“O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms, unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen. He is the Lord our God: his judgments are in all the earth. He hath remember his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations. Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac; Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant. Saying, unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance: When they were but a few men in number; yea very few, and strangers in it. When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people; he suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings fro their sakes; saying, touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harms” (passage taken from Psalm 105:1-15).

Thought for the week: “Every Day is Christmas”

“Every day is Christmas when you have the kind of mind, that stores up all the goodness and the sweetness it can find when you don’t need an occasion, to spread a bit of cheer, but just keep on a-giving, of yourself throughout the year. Every day is Christmas, with a gaily wrapped surprise, when you to see the friendship, in someone else’s eyes. When you try a little harder, and complain a little less, holding fast to all the fervor of the faith that you possess. Every day is Christmas, when you’ve found that you can be more concerned with words like “you” and less with “I” and “me.” When it’s fun to do a favor, and to lend a helping hand, when being understood means less, than when you understand that balance our accounts, for when we measure love, it’s still the thought that counts.

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Maplesville will celebrate their annual family night and everybody’s birthday Sunday, Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. The theme will be “Fruit of the Spirit.

There will also be an early morning church worship service at 8. The Rev. L.C. Young is pastor.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service led by the male chorus. Songs sung included, “Pass Me Not” “I Have Been Born Again” and “Live Right, Make My Enemy Leave Me Alone.” The scripture was read by Willie Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Ministers Kevin Nunn, Steven Nunn and George Brown.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme was “The Dash Between The Numbers.” The dash is your life; it determines where you spend eternity. What does your dash say? Are you pleased with it? It should have some goals and ambitions, some sacrifice and patience. All there faithfulness should be there; don’t get caught up in your situation and doubt God. What does yours say? It’s not about how you start; it’s how you finish. God can cause a change in your life; he can wash your slate clean. Don’t take life for granted; don’t speak evil or judge one another. God is the only giver. Don’t be controlled by what you got or material things. Don’t doubt yourself — you are what God says you are. Life is short — it’s like a vapor. Don’t waste it on petty stuff. Always say if it’s the Lords will, go all the way with the Lord and don’t give him pieces. You were bought with a price; you have to trust Jesus. Life is about responsibility. When you know better, it’s a sin. Don’t blame others. Thank God for every day; you still have a chance. Ask for forgiveness while you have a chance. Are you satisfied with your life?

The benediction was led by Pastor Dukes.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Mrs. Mary Sue Dickerson Nix in their time of bereavement. Funeral services are Friday at 1 p.m. at Union Baptist Church in Thorsby. Visitation is Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Agee Brother’s Funeral Home directing.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Linda Clay, Pinkie Nix, Lee Anna Worthey, Stanley Frazier, Margie Hardnett, Frank Nunn, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Queen Worthey, Joseph McCall and Marlo Hicks. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in his care is our prayer.

–Emily Agee’s column appears each Thursday.