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, let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praise unto him 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 irons; 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: A time to pray

“The dawn breaks forth, shedding light on earth; a new beginning has given birth. A time to rejoice as we meet the day, down on our knees. ’Tis a time to pray. ’Tis the hour of noon; a time to pause, to refresh, meditate on his holy laws, asking strength to serve the rest of the day, to praise and thank. ’Tis a time to pray. ’Tis the hour of dusk, that tranquil hour when rest comes to all. Man, creature and flower, a time to give thanks for guiding our way, to express our love. ’Tis a time to pray. ’Tis evening now, and in weariness we look to him for blessed rest, sending our every care his way, down on our knees. ’Tis a time to pray.”

Announcements

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service of songs, scripture and prayer. Songs sung: “I’ll Fly Away,” “Lord You are the Land Lord” and “Lay Your Problems Down.” The scripture was read by Earl Lucas with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Willie Nunn. Pastor Dukes brought the message with his theme: “Am I good enough?” Are you afraid to serve because you feel you are not good enough? In your spirit walk, will you doubt yourself? Don’t be hindered from moving forward by what folks say. John the Baptist asked if he was good enough. No one is useless to God. In Christ you can do it all; just think about what God has done for you. Jesus was John’s purpose for coming. His focus was on him. He never worried about food or clothes. Never doubt your self-worth. Things we need to learn: it’s not about you; it’s about Jesus. Jesus knew what you were going to do before you were born. Jesus went directly to John because it was predestined. Keep focus on Jesus, not others. Your view of self is not God’s measuring stick in your life.  Everyone wants to be appreciated. Yes, you are good enough for Christ to use you. Benedicton by Pastor Dukes.

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