Category Archives: Desires

Strange Looking Bread & Fish

Posted on April 15, 2019 by russellmckinney

“Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Complaining, Contentment, Desires, Disappointment, Discernment, Discipleship, Faithfulness, God's Provision, God's Work, Impatience, Needs, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bullseye Shooting

Posted on March 11, 2019 by russellmckinney

A man was driving through the countryside when he noticed a house that had a barn beside it. Painted onto the side of the barn were several bullseye targets. Inside the center of each target was a bullet hole. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Change, Choices, Commitment, Desires, Discipleship, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, God's Omniscience, God's Will, Obedience, Submission, Trusting In God | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Being in a Relationship With a Jealous God

Posted on February 20, 2019 by russellmckinney

A.B. Simpson, the great Canadian preacher, used to tell the story of a father and a daughter. One day the father was sitting in his library reading one of his many books. At his feet was his little girl. She … Continue reading →

Posted in Commitment, Desires, Faithfulness, God's Name, Jealousy, Obedience, Priorities, Reward, Service, Submission, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Choosing the East Side of the Jordan

Posted on February 6, 2019 by russellmckinney

Numbers chapter 32 provides us with a fascinating twist in the story of Moses and the Israelites. The twist involves the tribes of Reuben and Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh, and it holds multiple metaphorical lessons for us … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Covetousness, Desires, Disobedience, God's Will, Lust, Obedience, Patience, Rebellion, Temptation, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Can Prayer Change God’s Mind?

Posted on January 8, 2019 by russellmckinney

Paula Jarvis Garland wrote: “Here’s my question: If everything is predestined, then how does prayer change things? Can our prayers cause God to change his mind?” Paula, thanks for your question. It’s actually two questions, one concerning predestination and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Desires, God's Omniscience, God's Sovereignty, God's Will, God's Work, Influence, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Reward, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Be Careful About Signs

Posted on January 5, 2019 by russellmckinney

Dr. Lehman Strauss was one of the best preachers America has ever produced. Over the course of his sixty-year ministry, he successfully served in the various roles of pastor, evangelist, teacher, and commentator. He truly was a great man of … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study, Choices, Desires, Dreams, God's Will, Scripture, The Bible | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A New Year’s Resolution Solomon Could Appreciate

Posted on December 31, 2018 by russellmckinney

When Solomon’s father, King David, died and Solomon became the King of Israel, the transition wasn’t without bloodshed. First, just before David died he instructed Solomon to kill two of David’s enemies — Joab (1 Kings 2:1-6) and Shimei (1 … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Desires, Discernment, Dreams, Money, New Year, Prayer Requests, Problems, Revenge, Seeking Advice, The Ark of the Covenant, Wisdom | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Problem With Chasing “It”

Posted on December 28, 2018 by russellmckinney

There once was a man who was constantly searching for “it.” When he was a child, “it” was the cookie jar on the shelf. When he became a teenager, “it” was a nice car. When he got a little older, … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Christ's Death, Contentment, Desires, Impatience, Sowing and Reaping, Thankfulness, Waiting | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

There

Posted on December 26, 2018 by russellmckinney

Some anonymous Christian writer has penned the following words: There is no place just as good as “THERE,” the place of God’s purpose. We try to strike bargains with the Lord, offer to do something else, seek a compromise or … Continue reading →

Posted in Change, Commitment, Desires, Discipleship, Disobedience, Doing Good, Dreams, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, Family, Friendship, God's Timing, God's Will, God's Work, Influence, Leadership, Ministry, New Year, Obedience, Parenting, Prayer, Priorities, Rebellion, Repentance, Service, Submission, Temptation, Trusting In God, Work | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Settling for Pig Food

Posted on December 7, 2018 by russellmckinney

Let’s say that a kid wants the newest, hottest, super-duper-deluxe video-game system for Christmas. The thing costs $450. Now let’s say that the kid’s parents just can’t afford to spend that much on a Christmas present. So what do they … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Confession, Desires, Disappointment, God's Timing, God's Will, Impatience, Patience, Perseverance, Repentance, Reward, Sin, Temptation, Trials, Waiting | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment