Category Archives: Balance

Wise as Serpents, Harmless as Doves

Posted on April 19, 2023 by russellmckinney

In Matthew chapter 10, we find Matthew’s account of Christ’s commissioning of His chosen twelve. It’s a marvelous chapter to study in terms of basic ministry, bold evangelism, and preaching for a decision. With that said, I’d like to draw … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Attitude, Balance, Character, Discernment, Discipleship, Evangelism, God's Work, Ministry, Missions, Revenge, Service, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Old Bearskin

Posted on April 14, 2023 by russellmckinney

Notre Dame football has had a long and successful history, but it stood the tallest when Knute Rockne was the head coach. From 1918 to 1930, the team’s winning percentage was .881. They lost only twelve games during those thirteen … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Balance, Character, Criticism, God's Love, Humility, Pride, Problems, Prosperity, Sports, Trials | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

What Kind of Shape Are You in Spiritually?

Posted on January 6, 2023 by russellmckinney

Christian, perhaps you are one of the hordes of people who have hit the new year full bore with a new diet or workout routine. Well, there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. But even as you try to get yourself … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Bible Study, Church Attendance, Commitment, Dieting, Discipleship, Giving, New Year, Personal Holiness, Priorities, Sanctification, Witnessing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Problem of Trying to Do Too Much

Posted on October 31, 2022 by russellmckinney

A man boasted that he could whip anybody on his street, but no one took him up on his boast. Then he boasted that he could whip anybody in the neighborhood, but no one challenged him on that, either. Finally, … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Choices, Doing Good, God's Will, Service, Work | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

God’s Thoughts, Plans, & Love

Posted on June 4, 2022 by russellmckinney

Jeremiah 29:11 is an often-quoted verse. It says: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says the Lord, “thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (N.K.J.V.) The Hebrew word translated there as … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Belief, Christ's Death, Crucifixion, Disobedience, Forgiveness, God's Love, Heaven, Salvation | Leave a comment

Two Different Reactions to the Laying of the Foundation

Posted on August 26, 2021 by russellmckinney

“Ezra” series: (post #8) Now in the second month of the second year of their coming to the house of God at Jerusalem, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the rest of their brethren the … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Balance, Change, Church, Elderly, God's Work, Ministry, Music, Series: "Ezra", Worship, Youth | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Selling Your Soul to the Devil

Posted on September 14, 2020 by russellmckinney

Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment.” (Matthew 22:37-38, N.K.J.V.) The story of Robert Johnson is … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Contentment, Covetousness, Desires, Entertainment, Eternity, God's Will, Hell, Idolatry, Money, Priorities, Satan, Sin, Temptation, The Devil | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Lord My Refuge

Posted on March 2, 2019 by russellmckinney

Series: “The Names of God” (post #3) One of the three rounds of temptation that Satan inflicted upon Jesus involved the suggestion that Jesus leap from the pinnacle of the Jewish temple and expect God the Father to dispatch angels … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Balance, Christ's Death, Disappointment, God's Name, Persecution, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Series: "The Names of God", Suffering | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Problem With Chasing “It”

Posted on December 28, 2018 by russellmckinney

There once was a man who was constantly searching for “it.” When he was a child, “it” was the cookie jar on the shelf. When he became a teenager, “it” was a nice car. When he got a little older, … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Christ's Death, Contentment, Desires, Impatience, Sowing and Reaping, Thankfulness, Waiting | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

Posted on August 10, 2018 by russellmckinney

Colder weather and the holiday season bring an uptick in requests from various causes and ministries. That makes this time of year a good time for a word about “the social gospel.” So, I’d like to use this post to … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Christ's Second Coming, Christ's Miracles, Christ's Return, Communication, Discernment, Doing Good, Evangelism, God's Work, Good Works, Hell, Human Life, Ministry, Missions, Needs, Priorities, Salvation, Service, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment