“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan” (Mark 1:1-9).

Thought for the week: “Pretty Pictures”

God paints such pretty pictures from the dawn ‘til set of sun; our pleasures could be endless if we’d count them one by one. Take time to greet the morning and see the Master’s touch surrounding us with splendor in things we love so much. The sky of blue, the rose so fair, the sun that gives us light, the robin’s song, the misty dew: each manifests His might. The sounds, sights and scents of life are blessings from above to every child who takes the time to recognize his love. Give thanks to our Creator for the beauty of each day; our world He fills with wonder as we journey on our way. A lifetime filled with beauty, captive memories we have won. For our delight and pleasures, He should hear us say, “Well done!”

Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Clanton would like to invite each of you to their early morning service at 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 31 where the Rev. Keith Moore is pastor.

Our own Connye Bryant of Clanton and of WHLW-104.3 FM gospel radio program in Montgomery has been nominated for the 2008 Radio and Recording Personality of the Year. A special community event will be held at Morning Star Baptist Church on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 4 p.m. Singers from Chilton, Shelby, Elmore, Montgomery, Autauga and many other counties will attend. For more information, please contact Flo Spence, Bobby Agee or Lagora Lykes.

Worship services at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service by the praise team. Music in scripture, prayer and song were rendered by the male chorus. The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Steve Nunn and Pastor Dukes.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes with the theme “Encourage the Believer.” It’s a hard time when it seems that nothing good is happening in a Christian’s life, but there is hope in the midst of despair. If you have a relationship with God, choose to handle life’s situations by turning to God. If you make mistakes, repent and confess to God; your relationship with God is greater than any situation.

Evaluate your personal relationship with God. What is God to you? Is he your Shepherd that you shall not want? A shepherd takes personal responsibility for the lives of his sheep.

Know God personally for yourself. Understand where God has led you. He leads me to green pastures and beside still waters. He leads me when I am not hungry, and He guides me. I live on God’s abundance.

Where do I stand spiritually with God? He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his Name’s sake. He puts me back in a position to serve him. Where did God stand during the bad times in my life?

The service concluded with benediction and remarks by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Luther Lee, Mattie Nix, William White, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Linda Clay, Jessie James Sullivan Sr., Joseph McCall, Queen Worthey and Lois Smith. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.

Note: Emily Agee is a religious columnist for The Clanton Advertiser. Her column appears each Saturday.