Monthly Archives: March 2009

Church Or YBOA Basketball?

Posted on March 29, 2009 by russellmckinney

For the past three years, my son Ryan has played two categories of youth basketball. One, he has played in our county’s recreation league. Two, he has played on our county’s YBOA (Youth Basketball of America) team for his age division. The rec. games … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Church Attendance, Commitment, God's Will, Parenting, Personal, Priorities, Sports | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Does Satan Exist?

Posted on March 27, 2009 by russellmckinney

I once watched an interesting debate on the topic: “Does Satan Exist?” The debate was held at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington and featured four speakers. Two argued for the existence of Satan and two argued against it. Arguing … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Bible Study, Discernment, Doubt, Faith, Satan, Scripture, The Bible, The Devil | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Children Are…

Posted on March 25, 2009 by russellmckinney

Think about how you would finish the following sentence: “Children are…” Truth be told, some of the parents of young children might finish it in a way that wouldn’t be heartwarming. Having learned to function in a state of semi-exhaustion … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Family, Fatherhood, Motherhood, Parenting, Personal | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Don’t Be Afraid to Fly

Posted on March 22, 2009 by russellmckinney

The true story is told of a Midwestern farmer who found a young eaglet. The bird’s wing was injured to the point that flying was impossible. The farmer carefully picked up the eaglet and took it back to his farm. … Continue reading →

Posted in Courage, Faith, God's Will, God's Work, Individuality, Ministry, Service, Spiritual Gifts, Talents | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Ups & Downs of Life

Posted on March 20, 2009 by russellmckinney

For five springs, I served as an assistant coach on our middle school’s 7th-8th grade baseball teams. It was my oldest son, Ryan, who first got me involved with the gig. When he was a 6th grader, he volunteered to … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Balance, Complaining, Contentment, Desires, Disappointment, Gambling, God's Provision, God's Sovereignty, Humility, Personal, Thankfulness, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fleas

Posted on March 18, 2009 by russellmckinney

Corrie ten Boom was a Jewish Christian who lived in Germany during World War II. She and her older sister, Betsy, were rounded up by the Nazis and taken by train to one of the worst concentration camps in existence. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Complaining, Contentment, Disappointment, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Omnipotence, God's Foreknowledge, God's Omniscience, God's Provision, God's Sovereignty, Patience, Persecution, Perseverance, Prayer, Problems, Suffering, Thankfulness, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Two Things I Know About Barack Obama

Posted on March 16, 2009 by russellmckinney

As is the case with any president, Barack Obama produces wildly differing opinions among the masses. I don’t want to get into all that. I just want to share with you two things that I know about the man. First, … Continue reading →

Posted in Government, Politics, Prayer | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

God’s Provision

Posted on March 14, 2009 by russellmckinney

I’ve never been a wealthy man, but there have been times when I was financially better off than usual. One such time was when I served as the pastor of a certain church. That church paid me a larger salary … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Encouragement, Faith, God's Guidance, God's Provision, God's Will, Money, Needs, Personal, Problems, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Crossroad in Life

Posted on March 11, 2009 by russellmckinney

The word “crossroad” probably brings up a certain mental image with you. I myself envision a dirt road out in the middle of nowhere that comes to a four-way intersection with three other dirt roads. The person who comes to … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Business, Change, Choices, Decisions, Discernment, Dying To Self, God's Will, Leadership, Obedience, Submission, Temptation, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Learning From Rhododendrons

Posted on March 7, 2009 by russellmckinney

When the calendar page rolls over to April and the weather turns noticeably warmer, my thoughts drift toward yardwork. Trust me when I say that I don’t eagerly embrace that drift. The way I see it, I’m an apartment or … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Confession, Conviction, Faithfulness, God's Will, Personal, Rebellion, Repentance, Sanctification, Sin, Sowing and Reaping, Temptation | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments