Category Archives: Discernment

What Satan Did to Michael: Disputation

Posted on August 27, 2025 by russellmckinney

“The Wiles of the Devil” series (post #5) Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (Jude … Continue reading →

Posted in Discernment, Rebellion, Satan, Series: "The Wiles of the Devil", Spiritual Warfare, Submission, Temptation, The Devil | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Satan Did to Eve: Deception

Posted on August 22, 2025 by russellmckinney

“The Wiles of the Devil” series (post #3) And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. (1 Timothy 2:14, N.K.J.V.) But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your … Continue reading →

Posted in Deception, Discernment, Lying, Personal, Prophecy, Satan, Series: "The Wiles of the Devil", Spiritual Warfare, The Devil, Truth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Wiles of the Devil

Posted on August 18, 2025 by russellmckinney

“The Wiles of the Devil” series (post #1) Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11, N.K.J.V.) The Greek word translated as “wiles” in this verse … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study, Deception, Demons, Discernment, Satan, Scripture, Series: "The Wiles of the Devil", Spiritual Warfare, The Devil | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Problem with Trying to Please Everybody

Posted on August 8, 2025 by russellmckinney

Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. (Genesis 5:24, N.I.V.) By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death. “He could not be found, because God … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Choices, Commitment, Contentment, Courage, Criticism, Decisions, Desires, Discernment, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, Fear, God's Guidance, God's Will, God's Work, Humility, Obedience, Persecution, Priorities, Problems, Service, Spiritual Warfare, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fighting on God’s Side

Posted on July 18, 2025 by russellmckinney

Haman had it all. Persia’s powerful king, Ahasuerus, had advanced him above all of Persia’s other princes (Esther 3:1). Ahasuerus had even decreed that whenever Haman was inside the gate of the royal grounds, all of Ahasuerus’ servants were to … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Church, Complaining, Criticism, Decisions, Discernment, Family, God's Will, Leadership, Marriage, Parenting, Politics, Problems, Revenge, Sports, Work | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Shaking the Dust Off Your Feet

Posted on June 27, 2025 by russellmckinney

“And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whoever will not receive you nor hear … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Business, Change, Choices, Church Attendance, Commitment, Decisions, Disappointment, Discernment, Evangelism, God's Guidance, God's Will, God's Work, Ministry, Obedience, Problems, Service, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Following Your Own Counsel

Posted on April 30, 2025 by russellmckinney

If you ask me to name the #1 problem that Christians exhibit in their daily conduct, my answer might surprise you. It wouldn’t be “sin,” even though we certainly do sin far too much. It wouldn’t be “a lack of … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Counsel, Decisions, Desires, Discernment, God's Guidance, God's Will, Obedience, Rebellion, Seeking Advice, The Heart, The Holy Spirit, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A Special Antenna

Posted on April 23, 2025 by russellmckinney

As a Christian, I sometimes get frustrated with people who just can’t seem to grasp spiritual issues. No matter how many Bible passages I cite, how many illustrations I use, or how eloquently I explain a subject, these folks simply … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Communication, Discernment, Discipleship, Evangelism, God's Guidance, God's Work, Personal, Salvation, The Holy Spirit, Truth, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

God’s Perspective

Posted on March 19, 2025 by russellmckinney

A man was having a particularly intimate conversation with God by way of prayer. The man asked, “God, how long is a million years to you?” God answered, “It’s just like a second of time for you, My child.” The … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Belief, Commitment, Disappointment, Discernment, Discipleship, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Omnipotence, God's Timing, God's Guidance, God's Omniscience, God's Sovereignty, God's Will, Impatience, Money, Needs, Obedience, Patience, Perseverance, Prayer Requests, Problems, Prosperity, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

How to Spot a Work of the Devil

Posted on March 14, 2025 by russellmckinney

Life is filled with all kinds of unpleasant situations. As Job 14:1 says, “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.” But how can you tell the difference between one of life’s inevitable troubles … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Demons, Discernment, Persecution, Personal, Problems, Satan, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, The Devil | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments