Yearly Archives: 2021

Christ’s Teachings Don’t Save Us

Posted on October 19, 2021 by russellmckinney

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. (Ephesians 1:7, N.K.J.V.) One Sunday morning a pastor preached about Christ’s crucifixion. The sermon featured graphic detail about how Christ’s literal … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ's Death, Crucifixion, Doctrine, Preaching, Priorities, Salvation | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Tator Family

Posted on October 15, 2021 by russellmckinney

Every church knows the Tator family. It’s a very large family, and even if all of the family members don’t attend any one church, some of them surely will. But just in case you aren’t familiar with the Tators, allow … Continue reading →

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Count to Ten

Posted on October 13, 2021 by russellmckinney

I’m reading David Jeremiah’s book Daily in His Presence for my daily devotion times this year. A couple of weeks ago, in a devotion entitled Waiting, he wrote the following: Everyone is familiar with the “count to ten” rule. When … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Decisions, Doubt, God's Timing, God's Will, Impatience, Patience, Peace, Personal, Temptation, Waiting | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Receive God’s Best

Posted on October 11, 2021 by russellmckinney

And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17, N.K.J.V.) The story is told of a wealthy man who collected rare works of art. This man had one … Continue reading →

Posted in Eternity, Fatherhood, Grace, Priorities, Salvation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

“We Don’t Know What to Do, but Our Eyes Are Upon You”

Posted on October 8, 2021 by russellmckinney

“O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” (2 Chronicles 20:12, N.K.J.V.) Jehoshaphat … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Decisions, Discernment, Dying To Self, Entertainment, God's Will, Personal, Problems, Submission, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Separating From Your Ephraim

Posted on October 6, 2021 by russellmckinney

Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone! (Hosea 4:17, N.I.V.) The tribe called Ephraim took its name from Joseph’s son Ephraim and was one of the most prominent tribes in Israel’s northern kingdom. As a matter of fact, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Friendship, Idolatry, Influence, Personal Holiness, Separation | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

God’s Tear Bottles

Posted on October 4, 2021 by russellmckinney

You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book? (Psalm 56:8 N.K.J.V.) Life can sure make us cry. We lose loved ones. Disease strikes. Tragedy occurs. We suffer setbacks. We get our hearts … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Comfort, Disappointment, Encouragement, Eternity, God's Love, Heaven, Suffering | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Balls & Strikes

Posted on October 2, 2021 by russellmckinney

Baseball is my favorite sport, and it’s the last weekend of Major League Baseball’s regular season. All the playoff spots for the postseason haven’t been claimed yet, and that makes for a very exciting ending to the regular season. So, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study, Choices, Current Events, Decisions, Discernment, Dying To Self, God's Omnipotence, God's Sovereignty, God's Will, God's Word, Personal, Prayer, Scripture, Sports, The Bible | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Your Mind Is a Sponge

Posted on September 30, 2021 by russellmckinney

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. I have sworn and confirmed That I will keep your righteous judgments. I am afflicted very much; Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word. (Psalm … Continue reading →

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A Strange Proverb

Posted on September 28, 2021 by russellmckinney

Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; Lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, And He turn away His wrath from him. (Proverbs 24:17-18, N.K.J.V.) Don’t rejoice … Continue reading →

Posted in God's Chastening, God's Wrath, God's Judgment, Revenge | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment