Category Archives: Commitment

Maybe It’s Time to Sharpen Your Blade

Posted on January 5, 2011 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 … 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

Leaping for Joy About Being Persecuted

Posted on February 23, 2010 by russellmckinney

“The Beatitudes” series: (post #8) “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Comfort, Commitment, Criticism, Doing Good, Encouragement, Eternity, Faithfulness, God's Work, Heaven, Ministry, Missions, Pastors, Persecution, Perseverance, Personal Holiness, Reward, Righteousness, Sanctification, Series: "The Beatitudes", Service, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, Thankfulness, The Sermon On The Mount, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Always Do Your Best

Posted on January 21, 2010 by russellmckinney

One day, many years ago when New York department stores were high-end stores, a group of lowly paid clerks were standing around talking about baseball. It was raining that day, which meant that business was slow. Then a woman, wet … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Business, Character, Commitment, Doing Good, God's Omnipresence, Personal Holiness, Reward, Service, Stewardship, Work | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lunchroom Trays & Jesus

Posted on August 11, 2009 by russellmckinney

You remember those lunchroom trays from your childhood, don’t you? They were so compartmentalized. They were the epitome of “a place for everything and everything in its place.” The cream corn wasn’t supposed to spill over into the mashed potatoes. … Continue reading →

Posted in Church Attendance, Commitment, Discipleship, Dress and Appearance, Entertainment, Family, God's Will, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Sanctification, Separation, Work, Worship | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Got Your Baptismal Certificate with You?

Posted on July 28, 2009 by russellmckinney

The two ordinances that God has given the church are the Lord’s Supper and Believer’s Baptism. The Lord’s Supper points us to Christ’s death, and Believer’s Baptism points us to His resurrection. Each ordinance hinges upon a right understanding of … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Adultery, Backsliding, Baptism, Character, Christ's Death, Christ's Resurrection, Commitment, Conviction, Crucifixion, Discipleship, Disobedience, Doing Good, Dress and Appearance, Dying To Self, Eternity, Faithfulness, Holiness, Hypocrisy, Idolatry, Lust, Lying, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Racism, Rebellion, Repentance, Sin, Temptation, The Lord's Supper | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Love for Jesus Looks Like

Posted on July 25, 2009 by russellmckinney

Harry Winston, the famous New York diamond dealer, once heard about a wealthy Dutch merchant who was looking for a certain kind of diamond to add to his collection. Winston called the merchant, told him he thought he had just … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Alcohol, Backsliding, Choices, Commitment, Confession, Discipleship, Disobedience, Doing Good, Dress and Appearance, Drugs, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, Gambling, Gluttony, God's Holiness, God's Will, Holiness, Love, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Priorities, Rebellion, Repentance, Sanctification, Separation, Sin, Temptation | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Get to Work

Posted on April 24, 2009 by russellmckinney

Throughout the Bible, we find verses that can be broken down into two parts: your part and God’s part. Here are a few examples, all from the New King James Version, with me adding in the designations “your part” and … Continue reading →

Posted in Brokenness, Commitment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, God's Will, God's Work, Ministry, Service, Submission, Work | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Church Or YBOA Basketball?

Posted on March 29, 2009 by russellmckinney

For the past three years, my son Ryan has played two categories of youth basketball. One, he has played in our county’s recreation league. Two, he has played on our county’s YBOA (Youth Basketball of America) team for his age division. The rec. games … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Church Attendance, Commitment, God's Will, Parenting, Personal, Priorities, Sports | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Reunions

Posted on March 6, 2009 by russellmckinney

When I was elected President of my high school’s senior class in 1984, I thought it was an honor. What I didn’t realize was the title carried with it the lifetime task of organizing a class reunion every ten years … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Backsliding, Bible Study, Change, Church Attendance, Commitment, Discipleship, God's Work, New Year, Obedience, Personal, Personal Holiness, Prayer, Repentance, Salvation, Sanctification, Service, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Requirements of Discipleship

Posted on February 27, 2009 by russellmckinney

So, you say you have an interest in becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ? Let’s see how much interest you really have. First, in Luke 14:26, Jesus says: If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and … Continue reading →

Posted in Commitment, Discipleship, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, Family, Priorities, Sacrifice, Service, Submission | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment