By Emily Agee

“O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth. Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens. Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.  Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously” (Psalm 96:1–9).

Thought for the week: A friend is a gift of God

Among the great and glorious gifts our heavenly Father sends is the gift of understanding that we find in loving friends, for in this world of trouble that is filled with anxious care, everybody needs a friend in whom they’re free to share the little secret heartaches that lay heavy on their mind; not just a mere acquaintance, but someone who’s “just our kind.” For, somehow, in the generous heart of living, faithful friends the good God in His charity and wisdom always sends a sense of understanding and the power of perception and mixes these fine qualities with kindness and affection. So when we need some sympathy or a friendly hand to touch, or an ear that listens tenderly and speaks words that mean so much, we seek our true and trusted friend in the knowledge that we’ll find a heart that’s sympathetic and an understanding mind, and often without a word there seems to be a union of thoughts and kindred feelings for God gives true friends communion.

Announcements

Worship services for Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service led by the senior choir in songs, prayer and scripture. Songs sung: “This Far by Faith,” “Let the Church Say Amen,” “Will Be Ready” and “We Need Your Spirit.” The scripture was read by Charles Arrington with prayer by Pastor Dukes and associate Kevin Nunn. The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes with his theme: “If you don’t agree with God, don’t fight his plan.” He is worthy to be praised.  A big man in a bad condition, we want God to bless us our way when and how we want it. If I have a healing or any need, God can do it anyway he wants it. Namum was not a believer in God; he wanted things his way. To be better, you have to learn to see God. Namum was a military man of value in charge of the king’s battles, but he caught the leprosy and was considered unclean. Some things in life will make you feel you are no good to anybody. You have to look to the hills from which comes your help, and your help comes from God. You need to know who is obedient; go wash in the Jordan. Benediction by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week, we ask you to remember in you prayers: Lee Anna Worthey, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Harold Frazier, Edward Tyes, Evelyn Austin, Rena Dickerson and Roberta Lee. 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 Thursday.