Category Archives: Discernment

Gamaliel’s Advice

Posted on September 28, 2019 by russellmckinney

“And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Choices, Depression, Disappointment, Discernment, Encouragement, Faithfulness, God's Timing, God's Will, God's Work, Ministry, Perseverance, Preaching, Problems, Prosperity, Reward, Service, Sowing and Reaping, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Royce’s World Civilizations Textbook

Posted on September 21, 2019 by russellmckinney

Royce, our eighteen-year-old son, is currently attending the local community college. He’s in the general-education program, the idea being that he will complete that two-year program and then transfer to a four-year school. Okay, so far so good. He comes … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Current Events, Discernment, Parenting, Personal, Scripture, The Bible, Truth, Youth | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Your Mind Is Like a Hotel

Posted on September 16, 2019 by russellmckinney

One writer has compared our minds to a hotel. The hotel manager cannot keep a problem person from entering the lobby, but he can keep that person from getting a room and staying there. Similarly, you cannot cannot keep a … Continue reading →

Posted in Discernment, Discipleship, Entertainment, Music, Personal Holiness, Sanctification, Separation, Temptation | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

“Christian Verses” Podcast: Philippians 4:13

Posted on August 25, 2019 by russellmckinney

The verse for this week’s “Christian Verses” podcast is Philippians 4:13. Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” But just exactly what “things” was he referring to? Join Malcolm Woody and me as we discuss … Continue reading →

Posted in "Christian Verses" podcast, Discernment, God's Provision, God's Will | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Is God Calling You to Deal with a Problem?

Posted on August 22, 2019 by russellmckinney

David Livingston, the legendary missionary to Africa, was a man who understood that some jobs God asks us to do aren’t for the faint of heart. On the subject of Livingstone’s work in Africa, one man wrote him, “I would … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Change, Choices, Courage, Discernment, God's Will, God's Work, Problems, Service | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

What Spiritual Gifts Does the Bible Name?

Posted on August 7, 2019 by russellmckinney

Series: “Spiritual Gifts” (post #2) To find out what spiritual gifts the Bible names, you have to consult three separate passages of scripture. The passages are Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-30, and Ephesians 4:7-16. By combining the lists from all … Continue reading →

Posted in Discernment, Evangelism, Faith, Giving, God's Work, Individuality, Leadership, Mercy, Ministry, Pastors, Preaching, Series: "Spiritual Gifts", Service, Speaking in Tongues, Spiritual Gifts, Spiritual Warfare, Teaching, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

God’s Mirror

Posted on July 6, 2019 by russellmckinney

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study, Change, Character, Discernment, God's Will, God's Word, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Scripture, The Bible | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Ichabod

Posted on July 1, 2019 by russellmckinney

Ichabod is an odd name. When you mention it, the average person’s mind goes to Ichabod Crane, the schoolmaster character in Washington Irving’s famous short story The Legend of Sleep Hollow. Students of the Bible, however, know that the name actually … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Church, Coming Judgment, Discernment, Disobedience, God's Wrath, God's Judgment, God's Word, Problems, Rebellion, Scripture, Sin | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Christians Bringing a Touch of Christ’s Kingdom to Earth

Posted on June 13, 2019 by russellmckinney

Series: “Christ’s Kingdom” (post #5) Jesus spent His three-and-a-half-year earthly ministry bringing a touch of His heavenly kingdom to the earth. Then, after being crucified, He resurrected and ascended back to heaven. This left a gaping hole in regards to … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Character, Discernment, Discipleship, Disobedience, Doing Good, Extending Forgiveness, Faithfulness, Forgiveness, Giving, God's Provision, God's Will, God's Word, God's Work, Good Works, Influence, Lust, Marriage, Ministry, Needs, Obedience, Persecution, Personal Holiness, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Priorities, Prosperity, Reconciliation, Revenge, Reward, Righteousness, Salvation, Sanctification, Scripture, Series: "Christ's Kingdom", Service, Temptation, The Bible, The Heart, The Old Testament Law, The Sermon On The Mount, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Does God Want You to Get Out of the Way or Get Involved?

Posted on May 27, 2019 by russellmckinney

Does God want the Christian to stay out of the way and let Him sovereignly bring His will to pass? Or does God want to actually use the Christian to bring that will to pass? The answers to these questions … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Choices, Decisions, Discernment, Discipleship, God's Omnipotence, God's Omniscience, God's Sovereignty, God's Will, God's Work, Obedience, Parenting, Prayer, Problems, Service, Submission, The Holy Spirit, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment