Category Archives: Personal

Church Attendance in the Summer

Posted on May 28, 2024 by russellmckinney

Memorial Day in America has long been called “the unofficial beginning of summer.” With that in mind, I’d like to talk to you about the “summer slump” most churches experience in regards to attendance in June, July, and August. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Choices, Church, Church Attendance, Commitment, Discipleship, Faithfulness, God's Will, Memorial Day, Pastors, Personal, Priorities, Sports, Worship | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Class of Prayer (part 2)

Posted on May 24, 2024 by russellmckinney

When it comes to carrying a good attitude into a class (including the class of prayer), nothing will help you more than seeing the value of the class. In my last post, I told you about a French class I … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study, Commitment, Discipleship, Personal, Personal Holiness, Prayer, Scripture, The Bible | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Class of Prayer (part 1 of 2)

Posted on May 22, 2024 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 , , , , | 3 Comments

Mitchell County (We’re Not All Leaving)

Posted on May 17, 2024 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 , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Jesus & Social Media

Posted on May 4, 2024 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

Those Who Mourn

Posted on April 10, 2024 by russellmckinney

“The Beatitudes” series: (post #2) “Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4, N.K.J.V.) The Greek word for “mourn” in this verse is pentheo. It’s a word that specifically refers to the strongest, most intensive kind of mourning. … Continue reading →

Posted in Comfort, Death, Eternity, Family, Heaven, Pastors, Personal, Salvation, Series: "The Beatitudes", The Sermon On The Mount | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Will God Meet My Need?

Posted on April 6, 2024 by russellmckinney

In the mid-19th century, poverty characterized the people of the northeast Highlands of Scotland. During those days a man named John Murray was praying for guidance by a riverside. Many of his neighbors were immigrating to America, and he was … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Children, Faith, Family, Fatherhood, God's Love, God's Provision, Needs, Parenting, Personal, Prayer Requests, Problems, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Learning From Rhododendrons

Posted on April 1, 2024 by russellmckinney

When the calendar page rolls over to April and the weather turns noticeably warmer, my thoughts drift toward yardwork. Trust me when I say that I don’t eagerly embrace that drift. The way I see it, I’m an apartment or … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Confession, Conviction, Faithfulness, God's Will, Personal, Rebellion, Repentance, Sanctification, Sin, Sowing and Reaping, Temptation | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Great One-Liners

Posted on March 2, 2024 by russellmckinney

Several years ago, a friend of mine handed me a list of spiritual one-liners. I want to share that list with you. I have no idea where my friend got these, but there’s some good stuff here. Don’t let your … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Personal | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Preacher Cassity’s Desires

Posted on January 25, 2024 by russellmckinney

I was sorting through some old stuff and came across a sermon outline from Richard M. Cassity. His friends called him Dick, but our entire county knew him as “Preacher Cassity.” He befriended me when my days as a young … Continue reading →

Posted in Desires, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Evangelism, Faithfulness, Family, God's Will, God's Work, Heaven, Ministry, Personal, Personal Holiness, Priorities, Salvation, Sanctification, Service, Thankfulness, Trusting In God, Witnessing, Worry | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments