Category Archives: Friendship

Separating From Your Ephraim

Posted on October 6, 2021 by russellmckinney

Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone! (Hosea 4:17, N.I.V.) The tribe called Ephraim took its name from Joseph’s son Ephraim and was one of the most prominent tribes in Israel’s northern kingdom. As a matter of fact, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Friendship, Idolatry, Influence, Personal Holiness, Separation | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

A Word to the Lonely

Posted on May 28, 2020 by russellmckinney

Every day we hear the latest reports about the Covid-19 Coronavirus. Such and such number of people are sick with the virus. Such and such number of people have died from it. Such and such number of people have recovered … Continue reading →

Posted in Comfort, Current Events, Depression, Desires, Elderly, Encouragement, Family, Friendship, God's Love, God's Omnipresence, God's Provision, Loneliness, Needs, Suicide | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

What’s Your Love Language?

Posted on October 13, 2017 by russellmckinney

My mother attends Calvary Baptist Church in Winston Salem, NC. Dr. Gary Chapman has served on staff there since 1971. He currently holds the position of Senior Associate Pastor. But he is known around the world as the author of … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Family, Fatherhood, Friendship, Individuality, Love, Motherhood, Parenting, Personal | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Mixed Multitude

Posted on August 18, 2017 by russellmckinney

Then the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides children. A mixed multitude went up with them also, and flocks and herds — a great deal of livestock. (Exodus 12:38, N.K.J.V.) … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Choices, Contentment, Desires, Discipleship, Friendship, God's Chastening, God's Judgment, God's Provision, Greed, Influence, Lust, Prayer Requests, Rebellion, Separation, Temptation, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Jesus As a Friend?

Posted on June 6, 2017 by russellmckinney

In the 15th chapter of the gospel of John, Jesus makes a point of explaining to His remaining 11 apostles that He will now call them “friends” rather than “servants.” He says to them: Greater love has no one than … Continue reading →

Posted in Discipleship, Friendship, God's Love, Obedience, Personal | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Mayonnaise Jar

Posted on November 9, 2012 by russellmckinney

A philosophy professor stood before his class and began an object lesson. First, he sat an empty mayonnaise jar on the table in front of him. Next, he brought out a box of rocks that were each about two inches … Continue reading →

Posted in Contentment, Discipleship, Dying To Self, Family, Friendship, God's Will, Human Life, Joy, Priorities, Salvation, Truth | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Jesus & Nazareth

Posted on October 25, 2012 by russellmckinney

With the exception of the times when I was attending Appalachian State University and Fruitland Baptist Bible Institute, I’ve lived my entire life right here in Mitchell county. It’s a small, rural county located in the  mountains of northwestern North … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ's Miracles, Doing Good, Evangelism, Family, Friendship, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Personal, Preaching, Service, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Does a Sequoia Tree Have to Do With a Christian?

Posted on October 23, 2012 by russellmckinney

Lately I’ve noticed that I’ve been ending a fair number of conversations with fellow Christians with some words to the effect, “So you pray for me, and I’ll pray for you.” As you might guess, these words have come at … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Unity, Comfort, Encouragement, Friendship, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Seeking Advice | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Everybody is Not Your Friend

Posted on July 25, 2012 by russellmckinney

Jorge Rodriguez was a bank robber who operated along the Texas border in the late 1800s. He lived in a small village in Mexico and frequently crossed the Rio Grande into Texas to hit the banks. He was so successful … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ's Death, Communication, Friendship, Humor | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments