Category Archives: Encouragement

The Completion of the Second Temple

Posted on September 5, 2021 by russellmckinney

“Ezra” series: (post #12) Now the temple was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. Then the children of Israel, the priests and the Levites … Continue reading →

Posted in Encouragement, God's Work, Grace, Series: "Ezra" | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Apples of Gold in Settings of Silver

Posted on July 9, 2021 by russellmckinney

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver. (Proverbs 25:11, N.K.J.V.) Ed Young Sr., using this verse as the text for a daily devotion, writes the following: In ancient times, when an oriental king gave … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Criticism, Discernment, Encouragement, God's Work, Influence, Leadership, Service, The Tongue | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Being an Overcomer

Posted on June 2, 2021 by russellmckinney

1 John series: (post #8) With this post we launch into the list of the final five evidences of salvation that are named in 1 John. The first five evidences were: You desire fellowship with your fellow Christians. You walk … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Assurance of Salvation, Backsliding, Belief, Confession, Encouragement, Eternal Security, Faith, Grace, Ministry, Pastors, Perseverance, Repentance, Restoration, Salvation, Series: "1 John", Sin, The Sin Unto Death | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Cursed Crown

Posted on April 2, 2021 by russellmckinney

Crowns have historically been the ultimate sign of power and authority. Only kings and queens get to legitimately wear legitimate crowns. The most valuable crown in the world these days is St. Edward’s Crown, which is the centerpiece of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Belief, Christ's Death, Christ's Resurrection, Coming Judgment, Creation, Depravity, Easter, Encouragement, God's Judgment, God's Sovereignty, Good Friday, Grace, Perseverance, Problems, Prophecy, Reward, Salvation, Trials | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

No Faith for the Present

Posted on March 26, 2021 by russellmckinney

Every true Christian has faith in Jesus in regards to what happened in the past. That list includes: His virgin birth, sinless life, teachings, miracles, substitutionary death, resurrection, and ascension. By faith, we accept these scriptural facts about who Jesus … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Belief, Comfort, Courage, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, Needs, Prayer Requests, Problems, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Outside the Window

Posted on January 18, 2021 by russellmckinney

A young man suffered a serious neck injury in a car crash and was hospitalized. He was assigned the bed closest to the door in a two-patient room and strapped down to keep him immobilized on his back while the … Continue reading →

Posted in Encouragement, God's Work, Ministry, Service | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

Posted on January 11, 2021 by russellmckinney

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1, N.K.J.V.) Some people just have to worry, even when there is nothing happening that is worrisome. They are like the patient in the mental … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Comfort, Courage, Depression, Doubt, Encouragement, Eternal Security, Fear, God's Love, God's Provision, God's Sovereignty, Grace, Inner Peace, Needs, Peace, Problems, Sickness, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

R.G. Lee’s Glimpse Into Heaven

Posted on December 9, 2020 by russellmckinney

After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Comfort, Death, Elderly, Encouragement, Eternity, Evangelism, Heaven, Preaching, Salvation | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Has Somebody Kept You From Your Milk & Honey?

Posted on December 7, 2020 by russellmckinney

A study of the life of Moses will show that he didn’t get to live the life he should have. Rather than lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8), he … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Comfort, Disappointment, Encouragement, Eternity, God's Word, God's Work, Heaven, Leadership, Persecution, Perseverance, Problems, Service, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

God is Watching. But That Doesn’t Have to Be a Bad Thing.

Posted on November 20, 2020 by russellmckinney

One day some kids were assembled for lunch in the cafeteria of a Christian school. On one table, at the end of the food line, sat a big bucket filled with apples. Taped to the bucket was a staff-written note … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Encouragement, Faithfulness, God's Omnipresence, God's Omniscience, God's Work, Needs, Perseverance, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments