Pastor Odie Kennedy's Pearls

So many people are crying out for help.  We never know what people are going through.  What we have seen in the land, has devastated us once again.  All over our nation, there has been bloodshed. It is no wonder that some have given up on the promises of God.   What do you do when the trials and pain of this life seem to disconnect you from the promise? Looking at the story of Joseph, one would be tempted to scowl at the circumstances of this young man.  He loved his father and his father deeply loved him. Though he was hated by his brothers, he continued to share his dreams.   Joseph did not know what would become of him when he landed in the pit.  He listened while his brothers thought they decided his fate.  Can you imagine the pain this must have caused Joseph?  You probably don't have to imagine because you've been there. I don't have to know your testimony to know that you've faced a pit experience in your life.   Wh...

What a weekend we had here in Colorado. Two feet of snow in the city!  We heard the forecast earlier in the week that this storm would be a doozy.  You could feel the anxious atmosphere in every interaction,  People across the state started planning for being on a full lock down.  The aisles of the grocery stores were packed, and our staff was discussing the closure of Sunday service. The safety of our members at Unity Pentecostal Temple is paramount.  We have adhered to and maintained the protocols of the CDC to ensure a worship experience without fear.  When we went to bed on Saturday, it appeared that the weatherman got it wrong this time, but Sunday morning proved he saw the signs.  As my family gathered around the table for our virtual worship, it was apparent that the storm only closed the location.  It didn't close the doors of the church.  Our hearts were yet turned toward heaven.  Two feet of snow caused a major disruption for m...

Shopping has really changed. I miss the days of strolling the mall looking for what I need. Now I just open my shopping apps from my  bedside.  Which app? You can pick to your liking.  Most places have learned how to reach their customers with ease.   When I think of this, I can't help but think about what God has for me.  He has promised to provide for me. He knows just what I need and how to get it to me.  I got a text the other day from one of my favorite shopping buddies.  It was a notification that my package was being delivered. When I read the text, I felt a leap in belly and a push in my back!  When we're facing difficult situations we can get anxious.  We need God to move and in a hurry.  I know what I'm talking about. I've been through sleepless nights, cried all night, and felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. In my most desperate battles, I look to God.  Sometimes, he moves immediately, but there are times I...

 I have been blessed with the most amazing personal assistant.  If I tried to list all of the gifts she has shared with me, it would take more than a blog.  I would have to write chapters about her anointing, tenacity, and power.  And what would I say about her ability to reach heaven on my behalf? For now, allow me to tell you that Evangelist Venita O'Hara, whose heart is perpetually turned toward God, has been more than a blessing to me.  As my Special Guest Blogger, I know that she will bless you today as well.                                                                                 Pastor Odie Kennedy                             ...

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...

 I really enjoy this time of year.  I usually get to enjoy extra time with my family and friends.  Big dinners with people in every room are my ideal holiday.  Days later I can still hear the laughter of my grandchildren.  In some ways, those memories seem so far away.  No matter where you are in the world today, you have been affected by this pandemic.  Many have been sick and lost loved ones.  We have learned new contexts for words such as restrictions, guidelines, and tracing. Our daily lives look very different from the beginning of the year.   Our family dinners are smaller and secluded.  The rooms aren't full of faces, but visions of what was.   We haven't been able to go to many places lately, but one thing is for sure.  No matter where we go, we don't have to stay there.  Have you ever thought of an exit sign? They seem to be everywhere we go, but we don't pay them much attention until we're someplace we ...