Category Archives: Influence

Something We Could Learn from a Parrot

Posted on November 4, 2011 by russellmckinney

In Queen Victoria’s Windsor Castle, there was a suite of rooms that were used by her personal chaplain. A private passageway connected the chaplain’s study to the Queen’s quarters. Oftentimes, the Queen would use that passageway to consult the chaplain … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Courage, God's Work, Honesty, Influence, Ministry, Preaching, The Tongue, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Does the Bible Teach About Drinking Alcohol? (9)

Posted on November 1, 2011 by russellmckinney

This post will finish up this series. I didn’t plan for the series to run quite this long, but as we’ve seen, this is a complex topic that brings in quite a bit of scripture. People certainly do it a … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Alcohol, Balance, Choices, Christian Liberty, Influence, Personal Holiness, Series: "What Does the Bible Teach About Drinking Alcohol?", Sin, Temptation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

“Yes, We Know That Man”

Posted on October 4, 2011 by russellmckinney

A missionary assigned to a foreign land zealously embraced his new ministry by promptly telling a crowd of natives about Jesus. He spoke of Christ’s love, compassion, and power to heal. As he spoke, he was surprised to see the … Continue reading →

Posted in Character, Discipleship, Doing Good, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Missions, Personal Holiness, Service, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Power of a Word of Praise

Posted on September 30, 2011 by russellmckinney

Benjamin West was a famous British artist in the 1700s. He also served as the President of the prestigious Royal Academy of Arts. He was especially known for his paintings of historical scenes. West first become aware of his artistic … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Communication, Encouragement, Fatherhood, Influence, Motherhood, Parenting, Personal, Sports, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Throw Up Your Cap

Posted on September 21, 2011 by russellmckinney

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11, N.L.T.) Years ago, in a small fishing village on the coast of New England, a winter storm blew up suddenly and caught … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Doing Good, Encouragement, Friendship, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Missions, Service, The Tongue | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

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

Life’s Army Barracks

Posted on August 22, 2011 by russellmckinney

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Bible Study, Character, Courage, Discipleship, Doing Good, Faithfulness, God's Will, God's Word, Influence, Obedience, Persecution, Personal Holiness, Scripture, Witnessing, Work, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“You Almost Missed Me”

Posted on August 2, 2011 by russellmckinney

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. (Proverbs 11:30, K.J.V.) Dr. Louis Evans was the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, California. He used to tell a story about … Continue reading →

Posted in Evangelism, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Obedience, Salvation, The Gospel, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Importance of Speaking Up

Posted on July 25, 2011 by russellmckinney

In the summer of 2011, Tonya and I loaded the boys into the Dodge Caravan and headed down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for a vacation. Ryan was fourteen years old at the time and Royce was ten. One experience … Continue reading →

Posted in Church Discipline, Commitment, Discernment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Faithfulness, Fear, God's Will, God's Work, Honesty, Influence, Ministry, Obedience, Persecution, Personal, Problems, Reward, Sanctification, Service, Sin, The Tongue, Truth, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Someone Who Understands

Posted on June 28, 2011 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 | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment