Scharf: That the world may know

Have you ever heard someone pray for you?

The wind is blowing!

When Pentecost Day arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind filled the entire house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be individual flames of fire alighting on each one of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak.

Just a thought: your work matters

Do you know your work matters to God? Yes, and it matters to your employer and your co-workers.

Holy Spirit transforms

Do you show evidence of the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in your daily life? A look back at the disciples before and after photos gives us some things to look for in our own personal lives.

Thanks again, Mom!

How can I describe the emotions of parents who love their children? We stamp a remarkable similarity in heart and in appearance on the character of small children. This is especially true of mothers, who have even more sympathy than fathers toward the feelings of their children because they gave birth to them in great pain.

An ounce of mother

There's an old Spanish proverb: "An ounce of mother is worth a ton of priest." So, on this Mother's Day weekend, let's thank God for many ounces of godly mothers.

McCoy: Always follow the true leader

Do you remember playing games when you were younger? I love to watch children play Simon Says or Follow the Leader.

Scharf: Listen to the shepherd’s voice

McCOY: Don't get tired of doing good

I pray that your love will keep on growing and that you will fully know and understand how to make the right choices. Then you will still be pure and innocent when Christ returns. And until that day, Jesus Christ will keep you busy doing good deeds that bring glory and praise to God.

Scharf: Peace in everything

Peace be with you. That's one of those things churchgoers hear all the time. So how is it working for you? Is there peace in your world?

Burnham: All in your head

You have heard it said, "It's all in your head." Well, it is true. Every battle is first fought in the mind.

McCoy: Come on home

After this, I saw a large crowd with more people than could be counted. They were from every race, tribe, nation, and language, and they stood before the throne and before the Lamb.

Scharf: I love to tell the story

"I love to tell the story of unseen things above, of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love. I love to tell the story because I know it's true; it satisfies my longings as nothing else can do."

Burnham: We do have something to do

It is wonderful God saves us from the penalty of sin and by his victory at Calvary, he frees us from sin's power.

McCoy: Share the good news

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.

Burnham: what’s your focus

What do you focus most on when you feel like you have been mistreated, wronged or bad things happen? What if you had the attitude, "God even in this, you are in it?" Oh, I know that would be hard to do. It would require us to look to and trust God completely. And don't think for a second there would not be times of hurting, disappointment. But God calls us not to pleasantry or ...

Dees: A Biblical response to the election

Statistics show that 60 percent of church-goers voted for Mitt Romney on Tuesday. I am not sure how that number compares to people who read the religion section of The Covington News, but I would guess those numbers are similar. With that said, I would guess that three out of five of you who are reading this article were not pleased with this week's presidential election. Allow me in a few minutes to offer you ...

McCoy: Remembering and celebrating

"You must bring your entirely burned offerings, your sacrifices, your tenth-part gifts, your contributions, your payments for solemn promises, your spontaneous gifts, and the oldest offspring of your herds and flocks to that place. You will have a feast there, each of you and your families, in the Lord your God's presence, and you will celebrate all you have done because the Lord your God has blessed you." Deuteronomy 12:6-7

You decide 2012

In less than a week millions of Americans will take to the polls to decide whether Barack Obama or Mitt Romney should be the most powerful man in the world for the next four years. People are saying this is the most important election of our lifetime. I seem to recall that being said of previous elections and I am sure it will be said in the future. My hope in this article is to ...

Keeping it real: really forgiven

Last week, I left you hanging. I spent 90 percent of my column showing you from God's word that regardless of what you might try to tell yourself - you don't deserve anything good. I know, that doesn't sound like a very nice thing to do. But the truth is - it's the truth. In fact, the wages of sin is death.

You’ve got mail

I found out about the stamp ministry a year ago through my mother who started collecting and cutting out used stamps from every piece of mail that comes to the house. She puts them in this little clear plastic baggie that hangs on the side of the refrigerator on a magnet. She then told me that I should start cutting and collecting used stamps because it is so easy to do and serves a good cause.

McCoy: God cares

"I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul."

Just a thought: The four f's

The life of Solomon can be summed up in four words: Fame, fortune, females and failure. How does someone go from having it all to throwing it all away? Caution! It typically doesn't happen overnight. In fact, if we can learn anything from Solomon's saga, we will see two things: first, a steady decline happens slowly and as a result of a series of life course, destructive decisions. Solomon was so exposed to the things ...

Burnham: Sharing your thoughts

It is not always important for everyone to know everything you're thinking. However, it is important for us to know God always knows what we are thinking and feeling. And sometimes it is beneficial to both us and others to share in the right setting and with the right people our thoughts and feelings. Christians experience real pain, hurt, illness, confusion and discouragement. But with who and how we share these can make a world ...

Scharf: Just keeping it real

"Just keeping it real." I've learned to dread that statement, because it usually comes with something I'd rather not hear. You know, they say it's important for a public speaker to have a good critic - someone to honestly and objectively evaluate how you're communicating, what you're saying, all that. Well, God has certainly blessed me with that in my wife. You see... How can I put this? My wife doesn't worry about hurting my ...

Just a thought: Death

We don't like to talk about it, yet we have so many unanswered questions regarding it - death. What about it? God does not want us to be ignorant or unaware nor does the Bible shy away from the topic. In fact it directly answers many of our most common questions. While space does not permit us to do a full examination of the subject, we will deal with the two most important questions about ...

Love speaks unconditionally

It was nearly 20 years ago now. My dad took the opportunity to speak to the court at the trial of the man who killed my sister, his daughter. You see, the man had gotten drunk...again, and gotten behind the wheel...again, even though his license had been taken away, even though he knew better, even though he had been warned and cited and told. All this my dad knew.

A condition of the heart

For the Scriptures say, "If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it."

Community in churches

I don't know if you have noticed, but the idea of relationship is changing in the world. Due to the onslaught of social media and smartphones people have become less engaged in the broader community with diversity in age, race, and social class and more engaged with groups that share common ages and interests. In today's culture, there aren't even many avenues to engage with a broad and diverse culture. But fortunately, God has called ...

Just a thought: Accountability

One thing is for sure, we are all getting older. While this may be a fact, it doesn't have to be a negative one. I am certain we can all look back and voice some regrets: not taking this opportunity or making the wrong decision here or there. I wish I had done this instead of that, etc. If you were to read the book of Ecclesiastes, you would find Solomon's regrets and advice to ...