“Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his Saviour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:12-20).

Thought for the week: “Whom Shall I Fear?”

“Whom shall I fear when temptation comes and knocks upon my door? My faith in God is stronger now than it’s ever been before. The powers of darkness can’t prevail where God has shed His light . for He shall be my rock and shield against the coming night. The shepherd knows His frightened sheep may go astray, but He won’t rest until they’re found and brought back to the way. Through shadowed vales and mountains high, I know I’m not alone; I’ve built my house on solid rock with faith the cornerstone. Where, oh, the end is now thy sting? vanquished evermore! Whom shall I fear when temptation comes and knocks upon my door?”

New Convert Baptist Church in Maplesville will honor their musicians Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009 at 3 p.m. The Rev. Johnnie Turner is pastor. All choirs, groups and soloists are invited.

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Maplesville will have a Black History program Sunday, Feb. 22 at 11 a.m. The Rev. L. C. Young is pastor. Everyone is invited.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service of prayer, songs and scripture led by the men’s choir. Songs sung include, “Come and Go to that Land,” “I Got a Right to Praise the Lord” and “Nobody But You Lord.” The scripture was read by Willie Nunn with the prayer by Pastor Dukes, Willie Nunn, and George Brown.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme was, “Develop Things in Your Life to Help You and Your Family.” Work and do God’s will like it’s no tomorrow. Enjoy the life you have. There will be struggles, but keep your joy. Live to please God, not folks, love yourself and others. Joy comes from the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The rules for successful living are: Rejoice always; not just in good times but always. Rejoice means God’s grace is in our life. A benefit of rejoicing is less stress and worry. Let your moderation be more to all men.

How do you hold up under pressure? Don’t crack under pressure. Life’s not always easy, Christians have trouble too; understand the signs. Jesus can return any moment, the table is already set. The Gospel is being preached all over the world; it’s time get right with God; don’t play and pretend.

We must pray every Christian must have a prayer life. How can you serve him and not communicate with him? Call him even when you don’t need anything. Call and say thank you. Don’t wait until trouble comes; remember, no prayer, no power. Pray and don’t faint; don’t get tired. Be thankful for what you have and don’t worry; be thankful for what God blessed you with and take inventory. There must be some peace in life because without peace, life is difficult. The peach of God allows me to glorify God and it carries me through problems. Live peaceful with all men; peaceful people encourage you. They are God-fearing. God’s peace is keeping my heart and mind. Step out on Love and walk on peace; put on the whole Armour of God.

Benediction was led by Pastor Dukes.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Mr. Wilbert Underwood in their time of bereavement. Funeral services will be held today noon at Morning Star Baptist Church in Clanton. Agee Brother’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Linda Clay, Lee Anna Worthey, Luther Lee, Sam and Vivian Hicks, William White and Judy Martin. May God heal, strengthen and keep then in His care is our prayer.