By Emily Agee

“Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? Are not his days also like the days of an hireling? As a servant earnestly desireth the shadow, and as an hireling looketh for the reward of his work: So am I made to possess months of vanity, and wearisome nights are appointed to me. When I lie down, I say, When shall I arise, and the night be gone? And I am full of tossings to and fro unto the dawning of the day. My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust; my skin is broken, and become loathsome. My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and are spent without hope. O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good. The eye of him that hath seen me shall see me no more: thine eyes are upon me, and I am not. As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no [more]. He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him any more” (Job 7:1-10).

Thought for the week: “Teach Me to Go Slow”
“Teach me to go slow, Lord, and learn to wait on You — don’t let me jump ahead while wondering what to do. Teach me to go slow, Lord, each promise you’ll fulfill — you answer in your time, and in your perfect will. Teach me to go slow, Lord, and calm my anxious heart; keep my eyes on you and don’t let the teardrops start. Teach me to go slow, Lord, reach out and take my hand — for I am deeply troubled and just don’t understand. Teach me to go slow, Lord, take one day at a time — don’t let me fall but lead me on to peaceful heights sublime. Teach me to go slow, Lord, please work this out for me — when all is right once more, let me give praise to Thee. Teach me to go slow, Lord, and help me see above this dark cloud till I can gaze into your face of love.”

There will be a benefit program for John Wright at Jerusalem Temple Church in Clanton on English Street Saturday, July 2 at 6 p.m. This program is sponsored by Evangelists Robert and Lucy Binion. All choirs, groups and soloists are invited.

Worship services at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with a praise service, “Knowing Whom to Trust,” based on Joshua 2:24. No matter how impossible it may seem, God can and does deliver on his promises.

The senior choir led in songs, including “Glad to Be in the Service,” “Lord, Don’t Do It Without Me” and “I’ll Fly Away.”

Pastor Dukes brought the message with the theme “Understand Who is the Speaker: God’s Word Stands When Everything Else Fails” (Joshua 24:1-4, 14-15).

Joshua had done what God told him to do; the more God blessed the children of Israel, the more they pulled away from him. Why do we struggle to be who you are? Men used to be men both at home and at church; they were respected in their homes and communities. Mothers work; TV is raising children and fathers abandon their families. Families got away from God.

Men, you are the speaker of the house. God will hold you responsible for how your family is raised. Joshua was speaker of his house. He issued a challenge: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Wives, submit to your own husband. We struggle at home because of the past. Don’t hold your spouse hostage because of past mistakes. Line up with God’s word and set a time limit — choose this day to serve the Lord.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Sam and Vivian Hicks, Lyn Davis, Flora Franklin, Gussie Saxon, Jerry Wilson, May Bell Williams, Lee Anna Worthey, Evelyn Austin and Robert Spence. 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.