Category Archives: Prayer

Should the Christian Pray Imprecatory Prayers?

Posted on December 30, 2020 by russellmckinney

The word “imprecatory” means “to invoke evil upon” or “to curse.” In accordance with this definition, many passages from the Bible’s book of Psalms can be accurately described as being imprecatory prayers. Here are seven such examples (all from the … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Discernment, Discipleship, Forgiveness, Persecution, Prayer, Prayer Requests | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

God is Watching. But That Doesn’t Have to Be a Bad Thing.

Posted on November 20, 2020 by russellmckinney

One day some kids were assembled for lunch in the cafeteria of a Christian school. On one table, at the end of the food line, sat a big bucket filled with apples. Taped to the bucket was a staff-written note … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Encouragement, Faithfulness, God's Omnipresence, God's Omniscience, God's Work, Needs, Perseverance, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Can God Make a Way Where There Seems to Be No Way?

Posted on November 11, 2020 by russellmckinney

(“Questions From Israel’s Exodus” series: post #11) In the previous post, I explained that God’s route for Israel’s exodus from Egypt was not the commonsensical route that anybody would have expected them to take. Rather than have the Israelites head … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Comfort, Courage, Depression, Disappointment, Doubt, Encouragement, God's Omnipotence, God's Omniscience, God's Provision, God's Sovereignty, Needs, Perseverance, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Restoration, Series: "Questions From Israel's Exodus", Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

God Hears Our Cries

Posted on October 10, 2020 by russellmckinney

And the Angel of the Lord said to her: “Behold, you are with child, And you shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, Because the Lord has heard your affliction.” (Genesis 16:11, N.K.J.V.) I chose Genesis 16:11 … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Disappointment, God's Omnipotence, God's Provision, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Have You Forgiven God?

Posted on September 9, 2020 by russellmckinney

That title is not a misprint. I’m guessing that you’ve heard a lot of preaching about God forgiving you. For that matter, you’ve probably also heard a lot about you forgiving others. But when was the last time you heard … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Complaining, Contentment, Disappointment, God's Omniscience, God's Will, Perseverance, Personal, Prayer, Problems, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , | 34 Comments

Dead Roses

Posted on August 28, 2020 by russellmckinney

And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his plan and purpose. (Romans … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Brokenness, Christ's Death, Comfort, Death, Depression, Disappointment, Encouragement, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Work, Grace, Persecution, Perseverance, Prayer, Problems, Reconciliation, Restoration, Revenge, Suffering, Suicide, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Are You Doing What You Are Supposed to Be Doing Here?

Posted on August 12, 2020 by russellmckinney

Yogi Berra was the catcher for the New York Yankees. Hank Aaron was the right-fielder for the Milwaukee (now Atlanta) Braves. Both men would get elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame following their illustrious playing careers. As a famous story goes, … Continue reading →

Posted in Commitment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Faithfulness, God's Will, God's Work, Individuality, Ministry, Obedience, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Service, Spiritual Gifts, Talents | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Praying with Expectancy

Posted on August 3, 2020 by russellmckinney

The great evangelist D.L. Moody once said, “If you pray for bread and bring no basket to carry it, you prove the doubting spirit which may be the only hindrance to the boon you ask.” Obviously, Moody knew his Bible. … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Commitment, Desires, Discipleship, Doubt, Faith, God's Provision, God's Will, Inner Peace, Needs, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Rebellion, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Can You Do to Help?

Posted on June 15, 2020 by russellmckinney

I am 53 years old and have never seen days such as these. Pick your headline: Covid-19, social distancing, police brutality, race riots, the Confederate Flag, Civil War monuments, polarizing politicians, etc., etc., etc. I recently talked with one man … Continue reading →

Posted in Commitment, Current Events, Discipleship, Doing Good, Faithfulness, God's Work, Influence, Prayer, Service, Spiritual Gifts, Talents | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

God’s Hand & God’s Shoulder

Posted on June 10, 2020 by russellmckinney

For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ (Isaiah 41:13, N.K.J.V.) The Lord your God, who goes before you, He will fight for you, according to all He … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Children, Comfort, Depression, Encouragement, God's Love, God's Mercy, Grace, Loneliness, Mercy, Personal, Prayer, Problems, Salvation, Suffering, Suicide, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment