That’s Quotable - Tyranny of the Urgent

Posted on January 14th, 2008 in AC180, Faith, General Leadership by Fred

Hey Everyone,

Earlier today I posted an entry on the AC180.Com blog called “GTD - Getting Things Done”. I’m honored to be one of many contributors there and although I’ve not posted there recently, I’m excited about the new schedule of lineup of topics they’ve arranged for us.

As a response to that entry, I learned about an old writing called “Tyranny of the Urgent“. I just gave it a quick read, and this is definitely quotable:

“Many salesmen have revolutionized their business and multiplied their profits by setting aside Friday afternoon to plan carefully the major activities for the coming week. If an executive is too busy to stop and plan, he may find himself replaced by another man who takes time to plan. If the Christian is too busy to stop, take spiritual inventory, and receive his assignments from God, he becomes a slave to the tyranny of the urgent. He may work day and night to achieve much that seems significant to himself and others, but he will not finish the work God has for him to do”.

From my own lack of discipline in this area, I can definitely say “ouch” …

Don’t become a slave to the tyranny of the urgent. Take some time out, pray … give God your first fruits. You’ll be so much better because of it, and your day will be so much more productive.

How are you doing in this area?

For the Kingdom,
Fred

McKinnon Blog goes XXX

Posted on October 11th, 2007 in AC180, Church Life by Fred

Hey Ya’ll,

Ok, well not really. But the content is associated with it.

At this point, most people would say “OK, girls - excuse us while us guys talk” … but too many stats say the chicks are in trouble, too.

Fred, what in the world are you talking about? I’m talking about the p0rn0graphy epidemic. It’s ravaged the world, the men, the women, and sadly, the church.

Hey, Fred - I thought this was a blog about worship, worship leading, leadership, music, and some personal stuff about your life and family? NEWS FLASH: Worship Is A Way of Life!

If you don’t think this sin (not just the p0rn0, but all the immorality, lusts of the flesh, and similar sins) hinders our ability to worship, you’ve lost it. “Who may ascend … he with clean hands a pure heart”. It’s hard to truly abandon yourself in worship to God when you are stuck in self fulfillment … or as a consequence of, overloaded with guilt and shame.

Enough - you get the drift. What’s this about? It’s a hope that some of you will read the article I link to below. It’s a 100% no-doubt, sure-fire TRUTH that some of the folks who read this TODAY are already struggling or in trouble. Guess what? I did my time. I know the battle and sure love the victory.

So … I’m beyond blessed to have strong leadership at church who doesn’t take this issue lightly. We didn’t sponsor “P0rno Sunday” last week like my buddy Robert Pooley at Coast Community in Gulf Breeze, FL … but we are definitely talking about it among ourselves as men. Pastor David has been challenging us as men. It’s nothing to hide from - it’s something to openly challenge and encourage the Body of Christ about.

Not just this sin, either - like I said above, our whole world has perverted sexuality, self gratification and fulfillment and the desires of the flesh. It’s a battle for everyone, everywhere. If you think you stand, take heed, less you fall. (I’ve heard that somewhere before, anyone?).

Alright - enough rambling. David sends this mass-email to us men on staff … basically saying “Read this”. I don’t know about you, but I’m grateful for leadership that doesn’t shy away from being proactive. The Kingdom is advancing, folks. The battle is raging. Satan will pull out all his stops - but the great news is that he (Satan) has already been defeated - if we will just walk in the Spirit, we will be free.

Checkout this incredible article by Stephen Arterburn (author of Every Man’s Battle, among many other books) at SermonCentral.Com.

Passing the torch, sounding the call.
Fred

AC180 - From Saul to Paul

Posted on September 25th, 2007 in AC180, Faith, General Leadership by Fred

Hey Everyone -

I’m flattered - I’m honored. I’ve been asked to be a contributor on AC180.Com. After prayerfully considering this opportunity over the weekend, I let Aaron Conrad know that I’d graciously accept. Wow, what a blessing. Here’s the post where they announced my acceptance.

Below is a copy of the Mission of AC180.Com. It’s a blog of multiple contributors, targeted towards men. It launched earlier this year and has been a blessing to me.

The Ac180 Mission:

What you find on this blog are the writings, musings, thoughts and posts of men that have all done a complete 180. We’re not perfect. Matter of fact, we’re not even close. We’re husbands, fathers, brothers, sons and friends. We struggle. We fail. We win and we lose. We like sports. We like movies and music. We love our wives and our children. We seek to live a good life.

Yet, like all men, we face a world and systems that challenge our intentions each day. We don’t give up or quit. We battle. We fight. We band together as brothers. We pray. We seek grace. When we fail, we ask forgiveness. At our core, we want all men to do the same. It’s the very mission and prayer of each of the authors and contributors of ac180.com

In the end we hope to hear “Well done my good and faithful servant”.

It is then that our mission will be complete. Peace

*****
I’d like to express my thanks to Aaron for the invite and the vision he’s casting through this site. There are some incredible men of God and contributors helping men become what they should be in Christ. I pray that God will give me some wisdom or nugget to share from time to time.

For the Kingdom,
Fred