“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, let me pull out the mote out of thine eye’ and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls, before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth’ and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:1-11).

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.”

Hopewell Baptist Church in Clanton will hold their Annual Black History Program Sunday, Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. The Honorable Omar Neal, Mayor of the historic city of Tuskegee, will be the guest speaker. The Rev. Larry Sailes is pastor. For more information contact 755-2667.

Our sympathy goes out to the families of Mrs. Marion Wilson and Mrs. Gloria Nunn Pearson in their time of bereavement. Services for Mrs. Wilson will be held Saturday, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m. at Agee Brothers Funeral Home Chapel. Services for Mrs. Pearson are incomplete. Agee Brothers Funeral Home directing.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Linda Clay, Lee Anna Worthey, Queen Worthey, Joseph McCall, Stanley Frazier, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Jerry Wilson and Jo Ann Gill. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.