By Emily Agee

“Praise ye the Lord.  I will the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.  The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.  His work is honourable and glorious:  and his righteousness endureth forever.  He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered:  the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.  He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.  He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.  The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.  They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.  He sent redemption unto his people:  he hath commanded his covenant forever:  holy and reverend is his name.  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom:  a good understanding have all they that do his commandments:  his praise endureth forever” (Psalms 111:1-10).

Thought for the week:  “In His Loving Hands”

“We know not what tomorrow brings, although we plan ahead, for only God alone can know the pathway we must tread. We cannot know the future, not one minute nor one hour, each circumstance that we must face lay only in His power. It’s vital that we live by faith from minute unto minute and trust that every step we take he’s walking with us in it. This alone should give us hope — whatever be our plans — in knowing that our future lies in His sweet, loving hands.”

Announcements

Vacation Bible School is in progress this week at Morning Star Baptist Church in Clanton on County Road 76.  It is held nightly from 6-8 p. m. The Rev. Keith Moore is pastor.
Hopewell Baptist Church in Clanton is having revival services this week beginning at 7 p.m.  Guest minister is the Rev. Van C. Houser, pastor of New Vision Christian Church in Helena.  The Rev. Larry Sailes is pastor.  All churches are invited.

Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison will have a church picnic on Saturday, July 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  There will be a barbecue and bake contest, games, food and fun for all.  Trophies will be awarded.  This is a annual event.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service with the theme “Help From Unexpected Sources” based on Judges 3:15.  Without God’s protection, disaster is usually imminent.  God hears a sincere prayer no matter how long it has been since you prayed.  The scripture was read by Mikache Hicks with prayer by pastor Dukes and Min. Shawn Bailey.

Songs sung by the senior choir were “Pass Me Not,”  “Oh I Want To See Him” and “Amazing Grace.”

The morning message was given by Youth Minister Kevin Nunn.  His theme was “We Don’t Need Anybody’s Approval to Praise God.”

Drop the weight; the spiritual weight of sins. Put the weight down and don’t carry it around; give it to Jesus. Do you trust him enough to carry your burdens?  Don’t cripple yourself spiritually by carrying baggage; lay away pride, lust, adultery, greed or any form of sin.  Run with patience the race set before you. Run the race for Jesus and don’t let the devil in hell stop you. Drop the weight and take off the old man.  The old man has sinned, but put on newness.  The new man has been washed in holiness.  You can’t put new wine in old skins; put on newness.  If you are new, then you can’t say, do or go where you used to. You can make it trusting in Jesus. Whatever your burden, drop the weight and give it to Jesus.  Life is short, move forward in the newness of life.
Remarks were given by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers:  Jerry Wilson, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Lee Anna Worthey, Flora B. Franklin, Lousie DeJarnett, Robert Spence, Evelyn Austin and Harold Frazier.  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.