Category Archives: Trials

God: Your Captain

Posted on September 23, 2024 by russellmckinney

Thomas Stevenson was the father of Robert Louis Stevenson, the famous author. That in itself will get you a brief mention in the history books. Actually, though, Thomas was a touch famous himself, especially in his day. His fame came … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Angels, Comfort, Courage, Death, Decisions, Depression, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Holiness, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Omnipresence, God's Guidance, God's Omniscience, God's Provision, God's Sovereignty, Heaven, Perseverance, Problems, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Blessed by God or Blessed by Satan?

Posted on August 30, 2024 by russellmckinney

Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Business, Church, Discernment, God's Work, Money, Problems, Prosperity, Satan, Sowing and Reaping, Spiritual Warfare, Sports, The Devil, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Responding When Life Punches You in the Mouth

Posted on August 24, 2024 by russellmckinney

Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight boxing champion, used to say of his opponents and their strategies to beat him, “Everybody has plans until they get hit for the first time.” Likewise, it is said of military strategies, “No plan survives … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Character, Commitment, Complaining, Courage, Depression, Disappointment, Encouragement, Faithfulness, God's Work, Human Life, Ministry, Perseverance, Problems, Service, Suffering, Trials | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

“Lord, Why Am I Having to Wait?”

Posted on August 3, 2024 by russellmckinney

I was driving down the interstate one day, listening to a Christian radio station, when I happened to hear one of those little call-in promos such stations do. This promo featured a woman who had called the station to voice … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Belief, Comfort, Commitment, Desires, Disappointment, Doubt, Encouragement, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Timing, God's Sovereignty, God's Will, Impatience, Needs, Perseverance, Personal, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Prophecy, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

“Surely the Wrath of Man Shall Praise Thee”

Posted on July 29, 2024 by russellmckinney

The title for this post is taken directly from Psalm 76:10, the full text of which says: Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee; the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain. (K.J.V.) But what does “Surely the wrath of … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Disappointment, Doing Good, Encouragement, Faithfulness, God's Omnipotence, God's Judgment, God's Work, Patience, Persecution, Perseverance, Problems, Rebellion, Revenge, Reward, Sowing and Reaping, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Word American Christians Don’t Want to Hear

Posted on July 24, 2024 by russellmckinney

But the Lord said him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Children, Commitment, Courage, Disappointment, Discipleship, Faithfulness, Giving, God's Work, Loneliness, Ministry, Money, Parenting, Pastors, Persecution, Perseverance, Preaching, Priorities, Problems, Prosperity, Service, Sports, Stewardship, Suffering, Tithing, Trials | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

God: Heavenly Father or Heavenly Commander in Chief?

Posted on July 19, 2024 by russellmckinney

Growing up in the ’70s and ’80s, I was a huge fan of the t.v. show M*A*S*H (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital). For that matter, I’ve continued to watch the reruns ever since. I know all the characters, all the episodes, … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Christ's Birth, Christ's Death, Commitment, Courage, Demons, Dying To Self, God's Sovereignty, God's Will, God's Work, Ministry, Missions, Persecution, Perseverance, Problems, Satan, Service, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, The Devil, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Is God Good All the Time? (post 1 of 3)

Posted on July 8, 2024 by russellmckinney

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good…” Psalm 34:8 (N.K.J.V.) “You are good, and do good…” Psalm 119:68 (N.K.J.V.) “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!…” Psalm 107:1 (N.K.J.V.) Tonya and I had been married … Continue reading →

Posted in Abortion, Adultery, Adversity, Aging, Bestiality, Capital Punishment, Children, Christ's Second Coming, Christ's Return, Coming Judgment, Death, Disappointment, Elderly, God's Love, God's Judgment, Hell, Homosexuality, Motherhood, Parenting, Persecution, Personal, Problems, Racism, Rebellion, Series: "Is God Good All the Time?", Sex, Sickness, Sin, Slavery, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, War | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Storytelling

Posted on July 3, 2024 by russellmckinney

We preachers are constantly encouraged to use effective illustrations and make our sermons more like “storytelling.” It’s advice that I really do try to implement. After all, Jesus was the greatest communicator who ever lived and He often taught by … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Bible Study, Discipleship, Extending Forgiveness, God's Word, God's Work, Persecution, Preaching, Problems, Scripture, Suffering, The Bible, Trials | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Diving Deep Into the Subject of God’s Will

Posted on July 1, 2024 by russellmckinney

I placed my belief in Jesus as my Savior when I was a young boy. That belief was sincere and legitimate, which meant that God the Holy Spirit took up permanent residence inside my body and I was thus “born … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Choices, Christ's Death, Decisions, Disappointment, Disobedience, Dying To Self, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Omniscience, God's Provision, God's Will, Human Life, Perseverance, Personal, Problems, Rebellion, Reward, Sin, Submission, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments