Category Archives: Adversity

Helene

Posted on October 2, 2024 by russellmckinney

Thursday night, September 26th, the remains of Hurricane Helene came roaring across the mountains of western North Carolina, bringing 20+ inches of rain and winds over 50 m.p.h. with it. By the following night, all 25 counties in our region … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Church Attendance, Current Events, Death, God's Sovereignty, Personal, Problems, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Weather | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

The Temporary Victim

Posted on September 25, 2024 by russellmckinney

When Joseph’s older brothers sold him into slavery a series of events was initiated by which God, over the course of 13 years, caused Joseph to become the second highest ruler in Egypt. Nine years later, after Joseph’s brothers had … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Christ's Death, Comfort, Complaining, Disappointment, Encouragement, Faith, God's Omnipotence, God's Foreknowledge, God's Omniscience, God's Sovereignty, God's Work, Patience, Persecution, Perseverance, Problems, Restoration, Revenge, Reward, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God: Your Captain

Posted on September 23, 2024 by russellmckinney

Thomas Stevenson was the father of Robert Louis Stevenson, the famous author. That in itself will get you a brief mention in the history books. Actually, though, Thomas was a touch famous himself, especially in his day. His fame came … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Angels, Comfort, Courage, Death, Decisions, Depression, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Holiness, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Omnipresence, God's Guidance, God's Omniscience, God's Provision, God's Sovereignty, Heaven, Perseverance, Problems, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Blessed by God or Blessed by Satan?

Posted on August 30, 2024 by russellmckinney

Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Business, Church, Discernment, God's Work, Money, Problems, Prosperity, Satan, Sowing and Reaping, Spiritual Warfare, Sports, The Devil, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Reaping in Due Season

Posted on August 28, 2024 by russellmckinney

Dean Smith was the legendary basketball coach at the University of North Carolina. During his 36 years at the school, his teams amassed 879 victories, won 17 ACC regular season titles, 13 ACC tournament titles, qualified for the NCAA national … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Disappointment, Doing Good, Encouragement, Eternity, God's Omniscience, God's Work, Heaven, Impatience, Ministry, Perseverance, Prosperity, Reward, Sacrifice, Service, Sports, Suffering, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Responding When Life Punches You in the Mouth

Posted on August 24, 2024 by russellmckinney

Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight boxing champion, used to say of his opponents and their strategies to beat him, “Everybody has plans until they get hit for the first time.” Likewise, it is said of military strategies, “No plan survives … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Character, Commitment, Complaining, Courage, Depression, Disappointment, Encouragement, Faithfulness, God's Work, Human Life, Ministry, Perseverance, Problems, Service, Suffering, Trials | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Humility

Posted on August 9, 2024 by russellmckinney

When boxer Muhammad Ali was in his prime, he was quite full of himself and loved to brag about his greatness. Some of this was done in a calculated way for show in order to promote his fights. Much of … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Character, Disappointment, Humility, Humor, Preaching | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

“Lord, Why Am I Having to Wait?”

Posted on August 3, 2024 by russellmckinney

I was driving down the interstate one day, listening to a Christian radio station, when I happened to hear one of those little call-in promos such stations do. This promo featured a woman who had called the station to voice … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Belief, Comfort, Commitment, Desires, Disappointment, Doubt, Encouragement, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Timing, God's Sovereignty, God's Will, Impatience, Needs, Perseverance, Personal, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Prophecy, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

“Surely the Wrath of Man Shall Praise Thee”

Posted on July 29, 2024 by russellmckinney

The title for this post is taken directly from Psalm 76:10, the full text of which says: Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee; the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain. (K.J.V.) But what does “Surely the wrath of … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Disappointment, Doing Good, Encouragement, Faithfulness, God's Omnipotence, God's Judgment, God's Work, Patience, Persecution, Perseverance, Problems, Rebellion, Revenge, Reward, Sowing and Reaping, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Word American Christians Don’t Want to Hear

Posted on July 24, 2024 by russellmckinney

But the Lord said him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Children, Commitment, Courage, Disappointment, Discipleship, Faithfulness, Giving, God's Work, Loneliness, Ministry, Money, Parenting, Pastors, Persecution, Perseverance, Preaching, Priorities, Problems, Prosperity, Service, Sports, Stewardship, Suffering, Tithing, Trials | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment