By Emily Agee

“Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto his with the timbrel and harp. For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; to execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the Lord.” (Psalm 149:1–9)

Thought for the week: ‘Because He Lives, We Too Shall Live’

“In this restless world of struggle

It is very hard to find

Answers to the questions

That come daily to our mind—

We cannot see the future,

What’s beyond is still unknown,

For the secret of God’s kingdom

Still belongs to him alone—

But he granted us salvation

When his Son was crucified

For life became immortal

Because our Saviour died—

And to know life is unending

And God’s love is endless, too,

Makes each daily task we face

Much easier to do—

For our Saviour’s resurrection

Was God’s way of telling men

That in Christ we are eternal

And in him we live again.”

Announcements

Worship services at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service of scripture, and songs by the senior choir. The scripture was read by Charles Arrington with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Robert Callens.

Songs sung were “Let It Be Real,” “Jesus I Love Your Name” and “I Didn’t Have Any Doubt.”

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme was “Free your mind; God is able. Don’t block your own blessings.”

Don’t hinder your healing. Don’t block your being upward bound. Naaman’s maid told him about God. Sal was an Israelite. God has someone who knows God for you; just talk to the right person. He went to Elijah’s house the king could not heal.

The prophet told him to go to the Jordan River and dip seven times. Naaman did not like that. He blocked his own blessings.

Don’t be too high-minded for God to bless you. Be humble; let him have his way.

God does things his way; trust him. Pray and say, “Lord, it’s your will.” There is power in prayer.

Have you blocked your own blessings? God wants you healed, healthy and blessed. Follow his instructions.

The servant asked Naaman to try it God’s way, all the way. When he finished what God told him to do, he was healed.

There is no other God like he. When he fixes it, everything is all right. Don’t block your blessings. Jesus died that we may have eternal life. God can’t work unless you open the door and listen. He is knocking on your door. Benediction was by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week, we ask you to remember in your prayers: James Singleterry, Martha Binion, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Lee Anna Worthey, Nathan Shortridge, Harold Frazier, Dorothy Sims, Labelle Kine, Joe Varner, Larry Wilson, Lisa Wright and J.R. Booker. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in his care is our prayer.

—Emily Agee is a religion columnist for The Clanton Advertiser. Her column appears each week.