Category Archives: Adversity

The Need for Faith When Engaged in Spiritual Warfare

Posted on October 13, 2023 by russellmckinney

A boxer was getting absolutely pummeled in a title fight. His trainer knew how bad things were going, but he felt that it was his job to keep his fighter encouraged. So, when the boxer staggered back to the corner … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Angels, Demons, Discipleship, Doubt, Faith, Faithfulness, Fear, God's Omnipotence, Persecution, Perseverance, Problems, Satan, Spiritual Warfare, The Devil, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Persistence

Posted on October 11, 2023 by russellmckinney

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:9, N.K.J.V.) At 10:30 one night, a little girl called out from her bed, “Mommy, will you … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Character, Choices, Commitment, Disappointment, Faithfulness, God's Will, God's Work, Impatience, Marriage, Parenting, Patience, Perseverance, Problems, Temptation, Trials, Work | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Don’t Let Yourself Be Stopped

Posted on October 2, 2023 by russellmckinney

A missionary society in South Africa wrote to David Livingstone, the legendary Scottish missionary who blazed trails in Africa for over thirty years. The letter read: Have you found a good road to where you are? If not, we want … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Commitment, Confession, Courage, Depression, Disappointment, Encouragement, Faithfulness, God's Work, Leadership, Ministry, Missions, Pastors, Persecution, Perseverance, Priorities, Problems, Repentance, Service, Suffering, Trials | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Good Versus Best

Posted on September 27, 2023 by russellmckinney

It’s easy to understand that “bad” is the enemy of “good.” But have you ever considered that “good” is the enemy of “best”? Abraham thought of Ishmael as a good blessing, but God wouldn’t stop talking about Isaac as the best blessing (Genesis 17:15-22; … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Choices, Commitment, Encouragement, God's Timing, God's Will, Impatience, Patience, Perseverance, Problems, Temptation, Trials, Waiting | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

“The Ball’s in Your Court, God”

Posted on September 25, 2023 by russellmckinney

Anyone familiar with tennis, ping-pong, or volleyball understands the words, “The ball’s in your court.” If I speak these words to my playing partner, it means that the match cannot continue until he hits the ball back to me. Thus, … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Discipleship, Faith, God's Love, God's Timing, God's Will, Impatience, Obedience, Patience, Perseverance, Personal, Problems, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting, Worry | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Lynched by Mistake

Posted on September 1, 2023 by russellmckinney

In one Peanuts cartoon, Charlie Brown is lying in bed talking to Snoopy, who’s lying atop the covers at Charlie’s feet. Charlie says, “Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, ‘Is life a multiple choice test or is … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Aging, Choices, Discernment, Faith, Family, Fatherhood, Fear, God's Omniscience, God's Will, Husbands, Obedience, Parenting, Personal, Prayer, Problems, Submission, Trials, Trusting In God, Work, Worry, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Water Lines & Old Paths

Posted on August 28, 2023 by russellmckinney

You don’t have to be a nautical expert to know that boats must be as solid below the water line as they are above it. A boat that looks good above the water line but is rotten below it will eventually sink. Well, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Backsliding, Bible Study, Church Attendance, Commitment, Confession, Discipleship, Doing Good, Faithfulness, Giving, Obedience, Perseverance, Prayer, Priorities, Repentance, Righteousness, Sanctification, Scripture, Service, Sin, Stewardship, The Bible, Trusting In God, Witnessing, Worry, Worship | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Humility Through Character-Building Experiences

Posted on August 23, 2023 by russellmckinney

The noted preacher and author Chuck Swindoll tells of a man who won a plaque for being the most humble man on earth. The man took the plaque home and placed it prominently on the mantle in his living room. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Complaining, Disappointment, Faithfulness, God's Omniscience, Humility, Persecution, Perseverance, Personal, Personal Holiness, Pride, Problems, Sickness, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

How to Defeat Your Amalekites

Posted on August 16, 2023 by russellmckinney

In Exodus 17:8-16, we find the wonderful story of Israel’s defeat of the Amalekites, a nomadic tribe who were descendants of Esau. The trouble began when the Amalekites launched a sneak attack against the Israelites. 1 Samuel 15:2 calls it … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Depression, Disappointment, Encouragement, Friendship, God's Work, Intercessory Prayer, Loneliness, Ministry, Needs, Perseverance, Problems, Service, Spiritual Warfare, Trials, War | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Just Do Your Best TODAY

Posted on August 7, 2023 by russellmckinney

I’d like to use this post to offer some good thoughts from a couple of well-known Independent Baptist preachers who have gone on to be with the Lord. The first one comes from Tom Malone. After quoting Deuteronomy 33:25, which … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Aging, Attitude, Commitment, Contentment, Depression, Desires, Doing Good, Encouragement, Faithfulness, Perseverance, Personal, Problems, Service, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments