By Emily Agee

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” (Psalm 121:1–8)

Thought for the week: “Peace Be Still”

“In this life, no matter what you might be going through, just close your eyes and let God’s peace gently come to you. For God has promised if we ask, we surely will receive. Just sit still and open your heart and let yourself believe.”

Announcements

St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Jemison will present “The Old Ship of Zion” play at 5 p.m. The Rev. Anthony Vines is pastor. Everyone is invited.

Worship services at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service of songs, scripture and prayer. The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Willie Nunn. Songs sung were “Pass Me Not,” “Lord Send Your Spirit” and “Praying In Jesus.”

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes with his theme: “How to overcome negative situations or negative words.” How do you handle it moving forward? Do you use it as fuel to move ahead? We live in a world surrounded by negative (Matt 18:15–20). People believe a lie rather than the truth. It started with Cain and Abel. There is a way to handle conflict and confusion. Without joy, life is not full—stuff doesn’t make you happy. Don’t gossip. Share testimony with others and speak positively to people. Don’t accuse; learn when to let a lie go. Don’t hold onto it. Be concerned with others. Seek wise assistance. Bring the church into it. The church is a standard representing respect. You are the church. Tell others you want to help. Don’t judge others. God is coming back for a church without a spot or blemish. If you don’t hear the church, disfellowship with them. Stand for what’s right. A church must have standards. Benediction was by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week, we ask you to remember in your prayers: James Singleterry, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Martha Binion, Evelyn Austin, Dorothy Sims, Lee Anna Worthey, Harold Frazier and Joe and Mary Ann Sexton. 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.