Category Archives: Influence

The Tragedy of Living the Wrong Life

Posted on February 21, 2022 by russellmckinney

Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:4, N.K.J.V.) In the … Continue reading →

Posted in Change, Dying To Self, God's Will, God's Work, Human Life, Individuality, Influence, Priorities, Service, Trusting In God, Work | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Case of Mistaken Identity

Posted on February 7, 2022 by russellmckinney

Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ… (Philippians 1:27, N.K.J.V.) A man was sitting in his car at a red light one morning. When the light changed to green, the woman driving the car in front … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Character, Complaining, Criticism, Discipleship, Doing Good, Holiness, Humor, Impatience, Influence, Patience, Personal Holiness, The Tongue | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Keep Playing

Posted on February 4, 2022 by russellmckinney

In Galatians 6:9, the apostle Paul says to the Christians of Galatia, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (N.K.J.V.). At the risk of sounding like a … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Backsliding, Comfort, Courage, Depression, Disappointment, Doing Good, Doubt, Encouragement, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Work, Impatience, Influence, Ministry, Obedience, Patience, Perseverance, Problems, Reward, Service, Sowing and Reaping, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, Temptation, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Someone Who Understands

Posted on January 19, 2022 by russellmckinney

A farmer had some puppies for sale. He painted a sign advertising them and nailed it on a post at the edge of his yard. As he was driving in the last nail, he felt a tug on his overalls. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Disappointment, Doing Good, God's Love, God's Work, Influence, Mercy, Ministry, Perseverance, Problems, Trusting In God, Witnessing | Leave a comment

What Donald Trump Jr. Has Figured Out

Posted on December 29, 2021 by russellmckinney

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” (John 18:36, … Continue reading →

Posted in Abortion, Christ's Second Coming, Commitment, Current Events, Discipleship, Doing Good, Faithfulness, God's Will, God's Work, Government, Homosexuality, Influence, Persecution, Personal, Politics, Priorities, Prophecy, Scripture, Service, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, The Bible | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

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

Who Are You in Bed With?

Posted on September 24, 2021 by russellmckinney

“Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am … Continue reading →

Posted in God's Chastening, God's Judgment, Idolatry, Influence, Separation, The Sin Unto Death | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Did Paul Go Against James?

Posted on September 22, 2021 by russellmckinney

Eating meat that had previously been used in the worship of false gods was a major theological debate in the days of the early churches. The pagan priests would kill sacrificial animals, offer them as sacrifices upon the pagan altars … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Christian Liberty, Discernment, Idolatry, Influence | 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

What God Thinks About the Emasculation of Men

Posted on June 28, 2021 by russellmckinney

This past Saturday morning I woke up, put on my clothes, and started making my way to the kitchen to get breakfast. As I walked through our living room, my twenty-year-old son, Royce, was sprawled out there on the couch. … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study, Children, Courage, Current Events, Family, Fatherhood, God's Word, Husbands, Influence, King James Only, Lesbianism, Parenting, Personal, Scripture, The Old Testament Law, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment