The Fear of the Lord and Disobedience

Posted on January 31st, 2007 in General by Fred

Hey Everybody -

Just sitting down this morning with some coffee and Bible Study … my nifty little “daily reader” program has me in 2 Kings 17 today for the Old Testament text.

“They feared the Lord, yet served their own gods - according to the rituals of the nations from among whom they were carried away”. (2 Kings 17:33, NKJV, emphasis mine)

OK - the context here is an ongoing text of how God’s people didn’t obey Him - they would be conquered and moved to other lands, mixed and mingled with all other tribes, religions, and cities. Israel has been captive and carried away to Assyria. They still aren’t obeying God’s laws. Now, they are mixed with various religions and ethnic groups and all of them are serving their own Gods … but it says “they feared the Lord”.

I’m thinking that for a season, it’s possible to have a healty “fear of the Lord”; yet, still disobey and get carried away into sin and idolatry. But obviously, this continued disobedience has grave consequences in our lives and serious spiritual implications. Note the next verse:

“To this day they continue practicing the former rituals; they do not fear the Lord, nor do they follow their statues or their ordinances, or the law and commandment which the Lord had commanded the children of Jacob, whom He named Israel.” (2 Kings 17:34, NKJV, emphasis mine).

Did you catch that - in verse 33 … “they feared the Lord … yet, they disobeyed”. In verse 34 - they continue in disobedience, and the fear of the Lord is gone.
The Bible says that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”. (Proverbs 9:10) I desperately need wisdom and God’s favor in all aspects of my life. I think this verse has been a good warning to me that I pay attention to “obedience” …. for if I willfully, intentionally choose to walk in disobedience to God’s Word, it will bring me to a place where I no longer “fear the Lord”.

That would be a scary place to be, indeed. So … let’s obey!

For the Kingdom,
Fred

Less than 48 Hours … and Counting

Posted on January 30th, 2007 in General by Fred

Tuesday, January 30 2007

To my fellow worshipers, friends, and supporters of Highest Praise:

LESS THAN 48 HOURS and COUNTING ….

I hope that you are having a wonderful month. Many of you have been following the recent news of a great honor that I’ve received in being nominated as a Finalist for a “Momentum Award” in two categories:

* Worship Artist of the Year
* Instrumental Artist of the Year

According to Keith Mohr, Founder of IndieHeaven.Com, “The Momentum Awards recognize the pursuit of excellence and passion in Independent Christian Music … there are tight races in all 15 categories! So your vote counts!”

This email is to let you know that there is less than 48 hours left in the official “voting” for the Finalists. You are allowed one vote per computer and I’d really appreciate your support in this awesome opportunity. By doing so, you are helping me to “let my light shine” to all the world.

To vote, you simply go to the IndieHeaven.Com Momentum Award Page and scroll down and select “Fred McKinnon” for “Worship Artist of the Year” and as “Instrumental Artist of the Year”. (that is, if you think I’m a worthy candidate, grin!!)

I have been so blessed and overwhelmed with the incredible showing of support and feedback from the many worshipers, friends, family, and fans. I have been humbled by reading some of your comments and testimonies of how God has used my music to bring peace and blessing to you and your loved ones.I can honestly say that regardless of the outcome, the support and exposure has been an incredible blessing for me. I’ve already seen opportunities that are springing forth from your support and the exposure that it’s provided. I am confident that it will provide a greater platform for the gift of God in my life to come forth, reaching and touching souls all over the world.

Below are a few testimonies - for God’s glory
(hundreds more on my IndieHeaven Artist Page)

“If my zipcode doesn’t sound right, it’s because I live in France. I fell upon this site and heard the music of Fred Mc-Kinnon, what joy, what misery. I have led a pretty tortured existence for the last 33 years, I found myself crying, releasing all of that misery and gradually sensing joy, at least that is what I think it was, seeping in slowly, then flooding and overpowering all other feelings. I am not qualified to judge a musician, but thank you Fred, it worked for me.” … from Caroline in France

“Just listened to your podcast. Just to let you know that I am thrilled to hear you. We lack access to your music in Nigeria and would request that you grant me permission to further the work of your ministry hear in Nigeria. I am into medical missions and everyone listening to you here on my ipod when we are i the mission feild is delighted to have the highest praise and your music. I encourage you never to relent. You’ll never will know how far you are touching peoples lives outside of the US. God bless.”… from Emmanuel in Nigeria

“I really enjoyed listening to your music. May the Holy Spirit lead you to write more inspirational tunes that will bring many into the Kingdom. God bless you and your family and have a blessed Birthday. I pray more people will know Him through the use of your talents, especially people from down South in Aussie land!” … from Helen in Australia

“Restless is an awesome song to meditate to about the goodness of God. It will take your mind off of everyday problems or situations of life. excellent!!!!! God Bless you” … from Tonya, USA

I’ll be attending the CIA Summit in Franklin, TN on March 30-April 1. The “Momentum Awards Ceremony” will take place then. Much more important to me is the time to get better aquainted with fellow musicians and artists who are passionately pursuing their callings by sharing their giftings and talents for God’s glory!

Thanks once again for your support. After voting, please consider visiting my Artist Page to share your testimony as well.

For the Kingdom of the Great King of Kings,

Fred F. McKinnon

PS: Hope you’ll visit my personal site and subscribe to my personal blog at:
www.fredmckinnon.com

Fix My Eyes

Posted on January 24th, 2007 in General by Fred

So … I’ve been hearing from folks in the area that one of my songs, “Fix My Eyes” is on the radio quite a bit. That’s always an encouragement to hear. This morning as I was pulling out of the driveway this little voice told me “turn on the radio”. So, I turned it on and hit the “memory” button to dial in FM 89.3 The Lighthouse … and there it was!

“Fix My Eyes” is a powerful song that I wrote several years ago and was recorded on the 2005 “Worship Under the Stars” album [you can buy it here!]. The “live” cut on the CD is nearly 10 minutes long, so Randy and I edited out the entire first verse, the scripture intro, etc,. to make a “Radio Cut” edition of this song which shortened it to a little over 6 minutes. Still too long for most radio stations, but I’m grateful to Paul and Vicky Hafer at The Lighthouse for always supporting local artists and playing it anyway.

They must be getting great response, because from what I’ve heard, they spin it quite often. WOO-HOO! Too bad it’s not spinning on mega-stations across the country with ga-zillions of listeners - my BMI check would then be something to get excited about!

You can check out this song on my IndieHeaven Site. You’ll have to click on the green “Worship Under the Stars” album cover to pull up that songlist. Leave me a comment and let me know what ya think!

Here’s a full video of it from YouTube as well:

[youtube]p8aY2NAZ1Ec&autoplay=1[/youtube]

if you’d like to share this video on YOUR BLOG or site, just grab the code below:

For the Kingdom,
Fred

Fasting and Prayer, 2007

Posted on January 18th, 2007 in General by Fred

Hey Everybody -

I’ve just returned from my travels. Last weekend I was in Hilton Head, SC at Christian Renewal Church. The pastor’s daughter was married and I played piano in the ceremony. It was a great celebration and Joy and I had an awesome two days alone. That’s right - ALONE. My wonderful Mother (me-ma) came and boldly kept all 4 kids so that Joy and I could go to the wedding and spend two glorious nights in the Main Street Inn (Hilton Head, SC) together. We’re grateful to the parents of the Bride, Gilbert & Debi Posey for their generosity in putting us up there.

Came home Sunday afternoon, unpacked, replied to some emails and work and packed back up for my annual fasting/prayer retreat. We’ve lost count on how many years we’ve done this - I think at least 12 or 13. I gather every year with a few men for an intense time of prayer, fasting, worship, and fellowship. It’s something that my “flesh” (my natural body, in non-church speak) dreads, but my spirit anticipates yearly. I think it’s appropriate to take this time early in the New Year to set myself apart, fast, pray, and humble myself before the Lord in seeking His will and direction for the coming year.

As always, it was a refreshing time. This group of guys is top-notch and I’d trust my life with any of them. They hear from God - they are high ranking soliders in His army. I’m privileged to share this time with them.

One thing has become clear to me. My recent resignation as Worship Pastor at Christian Renewal St. Simons (a position I’d held for 11 years) is a major move in our life. Life is no less busy for me, and it’s easy to coast on “auto pilot”. However, I am fully aware that there is a lot of serious, spiritual activity happening in the heavens regarding this move. I feel strongly that this “transition time” is major for us, and that it’s the biggest step in our faith walk that we’ve taken since I’ve been married. I sense and realize that there will be great activity to try and distract me or hinder me from hearing God’s will and direction. As I begin considering and praying about potential opportunities that are “out there”, I am aware of the magnitude that the decisions we make in the coming months are paramount to God’s destiny in our lives.

One thing is certain. I have peace. Joy has peace. We know that God will lead us. We’ve both agreed together that we’ll not be passive or lazy during this transition time and have dedicated ourselves to continual prayer for God’s plan to be revealed to us … for His doors of opportunity to be opened for us, and all others shut. Although I’m aware of a frenzy of “spiritual activity” (sorry for those who don’t quite follow this thought process) over our lives right now - I’m not in fear, and I’m totally consumed with the reality that God’s grace is sufficient for us, and that we WILL INDEED take the correct steps and paths for His plan in our lives.

On a side note - last week was a huge week in the “Momentum Award” contest at IndieHeaven.Com. I spent an afternoon sending some personal emails to friends, family, and others in my personal address book - explaining the honor of being nominated as a finalist and asking for their support. So far the support has been awesome, and several people were so encouraged that they took the request and sent it to their own mailing lists, blogs, etc. It was refreshing to see God’s favor at work in how He blessed me through others.

If you’ve not voted and wish to, you can go to the IndieHeaven.Com site. I’m nominated for “Worship Artist of the Year” and “Instrumental Artist of the Year”. You can vote once per computer and voting ends in January. Won’t know the winners until March, though!

I’ve received some incredible testimonies from people who visited the site, listened to the music, and voted. When I read these, I am overcome with a sense of humility because I know that it’s not me - anyone can play piano - but it’s the gift of God and His anointing at work THROUGH the music that is bringing about such response. To Him be the glory forever.

In closing, I’ll share one of those testimonies here. You can read more of the comments on my IH Artist Page.

“If my zipcode doesn’t sound right, it’s because I live in France. I fell upon this site and heard the music of Fred Mc-Kinnon, what joy, what misery. I have led a pretty tortured existence for the last 33 years, I found myself crying, releasing all of that misery and gradually sensing joy, at least that is what I think it was, seeping in slowly, then flooding and overpowering all other feelings. I am not qualified to judge a musician, but thank you Fred, it worked for me.”

My friends, make no mistake about it - this is God’s work, and for God’s glory. Praise Him for touching this wonderful soul in France. Thank you, God. Awesome!

For the Kingdom,
Fred

A New Beginning for Us!

Posted on January 10th, 2007 in General by Fred

Hey Everyone -

Well, this post is a few days late - but wanted to declare that as of Monday, 1/8/2007, we launched into a new, unknown journey.  After serving a little over 11 years as the Worship Pastor at Christian Renewal Church of St. Simons Island, GA - I resigned my position in December and had my last Sunday a few days ago.  We have a huge love for that local church and all the people there - we love them so very much.  I’m happy to report that my resignation was not forced out of conflict or relational issues.  It was a decision ordained and directed by the Holy Spirit of God.  Over the last year especially, we began to sense a restlessness and discontentment … feeling that maybe God had something else for us - a different way, a different method.  It was hard to ignore, but years of faithfulness and loyalty to that local church, the pastor (who we really love and is a great, true friend and brother), and to the people … they will make you want to push aside those feelings.

I once learned an analogy about how eagles will begin to put sticky barbs and things in the nest to make it “uncomfortable” when it’s time for the baby eagle’s to leave the nest and fly.  I don’t know if that’s really true or not, but it’s a great way to look at the situation.

You know, God seems to always have ’seasons’ for things, and in my simple mind, I like to think that maybe … just maybe … something will last forever!  I’m great at starting things, but not great at wrapping them up or laying things down when they aren’t effective anymore.  So, in a case like this - with 4 kids, a house payment, and ABSOLUTELY NO HINT of an idea as to what employment opportunities may be out there for us, I took the plunge.  But - we did it.  And with it came the peace of God.  The “knowing” in my Spirit that “God is up to something” and a true excitement and zeal for what is “to come”.

Our final Sunday was a few days ago - I led worship with the team and came back for a gracious reception honoring us Sunday night.  I have been blessed over those 11 years beyond measure from the people at CRCSSI and the faithful, loyal volunteers who have served along my side on the worship team and in the media ministry.

On Monday morning, I told Joy that even though it was Jan 8, it felt more like Jan 1 - that even though it wasn’t New Years’ Day, it felt like we were finally able to get a new start.  Then, I walked outside and a massive rainbow was over our home - over the entire area … everyone saw it … everyone talked about.  My “across-the-street” neighbor also just quit his job and ventured out into the unknown … they saw it, and just like myself - they said “that’s significant”.

Yeah - everybody saw that rainbow.  It was over my house.  It was over Chad and Merdith’s house.  It was over Jon Michael’s school.  As I took him to school and saw the rainbow continue to just “float and move” with us … I realized also … it was right over my former church, CRCSSI.

Later I asked someone about it, and he said “I didn’t see it, but everybody at school was talking about it”.

Yeah - everybody saw it … but as far as I’m concerned ….

…. that was my rainbow.

So, now the unknown … I’m beginning to see and sense some potential opportunities … but there are many roads ahead.  God is wise, and the all-wise God of the Universe  is gracious enough to live in me.  His great gift, the Holy Spirit, is already at work, leading, guiding, and giving us the direction we need.

It’s gonna be a great year!

For the Kingdom,
Fred

Next Page »