Category Archives: Brokenness

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 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

The Plowing of the Wicked Is Sin

Posted on May 1, 2019 by russellmckinney

A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked are sin. (Proverbs 21:4, N.K.J.V.) It’s easy to understand why God classifies a haughty (conceited) look as sin. It’s equally easy to understand why He classifies a proud … Continue reading →

Posted in Atheism, Brokenness, Christmas, Church Attendance, Commitment, Decisions, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dress and Appearance, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, Giving, God's Will, God's Work, Influence, Marriage, Obedience, Rebellion, Reward, Righteousness, Sacrifice, Salvation, Sanctification, Service, Sin, Stewardship, Submission, Trusting In God, Work, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Mary: The Slave of the Lord

Posted on December 14, 2018 by russellmckinney

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38, N.K.J.V.) Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she was the woman chosen by God to bring … Continue reading →

Posted in Brokenness, Commitment, Discipleship, Faithfulness, God's Work, Heaven, Humility, Ministry, Obedience, Pride, Rebellion, Reward, Righteousness, Salvation, Service, Slavery, Submission | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Most Shocking Convert Ever

Posted on November 16, 2018 by russellmckinney

(Series: “The Early Church of Jerusalem” post #15) Imagine Osama Bin Laden becoming a Christian and asking to speak in Christian churches. Imagine Adolph Hitler converting to Judaism and asking to speak in Jewish synagogues. Imagine the Grand Wizard of … Continue reading →

Posted in Brokenness, Change, Church, Conscience, Conviction, Dying To Self, Evangelism, God's Sovereignty, God's Work, Ministry, Missions, Persecution, Salvation, Series: "The Early Church of Jerusalem", Service, Submission, The Gospel, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments