By Emily Agee

Today’s thought: “When faith grows weak and doubts arise, recall God’s love and tender care; remind yourself of all he’s done and of those times he answered prayer.”

“Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side, and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:23–31).

Thought for the week: Life is worth living

“Life is worth living wherever you are, deep down in a dungeon or high on a star. Life is worth living; it all has a plan when God knows you’re giving the best that you can. The saint and the sinner. The great and the small. We all are God’s children, and He loves us all. So pray when you’re happy and pray when you’re blue, for life is worth living when God lives with you.”

Announcements

Worship services at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service theme: Courage to speak the truth. Our relationships are defined by our conversation we have or do not have with people in our lives. How many times did you choose not to speak because you felt intimidated? Be like Stephen and get full of the Holy Spirit and ask for courage. Songs sung: “Glory Hallelujah,” “Your Mercy Endures Forever” and “Lay Down Problem and Pain, Cast Your Care Upon Jesus.” The scripture was read by Earl Lucas with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Steven Nunn. The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes with his theme: How to overcome obstacles in your life. Romans 4:16–21. How do you handle dead ends? Have you gone as far as you can go? In your life, how are you going to handle it? The road may end, but God has no dead ends. He made a highway out of the Red Sea for the Israelites to cross. Don’t get discouraged; let dead ends bring glory to God. What about the boy born blind? Nobody did anything wrong. God gets the glory from him.  Abraham was obedient he trusted God in good times and bad. God promised he would make him father of many nations. He moved on God’s promise. Remember what God can do. He can change reality; he can do all things but fail. He may not change a situation, but always know he is able. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Be strong in faith and know God will fully do what he promised. Have no doubt of this; learn how to lean on him. Keep your eye on Jesus. Tell God “thank you” because he will deliver. Benediction by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week, we ask you to remember in your prayers: Lee Anna Worthey, Harold Frazier, Samuel and Vivian Hicks, Evelyn Austin, Roberta Lee, Rena Dickerson and Valeria Morris.

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