Category Archives: Character

Wise as Serpents, Harmless as Doves

Posted on September 2, 2011 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 , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Old Bearskin

Posted on August 30, 2011 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

Life’s Army Barracks

Posted on August 22, 2011 by russellmckinney

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Bible Study, Character, Courage, Discipleship, Doing Good, Faithfulness, God's Will, God's Word, Influence, Obedience, Persecution, Personal Holiness, Scripture, Witnessing, Work, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Examined Yourself Lately?

Posted on August 18, 2011 by russellmckinney

In the closing decades of the 1800s, the world’s most well-known evangelist was a man named D.L. Moody. Moody’s quick wit and humor made him immensely likable. He once met a drunk who was tottering along, barely able to walk. … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Alcohol, Change, Character, Doing Good, Dress and Appearance, Drugs, Homosexuality, Lust, Lying, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Repentance, Salvation, Sanctification, Sin | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Simple Reminder

Posted on June 16, 2011 by russellmckinney

The drunk who has been marvelously delivered from alcoholism by the power of Christ certainly has a testimony. But so does the Christian who by that same power of Christ has never even tasted alcohol. The adulterer who cheated on … Continue reading →

Posted in Adultery, Alcohol, Character, Church, Discipleship, Doing Good, Marriage, Personal Holiness, Sanctification, Sin | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

A Different Way to Preach the Gospel

Posted on April 4, 2011 by russellmckinney

An army private became a Christian and began to experience some persecution from his fellow soldiers. One rainy night he came in very tired and wet, but he still got down on his knees and prayed before he went to … Continue reading →

Posted in Character, Doing Good, Evangelism, Extending Forgiveness, Humility, Influence, Mercy, Persecution, Perseverance, Personal Holiness, Prayer, Salvation, Trials, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Too Close to His Price

Posted on April 2, 2011 by russellmckinney

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are … Continue reading →

Posted in Character, Choices, Depravity, Doing Good, Personal Holiness, Sin, Temptation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Stretch Your Soul

Posted on March 24, 2011 by russellmckinney

Many years ago The Alabama Baptist ran the following story told by R. Lee Sharpe: I was just a kid. One spring day, father told me to go with him to old man Trussell’s blacksmith shop. He had left a … Continue reading →

Posted in Character, Doing Good, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Personal Holiness, Service | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Be a Good Neighbor

Posted on March 22, 2011 by russellmckinney

He who despises his neighbor sins… (Proverbs 14:21, N.K.J.V.) Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (Romans 13:10, N.K.J.V.) Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God will all … Continue reading →

Posted in Character, Contentment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Extending Forgiveness, Influence, Personal Holiness, Problems | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Next Day

Posted on March 10, 2011 by russellmckinney

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. (1 Corinthians 4:1-2, N.K.J.V.) One day some of Napoleon’s officers came to … Continue reading →

Posted in Character, Church Attendance, Commitment, Discipleship, Faithfulness, God's Work, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Priorities, Righteousness | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment