Category Archives: Character

A Plea for Courtesy

Posted on October 25, 2023 by russellmckinney

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous. (1 Peter 3:8, N.K.J.V., emphasis mine) I want to use this post to address a problem that I believe has reached … Continue reading →

Posted in Character, Children, Communication, Doing Good, Honesty, Humility, Influence, Leadership, Parenting, Personal, Personal Holiness, Priorities, Sports, Youth | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Persistence

Posted on October 11, 2023 by russellmckinney

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:9, N.K.J.V.) At 10:30 one night, a little girl called out from her bed, “Mommy, will you … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Character, Choices, Commitment, Disappointment, Faithfulness, God's Will, God's Work, Impatience, Marriage, Parenting, Patience, Perseverance, Problems, Temptation, Trials, Work | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Matter of Uriah the Hittite

Posted on October 4, 2023 by russellmckinney

One night a man got drunk and ended up in a bar fight during which he received several cuts and bruises to his face. When he got home, he stood in front of the bathroom mirror and tried his best … Continue reading →

Posted in Adultery, Backsliding, Change, Character, Confession, Conscience, Conviction, Disobedience, Forgiveness, God's Chastening, God's Judgment, Guilt, Lying, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Repentance, Sin | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Born Liars

Posted on September 20, 2023 by russellmckinney

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight. (Proverbs 12: 22, N.K.J.V.) A paratrooper finished basic training and went up for his first jump. As he was about to leap from the … Continue reading →

Posted in Character, Communication, Deception, Discernment, Honesty, Lying, Personal Holiness, Sin, The Tongue, Truth | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

An Unpleasant Truth

Posted on August 30, 2023 by russellmckinney

God gave the prophet Jeremiah a thankless task. Jeremiah was to prophesy, for decades, to his own people of Judah. Those people were a sinful, proud, stiff-necked bunch. Their nation stood on the precipice of being conquered by the Babylonians, … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Backsliding, Change, Character, Coming Judgment, Depravity, Disobedience, God's Judgment, Preaching, Pride, Rebellion, Repentance, Restoration, Salvation, Sin | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Problem of Copper Nails

Posted on July 31, 2023 by russellmckinney

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Character, Confession, Conscience, Conviction, Guilt, Honesty, Inner Peace, Personal Holiness, Repentance, Sin, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Responding to Criticism

Posted on July 26, 2023 by russellmckinney

Dr. Charles Lowery is a motivational speaker. For years, though, he was a pastor, and some of his observations on the ministry were absolutely hilarious. Consider this one on criticism: I always try to be positive with my critics. One … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Character, Criticism, Humor, Pastors, Personal | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Secret Sin

Posted on July 7, 2023 by russellmckinney

It’s been said that your character is what you are when no one is looking. However, it’s also been said that you can fool some of the people all of the time, all of the people some of the time, … Continue reading →

Posted in Adultery, Alcohol, Backsliding, Character, Conviction, Drugs, Gambling, God's Omnipresence, God's Judgment, God's Omniscience, Guilt, Homosexuality, Honesty, Hypocrisy, Lesbianism, Lust, Lying, Personal, Personal Holiness, Racism, Rebellion, Repentance, Sin, Sowing and Reaping, Temptation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Remembering Your Homeland & Culture

Posted on June 21, 2023 by russellmckinney

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2, N.K.J.V.) Do not love the world … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Character, Commitment, Desires, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dress and Appearance, Eternity, Faithfulness, Heaven, Personal Holiness, Priorities, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Ministering to Difficult People

Posted on June 12, 2023 by russellmckinney

New Yorker Stephen Merritt was an interesting guy. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, he served Christ as both a minister and an undertaker. (He was the undertaker for the funeral of Ulysses S. Grant.) In addition to these … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Character, Complaining, Confession, Conscience, Conviction, Discipleship, Doing Good, Extending Forgiveness, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Missions, Persecution, Revenge, Service, Suffering, Trials | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments