By Emily Agee

“I will extol thee, O Lord; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foe to rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. O Lord, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. Lord, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide my face, and I was troubled. I cried to thee, O Lord; and unto the Lord I made supplication. What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? Shall it declare thy truth? Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord, be thou my helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever” (Psalm 30:1–12).

Thought for the week: “Have You Taken It to Jesus?”

“Have you taken it to Jesus? Have you left your burden there? Does He tenderly support you? Have you rolled on Him your care? O, the sweet unfailing refuge of the everlasting arms; in their loving clasp enfolding nothing worries or alarms. Have you taken it to Jesus? Just the thing that’s pressing now? Are you trusting Him completely with the when, and where and how? Oh, the joy of full surrender of our life, our plans, our all; proving, far above our asking that God answers when we call.  Have you taken it to Jesus? ’Tis the only place to go if you want the burden lifted and a solace for your woe. Oh, the blessedness to nestle like a child upon His breast; finding ever, as He promised perfect comfort, peace and rest.”

Announcements

The World’s Church of the Living God in Clanton will celebrate its 36th pastor appreciation and church anniversary for Pastor Elijah Good and Ruth Good on Sunday, March 31 at noon at the church, located at 1205 Second Ave. N. in Clanton. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Created for Service.” All ministers, churches and congregations are invited.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service of scripture, prayer and songs. The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Carl Singleterry.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes with his theme: “My Brother and Sister in Christ, Do You Love Them?” How do you define brotherly love? John 13:34–35. Matthew 22:37–38: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; can we love like that? How do you respond to people who do you wrong? Love is a committed relationship with God, the center of your being, for who he is. Are your heart and soul with purpose and truth? Love is self-respect. Set standards; you should know what you won’t do. Don’t fall below your standards; don’t compromise with sin. Love God and people. Be confident; step out on faith. The Hebrew boys did. Always know God is able. Don’t be a coward soldier. Speak up and step up. Be meek; meekness is power under control. Love is how we treat others. Love one another as God loves you. He died while we were yet sinners. God is a forgiving and compassionate God. We must be the same. Benediction by Pastor Dukes.

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