By Emily Agee

“Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the Lord. Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour. A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? He pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him. He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish. Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes. The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass” (Proverbs 19:1-12).

Thought for the week: “Keep Me Strong”

“Lord, help me to accept the changes that you bring, and if my heart should break, help me endure the sting. Let me learn and grow from each and every test; help me keep my faith and leave to you the rest. Help me to sing praises whatever comes my way, knowing ‘this shall pass,’ and there’ll be a brighter day. Help me to hold on to what you have done before, when you pierced the darkness and opened up the door, letting in the sunshine of your blessed love, filling me with peace that comes only from above. You’ve not failed me yet, Lord; I know you never will, and when my faith is weak, I know you love me still. So hold my hand — keep me strong whatever comes my way. When my tears begin to fall, let me stop to pray: and may your precious name be glorified through me. May I reflect your love so others are drawn to Thee.”

Worship services at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service, including the songs “This Little Light of Mine,” “We Offer the Sacrifice of Praise” and “Because of Who You Are I Praise.”

The scripture was read by Carl Singleterry with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Perry Nunn. Pastor Dukes brought the message with the theme “Your Eyes Are on Canaan But Your Mind Is Still in Egypt.” Do you have a made-up mind? If not you are unstable. You must anticipate pitfalls and stumbling blocks; you must struggle to achieve. You are going to have hills and valleys, but always know it’s not what you are going through; it’s where you’re going. God heard your prayer in Egypt. When you are doing well, the devil will try to turn you around. Trust God; he will help you move forward. Don’t number against him; he will supply your needs. God takes what is bad and makes it good. Don’t get comfortable eating from the flesh pot. Don’t go back to Egypt; whatever your Egypt is, change your focus. Don’t live in the past and don’t look back. God has delivered you; he has already done what he said he would do.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Mr. Melvin Melton in their time of bereavement. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 18 at 11 a.m. at St. James Highland Church in Jemison. Agee Brothers Funeral Home directing.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Jerry Wilson, Robert Spence, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Flora B. Franklin, Evelyn Austin, Lee Anna Worthey and Gussie Saxon. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in his care is our prayer.

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