By Emily Agee

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.  For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God.  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God:  and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil.  Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power/  do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:  For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain:  for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.  Wherefore ye must needs, be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.  For this cause pay ye tribute also;  for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.  Render therefore to all their dues:  tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.  Owe no man any thing, but to love one another:  for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:1-8).

Thought for the week: “I Met a Man”

“I met a man just the other day so broken and alone, he sat in the seat next to me on the bus ride home.  He talked about his pain to me, although he didn’t call it such, hiding behind a tough exterior didn’t fool me much.  I sensed a need within him and knew right away — he was a roaming sheep lost and so far astray.  As he talked, I listened and prayed in my heart for words.  Then I came to realize he only needed to be heard.  I sat in for the Lord that day as I listened to a man’s story, now I pray for God to soften his heart and reveal to him His glory!”

Announcements

Pastor Daniel Bishop will present “The Whole Duty of Man”  Men’s Conference on Feb. 5 at 9 a.m. at New Jerusalem Christian Church in Calera.  Everyone is invited.

New Life District Women’s Auxiliary will meet Saturday, Feb. 12 at 10 a.m. at Union Baptist Church in Clanton. All officers are asked to be present. Faye Nix is district president.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service of scripture, songs and prayer.  The scripture was read by Willie Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and minister Kevin Nunn.  Songs sung were, “I’ll Be Waiting Up There,”  “God Is A Good God” and “Because of Who You Are I Give You Praise.”

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes.  His theme was, “Spiritual Weakness: Do You Have It?”

Keep God first in every situation.  Do you struggle with temptation? The devil is the tempter; can you win over temptation?  In fighting temptation and struggling to do right, we all come short. This struggle affects everything in your life and work.

Here is how to overcome temptation: the flesh wants to be satisfied, and it’s a war you can’t afford to lose.  You need to want to do right, go against what you feel, and put restraints on.  Have a desire to do right, even in the midst of wrong, and don’t get a thrill about things that are wrong. Never stop desiring to do right; find a way to do it and always seek Jesus.

Stop trusting your flesh.  No good things dwell in the flesh.  Flesh is powerful; it never gives up, and this affects everything in our lives.  You can’t play with flesh; if you try to do it you will find yourself back where you were.  Don’t play with fire or you will get burned.  Sinners fall and stay down, but can we win? The answer is no; you win only if you are in Jesus.

I am wretched but I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.  Your heart has to be determined to walk with Jesus.  Fight a good fight like Paul.  Temptation will always be there, but don’t give up because you have a chorus to run; you have a fought a good fight.  The battle is not yours, it belongs to the Lord Jesus who defeated temptation on Calvary’s cross. Stay in a right relationship with Jesus.

The service concluded with fellowship by Pastor Dukes, deacons and the congregation.

Our sympathy goes out to the families of Mrs. Georgia Lee Gill and Mrs. Alice Young in their time of bereavement.  Mrs. Gill will be funeralized on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 11 a.m. at West End Church of Christ.  Mrs. Young will be funeralized on Monday, Feb. 7 at 11 a.m. at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Maplesville (The Rev. Donald Nix is pastor). Agee Brothers Funeral Home directing.

On our sick list we ask you to remember in your prayers: Jerry Wilson, Lee Anna Worthey, Joseph McCall, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Joe Frank Allison, Evelyn Austin and Robert Spence.  May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.