Category Archives: Brokenness

Does God Hear the Prayers of Lost People? (part 2)

Posted on September 21, 2022 by russellmckinney

In Luke 18:9-14, we find another example of a lost man who, like Cornelius, had God hear his sincere prayer. His prayer is what some call “the sinner’s prayer.” Actually, the man isn’t a literal person but is, instead, merely … Continue reading →

Posted in Brokenness, Grace, Humility, Mercy, Prayer, Salvation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Small Entrances

Posted on December 3, 2020 by russellmckinney

A playground in Chicago was called “the tiny tot play lot.” Any child who wanted to enter it could only do so by way of a entrance that was very low and shaped like a keyhole. If the child could … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Brokenness, Children, Christ's Birth, Christmas, Humility, Pride, Salvation, Submission | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Dead Roses

Posted on August 28, 2020 by russellmckinney

And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his plan and purpose. (Romans … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Brokenness, Christ's Death, Comfort, Death, Depression, Disappointment, Encouragement, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Work, Grace, Persecution, Perseverance, Prayer, Problems, Reconciliation, Restoration, Revenge, Suffering, Suicide, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Working on Your Real You

Posted on August 19, 2020 by russellmckinney

Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom. (Psalm 51:6, N.A.S.V.) Tony Evans has a wonderful illustration involving Michael Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, and Diana Ross. Since all three of … Continue reading →

Posted in Brokenness, Character, Confession, Individuality, Sanctification, Truth | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Robert’s Trip to the Dentist’s Office

Posted on July 22, 2020 by russellmckinney

Psychologist James Dobson, the founder of the Focus on the Family ministry, tells a great story in his book Straight Talk to Men and Their Wives. The story comes from one of Dr. Dobson’s friends, Dr. William Slonecker. Dr. Slonecker … Continue reading →

Posted in Brokenness, Children, Choices, Decisions, Discipline, Disobedience, God's Will, Problems, Submission | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

When God Breaks You

Posted on April 4, 2020 by russellmckinney

“Jonah” series: (post #3) Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Brokenness, Dying To Self, God's Will, Rebellion, Series: "Jonah", Service, Submission | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

When a Nightmare Becomes a Reality

Posted on March 28, 2020 by russellmckinney

6’10, 235 pound Darrall Imhoff was a great basketball player. He was a two-time All American at the University of California, was a starter on that school’s 1959 team that won the NCAA championship, won a gold medal as a … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Brokenness, Change, Christ's Death, Christ's Resurrection, Comfort, Courage, Crucifixion, Depression, Disappointment, Easter, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Sovereignty, God's Work, Good Friday, Inner Peace, Joy, Perseverance, Problems, Restoration, Resurrection, Sports, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How God Taught Nebuchadnezzar a Lesson

Posted on October 11, 2019 by russellmckinney

Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, was on top of the world. His army was the most formidable one seen to date, his empire was the largest in existence, and he was the unquestioned ruler over it all. He seemed invincible and … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Angels, Attitude, Brokenness, Character, Dreams, God's Judgment, God's Sovereignty, Humility, Politics, Pride | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

The Intersection of Death

Posted on August 3, 2019 by russellmckinney

Imagine a horizontal line running west to east across the center of your computer screen. This line represents your will in a decision. Now imagine a vertical line running north to south right through the center of your screen. This … Continue reading →

Posted in Brokenness, Choices, Christ's Death, Desires, Disobedience, Dying To Self, God's Will, Obedience, Rebellion | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

What Would You Give Up for Jesus?

Posted on June 28, 2019 by russellmckinney

One day a certain ruler, probably a ruler in a local synagogue, came to Jesus with a question. This ruler was young (Matthew 19:20), wealthy (Matthew 19:22), and lived a moral life by striving to keep God’s commandments (Matthew 19:17-20). … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Brokenness, Business, Change, Choices, Commitment, Decisions, Desires, Discipleship, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, God's Will, Greed, Idolatry, Individuality, Money, Obedience, Politics, Priorities, Prosperity, Sacrifice, Service, Sports, Stewardship, Submission | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment