By Emily Agee

“The heavens declare the glory of God; God the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun. Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a story man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to the desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servants also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgressions. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:1–14).

Thought for the week: ‘My Guide’

“The open door of another year

I’ve entered by grace divine;

No ills and fear and no foes I dread,

For a wonderful guide is mine.

Though joy or chastening though he lead,

In tears though my race be run,

What’er my lot, this my prayer shall be

‘Not mine, but Thy will be done.’

I walk by faith in my heav’nly guide,

With fearless, unfaltering tread,

Assured that he, who appoints my days,

Will daily provide my bread.

He’ll send more grace should applications come,

And a staff for the pathway steep,

While o’er me ever by night and day

My father his watch will keep.

With perfect trust in his love and care,

I’ll walk to my journey’s end;

And day by day he will strength renew,

And peace to my heart will send.

O blessed guide, walking all unseen,

Yet close to my side always,

Do thou, who guidest my steps aright,

Lead on to eternal day!”

Announcements

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with music by the senior choir with praise service. The message for today was “The Path to Contentment.” You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can be bought. Being content with what you have is one thing. Being content with who you are is quite another. This kind of contentment isn’t complacency. It doesn’t negate the importance of striving for excellence or encouraging growth and change. It means being at peace with the way God designed you and the life he’s given you. This kind of contentment is only available in daily doses. Through faith, seek God and his path to contentment each and every morning. As your desire for God grows your longing for more “stuff” takes a distant backseat. That’s because through faith you begin to understand how rich you truly are. God’s gifts are better than anything this world has to offer – filling your heart, instead of just your home. Benediction was by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week, we ask you to remember in your prayers: James Singleterry, Martha Binion, Robertha Lee, Lee Anna Worthey, Dorthy Sims, Larry Wilson, Vivian and Sam Hicks, Harold Frazier, Nathan Shortridge and Mildred Archie. 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.