Summer Vacation

Posted on May 30, 2011 by russellmckinney

It’s Memorial Day and I want to wish each of you a great holiday. Let me also encourage you to spend some time thinking about the reason for this holiday. The freedoms we enjoy in this country have never come cheap and still don’t. Thousands upon thousands of American soldiers have paid the ultimate price to keep those freedoms in place. Please don’t let their sacrifice get completely lost in all the vacations, barbecues, picnics, etc.

As you know, Memorial Day serves as the unofficial opening of summer, just as Labor Day serves as the unofficial closing. In my county, though, it isn’t so cut and dried because our kids never get Memorial Day off from school. Between all the snow days for which our school schedule has to account, as well as various other factors, the holiday always falls in the last week of the school year. I guess our local officials feel that’s just too close to the end to take a day off. So, Memorial Day becomes just another school day. Our real “summer” starts this Friday when the school bell rings for the last time.

If everything goes off as planned, it will be a typically busy summer for me, Tonya, and the boys. Right now I have a couple more weeks coaching Royce’s recreation-league baseball team for the 9-and-10-year old players. The past couple of summers he has played on our county’s all-star team during June and July, but he will be tackling something different this summer. He got a set of junior-golf clubs last Christmas, so he’s going to try his hand at that sport. Sometime in June he’ll get a week’s worth of individualized instruction from the assistant pro at our local public course, and then he’ll attend their golf camp in July. Tonya’s dad, Charles, was once an excellent golfer and says that Royce is a natural for the sport. We’ll see. Thus far, all my memories of the boy holding a golf club involve me trying to manage him as he persistently ran three or four holes ahead of us on putt-putt courses when he was younger.

As for Ryan, he’ll be playing baseball with a team out of Asheville, which is about an hour away from where we live. He’ll also be attending three days of basketball camp at Clemson with some of our county’s other rising freshman. And let’s not forget about football. Since he’ll be playing on the j.v. team this fall, he has to attend two-hour workouts at the high school on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday all summer. It’s a good thing we live only ten minutes from the school.

In addition to all this, in July we plan to drive down to Myrtle Beach, S.C., for a family vacation. We’re looking forward to that. By then, I’m sure that we will need a “vacation” from the boys’ summer “vacation.” I have no doubt that when I’m older I’ll look back on these days fondly and remember them as good times, but right now they just seem like a lot of time, energy, gas, and money.

Someone asks, “And where is the Lord in all this?” Oh, trust me, He’s right there. Tonya and I really do make a point of praying about summer plans, potential vacation trips, what activities to let the boys pursue, etc. And, as best I can tell as of this morning’s prayer, we are smack dab on God’s schedule and itinerary. So, we’ll get on His summer train and try to enjoy all the scenery and blessings of the ride. After all, the boys are only young once and we only get one shot at raising them. I just wish that summer “vacation” involved a lot less doing and a lot more resting.

Posted in Children, Choices, Contentment, God's Will, Parenting, Personal, Sports, Trusting In God, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Missed Opportunities

Posted on May 26, 2011 by russellmckinney

When Alexander Graham Bell was trying to market the telephone, he went to wealthy financier Chauncey DePew and offered him a one-sixth interest in the new invention for the price of $10,000. DePew took a week to consider the offer and wrote back the following:

Dear Mr. Bell:
The incident is closed. That telephone is a clever idea, but it is utterly lacking in commercial possibilities. Ten thousand dollars is far too much to risk in marketing an instrument that, at best, can never be more than a source of amusement.

Applying this illustration to spiritual matters, how many daily opportunities does God extend to each of us for us to either draw closer to Him or be used in His service? That time of boredom when you have nothing to do? That unexpected circumstance? That chance encounter with a stranger? That conversation with a friend? That request for help? These are all spiritual opportunities whereby we can either draw closer to God or be used in His service. But what do we do with these opportunities? Far too many times we let them slip through our fingers.

Today, be especially on the lookout for the opportunities that God sends your way. Maybe there will be opportunities for you to become more intimate with Him. Maybe there will be opportunities for Him to use you in His service. Most likely there will be both. Pray a simple prayer right now and ask Him to help you be especially in tune to these opportunities. Seriously, there’s just no telling what marvelous opportunities God has scheduled for you today if you will only understand them for what they are and take advantage of them.

Posted in Discernment, Discipleship, Doing Good, God's Omnipotence, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Personal Holiness, Service, Spiritual Gifts, Talents | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Recite the 23rd Psalm

Posted on May 24, 2011 by russellmckinney

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:1-6, KJV)

Back in the day when orators were highly esteemed, a banquet was held for such a man. Following the banquet, he was asked to recite something for the pleasure of the guests. He agreed to do so and asked if anyone in the audience had a specific request. An elderly preacher spoke up and said, “Sir, could you recite the 23rd Psalm?” After a moment’s pause, the orator said, “I can and I will, but afterward I want you to do the same.” The preacher was surprised by the offer but agreed to it.

Then the orator began his recitation. As he worked his way through the majestic lines of the beautiful Psalm, he held the audience spellbound. In fact, the listeners were so enthralled by his recitation that he barely got the last word of the Psalm spoken before they burst into a great round of applause.

When the applause finally died down, the old preacher arose and began his turn. His style was vastly different from the orator’s, much more simple and humble, but there was a strange, undeniable power to his words. When he finished, no applause broke from the audience. Instead, there was a holy silence, marked only by some tears that streamed down some faces.

At that point, the orator walked over to the old preacher, put his hand on his shoulder, and summed up the scene perfectly. He said, “My friends, I reached your eyes and ears, but this man reached your hearts. I know the 23rd Psalm, but this man knows the Shepherd.”

Posted in Belief, Bible Study, Comfort, Communication, God's Love, God's Provision, Humility, Personal Holiness, Scripture, Trusting In God, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

What Is Your Opinion of God?

Posted on May 23, 2011 by russellmckinney

Somewhere along the way, I picked up a two-column chart on the subject of God. The chart presents two very different opinions concerning our Maker. See which side best describes your opinion of God.

Opinion 1 ————————————————————————————- Opinion 2

a loving father ——————————————————————————- demanding

an intimate friend —————————————————————————– distant

a patient teacher ——————————————————————- intolerant and critical

a gentle guide ————————————————————————— rigid and strict

an understanding counselor ———————————————————— insensitive

a generous provider —————————————————————– reluctant and stingy

a faithful supporter ———————————————————————– inconsistent

If you have to say that Opinion 2 is most in line with your view of God, obviously your relationship with Him is strained. What has happened between you two? Somehow, He must have disappointed you. Maybe you blame Him for allowing something bad to happen to you. Or, perhaps, He has underwhelmed you with what He has done for you. I don’t know what the problem is, but clearly something has warped your view of Him.

Please understand that I’m not criticizing. To the contrary, I applaud your honesty. Far too many people just put on a happy face, smile a fake smile, and say, “Isn’t God good?” Blunt honesty is so much better than that. I myself have seen several times when I was pretty ticked off with the way God was running the universe.

But here’s the thing: You must not continue to live under Opinion 2 because that opinion doesn’t accurately represent the God of the Bible. Even as you admit that you are hurt at God, don’t let your hurt continue on as the status quo. My advice to you is: Get alone somewhere and have a serious heart-to-heart talk with God. And don’t hold back in what you say to Him. Trust me, He’s a big boy who can take your complaints, criticisms, and frustrations. Tell Him how He, at least in your estimation, has hurt you, disappointed you, or underwhelmed you. Tell Him about the opinion you have of Him right now. Tell Him that you’re just being honest. Why lie or try to play anything down to the One who knows all?

The goal behind such praying is that, once all your cards are on the table, God can begin helping you understand why He has done and hasn’t done certain things in your life. Frankly, most people never go deep enough into God because they are never real enough with Him. But I’m encouraging you to dare to “go there” in your prayers. If you think God is the problem, tell Him so. Only then can you begin the process of transitioning out of Opinion 2 and into Opinion 1.

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Attitude, Depression, Disappointment, Honesty, Perseverance, Prayer, Problems, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Job or A Ministry?

Posted on May 19, 2011 by russellmckinney

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry… (Ephesians 4:11-12, N.K.J.V.)

I’ve highlighted the latter portion of this passage because I don’t want you to miss its teaching. The saints are supposed to do the work of the ministry!!! Oh, and if you are wondering just exactly who the saints are, the New Testament teaches that every Christian is a saint (Romans 1:7; Philippians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1). The term “saint” comes from the word “sanctified,” which means “to be set apart for God’s service.” Yes, Christian, you’ve been set apart for God’s service and you are to render that service by doing the work of the ministry. You see, if your pastor is doing his job correctly, he is actually equipping you to do the work that you’ve been assuming your church is paying him to do.

So, I’ll ask you: How involved in the work of the ministry are you? Whether you are in church or out of church, are you doing anything to play the role of being the hands, legs, eyes, ears, and voice of Jesus to others? Trust me when I say that the world is far too big a place for us pastors to cover in ministry all by ourselves.

Several years ago, I ran across an excellent article in my daily paper. The article had the heading “Every Christian Is Called to the Ministry” and was written by Rev. Tim McConnell, the pastor of Peachtree United Methodist Church in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. At the article’s heart was a list that spelled out the differences between having a job and having a ministry. (McConnell did freely admit that the list was written by an unknown author.) The list was as follows:

-If you are doing it because no one else will, it’s a job. If you are doing it to serve the Lord, it’s a ministry.

-If you are doing it just well enough to get by, it’s a job. If you are doing it to the best of your ability, it’s a ministry.

-If you’ll do it as long as it doesn’t interfere with other activities, it’s a job. If you’re committed to staying with it, even if it means letting go of other things, it’s a ministry.

-If you quit because no one praised you or thanked you, it’s a job. If you do it because you know it needs to be done, it’s a ministry.

-It’s hard to get excited about a job. It is almost impossible not to get excited about a ministry.

-People may say “well done” when you do your job. The Lord will say “well done” when you complete your ministry.

-The average church is filled with people doing jobs. A great church is filled with people involved in ministry.

McConnell ended his article by saying:

If you have a job in the church, give it up and find a ministry! God doesn’t want us feeling stuck with a job, but excited, fulfilled and faithful in a specific ministry.

About all I can say to that is, “Amen!” So, Christian, if you haven’t found your ministry yet, ask God to help you find it. And then get to it because that’s work that surely needs doing. When you do, I’ll guarantee you that others will be blessed by your efforts and you, yourself, will become far less self-absorbed and far more fulfilled in life.

Posted in Church, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dying To Self, God's Work, Good Works, Individuality, Ministry, Pastors, Sanctification, Service, Spiritual Gifts, Talents | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Learning to Really Appreciate the Moment

Posted on May 18, 2011 by russellmckinney

To everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, N.L.T.)

The following quote is attributed to “Anonymous”:

First, I was dying to finish high school and start college. And then I was dying to finish college and start working. And then I was dying to marry and have children to grow old enough so I could return to work. And then I was dying to retire. And now I am dying…and suddenly I realize I forgot to live.

As I read those words, I almost feel the need to start sorting through my old sermons, blog posts, and articles to make sure that I’m not “Anonymous.” Trust me, that sounds exactly like something that I would say or write. Sometimes it seems like I spend every day of my life dying to get to the next phase.

There are so many personal examples that I could name here, but I’ll go with the sports “careers” of my two sons, Ryan and Royce. Every time I coached one of their rec. league teams I could hardly wait for the season to be finished because I knew just how much time, energy, work, stress, and aggravation the season entailed. Consequently, usually from about game two I was in countdown mode. Of course, even as I was in that mode I already knew that the next seasonal sport and its schedule was looming on the horizon. And I’d want that sport completed as well shortly after it began. Then would come the next sport, which would be the same song, third verse. On and on it went like that as the boys played baseball in the spring and summer, soccer and football in the fall, and basketball in the winter.

Honestly, I had to make myself stop and smell the roses concerning their ballplaying. When they did something good on the field or court, I couldn’t let that shining moment get washed away by my impatience. No, I needed to join them in those moments so we could genuinely enjoy them together. For example, if either son made a great play to get the first out for our defense in a game of baseball I couldn’t be standing in the dugout thinking, “Okay, only two more outs until this inning is over, three more innings until this game is over, and four more games until this season is over.”

But Anonymous and I aren’t the only people who struggle in this area, are we? Could it be that you are on the list, too? Be honest, right now are you dying for something to be over? Are you currently spending far too much time wishing this day, this week, this month, this year, or this “season” was over? If your answer is, “Yes” then here’s another question for you: Do you really think that whatever that next phase is will find you operating any differently? Speaking from personal experience, I doubt that it will.

I remember talking to a fellow once who spent most of the conversation looking over my shoulder to see who else he could spot. He rarely made eye contact with me even as he was in mid-sentence. Instead, his eyes kept scanning the horizon, looking for his next encounter or conversation. Frankly, I considered his behavior to be incredibly rude.

As I think about my own life, though, that’s pretty much how I treat God concerning the various seasons of my life. Here He is wanting me to join Him in enjoying a particular time or moment, but all I can do is be on the lookout for the next thing. God says, “Wait, there are lessons that I want you to learn right here and good memories that I want you to make in this place.” But my response is, “When do we move on, Lord? Out there is where the good stuff is.”

Sound familiar? If it does, you’d do well to ask God right now to help you appreciate each day and each “season” for all the wonder it holds. And as for me, I’ll be attempting to take that advice myself now that I’m finished writing this piece. That’s the plan anyway. Of course, as for how successful I am at accomplishing that goal, well, I guess we’ll just have to see how things go.

Posted in Attitude, Children, Complaining, Contentment, Desires, Family, Fatherhood, God's Timing, God's Will, Human Life, Joy, Parenting, Personal, Problems, Service, Sports, Thankfulness, Waiting, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Woman & Her Church Seat

Posted on May 16, 2011 by russellmckinney

Dr. Lee Roberson served as the pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for over forty years. After one Sunday-morning service in which several people got saved and others got baptized, he went out the back door of the large sanctuary and down the alley behind the church. He was met there by a dear lady from the church. He greeted her by saying, “How are you today, ma’am?” She answered, “Not very good. You know about it, don’t you?” Somewhat surprised, Dr. Roberson said, “No, I don’t know what you are talking about.” Incredulous, the woman said, “You mean you didn’t know about this?” Again, Dr. Roberson said, “No.”

The woman then launched into her story. “Dr. Roberson, you know that for 22 years I have sat in a certain seat in the balcony to your left.” “Yes, that’s right,” said the preacher. “Well, this morning I went to my place, and a man was sitting there. I told him that was my seat, but he just said, ‘It’s not yours today.'” After the man’s refusal to move, the woman had gotten mad, left the service, and stood outside to wait for Dr. Roberson.

And how did the venerable old pastor respond to her complaint? He said, “Ma’am, you have heard me preach again and again on dying to self. How long has it been since you died?” Then he got in his car and went on his way.

During the service that night, while the choir was singing, Dr. Roberson looked up to the balcony, but he didn’t see the woman in her usual seat. Finally, after scanning over the sanctuary, he found her sitting in a new seat in the lower section. When their eyes met, she just smiled. Roberson used to love to tell that story and end it by saying, “She died. And I haven’t had a problem with her since.”

In Luke 9:23, Jesus says, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Keep in mind now that nobody took up a cross and lived. And so, Christian, I’ll just ask you, how long has it been since you died? Have you died today? For that matter, have you ever died? You see, the only way that you can properly live for Christ is to attend your own funeral afresh and anew each morning as you die to your will and present yourself to live for His.

Posted in Attitude, Church, Church Attendance, Dying To Self, Forgiveness, Humility, Repentance, Revenge | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Revenge: It’s Not a Job for You

Posted on May 12, 2011 by russellmckinney

Back when Jimmy Carter was the President of the United States, news reporter Sam Donaldson was gaining a reputation for his aggressive, in-your-face, annoying style of questioning. During the height of the energy crisis, Donaldson was assigned to accompany Carter on a trip overseas to a small village near New Delhi. Carter went there to see firsthand how the citizens of that village threw all the cow manure from their herds into a large pit and then siphoned off the methane gas to create the fuel required to light their village lamps.

As Carter and Donaldson were standing there on the lip of that manure pit, inspecting the siphoning process, Donaldson couldn’t resist the urge to make a joke. He said, “If I fell in, you’d pull me out wouldn’t you, Mr. President?” To that, Carter dryly replied, “Certainly, ……… after a suitable interval.”

Oh, that craving for that “suitable interval” (that craving to exact revenge) comes so easily for us, doesn’t it? I’ve felt it, and so have you. But what does the Bible teach? (all references from the N.K.J.V.)

You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19:18)

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19)

For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord… (Hebrews 10:30)

Tell me, is there someone who has done you wrong? Is there someone whom you’d enjoy seeing spend some time in a manure pit? Well, you’d better watch out for those hard feelings. Just let God deal with the person and do His repaying in His own way and timing. He doesn’t need any help from you.

Posted in Anger, Extending Forgiveness, God's Wrath, God's Judgment, Persecution, Personal Holiness, Revenge, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A Great Lesson For Your Kids

Posted on May 11, 2011 by russellmckinney

Toward the end of General Robert E. Lee’s life, he attended the christening of a friend’s son. The mother asked the aged leader to offer some words that would help guide the child into true manhood. But Lee’s answer probably wasn’t what she wanted to hear. He said simply, “Teach him to deny himself.”

Bruce Catton, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and Civil War historian, wrote the following about Lee’s words of wisdom:

To deny himself…..Unexpected words, coming from a great soldier? One wonders how the young mother felt, hearing them. Even more, one wonders how this advice would strike the average parent of today.

We don’t emphasize self-denial very much these days, either for our children or for ourselves. Instead, we concentrate on our wants. We seem to have the notion that the world owes us all manner of good things, and we feel abused when we don’t get them. Self-discipline is a bore; and as a result, we are perilously close to winning an unwelcome fame as a land known for its spoiled children and discontented adults.

To learn to get along without, to realize that what the world is going to demand of us may be a good deal more important than what we are entitled to demand of it – this is a hard lesson. We have not been working very hard at it in recent years. Instead, we have developed a moral and intellectual flabbiness that could be fatal to us as individuals and as a nation.

For the world itself is really no easier now than it was in General Lee’s time. It offers rich opportunities; but above everything else, it offers a struggle, a struggle that will never be won by the self-indulgent. More than anything else, we need to relearn General Lee’s lesson.

To deny ourselves…That we may miss a good many of the nice, easy things that it is so pleasant to have. But we end up serving something bigger than ourselves. We can finish by attaining greatness.

If Catton’s words sound like they have a Biblical scent to them, there’s probably a reason for that. His father was a minister. And I can’t help but suspect that Catton knew the words of Jesus:

…whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:26-28, N.K.J.V.)

Posted in Attitude, Children, Contentment, Desires, Doing Good, Giving, Humility, Leadership, Parenting, Sacrifice, Seeking Advice, Youth | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Power of One

Posted on May 10, 2011 by russellmckinney

…one sinner destroys much good. (Ecclesiastes 9:18, N.K.J.V.)

Wow, you talk about a statement with truth to it! These words from Ecclesiastes punch us right in the face, don’t they? What a sad but very real fact it is that just one person, acting in an ungodly manner, can ruin a ton of “good.”

I’ll openly admit that I hate this about life. I mean, if God is really trying to fix this world, then He shouldn’t let one sinner destroy much good, right? We’re certainly never going to get a whole lot accomplished with that setup.

Ah, but right there is the foundational flaw in our thinking. You see, God isn’t trying to fix this world. The noted preacher and author Warren Wiersbe is the man who helped me understand this. He says that rather than trying to save this world, God is saving people out of this world. I have to say that once I got a hold of that idea, life on planet Earth made a lot more sense to me.

Listen, I’m always glad when some criminal is brought to justice. I’m also happy anytime I pull into a gas station and find that gas prices have dropped. And any news that the economy is recovering and employment figures are on the rise is welcome. Through it all, though, we must always remember that this world is still in an irreversible death spiral. Consider the following verses:

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come… (2 Timothy 3:1, N.K.J.V.)

But evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13. N.K.J.V.)

Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. (1 John 2:18, N.K.J.V.)

I assure you that the Bible is crystal clear in its teaching that this world is headed for dark, dark times. The climax of these times will be a seven-year period commonly referred to as “the tribulation period.” Getting even more specific, the last three-and-a-half years of that period will be the worst of the worst. How bad will those days be? Jesus said that unless they are shortened no one will be left alive on earth (Matthew 24:22). In other words, if God didn’t put a cap (a time limit) on those days, mankind would be completely wiped off the face of the earth. Think about that!

You ask, “When will these perilous times begin?” Well, passages such as Hebrews 1:1-2 teach that the “last days” age actually began when Jesus came into this world. This means that the momentum for the closing years of the “last days” has been building for some 2,000 years now. Some day, perhaps today, Jesus will miraculously rapture His people away from this world (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; John 14:1-3), and sometime shortly after that moment in time, God’s official clock for the seven-year tribulation period will begin ticking. That clock will see the prophesied events of Revelation chapters 6 through 18 come to pass upon the earth, and the clock won’t stop ticking until Christ’s Second Coming at the famous Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:1-21). It is that battle that will finally signal the end of this “last days” age as Christ then establishes His one-thousand-year kingdom upon this earth (Revelation 20:1-6).

Now, tell me, does all of that sound like God is really working hard right now to fix the mess we have made of life on earth? No, it doesn’t. And that’s why He doesn’t always stop it when “one sinner destroys much good.” Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that God always lets the troublemaking sinner get away with his deeds. Neither am I saying that God wants us to just throw up our hands and give up on trying to make this world a better place. But what I am saying is that we must always remember that this world has major Biblical prophecies hanging over it, and God isn’t going to cancel those out for any reason.

Posted in Christ's Second Coming, Christ's Return, Coming Judgment, Current Events, God's Timing, God's Wrath, God's Judgment, Human Life, Influence, Prophecy | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment