Category Archives: Change

Maybe it’s Time to Sharpen Your Blade

Posted on January 4, 2023 by russellmckinney

If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success. (Ecclesiastes 10:10, N.K.J.V.) This verse teaches us the value of working smarter rather than harder. Obviously, sharpening the edge of a … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Backsliding, Bible Study, Change, Church Attendance, Commitment, Confession, Dying To Self, God's Will, God's Work, New Year, Personal Holiness, Prayer, Repentance, Sanctification, Scripture, Sin, Submission | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Three-Point Checklist for the New Year

Posted on January 2, 2023 by russellmckinney

Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left. Remove your foot from evil. … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Change, Choices, Contentment, Discipleship, Doing Good, God's Will, Holiness, New Year, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Temptation | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Carowinds

Posted on November 26, 2022 by russellmckinney

I’m 56 years old now, and it’s been more than ten years since I was forced to come to grips with the reality of aging. On that day so long ago, Tonya and I took our two boys (Ryan and … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Change, Contentment, Elderly, Human Life, Parenting, Personal, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Your Penny

Posted on November 14, 2022 by russellmckinney

He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. (Proverbs 28:13, N.K.J.V.) Little Billy had his hand stuck in an expensive vase. His mother tried her best to pull the hand out, … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Change, Choices, Disobedience, God's Holiness, Personal Holiness, Preaching, Rebellion, Repentance, Seeking Forgiveness | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Don’t Blame God

Posted on November 7, 2022 by russellmckinney

“But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.” (John 5:40, N.K.J.V.) A barber and a minister found themselves having to travel through a rather seedy part of town. Disgusted by the conditions he saw, … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Belief, Change, Choices, Depravity, Disobedience, Dress and Appearance, God's Love, Man's Freewill, Rebellion, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Can a Person Truly Change?

Posted on October 21, 2022 by russellmckinney

Can a person truly change? Mel Trotter did. Trotter was born to a Christian mother and an alcoholic father. By age 19, he was drinking heavily himself as well as gambling. He met and married a young woman and fathered … Continue reading →

Posted in Alcohol, Belief, Change, Choices, Depravity, Forgiveness, Gambling, God's Love, God's Work, Husbands, Influence, Marriage, Ministry, Problems, Repentance, Salvation, Sin | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Young Man and His Condition

Posted on September 30, 2022 by russellmckinney

A young man went to the doctor and said, “Doc, sometimes I get headaches, my eyes burn, and I can’t get my breath.” After an examination, the doctor said, “My diagnosis is that your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Change, Choices, Decisions, God's Will | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Chain Is Off

Posted on September 5, 2022 by russellmckinney

A mailman was given a new route. His first day he approached the mailbox of a home that had a big German shepherd crouched on the porch. When the mailman put his hand toward the mailbox, the dog started barking … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Change, Choices, Disobedience, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Salvation, Sin | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Foolish Prince

Posted on August 22, 2022 by russellmckinney

A prince left the ease and safety of his father’s castle in order to seek adventure in the world. He left all his riches behind and eventually reached such a low state that he was forced to dress in rags … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Adultery, Backsliding, Change, Children, Disobedience, Dress and Appearance, Eternal Security, God's Love, God's Provision, Grace, Husbands, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Repentance, Seeking Forgiveness, Sin, Wives, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Looking for Something?

Posted on August 3, 2022 by russellmckinney

Late one night, drunken Sam was down on all fours under a streetlight. He was groping around on the ground, obviously looking for something. A friend drove up and said, “Sam, what are you doing over there?” With slurred speech, … Continue reading →

Posted in Change, Choices, Desires, God's Will, Needs, Personal Holiness, Sin, Temptation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment