By Emily Agee

“Judge not, that ye not be judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measured ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out to thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out to the mote out of thy brother’s eye. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Matthew 7:1-8).

Thought for the week: A mother’s love is a haven in the storms of life

A mother’s love is like an island in life’s ocean vast and wide, a peaceful, quiet shelter from the restless, rising tide. A mother’s love is like a fortress and we seek protection there when the waves of tribulations seem to drown us in despair. A mother’s love is a sanctuary where our souls can find sweet rest from the struggle and the tension of life’s fast and futile quest. A mother’s love is like a tower rising far above the crows, and her smile is like the sunshine breaking through a threatening cloud. A mother’s love is like a beacon burning bright with faith and prayer, and through the changing scenes of life we can find a haven there. For a mother’s love is fashioned after God’s enduring love, it is endless and unfailing like the love of him above. For God knew in his great wisdom that he couldn’t be everywhere so he put his little children in a loving mother’s care.”

Announcements

Worship service at the Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise singing of “I’ll Fly Away,” “God Made Me Who I Am” and “Let the Church Say Amen.” The scripture was read by Freddie Arrington, with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Perry Nunn. The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes with his theme:  “Accepting God’s Vision.” Time to focus on doing what God says do. He is already blessing us. He has a plan that we can’t see with the natural eye. He wants everyone saved. Can he use you to tell someone about him? We need to have a relationship with God. Are you able to tell someone Jesus is God’s son, he died for you and arose in three days? He died for our sins, and he will return one day. Will you be ready? Do you accept God’s vision? To work, teach and do his will? Do you love him? Do you love people? We all have something we have been through. We should share with others. Don’t be afraid to share your story and vision with others. Do what God says do and produce an environment of fellowship. Repent to start a vision is a must. Don’t fight God or his plan. God’s vision is not to tear down but to build up. The vision is about Jesus Christ because he is the one who paid the price. Benediction by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week, we ask you to remember in your prayers: Sam and Vivian Hicks, Harold Frazier, Latora Allison, Lee Anna Worthey, Mary A. Brown, Robertha Lee, Evelyn Austin and Versa Davis. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer. On Oct. 14, Pastor and Mrs. Robert Murphy Sr. will celebrate his third anniversary as pastor of the Plantersville Grove Baptist Church in Plantersville at 3:30 p.m. Dr. Albert L. Jones, pastor of the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Wilton, will be the guest speaker. Everyone is invited.

-Emily Agee is a religion columnist for The Clanton Advertiser. Her column appears each Thursday.