Pastor Odie Kennedy's Pearls

In this time of loss and uncertainty, we yet have one constant.  We still have one certainty that we can rely upon.  God is still blessing his people all over the world.  You might be wondering how I can say that during a pandemic. Well, it's easy.  I'm still here.  You're still here.  That proves that God is still taking care of us.  If he had forsaken us, would he not destroy the world entirely? If he had turned his back on us, would there still be breath in our bodies? So many have been affected and even lost loved ones.  I am not dismissing their pain.  I have suffered loss also.  Nevertheless, it's a personal decision. It's my personal decision to hold on to God like never before.  I am determined to keep my faith in him and my eyes on him! In these trying days, there has to be a conviction.  I encourage you today, to make up your mind just as Joshua did.  Declare that you will serve the Lord! He never promise...

In the midst of this world-wide crisis, things are changing rapidly.  In a matter of days, we went from watching the news to being the news.  We watched as China and Italy fought to literally stay alive.  Now here we are in the United States, fighting alongside them.  It seems like we are getting updates on the hour, so I decided to join in. Schools are closed.  Jobs are shut down.  Even, the church has been ordered to limit its services to ten people. I have an update for every Believer and every person who needs help today.  God is still in business! He's still open to you! There is no special time you need to call Him, just call! While you are watching the news, reading the internet, and talking (at a distance) with your friends, know that you don't have to be afraid.  I'm not telling you to ignore sound instructions or to pretend this crisis isn't serious.  I'm telling you that, in the midst of it all, God has promised to take ca...

I honor the presence of the Holy Ghost.  When He comes into the room, He changes everything.  When I came into the church on Sunday, I was so tired.  It seemed like my mind wasn't functioning just right. No, I wasn't crazy.  I just felt like it took some time to pull my thoughts in.  I sat in my seat feeling as if a weight had been placed upon me.  When I began to clap my hands, I started feeling better.  I started giving God the praise that I knew he was due. Before I knew it, my hands were up, my mouth was open, and the weight was lifted.   No matter how tired we get, physically or emotionally, God is still good. I'm a living witness! As the people praised God, the church filled with His presence. I could not and would not dare withhold my praise. I know that I do not belong to myself.  He woke me up and started me on my way. That might be a cute speech for some, but I am truly thankful for God giving me another day. No one had to pu...

I am so excited to share the word that God has given me.  If we were to live by what we see happening around us, we would surely give up.  We see the leaders of the world at odds with each other.  We see the cost of living skyrocketing. We see seats available in the pews.  Yes, this enough to discourage some, but we don't live by what we see.  The just shall live by faith! That's good news.  We don't have to be afraid of what is coming when we know who is coming.  God has promised his people that harvest is coming.  No matter what you have lost, the latter rain is on the way.  In other words, God is getting ready to give you better.   You have prayed too much. You've been on your face too long.  You have cried out to God and put away your plate! God honors every sacrifice you have made and it is your job to expect him to do just what he said.  What did he say? Well, read your bible.  It's full of his promise...

If you know me, then you know I enjoy going to dinner with my family and friends.  It feels good to sit around the table with the people who matter most in my life.  Whether it's a long table or just two chairs, there is sure to be laughter and some good eating. Sometimes, I get caught up in the fellowship and don't finish my food. That means leftovers are heading to my house. This time of year many are celebrating new goals, new friends, and new faith.  I wonder how many are thinking about where God fits into their plans.  It may sound unnecessary to remind you that God should be at the top of the list.  In fact, he should be number one! We serve an amazing God who looks out for us even when we are not putting him first.  If you believe that, then how much more would he do if he was first in your life?  How much deeper would you experience him? Leftovers, like spaghetti, usually taste better the second day.  Some people like cold fried ch...

Happy New Year! I am so glad that God blessed us to see 2020. My church, Unity Pentecostal Temple, ended the year with our annual shut-in service.  On the first day, God took me to 1 Peter 1:22-23.  Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.   After studying this passage, I realized that God was dealing with me about love.  He was also giving me the assignment of the believer. We are to love! Love is a word that people use so lightly.  We love to eat.  We love to dress.  We love to hear good music.  All that is fine, but when it comes to people, do we really love?  The Bible uses the word, "unfeigned" because we must recognize that false love is in the world.  There are people who ...

We are in the last weeks of this year. It doesn't require deep revelation to know that 2019 brought some trials in your life.  I am sure you have seen a dark day or two.  You have had to cry when you hoped there would be laughter. I know I've cried some days when I hoped there would be laughter. Nevertheless, I don't need a premonition to know I still have the victory. Everyone goes through at one time or another, but I have some good news for you today! You are loaded with power .  When Jesus was preparing the disciples for his departure, he made them a promise.  He told that he would not leave them comfortless, but he would send the Holy Ghost and he was not coming empty-handed. Christmas is a time of giving.  Though we should be more ready to give than receive, it's feels good to be on the receiving end.  Jesus gave us the gift of eternal and the Holy Ghost loaded us with power.  This power isn't so that you can lord over others.  It i...