“Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us: That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and he keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers. And let these my words, where with I have made supplication before the Lord, be nigh unto the Lord our God day and night, that he maintain the cause of his servant, and the cause of his servant , and the cause of his people Israel at all times, as the matter shall require: That all the people of the earth may know that the Lord is God, and that there is none else. Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day. And the king, and all Israel with him, offered sacrifice before the Lord. And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered unto the Lord, two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and the children of Israel dedicated the house of the Lord. The same day did the king hallow the middle of the court that was before the house of the Lord: for there he offered burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings: because the brazen altar that was before the Lord was too little to receive the burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings” (1 Kings 8:56-64).

Thought for the week: “Touched By Love”

“Life is dull or ordinary until it’s touched by love, for then we soar on angel wings beyond the stars above! Love changes how we view our world and how we act and feel, and those whose hearts are broken discover they can heal. We’re touched by love in many ways — by friends and family, and now and then by strangers and acts of charity. Love heals the pains that can break hearts when sorrows come our way, and gives us hope to carry on and fight another day. Love lifts us when we fall into the depths of despair, enabling us to rise refreshed upon the wings of prayer. Love is the key ingredient in the recipe of life, for when we’re touched by love, we conquer fear and strife!”

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with songs, scripture and prayer. Songs sung: were, “Call Jesus,” “I Still Have Joy,” “Lord I Need You Now” and “We Need Your Holy Spirit Right Now.” The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Carl Singleterry.

Pastor Dukes brought the message, “Whatever You Have Been Through, Do You Still Have Joy When the Smoke Clears?” Your relationship with Jesus will give you joy. Are you a testimony for Jesus? It’s all good.

Joseph went through some awful things but in the end it was all good. He went from the pit to the palace. His own folk caused a lot of it, but he did not seek revenge. Vengeance is God’s. Joseph knew God was always with him.

Don’t ever get where you can’t see God. Hatred hinders your progress, it causes you to suffer. Learn to let go and let God. Turn loose yesterday, forgive. If Joseph had not gone through what he did, he could not have saved his people. He had to be in place to bless his folks. It was all good, now to God be the glory.

Ask God to deliver you from a bad situation. Through Jesus, it’s all God.

The benediction was led by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers Linda Clay, Joseph McCall, Stanley Frazier, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Lee Anna Worthey, Margie Hardnett, Queen Worthey, Pinkie Nix, Flora B. Nunn and Frank Nunn. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.