Phil. 4 (5-8)
5" Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honesta, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Nov 7, 2009
Jul 13, 2009
4th of July Blast!
I hope and pray that you all had a good week in the Lord, and that you enjoyed the Independence Day Weekend. I recently read the stories of some of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence and I was moved by their courage and their sacrifices; many of them lost houses, lands, businesses, their families and some of them lost all, but they would not betray their beliefs nor go back on their convictions. If youʼve never read their stories itʼs definitely worth the effort.
On the 4th, we had a Lay Pastor/Staff/Faculty picnic at our home; we were about 100 strong and did we ever have a great time. 2 Volley Ball courts, Bocci Ball, Basketball, food, food, and did I mention food? Fellowship, laughter, friendly competition, we had a blast. It reminded some of us 'old timers' of the old times at Forest Avenue; when Sis. Davis would beat us youngsters at ping pong; playing guitar and singing and simply enjoying one another's company. A blast from the past, LOL!
Psalm 133
1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
On the 4th, we had a Lay Pastor/Staff/Faculty picnic at our home; we were about 100 strong and did we ever have a great time. 2 Volley Ball courts, Bocci Ball, Basketball, food, food, and did I mention food? Fellowship, laughter, friendly competition, we had a blast. It reminded some of us 'old timers' of the old times at Forest Avenue; when Sis. Davis would beat us youngsters at ping pong; playing guitar and singing and simply enjoying one another's company. A blast from the past, LOL!
Psalm 133
1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
Jul 2, 2009
NTCS Graduation 2009
On Friday, June 12 we celebrated the Graduation of NTCS class of 2009-'The Commissioned.' It was a special evening for the graduates and for us too. Paul said that he travailed in birth with the Galatians (4:19) and, though I wasnʼt present when each graduate was spiritually reborn, I have had the privilege of sharing their growing pains and observing their spiritual maturation through their Bible College years. After the service there was a beautiful reception at the Fellowship Hall; lots of food, fun and fellowship, and I wish that all of you could have been here to celebrate their accomplishment. They say a picture is worth a thousand words so...
In dedication to the graduates the the choir sang "Lead me Lord”, and the words were especially fitting;
It's hard to take the first step, when I don't know the way
The path seems so uncertain, I'll learn to walk by faith
But you gave me a promise, that you would never leave
You will lead and guide me, Lord I do believe
Your plans for me are perfect, I never need to fear
And though at times I feel alone, I know that You are near
My heart just wants to follow, Iʼm willing to obey
Take my hand and lead me, Iʼll follow all the way
Lead me Lord, I will follow
Lead me Lord, I will go
You have called me, I will answer
Lead me Lord, I will go
(Brooklyn Tab. Choir)
A Note from the Davis Family
This was actually received as an anonymous comment to the original post concerning the fire, but I moved it here so you would be sure to see it. Thank God for the body of Christ and true Christian Brothers and Sisters. (M C Kekel)
My wife and I would like to thank each and everyone for their prayers and financial blessings during our loss due to fire. We greatly appreciate your love and concern for us.
God bless you, Rev & Sis M. Davis
My wife and I would like to thank each and everyone for their prayers and financial blessings during our loss due to fire. We greatly appreciate your love and concern for us.
God bless you, Rev & Sis M. Davis
Jun 6, 2009
Davis Family Address
Dawn posted a comment to the June 4th 'Prayer Request' post regarding an address for Rev. McDaniel Davis and his wife. Rev. Davis assists Rev. DeBlanc in Dayton, OH. Their apartment building burned down and they scarcely had time to escape, leaving everything behind. Nevertheless, they can receive mail directly at the Post Office, so here's their address.
Rev. and Sis. M. Davis
2261 Crew Cir.
Dayton, OH 45439-3253
Rev. and Sis. M. Davis
2261 Crew Cir.
Dayton, OH 45439-3253
Jun 4, 2009
Prayer Request
Good Morning to you all,
I know that itʼs been a while since Iʼve blogged; Donʼt give up on me, PLEASE....
Today, I just want to present a prayer request; A few days ago Rev. & Sis. McDaniel Davis, in Dayton OH were burned out of their apartment home. Their neighbor left a lit cigarette in a cabinet. They suffered a complete loss of everything that they owned. Please hold them up in prayer; pray that God will bless them with 100 fold of what they lost, and grant them the desires of their hearts.
You all are a wonderful family; the greatest brothers and sisters that anyone could have.
Have a blessed day and a weekend abounding with all of the fulness of our Father.
Yours In Him,
M. C. Kekel
I know that itʼs been a while since Iʼve blogged; Donʼt give up on me, PLEASE....
Today, I just want to present a prayer request; A few days ago Rev. & Sis. McDaniel Davis, in Dayton OH were burned out of their apartment home. Their neighbor left a lit cigarette in a cabinet. They suffered a complete loss of everything that they owned. Please hold them up in prayer; pray that God will bless them with 100 fold of what they lost, and grant them the desires of their hearts.
You all are a wonderful family; the greatest brothers and sisters that anyone could have.
Have a blessed day and a weekend abounding with all of the fulness of our Father.
Yours In Him,
M. C. Kekel
May 12, 2009
Stay Tuned!
Well Folks, it's time to get busy blogging again; our semi-annual Conference last month was great, packed wall to wall! The Conferences this Fall will be regional, i.e., held in various churches throughout the U.S., like last year. God bless you! M C Kekel
Labels:
Conference
Apr 9, 2009
GIVE ME A BRAKE!!
Before we were Christians most of us lived our lives pedal to the metal, no holds barred, running to the ʻexcess of riot,ʼ described by Peter (I Pet. 4:4). But now as Christians we are commanded in Romans 6:12-13-“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”
You are in control
I contend that a STOP sign has never once made your car stop. A yield sign has never made it yield, nor has a speed limit sign made the car slow down. As a driver you have often seen these signs and, by using the accelerator or the brake, have brought your car into compliance. So it is spiritually; no rules or bible commands can make us obey, we must choose to bring ourselves into compliance, we must yield! Through the Holy Spirit we have the power and authority to maintain absolute control. I say this because the fruit, i.e. the evident product of the Spirit is, in part, temperance (Gal. 5:23). We have the God-given power to take control, and all Christians must exercise this power as part of holding fast the confidence to the end (Heb. 3:14).
Many years ago when our son was small, we took him to Frontier Park in Graham, WA. We noticed a dog show going on nearby, so we wandered over to watch. After a few minutes of witnessing the interaction of the people with their pets, it became clear to me that it was time to leave. I was uncomfortable and troubled in my spirit by the atmosphere. Another time a few years ago we went to an annual event in Tacoma called Wintergrass; basically one hour acoustic music lessons/workshops taught by professionals. Iʼve played guitar since 1966 and Iʼm always trying to improve, so it was an absolute treat for me to listen to these pros play and teach. Later in the evening when things started jumping, and started to get crazy, we looked at each other and said something like, “letʼs get out of here!” These are just 2 examples of many kinds of situations that we as Christians may find ourselves in and no one can hit the brakes but us! Here’s another scenario; Restaurants that serve alcohol. If you refuse to eat at such places, youʼre left with McDonalds and the BK; but the environment is quite different on Tuesday afternoon than it is on Friday or Saturday evening when the crowd is rockinʼ and prowlinʼ. So then, is it the PRESENCE of alcohol, or the activities INVOLVING it that is wrong? For that matter, alcohol is present at the supermarket, but walking near it should not be a temptation for a Christian. If there is no lust (desire) for it in your heart, there should be no temptation (James 1:14-15)- “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” Even if you WERE tempted by it, you still have a brake pedal beneath your foot. Use it! If a certain place put you in a position to be tempted, then you should avoid even going there.
I Thess. 5 (22) “ Abstain from all appearance of evil.” APPEARANCE ( from the Gk. Eidos, sight, meaning 'when it appears')
Spiritual Judgment
Drunk drivers have brake pedals too, but their judgment is impaired by their intoxication. I Cor. 2 (12-16) sheds light on why some people’s judgment is anything but objective, even somewhat twisted; they think with a natural mind, their judgment is impaired by their intoxication. They are drunk with carnality, jealousy, their own self righteousness, their speech is slurred with resentment toward that which is truly spiritual and sweet to the soul. They propose a toast to evil, and pronounce curses upon good. The Corinthians’ bickering, protests, emulations and pride (I Cor. 3:3-4) manifested their carnality and lack of true judgment. “I am of Paul,” and “I am of Apollos” they insisted, even as some now say “I was close to the Pastor,” or “you are closer to the Pastor than we are,” etc. Such people vaunt themselves, and seek to nullify their own feelings of inferiority by “who they know” or “insider information they’re privy to.” Later in that same letter (Chapter 6) Paul rebuked them for poor judgment
(I Cor. 6:2-3) “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?"
A successful Christian life requires proper judgment, and that is only possible by having the mind of Christ (I Cor. 2:16). God expects you to control yourself and Heʼs put you behind the wheel. No church policy, or Seminary rules can control your life or give you proper judgment; they only impose a discipline that you should be putting on yourself to an even greater extent. You must judge when to hit the gas and when to hit the brakes! But if you are intoxicated with your issues, how can you even see or speak clearly?
Years ago, Bro. and Sis. Cespedes were descending the hill to Orting when the brakes went out on their van; their runaway ride to the bottom of the hill is quite a story, (ask them to tell you about it) but Christianity is not a ‘runaway’ ride. We have control if we want control, because God’s brakes can never fail! The devil can’t ‘cut your brake lines.’ Think about the reckless drivers youʼve witnessed or known; those who have a penchant for running red lights also love speeding, they seldom yield on freeway ramps and never signal lane changes. It is their habit and way of life. Likewise, there are law-breaking Christians, who refuse to restrain and discipline themselves and, even though they might brake momentarily for one of Godʼs ʻspeed trapsʼ, they keep the accelerator floored, making haste toward whatever, as if God wasn’t even watching.
Paul admonished us in Eph. 5:15 to walk circumspectly (akribos), which means accurately and exactly as a result of our carefulness. It also carries with it the idea of alertness. This is how we determine when to hit the the brake. Always alert and carefully examining situations and circumstances: does this edify me, does it glorify God? In I Cor.10:23 Paul said; “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” He was willing to do whatever it took to reach the lost, and willing to pay any price in order to know Christ and the power of His resurrection (Phil 3). Let us live our lives with this exhortation ringing in our hearts and minds; “For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are Godʼs.”
M C Kekel
You are in control
I contend that a STOP sign has never once made your car stop. A yield sign has never made it yield, nor has a speed limit sign made the car slow down. As a driver you have often seen these signs and, by using the accelerator or the brake, have brought your car into compliance. So it is spiritually; no rules or bible commands can make us obey, we must choose to bring ourselves into compliance, we must yield! Through the Holy Spirit we have the power and authority to maintain absolute control. I say this because the fruit, i.e. the evident product of the Spirit is, in part, temperance (Gal. 5:23). We have the God-given power to take control, and all Christians must exercise this power as part of holding fast the confidence to the end (Heb. 3:14).
Many years ago when our son was small, we took him to Frontier Park in Graham, WA. We noticed a dog show going on nearby, so we wandered over to watch. After a few minutes of witnessing the interaction of the people with their pets, it became clear to me that it was time to leave. I was uncomfortable and troubled in my spirit by the atmosphere. Another time a few years ago we went to an annual event in Tacoma called Wintergrass; basically one hour acoustic music lessons/workshops taught by professionals. Iʼve played guitar since 1966 and Iʼm always trying to improve, so it was an absolute treat for me to listen to these pros play and teach. Later in the evening when things started jumping, and started to get crazy, we looked at each other and said something like, “letʼs get out of here!” These are just 2 examples of many kinds of situations that we as Christians may find ourselves in and no one can hit the brakes but us! Here’s another scenario; Restaurants that serve alcohol. If you refuse to eat at such places, youʼre left with McDonalds and the BK; but the environment is quite different on Tuesday afternoon than it is on Friday or Saturday evening when the crowd is rockinʼ and prowlinʼ. So then, is it the PRESENCE of alcohol, or the activities INVOLVING it that is wrong? For that matter, alcohol is present at the supermarket, but walking near it should not be a temptation for a Christian. If there is no lust (desire) for it in your heart, there should be no temptation (James 1:14-15)- “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” Even if you WERE tempted by it, you still have a brake pedal beneath your foot. Use it! If a certain place put you in a position to be tempted, then you should avoid even going there.
I Thess. 5 (22) “ Abstain from all appearance of evil.” APPEARANCE ( from the Gk. Eidos, sight, meaning 'when it appears')
Spiritual Judgment
Drunk drivers have brake pedals too, but their judgment is impaired by their intoxication. I Cor. 2 (12-16) sheds light on why some people’s judgment is anything but objective, even somewhat twisted; they think with a natural mind, their judgment is impaired by their intoxication. They are drunk with carnality, jealousy, their own self righteousness, their speech is slurred with resentment toward that which is truly spiritual and sweet to the soul. They propose a toast to evil, and pronounce curses upon good. The Corinthians’ bickering, protests, emulations and pride (I Cor. 3:3-4) manifested their carnality and lack of true judgment. “I am of Paul,” and “I am of Apollos” they insisted, even as some now say “I was close to the Pastor,” or “you are closer to the Pastor than we are,” etc. Such people vaunt themselves, and seek to nullify their own feelings of inferiority by “who they know” or “insider information they’re privy to.” Later in that same letter (Chapter 6) Paul rebuked them for poor judgment
(I Cor. 6:2-3) “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?"
A successful Christian life requires proper judgment, and that is only possible by having the mind of Christ (I Cor. 2:16). God expects you to control yourself and Heʼs put you behind the wheel. No church policy, or Seminary rules can control your life or give you proper judgment; they only impose a discipline that you should be putting on yourself to an even greater extent. You must judge when to hit the gas and when to hit the brakes! But if you are intoxicated with your issues, how can you even see or speak clearly?
Years ago, Bro. and Sis. Cespedes were descending the hill to Orting when the brakes went out on their van; their runaway ride to the bottom of the hill is quite a story, (ask them to tell you about it) but Christianity is not a ‘runaway’ ride. We have control if we want control, because God’s brakes can never fail! The devil can’t ‘cut your brake lines.’ Think about the reckless drivers youʼve witnessed or known; those who have a penchant for running red lights also love speeding, they seldom yield on freeway ramps and never signal lane changes. It is their habit and way of life. Likewise, there are law-breaking Christians, who refuse to restrain and discipline themselves and, even though they might brake momentarily for one of Godʼs ʻspeed trapsʼ, they keep the accelerator floored, making haste toward whatever, as if God wasn’t even watching.
Paul admonished us in Eph. 5:15 to walk circumspectly (akribos), which means accurately and exactly as a result of our carefulness. It also carries with it the idea of alertness. This is how we determine when to hit the the brake. Always alert and carefully examining situations and circumstances: does this edify me, does it glorify God? In I Cor.10:23 Paul said; “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” He was willing to do whatever it took to reach the lost, and willing to pay any price in order to know Christ and the power of His resurrection (Phil 3). Let us live our lives with this exhortation ringing in our hearts and minds; “For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are Godʼs.”
M C Kekel
Labels:
control,
Judgment,
temperance
Mar 27, 2009
Beautiful Music
My son had a piano recital recently. All parents of children in lessons can relate to the mixed emotions these events evoke; the joy and pride as your child performs, and the twitchy tolerance as you listen to everyone else’s child perform.
As recitals usually do, this one began with the smallest performers first. All in the audience grinned and clapped after the first small student played her little 2 finger, 2 measure piece; but then the teacher announced that he would be playing a duet with his student. Oh, what a difference! Two figures on the bench; a tall, confident and most assured man, and a little girl who’s hands were shaking. Taking his cues from her, they began to play; and together they made beautiful music. As they played, the scene shifted before my eyes. I saw myself and my heavenly father together; going through my days, living my life and trying to accomplish His will. Me with only 1 or 2 shaking fingers playing a simple 1 note melody, trying out all that He’s been teaching me, and Him on the other side of the bench, gently and intuitively leading the way, affirming my abilities, and filling in all the gaps, turning my struggling, tiny and sometimes inept efforts into something beautiful and productive. The apostle Paul expressed it like this in 2 Cor. 4:7- “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” Without Him I can do nothing, but with Him I can do all things. Even better is the fact that He isn’t just working beside me, He’s working in me mightily, and I’m being changed into his image from glory to glory!
I love you all and pray that today you and He make beautiful music!
TMK
As recitals usually do, this one began with the smallest performers first. All in the audience grinned and clapped after the first small student played her little 2 finger, 2 measure piece; but then the teacher announced that he would be playing a duet with his student. Oh, what a difference! Two figures on the bench; a tall, confident and most assured man, and a little girl who’s hands were shaking. Taking his cues from her, they began to play; and together they made beautiful music. As they played, the scene shifted before my eyes. I saw myself and my heavenly father together; going through my days, living my life and trying to accomplish His will. Me with only 1 or 2 shaking fingers playing a simple 1 note melody, trying out all that He’s been teaching me, and Him on the other side of the bench, gently and intuitively leading the way, affirming my abilities, and filling in all the gaps, turning my struggling, tiny and sometimes inept efforts into something beautiful and productive. The apostle Paul expressed it like this in 2 Cor. 4:7- “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” Without Him I can do nothing, but with Him I can do all things. Even better is the fact that He isn’t just working beside me, He’s working in me mightily, and I’m being changed into his image from glory to glory!
I love you all and pray that today you and He make beautiful music!
TMK
Mar 20, 2009
Haters
My wife received this in an e-mail this evening; it was such a blessing I decided to share it with you.
Hater/ By Maya Angelou
A hater is someone who is jealous and envious and spends all their time trying to make you look small so they can look tall. They are very negative people to say the least. Nothing is ever good enough!
When you make your mark, you will always attract some haters.. that's why you have to be careful with whom you share your blessings and your dreams, because some folk can't handle seeing you blessed...
It's dangerous to be like somebody else... If God wanted you to be like somebody else, He would have given you what He gave them! Right? You never know what people have gone through to get what they have...
The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but they don't know my story...If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, you can rest assured that the water bill is higher there too! We've all got some haters among us!
Some people envy you because you can:
a) Have a relationship with God
b) Light up a room when you walk in
c) Start your own business
d) Tell a man / woman to hit the curb
(if he / she isn't about the right thing)
e) Raise your children without both parents being in the home
Haters can't stand to see you happy
Haters will never want to see you succeed
Most of our haters are people who are supposed to be on our side
How do you handle your undercover haters?
You can handle these haters by:
1. Knowing who you are & who your true friends are
*(VERY IMPORTANT!!)
2. Having a purpose to your life: Purpose does not
mean having a job. You can have a job and still be unfulfilled.
A purpose is having a clear sense of what God has called you to be.
Your purpose is not defined by what others think about you.
3. By remembering what you have is by divine prerogative and not human manipulation.
Fulfill your dreams! You only have one life to live...when its your time to leave this earth, you 'want' to be able to say, 'I've lived my life and fulfilled 'my' dreams,... Now I'm ready to go HOME!
When God gives you favor, you can tell your haters, 'Don't look at me...Look at Who is in charge of me...'
Pass this to all of your family & friends who you know are not hating you, including the person who sent it to you.
If you don't get it back, maybe you called somebody out! Don't worry about it, it's not your problem, it's theirs..
Just pray for them, that their life can be as fulfilled as yours! Watch out for Haters...BUT most of all don't become
a HATER!
We love you all, and thank the Lord that he allows us the privilege of serving together with you. Have a blessed weekend lifting Him up!
Yours in Him,
Michael and Tanya Kekel
Hater/ By Maya Angelou
A hater is someone who is jealous and envious and spends all their time trying to make you look small so they can look tall. They are very negative people to say the least. Nothing is ever good enough!
When you make your mark, you will always attract some haters.. that's why you have to be careful with whom you share your blessings and your dreams, because some folk can't handle seeing you blessed...
It's dangerous to be like somebody else... If God wanted you to be like somebody else, He would have given you what He gave them! Right? You never know what people have gone through to get what they have...
The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but they don't know my story...If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, you can rest assured that the water bill is higher there too! We've all got some haters among us!
Some people envy you because you can:
a) Have a relationship with God
b) Light up a room when you walk in
c) Start your own business
d) Tell a man / woman to hit the curb
(if he / she isn't about the right thing)
e) Raise your children without both parents being in the home
Haters can't stand to see you happy
Haters will never want to see you succeed
Most of our haters are people who are supposed to be on our side
How do you handle your undercover haters?
You can handle these haters by:
1. Knowing who you are & who your true friends are
*(VERY IMPORTANT!!)
2. Having a purpose to your life: Purpose does not
mean having a job. You can have a job and still be unfulfilled.
A purpose is having a clear sense of what God has called you to be.
Your purpose is not defined by what others think about you.
3. By remembering what you have is by divine prerogative and not human manipulation.
Fulfill your dreams! You only have one life to live...when its your time to leave this earth, you 'want' to be able to say, 'I've lived my life and fulfilled 'my' dreams,... Now I'm ready to go HOME!
When God gives you favor, you can tell your haters, 'Don't look at me...Look at Who is in charge of me...'
Pass this to all of your family & friends who you know are not hating you, including the person who sent it to you.
If you don't get it back, maybe you called somebody out! Don't worry about it, it's not your problem, it's theirs..
Just pray for them, that their life can be as fulfilled as yours! Watch out for Haters...BUT most of all don't become
a HATER!
We love you all, and thank the Lord that he allows us the privilege of serving together with you. Have a blessed weekend lifting Him up!
Yours in Him,
Michael and Tanya Kekel
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