How Will You Start the New Year?

Tonight you have numerous options regarding how to start the New Year.

At Mt. Zion Church of Ontario (224 W. Calif. St., Ontario, Calif) from 9:00 pm to midnight we will have fun, worship, reflect, testify, sing, see video presentations, hear the Word, count down, and start the New Year in prayer.

We will top it off with a great breakfast from 12:00 a.m. to 1:30 am.

Christians, start the New Year with Jesus and keep Him Central in your life throughout the year.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?

Merry Christmas is a bold statement that Jesus, The Christ is the central figure in Christmas. Happy Holidays reflects the commercialization of Christmas through shopping, exchanging gifts, parties, and enjoying some time off (no mention of Christ).
The Pew Foundation released it 2017 Christmas survey, which indicates that  the war on Christmas, the effort to dismantle Christmas through commercialization is in full swing.

Christians, Christmas is about more than toys that will eventually break, and clothing, etc. that will get old and wear out.  Christmas is about our Heavenly Father demonstrating His love by sending Jesus into the world to die, and get us to Him into a meaningful relationship (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8).
Christians, be in worship this weekend to celebrate Jesus, the Christ, Who is the Greatest Gift given to humanity.

Merry Christmas,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.
Mtzionontario.com

Be The Good Samaritan Now?

Be the Good Samaritan Now?

With all the conversation generated around the special election in Alabama, Christians, we are still to focus on being Good Samaritans, who are characterized as loving our neighbors as ourselves (Luke 10:25-37).

While people are doing their dirt around the world, and hiding behind religion or something else, the real Christians must stand up and live as God’s children.  We are to keep the Bible as our final authority for our faith and practice.  We are to share the hope in Jesus, the Christ. We are also to boldly demonstrate compassion  by doing the good works God called us to do before the foundation of the world (Eph. 2:9).

Thank God for the good works that Christians do all around the world to address poverty, hunger, health issues, substance abuse, violence and crime, family crisis, disaster relief, science and technology, business, education, moral uprightness, sports, bringing hope, and on and on.
Christians, we are not defined by our critics who disagree with God’s moral standards, or our message about Jesus.  Nor by people in our ranks who make terrible mistakes (we all do - Rom 3:23 & I John 1:8-9).  We are defined by our Loving Father, Who is in heaven, Who loves us and is always with us (John 1:12: Rom. 5:8; Heb. 13:5).

Christian’s, despite our critics, let’s stay focused and be the Good Samaritan’s God has called us to be (Eph. 2:9).

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

How Are You Doing?

After the death of Joshua, Israel went into spiritual decline. God set up a test to see if Israel would continue to obey Him (Judges 1:21-23). In Judges chapter one, Judah took the lead in continuing the conquest of The Promised Land. They started out well, but slowly compromised and by the end of Judges chapter one, they well in open rebellion and disobedience toward God.

How are you doing? Are you compromising biblical principles a little here, and a little there? Are you moving toward open rebellion and disobedience toward God (out of church, worshipping the idol gods of our current culture, doing everything else but obeying God’s Word)?

Brother and Sister in Christ, check yourself to see where we are with God. If you are slipping, stop. If you stopped serving God, get back into service. Get yourself before God and confess your sin before God, get right with people you hurt, and get back in daily reading of God’s Word, prayer, fellowship in worship service, bible study, etc., and get back in your service to God).
Now is the best time to live spiritually healthy.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Who is Really in Control?

As I read Proverbs 21:1, this week God gave me a fresh reminder that He is always in control.  Stressing over relationships, work, school, finances, due dates, health challenges, transportation, increasing fees, registrations, taxes, gas prices, and other life issues can create unpleasant attitudes, and behaviors.

As Thanksgiving has past, and the New Year is rapidly approaching, try throwing your burdens to the Lord (I Peter 5:6-7), and focus on Who is really in control.  Try deepening your trust in The Lord through prayer and meditating on scripture (Prov. 3:5-6).  Try elimination complaining about what you don’t have and what you want, and remain thankful even after Thanksgiving (I Thess. 5:18).

One last thing: Your stressing over stuff will not change anything or make you feel better (Matt. 6:27), therefore put your trust in the One Who is really in control and enjoy unsurpassed peace (Phil. 4:7).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Be Wise as Serpents & Harmless as Doves

The First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas is hurting after the November 5th, senseless shooting of innocent children and adults. Thank God for courageous citizens who Intervene to help innocent and defenseless fellow-citizens under attack. Their fearless action saves lives.

Our thoughts and prayers are needed for our hurting brothers and sisters in Christ. Acts of compassion are also needed. Mt. Zion will make a donation directly to our Sister church to help out.

Christians, the enemy will try to use this and other church shootings, to keep us away from church services. However, God instructs us to increase our assembling together and encouraging each other as the day of our Lords return gets closer (Heb. 10:25).

Jesus taught His disciples that He sent them out as sheep among wolves. Then He told them to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matt. 10:16). An example of wisdom is using retired and active law enforcement officials to increase security in local churches.

Christians, as we demonstrate the love of Jesus, let us wisely use our resources to increase security in local churches, and to stay on wolf-alert.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr

Are You Moving Forward or Backwards?

Captivity, chaos, debilitating circumstances can become your normal.  Hence, when you cry out to God and He delivers you, keep moving forward.  

After 400 years of slavery in Egypt, Israel wanted to go back to the oppressive conditions of slavery.  They longed for the free meat (meat for slaves is not free), leeks, onions, etc (Numbers 11). What happened?  The uncertainties of freedom and anticipation blocked Israel’s continued faith in God’s loving and powerful display of favor upon them.

You can be the same way.  Your new life in Christ have unknowns.  Hence, you will have to walk by faith and not by sight.

Christians, stay close to God in prayer, in the Word, in Christ-like service, and with godly friends, and you will experience refreshment, peace, joy, plus more, just keep moving forward with God (never desire, nor go back to your chaotic and debilitating past).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Are You Connected?

In the world of continual connectivity how connected are you to the "Vine"?

With no batteries or electrical charging needed, Jesus declared: "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

Jesus wants to infuse every Christian with constant spiritual enablement to be productive in world.  Our connection to Jesus is what gives our efforts eternal value.

Christians, spend time with Jesus in prayer and in the Word with a commitment to obey Him and you will enjoy constant connection to Jesus.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Mtzionontario.com

Give Your Best Each Time.

Funny how we spend excessive amounts of time wondering what "so in so" will think, wondering if we look good enough, or if what we do is good enough.

Stop stressing and seek to be pleasing to God (II Cor. 5:9), Who has already accepted us in the beloved (Eph. 1:5-6).

Hence, instead of focusing so much on what people think or say, focus on presenting yourself, and giving your very best before God each time, and expect your reward from God (Col. 3:23-24).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

What Cruel People Mean for Evil.

Our nation is hurting again from the actions of another cruel person.  Yet the national outpouring of care, and the resilience that flows from our pain is consistently a source of healing in America?  In other words, what cruel people mean for evil, God turns around for our good (Rom. 8:28).

As we serve the hurting in Las Vegas, and those who are still rebuilding after numerous natural disasters (God even works through natural disasters), let us show the love of Jesus, and be open to having a meaningful conversation about Jesus in the process.

As we serve, and help others rebuild, refuse to allow the political and racial divide, differences of opinion, disagreement around moral choices, gender identity issues, skin color, etc. to destroy our doing life together as loving and productive people who live in this country together.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

What are You Doing?

     Are you killing yourself trying to do it all?  Has God really called you to do all you are trying to do?  Why do you feel the super hero complex is a calling from God?

      Listen to this.  Now when Moses' father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, "What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge and all the people stand about you from morning until evening?" (Exodus 18:14).

     God gave us Exodus 18 to teach us how with good intentions, with great influence, exceptional leadership skills, and with a history of success, we can get caught up in trying to do too much.

       Moses listened to Jethro, his father in law, and today we have the genesis of delegation of authority.

       Christians, "Rome was not built in a day" and you cannot do it all.  Ask God to show you how to get the right kind of help so that you and the people around you can endure and live in peace.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy 

Senior Pastor

Who Is really in Control?

When was the last time you ran into a hard-hearted person who seems to enjoy putting road blocks in front of you?

What do you do about people above you who make decisions about you?

Here is a word of encouragement from the One Who is really in control:

"The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes" (Prov. 21:1).

Christian's, today is a great day to recognize Who is really in control, and  to trust Him to change a hard heart.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Your Friends

This is what God says about the people you hang around: "He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm" (Prov. 13:20).

Christians, ask God for wisdom to chose wise people for your close friends.

Remember, you can let one wrong person in as a close friend and they can cause serious harm to you and even people around you (cf. I Cor. 15:33).

Love Everyone the way Jesus loves you (John 13:34-35), practice the"Golden Rule" (Matt. 7:12), and pick wise people to be your close friends (Prov. 13:20).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Mtzionontario.com

Do You Have Strong Moral Values?

You are single, physically attractive, your family did you wrong, you are in a strange place, highly trusted, with executive privileges, and the spouse of high-level governmental leader repeatedly expresses a strong desires to have you sexually.

Should you ask: 1. What happens if we get caught?  2.  Is this just between the two of us?  3.  Where can we go to be alone (remember camera's are everywhere, and somebody is watching you)?  4.  Are you and your spouse separated or something? 

Should you go along to get along, or should you respond with strong moral values?

In Genesis 39, learn what the guy I described above did, and what happened to him as a result.  Listen to a short clip: "There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God"?

Christian's, let God empower you with strong moral values from His Word and prayer.  Then display strong moral values in the midst of crisis such a Hurricane Harvey (by helping others in need), and standing strong in compromising situations (Gen. 39), etc.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr. 

Hello Christian College Students:

As you return to school this fall, and consider different on campus groups, check to see how the group will help you improve your walk with Jesus.

I often encourage college students to consider in their search, a solid Christian campus ministry on or near campus.

The benefits of joining a solid Christian Campus ministry are numerous:

1.  You are welcome just the way you are.

2. You will develop and fine tune your Christian world view (this is critical).

3.  You will have fellowship with like-minded peers, which leads to awesome present and future networking opportunities.

4.  You will be stimulated to practice living for Christ in a world that normalizes and celebrates what God calls immorality.

5.  You will learn more about the Word of God at a collegiate level.

6.  You will memorize scripture to help you get the victory in your daily life.

7.  You will engage in fulfilling activities, and ministry projects on and off the campus.

8.  You will be challenged to work through how God wants you to use what you are learning in school before and after you leave school.

9.  You will have a great accountability group to help you through temptation, loneliness, relationships, and on and on.

10.  You usually do not have to deal with pressures to say, believe, or practice  things that compromise your Christian values, which are based on the Word of God (always check to see what God says about things, and don't let things slide just because others are doing it, or because it is popular).

As a Pastor, I always encourage college students to connect with people and groups that will help you continue and improve your love relationship with Jesus.  There is nothing in the world more important than loving God with all your heart, your mind, your soul, and your strength (Mark 12:28-31).

Have a great year with your Best friend (Jesus) walking, talking, and guiding you in every area of your life.

God Bless,

Pastor Kennedy

What Can Churches Do about Charlottesville, VA?

Charlottesville, VA, is not the only place in America where people display racial hatred, bigotry, oppression, and violence toward people of color, Jewish people, and anyone who stands up for liberty and justice for them. 

What we saw on 8/12/17, in Charlottesville, is an old demonically inspired spirit that showed it evil and cruel face US history when some Americans decided to participate in the North American Slave Trade.

What can the church do today to help overpower this ugly and divisive spirit that at one point caused a civil war resulting in over 620,000 American lives?

Christians, through our thoughts, speech, and actions we start in our homes and then in the church to push intergenerational and interracial unconditional care and concern for others (loving others the way Jesus loves us is the standard according to John 13:34-35).

Christians, we need to check where our thoughts, speech, and practices feed racial hatred, bigotry, negative stereotypes, and oppression in our home and in the church, and obey our Lord (if we are genuine Christians).

Christians, let us stand boldly today and tear down the beliefs and practices that promote racism in our homes and in churches.  Jesus said when we love the way He loves, the world will stop and take notice.  What will they notice?  How our love overpowers that evil spirit that kills, steals, and destroys (John 10:10).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Why the Delay?

With all the chaos in the world, I am encouraged that God will bring justice, and restore order in the world. God does have an eternal plan which is revealed in the book of Revelation.

The challenge we have with God stopping injustice and bringing order is we live in a microwave, and same day drone delivery generation.  We get everything right now, and we feel that God should right all the wrongs in the world right now.

God whose ways and thoughts are far beyond ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), said that He is delaying punishing evil, and bringing order because He is giving more people the opportunity to get right with Him.

 "The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent (II Peter 3:9-10).   NLT

Christian's we take a lot of criticism for God's patience and delay.  Be encouraged and lovingly share the gospel with non Christians so they will repent and enjoy an eternal relationship with God.  

God does have a plan and God has a purpose for His delay.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Mtzionontario.com

Did You Know?

Since God put special emphasis upon you being in fellowship with other Christians in a local church setting, did you know your casual attitude about attending church is an attack from the devil?

Look at Hebrews 10:24-25.

God said you need to think about how you can stimulate other Christians to love and do good works.

God also said do not stay away from the assemblies (worship services, bible studies, prayer meetings, etc) with other Christians.

If God said go, and you don't, or you go when you get ready, who do you think has influenced your attitude toward church?  You are right, the devil.

Do not use the hypocrites in the church excuse (you won't find a perfect church).  Find a loving, Bible based, Christ centered, and Great Commission oriented church.  Get in and faithfully serve our Lord.

Obey God, and get the victory over the not in fellowship attack from the devil.  

Don't wait, don't let family and friends hold you back either.  Obey God and get back in church this weekend.  

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy,

Stand Firm Against Enemy Attack

In Eph. 6:10-20, God warned us about enemy attacks.  Our battles, our struggles are beyond the human realm.  We have an enemy with plenty of tricks and a diabolical plan to destroy Christians, rebel against God, and hinder people from receiving Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

Christians, the attacks against our faith are intensifying in America and beyond.

Use the spiritual resources (the whole armor of God), God gave to protect what you have in Christ.  Do not spend another moment doubting God's eternal plan and purpose for humanity, and stand firm against the devils evil attacks.

1.  Recognize you need supernatural power to thrive spiritually.

2. Ask God to forgive you for doing things in your human strength.

3. Ask God to control you and strengthen through the Holy Spirit, Who lives inside of you.  

Christians, by faith operate in God's supernatural strength today so you can stand firm against the attacks of the devil.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

What is your life scripture?

Good mathematicians are accustomed to being right.  Good lawyers, accountants, restaurant servers, flight attendants, fire fighters, police, cashiers, doctors, other medical personnel, preachers, and many others are used to getting things right.

When you are used to getting things right, the enemy will slip the thought in your mind that you are always right.

As a human, you are also subject to believing and acting as if you are always right and others are wrong (you say you make mistakes but your heart and your actions say what you really believe).

You don't mean to get lifted up in pride, it just sneaks into your life because you are used to getting things right most of the time.

Christians, ask God to give you a life scripture that puts you in check and keeps you in check.  Meditate on and apply you life scripture throughout your life.

God will use your life scripture to bless you for years to come.

My life scripture is Proverbs 3:1-10.

What is your life scripture?

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Doing a Loan with God?

Does God really need anything from us?

Look at what God said: "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will give a reward to the lender" (Prov. 19:17) HCSB

Christian's despite all the tension in the country today, don't loose sight of our basic duties to our fellow humans.

Don't allow all the challenges that comes with helping the needy stop you.

They might and they might not change after your help.

Just remember be kind to the poor (they get enough criticism and skepticism).

Last thing, anticipate God's reward for your loan to Him.

God Bless,

Mtzionontario.com

Are You Content in Jesus?

Contentment in Jesus is being satisfied with the provision of Jesus today with the clear understanding that He will guide and provide tomorrow (Matt. 6:33).

Contentment is achieved through godliness.  Godliness is loving God with our total person as evidenced by our obedience to Him (John 14:15,21).

Being on missions in Tchula Mississippi, I am reminded afresh of why contentment in Jesus is better that chasing the dollar and the emptiness of materialism.  God gives us material blessings to enjoy and share with others versus chases stuff (I Tim. 6:17-19).

Christians meditate on I Tim. 6:7-8, for a fresh review of life: "For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.

8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content (I Tim. 6:6-7).

God Bless,

Mtzionontario.com

What is Your Mission this Week?

Christians, we still have the responsibility to share the message about Jesus as we travel through life.

Included in our call to feed the hungry, visit prisoners, visit the sick , build water wells, etc., is pointing people to a relationship with God through Jesus, which will change people for good (II Cor. 5:17).

Invite someone to church or your small group.  Share how you gave your heart to Jesus.  Share a witnessing booklet with someone. Offer to pray for someone.  Be intentional and plant and water seeds of the gospel message (I Cor. 3:5-8).

To every Christian, the Lord give you holy boldness, wisdom, and strength to do missions as you go (Matt. 28:18-20).

God Bless,

Be Distinct

Here is a pray based on James 1:26-27 to help you be distinct as a Christian and do instinctively what Christians do:

Dear Lord, I desire to live before You in a way that stands out for You.  Touch my tongue so that my language reflects You.  Touch my heart so that my acts of compassion reflects You.  Give me wisdom and discernment so that I am not a target to be taken advantage of, but distinctly a Christian ready and willing to lead people to a meaningful relationship with Jesus.  I live to love and serve You.  In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E Kennedy, Sr.

Mtzionontario.com

Don't Forget Your Best Friend"

Mom is 83 years old now and came to visit for three of our children's graduations (one college, two high school).  She spent time with each child to share with them about the Holy Spirit.  She taught them about the enabling power, encouragement, and constant presence of the Holy Spirit to help us throughout each day.

During her good byes she said to each one: "don't forget your Best Friend".

Christians, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to us as our constant Companion and Helper (John 14:16-18).

Each day as you face a variety of feelings, and circumstances, "don't forget your Best Friend".

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

What Fruit do People See in You?

Galatians 5:19-23 gives two list.  The fruit of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit.

Christians, make sure people see the fruit of the Spirit in your life.  Memorize the fruit you desire to practice so you remember what to practice (I memorized them in pairs of three).

Love

Joy 

Peace

Patience

Kindness

Goodness

Faithfulness

Gentleness

Self-control

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Mtzionontario.com

God Created the Keys to Healthy Communication.

God said: "My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger" (James 1:19).  HCSB

The key is swiftly, hurriedly, quickly listen, which is the first of these three actions.  

In the listening process you ask clarifying questions (did you say...? can you repeat that please?), and summarize (I think I hear you saying...).

The listening process will naturally slow you down and help you be slow to speak.  The listening process will also prevent becoming angry about things that you are really unclear on.

Listening is the potent key to healthy communication.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy

What controls your motives?

What motivates you is a great question, but what controls your motives is a bigger question.

Take time to evaluate and ensure that Jesus controls your motives versus something self-serving, that will not make a difference in the world around you.  Look to II Cor. 5:14-15 for help in this area.  "For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf."

Christians, live for Jesus by doing things with pleasing Jesus in mind and your motives will come under the control of Jesus.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Do you really love others?

Are committed to the work, or are you committed to the people in the work?

Do you easily walk past people and don't feel anything?  Do you see a person struggling and are not moved to help in some way?

You are not thinking anything bad about them, you just don't feel obligated or moved to speak, pray, or help them.  Hence, you walk past as if you have something much more important than a simple gesture of love.

Hey! I love people!  What are you saying?

The way to check yourself is explore the love chapter in I Corinthians 13.

See what God says about your ministry and great sacrifices without love.

See what love is and is not.

Christians, be intentional in showing care and concern for others (love).  Love is a distinguishing mark for Christians (John 13:34-35).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Are You Really Alone?

Life can have seemingly endless hard twists and turns that makes you tired, and feeling alone and defeated.

As you deal with the feelings of being alone, fiercely fight the "woe is me" syndrome, and know that you have God working on your behalf, and you have other Christians to pray and walk with you.  Therefore, get up with truth in God's Word, and join with other believers to strive for the victory we have in Christ.

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it" (I Cor. 10:13).

Christians, we need God and we need each other so let's do healthy life together (Hebrews 10:24-25; Rom. 12:4-5).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Help Others for the Good?

 

God will show you someone who needs edification (building up) in some area of their life.

Pray and ask God for wisdom, courage, and strength as you reach out to them with pure motives.

You will be surprised how people will respond with thanksgiving.  What God leads you do is just what they need.

"Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. 2 Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification" (Rom. 15:1-2).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Ready for Death and Dying?

God said in Psalm 139:16, that all the days of your life were recorded in God's book before you were born.

Hence, you have no real say over the length of your days.

You do however have say over the quality of your life.

You can choose to obey God and love Him with your total person, and love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:28-31).

You can choose to live the Holy Spirit controlled life and display the fruit of the Spirit (Eph. 5:18; Gal. 5:22-26).

You can choose full and meaningful life (John 10:10).

Then when your day to depart this life comes you can transition with total confidence (II Tim. 4:6-8).

1. You are ready to leave here.
2. You fought the good fight in serving God.
3. You fulfilled your God given purpose.
4. You kept your faith in God.
5. You anticipate your reward from God.

Christians, live to love and serve Jesus, and death and dying will be a pleasant transition from labor to reward.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Stormproof Your Life

Life has swift changes, tragedy, and disappointments, that are like  storms in our lives.

We can stormproof our lives by continually hearing and obeying the words of Jesus (Matt. 7:24).

This is a picture of continually thinking about something Jesus said (such as treat people the way you want to be treated, or stop worrying and seek God's kingdom and His righteousness, etc).  This is how you build a stormproof life that will handle any storm that comes your way.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy 

Did you know?

Did you know that God is speaking to Pastor's all over this world so that you can hear a word just for you and be built up in the faith each weekend (Eph. 4:11-13).  

Did you know that most Pastor's are honest, hard working, godly members of the body of Christ (yes we do have some wolves in sheep's clothing).

You will know the Pastor's after God own heart by their fruits (Matt. 7:15-20).

Prioritize each week and make your way to the church in which God has called you.  Your Pastor is studying and praying before to give you an encouraging word from heaven.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Is God Whispering In Your Ear?

Jesus said those who do the will of My Father in heaven are going to heaven (Matt. 7:21-23).

Jesus spoke about us living a changed life as evidenced by our obeying God's established kingdom principles (a great list of God's principles for every area of life is found in the sermon on the Mountain (Matt. 5-7). 

Christians, read Matt. 5-7, and practice even the hard parts, and listen for God to whisper in your ear each day before your bedtime: "well done My good and faithful servant."

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Who can I Affirm?

Who can you encourage with a word of encouragement?  

Look for someone doing good work, someone discouraged, someone that God put on your heart, and encourage them.

Look at what God said about this: "Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances" (Prov. 25:11).

Christians, ask God to show you the right person to affirm, the right time, and the right word to share.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Are You Available to God?

The Book of Acts gives us early church history, practical insights into church growth, and unquestioning obedience to God.

For instance look at Acts 13:2-3: While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Everyone was sensitive to hearing God's voice and responding with unquestioning obedience.

Christians, listen for God's voice speaking through His word, through others, creation, circumstances, to your heart, and respond to Him with availability and obedience.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

If you Invite People, They Will Come.

Do you know people who trust you, but do not attend church?

Guess what?  If you invite them, they will attend church with you.

Resurrection weekend is a high weekend in the Christian faith.  We put special emphasis on Jesus dying for the sins of the world, and rising from the dead to authenticate His work to restore us back to God.

Invite people to attend church services and small group meetings with you so that they too can enjoy a personal relationship with God through Jesus (be a soul winner at the church you attend).

On behalf of Mt Zion Church of Ontario, you are invited to attend any of our special services for Resurrection weekend (224 W. Calif. Street, Ontario, Calif.)

Good Friday  Service:              7:00 pm

Saturday Service at Mt Zion:  5:00 pm

Outside Resurrection services at Ontario Town Square (224 N. Euclid Ave).

6:00 am   (Bring a coat or blanket)

8:00 am   (Bring a hat)

10:00 am (Bring a hat)

Christians, Jesus is Risen just as He said.  Let us lead people to our Savior.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

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Do you know people who trust you, but do not attend church?

Guess what?  If you invite them, they will attend church with you.

Resurrection weekend is a high weekend in the Christian faith.  We put special emphasis on Jesus dying for the sins of the world, and rising from the dead to authenticate His work to restore us back to God.

Invite people to attend church services and small group meetings with you so that they too can enjoy a personal relationship with God through Jesus (be a soul winner at the church you attend).

On behalf of Mt Zion Church of Ontario, you are invited to attend any of our special services for Resurrection weekend (224 W. Calif. Street, Ontario, Calif.)

Good Friday  Service:              7:00 pm

Saturday Service at Mt Zion:  5:00 pm

Outside Resurrection services at Ontario Town Square (224 N. Euclid Ave).

6:00 am   (Bring a coat or blanket)

8:00 am   (Bring a hat)

10:00 am (Bring a hat)

Christians, Jesus is Risen just as He said.  Let us lead people to our Savior.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Stay Focused:

During Passion Week, Jesus focused on dying on the cross for the sins of the world (John 3:16 is great summary of why Jesus came to the earth).

On the Wednesday before His death, the plot thickened.  Judas, went to the Chief Priest and negotiated the betrayal of Jesus (Luke 22:1-6).

Was Jesus swayed by evil or betrayal?  No, Jesus focused on moving closer to dying on the cross for our sins.

Christians, stay focused on God's desire for your life.  Yes you will have "haters" (John 15:18-20). The bombing of the Coptic church's in Egypt is an example of hate for Christian's by certain groups.  Yes, people will smile in your face and turn around and betray you.  Judas betrayed Jesus, Who only did good (Luke 22:47-48).

Do not be confused, detoured, or overcome by evil (Rom. 12:21), stay focused on and do what God's desire for you each day.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Watch 4 Things for Daily Success

In Prov. 4, God gives several benefits from asking Him for, and cherishing His wisdom.  At the end of the chapter you see how God's wisdom will give you daily success as you:

Watch over your heart (v. 23).

Watch your mouth (v. 24).

Watch your eyes (v. 25).

Watch your feet (vs. 26-27).

Christian, use God's wisdom so that you will hear God whisper in your ear each night, "well done, My good and faithful servant," and you enjoy sweet sleep.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Talk Directly to God

As you move throughout each day, say a prayer here and there.  Take advantage of the post-resurrection ministry of Jesus.

Because of Jesus, we have ongoing communication from God and toward God anytime, anywhere, and for any reason.

Why stress, why go without, why struggle with guilt and shame, why wait, why be lonely, why be unfulfilled, why wonder.

Talk to God about it!!

Name drop, and mention the name of Jesus, to get into the throne room, ask God about anything, and then sit back in faith, and watch God work on your behalf (John 16:24-27).

Christian's this kind of stuff pushes us to the house of prayer each weekend or other days to worship God with other brothers and sisters in Christ.  

Get to church this weekend and share with someone what happened when you talked directly to God about things.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Senior Pastor

Learn From Church Ushers?

They frequently serve in silence and with a smile.

They have a lot to say, but they say it in preparation to silently serve us in church.

Sometimes people do not smile back, but instead of negatively reacting, they keep smiling.

Sometimes they try to seat people in one place but the people choose another place.  Does the usher negatively react? No, they turn and return to their post smiling.

Do ushers have feelings like everyone else?  You bet they do.  

Will they quit because of what someone said or did in church?

You will see them again on their next shift with that same smile eager and ready to serve us in church.

What is with these ushers in church who get along with ushers from other churches and makes silent service with a smile their priority?

Check out the scripture that shapes their values:

"Better a day in Your courts than a thousand anywhere else. I would rather be at the door of the house of my God than to live in the tents of wicked people" (Psalm 84:10 -  HCSB).

Christian's thank an usher or ushers for their consistent Christ-like service on behalf of the Lord's church.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

It Takes Two to Tangle

Yes, you are tempted to cuss them out!

Yes, they offended you!

Yes, your manhood, or your womanhood was attacked!

However, you do not need to take the fight to the next level with harsh words. 

God said diffuse the fight with a soft answer.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger 

(Prov. 15:1).

Christians, let's make a difference today by the way we defuse a potential fight.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E Kennedy, Sr.

How About Some Wisdom Today?

The solution to one of my greatest frustrations in relating to God was getting wisdom.  My diligent study produced my knowledge of accounting, but I needed and wanted more than accounting knowledge.

Then I discovered Prov. 2:1-6, & 9:10.

What a huge relief.  I simply needed to show reverence for God and ask Him for wisdom. 

Prov. 9:10: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Prov. 2:6: For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Christian's, with deep-seated reverence for God, ask God to help you practically apply knowledge (wisdom) to your daily opportunities from His eternal reservoir.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Individualist or Interdependent?

Our culture promotes individualism as the normal mode of operation.  Self-reliance, independence, and preoccupation with serving self first and foremost, despite the needs of others, is at the heart of individualism.

God promotes interdependence. Interdependence, is where I need you, and you need me.  In Rom. 12:4-5, God emphatically stated that we are intimately connected to each other.

"For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function,

5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another" (Rom. 12:4-5).

Christian's being connected to Christ, and doing acts of care and concern for others in life is much more fulfilling than an excessive preoccupation with getting all we can get, canning all we get, and sitting on the can of self-centered pursuits (Luke 12:13-21).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Mtzionontario.com

Unquestioning obedience to God

Once God told Abraham that circumcision is a physical sign of their covanant relationship, Abraham immediately acted with unquestioning obedience to God (Gen. 18:10-23).

Christians, as we walk with God today, we know what His word says about numerous issues.  Hence, as we hear Him speak to our hearts, let us obey Him with unquestioning obedience.

Obey God and watch Him work.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Kingdom Fitness

Jesus taught us to make and keep kingdom matters a priority (Luke 9:57-62).

Look at Luke 9:62: But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

 When farmers plowed their fields to plant crops, they had a "marker" at the end of each row so they would make a straight row.   Looking back would cause the farmer to lose focus and the row would end up crooked.

Consider what is distracting you today and causing you to lose focus on your God given marker for today.

Christians, in all that you plan to do today, ask God to clarify His work for you today and keep your eyes on today's "marker".  

Make sure you get God's work done.

This is how to stay fit for the kingdom.

Shine for Jesus

Christians, after a great weekend of corporate worship all over the world, this is a great day to shine for Jesus.  Jesus gave us a practical way to shine for him in Luke 6:31:  "Treat others the same way you want them to treat you."

Christians, ask the Holy Spirit to show you practical ways to practice Luke 6:31.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Timeless Insights from The Book of Judges

May I Have Your Opinion?

I've just completed my first book through a publisher (this is a dream come true for both Hilda and for me). Praise the Lord!!

The book title is: "Timeless Insights from the Book of Judges." ISBN-10: 1512770841.

You can obtain my book from the link below.

Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Timeless-Insights-Judges-Brian-Kennedy/dp/1512770841

If you will, I would like your thoughts. I will process your thoughts and incorporate them into my next book.

Please feel free to pass my request on to others.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy