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.