Category Archives: Courage

A Big, Black Door

Posted on March 17, 2023 by russellmckinney

A spy was captured by the Persian army and sentenced to death. As he soon learned, the Persian general who issued the death sentence carried out executions in an unusual way. The general would give the condemned the choice of … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Courage, Decisions, Doubt, Faith, Fear, God's Will, Obedience, Satan, The Devil, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Suffering

Posted on October 24, 2022 by russellmckinney

We live in a culture in which we are taught to avoid suffering. After all, avoiding it does seem to make perfect sense. But the problem is that God, who oftentimes delights in making little or no sense, uses suffering … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Christ's Death, Christ's Resurrection, Comfort, Complaining, Contentment, Courage, Depression, Disappointment, Encouragement, Patience, Persecution, Perseverance, Problems, Reward, Salvation, Sanctification, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A Prayer Worth Praying

Posted on May 30, 2022 by russellmckinney

My friend Malcolm Woody once sent me an e-mail that included an awesome prayer. The prayer came from John Baillie, the Scottish theologian who wrote the classic book A Diary of Private Prayer. The prayer goes like this: Teach me, O’ … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Courage, Disappointment, Fear, God's Sovereignty, Humility, Loneliness, Persecution, Perseverance, Personal Holiness, Prayer, Problems, Sanctification, Sickness, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

What’s Got You Afraid?

Posted on February 9, 2022 by russellmckinney

A boy took a shortcut across a certain field after dark. He was leery about the trip because his mother had warned him not to try to cross that field in the darkness. But on this occasion he was so … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Comfort, Courage, Doubt, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Omnipresence, God's Sovereignty, Inner Peace, Problems, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Keep Playing

Posted on February 4, 2022 by russellmckinney

In Galatians 6:9, the apostle Paul says to the Christians of Galatia, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (N.K.J.V.). At the risk of sounding like a … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Backsliding, Comfort, Courage, Depression, Disappointment, Doing Good, Doubt, Encouragement, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Work, Impatience, Influence, Ministry, Obedience, Patience, Perseverance, Problems, Reward, Service, Sowing and Reaping, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, Temptation, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Don’t Be Afraid to Fly

Posted on January 21, 2022 by russellmckinney

The true story is told of a Midwestern farmer who found a young eaglet. The bird’s wing was injured to the point that flying was impossible. The farmer carefully picked up the eaglet and took it back to his farm. … Continue reading →

Posted in Courage, Faith, God's Will, God's Work, Individuality, Ministry, Service, Spiritual Gifts, Talents | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Why Linus Dropped His Blanket

Posted on December 6, 2021 by russellmckinney

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Comfort, Courage, Encouragement, Evangelism, Fear, Witnessing, Worry | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Do You Really Trust God?

Posted on November 26, 2021 by russellmckinney

My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your hearts to him for God is our refuge. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Assurance of Salvation, Attitude, Belief, Commitment, Courage, Discipleship, Doubt, Eternal Security, Faith, Fatherhood, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Omnipresence, God's Omniscience, God's Provision, God's Sovereignty, Human Life, Needs, Personal, Problems, Sanctification, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Wednesday Worry Box

Posted on October 27, 2021 by russellmckinney

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (Philippians 4:6, New Living Translation) Today is Wednesday and so I thought I’d share an illustration geared specifically to … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Courage, Faith, Fear, God's Foreknowledge, Inner Peace, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

When God Stirs You Up

Posted on August 9, 2021 by russellmckinney

“Ezra” series: (post #1) Then the heads of the fathers’ houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, with all whose spirits God had moved, arose to go up and build the house of the Lord which … Continue reading →

Posted in Change, Courage, Decisions, Faith, God's Omnipotence, God's Timing, God's Will, Government, Obedience, Prophecy, Series: "Ezra", Service, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment