Category Archives: Depression

God: Your Captain

Posted on September 23, 2024 by russellmckinney

Thomas Stevenson was the father of Robert Louis Stevenson, the famous author. That in itself will get you a brief mention in the history books. Actually, though, Thomas was a touch famous himself, especially in his day. His fame came … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Angels, Comfort, Courage, Death, Decisions, Depression, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Holiness, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Omnipresence, God's Guidance, God's Omniscience, God's Provision, God's Sovereignty, Heaven, Perseverance, Problems, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Responding When Life Punches You in the Mouth

Posted on August 24, 2024 by russellmckinney

Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight boxing champion, used to say of his opponents and their strategies to beat him, “Everybody has plans until they get hit for the first time.” Likewise, it is said of military strategies, “No plan survives … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Character, Commitment, Complaining, Courage, Depression, Disappointment, Encouragement, Faithfulness, God's Work, Human Life, Ministry, Perseverance, Problems, Service, Suffering, Trials | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

An Important Context

Posted on June 14, 2024 by russellmckinney

We Christians are very familiar with Philippians 4:13, where the apostle Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” But how many of us correctly understand the context for this classic verse? Trust me, the context … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Adversity, Alcohol, Attitude, Comfort, Courage, Depression, Disappointment, Divorce, Drugs, Encouragement, Fear, Gambling, Inner Peace, Joy, Needs, Persecution, Perseverance, Problems, Salvation, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, Temptation, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Romans 8:28 & Roan Mountain

Posted on June 1, 2024 by russellmckinney

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28, NKJV) I grew up in the small town of Bakersville, North Carolina. I would … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Brokenness, Comfort, Complaining, Creation, Depression, Disappointment, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Sovereignty, God's Work, Perseverance, Personal, Problems, Restoration, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Look for the Best

Posted on May 6, 2024 by russellmckinney

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8, N.L.T.) A … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Balance, Complaining, Criticism, Depression, Disappointment, God's Love, God's Provision, Human Life, Leadership, Loneliness, Praise, Problems, Sickness, Suffering, Trials, Worry | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Don’t Let Yourself Be Stopped

Posted on October 2, 2023 by russellmckinney

A missionary society in South Africa wrote to David Livingstone, the legendary Scottish missionary who blazed trails in Africa for over thirty years. The letter read: Have you found a good road to where you are? If not, we want … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Commitment, Confession, Courage, Depression, Disappointment, Encouragement, Faithfulness, God's Work, Leadership, Ministry, Missions, Pastors, Persecution, Perseverance, Priorities, Problems, Repentance, Service, Suffering, Trials | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Defeat Your Amalekites

Posted on August 16, 2023 by russellmckinney

In Exodus 17:8-16, we find the wonderful story of Israel’s defeat of the Amalekites, a nomadic tribe who were descendants of Esau. The trouble began when the Amalekites launched a sneak attack against the Israelites. 1 Samuel 15:2 calls it … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Depression, Disappointment, Encouragement, Friendship, God's Work, Intercessory Prayer, Loneliness, Ministry, Needs, Perseverance, Problems, Service, Spiritual Warfare, Trials, War | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Just Do Your Best TODAY

Posted on August 7, 2023 by russellmckinney

I’d like to use this post to offer some good thoughts from a couple of well-known Independent Baptist preachers who have gone on to be with the Lord. The first one comes from Tom Malone. After quoting Deuteronomy 33:25, which … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Aging, Attitude, Commitment, Contentment, Depression, Desires, Doing Good, Encouragement, Faithfulness, Perseverance, Personal, Problems, Service, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Being Bold About Fear

Posted on July 17, 2023 by russellmckinney

In the wake of the infamous terrorist attacks of 9-11-01, our small county held a special service in the high school gymnasium. The service was for the benefit of the students, many of whom were emotionally shaken by the attacks. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Comfort, Courage, Depression, Doubt, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Omnipresence, Needs, Personal, Problems, Spiritual Warfare, The Holy Spirit, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Don’t Bail Out

Posted on July 10, 2023 by russellmckinney

Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” (John 6:67, N.K.J.V.) A pilot announced to his passengers that three of the plane’s four engines had conked out. A few seconds later he came out of … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Backsliding, Choices, Christ's Miracles, Commitment, Complaining, Decisions, Depression, Disappointment, Discipleship, Disobedience, Doubt, Eternal Security, Faithfulness, Fear, God's Will, Obedience, Perseverance, Problems, Rebellion, Service, Suffering, Temptation, Trials, Trusting In God, Truth, Waiting | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment