“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint. Saying, there was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city, and she came unto him, saying, avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so mush as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:1-14).

Thought for the week: “Family Ties”

“Spend some time with your children — set time aside each day to talk with them and listen to what they have to say. Spend some time reading stories or hiking here and there, and before they go to bed, spend some time in prayer. Go on picnics in the Summer and fly a kite or two, sow seeds to start a garden and see what God can do! Take in a local ball game and root for the home team, and go fishing now and then in a nearby pond or stream. Spend some time with your children — it’s always time well spent, for one day before you know it, you’ll wonder where they went!”

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service by the senior choir combined with the men’s chorus.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme was “Togetherness Makes Everything Better.” There is unity in togetherness. God’s Church must not show division. If the Church has a petty attitude, they can’t come together on anything. What does the Lord’s Supper really mean? Paul is talking to the Church. The expression “take and eat” expresses love for the Lord; he died and arose. Show your love by remembering the price he paid. Sin is an addictive thing. Eat and drink until he comes; Christians must come together. We are to be an example. It’s an expectation; ‘till he comes expect the Church to grow. Fellowship together; get to know people and you can work better with them.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Lee Anna Worthey, Earl Davis, Queen Worthey, Nathaniel Shortridge, Stanley Frazier, Joseph McCall, Nathan Shortridge and Annaretta Fells. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.

–Emily Agee’s column appears each Thursday.