Monthly Archives: February 2012

Romans 8:28 & Roan Mountain

Posted on February 28, 2012 by russellmckinney

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28, NKJV) I grew up in the small town of Bakersville, North Carolina. I would … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Brokenness, Comfort, Complaining, Creation, Depression, Disappointment, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Sovereignty, God's Work, Perseverance, Personal, Problems, Restoration, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Problem of Copper Nails

Posted on February 23, 2012 by russellmckinney

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Character, Confession, Conscience, Conviction, Guilt, Honesty, Inner Peace, Personal Holiness, Repentance, Sin, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Doing Church Differently

Posted on February 21, 2012 by russellmckinney

The churches of Asia greet you, Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. (1 Corinthians 16:19, N.K.J.V.) Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that … Continue reading →

Posted in Alcohol, Balance, Change, Church, Church Discipline, Giving, God's Work, Ministry, Money, Music, Prayer, Preaching, Service, Spiritual Gifts, Stewardship, Sunday School, Teaching, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Doing Church Differently

Responding to Criticism

Posted on February 15, 2012 by russellmckinney

Dr. Charles Lowery is a motivational speaker. For years, though, he was a pastor, and some of his observations on the ministry were absolutely hilarious. Consider this one on criticism: I always try to be positive with my critics. One … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Character, Criticism, Humor, Pastors, Personal | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Responding to Criticism

The History of Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 13, 2012 by russellmckinney

In honor of Valentine’s Day I thought I’d share a little of the history of the holiday. Admittedly, that’s tough to do because the holiday’s origins are somewhat murky. Even reputable historians can’t seem to come to full agreement on … Continue reading →

Posted in Valentine's Day | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Compel

Posted on February 9, 2012 by russellmckinney

There once was a time when boys sold newspapers on the streets of big cities. One young man, in particular, was top notch at doing the job. As a man passed by him on the street one day, the young … Continue reading →

Posted in Evangelism, Faithfulness, Perseverance, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Don’t Try to Wear Someone Else’s Armor

Posted on February 8, 2012 by russellmckinney

When King Saul heard that a teenage boy named David had volunteered to fight the giant Goliath, he called for David and tried to talk him out of it. He said, “David, you are not able to go against this … Continue reading →

Posted in Change, Choices, Contentment, Decisions, Desires, God's Will, Individuality, Service, Spiritual Gifts, Talents | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Making A Decision In Winter

Posted on February 6, 2012 by russellmckinney

Several years ago, Tonya and I were shopping for a house. We had sold the one we had lived in for about ten years and were currently renting. One house we were interested in was not even on the market, … Continue reading →

Posted in Change, Choices, Contentment, Desires, God's Will, Impatience, Patience, Personal, Weather | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

What Was Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh?

Posted on February 3, 2012 by russellmckinney

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Bible Study, Demons, Problems, Satan, Spiritual Warfare, The Devil, Trials | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Being Bold About Fear

Posted on February 2, 2012 by russellmckinney

In the wake of the infamous terrorist attacks of 9-11-01, our small county held a special service in the high school gymnasium. The service was for the benefit of the students, many of whom were emotionally shaken by the attacks. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Comfort, Courage, Depression, Doubt, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Omnipresence, Needs, Personal, Problems, Spiritual Warfare, The Holy Spirit, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment