Crispy Roast Chicken and Potatoes

I absolutely love the magazine Cook's Country. It is from the creators of America's Test Kitchen and Cook's Illustrated magazine. They test out different recipes and different ways to make those recipes. They find the results that turn out the best and then share it in the magazine.

In a recent issue I came across an article written to help answer a reader's question: "I love the idea of roasting a chicken together with potatoes, but how do you get the chicken really crispy while keeping the potatoes from getting really greasy?"

In the Test Kitchen they found a way to roast a whole chicken without the breast meat overcooking. Preheating the oven to 475 degrees they placed the chicken on its side with one wing facing up on a rack over a roasting pan and roasted it for 15 minutes. Then they turned the chicken to its other side and roasted it for another 15 minutes. Then for the last 20 minutes or so they turned the chicken so the legs were on top and finished roasting. This caused the breast meat to come out perfectly and the skin to turn out crispy. But for the chicken to come out extra crispy one of the chefs decided to poke holes all over the uncooked chicken then make a mixture of salt and cornstarch. This was then rubbed all over the chicken evenly. Then the chicken was roasted in the exact same way as before. The cornstarch caused the fat under the skin to render and created an extra-crispy coating and the meat was moist and tender.

Instead of just throwing the potatoes in the bottom of the roasting pan they tried a different method. They lined the roasting pan with foil and for the first two-fifteen minute sessions of cooking they allowed the juices from the chicken to fall into the foil. Then they pulled out the chicken and pulled out the foil and then added the potatoes to the pan. This made it so the potatoes didn't get all soggy and greasy from the chicken fat.

I decided to try this recipe. I have only roasted one whole chicken since we have been married and I really wanted to continue practicing. The chicken came out so crispy and the meat was so moist and tender. Even the breast meat was so juicy. The potatoes were so scrumptious. I thought I would need to add seasoning to them even though the recipe did not call for it. They did not need any extra seasoning. I also included some steamed broccoli to add a nice healthy vegetable to the meal. I can tell you this meal was an A+ with my little family! Here is the recipe!


Crispy Roast Chicken
and Potatoes

Serves 4

If you have it, a nonstick roasting pan works best here. If using a chicken larger than 4 pounds, the oven time will need to be lengthened slightly.

2	teaspoons cornstarch
	salt
1	whole chicken (3 1/2 to 4 pounds), giblets discarded, skin patted dry with paper towels
2	pounds small red potatoes , scrubbed and halved
2	teaspoons vegetable oil

1. Line roasting pan with foil, letting foil come up sides of pan. Adjust oven rack to middle position (8 to 10 inches from broiler element), place roasting pan on rack, and heat oven to 475 degrees. Coat V-rack with cooking spray.

2. Combine cornstarch and 2 teaspoons salt in small bowl. Use skewer to poke holes all over chicken skin. Rub cornstarch mixture evenly over chicken.

3. Remove roasting pan from oven. Place chicken, wing side up, in V-rack, then place V-rack in roasting pan . Roast chicken 15 minutes. Remove roasting pan from oven and, using wad of paper towels, flip chicken so that other wing is facing up. Roast 15 minutes.

4. Meanwhile toss potatoes, oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in medium bowl. Remove roasting pan from oven and, with potholder, carefully transfer V-rack with chicken to rimmed baking sheet. Gather up foil by its corners, capturing any fat and juices, and discard. Arrange potatoes, cut side down, in roasting pan. Using wad of paper towels, flip chicken breast side up in V-rack. Place V-rack back in roasting pan and roast chicken until instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 170 degrees, about 20 minutes.

5. Using wad of paper towels, remove chicken from V-rack and pour juices from cavity into roasting pan with potatoes. Place chicken on angel-food-cake pan insert or empty soda can to rest upright for 10 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, toss potatoes in chicken juices , return to oven, and cook until well browned and crisp, 10 to 15 minutes. Carve chicken and serve with potatoes.

*I didn't have a V-rack so I just used a regular one and it worked just fine. The chicken stayed on it's side without any help. :)

Christmas Music Night

What could be more wonderful than going to a Christmas music program at church during the holidays!? Last night at our church we had a Christmas music program. The choir sang, the women's ensemble sang, the Men Singer's sang, the kid's choir performed, the choir and the kid's choir sang together and there were solos and duets. Chris Roger's played a piano piece that was absolutely gorgeous. And of course the congregation joined in and sang Christmas hymns. The lights were kept nice and low to create holiday embiance.
















Here is the Kid's Choir. Noah sang "O, Holy Night".




Chris Rogers playing his piano solo.


I sang "Mary's Song".


The Women's Ensemble

Paul and Kendra


Cyn and Mary Grace

The Men Singers

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Come, Thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel's Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the Thou art:
Dear Desire of ev'ry nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever-
Now Thy gracious Kingdom bring.

By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all suffucient merit
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

--Charles Wesley

Pen Pulpit

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

Philippians 1:6
June 25th, 2000

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 1933-2006

Our Christmas Tree

As you can see my cat found her new comfy place under the tree. :) But soon she will have to find a new place because in that spot will be presents. We got a fake Christmas tree this year and boy is it so much easier to take care of than a live tree. And it will be so nice when the holidays are over to just put all the ornaments away, fold it up lights and all, and put it back in it's box. I would have liked to have gotten a much bigger one but the big ones were almost $100! I looked all over for a cheaper big one but the cheapest was about $80. So I decided to stick to the small one. I think it's pretty cute! :)

Here are some of my favorite ornaments on the tree. I am still building up my ornament stash since we have only been married a couple years. My mom gave me some of the old ones from when I was growing up.

This is one I bought last year. I bought a couple of them and gave one to Hannah and Gabe for Christmas.

My sister-in-law Ruhiyyih gave us this one our first Christmas being married. The couple inside actually move in a circle.

Here is one from Christmases past. We had this one hanging on our tree for as long as I can remember.
Here is another one from the past. I decided she should have the place of honor on the top of the tree.



Pinochio was given to me by my Grandparents when I was in elementary school.


This is my Gardening Chick. My Aunt Karin bought this one for me two summers ago while we were in Mammoth. They had a cute little Christmas store that was open year round.


And last but not least are the two rocking horses. Here is the blue one and it is a little hard to see. There is also a brown one. We had these since I can remember. I loved when these ones were pulled out of the the shoebox and hung on the tree. One belonged to me and one belonged to my brother. We have since forgotten whose is whose. I think the brown one was mine but I could be wrong. I hope my children will be able to grow up with these and ornaments yet to be bought hanging on the tree every year for Christmas. And then I can pass some of them down to my children when they are married. :)

Earthen Vessel One Year Anniversary!

Wow! I can't believe it has been a year since I started blogging! When I wrote my first post I had no idea I would enjoy blogging as much as I have. I have enjoyed sharing recipes, books I'm reading and the happenings in my life. I also have enjoyed reading other's blogs, commenting and having them read mine and commenting as well. I have been printing out all of my posts and putting them in a three-ring binder. I now have a whole years worth so it's time to buy a new binder.

This past year has been very emotional. Little Gabriel Glenn DeRoo II was born on December 14th. I had the blessing of being there when he was born and holding him when he was only a few minutes old. I saw how happy Hannah was and how proud his Papa Gabe was of him. In July my Grampa had a heart attack while on a cruise to Alaska. He died the next day in a hospital here in Seattle. I spent the night there with my Gramma and my Aunt waiting for him to be taken home to the Lord which happened the next morning. Then a month later SGT Gabe DeRoo was killed in action in Iraq. As soon as my best friend Hannah called me and told me I was on a plane ride home a few hours later from LA where I was for my Grampa's funeral. The next two weeks after that were the toughest of my life. But in the midst of the ups and downs God is sovereign and in control. He has a purpose and a plan in all the circumstances of life. He deserves all the glory for bringing me through another year of life and allowing me to know His Son Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I have grown so much closer to the Lord this year and I am so looking forward to what this next year will bring whether good or difficult because God uses all things for good!

Thank you to all my faithful readers and to those who leave comments! I have so enjoyed reading your blogs and reading the comments you have left on mine. Here's to another year of blogging! :)

Young Adult White Elephant Christmas Party

Last Saturday we had our young adult Christmas party at the Riley's home on base at Fort Lewis. We had a white elephant gift exchange. My brother Ben's gift had to have been the most hilarious gift given. It was a puzzle but you will have to watch the video to find out what kind of puzzle! We had lots of great food, eggnog, apple cider and dessert. We also sang Christmas carols while Ben played the guitar and Deborah played the piano.

Here is the video!


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

Pen Pulpit

“COURAGEOUS CHRISTIANS”

August 13th, 2000

Psalm 27:13, 14

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.

At this point it would seem that David looked back over his life and recalled the hundreds of times God had come through the darkness and discouragement of life to bolster the life of His faithful servant. This being a fact he could count on, David applied that to the reality of what he was going through. This gave him hope and encouragement. He said, “If I didn’t have the reality of what God has done in the past, I would lose heart in the present - for God is faithful. God’s goodness prevails at all times.” Then David challenges his readers, “Let your heart take courage. “

This is something all of us can use. We all face discouragement of one kind or another. But like David, analyze your past experience. Hasn’t God always come through? That ought to be fuel for your faith. If He rescued you then, why do you think He won’t now? Of course He will! However, He may not do it at once. Sometimes He has a way of waiting. So we need to learn to wait on the Lord. He does all things in His time. This strengthens our faith.

Paul knew the waiting principle. He prayed on three occasions for the “thorn” to be removed from his life. God said, “No! My strength is sufficient for you.” In this case God didn’t remove the trial, but He inserted His strength into Paul’s life so that the apostle was able to learn from the experience.

At any rate Christian, whether God chooses to delay His action or insert His strength to overcome your weakness, waiting on Him is the best and wisest thing you can do. What are you going through today? Take courage. God will strengthen your heart one way or another.

God bless.

Love to you all.

-Pastor Charles Covington 1933-2006

Just a Silly Post!

This is a post mainly for my Southerin California family, but today I was driving down 6th Ave and there was a Carl's Jr.!! All my life I have never seen the fast food place, Carl's Jr., any place but California. Whenever I would see one it would remind me that I was on vacation and in California. Such a joyful feeling. Now there is one here! I have to say I am disappointed and happy all at the same time. I kind of want Carl's Jr. to stay that fast food place that I only see when I am on vacation, but when I see it it will remind me of my family and the Sunday's after church spent eating lunch there in Whittier, California. And if I ever eat there I will be thinking of my wonderful family wishing they were all there with me! :)

Let it Snow!

It started snowing this evening! Woohoo! Daisy and I enjoyed some eggnog in Christmas mugs and watched the snow coming down. :)


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

...this our hymn of grateful praise.

"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good,
His love endures forever."
Psalm 136

One of the things I am thankful for the most is family. And even though the Suko's may not actually be family by blood we are still family in Christ. It was such a blessing to spend Thanksgiving at the Suko's this year, as we have done for over 7 years now. When they learned that first Thanksgiving that we had no family to spend Thanksgiving with here they warmly welcomed us into their home. We have many stories from the past years of Thanksgiving spent with them. The most famous I would have to say is when my brother found a bottle of mace on one of the end tables. He picked it up, curious as to what it was, and then it went off. I was the first to feel the effects since I was sitting right there. All I remember is I felt a horrible burning in the back of my throat and then a feeling like my throat had been constricted. I started coughing and then slowly it moved through the room and started to effect everyone else. Those of us effected went outside to get some fresh air. It did soon pass and we were back inside enjoying the evening. Every Thanksgiving since then we always reminisce about that time.

This year was bitter sweet because of the loss of Gabe in Iraq this last August. But God has been so good to the Suko family and Hannah and given them peace and comfort. And what a joy it was to watch Gabe's little son Gabriel playing and laughing away. We are so thankful that the Lord gave Hannah this precious baby boy to carry on Gabe's name and to give her comfort.

Hannah cooked the turkey this year since her parents were in Ukraine on a mission trip. (They just arrived home yesterday.) My mom made the delicious rolls she makes every year and two pumpkin pies. I also made two pumpkin pies and yams. We also had green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy and pickled beats. Needless to say we all were stuffed by the end of the night. The Suko boys held a little competition between them. They weighed themselves before they ate, wrote down those numbers and then at midnight they were going to weigh themselves again to see who had gained the most weight. Throughout the evening they discussed which foods were the most dense and would cause someone to gain lots of weight. The rest of us felt sick just from thinking of stuffing ourselves that much! I still have not heard who won. When we left that night Caleb was in the lead with 6 pounds gained!! Whew! :)

Here is video and some pictures I made of the evening. Enjoy! :)


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

"For the Beauty of the Earth"

For the beauty of the earth,
for the glory of the skies,
for the love which from our birth
over and around us lies:

Lord of all to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.

Daniel and Mary Beth

My cousin Mary Beth and her fiance Daniel have started a new blog together called "It's (Finally) Official" about their engagement. They have just posted their first post. Check it out!

Young Adult Game Night

This last Friday evening we had the young adult group from church over at our house for game night. We have a game night every other Friday night. Everyone brings their favorite snack food and game. This night we played "Cranium" which is a bunch of different categories. There is a drawing category, an acting category, a trivia category and one other I can't remember. This is the first game we played then we ended with "Pictionary". We really wanted to play "Cut-throat UNO" but someone forgot to bring the cards. We had such a fun time though and we ended up sitting around talking until 11pm. Hannah brought little Gabriel and he was awake for a little while. He really enjoys eating food he can gnaw on and Hannah gave a him a stick of celery and he enjoyed chewing on that for a while. She said he also chewing on hard crusts of bread. He will be distracted for a good amount of time with those. Eventually it was his bedtime so Hannah set up a play-pen in out room for him to sleep in.

Sorry, the video is a little dark!

Pen Pulpit

“GROWING WISE”
Proverbs 2:1-5

Every sensitive Christian has at least a modicum of desire to know the heart and mind of God. Wherever that desire is present, God will fulfill it. Proverbs 2:1-5 deals with the question, “How may I acquire an intelligent knowledge of God; a knowledge upon facts; facts that lead to discernment and understanding?” In contrast we see the unbeliever’s attitude toward God in I Corinthians 2:14.

The Starting Place:

True wisdom and knowledge begins and ends with truth - the intake of truth from the Word of God and outflow of truth through the child of God (Matthew 4:4).

The Process for Attaining Wisdom:

1. Take God’s Word personally - v. 1
• We receive it - Luke 8:13
• We treasure it - Matthew 13:3-8, 18-25

2. Pay attention to God’s Word - v. 2
• Make your ear attentive. Force yourself to hear what God is saying. Matthew 11:15

3. Pray over God’s Word - v. 3
• Pray for illumination which shows a deep inner hunger for a knowledge of the truth.

That hunger is expressed in fervent petition to God for illumination. James 1:5

4. Really dig into God’s Word - v. 4
• Prayer alone does not bring satisfaction and illumination but must be accompanied
by personal persistent Bible study.

Four requirements for hunting treasure are:

1. The promise of discovery.

2. Having the necessary equipment.

3. Having the necessary will and desire.

4. Applying personal energy and effort in using the equipment.

The fruit of our efforts are:

“Then you will understand the fear of the Lord” - v. 5a

“And find the knowledge of God” - v. 5b


The Bottom Line - You get out of a thing what you put into it!


Beloved, how diligent are we in searching out God’s truths?


Love to all.

--Pastor Charles Covington 1933-2006

Decorating Autumn Cookies with Daisy

My daughter Daisy and I enjoyed an afternoon of decorating sugar cookies yestruday. The cookies were cute into autumn shapes. I bought vanilla frosting and then separated it two ways and dyed one orange and one yellow. I also bought candy corn, chocolate sprinkles and mini chocolate chips. We chatted and watched the movie "Finding Nemo" while we worked. And of course we snatched a few of the decorations here and there and ate them. :)


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

Alaska Story from my Big-Bro Ben

"Yooooooeeeeee! All!

It was a cold night that night. I could tell it was at least -40 below by the sting in my lungs.

Exhaling, smoke drops straight to the ground, a testimony as to what might happen to a poor soul if he don't keep movin'. The cherry the only thing to keep the bare flesh on my fingers warm, becomes my solitary friend this night. Times are tough these days and the money don't come easy. You'd think in a climate like this some sort of backup heating system would be in place, but once again, greed, a lust for money, and no patience for trueness leaves me alone with a single Toyo. Outside two 50's effortlessly float on a makeshift gravity stand, bridged by an eight inch copper run right through the cabin wall into the back of the 'Yo. Like I said before, the money was not as green as the night was cold, and the tanks they were a hair from 'rigor'. A steady flow of exhaust puffed it's way out of the side of the cabin I called my home.

After about two more puffs of my ciggy, and the cherry says goodbye, the stove starts to cough and sputter, until it too puffs no more. What's a guys to do in a perdicamant like this you ask? Well below zero and no heatin' fuel to boot, just enough auto fuel to get there and buy the deisel, but not enough cash to buy more gas to put in the truck to get it home where it is so desparately needed.

"Well." I thought out loud, "Tonight is the night we separate the boys from the men!" Seein' as how my boys were gettin' so dern cold, it felt like they were going to separate from my man!

I stepped into the warm cabin, crawled into my warm cozy bed. It was about 70 above in the cabin at this point. But I knew that in just a few short hours, this would not be so. When I woke up the next morning it was -2 below zero in that cabin, and -55 below outside. Cold enough to know it because all of the water in my kitchen was frozen almost solid in thier 5 gallon jugs. The refridgerator had become a re-warmerator. Little did I know during the course of all of this scientific mumbo jumbo, phenominomal hooie, my mush puppies had knocked over thier only source of heat, a 125watt heat lamp, which in turn scared them out of thier kennel and into the cold.

I went to go open the front door and as I did, there they were, bundled up together like two little loaves of bread, covered from head to tail in inch thick ice which had formed on their fur from the moisture in thier tiny little bodies. This in effect created a moisture lock wich actually kept them relatively warm."


My brother lived up in Alaska for a little while. He loved it there but we are glad to have him home again. He is a real hoot! :)

Daisy's Fifth Grade Photo

Isn't she pretty!? She is growing up so fast!

Congratulations Mary Beth & Daniel

Yesturday I got an excited phone call from my cousin Mary Beth that she is engaged! She called me twenty minutes after Daniel popped the question! I am so excited for them! They are perfect for eachother. Welcome to the family Daniel (even though we already consider you family)! :) I love you guys!

Pen Pulpit

“YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH”

Matthew 5:13

As the Church is called “light” to reveal and to expose, it is called “salt” to penetrate and convict. The very nature of God is injected into the Church - the Body of Christ! This Church is called “a new man created in Christ Jesus in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). God’s own life in and through the Church penetrates society in a variety of ways when the Church is functioning properly. We serve as a deterrent to evil, an antiseptic, and seasoning.

Mark 9:50 declares that we are to have salt in ourselves. We are salt; therefore we are to function as salt, demonstrating the righteousness and holiness of God in a sensitive relationship to others. In an unrighteous and unholy society, this kind of penetration will be felt. You cannot pour salt into an open wound without having severe repercussions!

I cannot think of a more effective way for the Church to function as salt than in her commitment to Jesus Christ. You ask the question: “What is the primary responsibility of the Church in the world?” Some would say, “to witness, to support missions, etc.” I feel that is not the primary responsibility of the Church. The primary responsibility of the Church is COMMITMENT TO JESUS CHRIST! The effectiveness of the Church in the world is measured by its commitment to Christ. Its commitment is manifested in its effectiveness in the world (Luke 14:25-35).

Salt that has lost its zing, spizirinctum, is less than worthless. When Christians are willing to sacrifice in their commitment to Jesus, this presents an image of the Church that is different from what the world is getting today in some of our more contemporary churches. When believers stop playing at church and get down to business and start to realize that commitment is costly, then the Church of Jesus Christ begins to take on definition and meaning and significance in the world. The Church becomes a heady seasoning in an otherwise tasteless society.

When the Church ceases to be salt (Matthew 5:13) it ceases to penetrate, ceases to function as intended. In the eyes of a ridiculing world that both respects and hates the Church, we look utterly foolish. Israel in captivity was the laughing stock of the ancient world. Jesus said that savorless salt is “good for nothing”. The Church cannot change its role. When we cool in our commitment to Jesus Christ, we are good for nothing although we may be involved in a thousand ways in society.

Beloved, evaluate your priorities as a Christian. Is there anyone or anything that has replaced Christ as a priority in your life? God has injected His people literally all over this earth to function in every conceivable walk of life - using them in thousands of ways.

Paul prayed for the Church (Philippians 4:9-10) “that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.”

Eva and I pray for you daily. I encourage you to lift each other before the Throne of Grace, that together we will penetrate our part of the world for our Lord Jesus Christ.

Love to you all.

--Pastor Charles Covington 1933-2006

Just a Pretty Picture

This is a picture my mom took of all the rain.

Election Tuesday!

Rain, Rain, and more Rain!

We are getting drenched here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. We have had rain for a few days now and today is suppose to be the worst with wind and rising rivers. Highway 16 that goes through Gig Harbor is closed because water is pooling under the over passes and no cars can get through. There are major flood warnings on 11 rivers. I am glad I have no place to go. I will just stay inside and enjoy the sound of the rain on the roof and perhaps do a little bit of sewing and baking.

This is a little clip of the rain. The video doesn't show the rain that well but you can hear it. The first part is out our bedroom window and the second part is out our balcony door.


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

Pen Pulpit

‘YE ARE THE LIGHT”
Matthew 5:14-16
March 3rd, 2000


Christians are called “light” in Scripture. Light is what we are. We are a functioning entity as light in this world of darkness - a foreign influence in a natural environment of spiritual darkness (Ephesians 5:8, Philippians 2:15, I Peter 2:9).

Where do we get the name or title “light”?

• God is called light (I John 1:5). Essentially this is what God is!

. . . Intellectually, light is truth - darkness is error

. . . Morally and ethically, light is purity - darkness is evil

God is both absolute truth and He is morally pure and perfect.

• Jesus Christ claimed to be the “Light of the World” while He was here (John 9:5, 8:12). Truth and moral perfection are perfectly revealed in Christ.

• Christians become the representation of God in this world. We have received God’s own nature and His revelation.

What is our purpose as light?

• To be seen. This fact is illustrated by a city set upon a hill (Matthew 5:14) - and lights aren’t to be covered. The city on a hill is visible and prominent from every direction. The Christian is not only to be seen in the world but he is to be prominent! Not prominent in the sense of being famous - but prominent in the sense that you stand out as being different from others (Philippians 2:12. 13).

• To reveal hope for this world. “The lamp gives light to all who are in the house (Matt. 5:15)”. The lamp is beneficial in darkness. If the church is not benefiting the world in some way by our presence, then our light is hidden! The Church is God’s only contact with this world in terms of the redemptive purpose. What do men see when they look at the Church today? Do they see hope? Do they see people with answers? In many churches the light is covered - in some it has been extinguished (Revelation 2:5).

Our responsibility as light (Matthew 5:16).

• It is the Christian’s nature to display the grace of God - to shine for God. Now light doesn’t struggle to display its radiance. If the bulb is plugged into the power source it just shines. If you are properly plugged into the power source, you shine. However, you can hinder that radiance (Ephesians 5:3-14).

• We are to let our light shine before men - in the world of business, in the world of politics, in the world of sports, in our social world, in our family relations.

• Our light is seen by our good works (Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 2:14, 3:8). The good works of a Christian are works that are different in quality and in motivation from those of the unbeliever.

• We are to move men toward God (Matthew 5:16b). We glorify God when we attribute worth to Him by what we say and what we do.

Remember - in order to function properly as light you have to stay close to the power source!


Love to you all.

--Pastor Charles Covington 1933-2006

My sister-in-law Ruhiyyih had this picture on her blog, Ruhiyyih's Reflections. I thought I would post it on my as well. It is very amusing. :)

Happy Reformation Day!

Four hundred and eighty-nine years ago today in 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the Wittenburg door in Germany. This started a chain of events that started the Reformation. The main point that Martin Luther stressed was man cannot earn his salvation through good works. Only through faith alone in Christ alone can man have salvation. His soul was convicted of this when he read Romans 3:28, "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law."

"Jesus Christ, our God and Lord, died for our sins and was raised again for our justification ... herefore, it is clear and certain that this faith alone justifies us...Nothing of this article can be yielded or surrendered, even though heaven and earth and everything else falls." -Martin Luther

He also spoke out against the Catholic Church indulgences.

"In thesis 28 Luther objected to a saying attributed to Tetzel: "As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs". The 95 Theses not only denounced such transactions as worldly but denied the pope's right to grant pardons on God's behalf in the first place: the only thing indulgences guaranteed, Luther said, was an increase in profit and greed, because the pardon of the Church was in God's power alone." Wikipedia.com

I would much rather celebrate this day as Reformation Day than Halloween. This the day that set into motion events that would eventually lead the Bible to be translated into the common language so everyone would be able to read and study the Bible for themselves and not have to rely on the Catholic to just tell them what it said. It allowed the true gospel of salvation to go out into the world even more. This is much more exciting than ghosts, goblins, witches and candy!

By Grace Alone
hymn by Martin Luther

Out of the depths I cry to You,
Lord hear my voice of pleading;
Bend down Your gracious ear, I pray,
Your humble servant heeding.
If You remember each deed,
and of each thought and word take heed,
who can remain before You:
Only by grace, by grace alone.

Your pardon is a gift of love,
Your grace alone must save us,
Our works will not remove our guilt,
The strictest life would fail us.
Let none in deeds or merits boast,
but let us own the Holy Ghost
for He alone can change us:
Only by grace, by grace alone.

Though great our sins and sore our woes
His grace much more aboundeth;
His helping love no limit knows,
our utmost need it soundeth.
Our kind and faithful Shepherd He,
who will set all His people free
from all their sin and sorrow:
Only by grace, by grace alone.