“I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word” (Psalm 119:7-16).

Thought for the week: “My Jesus”

“No matter what the future holds or what tomorrow brings…I know I’m safe within the arms of Jesus Christ, my King. Every day upon this earth, I feel His Spirit move…I know He lives within my heart to comfort and to soothe. And when I stumble, as I will, I’ll pick myself up high…for in my weakness, He is strong; in darkness, He is light. Gentle Jesus, hear me now and dry these tears I weep. Take the burdens that I bear and heal me as I sleep. And as the morning sun appears, I’ll give my thanks so true, another day has come again; my Jesus, I love You.”

Hopewell Baptist Church in Clanton Young People’s Department will present Youth Explosion 2009 on July 9-11 at Hopewell Baptist Church and E.M. Henry Park. Activities will include a family forum Thursday, July 9 at 7 p.m.; seminars, career opportunities, praise dancers, guest speakers and more July 10; and a community outreach July 11 featuring Moon bounce, basketball, softball, food, friends and fun. Friday and Saturday events start at 10 a.m. The Rev. Larry Sailes is pastor. Everyone is invited.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Linda Clay, Pinkie Nix, Lee Anna Worthey, Bubba Rogers, Joseph McCall, Queen Worthey, Rebecca Johnson Roberts, Sam and Vivian Hicks. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.