By Emily Agee

“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me in the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.  And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.  For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive?  Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?  Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us:  and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.”  1 Corinthians 4:  1-9.

Thought for the week: Come to Jesus

“When life becomes so weary and every day brings new despair and you’ve lost your love for living to a life of barren fare; when you’ve nothing left to live for and no more tears to cry; come to Jesus, with your burdens, for a love He won’t deny. He is waiting to embrace you, just a simple prayer away, and to fill your heart with gladness to endure your night and day. For He knows of all you’ve suffered, in your journeys through the years, and He knows of faiths you’ve vanished to your struggles and your tears. Come to Jesus and His comforts within calling of your cry; let Him grant new loves, for sharing, and new faiths to journey by; let Him give your life new meaning and uplift you from despair.  Come to Him who waits to help you at the moment of your prayer.”

Announcements

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service by the senior choir with songs sung: “Let Jesus Lead Us,” “Rock In A Weary Land,” “Come Along My Friend,” and “A Leak In This Old Building.”

Prayer by Freddie Arrington and Pastor Dukes. The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme was: “A Fool From Start To Finish.”

People should change sometime, not stay the same. Are you a rich man but a broke Christian? Learn how to be kind and caring not vindictive. If you are blessed why worry about what others have? Why don’t you bless somebody?  God gave you more for you to give to others.

The fool does not prosper and is always learning. It never lasts; they worry about how they look and not how to live. He wants all earthly goods. Are you building bigger barns instead of sharing with others?

Something is missing in his life. He does not have a compassionate heart. He needs the Lord. He was not rich toward God. A fool’s security is false; secure in worldly goods. If your soul is not right make sure when you leave this world you go where it is not hot.  Work and retire but let your security be in Christ. Have more in love for God than you do in stuff.

Eternity is forever when your soul is required of thee. God has a way of equaling out things. Don’t be selfish and uncaring and treat folks right. Procession can’t help you when God calls your name. Benediction by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Sam and Vivian Hicks, Doris Ware-Henderson, Roberta Lee, Rena Dickerson, Willie McGee, Harold Frazier, Evelyn Austin and Dorothy Sims. May God heal, strenghten and keep them in his care is our prayer.

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