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.

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