Category Archives: Problems

How to Spot a Work of the Devil

Posted on March 14, 2025 by russellmckinney

Life is filled with all kinds of unpleasant situations. As Job 14:1 says, “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.” But how can you tell the difference between one of life’s inevitable troubles … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Demons, Discernment, Persecution, Personal, Problems, Satan, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, The Devil | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Jesus: The Cosmic Santa Claus

Posted on March 5, 2025 by russellmckinney

“The Jesus You Know” series (post #5) I was licensed to preach in October of 1992 and formally ordained into the ministry in February of 1993. Upon my ordination, I began my first pastorate. So, if we do the math, … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Belief, Bible Study, Covetousness, Desires, Doctrine, Faith, Giving, God's Will, God's Word, Money, Needs, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Preaching, Problems, Prosperity, Scripture, Series: "The Jesus You Know", The Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Becoming Childlike

Posted on February 21, 2025 by russellmckinney

A man was driving down a treacherous mountain road. Suddenly, a deer bolted out in front of him, causing him to instinctively jerk the steering wheel to his left. The next thing he knew he was headed off a steep … Continue reading →

Posted in Assurance of Salvation, Belief, Children, Doubt, Faith, Fear, God's Provision, Heaven, Needs, Problems, Salvation, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Self-Preservation & Jesus

Posted on January 10, 2025 by russellmckinney

A man interviewed for a job at a famous art gallery that housed dozens of priceless masterpieces. As part of the interview process, he was asked, “If a fire broke out in this gallery and you could only save one … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Brokenness, Commitment, Courage, Crucifixion, Death, Disappointment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Extending Forgiveness, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Work, Human Life, Ministry, Missions, Obedience, Persecution, Perseverance, Personal Holiness, Preaching, Priorities, Problems, Prosperity, Revenge, Sacrifice, Sanctification, Service, Spiritual Warfare, Submission, Suffering, Trials, Truth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Two Different Bible School Meetings

Posted on January 8, 2025 by russellmckinney

After a relatively successful V.B.S. at one of my former churches, I called for a meeting of the teachers and workers who had been involved with the effort. My purpose for the meeting was to assess what had gone well … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Backsliding, Brokenness, Christian Unity, Church, Church Attendance, Confession, Criticism, Extending Forgiveness, Forgiveness, God's Work, Humility, Ministry, Pastors, Personal, Pride, Problems, Reconciliation, Restoration, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Hop of Faith

Posted on January 1, 2025 by russellmckinney

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Complaining, Current Events, Depression, Disappointment, Faith, Fear, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Provision, God's Sovereignty, Needs, New Year, Problems, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

A Profound Question

Posted on December 16, 2024 by russellmckinney

A missionary was once asked if he liked his work in Africa. His reply was as follows: Do I like this work? No. My wife and I do not like dirt. We have reasonably refined sensibilities. We do not like … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Children, Choices, Church, Church Attendance, Commitment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, Giving, God's Will, God's Work, Love, Mercy, Ministry, Perseverance, Problems, Prosperity, Sacrifice, Service, Stewardship, Suffering, Sunday School, Trials, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Devil You Know

Posted on December 7, 2024 by russellmckinney

A five-year-old boy was visiting his aunt overnight. At bedtime he asked her to leave his door open and the light on in the hall. Surprised, the aunt said, “Why? You’re not afraid of the dark when you are at … Continue reading →

Posted in Change, Choices, Courage, Faith, Fear, God's Will, God's Work, Ministry, Obedience, Problems, Service, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Problem of Deprived Harvests

Posted on December 3, 2024 by russellmckinney

Judges 6:1-6 describes a pitiful situation. An alliance army of the Midianites, the Amalekites, and some other unnamed “people of the East” (referring to the lands located east of Canaan) was absolutely terrorizing the Israelites as the Israelites tried to make their … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Disappointment, Disobedience, Fear, Persecution, Perseverance, Problems, Rebellion, Satan, Sin, Sowing and Reaping, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, The Devil, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Fear

Posted on November 29, 2024 by russellmckinney

George Truett, the well-known Baptist pastor, was asked to speak twice a day for a week-long series of messages at a leading university. Before Truett’s arrival, the President of the college sent a questionnaire to the students, asking them to … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Aging, Comfort, Courage, Elderly, Faith, Fear, God's Love, God's Provision, God's Word, Inner Peace, Needs, Problems, Salvation, Sickness, Trials, Trusting In God, Work, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment