Blogs/News/PSAs

What kind of fragrance does your life produce before God?

A woman poured expensive perfume on Jesus. Others called it a waste, but Jesus saw an act of love and devotion. Paul later wrote, “Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.” 2 Corinthians 2:15

When we live with love, sacrifice, and obedience, the fragrance of Christ can be evident in our lives.

The woman poured out her perfume. Jesus poured out His life. Now we have the opportunity to pour out our lives in love for Him.

Click on the link below to read today’s devotion and discover how your life can become a pleasing aroma to God. #BibleStudy #Devotions #ChristianLiving #Jesus #Faith

https://www.ramckinley.com/experience-the-sweet-fragrance-of-christ/

Jesus didn’t choose His disciples because they looked qualified. He chose twelve unexpected men, knowing what He could make them become.

That should encourage us. God sees beyond what we are today and knows what our lives can become when we follow Him.

Discover who these twelve men were and what their lives can teach us today.

#BibleStudy #Devotions #Jesus #Disciples #ChristianLiving #316 #Mark

https://www.ramckinley.com/introducing-the-unexpected-men-jesus-made-to-be-disciples/

Peace is easy when everything is going well. But what happens when the situation around you is anything but peaceful? Scripture promises something remarkable: Jesus can give us His peace at all times and in every situation.

That doesn’t mean ignoring our problems or pretending everything is fine. It means trusting God, fixing our thoughts on Him, and taking our worries to Him in prayer. Your circumstances may not change immediately, but God’s peace can guard your heart and mind while you walk through them.

Click on the link below to discover how to experience perfect peace—even in an imperfect situation. #ChristianLiving #Faith #Peace #TrustGod #Prayer #ChristianEncouragement #Devotion

https://www.ramckinley.com/receive-perfect-peace-in-an-imperfect-situation

Sometimes our circumstances don’t give us much to sing about. We may even watch people who have little regard for God prosper while faithful Christians struggle.

Psalm 92 reminds us not to judge God’s faithfulness by what we see at the moment.

The wicked may flourish for a season, but those who belong to the Lord are planted in something much deeper. The Psalmist says the godly will flourish like palm trees, grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon, and continue producing fruit even in old age.

That gives us a reason to sing!

Praise reminds us of what God has done, strengthens our faith for what we’re facing today, and keeps our hearts focused on the One who will be exalted forever.

Whatever your circumstances look like today, you still have a reason to sing for joy and exalt God’s wonderful name. Click on the link below to read today’s devotion. #Psalms #ChristianLiving #Faith #Worship #ChristianEncouragement #Devotions

https://www.ramckinley.com/sing-for-joy/

Have you ever questioned the way someone else serves the Lord simply because you would have done it differently?

When the woman poured expensive perfume on Jesus, the disciples called it a waste. Jesus called it a good thing—and He defended her.

Sometimes we can mistake our personal preferences for spiritual wisdom. We may not know what God has asked another person to do or how He intends to use their obedience.

Biblical discernment is important, but that’s very different from criticizing someone simply because their calling or methods don't look like ours.

Before criticizing what someone else does for the Lord, we should make sure we aren't criticizing something Jesus Himself calls good. . #ChristianLiving #Faith #Ministry #BibleStudy #Devotions

https://www.ramckinley.com/be-careful-not-to-criticize/

Tobiah mocked the work Nehemiah and the Israelites were doing by saying that even a fox walking across their wall would knock it down.

It wasn't true—but discouragement doesn't have to be true to stop us. We just have to believe it.

The enemy still whispers things like, “You can't do this. You're not qualified. Your work isn't making a difference. You might as well quit.”

Nehemiah shows us another way: pray, stand your ground, keep God's Word close, and keep building.

The enemy doesn't get to decide whether you finish the work God gave you.

Click on the link below to read today's devotion. #ChristianLiving #Faith #Nehemiah #BibleStudy #Devotions

https://www.ramckinley.com/the-work-god-gave-you/

What could Psalm 87 possibly have to do with the Lamb's Book of Life? More than you might expect. Psalm 87 gives us a remarkable picture of God recording the names of those who belong to Him. The New Testament takes that truth even further—pointing us toward our citizenship in heaven and the names written in the Lamb's Book of Life.

Jesus told His disciples, “Rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” Luke 10:20 There may be no greater reason for a Christian to rejoice. Click the link below to read today's devotion and discover the fascinating connection between Psalm 87 and the Lamb's Book of Life. #BibleStudy #BookOfLife #Psalms #Jesus #ChristianLiving #Devotions #EternalLife #Heaven

https://www.ramckinley.com/written-in-the-lambs-book-of-life/

If we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, what purpose does the Old Testament law still serve? Galatians 3 explains how the law reveals our need for a Savior and points us to Christ.

Click on the link below to read today’s devotional.

#BibleStudy #Devotions #Galatians #Grace #ChristianLiving

https://www.ramckinley.com/does-the-old-testament-law-still-apply-today/

Have you ever tried to tell someone about Jesus only to have them reject what you said?

Don't let rejection keep you from being faithful. The apostle Paul reminds us that our responsibility is to share the gospel with love and leave the results with God.

Click on the link below to read today's devotional.

#BibleStudy #Devotions #Faith #SharingYourFaith #ChristianLiving

https://www.ramckinley.com/how-to-handle-rejection-when-sharing-your-faith/

The disciples asked that very question after Jesus said it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God's Kingdom.

Jesus' answer changes everything:

"What is impossible for people is possible with God." (Luke 18:27)

The truth is that none of us can save ourselves. We cannot earn forgiveness, remove our sin, or become righteous enough for heaven.

That is why Jesus came.

The impossible became possible through the cross and the empty tomb.

Salvation is not based on what we do. It is based on what Christ has already done.

Read today's devotion and discover why your only hope—and everyone's hope—is found in Jesus Christ.

#JesusSaves #Salvation #Grace #Faith #ChristianLiving #Devotional #BibleStudy

https://www.ramckinley.com/who-can-be-saved/

God instructed Israel to build His altar from ordinary earth and uncut stones. No craftsman could boast and say, "Look what I made." The altar pointed to God's workmanship, not man's.

The same truth applies to us today. We spend so much time comparing ourselves to others and trying to become someone we were never created to be.

You are God's workmanship. You are His creation. You are valuable, not because of what you have made of yourself, but because God created you and chose to use you.

Click on the link below to read today's devotional.  #BibleStudy #Devotions #Exodus #ChristianLiving

https://www.ramckinley.com/an-altar-made-of-earth/

Have you ever felt trapped by circumstances with no clear way forward?

David experienced one of the darkest seasons of his life. Hiding in a cave, surrounded by danger, he discovered that when no one else could help him, God remained his refuge.

If you are facing a difficult situation today, Psalm 142 reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we are never alone.

Read today's devotion to discover how God can become your refuge when life feels overwhelming. #BibleStudy #Hope #Devotions #Psalms #TrustGod #ChristianLiving

https://www.ramckinley.com/finding-refuge-in-god/

Do you look forward to gathering with God's people, or has worship become routine?

David approached worship with joy, anticipation, and gratitude because he understood the importance of God's presence and the blessing of joining together with other believers.

Psalm 122 challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we enter God's house with expectation? Are we investing in the unity, peace, and spiritual health of our churches?

Read today's devotion and discover why worship still matters and how it can transform both our hearts and our communities. #BibleStudy #Psalms #Worship #Church #ChristianLiving #Faith #Devotions #HouseOfTheLord

https://www.ramckinley.com/let-us-go-to-the-house-of-the-lord/