“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leather girdle about his lions; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducee’s come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, we have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the Axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:1-17).

Thought for the week: “Our Lord Is Always There”

“Our dear Lord is always there to share our fears and care; he gladdens up the saddest heart — we know He’s always there. Beset by problems past our scope to solve and to repair, the answers come from Him above — our Lord is always there. And when we find that troubles seem too difficult to bear, he always shares and lightens up the load — our Load is always there. He shares our fears, our hopes and dreams with love beyond compare and makes our lives more beautiful, for He is always there.”

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Maplesville and Morning Star Baptist Church in Clanton both will have early morning church services on Sunday, Feb. 14 at 8 a.m.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service by the male chorus with scripture, prayer and songs. Songs sung: “Rock in a Weary Land,” “Nobody But You Lord” and “Bless Jesus’ Name.” The scripture was read by Earl Lucas with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Steven Nunn.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes with his theme “Before and After.”

Makeover is in vogue in the world with before and after; if after doesn’t change the before, it has worked right. Serving God costs something in all areas of your life. Not just financially all areas.

How you respond to Christ determines your destiny. Have you changed since you found Jesus; have you come out of your Jericho? Zacchaeus was a rich man who got rich by dishonesty; he was a tax collector. He sought to see Jesus but was too short and had to climb a sycamore tree, which displayed his passion. He was in position then to see Jesus. Are you in a position to see him? Will you go out on a limb to see him? If you are on a limb, have patience and wait; you know he is coming. Get in position by lining your life up with Him.

The change doesn’t happen until you meet him now. Zacchaeus drew Jesus’ attention. Jesus called him a sinner; he was called by grace and it was also urgent. He told him to come down.

When Jesus calls, you do respond? Take advantage of your opportunity.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Linda Clay, Lee Anna Worthey, Jo Ann Gill, Queen Worthey, Pinkie Nix, Earl Davis, Joseph McCall, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Stanley Frazier, Robert Robinson, Margie Hardnett and Helen Morris. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.