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.