Category Archives: Adversity

What Satan Did to Paul: A Thorn in the Flesh

Posted on September 15, 2025 by russellmckinney

“The Wiles of the Devil” series (post #13) 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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Angels, Commitment, Demons, Discernment, Faith, Grace, Humility, Persecution, Prayer Requests, Problems, Satan, Series: "The Wiles of the Devil", Sickness, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, Temptation, The Devil, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Satan Did to Peter: Sifting

Posted on September 10, 2025 by russellmckinney

“The Wiles of the Devil” series (post #11) And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.” (Luke 22:31, N.K.J.V.) The Jews of ancient Israel were well acquainted with sifting. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, God's Sovereignty, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Persecution, Personal, Problems, Satan, Series: "The Wiles of the Devil", Service, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, The Devil, Trials | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Satan Did to Job: Devastation

Posted on August 25, 2025 by russellmckinney

“The Wiles of the Devil” series (post #4) The method Satan used to get Job was sadistically lethal. It decimated Job’s wealth, family, health, relationship with his wife, relationship with his friends, and reputation in the community. It took Job … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Demons, Faithfulness, God's Omnipotence, God's Omnipresence, Persecution, Prayer Requests, Problems, Satan, Series: "The Wiles of the Devil", Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, The Devil, Trials, Trusting In God, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Problem with Trying to Please Everybody

Posted on August 8, 2025 by russellmckinney

Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. (Genesis 5:24, N.I.V.) By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death. “He could not be found, because God … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Choices, Commitment, Contentment, Courage, Criticism, Decisions, Desires, Discernment, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, Fear, God's Guidance, God's Will, God's Work, Humility, Obedience, Persecution, Priorities, Problems, Service, Spiritual Warfare, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Go Get Your Ark

Posted on August 1, 2025 by russellmckinney

So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet. (2 Samuel 6:15, N.K.J.V.) David had a God-approved plan to make the city of Jerusalem not … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Desires, Disappointment, Encouragement, Faith, God's Timing, God's Will, Impatience, Patience, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Restoration, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Contentment

Posted on July 21, 2025 by russellmckinney

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Timothy 6:6, N.K.J.V.) How content are you right now? You might as well tell the truth. After all, God knows the correct answer, anyway. Are you content with your spouse? Are you … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Children, Christ's Death, Church, Complaining, Contentment, Desires, Disappointment, Dress and Appearance, Family, God's Love, God's Provision, Greed, Impatience, Jealousy, Marriage, Money, Parenting, Persecution, Perseverance, Problems, Prosperity, Suffering, Thankfulness, Trusting In God, Work, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Shaking the Dust Off Your Feet

Posted on June 27, 2025 by russellmckinney

“And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whoever will not receive you nor hear … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Business, Change, Choices, Church Attendance, Commitment, Decisions, Disappointment, Discernment, Evangelism, God's Guidance, God's Will, God's Work, Ministry, Obedience, Problems, Service, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A Charcoal Fire

Posted on June 25, 2025 by russellmckinney

Now the slaves and the officers were standing there, having made a charcoal fire, for it was cold and they were warming themselves; and Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. (John 18:18, N.A.S.V.) On the night of … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Backsliding, Brokenness, Forgiveness, Grace, Mercy, Ministry, Rebellion, Repentance, Restoration, Seeking Forgiveness, Service, Sin | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The 10 Times Israel Tested God

Posted on June 13, 2025 by russellmckinney

Most people have heard about the ten plagues with which God struck Egypt to break Pharaoh’s will and cause him to release the Israelites from their enslavement (Exodus chapters 7 through 12). Far less known are the ten times the … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Complaining, Contentment, Desires, Faith, God's Provision, The Tongue, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A Strange Prayer Request

Posted on June 9, 2025 by russellmckinney

A man and his wife joined a local church. Since the couple was out of work and had precious little food and clothing, it wasn’t long before they asked the church for help. The church lovingly obliged by providing plenty … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Backsliding, Church, Church Attendance, Commitment, Faithfulness, God's Love, God's Provision, Husbands, Money, Pastors, Prayer Requests, Priorities, Prosperity, Repentance, Service, Stewardship, Thankfulness, Wives, Worship | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment