Pastor Odie Kennedy's Pearls

In these trying times, it is really an adjustment for me to "attend" church services from my dining room table.  I have learned to schedule my trip down the stairs so I will be on time for Sunday school, morning worship, and bible study. Many quite naturally are concerned about how we will go forward as our state begins to reopen.  Will churches be allowed to open their doors soon, or will we continue to connect remotely? Really none of us know the answers at this time, but we do know some things that are even more important.  We know some things that have never changed. For many years, we were taught that people find God in the church building.  While altar services are suspended, that does not mean that you can not be saved.  Neither does it mean you can't have service in your house! Abraham had a practice of setting up altars so he could reverence God.   It's vital to let others know that you can construct your altar wherever you are and whenever you need

And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. Thou shalt no more be termed forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. Isaiah 62:2-4 I'm so excited about what God is doing in this season! You may be thinking that I've lost my mind. We're in the middle a pandemic. People are walking around with masks covering their faces and blue gloves on their hands.  Families are separated, and people are dying.  I got my mask and gloves, too.  Nevertheless, I also got my hope! What is there to be so hopeful about? I'm glad you asked, and I'm excited to tell you! Isaiah 62:2-4 was our Sunday School lesson last week.  When I began