By Emily Agee

“And Moses with the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, keep all the commandments which I command you this day. And it shall be on the day when ye shall pass over Jordan unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, that thou shalt set thee up great stones, and plaster them with plaster: And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art passes over, that thou mayest go in unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey; as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee. Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over Jordan that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in Mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaster them with plaster. And there shalt thou build an altar unto the Lord thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them. Thou shalt build the altar of the Lord thy God of whole stones: and thou shalt offer burnt offerings thereon unto the Lord thy God.” (Deuteronomy 27: 1-6).

Thought for the week

“Thank You, Lord.”

“Thank You, Lord, for loving us no matter what our ways. Thank You, Lord, for staying near until our end of days. Thank You, Lord, for answering us each moment that we call. Thank You, Lord, for giving us gifts both great and small. Thank You, Lord, for keeping us safe from every harm, and thank You, Lord, for holding us so gently in your arms.”

Announcements

Worship service at the Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service by the male chorus, with Jennifer Peoples directing, “Oh Lord Guide Me.” Songs sung included: “I Know Jesus Lives,” and “I Walk This Road Together My Lord and I.” Prayer by Pastor Dukes, Minister Steven Nunn and Kevin Nunn.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme: “Talk Is Cheap.” The message came from the book of Mark.

People say what they will do and do nothing; faith is more than talk. You must do something. You must pray but also work. Put into action why you believe in God. Some come because of what they hear; they are attracted by the creed not by the word of Jesus. They should know they need Jesus. Will you follow him or people?

Follow Christ—his way not yours; don’t follow from a distance. Remember Peter did and denied him, following at a distance is not beneficial to you. Openly acknowledge Christ. Say, “I need you.” You want to know someone who can heal. Talk is cheap; it’s time to go to the next level. Press forward to meet him like the woman with the issue of blood. Benediction by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Jerry Wilson, Harold Frazier, Danny Frazier, Sam and Vivian Hicks and Lee Anna Worthey. 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.