Category Archives: Restoration

Getting Off Your Rock-O-Plane

Posted on February 8, 2021 by russellmckinney

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!’” (Luke 15:17, N.K.J.V.) Many years ago, back when I was 12 or 13 years … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Backsliding, Change, Disobedience, Forgiveness, God's Love, Grace, Personal, Rebellion, Repentance, Restoration, Salvation, Sin, Temptation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Does God Have Just One Plan to Bless a Person?

Posted on October 26, 2020 by russellmckinney

(“Questions From Israel’s Exodus” series: post #4) Does God have just one plan, custom designed for each person, by which He can pour blessings into that person’s life? No, He doesn’t. If He did, most of us would never see … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Aging, Backsliding, Change, Contentment, Disappointment, Divorce, Divorce & Remarriage, Family, God's Love, God's Work, Grace, Perseverance, Problems, Prosperity, Restoration, Series: "Questions From Israel's Exodus", Service, Thankfulness, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Rattlesnake of Addiction

Posted on September 16, 2020 by russellmckinney

In his book Quest for Character, Chuck Swindoll tells an incredible story from the life of Tom Rathman, the NFL running back who made a name for himself playing for the San Francisco 49ers. Rathman was hunting deer in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Alcohol, Drugs, Gambling, Gluttony, Restoration, Sex, Tattoos, Temptation | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

When God Makes You Mad

Posted on April 9, 2020 by russellmckinney

“Jonah” series: (post #5) But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry. (Jonah 4:1, N.K.J.V.) Have you walked with the Lord long enough and closely enough to learn that He can really tick you off sometimes? You say, “Oh, … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Attitude, Depression, Disappointment, Restoration, Series: "Jonah" | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

When a Nightmare Becomes a Reality

Posted on March 28, 2020 by russellmckinney

6’10, 235 pound Darrall Imhoff was a great basketball player. He was a two-time All American at the University of California, was a starter on that school’s 1959 team that won the NCAA championship, won a gold medal as a … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Brokenness, Change, Christ's Death, Christ's Resurrection, Comfort, Courage, Crucifixion, Depression, Disappointment, Easter, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Sovereignty, God's Work, Good Friday, Inner Peace, Joy, Perseverance, Problems, Restoration, Resurrection, Sports, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How to Lose the Joy of Salvation

Posted on March 13, 2020 by russellmckinney

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation… (Psalm 51:12, N.K.J.V.) Prominent Baptist preacher Dr. Tom Wallace tells of an experience he had when he was serving as the pastor of Bible Baptist Church in Elkton, Maryland. One Sunday morning … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Confession, Disobedience, Forgiveness, Guilt, Holiness, Joy, Rebellion, Repentance, Restoration, Sin | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Clinic Built By a Tornado

Posted on September 30, 2019 by russellmckinney

The city of Rochester, Minnesota, was founded in 1854 and incorporated as a town in 1858. The area had previously served as a stagecoach stop, and the new city experienced rapid growth once the railroad began making stops there in … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Depression, Disappointment, Doubt, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Omnipotence, God's Sovereignty, God's Work, Perseverance, Problems, Restoration, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Far Better

Posted on September 19, 2019 by russellmckinney

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Aging, Comfort, Death, Encouragement, Eternity, Heaven, Persecution, Personal, Problems, Restoration, Reward, Salvation, Sickness, Suffering, Trials | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments