Category Archives: Trials

A Different Way to Preach the Gospel

Posted on April 4, 2011 by russellmckinney

An army private became a Christian and began to experience some persecution from his fellow soldiers. One rainy night he came in very tired and wet, but he still got down on his knees and prayed before he went to … Continue reading →

Posted in Character, Doing Good, Evangelism, Extending Forgiveness, Humility, Influence, Mercy, Persecution, Perseverance, Personal Holiness, Prayer, Salvation, Trials, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Headed North

Posted on March 16, 2011 by russellmckinney

Is it possible for a person to be moving north and south at the same time? Sure. Imagine a man walking south on the deck of a ship that is headed north. As we live the Christian life, we oftentimes … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Backsliding, Comfort, Demons, Eternal Security, Heaven, Perseverance, Problems, Reward, Salvation, Satan, Sowing and Reaping, Trials | 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

What to Do About Clouds

Posted on February 11, 2011 by russellmckinney

I miss Patrick Swayze. He was one of my favorite movie stars. I always liked watching him, no matter what part he was playing. Swayze and his wife Niemi were both pilots, and they enjoyed flying airplanes together. On one … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Bible Study, Choices, Decisions, Discernment, Faith, God's Will, Perseverance, Problems, Scripture, The Bible, The Holy Spirit, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Feeling Kind of Small?

Posted on February 2, 2011 by russellmckinney

You’ve probably heard of Solomon’s temple, that beautiful, majestic house of worship that served as the centerpiece of worship in Israel. That temple was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonians in 587 B.C. To make that destruction even worse, Nebuchadnezzar deported the … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Church, Contentment, Criticism, Disappointment, Doing Good, Encouragement, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Will, God's Work, Impatience, Leadership, Ministry, Obedience, Patience, Perseverance, Service, Trials, Trusting In God, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Look for the Best

Posted on January 19, 2011 by russellmckinney

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8, N.L.T.) A … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Balance, Complaining, Criticism, Depression, Disappointment, God's Love, God's Provision, Human Life, Leadership, Loneliness, Praise, Problems, Sickness, Suffering, Trials, Worry | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A Hop of Faith

Posted on January 8, 2011 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 Attitude, Current Events, Faith, Fear, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Provision, Grace, Needs, New Year, Problems, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Blessedness

Posted on January 4, 2010 by russellmckinney

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Bible Study, Character, Discipleship, Doing Good, Faithfulness, God's Word, Holiness, Money, Obedience, Persecution, Personal Holiness, Prosperity, Reward, Sanctification, Scripture, Separation, Service, The Bible, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A Good Thought for Thanksgiving

Posted on November 22, 2009 by russellmckinney

Let’s say that a father takes his child to McDonalds for french-fries. Once they have their order and are seated at a table, the father tests the child by asking, “Do you love me more than you love these french-fries?” … Continue reading →

Posted in Fatherhood, God's Love, God's Provision, Parenting, Praise, Priorities, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving, Trials, Worship | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Faith

Posted on November 21, 2009 by russellmckinney

Flywheel was the first movie done by the Kendrick Brothers, who are associated with Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga. It’s not as well known as the brothers’ other movies (Facing The Giants, Fireproof, Courageous, War Room, and Overcomer), but … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Belief, Faith, God's Timing, God's Will, Patience, Perseverance, Personal, Prayer, Reward, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment