By Emily Agee

“At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receive me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offences cometh. Wherefore if thy hand on thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost” (Matthew 18:1-11).

Thought for the week: “Life’s Mirror”
“There are loyal hearts, there are spirits brave, there are souls that are pure and true; then give to the world the best you have, and the best will come back to you. Give love, and love to your life will flow, a strength in your utmost need; have faith and a score of hearts will show their faith in your word and deed. Give truth, and your gift will be paid in kind, and honor will honor meet, and a smile that is sweet will surely find a smile that is just as sweet. Give sorrow and pity to those who mourn; you will gather in flowers again the scattered seeds of your thought outborne, though the sowing seemed but vain. For life is the mirror of king and slave — ‘tis just what we are and do; then give to the world the best you have, and the best will come back to you.”

Announcements

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with a praise service by Jennifer Peoples and the senior choir.
Songs were “Glory Hallelujah,” “It’s Your Season To Be Blessed” and “I Want the Lord To Use Me.” The scripture was read by Willie Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes, Carl Singleterry and S.T. Brown.

The morning message given by Pastor Dukes asked the questions, “Does anybody really care? Do you care what’s going on in your home, school and church?”

Nehemiah was a cupbearer for the king; he tasted the food first. You can make a difference; just believe you can do it. Have faith in God’s grace. Step out in faith (read Mark 9:23). Believe because God said it. A little faith can move a mountain. Nothing can stop God from moving.

Nehemiah had three areas of faith he walked and worked in. He let God work, he held his peace, he waited and prayed, and God opened doors for him. He had enough faith to ask. He was sad due to the dilemma of his folks.

Nehemiah asked the king to let him go back home and rebuild. We should pray for what we can do; he had his plans ready. The king blessed him. God can make things come to pass — are you ready? Is it planned in your mind?

The benediction was led by Pastor Dukes.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Mr. Milton Bryant in their time of bereavement. Funeral arrangements are incomplete as of press time. Agee Brothers Funeral Home directing.

On our sick list we ask you to remember in your prayers: Jerry Wilson, Jeanetta Brooks, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Harold Frazier, Lee Anna Worthey, Evelyn Austin, Eliza Stewart and Inez Martin. 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.