Tonight?

Hey Christians!  What do you have planned tonight?
Be in a space where you can celebrate what God brought you through in 2019.
You are invited to the celebration at MT Zion Church of Ontario which kicks off at 7:30 pm with the Movie: “God’s Not Dead,” plus food, fun, kid bouncers, games, spoken word, open baptism, praise dance, Lords Supper, and prayer for the New Year.
Whatever and wherever your plans, remember, you are a Christian and God expects you to point people to Jesus: “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (I Cor. 10:31).

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Stick to Your Faith in God!

As you make bold statements about  God, and cooperate with Him to do the humanly impossible, stick to your faith in God.  Why?  Because the enemy will attack by causing you to doubt what God promised.  You will be tempted to “walk by sight” and do things in your human strength, which hinders God-sized outcomes.
Ezra, the priest and scribe, was ashamed to ask King Artaxerxes for a military escort back to Jerusalem because he said to the king: “Our God’s hand of protection is on all who worship him, but his fierce anger rages against those who abandon him” (Ezra 8:22).
The long trip back home was full of unknowns.  Ezra had to stick to his faith.  As you approach Christmas, and the challenges in the new year, no matter what, stick to your faith in God.

Merry Christmas,
Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Give the Greatest Gift!

The giving spirit that accompanies Christmas flows from our God Who gave Jesus as the greatest gift to the world (John 3:16; Matt. 1:21).
As you complete last minute shopping, attend various gatherings, attend church, and exchange gifts, be intentional about sharing “The Greatest Gift” with family, friends, and others as God gives you opportunity.
1. Share God’s Love (John 3:16).
2. Share our problem (Rom. 3:23).
3. Share God’s solution (Rom. 5:8).
4. Share our responsibility (Rom. 10:9-10).

Have A Merry Christmas
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Amazing Dreams Come True

With all the Christmas stories playing on IOn TV with amazing dreams coming true, why not seek am amazing dream for yourself.  Seek restoration in a broken relationship.  We celebrate Christmas because God pursued something amazing.  Namely restoration from a broken relationship with you and me (John 3:16).  Jesus aligned with God The Father and declared: “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10).  Amazing!
Christian’s, let’s follow Jesus and reach out to seek restoration in broken relationships and experience an amazing dream come true.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Just Say: “Thank You”

Momma always taught us that people do not have to be nice, and when they are, say thank you.  After pastoring at Mt. Zion church of Ontario for 21 years, the Mt. Zion family, and friends once again graciously expressed their love to my family and to me.  Thank you Mt. Zion and friends for being loving.  Romans 12:5, describes us as many members of one body intricately connected together, which makes us an eternal family.  After 21 years, I am still delighted to serve alongside of my Mt. Zion family.  We are not a perfect church, but we are a church committed to loving God (Matt. 12:28-30), loving each other (John 13:34-35), loving others (Mark 12:31), and pursuing the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20).

Christians, join me in praising God for His loving people at Mt. Zion, Ontario.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Christian’s, We are Family.

Numerous families are dealing with exacerbated pain due to the death of young family members.
Christians, God said we are intricately  connected: “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body.  We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other” (Rom. 12:4-5).
Christians, we are family.  Let’s connect with, and lovingly nurture our family members touched by death and dying.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Creative Obedience

This Sunday is "Go Sunday" at Mt. Zion Church of Ontario.  During our Sunday Morning Bible Study hour, the congregation will "Go" into the community and give away plants, give out water, homeless kits, knock on doors to share Jesus, distribute door hangers, and minister at two convalescent homes.  We will also hold a prayer meeting at church to support all our teams.
Christians, despite the size of the congregation you are in, pray, and work
with your Pastor and Church Leaders to "go" into the community, and beyond,
for creative obedience Matt. 28:18-20.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Yellow Light!

On public streets, a yellow light is not the same as yellow lights in pre-stage drag racing.  On public streets, yellow lights signal the need for drivers to be cautious or prepare to stop.  Proverbs 5 & 8, are like yellow lights warning men of impending danger, and to use wisdom to protect against the devastation of adultery.
Christian Brothers, be encouraged, fight for, and focus on the woman in whom you promised to love “until death do you part” (Prov. 5:15-18 ).

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

What are you Doing?

On October 31, Mt. Zion along with other churches worldwide, celebrated the fall harvest.  
Today, we are still thanking God for His provisions, and in the midst of all the California fires, we are praying for, and sharing with others in need.
Yes, God is providing food, safety, shelter, new friendships, and new growth opportunities for fire victims.  God is also providing us to give them ongoing acts of love.
Get to church this weekend to help contribute to what your church is doing to help fire victims, and encourage those responding to the fires.
Mt. Zion will give to the California Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Fund.
Today, our neighbors are in need, and the love of Jesus moves us to help.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

“Balance Victory” Amid Unpredictability?

Pray for balance in your time alone with God, your worship, your family, service to God (FYI your service to God goes beyond the local church), work, school, retirement, disability, and your personal life (includes self-care).
 No secret, magical, or guaranteed “life balance” formula or pill exists because daily life is unpredictable.
What does exist is your choice to live by godly values, which are biblical principles from God’s Word to guide you each day.  For instance, you treat everyone according to “The Golden Rule” in Matt. 7:12: and you ask God for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding each day (Prov. 2:6).
Christians, follow godly values each day for “balance victory.”  Victory is as sweet a candy.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Are You A Friend?

Are You a Friend?

God said: “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need” (Prov. 17:17).   (NLT)
Funny, how profound this terse  statement is.  Keep your friendship simple but deeply rooted in the right things: loyal love, and an innate sense of being in a purposeful relationship.
Who are your friends? Who do you love with loyal love (consistent care and concern), and who loves you with loyal love?
Is your relationship based on what you can get, or on a healthy interdependence (giving and receiving).
Christians, let’s develop lasting friendships based on God’s standards.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Worry or Joyful?

Worry or Joyful?

God said: “Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up” (Prov. 12:25).
Are you hurting?  Do you know someone hurting?
Try God’s prescription and get an encouraging Word like (I Cor. 10:13; James 1:1-8, John 14:1-6, Phil. 4:4-8, Isaiah 40:28-31, Prov. 3:1-10; and Psalm 23.  Get encouragement from the Lord, and give someone encouragement from the Lord.  Make sure your encouragement includes prayer.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

PS:  Get to church for an encouraging word.

Are You Hiding?

Are You Hiding?

God changed Saul from an ordinary guy looking for his dad’s donkey’s, to lead Israel as their first king.  This was a huge life change for Saul. When his time came to stand as the king of Israel, he was hiding by the baggage (I Samuel 10:21-24).
Christians, when God chooses you, He quips you, and empowers you to function with excellence.  Hence, stand up, represent, and fulfill your assignments from God.
I will address this subject in this weeks sermon (catch it live at Mt Zion, or on YouTube).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.
Mtzionontario.com

Who do People See in You?

Who do People See in You?

When her husband lost his dad, he married her, and his mom lived with them for 10 years, and then her husband died. Her husbands brother also died. The mother-in law planned to move back home, and encouraged her to return to her family, and to her gods. She refused saying:"...Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God..."(Ruth 1:16-17) NLT
Ruth, saw the Living God through Naomi, her mother in law's life.  
Who do people see in you?
Christian's, help people see Jesus
through the way you think, your actions and your speech.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Hanging Out?

Hanging Out?

Today God reminded me afresh to hang out with the right people: “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Prov. 13:20).
Christian’s be loving around all people for the gospels sake (Matt. 5:16), and make sure your inner circle consists of people who catapult you into growth and excellence for God’s glory. Who are you hanging with?

Our youth are hanging out with Six University of California schools for an information fair Saturday 9/14/19, from 9:00 to 1:00 pm. Come by and hang out.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

97th Church Anniversary

This weekend Mt. Zion Church of Ontario will celebrate 97 years of God's faithfulness.
Saturday 9/14, UC Information Fair - College workshop from 9 am to 1 pm.
Saturday 9/14, Concert at 5 pm (dinner after the concert).
Sunday 9/15, Sunday Bible Study at 8:30 am.
Sunday 9/15, The Joint Service at 10am (dinner after service).
Sunday 9/15, Open baptism (call 909-983-2411, to sign up.)

If you can’t make it pray. If you want to share financially in what God is doing send gifts to: Mt Zion Ontario, 224 W. California St., Ontario, Ca 91762, or you can give online through our website: mtzionontario.com.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

We Remember

Eighteen years ago, our nation was traumatized as we watched the twin towers collapse. A total of 2,977 people were killed in New York City, Washington,
DC and outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Today, as we remember the families who lost loved ones, and who still deal with the pain of 9/11/01, let’s pray, share the love of Jesus, say something if we see something, and
spread kindness to counteract the evil around us (Gal. 6:10). 

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Compassion for Others

Compassion for Others.

When tragedy strikes people’s lives, do you have compassion (you feel with them)or do you blend people’s pain and distress into the next news report?
Jesus showed compassion for the people in Matt. 9:36-38, because they were beat down and stressed out behind religious oppression.
As followers of Jesus, let’s “feel with” people as they face the aftermath of hurricanes, shootings, etc.
MT Zion Ontario will respond to the hurricane disasters through the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Teams.
Christians, doing something meaningful will help. Just make sure you connect with a credible group. Oh yes, please include prayer in your response.
Last thing, Mt Zion Ontario will have an open baptism at our 97th Church Anniversary on 9/15/19. Anyone who wants to get baptized is welcome. Call 909-983-2411 x 223 to sign-up.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy
Senior Pastor

Do You Block or Channel Blessings?

Do You Block or Channel Blessings?

The children of Israel suffered defeat with 37 deaths because Achan, took some property under the ban in the defeat of Jericho (Joshua 6-7). He blocked their blessings. Have you, or are you doing something right now that is displeasing to God, and is causing pain for others?
Don't take chances. Confess your sins before God, and get clean, and
stay clean before God (I John 1:8-9). Be a channel of blessings for others. Lead your family to a meaningful worship service this weekend. Tell someone about Jesus, pray with someone, help a needy person, be kind, forgive someone, etc.(Galatians 6:10). Be a channel of blessings!

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

PS: Pray for those struggling with cancer and other cruel diseases.

What’s God’s Good For You?

What’s God’s Good For You?

As you decide which diet, exercise program, childcare, school, job, neighborhood, investment, vacation, church, etc. is good for you, include God’s good for you: "Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to keep the LORD'S commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good” (Deut. 10:12-13).

Get to church and worship God with others, stimulate others and be stimulated to love and good works, hear what God says through His Word, pray, and leave built up in the faith. This is for your good.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

My Birthday Reflection

My Birthday Reflection:

I praise God for another birthday.
My security is in Christ (I am loved unconditionally in Christ - Rom. 5:6-8).
My significance is in Christ (I am valued by God unconditionally and making a contribution in the lives of others - Eph. 2:6-10).
My identity is in Christ (I am a child of God - John 1:12).
My interdependence is in Christ (I need others and others need me - Rom. 12:5).
My intimacy is in Christ (I give love and receive love - John 13:34-35).
God still uses Prov. 3:5-6 to shape my life for His glory.
I thank God for my beautiful wife, children, parents and siblings on both sides, my beloved Mt Zion Church of Ontario family, other church families, and all the people and groups I am homered to serve.
My desire is to give God a lifetime of faithful service.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Strength & Courage

Strength & Courage 

What new thing is happening in your life that requires God-sized strength and courage?
New season? New job? New school? New relationship? New baby? New health condition?
Joshua’s new season in life was Moses was dead, and God called him to lead Israel into the Promised Land (Joshua 1). It was one thing to serve alongside Moses, the great leader, but to succeed Moses was a huge new reality.
Whatever new thing is happening in your life, do as God commanded Joshua: draw upon the courage and strength God’s provides through His presence and power (Joshua 1:9).
Stop doubting, don’t go panic attack, don’t be afraid, stop discouragement before it starts, and please don’t spiral behind the infinite number of “unknowns” and “what if’s.”
Be strong and courageous, God is with you everywhere you go!

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

How Are You Transforming?

How Are You Transforming?

God gave a negative and positive command in Romans 12:2. Do not allow the world to press you into beliefs and behaviors that God says are wrong. On the other hand, God said be transformed (be completely changed) by the renewing of you mind (this happens through studying The Bible, prayer, etc.) so that you will know His good, acceptable, and perfect will for your life.
Are you allowing the culture to shape you into a cultural Christian?
Or are you transforming into a bold, on fire for Jesus Christian who is having influential conversations around meaningful topic?
Choose to transform with a bible believing and practicing local church, and let’s become a loving and growing movement of transforming Christians making a difference for Jesus.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Worship God!

Worship God!

What or who do you devote so much time and energy to that it boarders on, or is idol worship?
As I read through Exodus, I am noticing something I need to watch in my life. The people God blessed and worked miracles for, were quick to complain, accuse, rebel, disobey, worship idol gods, and were inconsistent in worship (Exodus).
Worship God! Make recognizing Who God is, what He has done, what He is doing, and what He is going to do, a consistently practice. Work toward making everything you do an act of worship to God and watch Him do an indescribable work in your life (Romans 12:1-2).

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Banking with God:

Banking with God:

Image having to choose between feeding your family or getting gas to keep a job that barely pays enough to survive. Or even getting a sign and asking strangers for help. Needy people are increasing and you must decide if you will help. Moreover, everyone asking for help are not using drugs, nor are they all professional pan handlers.
I know the disappointment of being burned by a “slickster,” but the joy of meeting a genuine need supersedes the disappointment.
Be wise with God’s resources, and be alert during your helping ministry.
In whatever way God leads you to help the needy (through church, another charity or personally) remember you are banking with God, and doing business with God has a guaranteed “return on investment” (ROI). “If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD and he will repay you!”(Prov. 19:17).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Just “Going to Church”?

Just “Going to Church”?

“Going to church” speaks for itself, but we have lowered it to a popular routine with expectations of being entertained and receiving a variety of family services, then we dart off to the next activity. For some, church is bumped depending on competing activities.
God created you, and restored you through Christ to worship Him in meaningful ways. Worship is an experience with the all-powerful God of the universe. God’s Word says: "Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were
created” (Revelation 4:11).
Christians, “go to church” and concentrate on, and experience God because of Who He is, what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will do. Then you will enjoy rich fellowship with others, and be stimulated to do good during and after church (Hebrews 10:24-25).

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.
MtZionontario.com

Well Done

Well Done

Tired of doing well half of the day, and then pulled every way but loose the rest of the day? Before you sleep, do you want to hear the Lord whisper in your ear: “Well done, my good and faithful servant?” Before you start each day, ask God to guide your path. Move forward with things that are pleasing to the Lord. Then follow Prov. 4:25-27 throughout the day: “Let your eyes look directly ahead
And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. 26 Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established.
27 Do not turn to the right nor to the left;
Turn your foot from evil.”
Christians, listen to hear God say “well done.”

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Lighten Your Load

Lighten Your Load

God said: “He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion” (Prov. 28:13).
How long will you continue trying to hide your wrongdoing before God?  God knows everywhere you hide (Gen. 3:8-11).  If you recriminate (accuse in return), you will not succeed.
If you admit and discontinue your inappropriate behavior, God will forgive and position you for success.
Christians, ask the Lord for strength to lighten your load via confession of sin.  Admit what you did wrong before God and before people.  Use these 9 famous words: I was wrong, I am sorry, please forgive me.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Teenagers & Prov. 21:1

Teenagers & Prov. 21:1

Working with teenagers, who are wonderful and lots of fun, sometimes leaves you stumped.  Yesterday, he was okay.  What happened to him this morning?  Where did he go?  LOL!  We can all enjoy some humor as we realize teenagers face challenges as they mature.  As you notice a teenager face challenges (attitude, lethargic, peer-pressure, self-esteem, insecurities, drugs, communication, up, down, etc.), get supernatural assistance.  You trust God to do Prov. 21:1 with adults, trust God to also do Prov. 21:1 with teenagers.  Don't give up on our beautiful teenagers, but ask God to touch, heal, deliver, and raise up their hearts and minds.  Speak to a teenager, give them a warm smile, and reassure them that they are in your prayers (you might even ask if they have a specific request, and commit to pray for them).  When you see them, ask how things are going in that area.   People of all ages, especially teenagers need genuine love (John 13:34-35).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.
Senior Pastor

Victory is better than defeat.

Victory is better than defeat.

Proverbs 7 describes a young man who was spotted by an adulteress and lured into her home, while her husband was away.  He followed her and experienced personal defeat (Prov. 7:18-23).  Strong temptation is real, and the enemy uses it to lure us away from God.  Get the victory over temptation by making wisdom your companion (Prov. 7:4).  Love God, pray throughout the day, meditate on God’s Word, connect with God and others in church worship, volunteer, share the message about Jesus, and do life together with godly people. Victory is better than defeat.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Is it about you, or about God’s agenda?

Is it about you, or about God’s agenda?

God said, “for where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.  17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy” (James 3:16-17).
The aforementioned drama reveals if you are applying God’s wisdom, or if you are in God’s way.  Use God’s wisdom and you will always move God’s agenda forward.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Sustainability

Sustainability

God mentions three things He provides for building sustainable lives, families, organizations, etc.: “By wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; 4 And by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches (Prov. 24:3; cf. 2:6).

Today, we are dealing with pain, tragedy, natural disasters, human made disasters, chaos among leaders, hatred, violence, greed, poverty, economic challenges, and we are deteriorating from within.
Build to last by asking God for His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding which are sustainable, building blocks for your life, family, and more.
FYI, God is the One Who said knowledge is power (Prov. 24:5).
Make your way to church this weekend.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Impact Touches

Impact Touches:

Everyday you touch people. But how?  Is your touch too hard or insensitive and leaves a string of hurt people?
Or, is your touch gentile, and positively impactful?
God said touch people with wisdom based conduct, and perfectly seasoned speech that never misses an opportunity.  (Colossians 4:5-6).
Christians, ask God to forgive you for your painful touches, and train you in the depths of graceful touches that impact people for Jesus.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E Kennedy, Sr.
Mtzionontario.com

Are You Sure?

Are You Sure?

You checked and double checked, but are you sure you have everything?
What about the 6 pieces of your spiritual gear, the Armor or God?
Stop!!!  Symbolically put on your girdle of truth, your breastplate of righteousness, your gospel shoes of peace, your shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Eph. 6:13-17).
Now you are ready!  Now go out and make a positive difference in the world around us.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy
Mtzionontario.com

God and your 20/80

God and your 20/80

Ask God to direct the right 20 % of your time and energy for the maximum 80% of your results (Vilfredo Pareto’s law of the vital few).
Practicing Proverbs 3:5-8, will end the frustration, stress, and physical drain from trusting in yourself and driving off course pursuing endless opportunities.  Let God focus your 20% and He will show you the path that leads to a healthy balance and His ongoing favor (your 80% result).

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy

Your Labor is not in Vain.

Your Labor is not in Vain.

Being tempted to take a short-cut today?  Tempted to practice an old habit (you know the old “go for what you know” routine), tempted to a step back, and eventually quit, or are you tempted to take over, make independent decisions, take credit, and ignore important others?
Step back, and meditate on I Cor.15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”
God does not consider you or your labor (“toil”) worthless.  The long hours, energetic, and selfless effort you give, is always noticed by the God.  In the Lord, you will receive a reward in this life and in the life to come.  Be encouraged, “your labor is not in vain.”

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Super Bowl Weekend for the Church

Super Bowl Weekend for the Church

Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday is a time of sober reflection, and the highest level of celebration for believers all around the world.  This is Super Bowl weekend for the church.

Jesus died on the cross, and rose again from the dead so that our sins could be forgiven, and we can have an eternal love relationship with the living God (John 3:16).

As you reflect on this unconditional, “never been loved like this before,” love, respond to God’s love by sharing the message about Jesus with others,
Invite someone to church, pray for non-Christians to hear the message and put their faith in Jesus.
Finally, live the changed life for Jesus, be in God’s house for worship this weekend, and enjoy rich fellowship afterwards.
Check out Mtzionontario.com for our worship times.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

God’s Abundance for You.

God’s Abundance for You.

“He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who pursues worthless things lacks sense (Prov. 12:11-12).  Instead of spinning into the misery of discontentment behind comparing your life, possessions, and opportunities with that of others, try life God’s way.  Take “your land” (what God gives you), and use God’s wisdom to consistently implement best practices (till your land) and enjoy the abundance God has for you (plenty of bread).
Stop worthless fantasizing about stuff, and diligently work for the abundance God has for you.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

God has Your Back!

God has Your Back!

When you step out on a limb for righteousness before God, He has your back.  God said: “Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for man comes from the LORD” (Prov. 29:26).
Speak truth in love, do right, be kind and tender hearted when doing good, forgive,  be patient, share the message about Jesus, pray for a miracle, and watch God. Remember, God is not obligated to explain how, He is obligated secure justice for you.
See you in church this weekend.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian Kennedy, Sr.

Need a Little Guidance Today?

Need a Little Guidance Today?

Stuck on something right now? Needed to deal with it in the past, and today it is back with vengeance?
Listen to how God personifies His wisdom in Proverbs 8:17: "I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me."
Love, desire, receive, and use God's wisdom (Proverbs 8).
How? Stop, and show Him respect, and simply ask. Stop, back off, settle down, and honor God. Pray: "Lord forgive me for leaning on me. Please give me You wisdom and understanding." Immediately, God's navigation system will begin. Follow His prompts and you will arrive at God's perfect destination every time.
Worshipping God with others this weekend is a great way to honor God (set your clock up for daylight savings).

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Start the New Month with Daily Refreshment

Start the New Month with Daily Refreshment

Reading a chapter in Proverbs each day is a great way to bring refreshment into your life each day of the month.
Give God respect and watch Him navigate you through the storms,  destructive temptations, and give you victory this month.  “The fear of the Lord,” which is having respect, or reverence for God, is the starting point to receive knowledge and wisdom from God.  When we respect God, which is filled with love for God, you will enjoy God, and live such that God enjoys you.
God is your source for daily refreshment.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Are you Generous?

Are you Generous?

God said: “He who is generous will be blessed, For he gives some of his food to the poor” (Prov. 22:9).
It is one thing to give to yourself, or someone well off, but what about the poor?  What about someone less fortunate than you?
Try God on this one.  Be generous, share with someone in need, and watch God bless you.
Then, thank God for keeping His promise, and testify about God’s faithfulness.
Invite someone to church this weekend.

God Bless

Don’t Quit!

Don’t Quit!

If you quit because it’s hard, you are criticized, or discouraged, you will not experience the joy of crossing the finish line.
God said: “So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up” (Gal. 6:9).  NLT
God is watching and tracking, as you do good.  God is also using your good for the benefit of others and for His glory.
Yes, continuing is challenging, but as God said, He will reward you, so don’t quit.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E Kennedy, Sr.

Little to Much

Little to Much

Jesus taught a powerful principle in Luke 16:10: "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.”
Whatever you are doing today, be faithful before God.  Be responsible, and dependable, get the job done on time and with 5 star quality.  Be faithful before God such that He is pleased and gives you more responsibility with your time, talents, and treasures.  God moves His faithful children from little to much.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Talk Up Jesus!!

Talk Up Jesus!!

Jesus said the mustard seed (Palestinian mustard) is the smallest in the soil, but it produces the largest plant in the garden (Mark 4:32).  Christians, with boldness let’s talk about new life in Jesus.  Let’s talk about forgiveness of sin, removal of guilt and shame, healing from past hurt, and kingdom life (Matt. 5-7).
Our message will draw people out of empty lifestyles, and misery that is couched in fake happiness (Acts 8:9-12).
Our message might seem overshadowed by other life narratives, but all we have to do is talk up the message about Jesus and the results are unstoppable (Mark 4:32; cf. Matt. 16:18).
Say something for Jesus today!

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Well Done!

Well Done!

In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus gave the parable of the talents.
Keep it simple: Develop and use the gifts God has entrusted to your care, to advance God’s kingdom, and to help others.
Live to hear our Lords say: “Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master” (Matt. 25:21).

Be in worship this weekend.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Release Them!

Release Them!

I attended our Wednesday Night Bible Study on forgiveness.  The next morning I reviewed the story of the unjust servant in Matt. 19:21-35.
Once the main servant with a debt impossible to pay, was forgiven, he quickly found a fellow servant who owed him very little in comparison, and refused to forgive him.  In fact, he laid hands on the man and demanded he pay, and when he couldn’t, he put the man in prison.
Think about your heart toward people you need to forgive.  Have you released that person (which is the essence of forgiveness), or are you putting them in your prison of punishment and secret revenge?
Release them, just as God in Christ Jesus released you (Eph. 4:32), and start your healing, and regain your joy, peace, and positive thinking (Phil. 4:4-8).
See you in church this weekend to discuss what you are willing to die for (you can also join us on YouTube).

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

The Seed in Your Soil

The Seed in Your Soil

In Matthew 13, Jesus spoke the parable of the sower to highlight four responses to God’s Word.
Some outright reject God’s Word.
Some immediately receive it, but not for long.
Some receive it, but riches and worldliness choke the Word out of them.
Some receive the Word in their hearts, and obey the Word as evidenced by the fruit they produce (the life they live and people they help).
Be like the 4th responder to God’s Word.  “Read it through, pray it in, live it out, and pass it on” (Navigators training in the 80’s).

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy