“Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song, play skilfully with a loud noise. For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth. he loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap; he layeth up the depth in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done, he commanded, and it stood fast. The Lord bringer the counsel of the heathen to naught: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works. There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength” (Psalm 33:1-16).

Thought for the week: “The Hope I Carry”

“When people would with stringing words and some, just with their eyes, before I retreat into myself, help me to realize… it matters not, the things they say or how they make me feel. The hope I carry in my heart is one they’ll never steal. They’ll take the sun from my blue sky but not the peace inside; they’ll see discomfort on my face… but not the tears I hide. I’ll have distress for one dark night while tender scars are forming, but I have Your promise from your Word, ‘Joy comes in the morning.’ So I’ll hold fast to Your white robes till sun breaks through at last — and praise You that You’ve helped me weather one more stormy blast.”

Revival services are in progress at New Antioch Baptist Church in Jemison where the Rev. M. L. Harville is pastor. Services begin Thursday night at 7 p.m. The Rev. R.W. Davis, pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Alabaster, will be the guest evangelist.

Revival services will be held at New Jerusalem Christian Church in Calera Sept. 28 through Oct. 2. Services begin at 6:30 nightly. The Rev. Daniel Bishop is pastor.

I would like to wish a belated happy birthday to a loyal reader of my column, Mr. J.R. Lowery. May God richly bless you is my prayer, and it is Christian people like you that give us encouragement.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise and worship by the senior choir. Songs sung included, “Glad to Be in the Service,” “We Offer the Sacrifice of Praise” and “God is My Everything.” Scripture was read by Willie Nunn with prayer by Charles Arrington and Pastor Dukes.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme was “The Presence of the Lord Is Here.” A new beginning requires the Lord’s presence. God deserves a permanent place; is your church God’s house? Solomon built God a house to praise him, he led the people in prayer and glorified and welcomed God into the house. Solomon prayed so much fire came down from heaven and the glory of God filled the house. God appeared to Solomon by night; he had a relationship with him. Be part of his family and come to God. Stand because you are in God’s family, and keep his word. People should be able to see God in you; there must be requirements if you want God to hear you. Be humble, let him use you, get in a position to serve, communicate with him, pray. He hears the prayers of the righteous.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Joseph McCall, J.D. Scott, Lee Anna Worthey, Pinkie Nix, Queen Worthey and Minnie Lee Floyd. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.