence and direction in this confused world. The main thrust in these verses is that ALL Scripture is profitable, useful and advantageous.

1. Why is Scripture profitable? It is “God breathed (16a)!” Scripture is the reflection of God’s mind and character. Scripture is the philosophy of the Christian’s life. Scripture is without error or ambiguity.

2. How is Scripture profitable (16b)?

a. It teaches us what is right for our life. Scripture is profitable for Doctrine (in contrast to what society is telling us is right.) This is why the Bible places so much emphasis upon the systematic teaching of Scripture.

b. It teaches us what is not right for our life! Reproof is to rebuke, to convict or expose. We teach our children what is right. We also teach them that which is bad for them.

c. It teaches us how to get right in our life! Correction is restoration to a right condition. The reproving ministry of the Word points out our wrongness. The correcting ministry of the Word gets us back on the right path (see Psalm 19:7.) The negative and positive commands of Scripture are found in Ephesians 4:23-29 where there is both reproof and correction.

d. It teaches us how to stay right in our life! It instructs us in righteousness (see Titus 2:11, 12.) The Grace of God teaches us to live Godly lives. The Word of God traces out the details of Godliness and establishes us within the pattern of Grace. May I get “teachy” here? In the original text the Greek word paideian used here is the word for instruction of children (see Hebrews 12:5, 6.)

In verse 17 Paul tells us that all of this results in the gradual shaping of our lives into useful, effective ministry where we are men and women of confidence. We are light and salt, well balanced, well equipped to serve God in a very sick society.

Beloved, let us stay in the Word every day of our lives! As Christians we can’t afford not to! God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Pastor Charles thought we were a sick society in 2002…what would he think now? We are so much better? We continue to improve on human life? No! We are moving toward a time of released restriction on evil. Some day, perhaps soon, the Holy Spirit will be taken away, the rapture will take place, the bride of Christ will leave their present life and be transformed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and be caught up to meet the Lord in the clouds, taken to be with Him forever! Since the restraining force of the believing in Christ, those filled with the Holy Spirit are gone…evil will run rampant. We may think things are bad now…but as has been quoted in many circumstances… “you haven’t seen anything yet”. In other words, there is much worse evil that will be experienced and it could be coming very soon.

You can listen to the Word of God with your phone, a “stick” the size of a small pencil with the entire Bible on it. We have no excuse not to be in the Word of God every day and find the truth of human life, from our creation, to our character, attitudes, thoughts and actions…all to be a reflection of our Creator and Sustainer, the Lord Jesus Christ! May you be encouraged, lifted up, inspired to read or listen to the Word of God today and every day, that you might know Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith, and grow in His grace and mercy through every moment.

Love God! Love others!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith April 25, 2026

Notes of Faith April 25, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

September 15, 2002

“GOD’S CIRCLE OF LOVE”

I John 4:19

We love Him because He first loved us.

Two important truths about the unfathomable love of God are implied in this mighty little verse.

1. Love begins with God.

”He (God) first loved us.” What a statement. Before He created the earth or the heavens or anything else, the eternal God loved us. I feel honored beyond words when I dwell on this truth. The first thing God did was to love us. This love precipitated not only the creation of man but the sending of God’s Wonderful Son to take away our sin.

2. God’s love changes us.

“We love Him because He first loved us.” We were not even able to love until God’s love touched us. In our fallen state we were filled with hate. We weren’t able to love as God loves. Oh, we loved in a shallow, human way and everyone, to a certain extent, can love in this manner. But to love in God’s way requires God to first love us!

When that love touched us through the Lord Jesus Christ, we were changed. For the first time, we were able to love as God loves. We might read the verse in this way:

We are able to love because God first loved us.

Now the love that emanates from our hearts is precipitated by the love of God. When we are treated unjustly or are objects of scorn from the world, we don’t have to lash out in hate or resentment. We can demonstrate God’s love.

How can we do this? Because He first loved us. Nor do we no longer have to fear those who hate us. Why? Because perfect love casts out fear (I John 4:18).

What is Love?

It’s silence when your words would hurt,

It’s patience when your neighbor’s curt.

It’s deafness when the scandal flows,

It’s thoughtfulness for another’s woes.

It’s promptness when stern duty calls,

It’s courage when misfortune falls.

Beloved, let us release God’s love in some way to someone today. Remember – we CAN love because God first loved us. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Real love involves sacrifice.

John 3:16-17

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

Eph 5:2

Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

Heb 13:15-16

Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. 16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Let us learn to love sacrificially…God and other people!

Pastor Dale