“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; while the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain: In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, and the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low; also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets: Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:1-7).

Thought for the week: “Just a Little Prayer”

“God is ever there for those who really, really care, He helps dispel your cares and woes with just a little prayer. Invite the Lord into your heart, He has much love to spare, a love He gladly would impart with just a little prayer. Let Him know when things go wrong, no matter when or where. He can fill your heart with song with just a little prayer. It matters not your race or creed, God does not compare. He can fill your wants and needs with just a little prayer. No power on earth can give to man God’s immortal blessings rare, He is the only One who can with just a little prayer.”

Union Baptist Church in Clanton will Celebrate its annual Men and Women’s Day Celebration tomorrow at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The guest speaker at 11 o’clock will be Evangelist Kimberly L. Johnson, and the afternoon speaker will be the Rev. Carl Lorenza Johnson, Founder/director of Greater Evangel Ministries in Huntsville. Everyone is invited.

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Maplesville will celebrate its 143rd Church Anniversary and Family and Friends Day tomorrow at 3 p.m. The Rev. Q. E. Hammonds of New Antioch Baptist Church in Birmingham will be the guest speaker. All churches and families are invited to come and help them enjoy this great celebration.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with devotion by the deacon board, senior choir and others. Songs sung: “Glory To His Name,” “Jesus Jesus,” “It’s Your Season To Be Blessed” and “God Is Keeping Me.” Scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Carl Singleterry.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme was “Don’t Take It Personal.” The devil comes in many forms to stop you from doing God’s will. Don’t take it personal; that causes trouble. Don’t get emotional; if you do it hinders your working relationship with God. That’s how a child of God got upset with a city he didn’t want anyone there saved. Don’t let personal feelings stop spiritual service; it affects every worship service. Don’t take it personal. What happens if you do?

1. You become disobedient to God. When God says “Go,” you go. Disobedience closes your ears to God, it causes you to go in the opposite direction of God. There is no room for personal feelings in God’s house; do God’s will, not your own. Wherever you go, God is already there. Focus on God. He will make your enemies be at peace with you.

2. It causes storms in your life. God will send a storm to get you in the right direction. The storms are not to kill you but to get you back in line. Get right with God, start praying in the midst of a storm, ask for forgiveness. When you get out of the storm you are a different person. It’s time to go forward. Don’t let the devil stop you from doing God’s work, don’t take it personal.

Benediction and remarks were led by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Lee Anna Worothy, William White, Luther Lee, Queen Worothy, Mattie Nix, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Joseph McCall, Walter McCall Jr., Johnnie Underwood Sr. and Ceocia McMillian. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.