Pastor Odie Kennedy's Pearls

Today in Colorado, our Covid numbers are rising. There's so much uncertainty in the air for our schools, hospitals, and even churches. I have to tell you that while I am concerned, I'm not discouraged.  If there is anything that I've learned in 2020, it is to trust God with my whole heart.   If the rate of infection continues to increase, we may all be asked to retreat to our homes again.  The church doors may be forced to close again, but this adjustment has taught us a valuable lesson about worship.  We locked our doors but opened our sanctuaries.  What do I mean? When we couldn't assemble in the church, we met in cyberspace.  We learned to use the camera as our eyes and the keyboard as our touch. Our voices were strengthened. Our reach was extended.  Maybe you aren't wondering what to do next. Maybe you've already decided to throw up your hands.  Let me assure you that I get it. I understand how debilitating this year has been. I get how f...

Can you believe it's September? I don't know about you, but it seems like I have lived a lifetime in just a few months.  I guess as a covid survivor, time feels different.  This year came in with so much promise and excitement. On December 31st, people across the nation welcomed 2020. Some raised their glasses while we raised our praise.  We thanked God for letting us see another year.  We proclaimed blessings and declared, "This is my year for favor!" By March some had already loosened their grip on their blessings, and by May, they had given up altogether.   I don't know where you are now. You may be feeling discouraged and even exhausted. Let me tell you this: you are not alone.  It's been a rough year! Whether you're ready for this year to be over or you feel your blessings slipping from your hand, I have an announcement for you.  Are you ready?  You are a covid survivor!  How can I say that, not knowing if you have contracted the vi...

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 It seems so easy to get caught up in what we see and hear.  I have from time to time been guilty of setting my alarms to hear the news on all channels.  Keeping up with the constant changes, falling economic system, and perils of humanity can be more than draining.  It can disturb your peace.   Of course, it's necessary to be aware of what is happening in the world, but it cannot become our world. We are spiritual beings living a natural experience.  In order to function as God intended, we have to remember to manage our atmosphere.   I am not talking about your perspective based on what you see.  The beginning of the year, we all were professing greater v...

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 ...