Category Archives: Needs

Jesus: The Cosmic Santa Claus

Posted on March 5, 2025 by russellmckinney

“The Jesus You Know” series (post #5) I was licensed to preach in October of 1992 and formally ordained into the ministry in February of 1993. Upon my ordination, I began my first pastorate. So, if we do the math, … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Belief, Bible Study, Covetousness, Desires, Doctrine, Faith, Giving, God's Will, God's Word, Money, Needs, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Preaching, Problems, Prosperity, Scripture, Series: "The Jesus You Know", The Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Becoming Childlike

Posted on February 21, 2025 by russellmckinney

A man was driving down a treacherous mountain road. Suddenly, a deer bolted out in front of him, causing him to instinctively jerk the steering wheel to his left. The next thing he knew he was headed off a steep … Continue reading →

Posted in Assurance of Salvation, Belief, Children, Doubt, Faith, Fear, God's Provision, Heaven, Needs, Problems, Salvation, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Hop of Faith

Posted on January 1, 2025 by russellmckinney

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Complaining, Current Events, Depression, Disappointment, Faith, Fear, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Provision, God's Sovereignty, Needs, New Year, Problems, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Fear

Posted on November 29, 2024 by russellmckinney

George Truett, the well-known Baptist pastor, was asked to speak twice a day for a week-long series of messages at a leading university. Before Truett’s arrival, the President of the college sent a questionnaire to the students, asking them to … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Aging, Comfort, Courage, Elderly, Faith, Fear, God's Love, God's Provision, God's Word, Inner Peace, Needs, Problems, Salvation, Sickness, Trials, Trusting In God, Work, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Simple Answers

Posted on November 18, 2024 by russellmckinney

A psychologist, an engineer, and a pastor went on a hunting trip to a very remote area. One day, as they were out hunting, they came upon a small cabin. Since the cabin appeared to be abandoned, and its door … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Contentment, Desires, God's Provision, God's Will, Needs, Prayer Requests, Problems, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

God Loves the Word “Through”

Posted on November 7, 2024 by russellmckinney

Have you ever noticed that God loves the word “through”? Take Isaiah 43:2, for example, where He says to Israel: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Complaining, Courage, Disappointment, Discipleship, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Guidance, God's Provision, Needs, Patience, Persecution, Perseverance, Problems, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, Teaching, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God Can Make a Way

Posted on October 25, 2024 by russellmckinney

One of the better-known stories from the book of Acts involves an angel breaking Peter out of a Roman prison. The story is found in Acts 12:1-19. Herod Agrippa had Peter arrested with the intention of trying him and executing … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Angels, Belief, Death, Faith, Fear, God's Provision, God's Sovereignty, God's Will, Needs, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

John Wesley’s Pound Notes

Posted on September 20, 2024 by russellmckinney

This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. (Titus 3:8, N.K.J.V.) The … Continue reading →

Posted in Doing Good, Encouragement, Giving, God's Guidance, God's Will, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Money, Needs, Service | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Have You Dug Your Ditches?

Posted on September 4, 2024 by russellmckinney

And he said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Make this valley full of ditches.’ For thus says the Lord: ‘You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Choices, Decisions, Faith, God's Timing, God's Will, God's Work, Needs, Obedience, Prayer Requests, Problems, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

“Lord, Why Am I Having to Wait?”

Posted on August 3, 2024 by russellmckinney

I was driving down the interstate one day, listening to a Christian radio station, when I happened to hear one of those little call-in promos such stations do. This promo featured a woman who had called the station to voice … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Belief, Comfort, Commitment, Desires, Disappointment, Doubt, Encouragement, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Timing, God's Sovereignty, God's Will, Impatience, Needs, Perseverance, Personal, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Prophecy, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments