By Emily Agee

“O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. O Lord my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; if I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy) let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah. Arise, O Lord, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded. So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high. The Lord shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me. Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors. Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate. I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high.”

Thought for the week: ‘Mother’s Prayer’

“Formal prayers from mother’s lips

Were ever heard to be,

Words that sounded elegant

When mother prayed for me.

When mother prayed, I wandered still

What happened up above.

Did heaven stop to listen in

As she poured forth her love?

My mother prayed for answers real

Believed that God who hears

Would not deny her earnest cry,

Or turn aside from tears.

God answers yet my mothers prayers

Though she is lost to view

Sweet memories of precious days

They help to keep me true.

Thank God he listened to her plea,

And saved my soul from sin.

In answer to a mother’s prayers

That she her child might win.”

Announcements

Worship services at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service led by the male chorus and senior choir.

The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes, Associate Minister S.T. Brown and Steven Nunn.

Songs sung were “Lord I Thank You,” Praise to Our God” and I’m So Glad I’m satisfied.”

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes with his theme, “How Important Life Is.” There is only one life to live; you only get one. What you do with it defines your life.

What is profited a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul? There is only one God to glorify. What are you doing or not doing with you life? We don’t know when or where, but we all must leave here. What have you done for anyone? Are you negative or positive? Do you grasp who Jesus is in order to worship him? Do you refuse to hear God?

God says, “My sheep hear my voice.” You know him and he knows you. In life, there are good and bad days. How do you handle yours? Always know that your children are watching you. Seek God before you make decisions.

What is an abundant life? John 1:9 says, “I am the door. Lean freely in Jesus so you can be saved and have life more abundantly.” Jesus has paid the price. Be submissive. To know him, spend time with him. Be Christ-like. He won’t put more on you than you can handle. His sheep follow him and cast their cares on him.

The benediction was given by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week, we ask you to remember these in your prayers: James Singleterry, Martha Binion, Nathan Shortridge, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Barbara Nix, Larry Wilson, Minnie Avery, Lee Ann Worthey, Lisa Wright and J.R. Booker. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in his care is our prayer.

Our sympathy goes out to the families of Mr. Clifford Davidson and Mr. Timothy McPherson in their time of bereavement. Services for Mr. Davidson will be held on Saturday, May 10 at 11 a.m. at Union Baptist Church in Marbury. Mr. McPherson will be funeralized on Saturday, May 10 at 2 p.m. at Lomax Assembly of God. Agee Brothers Funeral Home will be directing.

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