Pen Pulpit

“OUR ADVOCATE”

I John 2:1

March 25th, 2001

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 1933-2006

Pics of Gabriel

Here is Gabriel in his new play house. It came with the new house Hannah bought. :)





Gabriel loves his Dad's football! :)

Pen Pulpit

“A LIFE THAT COUNTS”

Philippians 2:12-16

March 11th, 2001

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. Philippians 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 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.

Philippians 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.

Philippians 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 people through His eyes and not our own. God bless.

Love to you all.

--Pastor Charles Covington 1933-2006

My first pregnancy appointment

This morning I woke up at 6am to get ready to go to my first appointment. I am going to the birthing center at St. Joseph's hospital in Tacoma. They have several midwives and one who comes to Gig Harbor once a week to do check-ups for those of us who live on this side of the bridge. This will be really nice because I won't have to worry about going over to Tacoma for all my check-ups. My wonderful mom came with me since Rue wasn't able to come. I thought this was going to a full blown exam but a nurse took me into a room and asked me all kinds of questions about family medical history and gave me all kinds of information about what will take place in terms of my check-ups. This is all that happened today. My next appointment will be with the midwife and she will do the exam. Also at that appointment they are going to do my first ultra-sound!

While talking to the nurse she asked if there was a history of twins in my family and I told her my mom is an identical twin. She said then I would most likely not have twins since identical twins only come through the male side of the family. I then told her my mother-in-law is also a twin. The first thing the nurse said was "Ohhhhhh" and then she wrote it down on my medical paper. She then said I definitely have a chance of having twins! I know it would be wonderful and all but I really want to start out with one to get myself use to having a baby first! No matter what happens I know I am going to be very happy, and then very overwhelmed once the baby(ies) come. :) Whatever the Lord's will is I will trust Him since He knows best!

My ultra-sound and next appointment are on January 31st. Rue is going to try to make sure he gets the day off so he can be there when we get to see the baby for the first time. I will keep you all posted! :)

Don't Let Congress Silence Christians!

Don't Let Congress Silence Christians!

There is new legislation currently sitting on Capitol Hill that is
potentially disastrous.  If passed, it would alter your pastors' right
to free speech and prevent them from speaking out on the critical
issues
we face as a nation. S.B. 1 and H.R. 4682 are aimed at regulating
pastors and conservative groups by classifying them as "lobbyists" -
which in turn would require them to register with the government.  This
law would be a direct restriction of free speech since this new
definition of "lobbyist" would include public interest organizations,
churches, and other non-profit groups who strive to influence public
opinion - in any way.

Petition of Protest
Congress Cannot Silence Christians

Changes to the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 ("Lobbying Act")
resulting from passage of S.B. 1 and H.R. 4682 would be nothing short
of
unconstitutional.  The new definition of "lobbyists" is so broad that
it
would silence millions of ordinary citizens - and discourage them from
engaging in political discourse.  This is one of the most significant
violations of free exercise of religion and the freedom of political
speech in our nation's history.  Please eliminate the provision of this
lobbying reform dealing with grassroots efforts.

To take action:

1) either contact your senators/congressmen directly (find out who they
are for your zip code at: http://www3.capwiz.com/afanet/dbq/officials/
<http://www3.capwiz.com/afanet/dbq/officials/> )

2) sign the petition online at: www.aclj.org <http://www.aclj.org>
("Take Action" then "Sign Petition").

Snow!

Daisy has missed a total of 4 days of school due to power outages and snow. She of course has been having a great time but will have to make it up at the end of the year. Yesturday Rue, Daisy and I went outside for a little while to play in the snow and do a little sledding. I went down the hill a couple times but then I got a little nervous that I was going to crash and somehow hurt the baby. I am sure that is just "first-pregnancy-worry" but we still had a lot of fun. And of course Rue threw a lot of snowballs at us but I don't think any I threw at him actually made contact. I didn't take any pictures yesturday but my parents took some of their property which are so pretty.

Pen Pulpit

“WE’VE NOT PASSED THIS WAY BEFORE”

Joshua 3:4b

January 14th , 2001

. . . 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 1933-2006

Here it is!

Here is the video of us telling our families I am pregnant! I still don't know how to edit it on the computer because my movie editor isn't recognizing the video file. But my wonderful husband is working on getting it to work. The video is not edited so it is not very smooth but it is still fun to watch! :)


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Guess What?!!

Well everyone, I am PREGNANT!! We found out this last Thursday and the doctor confirmed it on Friday. I am on cloud 9 right now! We are so excited!

I am 4 weeks along and the baby is due September 14th. We know its a little early to be saying anything but we want everyone to know so they can be praying for the baby's health and mine.

I did take some video on my new DVD camcorder of us telling our families but we are having trouble getting it to save to the computer so I can put it on my blog. As soon as we figure it out I will post the video. It is really fun to watch everyone's surprise. I will be keeping you all up to date on my blog! :)

I am in awe there is little life growing inside me right now. When I told my Aunt Sherry on the phone yesterday she brought up the fact the Lord knows this little baby fully and completely and knows who this little baby is going to be even before he was conceived.

Psalm 139:13-17

"For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother's
womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully
and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My Frame was not hidden from You,
when I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest
parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being
yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were
written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

How precious are Your thoughts
to me, O God!"

New Year's Resolutions

The beginning of the new year is usually the time when people start making their New Year's resolutions. I was watching a morning news show and they were saying how the majority of people do not keep their resolutions because they try to make too big a change or jump start into something that really needs to be started out slow and small. I know in past years I have made New Year's resolutions like not eating sugar for a month or exercising an hour every day six days a week. Of course this never lasted very long. I was trying to think of what would be three good resolutions for this year. I wanted to have three things that were very small and doable so that way I wouldn't get burned out.

A couple weeks ago I was reading a book by Elizabeth George and she mentioned how if you were to read 15 minutes a day for an entire year you would then have read about 25 books. I really liked that idea, plus 15 minutes a day is not too much at all! So I made a list of 25 books I have never read.

Next I was thinking about my spiritual life. I wanted to do something which would really help me to spend more time with the Lord. I have been convicted lately that I don't spend time every day just praising and thanking the Lord for all He has done for me. I do praise and thank Him but sadly it is not as much as I should. I don't think we can ever praise God enough. So I decided that I am going to spend 5 minutes a day praising the Lord. I read a quote from Charles Spurgeon where he refers to praising the Lord like a string of pearls laying on a table and when you lift one pearl up the rest will follow. Just like with thankfulness to the Lord once you start it will be very hard to stop. So I am sure the 5 minutes I am going to take will naturally start to last a lot longer.

And last but not least I have decided to memorize one verse a week to memorize 52 verses in a year. Last year I probably only memorized 10 verses which is not nearly enough. I so much want the Word of God to be filling up my mind.

I think these resolutions are very doable and they will create some great habits in my life. The first verse I am memorizing is: "...forgetting the things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

Here is the list of books I am going to read this year. They are not necessarily in the order I am going to read them.

• The Power of Prayer in a Believer's Life --Charles Spurgeon
• The Glory of Heaven --John MacArthur
• What Jesus Demands of the World -- John Piper
• Suffering and the Sovereignty of God -- John Piper
• Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands --Paul David Tripp
• All of Grace -- Charles Spurgeon
• Contending for All -- John Piper
• Overcoming Sin and Temptation -- John Owen
• Communion with God -- John Owen
• The Glory of Christ -- John Owen
• Becoming a Titus 2 Woman -- Martha Peace
• Beautiful in God's Eyes -- Elizabeth George
• The School of Evangelism -- Ray Comfort, Kirk Cameron
• Scientific Facts in the Bible -- Ray Comfort
• How to Bring your Children to Christ -- Ray Comfort
• Whatever Happened to the American Dream -- Larry Burkett
• Epicenter: Why the Current Rumblings in the Middle East will Change your Future -- Joel Rosenburg
• The Truth About Hillary -- Edward Klein
• John Wesley (Library of Protestant Thought) -- John Wesley
• The Religious Affections -- Jonathan Edwards
• The Sermons of Jonathan Edwards -- Jonathan Edwards
• Twelve Extraordinary Women -- John MacArthur
• How to Survive in a World of Unbelievers -- John MacArthur
• The Life of Faith -- Thomas Manton

The book I have started with is "The Life of Faith" by Thomas Manton. He was a Puritan preacher from the 1600's. This is a book of his sermons. We did read this book for Bible Study but I wanted to read it again to help soak it all up. The writing is from that time period so I really have to concentrate in order to really understand. Here is the excerpt from the back of the book.

"We sometimes look at the lives of Christians in history with something approaching despair, the lived such fruitful Christian lives. How can we live lives that reflect Christ working in us, what are the practicalities involved? Fortunately the Puritans didn't just lived spiritual lives, they wrote about it too. Here is advice from one of the liveliest periods of church history that is relevant today as ever. Thomas Manton (1620-1677), one third of the wave of great Puritan writers, was born in Somerset and educated at Wadham College, Oxford. He regularly preached before Parliament and was chosen to write the preface for the Westminster Confession of Faith. After the Act of Uniformity, he was deprived of his church and was imprisoned; this did not stop him from preaching as he continued to speak to inmates and visitors."

So these are my New Year's Resolutions. I am looking forward to getting this next year started! :)

New Year's Eve

I can't believe another year has come and gone. I am looking forward to what this next year will bring. Even if there are sorrows, like this last year, I know the Lord is in control and any trials that come will bring us closer to Him. I want to praise Him for this last year and even though there were some very tough times He was faithful through it all. And there may also be joys coming in this new year as well. I just want to walk closer to the Lord this year than I ever have before and continue to grow and mature in Him.

New Year's Eve was Hannah and Gabe's 2 year anniversary. Hannah is doing so well. I went over to her house in the evening after church. There was a very large bouquet of pink roses given to her by her parents. Her sister Ruth came over with her husband, Chris's brother and his wife and her sister came and Hannah's 3 brothers. There was lots of scrumptious food, but most of all it was really fun to spend the evening playing games with everyone and goofing off. At one point in the evening Ruth blindfolded Hannah and Ezra went out to his car. (For those who don't know Ezra is an extraordinary painter.) He came inside carrying a painting. It was facing him though so none of us could see it. We went into her dining room and Ezra hung the painting on the wall. It was a painting of Gabe. I started to feel a lump in my throat. Ruth had Hannah stand directly in front of it and took the blindfold off. Hannah was very surprised and very happy. Ezra had painted him in his dress blues but had not painted on Gabe's awards or ribbons because he wanted to make sure he put them all on correctly. Ezra said he wanted the painting to look optimistic because that was Gabe's personality.



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We played the card game "Class Struggle" which is always tons of fun with a big group of people. Then we split up into two teams, guys and girls, and we played charades. We made up the things the guys were suppose to act out and they made them up for us. It was about 12:45pm when we did this so we got pretty silly. (There was not a drop of alcohol at this party!)

I hope everyone had a great New Year's Eve!! :)