Untitled

[sensiblefaith]

Godly Love Versus Worldly Love

Godly Love Versus Worldly Love

My wife and I recently had a rather surreal experience when we went out for dinner at a quaint little restaurant in Dunedin, Florida.  The hostess seated us at a table on their outdoor patio just off of the popular Pinellas Bike Trail. The view and atmosphere were amazing.

The restaurant was very popular, so they put us at a table that was tightly positioned between two other tables.  Since it…

View On WordPress

[sensiblefaith]

What Do They Know That I Don’t Know?

What Do They Know That I Don’t Know?

As I’m writing this, I’m sitting in Estes Park, Colorado with a view of the Rocky Mountains that is beyond description. God is such an amazing Artist! I love to travel, and I love to take pictures of the amazing settings God has placed all around the world. The other day my wife and I were driving through a section of Rocky Mountain National Park when we saw a random stretch of road where dozens…

View On WordPress

[sensiblefaith]

Would you like Chris to speak at your church or event?

Would you like Chris to speak at your church or event?

Have you been blessed by reading some of Chris’ writings?  If so, perhaps you should consider having him come to speak at your local church or event! If you would like to inquire about having Chris speak at your church, conference, retreat, or other event, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page. Chris Russell is a writer/speaker who currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. Chris has…

View On WordPress

[sensiblefaith]

The Healing Power of a Thankful Heart

The Healing Power of a Thankful Heart

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Here we are at Thanksgiving just following the most contentious election cycle we have ever experienced.  Many people are hurting, confused, and frustrated by the current state of our nation. I would like to suggest that now is the time for us to focus on the things for which we can be…

View On WordPress

[sensiblefaith]

The Unifying Effect of Law

I heard Trey Gowdy give a speech recently in which he mentioned that one of the most unifying principles in a culture is … law. The law of the land requires that the rich and poor all come together in unity to behave in the same way. And it requires people from all races to behave in the same way. A culture that abides by and enforces its laws consistently with all citizens from top to bottom…

View On WordPress

[sensiblefaith]

5 Questions To Ask Before Making That Next Facebook Post

5 Questions To Ask Before Making That Next Facebook Post

  Would you agree with me that things have gotten rather out of control on social media within our culture? Just to make sure you aren’t a part of that frenzy, here are some questions to ask yourself before making that next Facebook post. You may even want to print out this list of questions and tape it to the side of your computer or on your desk as a reminder!  As followers of Christ, these are…

View On WordPress

[sensiblefaith]

Election 2016 - Five Principles for Christians to Remember When Voting

Election 2016 – Five Principles for Christians to Remember When Voting

By Chris Russell This is clearly the most contentious election in the history of our nation. Families are divided. Christians are divided. Facebook friends are divided. Much hostility is in the air.  And a spirit of confusion seems to be swirling everywhere. With that in mind, let me suggest a few principles that should be on your mind as you enter the voting booth. 1) Secular Government is…

View On WordPress

[sensiblefaith]

5 Reasons We Do Not Need to Sweat the Election

5 Reasons We Do Not Need to Sweat the Election

Ever feel like our nation’s leaders are cracking up? Are you excited about this year’s election?  Most people on my Facebook wall do not appear to be happy about politics these days.  As a matter of fact, many people seem to be rather afraid of what lies ahead of us over the next few months and years.  Most of them won’t say they’re afraid.  Instead, their fear manifests itself in anger, because…

View On WordPress

[sensiblefaith]

Anger Never Really Works

Anger Never Really Works

For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:20   Perhaps the most important relationship lesson I’ve learned as a husband and father over the past couple decades is this: anger never really works.  Anger never brings about the desired result. Anger is never the best pathway to accomplishing the greatest good. Anger never ends up solving a problem with the best end…

View On WordPress

[sensiblefaith]

Where is God When God Is Not There?

Where is God When God Is Not There?

Psalm 13 1 How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? 2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? 3 Consider and hear me, O Lord my God; enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; 4 Lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed against him”; lest those who trouble me rejoice…

View On WordPress

[sensiblefaith]

I Tried Christianity, But It Just Didn't Work for Me

I Tried Christianity, But It Just Didn’t Work for Me

Over the years, I have heard many people say something like this: “I have tried Christianity, but it just didn’t work for me.” My observation has been that people who say this generally attended church for a short time period, watched what was going on, and then decided they weren’t really interested. But there is a big problem with “trying” Christianity like this. You see, Christianity isn’t…

View On WordPress

[sensiblefaith]

Spiritual Fitness Training: The Importance of Stretching

Not long ago I read a book called Fitness After 40. It was an intriguing book that helped me to understand pretty much everything that has gone wrong with my body over the past couple decades!

The list of changes was quite lengthy, but one of them had to do with the way we tend to become less and less flexible in our muscles and joints as we grow older. Every athletic coach I’ve had over the…

View On WordPress

[sensiblefaith]

4 Reasons You Need to Work on Your Spiritual Fitness

4 Reasons You Need to Work on Your Spiritual Fitness

1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

  We certainly live in a health-conscious world. Everywhere we turn we see advertisements for fitness equipment, nutritional supplements, health food, gym memberships, and more. Many people are obsessed with taking care of their…

View On WordPress

[sensiblefaith]

Does God Always Heal Every Sickness, Disease, or Illness?

Does God Always Heal Every Sickness, Disease, or Illness?

  I am a big believer in the doctrine of healing.  I have experienced God’s healing in my own life, and I have witnessed God healing myriads of people over my past couple decades I’ve been in ministry.  I am greatly comforted by verses like the one in James that gives us a great hope in the power of prayer:

James 5

13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing…

View On WordPress

[sensiblefaith]

A Christian Response to the Ferguson Disaster

A Christian Response to the Ferguson Disaster

  Like others, I have been shocked and horrified by the events surrounding Ferguson this week. It is so sad to see such anger which boils all around us.

But one of my greatest concerns is that no seems to be truly listening. Many people are arguing, but no one appears to be actively attempting to understand the perspective on “the other side.”

  Most people merely listen with the intent to…

View On WordPress

[sensiblefaith]

Getting Unstuck Spiritually

During this past year, I bought a vehicle that I have wanted for just about all my life:  a Jeep Wrangler.  I’ve always liked seeing them, but I was just recently able to get one for myself.  There’s nothing quite like zipping around town with the top off and doors off.   It’s basically like riding a roller coaster … EVERYWHERE.

After buying my Jeep, I got on Youtube to check out what others do…

View On WordPress

[sensiblefaith]

A Parent's Prayer App

A Parent’s Prayer App

Every responsible Christian prays daily for their children or grandchildren. We pray for God’s blessing and protection throughout their days. We pray for them to be happy. We pray especially when they’re struggling or causing us concern. But you know how it is…sometimes it’s just hard to know what to pray, and we can always use a little help in that area.

That’s why I’m grateful that a friend of…

View On WordPress