By Emily Agee

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the water therof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle, of the most high. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolation he hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and uttereth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge Selah.”

(Psalm 46:1-11)

Thought for the week: ‘When Christmas Comes Again’

“Some of us may not be here

when Christmas comes again.

Spread around your words of cheer to ev’ry one you can.

Look with joy to Christmas time and sing in sheer delight;

Listen to the bells that chime their gladsome “Silent Night.”

In such happy Christmas days be you a friend indeed.

Know the joy your giving pays, to help some friend in need.

All may join the yuletide cheer and give us as best they can.

Some of us may no be here when Christmas comes again.

Why defer until too late, the good we could have done?

Why forget, or pause, or wait, and thus be friend to none?

Tho’ some never understand the good we tried to do.

Blessings, love for others planned come back to me and you.

Then remember friend or foe and, tho’ your gift be small, let your love to others flow.

Ere comes the last low call.

Some kind deed or word of cheer may ease the sting of pain-some of us may not be here Christmas comes again.”

Announcements

There will be a benefit program for J.R. Booker at Morning Star Baptist Church on Dec. 29 at 3 p.m.

Many gospel singers and groups will be featured at their programs. J.R. was injured in a car accident on Oct. 18 and is still in the hospital. More information to come on the groups next week that will be singing.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service by the senior choir directed by Jennifer Peoples and Julian Lowery.

The scripture was read by Robert Callen with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Charles Arrington. Songs sung included “Let Jesus Lead You,” “Lord You Are the Land Lord” and “My God Is Awesome.”

Pastor Dukes brought the morning message with his theme titled, “Be aware of what you do when it comes to hearing God.”

Jeremiah 26:1-9 “Don’t ignore God.” Take his words seriously; are you ignoring his words? Here are seven signs, we all are guilty. You have not heard everything he said. Do you go to church and don’t get anything out of it? If so you ignore him the scripture talks to you. Thank God for speaking to me. (Romans 10:17).

Don’t go to church and not do anything about what you hear. Turn from your evil way when you hear him. His word can change the way you live (read James 1:25) know what failing to art will do and still don’t do it.

Consequences to all actions and fail to act. You are ignoring God. The Holy Spirit warns us before we do wrong when we know something act on it. Spiritual consequences happen when we are disobedient. Don’t attack the messenger for bringing the message. They attacked Jeremiah. The word doesn’t call me out in a crowd. You need to be different from the crowd. Never stop working for God and if you have problems, don’t let folks talk you down.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: James Singleterry, Harold Frazier, Martha Binion, Mildred Archie, Dora Archie, Ruby Dukes, Versa Davis, Lisa Wright, Janice Floyd, Robertha Lee and Lee Anna Worthey. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Mr. Sylvester Brown in their time of bereavement. Brown will be funeralized on Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. at St. Paul Baptist Church in Jemison. Agee Brother’s Funeral Home directing.

—Emily Agee is a religion columnist for The Clanton Advertiser. Her column appears each Thursday.