Pastor Odie Kennedy's Pearls

I truly thank God for what he is doing in this season.  Though we have witnessed drastic circumstances, we have not lost our footing.  That may not seem to be a true statement, but have you examined your foundation lately? As I look just at my own church, I can see how God has used these months of quarantine to solidify our foundation.  When trials come, God mercifully allows us to examine our stance.  This is when we find out what we are made of.  Unity has seemed to thrive under the circumstances. Let me be clear, this isn't of our own doing.  It is the Lord's work and it's marvelous in our eyes.  He has revealed wisdom and spiritual knowledge to those who have hidden in him. Nobody likes to go through. Nobody likes natural uncertainties.  We all have been touched by this crisis. We have hurt, cried, and suffered together. Nevertheless, I have heard so many testify to the blessings of this season. Working from home has become an opportuni...

There is so much happening every day.  For some, it may seem new, but not for me. I have lived through the Civil Rights Movement and I have seen it all before.  This does not make me complacent or even apathetic.  On the contrary, I find myself feeling the urgency of change. As a black woman, injustice has been a common thread in my daily existence.  My mother never allowed me as a little girl to believe that I had to accept the injustice.  She showed me how to hold my head up high in any room.  She taught me the value of my voice. When I think of that today, it takes me to the scriptures.  For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. 1 Peter 3:12 So many are feeling as though their voice isn't being heard because it doesn't matter to the powers that be.  Like me, you may be wondering when will change come? Let me encourage you today! Cha...

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 wheneve...

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 ...

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...