By Emily Agee

“Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. The works of the Lord are great, sought of all them that have pleasure therein. He work in honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. 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 for ever: 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 for ever” (Psalm 111:1-10).

Thought for the week: “God’s Blessings”
“Dear God, please bless our family, and keep us well and strong. Guide all our many days as the time quickly passes on. Give us lots of strength going down life’s long road to shoulder all our burdens and carry all our loads. When our hearts hang heavy, please show us the way. Past all the gloomy tomorrows to a bright and sunny new day. You have blessed us with good times and a wealth of many friends, with a happy, caring family whose love will never end. God, thank You for Your blessings, for hearing all our prayers. Most of all we thank You for always being there.”

Announcements
Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church will honor their Pastor, the Rev. and Sis. Kenneth Dukes, with his Eighth Pastor’s Appreciation Celebration on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 3 p.m. Pastor Harry Jones of New Mt. Mariah Baptist Church in Calera will be the guest speaker. All ministers and their congregation are invited. Emcee is Sis. Ava Nell Woods.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service by the senior choir with songs, prayer and scripture. The scripture was read by Shawn Bailey from Hebrews 11:1-3. Songs sung: “Pass Me Not,” “Glory Hallelujah,” “I Can’t Complain” and “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus.” The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes with his theme: “There Are Benefits To Adversity, Good in Most Everything” (Genesis 50:20).

Trouble comes to everyone, but how do you handle it? Do you serve God in the midst of adversity? If you can you are blessed and a special person. In Christ you are more than a conqueror.
Joseph was sold into slavery but he continued to find favor with God. How do you treat folks who have done you wrong, do you try to get them back? Joseph did not. Look how he treated his brothers who sold him into slavery. Do you choose to be bitter or better when you are going through something? Ask God how to handle drama in your life — what’s in you will come out, and how you handle it determines who you are.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Jerry Wilson, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Harold Frazier, Flora Franklin, Lee Anna Worthey, Martha Binion and Mary Maul. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.

—Emily Agee is a religion columnist for The Clanton Advertiser.