“A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD’S, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah” (Psalm 24:1-10).

Thought for the week: “A Mountain to Climb”

“The mountain stands before me, I must face it every day, but I’ll not turn around and I’ll not run away. Though painful it may be, I know it’s truly for my best, and as I climb, though wearily, I know I’ll pass this test. For God is with me every step and sends his grace abundantly, and I am certain in my heart it’s God’s will meant for me. Though filled with pain and sorrow I will face the climb each day, and know my God is with me and he will show the way. Whatever mountain you may face, take heed to those words true, and know if God is there for me he’s there and loves you, too.”

Announcements

The Seventh Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade will be held Monday, Jan. 19. Line up will begin at noon at Jack Hayes Field in Clanton with the parade starting at 1 p.m. For more information contact Evangelist Robert or Lucy Binion at 280-2634. Anyone is invited to participate.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service by the junior choir of prayer, scripture and songs. The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Carl Singleterry. Songs sung included, “Victory Is Mine,” “We Thank You Lord” and “Thank You Jesus for Rescuing Me.”

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes with the theme “Don’t Let the Devil Bring All Sinful Things into the New Year.”

Don’t take 2008’s issues into 2009. Are you trapped behind your issues? Are they in control? Face problems with God and the power is in your hands. Ask him to remove your issues; don’t let problems hinder your relationship with God.

Don’t try to fix yourself; take it to God! Don’t carry spiritual baggage around with you, such as doubt and disbelief. Overcome issues by trust and believing; seek for peace and joy.

Hear and know who Jesus is — get in the position to attend church, Bible study, and Sunday School. Be not only a hearer but also a doer. Don’t bring drama into your church. Have a personal relationship with God. Coming is not easy; obstacles are in the way. Help others who are seeking Jesus and don’t let the crowd stop you; don’t let people with negative things stop you.

The woman with the issue of blood touched Jesus with a leap of faith. The woman heard, she came, she touched in faith, she felt it herself and it was done. She praised him and her faith was made whole.

Benediction and remarks were led by Pastor Dukes.

Our sympathy goes out to the families of Mrs. Willie Mae Varner and Mr. Darrick Mitchell in their time of bereavement. Mrs. Varner will be funeralized today at noon, at Morning Star Baptist Church in Clanton. Mr. Mitchell’s funeral is today at 2 p.m., at New Convert Baptist Church in Maplesville. Agee Brothers Funeral Home is directing.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Linda Clay, Joseph McCall, Sam and Vivian Hicks, William White, Luther Lee, Robert Robinson and Lee Ann Worthey. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in his care is our prayer.