Thursday, May 31, 2018

Embrace God’s Grace.

Embrace God’s Grace.

God often uses “a thorn in our flesh” to remind us to stay humble vs. arrogant.  Our thorn could be a physical ailment, a personal failure, struggle finances, communication problems, etc.
In II Cor. 12:7-10, God gave us help to embrace His grace with a “thorn in our flesh.”
1.  It is okay to pray for God to remove your thorn.
2. God can choose to leave your thorn in place.
3. Focus more on, and be content with God’s grace than your thorn.
4. The power of God’s grace is activated and operational as we remain weak before God (the I can’t, but through Christ I can do all things, mentality).
Christians, God’s grace (love and undeserved favor)is over, above, and beyond what you need or expect.  Embrace God’s grace.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.
Mtzionontario.com

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Encouragement from the Word?

Encouragement from the Word?

We are planning our 9th annual Missions trip to Holmes County, Mississippi (one of the poorest counties in America).
I reviewed the budget and saw we are still need $5,000.00 for our budget.
Before doubt rang my bell, God led me to II Cor. 9:8:”And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.”
Christians, God settled my heart with a promise I have witnessed Him keep for years.  Praise God with me for how He has already determined to provide.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

What Will You Do About Senate Bill 2943?

What Will You Do About Senate Bill 2943?

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Prov. 9:9-10).
With Assembly Bill 2943, being fast tracked to the governors desk, we need God’s wisdom to communicate our side of the issue to California Legislators.  The Christian Community does not need to evolve with people caught in the worlds system that fights and rebels against God.  We need to love God, love our neighbor, and do good, as we pursue the Great Commission.
Christians, pray for our lawmakers that they will live their lives and stop trying to restrict ours.
Call your State Senator and ask them to oppose AB 2943.
Pray about joining The California Family Council for a united effort to stop California lawmakers from another attack on Christians right to practice our freedom of speech, and to use the Bible to preach, teach, and counsel people who desire to listen.
No one is forced to listen to us, but California lawmakers are trying to force us to stop using the Bible, and other Christian literature to help people who willingly listen to us and come to us for help.
Other religious groups are not exempt from this movement to shut down any voice or document that does not agree with their agenda.
This is not the time to stand back and watch California lawmakers attempt to dictate and limit the freedom of religion or the freedom of speech that we enjoy in this country.  Too many people died for these rights for us to sit back and let a hand full of agenda driven California lawmakers take them away with the stroke of a pen.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy

Saturday, May 5, 2018

Is it Really Your Body?

Is it Really Your Body?

I Cor. 6:19-20, teaches us why we should refrain from any form of sexual activity outside of the sacred institution of marriage.  Yet, the series of questions about the body God entrusted to our care includes other activities we do with our bodies.
We say, “This is my body, I can do what I want.”
Read the passage again and see if God has more say over your body than you.
19 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body” (I Cor. 6:19-20).
Christians, be good stewards over you God given, God purchased, Holy Spirit living inside of, body.
Get rest, exercise, good diet, avoid harmful substances, and bring your body to church (healthy people attending bedside baptist church, might consider getting up and physically attending church.  Get your body, heart, and mind in church - lol).

God Bless,
Mtzionontario.com

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Sensitive Talk + Meaningful Action = A Lasting Difference.

Sensitive Talk + Meaningful Action = A Lasting Difference.

When working in prison ministry, I came to love II Cor. 5:17: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”
I have witnessed thousands of men and women with a dark past (inside and outside of prison), change and and live for Christ.
In regards to any person, or a people groups dark past (including slavery), we all must talk with sensitivity.  Especially when we are far removed the horrors of their experiences.
What we can do is learn from the past, and address the darkness of our slavery today.  Drug abuse, physical violence, gang activity, ungodly politics, war, religious violence, racism, senseless and unwarranted shootings of unarmed citizens, abortion, excessive unwed mothers, sex trafficking, irresponsible dads and moms, greed, morality, gentrification, incarceration, and other things that keep humans of all ethnic groups in shackles today (Rom. 3:23).
Our modern day slavery (sin)is easy to talk at, about, and around, but not so easy to solve.  We need supernatural help (II Cor. 5:17).

Christians, let us prayerfully make a lasting difference in peoples lives.  The horrors of the past, are not an excuse for inaction today.  Make a meaningful difference today (Eph. 2:10).

God Bless,