Category Archives: Human Life

A Key Lesson About Life

Posted on September 6, 2024 by russellmckinney

Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. James 4:17 (N.K.J.V.) The book of James will always have a special place in my heart because it is the first book … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Attitude, Disappointment, God's Omnipotence, God's Sovereignty, God's Will, Human Life, Humility, Pride, Submission, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Responding When Life Punches You in the Mouth

Posted on August 24, 2024 by russellmckinney

Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight boxing champion, used to say of his opponents and their strategies to beat him, “Everybody has plans until they get hit for the first time.” Likewise, it is said of military strategies, “No plan survives … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Character, Commitment, Complaining, Courage, Depression, Disappointment, Encouragement, Faithfulness, God's Work, Human Life, Ministry, Perseverance, Problems, Service, Suffering, Trials | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

God’s Worst Form of Earthly Judgment

Posted on August 12, 2024 by russellmckinney

Quick, name the worst judgment that God ever inflicted upon someone. If you answered, “Sending that person to hell,” give yourself a gold star. After all, there simply cannot be anything worse than eternal judgment. But eternal judgment involves God … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Choices, Death, Decisions, Depravity, Desires, Disobedience, Faithfulness, God's Wrath, God's Judgment, Homosexuality, Human Life, Idolatry, Lesbianism, Lust, Obedience, Rebellion, Repentance, Salvation, Sex, Sin, The Heart, The Sin Unto Death, The Unpardonable Sin | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Diving Deep Into the Subject of God’s Will

Posted on July 1, 2024 by russellmckinney

I placed my belief in Jesus as my Savior when I was a young boy. That belief was sincere and legitimate, which meant that God the Holy Spirit took up permanent residence inside my body and I was thus “born … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Choices, Christ's Death, Decisions, Disappointment, Disobedience, Dying To Self, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Omniscience, God's Provision, God's Will, Human Life, Perseverance, Personal, Problems, Rebellion, Reward, Sin, Submission, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Mayonnaise Jar

Posted on June 24, 2024 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 Discipleship, Dying To Self, Family, Friendship, God's Will, Human Life, Needs, Priorities, Salvation, Sanctification, Service | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Always Victorious?

Posted on June 10, 2024 by russellmckinney

By this I know that You are well pleased with me, because my enemy does not triumph over me. (Psalm 41:11, N.K.J.V.) David wrote Psalm 41, and it’s simply impossible to understand our text verse correctly unless we view it … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Commitment, Criticism, Disappointment, Eternity, Faithfulness, God's Work, Human Life, Persecution, Perseverance, Prayer Requests, Problems, Service, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, Trials | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Look for the Best

Posted on May 6, 2024 by russellmckinney

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8, N.L.T.) A … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Balance, Complaining, Criticism, Depression, Disappointment, God's Love, God's Provision, Human Life, Leadership, Loneliness, Praise, Problems, Sickness, Suffering, Trials, Worry | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Carowinds

Posted on November 26, 2022 by russellmckinney

I’m 56 years old now, and it’s been more than ten years since I was forced to come to grips with the reality of aging. On that day so long ago, Tonya and I took our two boys (Ryan and … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Change, Contentment, Elderly, Human Life, Parenting, Personal, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Days of Our Lives

Posted on October 26, 2022 by russellmckinney

The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. (Psalm 90:10, N.K.J.V.) I … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Death, Elderly, Eternity, Human Life, Personal Holiness, Scripture, The Bible | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Learning to Really Appreciate the Moment

Posted on October 12, 2022 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