Category Archives: Personal

Is There Life on Other Planets?

Posted on May 16, 2022 by russellmckinney

Does the Bible say anything about intelligent life on other planets? The short answer is: No, it doesn’t. But let’s talk about it. Some people try to make the case that the four living creatures of Ezekiel chapter 1 are … Continue reading →

Posted in Angels, Demons, Life On Other Planets, Personal, Scripture, Spiritual Warfare, The Bible, The Devil | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Blessing of Changing a Sermon

Posted on May 9, 2022 by russellmckinney

On Sunday, July 1st, 2009, I had in mind to preach a sermon on prayer. Specifically, I planned to preach on the so-called “Lord’s Prayer.” But as I began to ease into my studying and preparing for that sermon, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptism, Belief, Change, Children, Christ's Death, Christ's Resurrection, Disobedience, Forgiveness, Obedience, Parenting, Personal, Preaching, Reward, Salvation, Seeking Forgiveness, Sin, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Let’s Get Real

Posted on May 5, 2022 by russellmckinney

I’m fascinated by the story found in Luke 13:10-17. It’s the story of a woman who was stricken with a “spirit of infirmity” for eighteen years. The result of the infirmity was that she was constantly stooped over, unable to … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Complaining, Demons, Depression, Disappointment, Doubt, Grace, Honesty, Perseverance, Personal, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Satan, Suffering, The Devil, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

“Lord, I Believe; Help My Unbelief”

Posted on April 29, 2022 by russellmckinney

The story of a certain father bringing his demon-possessed son to Jesus is recorded in Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:14-29, and Luke 9:37-42. While each of those accounts provides different details about the story, the account that typically gets used as … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Belief, Comfort, Faith, Fear, God's Love, Grace, Needs, Personal, Prayer Requests, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

My Runaway Child

Posted on April 8, 2022 by russellmckinney

One night, when my son Royce was eight years old, my wife Tonya had to chaperon a school dance for a couple of hours. That left me at home with not only Royce but also his older brother Ryan, who … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Belief, Children, Christ's Death, Corporal Punishment, Depravity, Disobedience, Family, Fatherhood, Forgiveness, Humor, Parenting, Personal, Salvation, Sin, Spanking | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Are You Still Digging Johnson Grass?

Posted on April 6, 2022 by russellmckinney

A young man hired himself out to a neighboring farmer for the summer, but the farmer turned out to be a strict boss who worked the boy very hard. Finally, the young man decided to claim his revenge. Late one … Continue reading →

Posted in Making Restitution, Obedience, Personal, Reconciliation, Restoration, Seeking Forgiveness, Sin, Sowing and Reaping | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Abounding More and More

Posted on March 31, 2022 by russellmckinney

Finally then, brethren we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God. (1 Thessalonians 4:1, N.K.J.V.) As you read … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Church Attendance, Discipleship, Doing Good, Evangelism, Giving, God's Work, Ministry, Personal, Prayer, Preaching, Service, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Food Won’t Come to You

Posted on March 21, 2022 by russellmckinney

My oldest son Ryan, who was eleven years old at the time, got off a classic line one evening. He was lying on his bed watching television, and his mother had just finished her nightly chore of preparing his supper. … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, Church Attendance, Personal, Worship | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Getting Your Toes Stepped On

Posted on March 16, 2022 by russellmckinney

A preacher had just finished a very strong sermon on the subject of sin. One of the officers of his church came to him and asked for a private word in the preacher’s study. Once there, the scolding began. The officer said, “We … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Church, Conviction, Disobedience, Forgiveness, God's Chastening, God's Holiness, God's Judgment, God's Word, Man's Freewill, Obedience, Pastors, Personal, Personal Holiness, Preaching, Rebellion, Sin, Truth | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

One Flesh

Posted on February 23, 2022 by russellmckinney

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24, N.K.J.V.) The union of a man and a woman in matrimony can be illustrated in various ways, … Continue reading →

Posted in Divorce, Husbands, Marriage, Personal, Wives | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment