Worship Him!

This is the day Christians set aside to Celebrate God wrapping Himself in human flesh and coming to the earth to save humankind from sin, and to restore our relationship with God.

Set aside time today to worship Him.

Get to your local church.  If you are traveling away from home, find a worship service.  If you cannot get to a local church, you can have a worship service where you are.

Join in with what the heavenly host did over 2,000 years ago.

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;

11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

12 "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased" (Luke 2:10-14).

Christian's let us join together all over the world and worship Him!

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

One Little Detail.

Every time I read the Christmas Story, one little detail encourages me beyond my imagination.  Look at the final words in the dialogue between Mary and the angel Gabriel.

"For nothing will be impossible with God." And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her (Luke 1:37-38).  NASB

Christians, as we approach Christmas or any other day, keep a powerful biblical promise in your heart, and consistently function as a servant of the Most High God. 

1. The Promise: "There is nothing impossible for God" (Luke 1:37).
2. The Practice:  "Lord, I am your bondservant," use me for Your purpose and plan (Luke 1:38).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

What Can You Give?

God gave us love based on how He values us (Psalm 8).  Humankind is the crown jewel of God's creation and He loves us with immeasurable love (John 3:16).

How did God's gift to humankind work?  "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though He was rich, for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Having received God's grace we are called to show this type of love to others.  Find someone who needs some "God kinda love" and bless them with love (unconditional care and concern).  

Christians, give as God guides you.  Just give (Gal. 6:10).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Stand out for Jesus

As the year end approaches, I am enjoying reading the book of Revelation.

The Book of Revelation is a source of encouragement and hope for Christians.  The bottom line is God will restore order in the world through His Son, Jesus, the Christ, and God will vindicate His children.

Until the time that God pours out His wrath on the unrighteous, the church must avoid the neutrality found in the church of Laodicia (Rev. 3:15-16), who blindly blended with their society.  Apparently they did not take a stand for Jesus and God rejected their ministry.

As our time on earth winds down, our message about Jesus must remain strong, and our relationships, courage, endurance, service, values, doctrine, loyalty, worship, and wisdom must flow from a loving heart, and a Holy Spirit filled life.

Christians, make a stand out for Jesus, difference in the world around you.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

The Caretaker

The Mt Zion family hosted a heart warming 18 year pastor and wife celebration this past weekend.

What stood out to me and keeps popping up in my heart was the loving care that went into every detail. For instance the Mt Zion cafe was second to none among any fine dining restaurant in the world (food included).

As I reflected upon how the committee planned the prayer ceremony, the sermon, the presentations, the music, etc., I thought about the numerous caretakers in church families today (including my sister).

When I visit sick members in their homes, and observe them at church, I notice the loving, thoughtful, and detailed work of their caretakers.  

Today, call a caretaker and give them words of encouragement, and offer them your presence for an hour or more.  At the very least, sit with them, and pray for them as they caretake.  Oh yes, bring them something (a gift, a snack, something thoughtful like they are thoughtful), thank them, and give them the promise in (Gal. 6:9).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E Kennedy, Sr.

The Bible Never Gets Old

With the Country divided behind the election, hate groups emboldened to disrespect and harm people and property, people rejecting biblical values to pursue what God calls sin, and people on the edge, God's Word is fresher than the morning news.  God put a word of encouragement in I Peter 4 to encourage His children.

1. Stand out as a Christian by your godly lifestyle (I Pet. 4:1-6).
2. Be a sober prayer warrior (I Pet. 4:7).  Despite the new California law, this ought to help Christians avoid being sucked into the smoking marijuana movement (see also Eph. 5:18).
3. Be loving without complaining        (I  Pet. 4:8-9).
4. Use your spiritual gift for the good of God's kingdom (I Pet. 4:10-11).
5. Rejoice when persecuted for doing the right thing (I Pet. 4:12-16).
6. Remember God is the just Judge and you can entrust your soul to His care (I Pet. 4:17-19).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy

Worship God Despite the Critics

Some say that Christians stopping to thank God for His blessings today is based on negative historic roots in how the Native American's were treated by so-called Christians.

The criticism is harsh.

Christian's let critics say what they please.  Refuse to allow a critics interpretation of our personal relationship with God today to dictate what we do to honor our Heavenly Father.

Christians, stay in touch with that facts.  We are God people and the sheep of His pasture, and frequently do the rest in Psalm 100 (on Thanksgiving Day or any other day):  "Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. 5 For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations" (Ps. 100:4-5).  NASB

Happy Thanksgiving.

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.