Today I want to dive deeper into some of the soul-searching I’m doing.  For me personally, I’m really focusing these thoughts on my own heart, and how it applies, specifically, in my marriage and towards my kids.

For example:

1.  Why do we take the positives for granted.  Why is it that I can call out my wife if she doesn’t measure up to my expectations so quickly; yet fail to thank her for all the positives.  (and of course, the other way around – like I said yesterday, I’m the perpetrator, but also the victim, as are all of us)

2.  Why is it so dang important that the positives be recognized?  For me, it’s almost like I don’t care if I get reinforcement from the positives,  as long as there isn’t undue light on the negatives.  I even take my own positives for granted.  Don’t want to acknowledge my good stuff … I think I’m OK with that … as long as you don’t bring up the negative.  (and just to ease any lingering questions, I’ve honestly been pondering this for months, so though this episode plays out at home and work frequently, it’s not like I’m venting hidden marriage issues here!).

3.  What is it about the negatives that are so strong?  I really think it’s the hurt.  The hurt causes pain, and the pain speaks louder than, well … “the lack of”.

So … pain is loud.  The lack of pain is … silent?

So maybe … just maybe, the lack of pain, grief, negativity needs a sound.  Praise.  Applause.  Affirmation.

This was a recent exchange at my house after two back-to-back things were complained about:

“I feel like I can’t do anything right”.

Does that ring a bell?  Two complaints (I was the complainer, and unjustly I might add) now cover “everything I do” being wrong.  Why?
The complaints (especially when they are unjust) hurt.  That pain is loud.
All the things done right?  (the actual ratio would be 1 million right to 1 wrong, maybe, yet the “weighting factor” applied is reversed!)

There probably wasn’t much noise.

See where I’m going with this?  Tomorrow I hope to bring this to a close and let’s talk about some practical ways to make some noise.

Are you with me?  Am I alone?

Related posts:

1. This is Wrong in So Many Ways
2. Prayer for Andrew
3. 10 Ways to Better Listening

I call it the “weighting factor” of doing the right thing versus screwing up.

I get the concept of a “weighting factor” from survey results and demographics.  For example, let’s talk about CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing) and how they pay royalties.

If you report usage of a song, that counts as a credit.  However, if your church has a larger congregation that credit is multiplied by a “weighting factor”.  The bigger the church, the bigger the “weighting factor”.  ASCAP, BMI, and performance societies do the same thing based on radio plays and listener area.

So, if your song is played on the radio for a small station, the weighting factor may be “x2″.  But if it’s played on a big station with millions of listeners, it may be “x10″.

I see this “weighting factor” played out every day in real life when we count “good deeds” or “getting it right” versus “screwing up”.

For example – I can pretty much say the right things, do the right things, be in the right places, and have the right answers all week long.  For each of those “getting it right” the weighting factor seems to be “x1″ … or maybe, “x .1″ … or maybe, it seems to not count at all.

But one screwup.
But one mistake.
But one outburst of frustration.

What is the weighting factor on that response?  Heck, it’s like “x100″.

All it takes is one screwup to wipe out a month’s worth of “getting it right”.

This plays out in my marriage.
This plays out in my work.
This plays out in my family and how I interact with my kids.

And you know what?

IT IS TOTALLY WRONG.

I want to elaborate tomorrow.  This is enough to ponder today.  Am I alone?  Do you agree?  Disagree?

Related posts:

1. This is Wrong in So Many Ways – Part 2
2. Featured Artist at MCTMG Radio
3. 10 Ways to Better Listening

Since I was first introduced to the beauty of Apple with the Centris 610 in the Music Lab at Georgia Southern University, I was hooked.  I think my first purchase was a Centris.  I’ve had 4-5 Macs since.  I’m an Apple-Addict.

You know what else I really like?  Google.

Google docs.
Google search.
Google base.
Google Apps.

And now Google is getting into hardware?

This past week I started moving my hosted email over to Google’s Gmail servers via their Google Apps.  I still keep my @fredmckinnon.com, @theworshipcommunity.com (and a dozen or so other online identities!) but with the uptime and service standards that Google’s Gmail servers can provide.

Today I installed Google Chrome browser – wow, it’s super fast.  I like it better than Firefox (which now gives me daily trouble) with the exception of the fact that when you choose something in a popup field of a form, you have to hit the “enter” key to lock it in.  (Safari does the same thing, though).

Then … there is the huge question that keeps lingering …

Do I hold out in hopes that Apple will finally make their incredible iPhone available on Verizon?  Rumors said that would happen in June 2010 but those rumors have disappeared and the prospects look pretty bleak now.  Yet, most everyone I’ve talked to loves their Motorola Droid powered by Google and Verizon is definitely getting the Google Nexus soon.

I heard someone recently make a comment that “you know it will eventually be Apple and Google fighting it out”.  I can’t think of two greater competitors.

So I’m facing an identity crisis.  I’ve always been an Apple guy.  (and always will be).  But am I becoming a Google guy, too?

What are YOUR thoughts?  Let me know – comment below!

Related posts:

1. Apple … gotta love these …
2. FreePlay Friday – Google, Weather, Football, Worship, and Rednecks
3. Microsoft Vista – Did MS do an Apple Ripoff again?

Hey Hey Hey,

Just finished a great nap on a beautiful Spring day here on St. Simons Island, GA.  This day started out with a chilly 39 but has warmed up to a near 70-degree day.  Jon Michael (my oldest, the 9-year old) finally got the bike he’s been holding out for so I’ll make this short as a family bike ride awaits me!

The place?  St. Simons Community Church

The people?  Some of the best on the planet.  Great team today.

The songs?  A great set of old and new:

Walk In:  “Washed by the Water” (NeedtoBreathe)
*love, love, love this song.  David Dantzler played acoustic and led this song today and he always nails it.

Opening Praise:  “See His Love” (Tim Hughes version)
*we’ve been doing this song frequently for years and it just stays in rotation.  Love it.  My wife loves it.  That makes it say in rotation for a LONG TIME.

Worship Set:
“Hosanna” (Hillsong) – led by one of our teenagers, Liza Odachowski.
“Psalm 63″ – written and led by my friend Russ Hutto.  You gotta check out this song, it’s so singable and the people grab it immediately.
“Step by Step” – flows perfectly from Psalm 63, a great old chorus from the Rich Mullins days.

Closing Song:
“How Deep the Father’s Love” (Stuart Townend)
*what a rich song.  Simple piano/vocal arrangement led by Todd, with the band building in on the final verse.

David’s sermon was hilarious.  I am still laughing about his fast-food examples and how his Dad messed him up by saying he was “outside playing”.  You’ll have to catch it on the podcast.

That’s a wrap.  I’m sharing this along with other worshipers all over the globe as part of the weekly “Sunday Setlists” blog/twitter fest over at TheWorshipCommunity.Com – so visit there and see all of the things other worship leaders are doing … and checkout the most recent “tweets” below of other folks sharing about their services by using the “#sundaysetlists” hashtag (code) on their tweets!

Related posts:

1. Sunday Setlists #30 – Worship Recap with Fred, Mandy, and Jay
2. Sunday Setlists #29 – Worship Recaps
3. A Worship Recap for St. Simons Community Church #sundaysetlists

That’s what happened for me last weekend.  I was invited to come lead worship and play keys at two events hosted by Lifepath Church in Rhode Island.

“Stirred But Not Shaken” was a men’s retreat held in a retreat cabin up in in the snowy mountains of New Hampshire.  Then we had a big night of worship on Sunday evening at Lifepath in Middletown, RI.

Joining me was Joel Klampert (guitar), Chris Moncus, (photos and fill-in bass) Conner Byrd (guitar), Michael Mahoney (bass), and David Klampert (drums).

I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of my “internet” buddies face to face a few times already.  This experience was no different.  An instant connection and a deep sense of comfort and familiararity (spell check says that’s not spelled correctly, oh well) was there … I knew about their wives, their families, their jobs, their churches … [sarcasm] thanks to this thing Al Gore created called the internet.  [/sarcasm]

When we arrived in NH we were without power … and stayed without power until the early Sunday morning.  This meant leading worship with flashlights on our music because the generator was barely strong enough to power our sound equipment and the much-needed heat.  When evening came it got dark … very dark … and the two or three lamps we added to the generator overwhelmed it so much we had to go old-school.  Acoustic guitars … singing in the dark.  40+ men, singing at the top of their lungs, “open the eyes of my heart, Lord …. open the eyes of my heart … I want to see You” ….

What?  We didn’t require the latest, greatest songs and the mega-band?  Nope.  We had it, we used it, it was good … but I think one of the most sweet memories I will have from this weekend is standing in the dark (completely unable to play or participate musically due to the lack of power) and just watching Joel and Conner resort to grabbing their acoustic guitars and leading us in the pitch, black night.  Wow.

I felt like a Christian in the early church – maybe in a cave in Antioch, hiding out from pending persecution.

Our “night of worship” was a beast – 20+ songs in 2 hours.  I had only played or led maybe about 5 of the songs.  I learned them on the flight.  The people showed up and expressed themselves in worship and adoration.  It was awesome.

Thanks, guys, for an awesome event.  Thanks to the people in New England who came and shared these days with us.  It was incredible.  To my new friend, Jack Osteen – wow, what incredible words you gave us.  I left challenged from the Word of God and your touch.

For the Kingdom,
Fred

Related posts:

1. Weekend Recap, Ft. Belvoir, Week Ahead
2. What Do You Think …
3. Worship Recap for Sunday March 7, 2010 #sundaysetlists

Posted via email from fredmckinnon’s posterous

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So, today I sent him this contract.

I do hereby confirm receipt of:
* Feb 28 bulletin
* Feb 28 master CD

If I should email you asking for these again next week, you hereby have the irrevocable right thereto by which you may call me a slacking idiot with no further retribution, cause, or consequence from said parties hereto.

Signed:
Fred McKinnon

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3. Posterous?

It was a long weekend of worship at SSCC this weekend.  First I led a team from various churches on Friday and Saturday for a women’s conference with Lisa Harper.  She is an incredible speaker and we had a wonderful time worshiping with all those ladies!

Today was a great day for our “Sunday” services as well.  Here’s a recap of the songs we did.

Walk In:  “Live Again” (Tim Haynes)
*this is a bluesy song written by one of our own, and was a ton of fun to play and sing

Opening Set:
“Your Grace is Enough”
“No Other Name”

Middle Set:
“Take My Life” (Third Day version)
“In Christ Alone”
“Christ In Me”

*all of the songs today fit perfectly with our study of Colossians, the preeminence of Christ, and His grace in our lives.

Closer:
“Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone”

This is the musical portion of how we worshiped.  Want to see what other churches and leaders were doing?  Go checkout all the other recaps in the “Sunday Setlists” post at TheWorshipCommunity.Com.

Related posts:

1. Christmas Carols – To Sing or Not to Sing
2. #sundaysetlists – Worship Recap for SSSCC, Jan 10
3. #sundaysetlists Worship Review for SSCC, Sunday Jan 24

We’ve been spreading the word this week about a great new song we’re featuring over at TheWorshipCommunity.Com and HighestPraise.Com called “Hallelujah!  I Am Free”.  You can download free leadsheets and chord charts to it here.

This morning the songwriter, Trent Smith, uploaded a great video showing how he plays the song.  Check it out.  Most importantly, share it with your friends.  I hope you’ll consider using this song in your personal times of worship and even in your corporate worship at your church.

Song:
Hallelujah! I Am Free (Trent Smith) by highestpraise

Video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Related posts:

1. Though I Can’t See You – Song and YouTube Video
2. Highest Praise and New Song
3. HPP Publishing Song, “Hey God” makes NY Times!

My friend Bobby (who I’ve known via blogworld and twitter for years and finally got to meet!) captured some cool footage from the conference.  So … enjoy!

(HT – Bobby Marchassault, MyWorshipRevolution)

Related posts:

1. Gungor – Beautiful Things
2. Live Painting Performance
3. Updates from re:create

Anyway, while I was there I experienced “Gungor” – formerly known as “The Michael Gungor Band”.  Folks, unless you’ve just offline, you’ve already seen the buzz on Twitter and blogs about this band.  I have witnessed some amazing performances in my life and this ranks as one of the most inspiring performances of my lifetime.  I’m not exaggerating.

Gungor’s CD (which he presented from start to end for us with the full band and multimedia experience) released today, Feb 15.  It’s called “Beautiful Things”.  I’d encourage you to spend the $10 and download it right away from iTunes.  It’s so worth it.

Here’s their “EPK” video.  Enjoy the heart of a husband/wife and band that show some of the most inspiring, creative, passionate worship I’ve encountered … ever.  Also, my friend Russ Hutto just published an amazing review of the album and the live experience we had with Gungor over at TheWorshipCommunity.Com.  Go checkout that review after watching the EPK below.

Related posts:

1. Gungor – Live from re:create (#recreate10)
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3. New ReVue – Kari Jobe

I am featuring a song called “Salvation Day”.  Right off the bat, it opens with a great sound.  A friend of mine who was with me at the time of my first listen started nodding his head saying, “I’m not normally a fan of female worship leaders, but I love it when they rock out and have that edge”.

The chord chart is here.

At the request of mangement, we’ve been asked to only stream a 30-second sample. Hopefully you’ll go buy the EP and hear the full album!  (RSS subscribers, this is where you click over to hear the tune!)

[See post to listen to audio at www.fredmckinnon.com]

VERSE  1:
God so loved, loved this world that He gave His Son
Whoever would put their trust, put their trust in Him
Would live forever, would live forever

CHORUS 1:
Oh    I was dead but now I live
Oh,    all my sin has been forgiven
Oh,    now with all my heart and soul I sing
Thank You for my Salvation Day

VERSE 2:

I so love, love your world that I’ll give my life
So they would, yes, they would see Your sacrifice
And livefor – e – ver,    and livefor – e – ver

BRIDGE:

Here we are rescued and ransomed
Sing it out, this is our anthem
Shout it out, we’ll live forever

Wanna hear the other 2 songs?
Checkout “Blessing and Honor” at ChrisfromCanada.Com.
Checkout “Deliverer” at Klampert.Com

Related posts:

1. Eternal Salvation?
2. Sex, Sushi, and Salvation
3. Creative FuZion – Everlasting God Scripture Reading

I’ve had the pleasure of spending some quality time with Randy and his wife, Chris.  He’s one of those guys that you are immediately captivated by.  Chris, his lovely wife and life partner is equally amazing and when you hang around them you get the idea that this is how God intended marriage to be.

I got my pre-release copy of this book a couple of weeks ago and was drawn into the story from the very beginning.  The opening scene hits home for me because it is literally taking place a stone’s throw from my home and I couldn’t help but smile, recalling the “personal connection” I had to this book and it’s author.

I won’t go into a lot of details about the book – you can get that information when you buy it and read it for yourself.  Known for beautiful works of watercolor art, many of which are nudes, I began to get a better understanding of Randy’s heart for true art, the physical body, and expression.

What is the difference between nude art and pornography?  This book addresses that topic and many, many others.

“Sex, Lies, and Religion” will be a challenging read, especially for those who are overly religious.  Randy will tackle some issues of sexuality, expression, and intimacy that can challenge your thinking.  He certainly challenged mine.  I honestly can’t say that I’d endorse or agree with every statement in the book.

On the whole, the book is a welcome challenge and I am already inspired by reading it.  Personally, with four young children in our home and decades of religious influences  affecting my paradigms and ways of thinking,  I NEEDED TO READ THIS BOOK.

In closing, I think this book can certainly bring about freedom to so many people who could be in bondage to sexual sins, lusts, or intimacy issues.  Most importantly, the purpose is not just to “improve your sex life” … it’s to bring a greater awareness of our intimacy with Christ.

Curious yet?  Go get your copy of “Sex, Lies, and Religion” by Randy Elrod today at:
http://sexliesandreligion.skyroo.com
———–
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from cre:ate 2.0 Publishing to read and post a review on my site. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 > “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Related posts:

1. A Day of Mentoring with Randy Elrod @recreate
2. Teaching on Praise, or UnTeaching on Religion?
3. Giveaway and Review: Donald Miller’s “A Million Miles In A Thousand Years”

I’m about to board a flight to Nashville, TN with my good friend Russ Hutto for the annual “re:create” conference.  Can’t wait to make new friends and see lots of folks like … well, to list all of their names and link to their blogs would take all morning!

I want to be “in the moment” as much as possible so probably will restrain myself from blogging every day and “tweeting” about every nuance.  (Can I hear an “amen”!?).  So, I’m going to embed the code that will allow you to view all tweets from myself and others who attend that use the #recreate hashtag.  Enjoy.  Be sure and view the Media tab as well!

You’ll hear from me whenever I can.

Related posts:

1. National Worship Leader Conference, Day 2 – #nwlc09
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Part of the creative discussions we’ve had is how we could incorporate some older creeds and songs.  Today we proclaimed “The Apostles Creed” together.  Now you may be in a church where this is done every Sunday but that’s not normal for us.  In my nearly 3-years of serving on staff as the Worship Pastor, we’ve never recited it.

Here’s how the flow of our worship service went today:

Walk In Song:
“Washed by the Water” (Needtobreathe)
Comments:  I’ve always loved this song and one of our guitarists/vocalists, David Dantzler, nails it.  It was our first time and people really got into it.

Opening Song:
“Glorious One” (Steve Fee)

After a short announcement video, I took about 4-5 minutes to discuss the history and heritage of the Apostles Creed.  I wanted to make this come alive so that it wasn’t some creed we said out loud that meant nothing.  I tried my best to put this creed into context.  It seemed like people were connecting with it and when we proclaimed it together, it was if I were saying it for the first time.

From there, I transitioned with the team directly into the traditional hymn, “Holy, Holy, Holy” in the Key of C.
This made for a smooth transition from “old” to “new” with “Revelation Song” (Gateway Version) in C.
(yeah, I know, some of you saying “that’s not new!” … haha, indeed it’s a few years old now, but still a great song for our congregation!)

After Pastor David’s sermon, we closed by reinforcing what the Book of Colossians was stating … by singing “Center” (Charlie Hall), stating how Christ is the center of it all.

That’s a recap of our services.  I’m sharing this in cooperation with the “Sunday Setlists” blog carnival hosted over at TheWorshipCommunity.Com, where you can see our recap along with many others!  Go check’em out!

Related posts:

1. Worship Recap for Sunday March 7, 2010 #sundaysetlists
2. Sunday Setlists #11 – Share Your Worship Recap
3. Sunday Setlists #15 – Worship Recap, Fam Jam Pics

I am discovering a profound truth about Worship/Music Ministry.

Picking songs and leading music is a very small part of what this job is really about. This job … this ministry … it’s really about:
* leading people
* bridging gaps
* listening and learning
* being a peacemaker
* navigating through personalities and expectations
* managing volunteers
* building relationships

Playing the music and leading the singing on Sunday?

That is by far, the EASIEST PART of this job!

Related posts:

1. Holiness, Truth, and the Presence of God
2. On Leadership: 3 Nuggets, Pt. 1
3. Worship Leadership – Building Community

Hey Gang,

Join us tonight for a “Night of Worship” at St. Simons Community Church at 6:00 PM EST.

If you’re in the area, I hope you’ll come and worship with us.  If you’re out of town, consider joining us “live” online at:
www.sscclive.com

Let’s join together in person and across the internet for a glorious time of worship and praise!

Related posts:

1. Tonight – All About Worship Show
2. Night of Worship Interview on 90.7 Way Radio
3. #sundaysetlists announcement and Night of Worship

Today is the day!  If you’ve been into blogging and social networking at all, Carlos Whittaker (aka “Los”) is no stranger to you.  He’s the blogger over at RagamuffinSoul.Com and we are teaming up with Carlos and Integrity Music to give you a 3-day blog tour of his brand new EP that launched TODAY.

There are 3 songs on the EP:

1.  “Jesus Saves” (hear it right here on FredMcKinnon.Com)
2.  “Rain It Down” (hear it tomorrow, Jan 27 over at Klampert.Com)
3.  “We Will Worship” (hear it Thursdays, Jan 28 over at ChrisFromCanada.Com)

Here’s an exclusive preview of the first song, “Jesus Saves”.

“Jesus Saves”
By:  Mia Fieldes, Jason Ingram and Carlos Whittaker
© 2010 Mia Fieldes/Shout! Publishing (adm in the U.S. and Canada by Integrity Worship Music)/ASCAP, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing/West Main Music/Windsor Hill Music/SESAC and Integrity Worship Music/ASCAP

Jesus Saves by highestpraise

Lyrics:

Your wounded hands have broken my chains
Your holiness has carried the weight
And I am the sum of failing and of grace
You overcame

Jesus saves my Jesus saves
Jesus saves my Jesus saves

Your innocence has covered my shame
Your love has spoken me by name
And I have victory over the grave over the grave
You overcame

Jesus saves my Jesus saves
Jesus saves my Jesus saves

I was dying You came for me
Now I’m living for my savior
Hope is rising up within me
You’re my Savior and Lord

Want a FREE CHORD CHART so you can start singing this anthem in your church right away?  Download it!

Want to buy this song and the entire EP?  Get it on iTunes today!

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I am actively searching for someone who would be interested in a part-time position in my internet business, HPP Enterprises.  I have an incredible assistant right now but she was offered a great full-time job and needed it … so, I’m back to “asking, seeking, and knocking”.  I’ll be quick to say that for now, the compensation (see below) is not high, and probably equates to around $5/hour, but can increase dramatically once a certain sales threshold has been reached.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO MAKE SALES CALLS.

Suitable for:

* a stay-at-home mom, or self-employed person with extra time during business hours
* someone who is online a lot, and has a few hours per day

Basic Daily Tasks:

* entering orders into distributors’ websites
* entering tracking numbers into order confirmations
* replying to customer inquiries via email
* setting up and managing returns and refunds

Additional Opportunities:

My desire is to find someone who will want to partner to grow this business.  I’m not interested in someone who will only do data entry but in someone who can learn the in’s and out’s of the e-biz (apprenticed by yours truly!) and add revenue.  There are a number of things that can be done to increase revenue that I am aware of, but simply don’t have time to devote to it.

Compensation:

This is a “very-part-time” position for now, meaning you should be able to complete the required tasks in 2-3 hours per day.  (It may take longer when learning, but gets quicker as you get more familiar with the processes and protocols).  Compensation is based on a % of revenue, with tiered commissions.  That means the more revenue the company brings in, the higher % of revenue sharing you earn.  Absolute minimum of $200/month.

Skills Needed:

* Online skills (web browsing, email, IM)
* Excel proficiency (basic knowledge of spreadsheet)
* Available to check on system, M-F during business hours, 9-5 EST.  Could be an hour in the AM, an hour in the afternoon, etc.  Ideal to be available to check and process orders each day, trying to have any open orders submitted by 3:00 PM EST.
* Good computer with monitor, mouse, etc.  (lots of copy/paste, if you are working on a laptop with trackpad, it will be slower and tedious)
* HTML/Web Design skills are a huge plus, and would be used in creating promo mailings, etc.

Interested?  Leave a comment below, or contact me directly.  I will get more info to you and setup an online interview via IM.

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This worship recap is a part of the “Sunday Setlists” blog carnival, now hosted at TheWorshipCommunity.Com.  Visit and see the worship service recaps from hundreds of other churches, worship leaders, and worshipers!

Today was what I call a “float” day at church for me.  I scheduled myself off the stage and free of any leadership responsibilities.  I spent my time doing a couple of things:

1.  Fighting LiveStream:  we couldn’t broadcast live today for anything.  It kept crashing, freezing, and giving us all sorts of problems.  Drove us nuts.

2.  “Floating” to different environments.  I slipped in and out of both services in our main auditorium.  I caught some worship in Rush Hour (Middle School service) and in KidJam (Elementary Students).  It was great to see so many styles of worship, volunteers, and leaders who were engaging with the various age groups.

In our main auditorium, the worship team did a fantastic job.  They did:

Walk In:  We Shall Wear A Crown (Gospel, it rocked)
Opening:  Hosanna (Paul Baloche/Brenton Brown)

Middle Set:
Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Hymn)
How Great is our God

Special:  The Midnight Call … and Todd and Larry showed their singing skills off, wow, they were awesome.

Closing Worship:
You Have Made Me Glad (I Will Bless the Lord at All Times)
Sing to the King

I’m preparing for a big night of worship next week, and hope you’ll tune in with us next Sunday night at SSCCLive.Com, assuming we can get LiveStream to cooperate.

For the Kingdom,

Fred

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3. Sunday Setlists #72 – Worship Service Recaps #sundaysetlists

I’m headed out for a 3-day spiritual retreat.  I’m joining a group of “mighty men” for 3 days of prayer, fasting, and worship.  With exception of the last two years, I’ve been able to unplug and pull away in mid-January for the last 12 years.

This retreat is an incredible time.  Each person who attends will write their name on a big dry erase board and write down what they need to hear from God about.  Their visions, trials, struggles, dreams, and needs.  We intercede over that the entire time.  At some point, each person will sit down in “the prayer chair” where all of us will gather around for focused prayer and intercession.

Our fearless leader moved away and the retreat didn’t happen last year so I decided to try and pick up the baton and keep it going.  I’m proud to be joined by some of my worshiping friends here like Shannon Lewis and Russ Hutto.  I’m hopeful that my pastor and some of our pastoral staff will join us as well.

Would you pray for me?  Pray for:

* ability to hear God’s voice clearly.
* confidence to do what He instructs
* God’s anointing and discernment as I bring these men together
* the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to flow through me, so that I can be an encouragement to those who attend
* fresh vision and insight

Thanks a ton.  I’ll be back later this week.  Until then, have fun and be blessed!

For the Kingdom,
Fred

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1. Worshiping with the Word
2. Thanks for Praying … I’ve Got an Announcement
3. On Discouragement – Time To Get Vulnerable

I’m packing up to pull away for a 3-day retreat … more on that here …

So … this “Sunday Setlists” post will be quick.

We had a great day of worship at SSCC today.  We decided that we’ve felt too pressed for time and had no room to just pause and make room for spontaneous ministry … or even planned ministry and response.  We had a lot to cover during our “Announcements” segment, especially with all that we’re doing for Haiti outreach … so we pulled a song out of the setlist earlier this week to make room.  It was so nice and wasn’t rushed.

Setlist for Sunday, January 17, 2010

Walk In:  “See His Love” (Tim Hughes version)

Opening Set:
“Your Grace is Enough” — I love to see our people singing out on this one!

Middle Set:
The Solid Rock:  started out with simple piano and chorus, then brought in the band.
Hosanna (Hillsong), led by Liza Odachowski, she did a fabulous job!

Closing:
Russ Hutto led us in “Surrender” and did a fabulous job.  Prior to singing, we just played softly while we meditated on some Scriptures and prayed.  It was so peaceful.  God was moving!

As an extra … one cool surprise this morning?  Sonny Perdue, the Governor of our great State of Georgia right there on about the 3rd or 4th row.  I’m pretty sure he doesn’t read my blog everyday (haha!), but hey … we were honored to have you, sir!

Checkout all the other setlists and worship recaps, and share your own by going to:
http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-78/

Related posts:

1. #sundaysetlists – Worship Recap for SSSCC, Jan 10
2. A Worship Recap for St. Simons Community Church #sundaysetlists
3. Worship Recap for Sunday March 7, 2010 #sundaysetlists

Below is a video from President Wes Stafford.  This shows the heart and vision of Compassion and is a personal update from Wes.  For those  of you who have sponsored children in Haiti, you will definitely want to see this video.

In a bit of GOOD NEWS, one of the Compassion US staff, Dan Woolley, was rescued yesterday after being trapped in an elevator shaft for 60+ hours at the “Hotel Montana” in Haiti.  Dan had just arrived in Haiti with a contractor team for the Child Survival Projects (CSP).

Related posts:

1. Compassion in Haiti after Earthquake
2. Headed to Peru with Compassion International
3. Peru Trip, Day 1 – Compassion

This one stood out to me this morning:

Genesis:  18:21 I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know.
(context:  the Lord (appearing as a man to Abraham) will go and investigate the city of Sodom to see if it’s really as bad as the “outcry” that comes to him is)

Scholars agree that this man was a Divine Manifestation of God.  He calls him “Lord”.  So, why then, did God have to go investigate Sodom in person to know whether or not their sin was as bad as He’d heard?

My ESV Study notes say:

I will go down to see. These words reveal that the decision to destroy the cities of the plain was undertaken with careful scrutiny of the evidence. This remark should not be interpreted as indicating limited knowledge on the part of God, any more than do the similar and ironic words in 11:5. All that is implied is God’s direct attention to the matter.

OK.  But it still makes me scratch my head.  Huh?  Have you ever noticed that before?  What’s your take?

Related posts:

1. From the Word – Ez 36:26-27
2. From the Word: Receive the Holy Spirit [AGAIN?]
3. From the Word: Daughter, your faith has made you well!

So I have struggled on whether or not I should even weigh in on the big “Pat Robertson” saga.  Not that my opinion matters.  But then again, I think that I do have some insight.  Is it fresh and new?  Probably not.  Has someone already blogged it?  I’m sure.  I just need to get this off my chest.

#1.  Use Discretion.

There is a time and place for everything.  In all fairness (I guess I’ll get flamed for this pretty heavily), there is some wisdom in what Pat Robertson says.  If this whole “pact with the Devil” thing is true (there are plenty of sources denouncing that this ever happened, including some who are devout Christians from Haiti) there could be a huge degree of spiritual oppression.  I believe in spiritual oppression and that it can affect a person, a city, a state, or an entire country.  I also believe there can be freedom from such oppression.  Regardless, you don’t need to sling this in the face of a country who is in devastation and crisis.  Our response should be of love and compassion, not shame and judgment.

#2.  Blow It Early, Lose it Late

I suspect that 90% or more of the people who have commented on Pat Robertson’s remarks never watched the entire clip.  (I have the clip above, as long as the source is available).  Most people heard a sound byte or saw a tweet or a blog comment or a headline … and made their judgment.  It’s clear from the comments that most people didn’t hear Pat’s entire message in context.  I’m not defending him or his comment.  But  … he says everything that he says to bring the final resolution .. the last 10-15 seconds or so, that most people probably never watched.  He says we need to pray for revival, for a returning to God, and then he goes on to talk about how we can send aid and relief, and how we can pray for them.

But … because of the insensitive judgment and remarks EARLY in his interview, he BLOWS the opportunity to be heard later on when he asks people to pray for the country and send aid.  The message:  blow it early, lose it late.  Watch what you say, because if you lose your audience early, they’ll never hear your resolution.

#3.  Disagree in Love, not in Hate

I agree, the timing of Pat’s remarks and the nature in which they would be interpreted was not good.  However, the tone and words in which we (Christians) have expressed our disagreement are far more hateful and harmful to the witness of Christ.  Do we really think that publicly calling a fellow Christian (and yes, despite some of his off-the-wall comments and judgments, I do believe he is a Christian) all sorts of names and ridicules is expressing the love of Christ.  We condemn him for the “harm” he’s caused the witness of Christ; yet, we call him “f*** idiot”, among other things.  “Go to hell, Pat”.  Yeah, that’s real Christian of us.  I expect these comments from the lost, but from Christians?  We’ve done just as much harm.  I think there is a way to disagree and express our disagreement with respect and love, not with judgment and hate.

#4.  Just Because You Think It Doesn’t Mean You Have To Say It

This really goes with #1, Discretion.  But here’s the deal.  Just because you know something … just because God showed you something (or so you think) … it doesn’t mean you’re supposed to spout it out.  Especially on television or the internet.  Sometimes you are made aware of something so that you will pray.  Sometimes, you address a situation privately.  But many times, you say nothing at all.  You water it in prayer, and ask God for wisdom on what to do or say.  You don’t have to say everything you think.  It’s really that simple.

So, was there a “pact” made with Satan earlier in Haiti’s history?  I don’t know.
If there was, could it bring on a spiritual oppression?  I believe so.
If that’s true, is that the cause of an earthquake?  I don’t know.  I doubt it.  There was a fault line under Haiti long before there was any pact made with the devil, if indeed that happened.

Most importantly:
What is God’s heart for the people of Haiti?

God loves them more than anyone could imagine.  He grieves over this disaster.  He grieves over the previous condition of the land, over the poverty, over the corruption.  It’s as opposed to the Kingdom of God as you can get.

God’s heart is to see a nation rise up, to call on Him, to honor Him.  His desire is to pour out his blessings on that land so that they may shine.  His desire is to comfort the hurting, the lost, and the broken.  His desire is to come quickly and rescue those who call on His Name in surrender.

That, my friends, I can say with confidence.

So, comment away.  I’ll try not to censor, even if you are against what I shared.  What I will censor is hateful remarks hurled at anyone.  That’s not what this community is about.

Related posts:

1. Compassion in Haiti after Earthquake
2. Haiti Update Appeal from Compassion International President, Wes Stafford
3. This Should Wake You Up