By Emily Agee

“Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.  O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee; but to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.  Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another God:  their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.  The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup:  thou maintainest my lot.  The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea I have a godly heritage.  I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel:  my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.  I have set the Lord always before me:  because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.  Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth:  my flesh also shall rest in hope.  For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.  Thou wilt shew me the path of life:  in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalms 16:1-11).

Thought for the week: “See God’s Wonders With Your Heart”
“Every morning in the wee daylight hours, I find peace that lingers through the day.  And humbly, I replenish my spirit while reverently to God I pray.  For the moment, I forget all my troubles, concentrate on what is to come; I envision a palace of glory where I’ll rest when life’s battle is won.  While I listen to melodies o songbirds, merrily flitting through each shiny, green tree, I can almost hear God’s voice among them, making known His great blessings for me.  Sitting there with my eyes closed in reverence of One who loved me from the start, I realize that sight is not needed, for I’m seeing God’s wonders with my heart.”

Announcements
Worship services at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with the praise team theme:  “Choosing Community.” Wisely high personal standards often result in good decisions being made based on (Ruth 1:16). The scripture was read by Charles Arrington with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Freddy Arrington.  Songs sung: “One More Time,” “Come This Far By Faith” and “I Am a Soldier In God’s Army.”  The message was given by Pastor Dukes with his theme:  “How Do You Fight Through a Storm?”  If it’s not one thing it’s another.  Do you react on emotions or understanding? (Ephesians 6:10-17).
The whole armor of God — put it on right.  Do what it takes to stand.  This world is geared to knock you down; a saint may fall down but get up again through repentance.  A sinner stays down and doesn’t know how to get up.  What do you do when the storm hits your life?  You can’t fight if you are weak in God; be ready and be sober — don’t respond emotionally. Stand still like Moses did when you do all you can.  God has us equipped; put on the whole armor of God.  You may be able to stand all of the devil’s tricks.  Have the attitude “I am covered and prepared to meet whatever the enemy throws at me.”  Do right; you can’t fight the enemy with evil.  Give it to God; He is able. Stand and see him work. The armor is Jesus.
On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Eliza Stewart, Jerry Wilson, Harold Frazier, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Flora B. Franklin, Dora Archie, Lee Anna Worthey, Evelyn Austin, Robert Spence and Martha Binion. 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.