Category Archives: Joy

The Good Thing About Trouble

Posted on November 8, 2021 by russellmckinney

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. (James 1:2-3, N.L.T.) Dr. Lee … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Commitment, Disappointment, Discipleship, Faithfulness, Joy, Persecution, Perseverance, Personal, Problems, Service, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Jesus On You

Posted on August 31, 2020 by russellmckinney

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11, N.K.J.V.) A church member caught a wave of excitement about serving the Lord and said to his … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Current Events, Joy, Salvation, Witnessing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

When a Nightmare Becomes a Reality

Posted on March 28, 2020 by russellmckinney

6’10, 235 pound Darrall Imhoff was a great basketball player. He was a two-time All American at the University of California, was a starter on that school’s 1959 team that won the NCAA championship, won a gold medal as a … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Brokenness, Change, Christ's Death, Christ's Resurrection, Comfort, Courage, Crucifixion, Depression, Disappointment, Easter, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Sovereignty, God's Work, Good Friday, Inner Peace, Joy, Perseverance, Problems, Restoration, Resurrection, Sports, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How to Lose the Joy of Salvation

Posted on March 13, 2020 by russellmckinney

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation… (Psalm 51:12, N.K.J.V.) Prominent Baptist preacher Dr. Tom Wallace tells of an experience he had when he was serving as the pastor of Bible Baptist Church in Elkton, Maryland. One Sunday morning … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Confession, Disobedience, Forgiveness, Guilt, Holiness, Joy, Rebellion, Repentance, Restoration, Sin | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Sir, We Would See Jesus”

Posted on February 27, 2020 by russellmckinney

The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. (John 12:21, K.J.V.) Word has it that a church in Georgia has an angling stairway the preacher must ascend … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Belief, Depression, Disappointment, Discipleship, Doubt, Faith, Joy, Ministry, Preaching, Problems, Service, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

It’s Hard to Be Still

Posted on February 1, 2019 by russellmckinney

Be still, and know that I am God… (Psalm 46:10, N.K.J.V.) Our son Royce is 18 years old now, and sitting still continues to be a challenge for him. He’s hyper. He’s active. He’s fidgety. He’s squirmy. He’s, well, you … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Comfort, Contentment, Depression, Dying To Self, Faith, Fear, God's Omniscience, God's Provision, God's Sovereignty, Impatience, Joy, Needs, Patience, Peace, Personal, Problems, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

“Christian Verses” Podcast: Psalm 16:11

Posted on June 24, 2018 by russellmckinney

Quick question: How much joy do you have? A second quick question: Even if you think you have some joy, would other people say that you do? In this week’s podcast Malcolm and I take Psalm 16:11 and use it … Continue reading →

Posted in "Christian Verses" podcast, Joy | Leave a comment

What Sin Costs the Christian

Posted on August 25, 2017 by russellmckinney

New Testament Christianity teaches that salvation comes by way of faith (belief) in Jesus Christ. John 3:16 can’t be much clearer: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Conscience, Conviction, Disobedience, God's Chastening, Holiness, Inner Peace, Joy, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Sin, Sowing and Reaping, Temptation | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

God’s Fiddle

Posted on April 3, 2017 by russellmckinney

Bob Jones Sr., who founded Bob Jones University, a Christian university in Greenville, S.C., used to tell the story of a student from North Carolina named Dorothy. Before enrolling at B.J.U., Dorothy came from a family who wanted nothing to … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Brokenness, Desires, Dying To Self, God's Name, Idolatry, Joy, Music, Priorities, Submission, Talents | Tagged , , , , , | 1 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