Pastor Odie Kennedy's Pearls

What an exciting month this has been. It started with great celebrations of people thrilled to say goodbye to 2020, but no inkling that an insurrection was brewing.  It was devastating to see a nation turn on itself.  A body that works against is itself is not only unhealthy, but it is void of true devotion,  This week many saw the culmination of dreams from centuries old. We saw a woman planted firm in shoes no other woman has worn. I don't know what you did at your home, but we stood and we cheered in mine.  We celebrated to see the reflection of our hopes and dreams seemingly staring back at us.   Let me tell the part that gripped my spirit.  When the leader of this nation produced his family bible to be sworn in, I felt hope reignited for this nation.  As he begin to share his address, I heard that hope again.  I watched with great anticipation and joy.  While I wanted to hear the words, I wanted to see what God is doing for America....

Happy New Year!  I have to admit, it feels amazing to be able to utter those words.  Yes, I know that we're only nine days into this year and we're witnessing the attack on a nation by those sworn to protect it.   We are still in the throes of an invisible threat to our way of life.  We're still six feet away from physical fellowship with the ones we love.  Let's not talk about the natural limitations on our worship experiences.  And again, I say, Happy New Year! I am determined to carry the hope born on Christmas day into every day of the new year.  It is indeed a privilege to breathe the air of God during such tumultuous times.  The prophet Jeremiah said it best: This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.  It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness (Lamentations 3:21-23).  As these last days have unfolded, none of it has the p...