Category Archives: Personal

The Class of Prayer (part 1 of 2)

Posted on June 30, 2011 by russellmckinney

In Luke 11:1, we read: Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” … Continue reading →

Posted in Discipleship, Personal, Personal Holiness, Prayer, Sanctification | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Flow of God’s Will

Posted on June 24, 2011 by russellmckinney

In the November, 2002, edition of Focus On the Family magazine, the following letter from Tyson Chastain was used: One Sunday my wife and I noticed an announcement in the church bulletin about a men’s missions trip to Honduras. Through … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Decisions, Discernment, God's Sovereignty, God's Will, Personal, Spiritual Warfare, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

At What Age Should a Person Marry?

Posted on June 7, 2011 by russellmckinney

I’m officiating a wedding this afternoon. The bride and groom are both in their mid-twenties, which seems to be pretty much the average age for first-time marriages these days. But here’s a good question: At what age should a person … Continue reading →

Posted in Adultery, Bible Study, Children, Family, Fatherhood, God's Will, Husbands, Marriage, Motherhood, Parenting, Personal, Scripture, Sex, The Bible, Wives, Youth | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Summer Vacation

Posted on May 30, 2011 by russellmckinney

It’s Memorial Day and I want to wish each of you a great holiday. Let me also encourage you to spend some time thinking about the reason for this holiday. The freedoms we enjoy in this country have never come … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Choices, Contentment, God's Will, Parenting, Personal, Sports, Trusting In God, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Learning to Really Appreciate the Moment

Posted on May 18, 2011 by russellmckinney

To everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, N.L.T.) The following quote is attributed to “Anonymous”: First I was dying to finish high school and start college. And then I was dying to … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Children, Complaining, Contentment, Desires, Family, Fatherhood, God's Timing, God's Will, Human Life, Joy, Parenting, Personal, Problems, Service, Sports, Thankfulness, Waiting, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Happy Birthday, Mom

Posted on May 4, 2011 by russellmckinney

Today is my mother’s birthday, and I’d like to use this post to recall just one of the many fond memories that I have of her. Please understand that I could also speak of innumerable meals prepared, loads of laundry … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Doing Good, Dress and Appearance, Motherhood, Parenting, Personal, Thankfulness, Youth | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Me & My Bird

Posted on April 29, 2011 by russellmckinney

At our house, we’ve been dealing with an interesting problem for the past couple of days. Well, “interesting” is one word for it. “Annoying” would be another. “Maddening” would perhaps be best. A certain bird has been pecking away at … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Disobedience, Influence, Personal, Rebellion, Sin | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Mitchell County (We’re Not All Leaving)

Posted on March 4, 2011 by russellmckinney

In March of 2024, the United States Census Bureau released its 2023 county population estimates for North Carolina. Of North Carolina’s 100 counties, 85 of them had either grown in population or at least remained almost identically the same in … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Business, Church, Commitment, Contentment, Current Events, Faithfulness, God's Omnipotence, God's Will, God's Work, Individuality, Influence, Ministry, Obedience, Pastors, Personal, Problems, Prosperity, Service, Submission, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Feeling Kind of Inadequate? Good!

Posted on March 3, 2011 by russellmckinney

My wife, Tonya, is a middle-school math teacher, which means that she is good at math. She isn’t nearly as good, however, in the areas of grammar and spelling. Being polar opposites, I am good at grammar and spelling but … Continue reading →

Posted in God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Omniscience, God's Provision, Individuality, Needs, Personal, Problems, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Jesus & Social Media

Posted on January 14, 2011 by russellmckinney

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31, N.K.J.V.) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks … Continue reading →

Posted in Character, Communication, Current Events, Discernment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Evangelism, God's Work, Gun Control, Influence, Personal, Personal Holiness, Righteousness, Sanctification, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment