“Again the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, when I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people. Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand. So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way; that wicked blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way; he shall die in his inequity, but thou hast delivered thy soul” (Ezekiel 33:1-9).

Thought for the week: “Alone in Quietude”

“When I’m alone in quietude near ending of the day and sunlight tiptoes through the room and children cease their play, ‘tis then I pause and find the time to listen with my heart to all the things God has to say — to wisdom He’ll impart. I watch the shadows as they creep so lazily along; outside the birds are seeking roost and hush their evening song. The languid sun faints in the west — I feel the evening breeze while stars begin to dot the sky and darkness sifts through trees. The stillness of the evening is a time to kneel in prayer and thank our Heavenly Father for his never-ending care. To God I’m ever grateful that he ne’er forsakes us here; oh Jesus, blest Redeemer, your name, I hold most dear!”

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service of prayer, scripture and songs. Songs sung included, “Just Look,” “His Mercy Endureth Forever” and “I Love the Lord” led by Jennifer Peoples as director. The scripture was read by Freddy Arrington with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Carl Singleterry.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes: His theme was “Are You Comfortable Being Down? Encourage Yourself.” God saw the best in me — allow this sermon to motivate your spirit, just listen. We need encouragement and to know that someone cares about our feelings. People judge you based on your mistakes. They label you and never speak of good you do. Jesus sees the best in us. Remember the woman at the well, Mary Magdalene and others. Don’t judge yourself and discourage yourself. You are a child of the King. Jesus saw, knew and said. Don’t get comfortable being down, don’t accept being down from your mistakes, don’t give up — you can’t reach your full potential if you do. Good folks need to stand up; those that know stand. Have been down a long time? How do you present yourself — on your last mistake, or do you get up, confess and go on? Jesus can make you whole. Do you really want to get better? Take control of your life. Stop killing yourself. Think about the goodness of God. Don’t hold on to old things. Walk out on faith, trust in God. God sees the best in you and reaches down and saves your soul. In your Father’s house there is plenty — get out of the hog pen of life and go to your Father’s house.

The benediction was led by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Nathaniel Shortridge, Joseph McCall, Lee Anna Worthey, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Flora Frazier, Queen Worthey, Jo Ann Gill, Bertha Gates and Earl Davis. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.

–Emily Agee’s column appears each Thursday.