By Emily Agee

“For the Lord our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed. And the Lord drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the Lord; for he is our God. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the Lord: for he is a holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins. If ye forsake the Lord, Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the Lord. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the Lord, to serve him. And they said, we are witnesses. Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the Lord God of Israel. And the people said unto Joshua, The Lord our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey.” (Joshua 24:17–24)

Thought for the week: Don’t quit

“When things go wrong, as they sometimes will. When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill. When funds are low and debts are high, and you want to smile, but you have to sigh. When care is pressing you down a bit, rest if you must, but don’t you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns, as everyone of us sometimes learns, and many a failure turns about, when he might have won had he stuck it out; don’t give up, though the pace seems slow; you may succeed with another blow. Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man. Often the struggler has given up, when he might have captured the victor’s cup. And learned too late, when the night slipped down how close he was to the golden crown. Success is failure turned inside out. The silver tint of the clouds of doubts, and you can never tell how close you are. It may be near when it seems afar; so stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit—it’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit.”

Announcements

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service led by the senior choir and male chorus. The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Carl Singleterry. The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme was “How Quick Can You Get Over Old Wounds?” Don’t let anyone steal your joy. Your way and God’s way—which one has the most pull? Let your action reflect your faith. We can’t live immoral lives if we want to reflect Christ’s goodness. Look at Jesus’ message in the sermon on the mountain (Matthew 5:5–16). Jesus is the word who brings light to those who will receive it. As Christians we have an obligation to live differently. We can’t excuse or condone bad behavior, and we cannot condone lifestyles that are lived contrary to God’s law. Remarks and benediction were by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week, we ask you to remember in your prayers: James Singleterry, Anita Nunn, Lee Anna Worthey, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Roberta Lee, Evelyn Austin, Dorothy Sims and Harold Frazier. 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.