“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violence take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. he that hath ears to hear, let him hear. But where unto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, and saying, we have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethesda! for if the mighty works which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained than for thee. At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father , Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight” (Matthew 11:12-26).

Thought for the week: “The Praying Hands”

“The praying hands are much, much more than just a work of are, they are the soul’s creation of a deeply thankful heart. They are a priceless masterpiece that love alone could paint, and they reveal the selflessness of an unheralded saint. These hands so scarred and toil worn, tell the story of a man who sacrificed his talent in accordance with God’s plan. For in God’s plan are many things man cannot understand. But we must trust God’s judgment and be guided by His Hand. Sometimes He asks us to give up our dreams of happiness, sometimes we must forego our hopes of fortune and success. Not all of us triumph or rise to heights of fame. And many times what should be ours, goes to another name. But he who makes a sacrifice, so another may succeed, is indeed a true disciple of our blessed Saviour’s creed. For when we give ourselves away in sacrifice and love, we are laying up rich treasures in God’s kingdom up above. And hidden in gnarled, toil worn hands is the truest art of living, achieved alone by those who’ve learned the victory of giving. For any sacrifice on earth made in the dear Lord’s name assures the giver of a place in heaven’s hall of fame. And who can say with certainty where the greatest talent lies, or who will be the greatest in our heavenly Father’s eyes? And who can tell with certainty in the heavenly Father’s sight who’s entitled to the medals and who’s the hero of the fight?”

Services at Holly Grove Baptist church in Jemison began with praise service led by the male chorus and senior choir with prayer, songs and scripture with Jennifer People and Julian Lucas as musicians. Songs sung: “Come and Go To That Land,” “Glad To Be In This Service” and Amazing Grace.” The scripture was read by Grady Davis with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Ministers K. Nunn, G. Brown and Carl Singleterry.

The message was given by Bro. Robert Singleterry. His theme was, “Unity in the Face of America.” Satan is not afraid of any man, but if Jesus is in you he is afraid of him. Just call him. Change your attitude and make sound decisions after prayer.

Every child of God is a minister. Don’t offer polluted bread to God; he will not accept it. He wants your best. Are you doing your best? Are you the Godly man in your home? God wants sacrificial giving. Who are you pleasing, man or God? Have you done your best? Think about it.

Challenge your leaders. God has work for you to do. Your heart is where your treasure is; what are your treasures?

The service concluded with the benediction and remarks by Bro. Robert Singleterry.

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