By Emily Agee

“O Give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy. And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south. They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble; and he delivered them out of their distresses. And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing with goodness. Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High” (Psalm 107: 1–11).

Thought for the week: Nothing we can’t handle

“No matter what distressing times we face, when rain and storms replace the sunny weather, when things I counted on fail to sustain me, there’s nothing we can’t handle, Lord, together. If those I thought were friends act more like foes, if I start to lose the things I hold most dear, I know that I can tell it all to you; you want to listen to me and to hear. When my earthly world dissolves before my eyes, when problems seem too great for me to bear, you’ll always be there for me, Lord, I know; I can come to you on bended knees in prayer. It’s such a comfort, Lord, to realize, you’ll always be my King, my Lord, my friend; to share my burdens, worries, and my cares, you’ll love me and support me to the end.”

Announcements 

Worship service at the Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service by the senior choir conducted by Jennifer Peoples and Julian Lucas. Songs sung: “I’ll Fly Away,” “Let It Be Real” and “Lord You Been So Good.” The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes, Kevin Nunn and Carl Singleterry. The morning message was given by Associate Minister Kevin Nunn. Mark 10: 46–56. His theme: We need a breakthrough. Do you struggle through issues that trouble you? Pray God hears you. He gives us many opportunities; praise him for a breakthrough. Praise him in spirit and truth. Do you pray sincerely? Don’t worry about what others think or say. Take a stand. Jesus stood at the door and knocked to come in and take control of your life (Mark 8: 33). Take up your cross and follow me. The blind man that sat by the roadside, begging, heard who Jesus is. Do you know who Jesus is? Do you have a personal relationship with him? Be bold for Christ. Take a stand; he is the only one to fix your problems. Call Jesus and he will stop, stand still and listen. Benediction by Pastor Dukes.

Our sympathy goes out to the families of Mrs. Jo Ceil Dixon Rosschild and Mr. Horace Cooper in their time of bereavement. Mr. Cooper’s funeral will be on Friday, Nov. 23, at 11 a.m. at United A.M.E. Church in Verbena. Mrs. Rosschild’s funeral is Saturday, Nov. 24, at 11 a.m. at Morning Star Baptist Church in Clanton. Agee Brothers Funeral Home directing.

On our sick list this week, we ask you to remember in your prayers: Lee Anna Worthey, Harold Frazier, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Dorothy Sims, Evelyn Austin, Roberta Lee and Rena Dickerson. 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.