Category Archives: God’s Work

Can Prayer Change God’s Mind?

Posted on January 8, 2019 by russellmckinney

Paula Jarvis Garland wrote: “Here’s my question: If everything is predestined, then how does prayer change things? Can our prayers cause God to change his mind?” Paula, thanks for your question. It’s actually two questions, one concerning predestination and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Desires, God's Omniscience, God's Sovereignty, God's Will, God's Work, Influence, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Reward, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

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

Mary: The Slave of the Lord

Posted on December 14, 2018 by russellmckinney

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38, N.K.J.V.) Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she was the woman chosen by God to bring … Continue reading →

Posted in Brokenness, Commitment, Discipleship, Faithfulness, God's Work, Heaven, Humility, Ministry, Obedience, Pride, Rebellion, Reward, Righteousness, Salvation, Service, Slavery, Submission | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Are You Sure You’re a Soldier?

Posted on December 12, 2018 by russellmckinney

An elderly gentleman found himself seated next to a  young man who was dressed rather sloppily in civilian clothes. The elderly gentleman struck up a conversation to pass the time. After exchanging names and pleasant greetings, he asked the young … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study, Change, Faithfulness, God's Will, God's Word, God's Work, Hypocrisy, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Sacrifice, Salvation, Sanctification, Scripture, Separation, Service, Spiritual Warfare, The Bible | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

It’s Not Enough Just to Start

Posted on December 3, 2018 by russellmckinney

A retired couple were advised by their doctor to get more exercise. So, they decided to start walking two miles a day. Since they lived at the end of a long road in a rural area, they planned to daily … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Backsliding, Bible Study, Church Attendance, Commitment, Doing Good, Faithfulness, Giving, God's Work, Marriage, Perseverance, Personal Holiness, Prayer, Service | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Breaking Away from Family & Upbringing

Posted on November 28, 2018 by russellmckinney

If you are a Christian who was born into a “Christian” household, let me ask you a question: If you had been born into a household that was not “Christian,” would you have still believed in Jesus Christ at some … Continue reading →

Posted in Change, Children, Choices, Church, Church Attendance, Commitment, Courage, Decisions, Desires, Discernment, Dying To Self, Faith, Faithfulness, Family, Fatherhood, Fear, God's Guidance, God's Will, God's Work, Husbands, Individuality, Obedience, Parenting, Salvation, Service, Submission, Trusting In God, Wives, Work | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Make Your Bed

Posted on November 23, 2018 by russellmckinney

Naval Admiral William McRaven served as the ninth commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command from August 8, 2011, to August 28, 2014. On May 17, 2014, he gave the commencement speech at the University of Texas at Austin. His … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Character, Commitment, Doing Good, Faithfulness, God's Work, Leadership, Perseverance, Service, Work | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Ever Happened to the Original Church of Jerusalem?

Posted on November 19, 2018 by russellmckinney

(Series: “The Early Church of Jerusalem” post #16) The church of Jerusalem, the megachurch that was the world’s first church (Acts 8:1; 11:22), was never intended to be the planet’s only church. God’s plan was always for those believers to … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, Evangelism, God's Work, Ministry, Missions, Pastors, Persecution, Preaching, Series: "The Early Church of Jerusalem", The Gospel, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Most Shocking Convert Ever

Posted on November 16, 2018 by russellmckinney

(Series: “The Early Church of Jerusalem” post #15) Imagine Osama Bin Laden becoming a Christian and asking to speak in Christian churches. Imagine Adolph Hitler converting to Judaism and asking to speak in Jewish synagogues. Imagine the Grand Wizard of … Continue reading →

Posted in Brokenness, Change, Church, Conscience, Conviction, Dying To Self, Evangelism, God's Sovereignty, God's Work, Ministry, Missions, Persecution, Salvation, Series: "The Early Church of Jerusalem", Service, Submission, The Gospel, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

How God Brought Good Out of Persecution

Posted on November 14, 2018 by russellmckinney

(Series: “The Early Church of Jerusalem” post #14) It takes quite a bit of time and energy for a mob to literally stone someone to death. Coats and outer garments must be taken off so that rocks can be gathered … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Church, Contentment, Evangelism, God's Guidance, God's Sovereignty, God's Will, God's Work, Ministry, Missions, Persecution, Problems, Series: "The Early Church of Jerusalem", Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, The Gospel, Trials, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment