Author Archives: russellmckinney

When Lightning Strikes You

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of … Continue reading

Posted in Adversity, Christ's Death, Christ's Return, Complaining, Disappointment, Discipleship, Persecution, Perseverance, Personal, Problems, Suffering, Trials | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Christ’s Teachings Don’t Save Us

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

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

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

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”

“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

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

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

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

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

Posted in Bible Study, God's Word, Personal, Prayer, Scripture, The Bible | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment