Category Archives: Personal Holiness

What Kind of Shape Are You in Spiritually?

Posted on January 6, 2023 by russellmckinney

Christian, perhaps you are one of the hordes of people who have hit the new year full bore with a new diet or workout routine. Well, there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. But even as you try to get yourself … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Bible Study, Church Attendance, Commitment, Dieting, Discipleship, Giving, New Year, Personal Holiness, Priorities, Sanctification, Witnessing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Maybe It’s Time to Sharpen Your Blade

Posted on January 4, 2023 by russellmckinney

If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success. (Ecclesiastes 10:10, N.K.J.V.) This verse teaches us the value of working smarter rather than harder. Obviously, sharpening the edge of a … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Backsliding, Bible Study, Change, Church Attendance, Commitment, Confession, Dying To Self, God's Will, God's Work, New Year, Personal Holiness, Prayer, Repentance, Sanctification, Scripture, Sin, Submission | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Three-Point Checklist for the New Year

Posted on January 2, 2023 by russellmckinney

Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left. Remove your foot from evil. … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Change, Choices, Contentment, Discipleship, Doing Good, God's Will, Holiness, New Year, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Temptation | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Swimming at Your Own Risk

Posted on December 26, 2022 by russellmckinney

One summer, when the boys were young, we had one day left on our beach vacation. So, we used that day to give the boys a final opportunity to enjoy the ocean and pool. This had been the first year … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Choices, Confession, Disobedience, God's Chastening, God's Judgment, God's Word, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Repentance, Scripture, Sin, Sowing and Reaping, The Bible | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Word About Lighthouses, Fire, & Wood

Posted on November 30, 2022 by russellmckinney

One foggy night a captain saw a faint light directly in the path of his ship. Accordingly, he ordered his signalman to send out the message: “Alter your course ten degrees south.” The signalman did so, but the return reply … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study, Coming Judgment, Current Events, Doing Good, Faithfulness, God's Wrath, God's Judgment, God's Word, Personal Holiness, Reward, Scripture, The Bible, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Your Penny

Posted on November 14, 2022 by russellmckinney

He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. (Proverbs 28:13, N.K.J.V.) Little Billy had his hand stuck in an expensive vase. His mother tried her best to pull the hand out, … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Change, Choices, Disobedience, God's Holiness, Personal Holiness, Preaching, Rebellion, Repentance, Seeking Forgiveness | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

A Simple Reminder

Posted on November 4, 2022 by russellmckinney

The drunk who has been marvelously delivered from alcoholism by the power of Christ certainly has a testimony. But so does the Christian who by that same power of Christ has never even tasted alcohol. The adulterer who cheated on … Continue reading →

Posted in Adultery, Alcohol, Character, Church, Discipleship, Doing Good, Marriage, Personal Holiness, Sanctification, Sin | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Days of Our Lives

Posted on October 26, 2022 by russellmckinney

The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. (Psalm 90:10, N.K.J.V.) I … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Death, Elderly, Eternity, Human Life, Personal Holiness, Scripture, The Bible | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Recite the 23rd Psalm

Posted on October 20, 2022 by russellmckinney

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Bible Study, Comfort, Communication, God's Love, God's Provision, Humility, Personal Holiness, Scripture, Trusting In God, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Revenge: It’s Not a Job for You

Posted on October 7, 2022 by russellmckinney

Back when Jimmy Carter was the President of the United States, news reporter Sam Donaldson was gaining a reputation for his aggressive, in-your-face, annoying style of questioning. During the height of the energy crisis, Donaldson was assigned to accompany Carter … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Extending Forgiveness, God's Wrath, God's Judgment, Persecution, Personal Holiness, Revenge, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment