Worship Him!

This is the day Christians set aside to Celebrate God wrapping Himself in human flesh and coming to the earth to save humankind from sin, and to restore our relationship with God.

Set aside time today to worship Him.

Get to your local church.  If you are traveling away from home, find a worship service.  If you cannot get to a local church, you can have a worship service where you are.

Join in with what the heavenly host did over 2,000 years ago.

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;

11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

12 "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased" (Luke 2:10-14).

Christian's let us join together all over the world and worship Him!

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

One Little Detail.

Every time I read the Christmas Story, one little detail encourages me beyond my imagination.  Look at the final words in the dialogue between Mary and the angel Gabriel.

"For nothing will be impossible with God." And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her (Luke 1:37-38).  NASB

Christians, as we approach Christmas or any other day, keep a powerful biblical promise in your heart, and consistently function as a servant of the Most High God. 

1. The Promise: "There is nothing impossible for God" (Luke 1:37).
2. The Practice:  "Lord, I am your bondservant," use me for Your purpose and plan (Luke 1:38).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

What Can You Give?

God gave us love based on how He values us (Psalm 8).  Humankind is the crown jewel of God's creation and He loves us with immeasurable love (John 3:16).

How did God's gift to humankind work?  "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though He was rich, for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Having received God's grace we are called to show this type of love to others.  Find someone who needs some "God kinda love" and bless them with love (unconditional care and concern).  

Christians, give as God guides you.  Just give (Gal. 6:10).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Stand out for Jesus

As the year end approaches, I am enjoying reading the book of Revelation.

The Book of Revelation is a source of encouragement and hope for Christians.  The bottom line is God will restore order in the world through His Son, Jesus, the Christ, and God will vindicate His children.

Until the time that God pours out His wrath on the unrighteous, the church must avoid the neutrality found in the church of Laodicia (Rev. 3:15-16), who blindly blended with their society.  Apparently they did not take a stand for Jesus and God rejected their ministry.

As our time on earth winds down, our message about Jesus must remain strong, and our relationships, courage, endurance, service, values, doctrine, loyalty, worship, and wisdom must flow from a loving heart, and a Holy Spirit filled life.

Christians, make a stand out for Jesus, difference in the world around you.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

The Caretaker

The Mt Zion family hosted a heart warming 18 year pastor and wife celebration this past weekend.

What stood out to me and keeps popping up in my heart was the loving care that went into every detail. For instance the Mt Zion cafe was second to none among any fine dining restaurant in the world (food included).

As I reflected upon how the committee planned the prayer ceremony, the sermon, the presentations, the music, etc., I thought about the numerous caretakers in church families today (including my sister).

When I visit sick members in their homes, and observe them at church, I notice the loving, thoughtful, and detailed work of their caretakers.  

Today, call a caretaker and give them words of encouragement, and offer them your presence for an hour or more.  At the very least, sit with them, and pray for them as they caretake.  Oh yes, bring them something (a gift, a snack, something thoughtful like they are thoughtful), thank them, and give them the promise in (Gal. 6:9).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E Kennedy, Sr.

The Bible Never Gets Old

With the Country divided behind the election, hate groups emboldened to disrespect and harm people and property, people rejecting biblical values to pursue what God calls sin, and people on the edge, God's Word is fresher than the morning news.  God put a word of encouragement in I Peter 4 to encourage His children.

1. Stand out as a Christian by your godly lifestyle (I Pet. 4:1-6).
2. Be a sober prayer warrior (I Pet. 4:7).  Despite the new California law, this ought to help Christians avoid being sucked into the smoking marijuana movement (see also Eph. 5:18).
3. Be loving without complaining        (I  Pet. 4:8-9).
4. Use your spiritual gift for the good of God's kingdom (I Pet. 4:10-11).
5. Rejoice when persecuted for doing the right thing (I Pet. 4:12-16).
6. Remember God is the just Judge and you can entrust your soul to His care (I Pet. 4:17-19).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy

Worship God Despite the Critics

Some say that Christians stopping to thank God for His blessings today is based on negative historic roots in how the Native American's were treated by so-called Christians.

The criticism is harsh.

Christian's let critics say what they please.  Refuse to allow a critics interpretation of our personal relationship with God today to dictate what we do to honor our Heavenly Father.

Christians, stay in touch with that facts.  We are God people and the sheep of His pasture, and frequently do the rest in Psalm 100 (on Thanksgiving Day or any other day):  "Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. 5 For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations" (Ps. 100:4-5).  NASB

Happy Thanksgiving.

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Use Your Power Righteously.

Each one of us has a sphere of influence.  This is a form of power.  Be Righteous as you use your power.  Whatever you do or neglect to do, God is watching and will judge (Gal. 6:7-8).

James, the brother of Jesus warns us to treat people fairly.  The context is directed to ruthless people who abuse others with their wealth and power, but the warning puts all of us on notice.   "Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth" (James 5:4).

Christians, treat everyone you deal with fair and square.  God is watching and will punish us if we use our power to mistreat others (James 5:1-3).

God will bless us for treating people fairly (Gal. 6:9).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

When all the Dust Settles

You ever wonder why God tells Christians to consistently gather in places like local churches? Consider what God said:

"and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,

25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near" (Hebrews 10:24-25).

 Christian's have a special place before God.  People determined to function in this "worlds" evil, greedy, and cruel system, have issues with our hope in Christ and our practice of biblical values.  This is at the root of Christian persecution .  Worldly people attack us because of the Jesus they see in us (John 15:18-20).

When all the dust settles, Christians, we have each other.  Do not focus on skin color,  focus on the biblical values a person calling themselves a Christian believes and practices.

Christians get in a local church with Christians who obey God's Word and demonstrates love for each other.  Yes reach the world for Christ, to expand the kingdom, but always remember, in our doing good in the world, God gave us each other.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy

Need Help?

Getting started is harder on some days (like Monday morning after a long weekend) than on other days.

Coffee helps, but does not hit the bullseye.

Try stopping what you are doing (especially if you are "spinning your wheels") and pray.

"Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16).

Christians, stop right now and ask God for the help you need for today.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Cherished Relationships

Cherished relationships are powerful and will result in our improvement (Prov. 27:17).

With life's seasoning, I cherish healthy relationship more than ever.

On November 5th., God gave Hilda and I, twenty two years of marriage. He also gave us a memorable weekend together.

God is right: "A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD" (HCSB).

Take time to think about your most cherished relationship(s), and do something together to make precious memories.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

What is Your Standard?

Do you possess high standards in everything you do?  I am not referring to perfectionism which is often rooted in the desire to not be rejected or criticized. Nor am I referring to doing things well because you want something in return such as a payment, a good grade, a contract, a special relationship, etc.  Possess high standards because high standards are a Christian value rooted in the Word of God.

Christian's use God's standard for everything you do:  "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,

24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve" (Col. 3:23-24).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Confidence Builder's

What can the Christian do to build confidence?  

1. Draw upon the strength you have in Christ.  Discouragement from failure can shut you down.  Try again with divine power.  "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13).
2. Think Positive.                    Life can cause us to develop a negative attitude as we see and process things.  Yet God commands us to think positive.  "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things" (Phil. 4:8).

Christians, go forth with confidence.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Trick or Treat?

What is known as Halloween has become a billion dollar industry for costumes parties and "trick or treat."

Christians, have fun at alternative safe events (Harvest Festivals, etc), and reach people for Christ.

Do not get tricked into thinking all is fun and games on Oct. 31st. The sinister, dark, and bloody practices to discern the future still exist on Oct. 31st.

Some cruel people even blend in to safe events to create destructive outcomes.

How should Christian's handle Oct. 31st. activities?

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Eph. 6:10-12).

Christian's make tonight a treat by sharing the message about Christ in the power of the Lord.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E Kennedy, Sr.

Should you blast them?

When someone makes a mistake, or is caught red-handed in wrongdoing, should you blast them?

If you are quick to point out, and punish the faults of others, what do you want when you make a mistake, or are caught doing wrong?  

Yes, wrongdoers must face the consequences for their wrong, but what attitude should Christian's have in the process?

God said have a "G61" attitude:  

"Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted" (Galatians 6:1).

With mild, humble consideration (gentleness), Christian's are to restore broken people back to good health.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Why Stress?

Why stress over the traffic?  You had no control over the earlier accident.

Why lose your temper?  You cannot control the inappropriate behavior of others.

The unexpected happens.  Why spend the rest of the day complaining and stressing?

Try using God's remedy to reduce unnecessary stress:

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Phil. 4:6).

Instead of stressing, talk to God about the situation.  God promises internal peace and calm when you talk to Him first (Phil. 4:7).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy

Love Someone Hard to Love.

44 "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and thegood, and sends rain on therighteous and the unrighteous" (Matt. 5:44-45).

Yes, showing care and concern for people who harass us, talk down to us, and even mistreat us is hard.

Why not get even with them?  Jesus said: we must demonstrate who we are.  We are children of the Most High God.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy

The Influence of Your Godly Lifestyle

Our walk talks much louder than our talk.

Christians, non-Christians really want to know if we are "for real."

Non-Christians are making decisions for Christ based on what they hear from the Word of God, the prompting of the Holy Spirit, and yes, by the way the see Christians live.   Non-Christians are especially watching those of us who share Christ with others.  Non-Christians want to see God's life changing power in our lives by the way we live.

God inspired Paul to put it this way:

"Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;  27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified" (I Cor. 9:26-27).

Christians, the way we live matters, and does influence non-Christians in their deciding to give their hearts to Jesus.

Live today as if someone is watching you to decide if Jesus is real.  The truth is, someone really is watching.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Quality of Life

God has all of our earthly days numbered in His book.  "Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them" (Ps.139:16).

Therefore, we cannot extend our life, but we do have influence over our quality of life.

Christians, many of us are workaholics we need to heed the powerful instructions from Jesus in Mark 6:31: 

"And He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while." (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.").  Mark 6:31.

Christian's, no need to be a hero working day and night with little or no rest because we are chasing a dollar.  God inspired King Solomon to write that such a pursuit is vanity and a grievous task (Ecclesiastes 4:8).

Consider periodic getaways where you have down time and allow the Lord to help you rest and rejuvenate (FYI, this does not always require going away and spending money).  Sometimes we should stop and enjoy the beauty and relaxing venues where we live (mountains, lakes, rivers, oceans, streams, forest, zoos, gallery's, museums, parks, buildings, walking trails, and other attractions).

Getting away from daily demands helps us realize how tired we really are at the time.  After a couples days uninterrupted rest, we can enjoy relaxation and rejuvenation.

Christians, all work and no rest will substantially reduce our quality of life.

Let us be good stewards over our bodies as we eat more healthy foods, exercise, get proper sleep at night, and take vacations (away and at home).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy

A Refreshing Reminder

When you start celebrating how you pulled yourself up by your own bootstraps and self-improved, read Rom. 5:6: "For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly."

Being spiritually unable to help yourself, and spiritually unappealing to God because of sin, God still loved you.  Look at Rom. 5:8:

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

As recipients of God's overwhelming mercy and grace, will you give the person you are struggling with mercy and grace?  Will you release them through forgiveness?  Will you ask God to help you improve your attitude toward them?  Will you initiate reconciliation?

Before you write them off remember, God did not write you off (Eph. 4:32).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

 

The Power of Prayer & Obedience

Christianity that is blended with the current culture demands that God function for like a genie in a bottle, and nobody holds them accountable (this is often behind the famous phrase, "don't judge me").

Jesus taught Christian life very differently.  Jesus connected powerful personal prayer in His name with obedience.

Look at John 14:13-15: "Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 "If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.

15 "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

Our prayer life is such that we can ask anything in the all powerful name of Jesus, based on an intimate love relationship with Him.  The evidence of such a relationship is obedience to Jesus.

Here is the best summary of our intimate prayer and obedience relationship with Jesus: "He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him" (John 14:21).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Stay Ready

Christians, I pray that God will guide you as you approach the unlimited ministry opportunities this coming week especially at church.

Opportunities to do ministry are all around us and we will see opportunity with a positive mindset.

Be encouraged and envision God using you before it happens.  This helps you to stay ready so you don't have to get ready. Trying to get ready when you need to be ready usually takes too much time and the opportunity will pass you by.

Stay ready (Eph. 5:15-17).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Mtzionontario.com

Decrease?

Our human nature and our cultural influences push us to promote ourselves and target "me, myself, and I" and live individualistic lives versus the body life God prescribes in I Cor. 12.

John the Baptist gives us a healthy world view in John 3:30: "He must increase, but I must decrease.

Christian's let us practice what John the Baptist practiced when Jesus came on the scene in his baptizing ministry.  Although John was popular in his baptizing ministry, John pointed to Jesus as the primary fiqure to look to and follow.

Christians on this day allow Jesus to increase in your life, especially in your relationships with others.  Instead of reacting in the flesh, respond in Christ.  Allow Jesus to increase in the way you love God, and in the way you love your neighbor as yourself.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Happy Anniversary Mt. Zion

Join us as we pray about our future:

1.  Praise God for being a part of a meaningful 94 year church history.  
2.   Pray for God to keep us close to Him in our worship and service.
3.   Pray for God to supernaturally protect our relationships.
4.   Pray for God to keep us focused on making disciples.
5.   Pray for God to help us be good stewards in every area of ministry.
6.   Pray for us to maintain meaningful connections locally and beyond.
7.   Pray for God to use us for a lifetime of faithful service.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.
mtzionontario.com

Celebrating a Church Anniversary

Unfortunately church anniversary have negative connotations for many.  The pressure to give money, the competition among various groups in the church to give the most, and the feelings of meaningless traditions leave a sour taste for many of us.

Does it matter?  Do we need church anniversaries?

After the Children of Israel crossed the Jordan River, God instructed them to set up some stones for a perpetual reminder of how He delivered them, and to tell their children and what God did.

Look at Joshua 4:24:

24 He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the LORD's hand is powerful, and so you might fear the LORD your God forever."

No, we do not have a command in the bible that says: you shall hold a formal church anniversary.  However, local churches who host church anniversaries (or a celebration with a different name) can direct the focus on recognizing the powerful hand of God over the years, and encouraging God's children to reverence the LORD our God forever.

This weekend, Mt. Zion, a historic church in Ontario, Ca, celebrates 94 years of God's mighty hand.  Our desire is to come away more determined to reverence our Lord through our obedience and faithful service to Him.

Celebration times:

Saturday picnic:  10:00 - 5:00 pm

Saturday  worship:   5:00 pm

Sunday worship:      8:00 am & 10:30 am

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Confidence

Our functioning with confidence each day is important.  Our culture is often hostile toward Christians and can give us a feeling of uncertainty.  No need to be uncertain when you do what is right.

Look at what God says about this in Prov. 10:9:

He who walks in integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will be found out.

Practice doing what is right and you will enjoy total confidence from God in what you are doing.

Christians, let us go into this society and do what is right based on the standards found in God's word.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E Kennedy, Sr.

Well Done Good & Faithful Servant

You pray each morning for God's direction (Prov. 3:5-6).

Despite the ups and downs throughout the day, you remain faithful to the Lord (Rev. 2:10).

I can hear the late Charles (Chuck) Colson exhorting the Prison Fellowship Staff:  "God did not call you to success, but to be faithful". Then he would say, "Be thou faithful unto death..."

Christians, at the end the day listen for God to whisper in your ear, well done good and faithful servant.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E Kennedy, Sr.

Be in the Middle of God's Will

Look at a simple yet seemingly complex verse in Eph. 5:17: "So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

God's will is God's desire for us.  As we live by Christian values each day, we will naturally obey God's will for our lives (doing good to others, forgiving, being patient, showing tough love, witnessing, etc).

The special assignment to serve as a missionary overseas, changing jobs, dating and marriage, which neighborhood to live in, who to disciple, what action to take when wronged, what church to attend and where to serve, etc. require extra effort to discern (prayer time, godly advice, biblical support, signs from God, etc.).

Discerning and doing God's will is a responsibility that God commands Christian's to pursue.  We cannot stick our head in the sand and claim ignorance regarding the things of God.  We must understand the will of the Lord.

Christian's take time to understand and then obey God's will for you each day.  Guess where you will be in the future?  Right in the middle of God's will.  

FYI: A daily pursuit will remove much stress for those who struggle with God's will for their lives.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Check your Schedule

It is Saturday afternoon.

You have more you want to do this weekend.

Is attending church to fellowship, worship God, and get answers to life's challenges a top priority on your things to do list.

Is being in fellowship so deeply ingrained in your regular practices you do not need to put church on your to do list?

What will you do with church this weekend (not next week, but this week)?

Just as we owe the IRS taxes, our jobs and family time, etc., we also owe God our time in worship, we owe Him our reverence, our talents and treasures, therefore as Jesus said: give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God the things that belong to God (Matt. 22:21).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Enjoy the Emotional Connection in Prayer

When prayer is an intellectual exercise, and a robot like mechanical activity, and we pray because it is the right thing to do and because others are doing it, then our  prayer is not personal.

God gave us Ps. 116:1-2, so that we can get a glimpse of how He is personal.

Meditate for a moment on Ps. 116:1-2.

I love the LORD, because He hears My voice and my supplications.

2 Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.

The Psalm writer described more than an intellectual and mechanical connection exercise.  He loved the LORD because of his personal experience in their relationship.

The Psalm Writer's testimony is that God leans forward and listens to the voice, and the petitions of His children.   

How did the Psalm writer respond to God's personal interaction?  

I will continue to engage the LORD.  I will call on Him for the rest of my life.

Christians, throughout your life, be personal with the Eternal and personal God of all the universe in your prayer time.  Recognize God as all powerful, and all knowing, and as the One Who can and will do something about your circumstances.

Take promises found in Gods Word and incorporate them into your prayers to God.

Believe God for things beyond your imagination (Eph. 3:20-21).  

Yield yourself to God's plan for your life 

(I John 5:14-15).

Refuse to doubt God anytime you pray (Heb. 11:6, cf. James 1:6-8).

Enjoy your time in prayer with God, and engage God such that He enjoys you.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

The Power of Scripture Memory

What makes scripture memory so powerful.  Look at Ps. 119:11: "Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You."

Memorizing the Word of God and and keeping God's Word in our hearts will protect us from sinning against God.

Getting the Word of God into our hearts as a protection against sinning against God,  we must meditate (turn it over and over in our minds so that it will come to mind when we need it).

Psalm 1:2-3: 

"But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers."

Christians, take time to memorize scriptures that stand out to you (one or a few at a time).  Then prayerfully think about these scriptures so that you understand what God is saying to you and you can apply them to your life.

Having the Word in your heart will protect you from temptations designed to destroy you.  You will experience The Holy Spirit bringing the Word to your mind in the right situation.  Nothing like it.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy

Rejoice and Be Glad

We have an old praise song in the church based on Ps118:24.

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Each day is filled with new opportunities to thrive and not just survive.  Pursuing the opportunities to serve our Lord among our families, at church, at work, at school, in the community, and beyond at the highest level will give us maximum fulfillment.

Although self-centered pursuits can produce some temporary happiness, self-centered pursuits will give us minimum fulfillment.

What opportunities do you have before you today that will produce maximum fulfillment?

Pursue them with rejoicing and gladness because God gave you this day and the opportunities before you.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Do your Job

Christians, our job is not to fix our families and the people around us.

Our job is to demonstrate the love of Jesus inside of us such that our family and others are attracted to God (Matt. 5:16).

Our job is to speak biblical principles about the power of Christ to change lives, and how getting to Jesus is the first step to healing the hurts, pains, and emptiness in life, and live the abundant life that Jesus promised (John 10:10).

Helping family and others find a bible based and loving church family is another part of our job.

A loving bible based church will show family and others how the body of Christ is connected.  Once they get connected they will grow in their walk with Jesus, and eventually help someone else get connected and grow.  Our job is to walk with people and help them become loyal followers of Jesus (Matt. 28:18-20).

Christians, let us do our job and keep our eyes on Jesus.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Good Things

"...no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly" (Psalm 84:11c).

Getting right with God and staying right with God sets us up for the outpouring of good things from God.

The Optimist

The only things you will truly have great success at are the things you are totally confident about.

Doubt that crosses your mind is a set up for failure.  

The optimist has total confidence in what God will do in their life.

In the verses below, David was in the wilderness hiding in caves while running from King Saul and the armies of Israel, and was an optimist.  David was on the run because Saul was jealous of David.

Christian's, we cannot say optimistic words that sound good on the outside, but we are full of fear, disappointment, lack of faith, angry with God, and confused on the inside.

The optimistic words must flow naturally from an optimistic mind set.  You must have the optimistic mind set in everything you do (in school, in practice, in games, in interviews, at work, when things go wrong, when things go right, etc.). 

In verse 29 below, David said he could run upon a troop (he could attack a group of soldiers and win).

David said that he was unstoppable with God on his side Psalm 18:29).

Church, our struggle is not our physical ability or physical appearance.  Our struggle is what is happening in our heart.  When we are driven by past mistakes and disappointments, or fear, or a lack of confidence, we introduce the negative into our thought process, and kill the optimist mindset.

Church, be like David when he was on track with God. 

Be the optimist!

Psalm 18:29-39:

29 For by You I can run upon a troop; And by my God I can leap over a wall.

30 As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

31 For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God,

32 The God who girds me with strength And makes my way blameless?

33 He makes my feet like hinds' feet, And sets me upon my high places.

34 He trains my hands for battle, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

35 You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, And Your right hand upholds me; And Your gentleness makes me great.

36 You enlarge my steps under me, And my feet have not slipped.

37 I pursued my enemies and overtook them, And I did not turn back until they were consumed.

38 I shattered them, so that they were not able to rise; They fell under my feet.

39 For You have girded me with strength for battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy

The Right Things about God

After Jobs three friends misunderstood him, and created unpleasant conflict with job, and could not respond to him anymore, a young man named Elihu spoke up and simply spoke the things that are true about God (Job 32-37).

Read God's Word and know what God says about things and take sides with God despite who is saying things about God that are not true.  Do not be afraid, humbly and lovingly speak truth about God.

Christians, when we know the right things about God, we will think the right things about God, and say the right things about God, and we will do the right things before God.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Stuff to Help us Thrive

Sometimes people are so focused on insisting on finding their identity in groups, the people they know, or the organizations they connect to, and things (the car they drive, clothing and jewlery they wear, tattoos, etc.) they lose sight of the special relationship they have in Christ.

Christians, we are children of the Living God, and through Christ we have everything we need for life and godliness(II Pet. 1:3).

Walk in the clear truth you have.  Here are 5 fundamentals necessary for thriving in the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10).

Identity:  you need to know who you are.  In Christ, you are a Child of God (John 1:12).

Interdependence:  I need you, and you need me (be dependable in relationships, and be able to depend on your true friends for good things in your relationships because we need each other (Rom. 12:5).

Intimacy:  Know how to give love, and receive love.  This is showing care and concern for others, and receiving the same from others

(John 13:34-35).

Security:  we all have a need to be loved just the way we are.  God loves us unconditionally just the way we are, and works to make us pleasing to Him (Rom. 5:6-8).

Significance:  We all have a need to be valued and make contributions in the lives of others.  Our value is in Christ.  We are valued as God's special work of art, and given a valuable job to do in life (Eph. 2:10).

This is the weekend (lots of drinking, smoking, partying, sex outside of marriage, stealing, lying, gambling, idol worship, immorality, etc.).  You have to chose to represent God or the devil.

We belong to Christ.  Therefore let us represent our Lord, and represent the church, represent our families, and communities well.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

The Ministry of Presence and Encouragement

After Job experienced four tragedies on the same day (Job 1), his friends came to see about him.

In Job 2:11-13, Jobs three friends came together to comfort Job.  They cried when they saw Jobs physical condition, tore their robes, and threw dust in the air.  They grieved deeply for their friend.  Look at Job 1:13:  "Then they sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights with no one speaking a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great."

This is a great picture for the ministry of presence.  The next piece is not only being present with people experiencing tragedy, but saying the right thing at the right moment.

Job's friends attacked Job instead of encouraging him.  Instead of feeling with Job, they felt they needed to explain why Job was in his horrible condition.  Please avoid such insensitive behavior.

Christians, we do not need to explain people's tragedy to them.  We need to be with them physically, and encourage them.  

Pulling people together for pray is a powerful source of encouragement even for non-Christians.

What do you pray?  Pray about what happened, the pain the family feels, and ask God to give them comfort, strength, courage, direction, encouragement, etc.

Ask God to work on the person(s) behalf.

This type of care goes a long way with people who are hurting.

Christians, let us be present for people in their tragedy, and be a source of encouragement.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

God's Plan for Your Life is Bigger than Yours

Surely you have some idea of a plan for your life.  You believe education , public safety, politics, medicine, law, business, governmental services, engineering, clergy, missions, etc. is your life work.

In your life work, realize that God's plan for your life is usually bigger than your plan for your life.

Esther became Queen in Persia and was living as a queen.  When Haman plotted to annihilate the Jews, Esther had to come to grips with God's plan being much bigger than hers.

Listen to a dialogue between Esther's cousin Mordecai and Esther, in the book of Esther 4:14-16:

14 If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?"

15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:

16 "Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die."

As the Queen in Persia, God's plan for Esther was to serve as a royal advocate for the Jews and not just live the life of royalty.

When Esther realized God's plan for her life, she was quick and comfortable entrusting her fate to God.  "If I perish, I perish" (v. 16).

Christians, be quick and comfortable to walk by faith in God's plan for you, and be quick and comfortable entrusting your fate to God.  Why?

1) God's plan for your life is bigger than yours.

2) You will find maximum fulfillment wrapped up in God's plan for your life.

God Bless,

Pastor Kennedy

Get to a House of Worship and Pray

Just finished looking at the pictures of 8 Americans who are dead today (3 civilians and 5 police officers).

We are hurting all over America right now.

This pain goes deep, deep, deep down in our souls.

If you get a chance, look at the pictures and put a face to the names to get closer to our painful reality today. Seeing the pictures also helps us with the compassion that we need to express toward one another.

While leaders are working on a variety of solutions, please make every effort to get to a house of prayer this weekend and pray for each of the families involved in each tragedy.

When we all start feeling the pain together (not just the victims families), then we will pull closer together as a nation and help each other versus hurt each other.

This is a national problem that will take all of us to solve together.  We start in our homes and then in the house of prayer together.

Get to a house of worship and take time as a congregation to pray for God's forgiveness for the evil actions done. Pray for God's mercy for the mistakes made. Pray for God's healing for the broken hearts and shattered communities.  Pray for strength to love each other as God loves us.

Get to a house of prayer this weekend and continue making your way to the house of prayer.

Finally, I pray that you will keep each victims family and the law enforcement community in your daily prayers.

Moreover, call an officer or even wave one down and tell them you love them.  Use "love," the term of endearment to clearly express how you feel about their daily sacrifice.

 

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

The Heart Ripe for Murder

Given the on-going violence in America, among other things we must address the heart.  In Matt. 15:19, Jesus said: "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders."

Our actions and our speech reflect what is going on in our hearts.

Jesus addressed an intriguing aspect of heart in Matt. 5:21-22.  Jesus described  three levels of anger that builds up to a heart ripe for murder.  First Jesus mentioned the emotion "anger," which in this context is harsh feelings toward someone.  Next Jesus mentioned calling someone "raca" or a good for nothing. Then Jesus mentioned calling someone a "fool," which in this context means  morally worthless.

Think for one hot second.  When you think of a person as having no worth or value, you began to see them, and treat them as less than human.  

Get it?  Calling people names that makes them less then human in our minds helps us to justify oppression, all forms of racism, cruelty, negative discrimination, injustice, revenge, and even murder.

In Matt. 5:23-26, Jesus taught that we must defuse building tension in relationships through reconciliation.

Christians, as peacemakers, we must practice principles that defuse tension, and promote healing through reconciliation.  Tension does not ease with quiet, or inaction.  Tension is relieved and healing occurs with reconciliation.

Christians, let us pray, and practice II Chron. 7:14, and do our part to facilitate reconciliation in relationships within our sphere of influence.

I will address several  issues on 7/9-10/16, in the sermons.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

The Emotional Connection

In 30 years of full-time ministry I have learned that meaningful relationships have an emotional connection.  This is true especially in marriages.  Troubled marriages are often missing a deep-seated emotional connection.  Spouses aren't "feeling" each other as before.  The hugs are simply a pressing of the flesh (no feelings involved), and kisses are routine meet and great gestures (no warm fizzies, no excitement, and no anticipation).

Christians, far too many of us have lost our emotional connection with God.  We are going through the motions in our worship experiences (private and public).

What can you do?  Meditate on Rev. 2:55: 'Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first..."

Christians, get back to your first love.

Recall what you had when you first came to Jesus. Go back and do the exciting things you did when you were on fire for Jesus. Repent (turn around and do things differently according to God's Word).

Be intentional and regain the emotional connection you are missing.  O taste and see that the Lord is good... (Psalm 34:7).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E Kennedy, Sr.