By Emily Agee

Thought for today: “Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, for all the people you can, while you can.”

“Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it” (Galatians 1:1-13).

Thought for the week: “With All My Love”

“So many times I bring you problems, Lord, it seems my life is filled with strife and care, and when I need someone to see me through I always seek your help, dear Lord, in prayer. But for today, I bring no problems, Lord. I simply come to worship and to pray. I thank you for your never-failing love, and for your mercies that are new each day. I feel your presence in this morning hour, a time when all the world is hushed and still. In sweet communion, how my soul is blessed. With joy I lift my cup for you to fill. I bring you praise, O Lord, for all you’ve done, your faithfulness and blessings from above. With thankfulness I offer up my gift — a grateful heart, dear Lord, with all my love.”

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with a praise service set to the theme “The Thrill of Victory” based on Joshua 6:16. One must often follow God’s instruction partly by faith. Fear and doubt can be removed by remembering that God has already fought and won our battles. The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Youth Minister Kevin Nunn. Songs sung included “Let Jesus Lead You,” “Get Aboard This Train” and “Lord I Know You’ve Been So Good.”

Pastor Dukes brought the message with his theme “Where Do You Stand In Your Life: What’s Your Turning Point?”

We would like to wish a happy birthday to Juanita Shirley on July 9 and hope God will bless her with many more wonderful years to come.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers Jerry Wilson, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Flora B. Franklin, Gussie Saxon, Samuel Crockett Jr., the Rev. Houston Darby, Robert Spence, Evelyn Austin and Lee Anna Worthey.

May God heal, strengthen and keep them in his care is our prayer.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Mrs. May Bell (Jessie) Williams in their time of bereavement. Funeral services will be Saturday, July 9 at 11 a.m. at Kincheon Road Church of God in Clanton. Agee Brothers Funeral Home directing.

Emily Agee is a religion columnist for The Clanton Advertiser. Her column appears each Thursday.