And when we cried unto the Lord God of our fathers, the Lord heard our voices, and looked on our afflictions, and our labour, and our oppression: And the Lord brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders: And he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, even a land that floweth with milk and honey. And now, behold, I have brought the first-fruits of the land, which thou, O Lord, hast given me. And thou shalt set it before the Lord thy God, and worship before the Lord thy God: And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you. When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled. Then thou shalt say before the Lord thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them. Deuteronomy 26:7-13 verses.

Thought for the week: “There Is a Way”

“There is a way to overcome the obstacles we face in life…to many, they seem quite burdensome and they’re ready to give up the strife. Oh friend, keep struggling as you trudge along upon life’s rugged road; there’s someone waiting to right the wrong by lifting your heavy load. There is a way to smile again if you’ll look up in the sky; you’ll find the sunshine after the rain when the clouds have drifted by. Though many tears have filled your eyes, they’ve made the way quite clear to find a rainbow in the skies and take away your fear. Yes, there’s a way if you’ll look for it, just hang in there and try. You’ll find many blessings if you do not quit and they will multiply. Just trust in God from day to day and don’t give in to despair. Hold on to His hand, let Him lead the way, keep a song in your heart and a prayer.”

Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison will celebrate its Sixth Annual Fun Day Saturday, July 25, beginning at 10 a.m. Activities will include a barbecue and dessert contest, rides, horseshoe throwing, baseball and football. Food and fun before back to school for a fun-filled day. Everyone is welcome. Rev. Kenneth Dukes is pastor.

Revival is in progress at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Maplesville. Services begin at 7 p.m. The Rev. Tilley of the Presbyterian Church in Selma is the guest minister. The Rev. L.C. Young is pastor. All churches are invited.

Worship service at the Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with songs of praise, prayer and scripture by the junior choir with Jennifer Peoples and Julian Lowery. Songs sung: “Leaning On The Everlasting Arms,” “I Have A Right To Praise,” and “Running For Jesus.” The scripture was read by Willie Nunn with prayer by Steven Nunn and Pastor Dukes. The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme: “Where Are You In Your Spiritual Walk With Jesus?” “Unacceptable failure.” Some things, we can’t fail at. Is your church failing your community? Is jealousy and envy in your Church? If so, your focus is not where it should be. You can’t focus on others’ faults without failing your Church. Jealousy and strife hinders growth. Be spiritually mature; be available to God. Be a stepping block not a stumbling block, go out and teach his word, don’t stay home and talk about it. The world gets better through the church. Deny your self, take up your cross and follow Jesus; his Church is built on a rock. It’s all about Jesus. The Church has a remedy for your wayward children—turn to Jesus. The church should be effective. Don’t accept failure, don’t pass blame to others, failure is not acceptable when it comes to souls of individuals, focus on your faith, purpose and spiritual gifts to edify Jesus. Jesus gave us the key: what you loose he will loose, what you bind, he will bind. In Christ you are more than a conjurer, have faith in your dependence on Jesus. There must be a spiritual connection with Jesus to be successful with little faith you can speak to the mountain in your life and it will move. Benediction by Pastor Dukes.

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