“Take, heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: heard for their think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye” (Matthew 6:1-8).

Thought for the week: “A Father’s Wish”

“I may fail to be as clever as my neighbor down the street, I may fail to be as wealthy as some other men I meet, I may never win the glory which a lot of men have had, but I’ve got to be successful as a little fellow’s dad. There are certain dreams I cherish which I’d like to see come true, there are things I would accomplish when my time of life is through, but the task my heart is on is to guide a little lad and to make myself successful as that little fellow’s dad. I may never come to glory, I may never gather gold, men may list me with the failures when my business life is told, but if he who follows after shall be manly, I’ll be glad, for I’ll know I’ve been successful as that little fellow’s dad. It’s the one job that I dream of, it’s the task I think of most, if I fail that growing youngster, I’d have nothing else to boast; for though wealth and fame I’d gathered, all my future would be sad… if I failed to be successful as that little fellow’s dad.”

A Spirit-filled Women’s Conference and Reunion will be held on Saturday, June 19 at 9 a.m. at Clara’s Country Cafe in Clanton. For more information, call Sis. Gladys Harville at 688-2783.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service of prayer, scripture and songs. Songs Sung included, “Glory To His Name” and “We Come This Far By Faith.” The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Perry Nunn.

The morning message was given by Bro. Robert Singleterry. His theme was “God is In the Plan.” Are you willing to follow him? Grace be to you and peace. We can go into the holy of holies every day. Don’t go before God unclean, but you can go anytime for yourself. You don’t need a person to go for you; don’t get caught up in tradition and emotions. Service begins with confession, so confess to Christ your need of salvation. Confess your faults one to another. Ask someone to pray with you and stand with you. Read James 5:16. Pray for one another for physical and spiritual healing.

Are you the man God can use? Are you a godly man? We need godly men to stand before God; are you able to stand? When you make confession it’s time to worship. Spend time alone with God in personal worship.

What is worship? Prostrate yourself before God. There is no sin before God; down at God’s feet is the most high place. Do what’s right even if nobody ever finds out about it. The benediction was led by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list we ask you to remember in your prayers: Lee Anna Worthey, Bertha Gates, Nathaniel Shortridge, Stanley Frazier, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Queen Worthey, Flora Franklin, Jo Ann Gill and Annareta Fells. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.