By Emily Agee

“Fear thou not:  for I am  with thee: be not dismayed:  for I am thy God:  I will strengthen thee, yea I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.  Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded:  they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.  Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee:  they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.  For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.  Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.  Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth:  thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beats them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff” (Isaiah 40:10-15).

Thought for the week: “Kindness”

“Be kind to one another — use words that please and bless.  Each person in this world longs for love and happiness.  It costs nothing to be kind — to love, the price is free.  Whate’r you do to anyone, He said,  “You do for Me.”  We do it  “Unto Jesus” — the kindness that’s expressed t’will return to bless us and spread true happiness.  “Be kind to one another,” God’s word tells us to be, and He shall say “Well done” when we reach eternity.

Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison will honor their musicians on Sunday, Sept. 12 at 3 p.m.  All choirs, groups and soloists are invited.  The Rev. Kenneth Dukes is pastor.

Kincheon Road Church of God in Clanton will celebrate their church’s anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 12 at 3 p.m.  The Rev. Elbert Simon, pastor of St. James Community Church in Jemison, will be the guest speaker.  All churches are invited.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service led by the senior choir in songs, prayer and scriptures.  Songs sung included “God Is a Good God,”  “I Love You Lord,”  “Praise the Lord Everybody”  and “Oh What He’s Done For Me.”  The scripture was read by Charles Arrington with prayer by Pastor Dukes, Minister Kevin Nunn and Freddy Arrington.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes.  His theme was “The Key to Success.” The key to success is doing things God’s way.  Joshua did it God’s way, he stood firm and did what Moses directed.  He was a great follower, therefore he made a great leader.  Are you waiting for someone to step up so you can move forward in your church?  God will let you know when it happens.  How can you be successful doing something you have never done?  Here is how I got to know God is with you.  He will not fail you are leave you.  Know God is with you by your actions and not your mouth.  He will be with you like he was with Moses.  He never lost a battle.

Know the task before you.  It’s not smooth and easy; you need courage. There is work to do.  You have to deal with negative spirits.  Set things in order according to God’s promise.  People don’t like being told what to do, but they won’t do it unless they are told.  Learn how to be led, be strong, and know God’s word.  Be very courageous to live the word.  Actions speak louder than words, turn not from the word.  Stay true to it, don’t try to change it.  Trust in God let him have his way.  Know his word and speak it.  Study God’s word day and night, and when you do all of these things, success will be yours — it’s not about you; it’s about him.

Remarks were given by Pastor Dukes.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Marvas Floyd Caffee in their time of bereavement.  Services will be held Saturday, Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. at  West End Church of Christ in Clanton.  Agee Brothers Funeral Home directing.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers:  Ronald Tyes, Joseph McCall, Nathaniel Shortridge, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Earl Davis, Stanley Frazier, Lee Anna Worthey and Robert Spence.  May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.