Category Archives: Ministry

Is God Calling You to Deal with a Problem?

Posted on November 6, 2026 by russellmckinney

David Livingston, the legendary missionary to Africa, was a man who understood that some jobs God asks us to do aren’t for the faint of heart. On the subject of Livingstone’s work in Africa, one man wrote him, “I would … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Change, Choices, Courage, Discernment, Doing Good, God's Guidance, God's Will, God's Work, Individuality, Influence, Ministry, Problems, Service | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Identifying Your Spiritual Gift (Gifts)

Posted on November 2, 2026 by russellmckinney

Series: “Spiritual Gifts” (post #4) Just about every time I preach on the subject of spiritual gifts some sincere Christian will ask me, “How can I know what my spiritual gift is?” Each time I hear that question I find … Continue reading →

Posted in Counsel, Discernment, God's Work, Individuality, Ministry, Seeking Advice, Series: "Spiritual Gifts", Service, Spiritual Gifts | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

What Spiritual Gifts Does the Bible Name?

Posted on October 28, 2026 by russellmckinney

Series: “Spiritual Gifts” (post #2) To find out what spiritual gifts the Bible names you have to consult three separate passages of scripture. The passages are Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-30, and Ephesians 4:7-16. By combining the lists from all … Continue reading →

Posted in Discernment, Evangelism, Faith, Giving, God's Work, Individuality, Leadership, Mercy, Ministry, Pastors, Preaching, Sanctification, Seeking Advice, Series: "Spiritual Gifts", Service, Speaking in Tongues, Spiritual Gifts, Spiritual Warfare, Teaching, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Spiritual Gifts

Posted on October 26, 2026 by russellmckinney

Series: “Spiritual Gifts” (post #1) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant. (1 Corinthians 12:1, N.K.J.V.) The apostle Paul told the Christians of Corinth that he didn’t want them to be ignorant (uninformed) concerning … Continue reading →

Posted in Doing Good, God's Sovereignty, God's Work, Individuality, Ministry, Series: "Spiritual Gifts", Service, Spiritual Gifts, Talents, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Wandering Around

Posted on October 23, 2026 by russellmckinney

In his daily devotional book, The Believer’s Code, O.S. Hawkins offers an excellent word about sheep. He writes: Have you ever been to a circus? If so, you probably saw an array of trained animals. Huge elephants can be trained … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Commitment, Decisions, Desires, Discernment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Eternity, Faithfulness, God's Guidance, God's Will, God's Work, Good Works, Heaven, Human Life, Individuality, Influence, Ministry, Obedience, Sacrifice, Sanctification, Service, Submission, Work | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Church Attendance Decline

Posted on September 30, 2026 by russellmckinney

A school teacher told her students to bring an item that represented their religious faith. The little Jewish boy brought a menorah. The little Catholic boy brought a crucifix. The little Baptist boy brought a casserole. Speaking as a Baptist … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study, Church, Church Attendance, Current Events, Discipleship, Entertainment, Evangelism, God's Word, God's Work, Intercessory Prayer, Ministry, Salvation, Scripture, Sunday School, Teaching, The Bible, The Gospel, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Ministering to Lost People

Posted on September 25, 2026 by russellmckinney

And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. (Matthew 5:41, N.K.J.V.) This verse has nothing to do with putting in the extra hours required to become a success in the business world. Neither does it have … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Attitude, Character, Commitment, Complaining, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Evangelism, Extending Forgiveness, Faithfulness, God's Will, God's Work, Good Works, Humility, Influence, Ministry, Persecution, Perseverance, Personal Holiness, Problems, Revenge, Service, Suffering, The Sermon On The Mount, Trials, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Christians Bringing a Touch of Christ’s Kingdom to Earth

Posted on September 3, 2026 by russellmckinney

Series: “Christ’s Kingdom” (post #5) Jesus spent His three-and-a-half-year earthly ministry bringing a touch of His heavenly kingdom to the earth. Then, after being crucified, He resurrected and ascended back to heaven. This left a gaping hole in regards to … Continue reading →

Posted in Adultery, Anger, Character, Discernment, Discipleship, Disobedience, Divorce, Divorce & Remarriage, Doing Good, Extending Forgiveness, Faithfulness, Forgiveness, Giving, God's Provision, God's Will, God's Word, God's Work, Good Works, Influence, Lust, Marriage, Ministry, Needs, Obedience, Persecution, Personal Holiness, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Priorities, Prosperity, Reconciliation, Revenge, Reward, Righteousness, Salvation, Sanctification, Scripture, Series: "Christ's Kingdom", Service, Temptation, The Bible, The Heart, The Old Testament Law, The Sermon On The Mount, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Letting Jesus Use You

Posted on August 10, 2026 by russellmckinney

A little girl was prepped and ready for a dangerous operation that could potentially end in her death. In his efforts to comfort her the surgeon said, “Before we can make you well we must first put you to sleep.” … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, Church Attendance, Commitment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Evangelism, Faithfulness, God's Work, Good Works, Influence, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Service, Witnessing, Work | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Jonah Path

Posted on August 7, 2026 by russellmckinney

Question: “What is the Bible’s only book that ends with a question?” Answer: “Jonah.” Jonah 4:11 closes the book by way of God asking the prophet Jonah: “And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Backsliding, Church, Church Attendance, Complaining, Contentment, Depression, Disappointment, Doubt, Encouragement, Faithfulness, God's Will, God's Work, Honesty, Mercy, Ministry, Missions, Obedience, Perseverance, Personal, Prayer, Preaching, Problems, Rebellion, Service, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Truth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments