“The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the lord, that he might be glorified. And they shall build the old wastes, they raise up the former desolation’s, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations” (Isaiah 61:1-4).

Thought for the week: “A Smile’s a Gift You Give Yourself”

“A smile’s a gift you give yourself by giving it away because it comes right back to you in a warm and friendly way. A smile can speak a thousand words wherever you may be, in simple, unassuming ways that anyone can see. A smile shows you understand when hearts fill with pain, for it sheds a little sunshine where there was only rain. A smile spins a cheerful web that binds us one and all with threads of human kindness wherever they may fall. A smile’s a rose that when returned becomes a Spring bouquet…A smile’s a gift you give yourself by giving it away.”

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service led by the praise team with prayer scripture and song. Bro. Perry Nunn blessed the church with a special song, “Just Look What God Has Done.” Other songs included, “Over in the Glory Land,” “Glory to His Name” and “God Is My Everything.” The scripture was read by Charles Arrington with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Carl Singleterry.

Pastor Dukes brought the message with the theme, “Love Is The Most Important.” Saving souls was Jesus’ mission, seeking who was lost and bringing an end to confusion. The world faced it, causing lack of unity. This comes from the lack of understanding or disagreement. The Church is full inside of confusion, focusing on the law and not each other. Don’t make rules you can’t keep. Know what’s important.

Paul dealt with the Church that had confusion. The Holy Spirit doesn’t come into confusion; it’s the yoke of bondage. Do you follow the rules as Christ? Don’t put too much importance on tradition, focus on Jesus. Focus on faith which works by love. Make decisions based on love.

The benediction was led by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Sam Hicks, Joseph McCall, Robert Robinson, Nathaniel Shortridge, Bertha Gates, Jo Ann Gill and Earl Davis. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.