Category Archives: Brokenness

Self-Preservation & Jesus

Posted on January 10, 2025 by russellmckinney

A man interviewed for a job at a famous art gallery that housed dozens of priceless masterpieces. As part of the interview process, he was asked, “If a fire broke out in this gallery and you could only save one … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Brokenness, Commitment, Courage, Crucifixion, Death, Disappointment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Extending Forgiveness, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Work, Human Life, Ministry, Missions, Obedience, Persecution, Perseverance, Personal Holiness, Preaching, Priorities, Problems, Prosperity, Revenge, Sacrifice, Sanctification, Service, Spiritual Warfare, Submission, Suffering, Trials, Truth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Two Different Bible School Meetings

Posted on January 8, 2025 by russellmckinney

After a relatively successful V.B.S. at one of my former churches, I called for a meeting of the teachers and workers who had been involved with the effort. My purpose for the meeting was to assess what had gone well … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Backsliding, Brokenness, Christian Unity, Church, Church Attendance, Confession, Criticism, Extending Forgiveness, Forgiveness, God's Work, Humility, Ministry, Pastors, Personal, Pride, Problems, Reconciliation, Restoration, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

God’s Fiddle

Posted on October 31, 2024 by russellmckinney

Bob Jones Sr., who founded Bob Jones University (a Christian university in Greenville, S.C.), used to tell the story of a student from North Carolina named Dorothy. Dorothy came from a family that wanted nothing to do with Jesus Christ … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Brokenness, Desires, Discipleship, Disobedience, Dying To Self, God's Name, God's Will, God's Work, Idolatry, Joy, Music, Obedience, Priorities, Sanctification, Service, Submission, Talents | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Man Who Had to Lose His Eyes to See

Posted on October 23, 2024 by russellmckinney

It’s a shame that many people won’t become spiritually broken unless some type of tragedy happens to them. Samson is a classic case in point. He was Israel’s strongman, the champion of the tribe of Dan and the slayer of … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Backsliding, Brokenness, Character, Choices, Confession, Depravity, Desires, Disobedience, God's Chastening, God's Work, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Repentance, Separation, Sex, Sin, Sowing and Reaping, Submission, Temptation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Romans 8:28 & Roan Mountain

Posted on June 1, 2024 by russellmckinney

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28, NKJV) I grew up in the small town of Bakersville, North Carolina. I would … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Brokenness, Comfort, Complaining, Creation, Depression, Disappointment, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Sovereignty, God's Work, Perseverance, Personal, Problems, Restoration, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The True Meaning of Meekness

Posted on April 12, 2024 by russellmckinney

“The Beatitudes” series: (post #3) “Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5, N.K.J.V.) The word “Beatitude” is not found anywhere in the Bible, but we use the word in reference to each of the instances where the … Continue reading →

Posted in Brokenness, Christ's Second Coming, Dying To Self, Obedience, Prosperity, Reward, Series: "The Beatitudes", Submission, The Sermon On The Mount | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Poor in Spirit

Posted on April 8, 2024 by russellmckinney

“The Beatitudes” series: (post #1) And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Belief, Brokenness, Depravity, God's Holiness, Humility, Needs, Pride, Salvation, Series: "The Beatitudes", The Sermon On The Mount, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Get to Work

Posted on January 30, 2024 by russellmckinney

Throughout the Bible, we find verses that can be broken down into two parts: your part and God’s part. Here are a few examples, all from the New King James version, with me adding in the designations “your part” and … Continue reading →

Posted in Brokenness, Commitment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, God's Will, God's Work, Ministry, Service, Submission, Work | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Christian’s Paradoxical Life

Posted on March 2, 2023 by russellmckinney

But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Brokenness, Current Events, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Evangelism, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Missions, Personal Holiness, Salvation, Sanctification, Service, Trusting In God, Witnessing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Native American Chief & Jesus

Posted on February 1, 2023 by russellmckinney

A Christian missionary preached to a tribe of Native Americans, telling them that Jesus Christ, who was God in human flesh, had voluntarily died for their sins. The tribe’s elderly Chief was very moved by Christ’s sacrifice and decided to … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Brokenness, Commitment, Discipleship, Dying To Self, Evangelism, Faith, Man's Freewill, Missions, Preaching, Sacrifice, Salvation, Submission | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments