“I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecter not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up on order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, ‘Lo, I come; in the volume of the book it is written of me. I delight to do thy will, O my God; yea, thy law is with in my heart. I preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest. I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation. Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me’” (Psalm 40:1-11).

Thought for the week: “In Moments of Prayer”

“May we walk the path of life in our Redeemer’s care, daily glorifying Him with praise in our moments of prayer, asking Him for guidance as we journey through our days, to have Him walk beside us and beckon when we stray, may He then help us to follow His path of light once more until we reach His gateway, His kingdom and His door.”

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Maplesville will have Early Morning Church Services Sunday Sept. 14 at 8 a.m. The Rev. L. C. Young is pastor. Everyone is invited.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Maplesville began with praise service led by the junior choir with songs, prayer and scripture. Songs sung: “This Little Light of Mine,” “We Praise You O Lord” and “I Want To Be More Like Jesus.” The scripture was read by Steve Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Steven Nunn.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme: “An Irritated Christian.” If there is always something wrong, don’t get upset; it’s just the life of a Christian. This is what defines Christians. It’s how you handle the problem.

God gave us an umbrella, that’s Jesus. Hear God with your heart, not your eyes; that’s the way the world does. Focus on Jesus and how you live and represent him. Give God everything you have. Don’t focus on your problem; focus on blessings. Don’t give the devil a tool to mess with you. Thorns were designed to halt your spiritual growth and your walk with God.

God’s grace is sufficient for you. It’s a favor from God because you are his child. The strength of God is at its best when you are under attack. His power works better in our weakness. You can boast that God had made a way in your situation. So stop looking at the problem and celebrate God’s goods; he is more than a conqueror. Stop being irritated, focus on God. The benediction was led by Pastor Dukes.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Mr. Earnest Reed in their time of bereavement. Mr. Reed will be funeralized today, Saturday, Sept. 20, 1 p.m. at St. James Community Church in Jemison. Agee Brother’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Luther Lee, William White, Frankie Penn, Joseph McCall, Lee Anna Worthey, Queen Worthey and Walter McCall, Jr. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.