FredMcKinnon.Com

Hi Friends -

Well … I resisted the temptation for quite some now, but I finally caved in. I created a new category on my “blog” …. “Politics”. (gasp)

I suppose I have some pretty strong opinions in this area. Then again, I seem to have strong opinions in most areas! (grin).

At any case, I’ve been watching this RSS feed/blog called The Electoral Vote Predictor 2004. It has a map with red/blue states showing who is ahead in the electoral college, along with graphs, charts, movies, spreadsheets, and commentary. Everything is updated daily. It even tracks the Senate elections.

Today, there was a discussion about the “ballot problems”, and after seeing it, I’ve decided that I will no longer tell jokes about Floridians who were smart enough to play 10 “bingo cards” at once, but not punch the right hole. In the case of the “Absentee ballot” for the county where Cleveland, Ohio is located - I would’ve thrown away my vote, no doubt.

See for yourself at the site I mentioned above, but here is a quote:

Here is an example of the kind of issue that might turn Ohio into Florida. Take a look at the absentee ballot for for Cuyahoga County, where Cleveland is located. Suppose you wanted to vote for George Bush. Which hole would you punch? If you picked the one I colored in green, congratulations, you just threw your vote away. The one in red is the correct choice to vote for George Bush. Blue is for Kerry.

Apparently, you’re supposed to punch the correct NUMBER - so a “Bush Vote” would mean you punch #4. Apparently, that big black arrow means nothing. It’s interesting; however, that the Kerry arrow just happens to point to the correct # on the punch card.

Seriously, as I was showing this to Joy and my in-laws (who are visiting), Joy’s comment was simply “it’s in God’s hands”. Ultimately, that’s true. I think …no, I’m sure … it’s our right and obligation to vote … but Even more, we should PRAY. Pray that God’s will is accomplished here on earth, as it is in heaven. Pray that those who stand for righteousness and life will be active and strong to make a stand.

Just barely over a week to go, and we’ll decide who is the President of our great country. I hope you’ll join me in prayer for God’s purpose to prevail.

For the Kingdom,
Fred

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“Fear tolerated is faith contaminated”.

This was an astounding quote I heard last night. Our parent church on the mainland, Christian Renewal Ministries, hosted a special service with Jesse Duplantis. (see www.jdm.org)

I’ve always appreciated and enjoyed the ministry of Jesse Duplantis. The guy is so funny and is a “straight-talker”. In addition, he’s seems to keep a high level of integrity and accountability in his ministry. He’s known as a very generous man and he “practices what he preaches”.

I’m not sure if Jesse is the author of that quote, or if he heard or read it somewhere else. But it was truly astounding to me … “fear tolerated is faith contaminated”. How true that is. I once did a teaching on discouragement and how that is the opposite of “courage”. Well, with “fear” being opposite of “faith”, I know that we have to overcome our discouragement. I’ve seen how the presence of fear will totally leave a person helpless, lifeless, and without hope. Fear seems to squash faith, hope, and love. Thankfully, we can CHOOSE to release our fear, resist, and turn from our fears, and move into faith .. and this is what God requires.

I forget the number - but it’s a large one - the number of times that “fear not” is said in God’s Word. Amazing. Yet, how often we succumb to this monster. I’ve always been intrigued by the “theory” some have regarding Job. Job offers a confession in Chapter 3:25: “What I always feared has happened to me. What I dreaded has come to be”.

Now, I’ve heard the argument that because of this fear in Job’s life, his faith wasn’t to the place it should have been and that’s why all the calamity was allowed in his life. It’s always been hard for me to accept that doctrine because God clearly justifies Job in the beginning, saying that “he is the finest man in all the earth - a man of complete integrity … he fears God and will have nothing to do with evil”. Without “faith”, it’s impossible to please God … sounds like Job pleased God.

Still, I cannot seem to shake that confession - fear was present in Job’s life .. and apparently, it had been resident in him for a long time. Makes me want to check my fears in at the foot of the cross, and choose FAITH and LIFE.

In these days, we cannot allow our faith to waiver. We cannot allow things that would weaken our faith. Fear clearly does that. If you’re struggling with fear, my prayer is that you can overcome it with the power of the Holy Spirit. God’s Word is full of “fear not” commands. God would not command us to do something that we are powerless to do, although in our strength, we may be just that - powerless. That’s why he gave us His Spirit.

Well, I didn’t start this post with any intentions to pitch anyone’s product, that’s for sure. But in typing this, I am reminded of a DVD-series that I’ve spent the last year or more investing my time and energies to .. it’s called “The Journey Towards Freedom” series, and there is an awesome DVD on “Minimizing Fear” that we produced. I found it very helpful, as did my wife.

Don’t let your faith be contaminated with fear. I hope and pray you’ll be encouraged to take action in this area, and by the power of God’s Spirit, we will overcome our fears and walk with pure, strong faith.

I’m open to your comments - whatcha think?

For the Kingdom,
Fred

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Hey Ya’ll -

Well, just a quick note … what a GREAT weekend we had “back home”.

My niece, Brittany (oldest daughter of my oldest brother, Billy) was voted the Homecoming Queen! And her sister, Brooke was the freshman rep, as mentioned in my earlier post … check out this pic of these great gals. We were all proud, needless to say.

Oh - the parade - what a blast. here’s a pic of the boys eagerly waiting for the parade to pass by - and yes … we got a bucket-load of candy … even a few strawberry bonbons, which JM forfeited to his Daddy.

That’s all for now … keep pressin’ on for the Kingdom.

Fred

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Hi Friends -

Remember “homecoming” at High School? Parades, dances, football games, and all the activity that surrounds. (kinda brings back memories of getting out of school early all week, and staying out late in some barn in the country turning a flatbed trailer into a beautiful parade float covered with pink, Charmin toilet-paper flowers that would rival any Macy’s Day float ever made.) (not)

We’re pulling out in a few minutes to go to McRae, GA for not just any homecoming - a very special one indeed. Both of my oldest brother’s daughters are on the Telfair County High School homecoming court. Woo-Hoo! Brittany is a senior representative, and Brooke is the freshman rep. No surprise - they are both beautiful, have gorgeous personalities, and love Jesus.

All Jon Michael can talk about is the “parade where they throw candy on the street” … so he’s sure to get a mouth full. Then again, if they throw out any of those strawberry bon-bon candies, I may have to wrestle him for them.

OK - hope you at least smiled in hearing a blast from the past …. a reflective moment from the redneck days of growing up in rural, Middle/South Georgia!

May the best gal win, and go mighty Trojans!

For the Kingdom,
Fred

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