Category Archives: Family

Lynched by Mistake

Posted on May 10, 2012 by russellmckinney

In one Peanuts cartoon, Charlie Brown is lying in bed talking to Snoopy, who’s lying atop the covers at Charlie’s feet. Charlie says, “Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, ‘Is life a multiple choice test or is … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Aging, Choices, Discernment, Faith, Family, Fatherhood, Fear, God's Omniscience, God's Will, Husbands, Obedience, Parenting, Personal, Prayer, Problems, Submission, Trials, Trusting In God, Work, Worry, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

1,500 Sheep

Posted on September 19, 2011 by russellmckinney

A few years ago the Associated Press ran a story that came out of Gavas, a town in eastern Turkey. According to the story, one sheep from a very large flock walked to the edge of a cliff and jumped … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Choices, Courage, Decisions, Desires, Discernment, Discipline, Dress and Appearance, Family, Fatherhood, God's Will, Influence, Motherhood, Parenting, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

At What Age Should a Person Marry?

Posted on June 7, 2011 by russellmckinney

I’m officiating a wedding this afternoon. The bride and groom are both in their mid-twenties, which seems to be pretty much the average age for first-time marriages these days. But here’s a good question: At what age should a person … Continue reading →

Posted in Adultery, Bible Study, Children, Family, Fatherhood, God's Will, Husbands, Marriage, Motherhood, Parenting, Personal, Scripture, Sex, The Bible, Wives, Youth | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Learning to Really Appreciate the Moment

Posted on May 18, 2011 by russellmckinney

To everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, N.L.T.) The following quote is attributed to “Anonymous”: First, I was dying to finish high school and start college. And then I was dying to … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Children, Complaining, Contentment, Desires, Family, Fatherhood, God's Timing, God's Will, Human Life, Joy, Parenting, Personal, Problems, Service, Sports, Thankfulness, Waiting, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Those Children of Israel

Posted on February 1, 2011 by russellmckinney

In Deuteronomy chapter 5, the elderly Moses calls all of Israel together for an assembly and recites again to them The Ten Commandments that God had given them many years earlier at Mount Sinai (5:1-22). Not only did those Commandments … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Character, Children, Commitment, Doing Good, Faithfulness, Family, Fatherhood, God's Work, Motherhood, Parenting, Personal Holiness, Repentance, Righteousness, Sanctification, Sin, The Old Testament Law, Youth | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Peacemaking

Posted on February 20, 2010 by russellmckinney

“The Beatitudes” series: (post #7) “Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9, N.K.J.V.) If there was any doubt that the “blessed” who are described in the Beatitudes should be equated to Christians, it … Continue reading →

Posted in Evangelism, Family, Inner Peace, Salvation, Series: "The Beatitudes", The Sermon On The Mount, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Those Who Mourn

Posted on February 8, 2010 by russellmckinney

“The Beatitudes” series: (post #2) “Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4, N.K.J.V.) The Greek word for “mourn” in this verse is pentheo. It’s a word that specifically refers to the strongest, most intensive kind of … Continue reading →

Posted in Comfort, Death, Eternity, Family, Heaven, Pastors, Personal, Salvation, Series: "The Beatitudes", The Sermon On The Mount | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Will God Meet My Need?

Posted on February 2, 2010 by russellmckinney

In the mid-19th century, poverty characterized the people of the northeast Highlands of Scotland. During those days a man named John Murray was praying for guidance by a riverside. Many of his neighbors were immigrating to America, and he was … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Children, Faith, Family, Fatherhood, God's Love, God's Provision, Needs, Parenting, Personal, Prayer Requests, Problems, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Some Things to Remember This Christmas

Posted on December 12, 2009 by russellmckinney

An old legend tells that Satan and his demons once threw a Christmas party for themselves. As the party was ending and the demons were heading out to resume their worldwide activity, one demon jokingly said to Satan, “Merry Christmas, … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Christ's Birth, Christmas, Christmas Traditions, Complaining, Divorce, Family, Giving, Husbands, Marriage, Parenting, Wives | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Idolatry in Early Bloom (A Word About Youth Sports)

Posted on September 11, 2009 by russellmckinney

When you are the parent of a child involved in youth sports, you know more than you want to know about gyms, football fields, baseball diamonds, and soccer fields. You know how time consuming those places are. You know how … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Choices, Christian Liberty, Church Attendance, Discipleship, Family, Fatherhood, God's Will, Idolatry, Motherhood, Parenting, Personal, Priorities, Sports, Worship, Youth | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment