“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated Him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness, which is by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promised, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, That In Isaac shall thy seed be called” (Hebrews 11:1-18).

Thought for the week: “Mama’s Bible”

“Mama’s Bible, so ragged and worn, its pages are scribbled, ripped and torn. It’s been around for ages; she’s had it for years, some pages smudged by rain and some by her tears. The name on the cover is faded, it’s true, there might be a page missing, or two. To look at that book one might scoff and frown; they may say, ‘Why, there’s no use in keeping it around. A new Bible, I’m certain, is what you must need, with pages so perfect, and pictures indeed.’ But friends, I know better and I’m here to persuade there’s more in that lil’ book — more than I can say. For she read it and held it so close to her heart, its knowledge and wisdom and love to impart. She held it so tightly, through storm and through chill, but ever much closer when her children were ill. Her faith can be seen on each page and each line, her writings of love time after time. She carried it high through thick and through thin, so proud of the holy scriptures contained within. Of all of the treasures in this world we can hold, the Bible of mom so ragged and old, is far more precious than any other, for it was given to her by her dear mother. No memory is more precious, none that I hold so dear, when the storms of my life bring me much fear the vision of mother, the love on her face… I remember when mama would sing “Amazing Grace.”

New Bethel Baptist Church in Lomax will have a praise and worship service Sunday, Aug. 30 at 2 p.m. Evangelist Lucy Binion will be the guest speaker. The Rev. Willie F. DeJarnett is pastor. The theme will be “Oh come, let us worship and bow down, let use kneel before the Lord our maker” (Psalms 95:6).

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service by the praise team with prayer, scripture and songs. Songs sung included “This Little Light of Mine,” “The Lord Brought Me Out” and “He Will Supply.” The scripture was read by Charles Arrington with prayer by pastor Dukes and Freddie Arrington.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes with the theme “overcoming.” We are OK when everything is good, but how do we respond when things go wrong? Can you still manage like you do on a sunny day? We have storms in our lives, but remember, storms come and go. When you are in your storm do you pull over or keep going? God covers us both in storms and in good weather. He keeps you in perfect peace. Trouble is not set aside for bad folks; it comes to all. Praise God because trouble is on the horizon. How do you cope with trouble? Do you overcome? Realize God is a refuge for his people, through his strength — a refuge is a safe place to hide. He will be with you, he is the way the truth and the light.

God send rivers to his people. A river is a powerful thing — you can’t hold it back; it brings gladness. The river is Jesus. God is a resident among us; he is in the midst. What can the devil do when he is there?

An overcomer must respond to him; don’t fear him. He is your refuge, river and resident. You can walk on your storm. Keep your eyes on Jesus because trouble can’t move God. He can’t be moved; God is a river — he is all-powerful. Sin makes you weak, but you must stay with Jesus in order to be what he wants you to be. Overcome trouble and remember what God has already overcome — no weapon formed against him shall prosper. Be still, let Jesus lead you. Even when the devil attacks you he will fight your battles; be still and watch the show. Be still and know he is God. Everything is in His hands. The service concluded with fellowship by Pastor Dukes and the congregation.

Our sympathy goes out to the families of Mr. Chester (Buster) Barbour and Mr. John (Bubba) Rogers in their time of bereavement. Funeral services for Mr. Barbour will be held Saturday, Aug. 29 at 11 a.m. at Morning Star Baptist Church in Clanton. Mr. Roger’s funeral is Saturday, Aug. 29 at 1 p.m. at Hopewell Baptist Church in Clanton. Agee Brother’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Linda Clay, Pinkie Nix, Leroy Barry, Lee Anna Worthey, Queen Worthey, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Joseph McCall, J. D. Scott, Rebecca Roberts and Minnie Floyd. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.

–Emily Agee’s column appears each Thursday.